"Theresa, something's off!" Siegfried exclaimed while sprinting forward, maintaining his imposing half-dragon form, to Theresa perched on his shoulder.
Judging by his smooth speech, he had rapidly improved control over his body within a short span—perhaps another testament to the absurd physical prowess inherent in the Kaslana lineage.
With her arms crossed, golden-framed crucifix resting against her back, and black nun habit billowing in the wind, Theresa calmly replied, "The absence of obstacles along our path suggests Grandpa is willing to meet us."
"What about Durandal?"
"Most likely, it was a test to gauge my strength changes after overcoming my mental shackles, as well as assessing your power post-transformation. In any case, let's continue moving; we'll soon find out more."
"Alright, I trust you. When you're not goofing around, you can be quite reliable," Siegfried said solemnly, filled with genuine admiration.
Theresa glanced sidelong at him with her horned head, subtly shaking it.
'How did Cecilia ever see anything in this clumsy oaf?' She silently sighed, suppressing a myriad of complex emotions ahead of their impending encounter with Otto.
"Rumble!"
The fierce aerial battle continued unabated above them, dispersing all surrounding clouds. The entire base shook violently, as if on the verge of collapse.
Amidst this chaos, Siegfried crashed into the majestic Divine Temple at the heart of the floating city.
"Bam!"
Siegfried's heavy footsteps cracked the dark-golden floor tiles upon entry.
Simultaneously, the tremors and roars that had pervaded the base suddenly vanished, seemingly isolated by the mysterious power of the temple.
Outside, the world convulsed; within, tranquility reigned.
This stark contrast momentarily stunned both Siegfried and Theresa.
Then they noticed, at the center of the temple, a faintly glowing pale-yellow aura illuminating an elegant white tea table draped with a lacy white cloth. Upon it rested delicate porcelain teaware, steam gently rising from the brew.
Beside the table, a blonde girl held a cup of tea, delicately blowing away the heat. Her features were picture-perfect, lips soft like cherry blossoms. Behind her stood a tall, graceful silver-haired maid, silently poised.
This serene scene was entirely unexpected amidst their anticipated intense confrontation.
"Grandpa, long time no see. Greetings."
Theresa jumped off Siegfried's shoulder, gracefully curtsied towards the blonde girl ahead, and charmingly greeted her.
Hera took a sip of red tea, smiling slightly.
"It's been a while, Little Theresa. Would you like something to drink?"
"Boom!!"
While Hera and Theresa exchanged pleasantries, Siegfried, still in his bestial form, could no longer contain himself. He leaped over Theresa, instantly reaching Hera, his sharp claws tearing through the air with explosive force and generating a wild gust.
"Crash!"
The deadly claws halted mid-flight, colliding with a translucent, pale golden energy shield that abruptly materialized around the tea table, resulting in a tense standoff.
"Au! Toooo!" Siegfried's eyes reddened as dragon scales covered his feet, gradually sinking into the ground. With immense strength, he pushed against the energy shield, causing it to tremble on the verge of shattering.
Just as cracks began appearing in the protective barrier, Hera continued blowing gently on her steaming tea without looking up. "Are you here to vent your anger or to learn about your young mistress's situation?"
Siegfried paused, maintaining his aggressive stance to tear apart his enemy. After a moment, the bloodlust and fury in his eyes gradually subsided, and he slowly retracted his claws.
"Tell me, where is Kiana?"
"I'm not interested in talking to you. Go stand aside."
"You..."
Siegfried's words abruptly cut off as a force surged from his tail, violently flinging him backward.
"Siegfried, step aside; let me handle this conversation," Theresa declared without giving Siegfried any chance to respond. She hurled him against a nearby stone pillar, which shattered and buried him beneath its falling debris.
Hera merely smiled indulgently at her beloved granddaughter's fiery display, seemingly quite pleased.
However, that smile vanished suddenly when an arm emerged from under the rubble of the broken pillar.
Eyeing his charming granddaughter before glancing briefly at Amber's expressionless face beside him, Hera narrowed his eyes.
"Snap!"
With a click of fingers, a large white cloth descended from the air, covering the nude Siegfried as he transformed back to human form amidst the shattered stones.
Relieved now, Hera gave Amber a meaningful look.
Amber picked up a glass containing a green liquid from the table, approached cautiously, and respectfully offered it to Theresa.
Fresh bitter melon juice—healthy and Theresa's favorite.
After hesitating briefly, she accepted the drink, took a sip through the straw, and said, "...Thank you, Grandpa."
"Now, now, Little Theresa."
"You're right; after all, you are my grandpa..."
"Indeed, my little Theresa. Would you like to come over for a hug from your grandpa? It's been ages since we've had some quality time together. Oh, how I've missed you~~"
Hera wore a bright, gentle smile as he opened his arms wide—a sight that made Theresa unconsciously tighten her grip on the glass, knuckles turning white.
Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she spoke calmly: "Grandpa, let's wrap up this reunion chat for now. You know why I'm here. Can you tell me where Kiana is?"
"Do you realize the consequences of causing trouble at the aerial base? And involving someone untouchable, that young lady outside, no less—it gives me quite the headache."
"Grandpa, is Kiana somewhere within this base? How can I meet with her?"
"Oh dear, the damage to the base is getting worse and worse. We can't brush it off as accidents or jokes anymore. Even Little Theresa must prepare for her punishment now. Let me see... How about stripping you of all your authority and having you return to Grandpa's side? You could be his obedient granddaughter once again."
Hera smiled.
Theresa maintained her cool demeanor throughout their exchange.
After a brief moment of silent eye contact, Theresa let out a soft sigh, removed the Cross from her back, placed it upright on the ground, then deeply bowed toward Hera.
"I'm sorry, Grandpa. I've caused you so much trouble!" she said apologetically.
Hera set down his teacup, absentmindedly tucking a stray lock of golden hair behind his ear. He crossed his legs and replied, "I forgive you; after all, who could resist my little Theresa? However, while I can smooth things over for you now, the world is about to undergo significant changes... In this new order, Little Theresa, you must learn to exercise self-control. Remember, Grandpa cannot protect you forever. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Grandpa."
"Good girl. Come here and keep Grandpa company."
"Yes, sir."
Theresa approached the tea table and slowly took a seat.
Siegfried, draped in his white cloth, strode forward to approach Hera but was suddenly intercepted by Amber's figure.
With a blank expression, she raised her arm, silently signaling for Siegfried to halt.
He stopped, hesitated briefly, then quietly stood aside at a distance of several steps, giving Theresa and Hera their space.
What he sought was an outcome, whether obtained directly from Hera or through Theresa—it mattered little. There was no need to dwell on it excessively.
As for settling scores with Otto, there would be ample time once he had the answers in hand.