Due to the lengthy night, the next day found Kiana, once again clad in her vibrant red qipao, languidly sprawled across the living room sofa. Seele, considerately approaching, began massaging Kiana's shoulders.
Uncharacteristically, Bronya also took initiative, joining in to knead Kiana's waist and back.
As Bronya worked, she asked, "How's the pressure?"
"Ah... Just whatever feels right. Let me zone out for a bit and relax first." Kiana responded weakly, then slowly turned her head, staring blankly at Bronya with lifeless eyes.
Bronya's gaze shifted away uneasily.
Bronya played a significant role in transforming Zeke from passive to aggressively predatory. However, due to various reasons—both voluntarily and involuntarily—she had been avoiding her responsibilities lately. Even the cold-hearted Bronya felt guilty about everything Kiana had endured.
Kiana's eyes were glazed over as she asked blankly,
"Do you have any other plans tonight?"
"Bronya... Bronya is free."
"That's good. If I don't get some rest soon, my mind will turn into nothing but beep-beep-beeps."
Kiana's voice carried a hint of utter despair.
While pleasure was enjoyable, being constantly overwhelmed by it could truly drive one insane.
Bronya squinted, swallowing hard. Let's be honest here: even someone like Kiana couldn't handle Zeke alone, so with her own loli physique and human body, Bronya knew she stood no chance either. Unable to refuse, yet showing subtle signs of unease beneath her stoic facade, she prepared herself for what lay ahead.
Meanwhile, due to Kiana's lack of filter, Seele inadvertently glanced at Zeke sitting nearby, causing her cheeks to instantly flush red.
"Seele, that's a bit too much pressure; my shoulder hurts."
"Oh! S-sorry, Big Sister Kiana!"
"It's okay, thank you for giving me a massage first thing in the morning."
"You're welcome, no need to thank me..." Seele timidly replied, continuing to massage Kiana's shoulders behind her, still blushing.
Unnoticed by everyone, Bronya subtly cast a glance at Seele, momentarily lifting the corner of her mouth—a silent acknowledgment. Despite Seele's current panic, Bronya remained determined to support her sister's happiness on multiple levels—that was her unwavering resolve!
Meanwhile, Zeke accepted Jizo Mitama from Yae Sakura, clad in her black ninja attire. He flicked the blade, listening to its metallic ring, and then looked down at Higokumaru standing on the table.
"Shall we go now?"
"Yes, let's."
Higokumaru wrung her fingers nervously, her fluffy fox tail trembling restlessly behind her, reflecting her inner turmoil.
After hesitating for a moment, she slowly bowed and said,
"I'm begging you, no matter what it takes, I must see her one more time."
"No need to be so formal. You and Yae Sakura have helped me quite a bit, and that other Miss Sakura has been beneficial as well. Just ask, and I'll grant your wish... I'm not completely heartless, am I?"
Zeke extended his finger and gently stroked Higokumaru's fuzzy head.
With her head bowed, eyelids quivering slightly, Higokumaru refrained from resisting Zeke's gesture for the first time—a poignant indication of how deeply Sakura's situation had affected her.
As Higokumaru passively endured Zeke's touch, she unexpectedly felt the corrosive force within her rapidly dissipating.
"You!" she exclaimed in surprise. Before she could react, she noticed her field of vision gradually rising. In mere moments, she found herself transformed into a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old girl with long cherry-blossom-pink hair, dressed in a blouse and short skirt, sitting dumbfounded on the table.
"I...what is this..."
"The Miss Sakura from the World of Elysium carries remnants of the spirit from the previous era's Miss Sakura; there's little difference between them, except she lacks the memories of becoming a Herrscher after your transformation. At least meet her in human form; this is all the help I can offer."
"Thank you..."
"You're welcome. Bronya, escort them downstairs," Zeke instructed.
"On it!"
Bronya removed her hand from Kiana's waist, saluted, and promptly led Yae Sakura and the drastically transformed Higokumaru away as directed.
Zeke paid no further attention to what followed. These sisters, each with unique circumstances, had reunited after fifty thousand years. Whatever transpired between them was their own affair; outsiders should refrain from meddling.
At that moment, Kiana waved for Seele to pause, then slumped onto the couch, wriggling like a caterpillar until she finally rested on Zeke's lap with a contented sigh.
"Ahh... So tired..."
"Was it really that overwhelming?" Zeke hesitated before gently stroking Kiana's head.
Considering the dramatic transformation they just witnessed, especially given Higokumaru's striking appearance, Kiana would typically have eagerly rushed over to observe. Yet now, she seemed disinterested and lethargic.
Rolling her eyes, Kiana turned her head and grumbled dejectedly, "It's all your fault! You beast!"
"I'll try to be more restrained next time."
"No need..."
Kiana muttered, then sat up and leaned against Zeke, finding a comfortable position before softly continuing:
"It's not like I said...I didn't say I don't enjoy it..." Her face flushed red, emitting a sweet scent that reached Zeke's senses, prompting him to wrap his arms around Kiana's waist and gently kiss her lips.
Initially startled, Kiana hesitated briefly, considering Seele nearby, but ultimately succumbed to the tender moment, becoming lost in their intimate exchange. Eventually, she nestled into Zeke's embrace and drifted off to sleep.
"Ooh, so early in the morning, you two are already at it... mmph!" Mobius arrived on her flying device, teasing with only a couple of words before Zeke swiftly stuffed a towel into her mouth, silencing her.
"She's sleeping; don't disturb her," Zeke whispered calmly, giving Mobius a mild look.
Mobius removed the towel from her mouth, her green hair fluttering behind her as metal tentacles began stirring restlessly.
With a radiant smile, Ellie suddenly appeared, forcefully hugging Mobius and promptly covering her mouth. Grinning widely, she dragged Mobius away from Zeke, averting a potential disaster.
As others gradually emerged, the aroma of breakfast prepared by Raiden Mei and Rita wafted from the kitchen.
After breakfast, those with missions got busy, while others either trained, socialized, or simply lounged around—each person had their own way of occupying themselves.
Zeke sat within the restored, majestic golden palace. As Otto slowly entered, Zeke gestured, summoning a chair at his eye level.
"Take a seat."
"Thank you for your graciousness, Your Majesty!"
"Spare me the formalities; they make me uncomfortable. Just address me as before—it's not about titles or authority."
"Oh, what a pity. It was genuinely amusing," Otto replied with a smile as he seated himself across from Zeke.
Among Otto's hobbies: acting (first love) and engaging in playful banter with Zeke (second love).
Calling him "His Majesty the Emperor" incessantly, like some ancient figure, constantly embarrassed Zeke—a perfect match for the Lord Bishop's interests, wouldn't you say?
Zeke gazed mildly at him without responding.
Gradually feeling awkward, Otto cleared his throat and said, "Ahem! Alright, dear friend, may I inquire why you specifically summoned me here?"
"Kiana Kaslana."
"Hmm! No surprise there, utterly predictable. I must admit, it's slightly disappointing." Otto spread his hands, speaking with a radiant smile.
Then, his expression turned serious.
Kiana Kaslana—the true form of Kiana 'Tuna' Kaslana—indeed posed a grave concern.
Both Zeke and Otto had their suspicions—that this enigmatic young lady might be connected to the Finality.
And overcoming the Finality was the greatest challenge in defeating Honkai.
Zeke leaned back, crossing his legs, and asked, "Let's start with Durandal, shall we?"
"Durandal? What could possibly be wrong with her?"
"At this point, what's there left to hide? Her exceptional talent naturally piqued my interest, so I conducted some private research. I discovered that her genes closely match Kiana's, indicating she must be another one of your cloning experiments. Care to elaborate on her origins?"
"What are you talking about? How can Durandal have any connection with the Young Lady or Kiana? She is merely...merely..." Otto trailed off, stroking his chin as his brows furrowed deeply.
"You're right; I placed the young Durandal in an orphanage and nurtured her into Schicksal's most powerful Valkyrie ever. But before that...where did Durandal come from?" Otto murmured to himself, confusion clouding his eyes.
Zeke's composed demeanor vanished as he leaned forward, seriousness etched on his face:
"Are you...serious, Otto?"
"I...I don't remember anything about her origins. There's nothing in my memories." Otto spoke with bewilderment, appearing somewhat helpless.
A silence then enveloped the palace.