Chapter 47. Embrace
"Hit feedback is so hard to tune."
After meeting his fiancée, life at home gradually returned to normal.
In the studio, Bronya Zaychik, who had been tortured by the same task for three or four days, lay weakly on the desk.
Beside her, Xander was still fully focused on adjusting the little character's movements on the screen.
After deciding to make a Metroidvania, Hollow Knight became Xander's first choice.
A spark born from a small game jam in his previous life had grown into a classic of single-player games.
Right up until the time Xander crossed over, people online were still howling about when they could finally play Silksong~
Every year there were rumors.
Every year it was delayed!
Touhou Luna Nights would be great too, but since the Touhou Project IP didn't exist in this world yet, Xander passed on it.
When the Winter Comiket comes this year, he can figure out how to put out Embodiment of Scarlet Devil first.
But let's set the end-of-year plans aside.
Back to the game they're making right now.
As an action game, its sense of impact is the top priority.
Before visual effects and audio feedback, the first step is to perfect the move structure—the most basic layer.
Xander was in charge of designing the Knight's various attack animations.
Bronya handled the hit reactions of enemies of different sizes.
Good hit feel doesn't appear out of thin air.
It demands tiny tweaks, one by one—a tedious, painstaking process.
Bronya had been tormented for days.
By now, seeing a monster model made her want to throw up.
"Aren't you tired?"
From afternoon until now, aside from dinner, Xander had basically kept that same posture.
In Bronya's eyes, the little character's motions were growing smoother and more elegant under his hands.
Xander didn't answer.
He finished adjusting the end frames of a complete move, replayed it a few times to confirm, then stretched hard, a comfortable hum slipping from his throat.
"Tired."
He rolled his neck—crack, crack.
Staring up at the ceiling, Xander smiled as he spoke.
"Then…"
Bronya had just started to ask when Xander went on, "But don't you feel it's a real sense of achievement, watching the game get better little by little?"
Bronya understood.
But only if she could see it getting better—only if she got positive feedback.
She'd been tuning for three or four days and it still looked wrong to her, completely inferior to the smooth moves Xander had already finished.
"Is that so? That's really nice."
She sighed again, rubbed her forehead on her arm, and her eyes filled with fatigue.
"If you're tired, rest a bit."
"Mm."
That lazy nasal reply drew Xander's attention.
He finally relaxed and looked over at Bronya.
Her long silver curls, a little messy, hung loosely.
She wore a white short top, and lying like that revealed a slim, taut, fair waist at her stomach.
Her full chest fell with gravity into two unavoidable arcs.
Fatigue had worn away the surface layer of her usual forcefulness.
Her eyes, staring at Xander a little dazed, carried a faint, lost look.
At that moment, Bronya looked so fragile that Xander turned and opened his arms to her.
"Hm?"
Puzzled by his motion, her body moved first anyway—she stood up and leaned into that warm embrace.
"I think what you need right now is a hug, isn't it?"
His gentle voice sounded by her ear, like a spring of clear water flowing into her restless heart.
She closed her eyes in mild contentment and tightened her arms.
Bronya nuzzled at his neck, breathing in his warm scent.
It felt like the winter sun—soothing—letting her press down the frustrations of game development.
Setting aside the faint, rosy thoughts in his heart, Xander wrapped the soft body in his arms and lifted a hand to gently stroke her long hair, tidying the stray strands that had run wild.
"No rush.
There's plenty of time.
I've reviewed your progress—you're already doing great."
Praise from the one she adored smoothed out the last trace of impatience in Bronya's heart.
Her tone melted, with a faint, aggrieved lilt, "But I can't keep up with your pace…"
Of course not.
He was cheating.
Silently roasting himself in his heart, Xander could only continue to console her, "The first time is never that polished.
It won't be smooth sailing.
Instead of fretting about it, think about our trip to Europe tomorrow.
Think happy thoughts."
Without asking why Xander was "so polished" on his first try, Bronya closed her eyes and hummed softly in reply.
Then she rested against his chest in peace.
Her breathing grew even, almost as if she'd fallen asleep.
Nearly half an hour passed like that.
Xander's whole body felt stiff under the weight when Bronya finally opened her eyes.
Like she'd been fully recharged, she hopped off him and stretched hard, then wrapped her arms around his neck from behind.
The fatigue vanished from her face; even her voice brimmed with energy.
"I want to play a game.
Play with me~"
Her forehead pressed against his head.
Without much hesitation, Xander nodded.
"Sure. What are we playing?"
Bronya's lips curled as her eyes filled with anticipation.
"Obviously, a tense and exciting round of Homu Battle!"
With that, she left Xander, knelt by the little cabinet where she kept her stuff, and tipped up the round curve wrapped in denim as she rummaged.
Soon, she pulled out an old, very dated console.
"You still keep this thing?"
Standing behind her, Xander stared in surprise at what she'd found.
"Of course.
This is really important to me."
She wiped away a bit of dust, hooked the old square-cased plastic console to the monitor, then took a yellow cartridge from a fancy box.
On its label: the goofy grin of Homu.
"Well?
Do you dare?"
Cables plugged in, Bronya plopped down on the floor and handed him the other controller, lifting an eyebrow in challenge.
"Click.
Like I'd ever not dare."
Xander grabbed the controller and sat down beside her.
"Playing straight is boring.
How about a bet?"
"Let's hear it."
"Simple.
If you lose, I'll give you a kiss."
In an instant, Xander's heartbeat skipped.
He hurriedly asked, "What if I win?"
Hearing that, Bronya flashed him a smile.
"Dummy, then you kiss me~"
Creak—creak—.
The iron gate's hinge let out a scattered cry, linking this orphanage, cut off from the world, to the vast, silver-white outside once more.
Unfortunately, the hinge soon groaned again as the gate shut tight, refusing the howling wind's fervent advances.
"Cocolia, you're back!"
The elderly doorkeeper shuffled out from his tiny warm room, holding a cup of freshly boiled hot water.
He stopped, paused, then turned back to fetch a second cup when he saw the unfamiliar little figure Cocolia held by the hand.
"Thank you. Much appreciated. Please, go rest."
Though called "head of the orphanage," Cocolia looked no older than a girl in her teens.
Her long golden curls were tied into a single ponytail.
A thick winter coat hid her graceful figure.
On her fair face, bright violet eyes carried the sharp poise unique to the young.
She let go of the little girl's hand and took the two cups with a gentle nod and a familiar smile to the doorkeeper.
He waved it off, glanced at the silent little girl, and, without a word, returned alone to his small room.
Moments later, the commotion at the entrance naturally brought the matron in charge.
Seeing who had arrived, Cocolia smiled, waved, and asked her to gather all the children in the courtyard.
Soon, the yard—chilled and quiet a moment ago—was abuzz with life.
Looking at the lively, adorable little dumplings—some hugging her legs and calling her "Mama Cocolia"—a warm smile bloomed on her lips from the heart.
She ruffled the hair of a few close little ones, then nudged the silver-haired twin-tailed girl who had been standing behind her forward.
"Everyone, quiet down a moment. Let me introduce the orphanage's new family member."
She clapped to draw the kids' attention and cast her gaze over the curious little faces.
"A new friend!"
"Who is it, who is it~"
"Her silver hair is so pretty…"
After saying the girl's name, Cocolia gently pushed her forward to mingle with the children.
Then Cocolia's eyes swept the group—yet the one face she hoped to see was missing.
She pressed down the doubt, gave a few instructions to the aunties, and once she'd confirmed everything was fine, headed for the office with the chief matron.
"Where's Xander?"
The moment she stepped in, Cocolia frowned and asked.
As if expecting the question, the chief shook her head with a helpless smile.
"Sick.
He's lying in bed in the dorm."
"Sick?!"
Cocolia's frown vanished—replaced by panic.
"Just a chill from the cold, nothing to worry about."
"A cold, huh."
Cocolia let out a breath of relief, then asked, puzzled, "We're not exactly flush with funds, but it isn't so bad the kids would freeze. How did he catch a cold?"
"Oh, that~"
The chief suddenly laughed, her tone shifting.
"That kid is something else~"
Cocolia: "?"
The warm light of the stove glowed on Cocolia's puzzled face.
…
"You're telling me that brat dragged out a quilt in the middle of the night and took Seele to stargaze instead of sleeping?!"
Is he insane?!
Swallowing the urge to swear, Cocolia's forehead filled with black lines.
"Sure did, tsk tsk tsk. So young and already pulling that routine. Just imagine him when he's grown~"
"Sounds like his homework and training aren't heavy enough. Too idle!"
"Can't he just be born romantic? At least we won't have to worry about his future marriage prospects, right?"
"…"
Rubbing her temple, Cocolia gave up arguing with the chief.
She knew how much the woman doted on the children—otherwise she wouldn't entrust them to her.
"Enough. Give me the current financials."
At the mention of business, the chief straightened and grew serious.
"To be honest, not ideal…"
She detailed the kids' recent expenses, the staff salaries, and the various miscellaneous costs.
By the end, a hint of worry crept onto her face.
"If this keeps up, our funds won't last until early spring next year. And you're still bringing in more children."
"Don't worry. Just hold on a bit longer. We won't have to fret about this soon."
"Hm?"
Cocolia's confident tone snapped the chief from her thoughts, eyes wide with surprise.
In those young violet eyes, confidence flickered—along with the faint aura of someone born to lead.
"You mean…?"
The chief had a guess.
Her heartbeat quickened.
"Exactly what you're thinking."
The calm words drew pure joy across the chief's face.
"Great—great!
Then we won't have to worry about the kids!"
"That's enough. We're about done here. I'm going to check on that troublemaker Xander. Honestly, how old is he and still making me worry."
"Yes, yes, yes—I know you're closest with him. Off you go~"
She ignored the phrasing, waved, and headed out.
She wasn't a saint; of course she had her favorites.
As long as the other children didn't hear it, it was fine.
"Oh—right."
Just as Cocolia reached the door, the chief stopped her.
"What is it?"
Seeing Cocolia's puzzled look, the chief grinned.
"There might be a surprise waiting. Be ready."
"A surprise?"
The chief wouldn't elaborate, and Cocolia didn't press.
She opened the door and left.
Down the long corridor, she soon came to a door painted with cute doodles.
She thought for a moment, then didn't knock—just turned the knob gently and slipped inside.
If the boy was sick, best not disturb his rest.
Though she'd scolded him earlier, when it came to that child, her heart was the softest of all.
The room was very quiet.
Only the firewood crackled in the stove, giving off a drowsy warmth.
Her gaze slid naturally to the bed.
Seeing the small figure sleeping on his side, Cocolia couldn't hide the softness blooming at her lips.
She tiptoed to the bedside, set aside the edge she wore before outsiders, and left only boundless tenderness for the sleeping child.
His short black hair was fairly neat.
That cute little face, free of its usual mischief, made Cocolia raise a slender finger to poke his still-chubby cheek.
Healthy color, peaceful posture—it looked like the cold had gotten much better.
When he shifted his little head in his sleep, Cocolia couldn't help but smile.
Suddenly, her smile froze.
Something was off.
Why was the blanket bulging so much?
Did he get that fat?
Or…
With that thought, Cocolia lifted a corner of the quilt—and her breath caught.
In the boy's arms lay a little girl with black hair tinged blue, tightly snuggled to him.
She looked petite and adorable, eyes swollen as if she'd been crying, sleeping sweetly in his embrace.
If only that were all.
Behind the boy, on his back, one pink and one blue head lay stacked one above the other—two more cute little faces in the same cozy, intimate pose.
Cocolia's expression darkened visibly.
She recalled the chief's parting warning about a "surprise."
"Heh…"
A faint, cold chuckle rippled through the air.
Her gaze at the boy sharpened to a knife's edge.
That kind of "surprise," she could do without.
In a flash, she raised her hand toward the boy.
…
"Brother, does it still hurt here?"
Seele Vollerei—the adorable little girl with black-blue hair from the boy's arms—now lay by the bed, face full of worry as she watched the boy prone on his stomach.
The other two were Rozaliya Olenyeva and Liliya Olenyeva.
Sensing danger earlier, they had bolted.
That soft, milky voice made the boy—who had planned to cry out in pain—shut his mouth at once.
Blushing, gritting his teeth, he seethed in indignation.
He'd been sleeping just fine when he got beaten up out of nowhere.
Who could stand that?
"That old woman—when I grow up, I'll definitely get revenge!"
At that, Seele panicked.
She grabbed her brother's arm and whispered timidly, "Don't say that about Mama Cocolia… She'll get angry…"
If she got angry, Brother would be punished again.
"Like I'm afraid of her?!"
A kid of eight fears nothing.
He didn't grasp the gulf between grown-ups and children at all.
The boy—Xander—tried to get up and throw a flurry of tortoise punches, but his butt hurt too much, so he gave up.
Noticing him wince and suck in a breath, Seele leaned closer, reached out a tiny hand toward his backside, and said, "Brother, Seele will rub it for you. The aunties always say rubbing where it hurts makes it better."
"No!"
Seeing her little paw reach over, Xander scooted inward in a hurry.
Dodged again, Seele's eyes grew wet with grievance.
"Does Brother not like Seele anymore?"
Seeing she was about to cry, Xander panicked.
Of course he didn't dislike Seele.
In the whole orphanage, the one closest to him was the sweet girl who followed him every day, calling "Brother" in that sugary voice.
He had his reasons for not letting her touch.
He was already eight.
A man.
A real man couldn't let someone touch his butt!
"Seele, I have a reason for not letting you!"
"A reason?"
Her big watery eyes fixed on him, pitiful, waiting for an explanation.
"The reason, the reason is…"
He was too embarrassed to tell the real thought.
But then a lightbulb went off—he remembered a line from a manga he'd just dreamed about.
His expression turned solemn.
"Seele!"
"Eh?!"
Seeing his look, Seele unconsciously held her breath.
He drew in air and spoke earnestly, "Wounds on the back are a man's shame!"
"…?"
A string of question marks bonked down on Seele's little head, leaving her totally lost.
After a long moment, she stammered, "So… Brother doesn't hate Seele. It's just because… that, 'first and later' wounds…"
"Wounds on the back!"
Xander couldn't help correcting her.
"Mm. Then… then Seele will stand behind Brother from now on and protect Brother's back!"
"Mm!"
With her attention diverted, Xander secretly sighed in relief.
…
In a blink, two days passed.
Xander's cold was gone, and his butt no longer hurt.
His thoughts grew lively again.
"Seele, I heard a newcomer arrived?"
At lunch, Xander scooped rice and chatted with Seele as they ate.
"Mm."
Seele nodded softly.
After swallowing her soup, she carefully pointed a finger.
Over there, a silver-haired twin-tailed girl sat quietly in a corner.
She looked very cute, but her face wore a clear "do not approach" expression.
No one sat with her.
"Come on, Seele. Let's go say hi."
He picked up his half-finished tray and took the lead.
Seele quickly grabbed hers and followed like a little helper.
Tap.
Xander set his tray down.
Looking at the unresponsive girl, he cheerfully said, "Hi, I'm Xander. This is Seele Vollerei. Can we be friends?"
No reaction.
She finished her meal, stood with her empty tray, and left.
The other kids laughed at Xander, who blushed, snapped back a couple of lines, then stopped caring.
He ate quickly and tugged Seele away.
"Brother, Seele didn't know she'd be like that…"
"Don't worry.
It's not your fault."
He soothed the apologetic girl and started to scheme.
The colder she acted, the more he wanted to meet her.
Soon, what seemed to him an excellent idea popped up.
"Seele!"
"Mm?"
"I have a plan!"
…
Late at night, a soft creak sounded as a door opened in the quiet orphanage.
Xander's head poked out.
Left, right—no one.
He slipped out, then waved toward the still-open door.
A few seconds later, Seele tiptoed out.
Led by Xander, Seele followed.
From their practiced moves, the two were obviously repeat offenders.
Who knew how the obedient good girl had been slowly led astray by her "good brother."
They felt their way along and soon reached a room that had just gained a new occupant.
"Seele."
He whispered.
Seele nodded and passed him the little bundle in her arms.
He unwrapped odd little tools.
A few fiddles later—click—the window latch popped open.
Inside, the light sleeper's eyes opened at once.
She didn't move, instead sliding her gaze to the slowly opening window.
Under the covers, her hand quietly gripped the dagger she'd hidden there on purpose.
An enemy?
But when she saw who it was under the corridor light, the girl paused, thought a moment, and closed her eyes again.
Tap, thud!
"Mm~"
The little girl behind the boy seemed to stumble, barely stifling a whimper.
What are they trying to do?
The girl didn't understand.
She didn't strike first—only gathered her focus and held the dagger tight.
If there was hostility, she would counterattack without hesitation.
Tap—tap—tap.
Footsteps neared the bed.
The girl's body tightened.
Strangely, the steps stopped just short of the bedside.
A not-so-loud voice called, "Hey. Wake up. Come on, wake up."
She opened her eyes on cue, gaze flat and unreadable.
"You're up. Want to do something fun together?"
"?"
The girl didn't get it.
"Seele, ready?"
The boy glanced back and urged her.
"R-ready."
At that, a faint glow filled the room, along with the soft sizzle of connecting current.
"No time to explain. Come on!"
Under the girl's slightly shaken stare, the boy yanked her up.
She tried to break free—shocked to find she couldn't.
Her dagger flashed—but he plucked it away and tossed it aside with ease.
She was truly stunned.
"What's so fun about that? Come here. I'll teach you something better."
Giving the sharp blade a disdainful glance, Xander sat the girl down on the floor and sat beside her.
"Here. Hold this."
She looked at the little white rectangle in her hand, studded with strange buttons—the first time she spoke, "What is this?"
"Oh, you can talk."
He shot her a look, then patiently explained, "It's called a controller. It's amazing~"
"I'll teach you the controls in a sec. Seele, pop in cartridge one."
"Okay!"
Like a tiny soldier following orders, Seele obeyed.
She pulled a yellow box from the bag and slotted it into the small box under the little TV.
Soon, a blurry pixel image fuzzed onto the screen, accompanied by bright, brisk tones that made the girl's heart skip a beat.
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