"I have mixed feelings..."
Sitting on the transport vessel, Himeko could not help but sigh.
At that moment, they were on a transport ship heading to Manchester.
"I feel like a lot of my older colleagues have been looking at me strangely since that day."
Himeko looked at her chest.
Are these things really that serious?
"Don't worry, Himeko, everyone is just a little jealous."
Ragna reassured her.
"Jealousy is not a word you can just throw around like that, is it?"
Himeko retorted.
"Let's get back to the main topic. We arrive in England right after the New Year. Are there any instructions?"
"They said that the level of Honkai energy activity in the UK has increased again, and that Honkai events in the UK might significantly increase in the coming period, which is why we were sent here."
Speaking of this, Ragna, who rarely complained, showed an unusual glimpse of sarcasm on her face.
"This city, being a major European city, is not lacking in Valkyries."
"Will we disperse after landing? For example, with two or three people stationed in each major city?"
"Obviously, that will be the case, but not too many will be assigned. After all, our assault squad is not a large unit, and we might not even be very popular with our colleagues already stationed here."
Ragna sighed.
"It's clear you're not welcome anymore,"
Tian Shi added from the side.
"While it's not pleasant to put it that way, the place with the greatest strategic value in Great Britain, and which should be fully protected, is the Imperial Institute in London."
Tian Shi, being a scientist from a semi-imperial research institute, knew very well what kind of chaos would result from an explosion there.
If protection is the standard, then obviously the assault soldiers should be there.
Himeko looked at Tian Shi silently.
Ragna continued.
"But Himeko, you don't have to feel pressured. When the Honkai is not active, simply perform security and defense duties."
"I have already decided that I will be stationed in Manchester."
"In a way, it's better to be out of sight and out of mind."
"Dealing with the higher-ups in Schicksal is already exhausting; I really don't want to be here and have to deal with them."
"It seems being a Valkyrie is not a profession you can succeed at with just brute force."
"That's right, it's better to be diplomatic outside the battlefield," Ragna said, yawning.
"Relax, consider it a paid vacation; I've already found a place for my social practice."
"You are truly capable."
Himeko's lips curved slightly upon hearing the words "social practice."
"But speaking of the camp..."
"Manchester is fine."
Tian Shi said indifferently that, although he had been at the Imperial Research Institute for almost two years, if he were asked if he truly felt anything good about it... he felt nothing at all.
Apart from holding many memories with Einstein and Tesla, Tian Shi did not believe there was anything good about that research institute.
You can't expect a research institute to be full of beautiful and orderly female scientists like Einstein and Tesla, can you?
It must be said that mad scientists make up the majority.
In fact, to be honest, Einstein also had some traits of a mad scientist.
"The best way to live is to avoid getting involved with scientists whose backgrounds are unknown," Tian Shi concluded.
"Then I'll stay with you, Captain. After all, I don't know Manchester, and you can't expect a sixteen-year-old girl to feel safe in a foreign country, can you?"
In this decision-making process, Himeko still had considerable faith in Tian Shi.
"Himeko, you've become a little too talkative," Ragna teased.
"But well, a sixteen-year-old girl should have a 'father' to accompany her."
...
"Tian Shi, are you familiar with Manchester?"
After Himeko and Ragna arrived at the Stormtroopers' provisional headquarters in Manchester and went their separate ways, only then did Himeko have the chance to communicate with Tian Shi.
"I'm not familiar with it. I'm the kind of person who can't find my way without GPS."
Tian Shi shrugged honestly.
"If you were referring to London, I could show you the city properly, but the truth is I don't know Manchester well... although I think I've been here once or twice with other people."
After all, London was not too far from Manchester; with the mobility of the fifties, it only took half a day by car.
"By the way, it's been over fifty years since I last came here."
"Waaah... You are completely unreliable right now!"
Himeko's lips twitched.
"I trusted you because I thought we were close."
"Precisely why I don't recommend you go to London, because I know it too well," Tian Shi retorted without expression.
"If you really can't go anywhere, you can go out and explore. A city is a city; you'll get used to it after walking around."
"I believed your lies..."
Himeko said, with a look of disgust.
But then again... it seems that apart from what Tian Shi said, does she have much else to do?
I can't just sit in this provisional headquarters all day, can I?
"I'll take it as a holiday and take the opportunity to visit the famous University of Manchester."
"I have no objection."
In reality, Tian Shi was thinking of looking for Rita, as her hometown was Manchester.
Tian Shi remembered Rita telling him that her family had a flower shop, which significantly reduced the search area, making finding her practically a piece of cake.
But... Rita is only 12 years old this year! Going there like this creates a very dangerous atmosphere, doesn't it?
Tian Shi doesn't want to be seen as a lolicon... although it seems some people already think that.
However... it's undeniable that Tian Shi still wishes to meet Rita; after all, she is the adorable and sweet Rita!
A legendary SSR!
But this has nothing to do with being a lolicon!
Nothing to do! Nothing to do! Nothing to do!
I'll say it three times because it's important!
Damn it...! What is this mix of guilt and anticipation?
I didn't mean to commit any crime.
Tian Shi muttered to himself.
The next moment, Himeko teleported Tian Shi to her side.
"What were you thinking about just now?"
Himeko, who had just walked out, looked with some confusion at Tian Shi, who had activated a forced teleportation.
"I was walking when I accidentally teleported you here, which scared me."
"I wasn't thinking about anything."
"A suspicious hesitation, huh?"
Himeko rubbed her chin suspiciously, and her gaze became increasingly scrutinizing.
"You're not thinking about something bad, are you?"
"If you can't read minds, don't try to imitate others," Tian Shi pursed his lips.
Damn it! Why is Himeko's intuition starting to be so accurate lately?
"If reminiscing about lost youth is a bad thing, then it certainly isn't a good thing."
This is, indeed, nostalgia for lost youth, but not yours, but Rita's.
Tian Shi silently corrected himself, to himself.
"I'm getting goosebumps. Are you crazy?"
Himeko crossed her arms and rubbed them.
"I'm only sixteen this year, okay? I haven't even turned seventeen. What on earth are you up to when you talk about my youth?!"
Wait a minute, speaking of birthdays, Rita, who hasn't had her birthday yet, is theoretically 11 years old, right?
Doesn't saying that make it even more of a sin?
"I think when you can say 'reminiscing my noses,' you really should commemorate your youth."
"Wow, you're like an otaku who watched a high school romantic comedy, saw their high school fantasy shattered, and then refused to admit it."
"Hey... you bastard, you're making absurd generalizations, apologize to me!"
In a sense, what Himeko said was true, at least for Tian Shi.
My ideal high school life: plenty of extracurricular activities, lively and beautiful classmates, and a stimulating life where you can relax right after 3 AM.
The real high school life: Normal high schools don't have clubs, having a reading corner is already good.
From 6 AM to 10 PM, you're exhausted like a dog... well, let's debunk that myth, dogs have it easier than high school students.
As for dating... hehe.
Even college... it's not as easy as the older generation says, unless you simply give up.
"But in a way, I accepted the reality a long time ago and I'm somewhat grateful for my high school life... But, how should I put it, a certain resentment still lingers."
Especially when you see yourself aging more than those main characters...
"Ah, I suddenly regret not having a college relationship."
"Hey, I don't want to hear your outdated reflections," Himeko said, pouting.
But then again, did this guy never date in college...?
Was he too engrossed in his research?
That's pretty strange...
"See? That's why I'm depressed."
Having Himeko call you old is, in a way, an achievement, isn't it?
"You're not suddenly obsessing over dating like old people, are you? If you are, I'm going to get angry."
"While I admire your confidence, Himeko, well... good luck!"
"You really have a gift for provoking people's anger with just a few words."
Himeko's lips twitched.
What do you mean by "moving forward"?
Is she lacking qualifications?
She's a 16-year-old doctoral student, for goodness sake!
And a Valkyrie on top of that!
"Could it be that the Valkyrie identity is actually a disadvantage?"
Although it's a well-paid, high-risk profession, it can't be that bad, can it?
"Seriously, do you really think I was better at 15...? Tsk, wasn't that me last year...? Well, properly speaking, the year before last?"
"Mmm... that's a difficult question to answer. If I had to say... perfect?"
"Eh?"
Himeko never expected to receive such a comment from Tian Shi.
"Although your culinary skills are not excellent, I think, at least in a broad and objective sense, you are perfect."
Lively, intelligent, principled, and independent.
With all those advantages, culinary skills can hardly be considered a disadvantage.
"I really don't know if you're insulting me or complimenting me... Am I really doing that badly right now?"
Himeko was quite happy that Tian Shi complimented her for being perfect, but then she felt a little conflicted.
Have I changed much?
"No, it's not that you are bad, but... although I usually call you a scoundrel or something, to be honest, you've matured."
"Ha, this is fine too."
"But your problem now is that you are neither green nor ripe, neither tart nor green."
"Did I hear something strange?"
Despite the language barrier, Himeko's feminine intuition sensed that something wasn't right.
"Don't worry, of course, the main thing is... I hate it when people your age talk about maturity... anyway, maybe I'm used to it now."
"The topic seems to be turning unexpectedly serious. How about we talk about something more cheerful?"
Himeko changed the subject.
"How about we try the dish called 'Stargazy Pie'? I heard it's famous in England."
"'Stargazy Pie'..."
Tian Shi arched an eyebrow upon hearing that name.
"Did you know that when Einstein and Tesla were at the Imperial Research Institute in London, they never ate anything other than hot dogs and sandwiches in the cafeteria? My advice is to learn from the experiences of those who came before us. In a way, your topic has already moved beyond the serious."
"The taste of 'Stargazy Pie'... well, it's actually acceptable, since judging by the ingredients and preparation, it definitely doesn't resemble something like canned herring."
"The 'darkness' of this actually lies in a cluster of dead fish with bright, unsettling eyes staring at you. Even if they are not actually staring at you, the psychological effect will make it seem like they are."
After such an incident, most people will completely lose their appetite...
"A strange light, you know, a strange light; that is a very good description."
"It's that kind of dead fish eye reflection, right? I get the idea."
As a person who had managed a household for a long time, Himeko immediately grasped the meaning of Tian Shi's description.
"Mmm... now that you mention it, it actually gives me the chills."
"Speaking of that..."
Tian Shi suddenly remembered something.
"If Himeko really wants to eat something weird, you can ask your Captain."
"Captain Ragna? Don't be ridiculous, Captain Ragna's culinary skills are top-notch, as far as I remember."
Himeko waved her hand.
"Having excellent culinary skills and the ability to prepare disastrous dishes don't have to be mutually exclusive."
"What is your team leader's name?"
"Ragna."
"Full name?"
"Ragna Lothbrok."
"A friendly reminder: there was a legendary Viking pirate named Ragnar Lothbrok."
Obviously, both names are pronounced exactly the same.
"This..."
Himeko felt like she understood something.
"By the way, Vikings had the tradition of naming their children after their ancestors, and Sweden happens to be one of the ancestral lands of the Vikings."
"..."
"In other words, your Captain's family lineage must be quite ancient, and in a way, they could be 'pure-blood Vikings,' although the history of canned herring is relatively short..."
"But there's no reason why the Captain wouldn't do it, right?"
Himeko finally understood.
After all, this is a traditional dish from her hometown...
"Your predecessors should be grateful for your Captain's tolerance when they are drunk; if she had opened a can of rotten herring in your room, you would all be dead."