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"I heard you made Wendy cry last night."
Early morning, in Zeke's bedroom, Kiana sighed softly as she helped him dress, smoothing out the creases on his formal attire.
Zeke stretched out his arms, watching as Kiana skillfully assisted him with clothes she had secretly practiced dressing him in for quite some time.
"Was it Bronya who told you again?"
Without needing to think, Zeke knew that only Bronya would closely monitor the Herrscher girls' well-being constantly. Additionally, that clever little imp understood these matters could sway Zeke's heart solely through Kiana's intervention.
With delicate hands, Kiana gracefully and meticulously adjusted Zeke's clothing and accessories, her voice gentle.
"Mm-hmm, she told me this morning. You should know that Wendy rarely cries; if she does, it must mean she feels deeply wronged... Ah, if we consider this a competition, I've already achieved my desired victory, leaving me no grounds to speak up for her. But I don't want her to cry."
"Kiana, you don't have to—"
"Let me finish, Zeke!"
With a smile, Kiana fastened the last button on her black uniform and gently caressed it.
"This is the last time I'll bring this up; from now on, I won't bother you with such matters anymore. I know I've presented you with an impossible dilemma: rejecting them without causing any heartache. Thinking about it, unless we resort to something like Fenghuang Down, there's no way around it, right?"
"It's not your responsibility."
"Matters of the heart aren't governed by scientific logic, so let's not pretend otherwise. As for me, I already possess all the happiness I desire. So, please stop worrying about my feelings, Zeke. Follow your own heart. Promise me that you won't leave room for regrets—that's all I ask."
As she spoke, Kiana adorned herself with golden chains, shoulder pieces, pearls, and other intricate accessories, placing each item precisely where they belonged.
Zeke observed the smile at her lips and the tenderness in her eyes before slowly nodding.
"I understand. I'll think carefully about it."
"That's right... Soon, you won't belong solely to us three but to the entire world. Including ourselves, everyone's fate will rest in your hands. It will undoubtedly be challenging, but we'll always be by your side. So, keep going strong, Zeke."
"I will," Zeke nodded once more.
Kiana then attached three golden spheres—the current Herrscher of Rock Core, the current Herrscher of Corruption Core, and the energy core equivalent to a Herrscher's from that enigmatic young lady—to Zeke's waist. Finally, she slipped the Key of Judgment, resembling a black-purple ring, onto his ring finger.
"All done."
"How does it look?" Zeke asked as he lowered his hand.
Kiana stepped back a few paces, examining him from head to toe, and smiled with a nod.
"Stunning! My Zeke is forever the most dashing—no contest!"
"Thank you for the compliment, my Kiana." Zeke took a step forward, gently caressed her cheek, and captured her kiss.
"Mm!" Initially surprised, Kiana quickly regained her composure, wrapped her arms around Zeke's waist, and tenderly poured all her sweetness into their embrace, deeply expressing her love.
In this moment, silence spoke louder than words.
A vast army approached from all directions—countless colossal machines lined up on the ground below, various aerial vehicles weaving through the sky, encircling and protecting the walled Inner City.
As the hostess, Bronya stood with her companions atop a platform extending from the city walls, both reviewing the troops and awaiting their imminent guests.
The gentle breeze suddenly scattered as flashes of golden light heralded the arrival of tall figures at the edge of the platform.
"Schicksal Archbishop Otto Apocalypse, Acting Bishop Hera Schanias, and esteemed Valkyries, I welcome you on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor." Dressed in her deep blue military uniform, Bronya bowed slightly to the arriving guests.
Durandal gently patted Li Sushang's back, then she, along with Amber and Ana, returned the bow—a respectful gesture nearly reaching ninety degrees.
Otto and Hera, sharing one consciousness, mirrored Bronya's shallow inclination.
Hera took Ana's hand and led her forward, step by step, until they stood before Bronya.
With her other hand clutching the hem of her dress, Ana appeared somewhat nervous.
With a complex expression, Hera sighed and handed Ana's hand over to Bronya.
"From this moment on, I entrust my unworthy junior to His Imperial Majesty. She will uphold the destiny and honor of Schicksal, giving her last drop of blood for humanity's victory."
"On behalf of His Majesty, we pledge to wisely utilize Ana Schariac's life and strength. May civilization flourish, and may humankind endure!"
"May humankind endure!" Hera responded with a smile, gently patting Ana's back.
Pausing briefly, Ana suddenly turned around and deeply bowed towards Otto's direction.
"My Lord Bishop, esteemed ancestor, Ana will protect Schicksal's mission and honor till the end! Thank you both for your guidance and care; Ana must take leave now!"
After expressing these long-held sentiments aloud, Ana stood up, wiped away tears from the corners of her eyes, and walked behind Bronya.
On the other side, Raiden Mei, Wendy, and Seele greeted her warmly with friendly smiles. Even little Shi raised a thumb, her gleaming teeth reflecting sunlight—though unconventional, it was clearly a gesture of welcome.
As Ana passed by, Bronya exchanged glances with Hera and Otto.
What wonderful children they are. Aren't your consciences pricking at you?
Hera and Otto both rubbed their noses without saying anything.
With his obsession resolved, Otto had regained some of his humanity. To be honest, seeing Ana's unwavering trust and admiration made him feel somewhat guilty. After all, initially, he intended to use her solely as experimental material and a hired enforcer.
"Ana is a very innocent child but also a perfect Valkyrie worthy of the Schariac name. Please take good care of her."
"I swear by the Schicksal Archbishop's honor: Ana is an exceptional Valkyrie, an exemplary Schariac, deserving of the best treatment and utmost regard. Do not let her down."
Both Hera and Otto spoke earnestly, their voices filled with genuine concern, accompanied by sighs.
Upon hearing these words, tears streamed down Ana's face.
Meanwhile, Li Sushang discreetly nudged Durandal's shoulder telepathically.
'Hey, I remember Otto wasn't this sentimental. Has something changed him over the years?'
'Sushang, your mastery of consciousness domains is impressive, but please refrain from using such abilities casually. If I chose to resist, you'd regret it.'
'I know you wouldn't object to me, though! Relax, I have my limits when others are around.'
'Despite everything, Lord Bishop is truly remarkable. No one can fully comprehend his intentions—not even us two at least—so let's refrain from speculating about him.'
Durandal's response was firm and unwavering, but it clearly didn't provide the information Li Sushang sought.
Li Sushang pouted when she suddenly sensed an intense gaze from across the room.
'Wow! It's our grandmaster... Uh, based on what you said earlier, I suppose it's the Herrscher consciousness of Grandmaster Fu Hua? Truly astonishing. Never would've thought that grandmaster, who vows to exterminate all possessed beings, could tolerate becoming a Herrscher herself. Don't you agree, Durandal?'
Durandal did not respond. To be precise, before she could mentally reply, another conscious energy intruded upon their connection.
'Stop your incessant chatter, brat, or I'll log you out right here!' Senti narrowed her eyes, clenching her fists audibly with a crisp crackle.