The dinner for Cheng Lixue wasn't a communal gathering in the large living area but rather an intimate private affair with Zeke and his three fiancées as companions.
Initially, Cheng Lixue felt somewhat reserved. Firstly, she wasn't very familiar with these individuals, and secondly, her purpose wasn't merely to dine; unexpectedly finding herself in this situation left her feeling slightly overwhelmed.
However, Kiana and Bronya were incredibly friendly, showing utmost respect and kindness towards their actual Eldest Senior Sister.
Even Sin, who typically avoided strangers, found resonance in Cheng Lixue's unwavering pursuit of Fu Hua, disregarding life itself. Since Sin herself followed Zeke with similar devotion, she took a liking to Cheng Lixue. Additionally, being a guest invited by Zeke, Sin displayed more warmth and friendliness than usual towards an outsider.
In this amiable and enthusiastic atmosphere, Cheng Lixue gradually relaxed. She engaged in conversations about Fu Hua, Zeke, martial arts, clothing, desserts, and various other topics, leading to a harmonious and enjoyable conclusion of the dinner.
"Senior Sister, let me tell you, at 6 am, the sunrise from this rooftop looks just like the yolk of a sunny-side-up egg - round and reddish..."
"Swish! Swish!"
Smiling warmly, Cheng Lixue listened to Kiana's chattering about her daily life. Suddenly, she snapped out of her reverie, remembering why she had come here amidst the harmonious atmosphere—Zeke was peeling apples at that moment.
With slender fingers holding the apple, a small knife gracefully danced around it, shedding spiraling curls of peel that descended elegantly, almost dancing into the plate below.
Shortly after, Zeke gently pushed a beautifully arranged plate of sliced apples towards Cheng Lixue.
"After-dinner fruit, please enjoy," he said calmly, his ice-blue eyes gazing steadily at her.
"Yes, thank you very much, Master Zeke!" Cheng Lixue quickly composed herself, responding with slight nervousness.
Zeke helping her peel an apple... To put it into perspective, imagine being an ordinary Valkyrie one day, only to have Archbishop Otto courteously offer to peel an apple for you—it felt similarly surreal.
Overwhelmed by this unexpected favor, Cheng Lixue felt both astonished and apprehensive, hesitating to reach for the apples. Unlike the three girls who comfortably accepted Zeke's attentions, Cheng Lixue fully recognized her own humble and ordinary status.
"Don't be nervous; you know my relationship with Fu Hua well enough. Feel free to relax around me privately," Zeke reassured her, noticing her sudden stiffness.
His words elicited a forced smile from Cheng Lixue. After hesitating briefly, feeling awkward about declining his kindness, she picked up a piece of apple and reluctantly took a bite, finding it tasteless despite its sweetness.
"Crunch—" × 3
The three adorable girls nearby synchronized their apple munching while casting subtle glances at Zeke—these looks hinted at their anticipation, having witnessed his futile attempt to put someone at ease earlier, eager to see how he'd continue this performance.
"Smack!"
Zeke swiftly rapped each girl's head once, rolling his eyes before shifting his attention back to Cheng Lixue. "So, you're not here just for martial guidance, right?"
Though phrased as a question, Zeke's calm tone suggested he had already seen through her intentions.
Cheng Lixue tensed momentarily, glancing sidelong at Kiana and the others who were casually observing like spectators eating melons. Initially, she wanted to find a chance to speak with Zeke alone, but upon reflection, there was no way to avoid involving these junior sisters.
With a sigh, Cheng Lixue admitted, "I didn't expect you to catch on so quickly. It seems I'm indeed not skilled at acting."
"It's not about acting skills. Fu Hua praised my martial prowess, and I believe her on that point. However, she values rules highly and wouldn't readily seek assistance from me. Moreover, what I practice is less martial arts and more calculation. I fight using data, which others cannot easily replicate. Therefore, I can only offer advice on techniques, but I won't be much help with matters of mindset or the essence of martial arts—in short, if Fu Hua mentioned my martial abilities, she would undoubtedly have told you not to approach me for guidance, correct?"
"...Indeed, it seems you saw through me right from the start." Cheng Lixue shook her head helplessly and, apologetic, continued, "I'm truly sorry for concealing my intentions. I just thought some conversations are better had face-to-face. Please forgive Lixue's rudeness."
"No worries; if such trivialities bothered me, I wouldn't be hosting you here," Zeke reassured her, his tone slightly warmer.
The good kids at home were meant to be cherished, just as he used to treat Seele before her filial devotion turned sour.
Unaware that Zeke had matter-of-factly categorized her among the "good kids at home," Cheng Lixue clenched her hands nervously, took a deep breath, and asked:
"Then you must have guessed what I wanted to discuss with you?"
"In terms of official duties, our ranks differ greatly; your concerns wouldn't typically reach me. Outside of work, there's only one topic you could approach me about—Fu Hua. Initially, I assumed you were here to express dissatisfaction over her injury, but seeing how nervous and polite you are suggests otherwise. So, do you wish to talk about our relationship issues?"
"You truly can't be fooled."
"My mind is quite sharp, something Fu Hua should have mentioned to you as well." Zeke tapped his temple casually.
This wasn't mere boasting but a widely acknowledged fact.
Cheng Lixue fell silent for a moment, caught off guard by having her intentions completely deciphered so early on. However, she quickly composed herself and gathered her courage to say:
"I know it might seem presumptuous, and as a disciple, I may not have the standing or right to say this, but... My master has endured immense hardships and suffered countless injuries. And when she finally allows herself to feel deeply again, it ends up being... such a complicated situation. I... cannot help but worry."
Cheng Lixue glanced sideways at the three girls quietly observing nearby, offering them an apologetic smile.
Discussing such matters openly before them felt deeply inappropriate to Cheng Lixue, but her concern for Fu Hua outweighed all reservations. She had no choice but to proceed.
Unexpectedly, Kiana and her friends showed not the slightest hint of distress. Instead, they blinked their wide eyes synchronously, turned toward Zeke together, and resumed eating melon at an even faster pace.
After all, the three of them had already come to terms with Fu Hua's situation. Witnessing this scene now, rather than feeling sad, they experienced anticipation and excitement:
'Oh man, the Eldest Senior Sister personally stepped in to seek justice for Fu Hua-sensei—this plot twist is too thrilling! Get on with it! We want more!!'
"Huh?" Cheng Lixue tilted her head, bewildered by their reactions.
Zeke glanced sidelong at them but realized that his mild intimidation couldn't dampen their enthusiasm. His eyes narrowed unhappily.
Naturally, this did little to suppress Kiana's group's excitement.
"Hmph!"
On this matter, Zeke was clearly in the wrong, unable to muster any means to suppress them effectively. With a slight scoff, he chose to ignore their attention, composing himself as he said:
"Devotedly caring for Fu Hua, you truly are a good child," Zeke began, affirming Cheng Lixue's actions. Her intentions were rare and commendable.
However, being called a "good child," Cheng Lixue felt awkward and started twisting her fingers nervously.
Logically speaking, considering either her age since birth or solely based on her abilities before death, Cheng Lixue should indeed be older than Zeke! Yet, given Zeke's achievements, status, and relationship with Fu Hua, referring to her as a "child" didn't seem entirely misplaced.
Unfazed by Cheng Lixue's discomfort, Zeke couldn't help but glance back at his three young fiancées, who were quietly observing like spectators munching on popcorn. As he pondered, warmth filled his eyes, and a gentle smile appeared on his face. He said,
"Kiana taught me what love is, Bronya allowed me to experience the sweetness and beauty of having love, and Sin showed me that my love encompasses intense possessiveness and eternal companionship... Only then could I confidently tell anyone that I love Fu Hua, and she loves me too. Despite acknowledging reality's challenges, we chose to cherish our love."
Kiana, Bronya, and Sin blushed shyly, leaning close to each other, giggling secretly.
As they say, when it comes to sweet nothings, nothing hits harder than words from a straight man!
Cheng Lixue bit her lip, trying to discern any deceit from Zeke's words and expressions. However, after scrutinizing him closely for a while, she found no signs of evasion or insincerity—was it due to her own inadequacy, or was there truly no falsehood?
"On this matter, I owe them all. But I won't promise to treat only Fu Hua specially, nor can I commit to giving her more attention than the others. All I can assure you is that I will do my utmost to protect and care for each one of them equally. We will share our joys and sorrows together, moving forward hand in hand, until eternity... Enough said; why not witness the rest unfold yourself in the future? After all, Fu Hua has chosen me. Instead of dwelling on worry and anxiety, wouldn't it be better to respect her choice and stand by her side?" Zeke gently questioned, his eyes reflecting warmth.
Cheng Lixue remained speechless.
Regardless, Zeke's sincerity was evident, providing Cheng Lixue with much reassurance.
After a long moment, Cheng Lixue sighed,
"I believe you must be genuine... Please don't laugh, but initially, I feared Master Zeke might simply be driven by desires, wanting to indulge in clichéd fantasies like having multiple students under his spell. Apologies if this offends; during my search for my master, I've encountered worldly corruption and witnessed many unsavory things, perhaps tainting my perspective."
Zeke neither confirmed nor denied her concerns. A pause ensued as an image suddenly flashed before his mind:
In the dim and cluttered bedroom, Kiana, Mei, and Teresa lay unconscious on the bed, disheveled and exhausted. Meanwhile, he, shirtless, approached Fu Hua, who trembled with fear.
"Madam, surely you wouldn't want your students to bear too much burden?"
Fu Hua shivered, her face pale, tears welling up in her eyes as she sat helplessly on the floor, filled with humiliation and despair.
"P-please be gentle... Don't...don't wake them..."
No, I can't think about it anymore; otherwise, this story will prematurely end.
"Phew!"
Zeke took a deep breath, his expression stern and resolute, declaring firmly:
"I'm not that kind of person!!!"
"Hmm, indeed, despite your...your somewhat flirtatious nature, you ultimately prove to be a righteous and noble individual. Apologies for my unjust suspicions."
Cheng Lixue stood up, earnestly bowing to Zeke as a sincere apology, expressing her remorse for misjudging him.
"You're right; I should trust Master's judgment and choices. However, I will always protect her vigilantly. If ever there comes a day when you fail to provide the happiness you've promised... I'll take action, sparing no effort or consequences."
"Alright, follow your heart then."
Zeke responded with a serious demeanor, but internally, his mind continued to wander uncontrollably.
Though deeply wicked, the idea of exploring various dynamics within a teacher-student relationship seemed incredibly enticing! Especially if someone like Fu Hua, so upright and rule-bound, were to... Ah! Why hadn't he considered this before?
Zeke decided to explore these possibilities gradually over time.
This incident reinforced a fundamental truth: There are only two types of people in the world—openly lewd individuals and seemingly proper ones who have yet to discover their hidden kinks.