"I didn't expect you to still remember me, Ms. Himeko, it is a true honor"
Rita responded with a smile.
"It has been eight years since the last time we saw each other, right?"
"Hmm... it really has been eight years"
Himeko looked at Rita, who had become an elegant young woman, and her tone could not help but be filled with emotion.
If it weren't for the many similarities in their appearances, Himeko would never have believed that the serene maid before her was the same shy little girl from back then.
"If I remember correctly, Rita, you were already an S-class Valkyrie a couple of years ago, you are a force to be reckoned with"
Obviously, even if Himeko didn't care much about what happened at headquarters, she wouldn't be a stranger to something like that.
"Speaking of which, eight years ago, I returned to headquarters the day after your departure, it's a pity..."
"What a pity! Couldn't you see me one last time?" Rita smiled.
"Saying it's the last time is truly bad luck" Himeko scratched her head.
"But if we talk about regrets... there really is nothing to regret"
After a slight hesitation, Himeko retracted what she had originally wanted to say.
Pity? Sure, it's a pity they didn't bring Rita back to see Ragna. Although there was no surveillance around, Himeko did not dare to say it.
After all, eight years is approximately a third of Rita's life, and people are fickle.
What if Rita's first reaction upon hearing the news that Ragna is alive isn't joy? That thought silenced Himeko.
Especially the Rita of now... Himeko didn't know how to describe it; she felt a bit "uncomfortable" with the now more mature Rita.
"In other words, hypocrisy"
Tian Shi seemed to notice the confusion on Himeko's face and spoke.
Rita's fake smile has been criticized by Raven and Mei several times in the future.
In Raven's words: "At first glance she seems friendly, but the more you look at it, the more nauseating it becomes"
"Rita, by the way, you turn 21 this year, right?"
She is already an adult, it's normal for her to be a bit calculating, Himeko consoled herself.
"Yes, looking back at these eight years, it seems like it's only been the blink of an eye"
Rita, who could not guess Himeko's thoughts, also showed a look of emotion.
In those eight years, I met Lady Bianca, and we even lived through a fantastic adventure that I no longer remember.
Together we rose to the rank of S-class Valkyrie, together we formed the Immortal Blades, and then came London... Eight years... If Lord Ragna were still alive, she would be happy for me... right? Rita maintained her usual smile, but inside she was sighing.
If I were to meet Lord Ragna after my death, could I really stand firm and tell her about my experiences?
Confess to her that I became an assassin and tell her about all the jobs I performed for the Bishop... Rita also felt a bit disappointed.
Perhaps Lady Ragna would still hug her with her sunflower smile, but she felt some fear of facing her.
For a moment, both of them, whose faces remained unchanged, felt a sense of loss.
"Speaking of which Rita, what mission do you have from headquarters this time?"
Sensing the awkward atmosphere that had inexplicably spread, Himeko took the initiative to change the subject.
After all, even if they took a step back, she and Rita are not exactly close.
Compared to Ragna, who is at the same time her benefactor and her idol, the relationship between Himeko and Rita can probably only reach the point of "acquaintances".
"Yes, His Holiness the Bishop sent me to inspect the Valkyrie qualification exam of St. Freya, it is just a routine inspection"
"The Bishop also cares about the exams here..."
Himeko grumbled slightly, but then remembered that Rita was still there.
"Ah, it didn't mean anything else, it's just..."
"I understand, after all, it is the first time I have handled orders related to the Far East Branch" Rita smiled indifferently.
"It is understandable that you are surprised, Ms. Himeko"
Himeko nodded and led Rita toward the training field.
"Speaking of which, Rita, your outfit..."
Although Himeko felt there was some distance between her and Rita, seeing Rita in her maid outfit still reminded her of Ragna.
"Do you also work in a maid café? Or do you do social internships there?"
"I am only a maid out of curiosity" Rita paused and then smiled ironically.
"I am probably a bit different from Lady Ragna"
She does not participate in legitimate social activities, nor does she work in maid cafés, nor does she explicitly serve anyone as a maid.
If she had to put it that way, it's more like she's simply playing a role.
"There is a difference..." Himeko felt that Rita still had some of Ragna's traits, although not in terms of temperament.
"Himeko! Why are you so late? You're twenty minutes late!"
Arriving at the exam room, Himeko was greeted by Theresa's angry little face.
"You've forced me to take the exam in your place... Wait, the one behind you is... Rita Rossweisse?"
When Theresa saw Rita behind Himeko, her expression instantly became somewhat disgusted.
"It has been a long time, Principal Theresa" Rita thought that even an angry Theresa was cute.
"Long time no see" Theresa looked as if she had swallowed a fly.
Although Rita had never been to the Far East Branch, Theresa had been to headquarters, and since Rita was a new generation S-class Valkyrie, they had met over time.
That's why Theresa's expression was quite unpleasant.
The reason is simple: in her eyes, Rita is nothing more than her grandfather's lackey.
Her sudden appearance here was not a happy thing for Theresa at all.
Could it be that my grandfather discovered something?
"What brings a worthy S-rank Schicksal Valkyrie to our little Far East branch?"
Because there are so many things that cannot come to light in the Far East, Theresa's tone was quite disdainful.
However, Rita didn't mind at all.
After all, Theresa is very cute. Secondly... the grandfather-granddaughter relationship between Theresa and Otto is no secret in Schicksal.
Rita was also aware, to some extent, of how little she liked her.
After choosing to become an assassin, Rita never expected anyone to like her.
All she needs is for her loved ones to understand.
For example, Bianca, the late Lady Ragna... and the man who played the "sage" in that adventure story Bianca often talked about, a story she didn't remember at all.
As much as Bianca tries to explain it, she can't remember it, and she might even forget it as soon as she turns her head.
The fact that Bianca even remembered that such a person existed was already a topic of conversation for her.
"I do not dare to accept such an honor"
Perhaps because she saw someone familiar, Rita felt she had more emotions than usual today, however, she quickly composed herself and responded with a serene smile.
"It is just that His Excellency the Bishop is concerned about you, Principal, and specifically ordered me to come visit you, and also to see the energetic students of the Far East Branch"
Rita really took her talent for speaking to people in a way that suited both the individual and the situation to the extreme.
They insisted on presenting the inspection as something that happened incidentally.
"…" Leaving aside her relationship with Otto, it is impossible to find a smiling face.
Seeing Rita's neither humble nor arrogant attitude, Theresa's expression softened a bit.
"I am perfectly fine, as for observing... what is interesting about the exams of little girls for an S-rank Valkyrie?"
Although her expression had softened, Theresa remained extremely cautious of Rita.
Theresa knew perfectly well what kind of person her grandfather was.
Although I adore her a bit, would he do something useless? But in reality Theresa wasn't that afraid.
Although Kiana seems to be the most dangerous person in the Far East, the most dangerous people are actually Himeko and Ragna.
Kiana's existence cannot be kept a secret; it is practically an open secret, especially considering she has been on numerous missions over the years.
But Himeko and Ragna... especially Ragna, the Valkyrie who "died in battle".
The statements "K423 went crazy and eliminated the Valkyrie Stormtroopers, then separated from Siegfried for unknown reasons and appeared at St. Freya Academy" and "The Valkyrie Stormtroopers suppressed K423, faked her annihilation, and turned her over to St. Freya Academy" are two different things.
The first can be interpreted as Siegfried realizing Kiana's instability and then turning her over to Theresa, whom he trusted most. As for the latter... it's obvious they deserted.
Fortunately, Himeko's information was impeccable, and although Ragna's was made up, she had already resigned.
So Theresa had nothing to feel guilty about. What if they discover other things related to Anti-Entropy? Of course it doesn't matter.
Theresa thinks her grandfather would never worry about such trivial matters.
In the original timeline, the conservatives of Anti-Entropy dropped the Moon Throne over Changkong City and gave it to Theresa and Otto sent Rita to discuss the matter afterward.
It is important to know that Otto witnessed the Moon Throne, and the Dead Sea Scrolls, which record the formula for Honkai energy conversion, were given to him by Otto.
So to Otto, as long as a certain line is not crossed, he is not worried; what worries him more is whether Theresa loses out in a deal with Anti-Entropy.
Otto still cares about his silly granddaughter.
"Have I caused you any trouble?" Rita said with a smile.
"Whatever"
Theresa sighed and turned around.
Her private chats with Nancy Edison had considerably increased her understanding of the current situation.
Although she really wanted to get rid of Rita, to be honest, she knew Rita wouldn't leave until she completed the task her grandfather had assigned her.
So we can only let Rita be happy. In addition, the Anti-Entropy team had already warned her about this situation.
"Thank you for your magnanimity, Principal Theresa" Rita smiled and then turned her gaze toward the training field.
"Speaking of which, could I have a match with one of them?" "Whatever"
…
It goes without saying who Rita wants to compete against.
"Very well, Kiana" Rita quietly looked at Kiana, who was panting heavily in front of her.
In fact, she has managed to persevere until now thanks to her competitive spirit and so on.
Poor thing, she must already be completely exhausted.
That behavior is truly reckless... no, I should say it's like Bianca when she was a child, right? Rita suddenly smiled.
Lady Bianca was quite a headstrong girl when she was little... no wonder they are "sisters"
However, Kiana did not find that smile so beautiful.
"Very well, now that the competition is over, let's continue with the exam" Himeko said, taking a step forward.
"Fortunately, the exam is held in a simulation training session, and as long as you use the helmet—that is, the synchronous immersion device—your current physical exhaustion will not affect the subsequent exam"
"Well..."
Kiana took a few deep breaths and stood up.
"Then I'll take my leave"
"Your face is marked by fatigue, please get some rest"
Rita smiled politely and then returned to her seat.
"Now we will begin the formal evaluation"
"All students, please put on your immersive synchronization devices"
Theresa's voice came from the speakers.
"The testing program responsible for virtual combat will select suitable virtual modules from the database as opponents"
"Good luck to everyone!"
When Theresa finished speaking, the candidates put on their helmets and began to prepare for the exam.
Meanwhile, Tian Shi infiltrated the ongoing test program to keep an eye on Kiana's situation.
If he remembered correctly, Kiana's opponent in the test was the hardworking pig... that is, Ganesha.
The Emperor-class Honkai Beasts were clearly beyond the scope of the testing program.
As expected, the testing program immediately issued an alarm upon Kiana's access.
At the same time, another mysterious entity infiltrated the system.
"Hmm... So, Ganesha's appearance is due to Sirin?" Tian Shi reached out and limited the flow of power that had invaded the system.
But that makes sense, only Sirin could perfectly replicate a King-level Honkai Beast like Ganesha, but as a teacher, I should at least help my student a little more.
Traffic restrictions, traffic restrictions, decisive traffic restrictions.
While in theory the problem of the fake Ganesha simulated by this program could be solved, it's... completely unnecessary, isn't it?
What's wrong with having a fight against a fake Emperor-level Honkai Beast in the exam?
It's fine, since it's fake anyway, she might as well defeat it one more time.
Tian Shi's main theme is cruelty. In any case, Sirin can only have a minor influence at most, and it's not even a matter of her soul entering; after all, she is the Herrscher of the Void, not the Herrscher of Corruption.
This is probably one of the drawbacks of immersive devices.
The ability to connect with the brain and induce consciousness or other spiritual powers could indeed interfere with these devices.
Fortunately, due to hardware limitations, this interference is not too strong.
For example, Sirin wants to create a Ganesha, but anyone with a brain knows that a training test program cannot completely replicate an Emperor-class Honkai Beast.
Even if Tian Shi doesn't impose traffic restrictions, it's still a weakened version.
Neither the processing power nor the output can meet the standard for replicating the Emperor-level Honkai Beast.
Mmm... wait a minute, if Sirin can achieve this kind of influence, can I go a little further than limiting traffic?
For example... Tian Shi gave a strange look to Ganesha who was beginning to build its skeleton.
Using your own account for someone else to play for you?
Would you like me to translate the next chapter as well?