"It didn't give up. I'm just laying my cards on the table."
Kiana rolled over and effortlessly settled into Eden's lap, her gaze tilting upward at the grand view that dominated most of her vision. Mischievously, she began poking at it with her finger.
"It's like they sent me an invitation, telling me they just can't wait any longer~"
"So what you're saying is... there's no real danger, right?" Eden's lips curved into a soft, knowing smile.
"Mhm." When it came to reading the currents of the future, Kiana was far more reliable than any fortune-teller or divination.
Seeing Kiana so assured, Eden felt her heart settle into peace.
After all, Kiana had always been a girl who knew her own mind.
Even so, Eden suggested that Kiana share this matter with everyone else.
Keeping them in the dark didn't feel right.
"Of course!" Kiana had no objections.
Dropping that topic, their conversation drifted into lighter, more casual territory—far less serious now.
However, when Eden mentioned she was thinking of returning to her singing career, Kiana was genuinely surprised. Still, she didn't oppose the idea.
"Go for it!"
In the original timeline, after surviving the Seventh Eruption, Eden had joined Fire Moth.
But from then on, as the war against the Honkai grew increasingly dire, she rarely had the chance to perform freely as she once did.
In this world, under Kiana's protection, the global situation was far more stable. Wasn't that a blessing for Eden?
As Eden herself put it:
"Elysia told me about the memories of my Flame-Chaser self from the Honkai Impact 3rd world."
"I never imagined the meaning behind being a Flame-Chaser there... would be so... heartbreaking..."
Eden's voice was tender, almost like a sweet whisper.
"I understand now. What that version of me missed most were the carefree days of performing. The time before she knew of the Honkai, when she was simply a singer."
"..." Kiana listened quietly, without interrupting.
Eden continued.
"It seems I really can't stay idle for long... After some time without performing, without singing, without standing under the lights, I suppose I've been feeling a little lonely too..."
"Go for it!" Kiana suddenly sat up.
She turned and straddled Eden's lap, their bodies close, chest to chest.
"I told you, I love all of you, and I want you to be happy."
"It's a good thing to have your own pursuits!"
"We have all the time in the world ahead of us—you're going to stay with me until the ends of the earth!"
Kiana paused briefly, her hands resting gently on Eden's shoulders.
"No! Even the ends of the earth aren't enough! Worlds may perish, but we won't!"
"Kiana..." Eden was taken aback.
"Over such an endless stretch of time, if you don't find things to do, things you love... it would be unbearable."
"And it would break my heart to see that!"
Kiana gazed at the soft, adorable big sister before her. Even though Eden wasn't drunk, her eyes seemed hazy, as if intoxicated by someone—utterly captivating.
Kiana felt her own heart stir, and she slowly leaned in.
Eden didn't resist.
Instead, she seemed both shy and docile, willingly moving closer to meet Kiana, embracing her.
A long moment passed.
Afterward, Kiana wrapped her arms around Eden's neck, resting her head on Eden's shoulder with a silly, happy laugh.
Eden's blush remained, spreading all the way to the tips of her ears. Hearing Kiana's soft, affectionate laughter by her ear, she couldn't help but smile warmly.
They were both so happy.
That evening, after everyone had returned, Kiana shared her plan with them.
Unsurprisingly, everyone had their reservations.
They were deeply concerned for Kiana's safety.
But Kiana's mind was made up. After much persuasion, they realized they couldn't sway her and reluctantly let her have her way.
"My dear Eden... you seem to be in such high spirits today~"
"Did something wonderful happen?"
While bathing, Elysia followed Eden into the bathroom.
She wanted to join her.
Eden didn't refuse.
After all, since Elysia had arrived here, she'd been letting her true self shine more and more.
She hardly ever bathed alone these days.
At first, she'd always pester Eden.
Later, as she grew closer to Kiana, she gradually started pestering Kiana instead.
Habit becomes second nature, after all~
It would have been unthinkable before, but now, Kiana didn't mind bathing with her either. Being open and vulnerable with each other had truly deepened their bond.
"Let me guess..."
Elysia sat opposite Eden, grinning playfully.
"Did you finally reach a conclusion with Kiana? Did you finally confess?"
"Indeed~" Eden was no shy, inexperienced girl.
Though this was her first love, even now, admitting it aloud brought a faint tinge of embarrassment.
But outwardly, she remained composed.
"Mhm, I get it, I get it!"
Elysia chuckled warmly.
"After all, for us girls, even if everything is already understood, even if we know how the other feels, a confession is something we can't take lightly!"
"That sense of ceremony is absolutely essential!"
Eden couldn't help but laugh softly.
"Yes, yes..."
--+--
Meanwhile, elsewhere.
"Alright, Mom, it's not like I'm going on a trip. I don't need luggage... and certainly not this much."
Kiana held her mother's hand, patiently trying to reassure her.
Kiana's mother looked troubled. "But... we don't know what this 'Domain of Finality' is really like."
She clasped her daughter's hand tightly.
"You're going to look for that thing, the Cocoon of Finality... what if you can't find it right away? Won't you need to stay there for a while?"
"Mom! The Domain of Finality isn't what you're imagining."
Kiana didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
She explained, "If everything goes smoothly, I'll probably be back in a day or two."
She comforted her mother gently.
"Don't worry, Mom. Have you ever seen me charge into something without being fully prepared?"
Kiana's mother nodded. On that point, she did trust her daughter.
Especially since, from childhood, Kiana had always been decisive and remarkably mature.
But even so, what mother could easily set her worries aside?
Kiana could only continue soothing her patiently.
It looked like she'd be sleeping with her mother tonight.
"Feels like it's been forever since we last slept together," Kiana murmured with a soft smile.
Kiana's mother shook her head, smiling faintly. "Didn't we sleep together every night right after your identity as the Herrscher of Finality was revealed?"
"That was because you were worried I'd be emotionally unstable!"
Kiana retorted, "But in the end, I was the one comforting you."
She paused, stood up, and began unpacking the luggage piece by piece as she spoke.
"Don't worry, Mom. If this goes well, the Honkai in our world could end ahead of schedule... I have a feeling about this."
Just think about it.
Kiana wasn't even the one in a hurry.
Yet the Cocoon of Finality was already growing impatient.
If it was the one rushing things...
Well, that made it all the easier to handle, didn't it?
Kiana glanced back over her shoulder, her smile blooming—a little sly, yet utterly radiant.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
20+ advanced chaps on my patreon.
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If you guys wanna check it out.