But now, although Leo Ash had a concept in his mind, at the same time, having just come into contact with the concept of True Manifestation, he had also discovered another problem.
The era of [Confluence of Water] symbolized an evolution of fusion, and it even included the step of [Different races casting aside hatred].
The evolution of this era emphasized love and understanding.
A forced fusion through coercion rather than mutual understanding and spiritual connection would only lead to a distorted True Manifestation.
But now...
Leo Ash thought it over and over, but he couldn't see any 'love and understanding' existing between him and the Honkai.
Although a distorted True Manifestation was still a True Manifestation, it was definitely not as stable as a normal one.
What a pain. Asking me to abandon my hatred for the Honkai to 'understand' and 'love' it... I'd rather die.
Although there might be a way to bypass this mechanism's judgment, this condition... it's still disgusting.
But thinking back now, perhaps it was because this emotion still lingered in my heart that my attempt just now to achieve True Manifestation Fusion with Jizō Mitama had such a serious flaw.
If it was about strengthening my power, then for me, who had already reached this realm of strength, the best way to go one step further would probably be to find Elysia, gain her approval, and then shout, 'Answer me, Elysia!' to obtain the power of the Herrscher of Origin.
But... before that...
Leo Ash, feeling restless, suddenly thought of something.
If Isla Ash, as a suitable Finality Host, was showing a certain degree of Honkai Energy enhancement reaction, then...
—Might Kiana's body, which was supposed to become the Herrscher of Finality several years from now, also be showing abnormalities?
With this thought, Leo Ash didn't bother knocking this time, directly using the Quantum Teleportation System to move into Kiana's room.
Then, as expected, he saw Kiana, who should have been accompanying her daughter, lying pale-faced on the floor.
Leo Ash helped Kiana up from the floor. Without even needing to check, just by holding his lover, he could feel an incredibly terrifying amount of Honkai Energy continuously overflowing from within Kiana's body.
In other words, Kiana looked pale and weak, but in reality, she was more like someone who felt unwell after 'eating too much.'
Faced with this chosen unlucky soul, Leo Ash could only release a Field of Binding, then slightly adjust its power, keeping the field at a level where it continuously consumed the energy from her body without harming her.
After sleeping in Leo Ash's arms for about ten minutes, Kiana finally slowly opened her eyes and saw the face she usually wanted to see, but definitely *didn't* want to see right now.
"Se-Senior?!"
The moment she saw Leo Ash, Kiana knew that the fact she had just been feeling unwell was completely exposed.
She had intended to, like Isla Ash, go to Dr. Magi and use the HSN serum to suppress the abnormally high energy levels. But she truly hadn't expected that Leo Ash would know something had happened to her right after she fainted, and even step in to temporarily resolve the hidden danger in her body.
Although Kiana was happy to be cared for by Leo Ash, being discovered by him to have the *exact same problem* as her daughter made Kiana feel this was not good.
After all, everyone knew Leo Ash's personality. This mess that had happened with Isla Ash was already enough to make him worry, and now Kiana was pulling this...
"Alright, no need to show that 'Oh no, I'm screwed' expression."
Seeing that Kiana was clearly too guilty to say much, Leo Ash spoke to her calmly.
"If you feel unwell, just say so. Don't be like Isla, thinking you can solve the problem secretly on your own."
"...That's easy to say."
Kiana, now in Leo Ash's arms, recalled the experience of fainting in such a short time and said to Leo Ash, still a little scared.
"At first, I just felt something was wrong, but by the time I got to my room, I fainted immediately."
"Even if I wanted to tell everyone, I didn't have the time."
"Mm, that can't be helped..."
After carrying Kiana to the bed, Leo Ash took something out of his storage space.
Back before the final battle with Otto, Welt had helped Leo Ash replicate five Divine Keys: Abyss Flower, Judgment of Shamash, Fenghuang Down, Star of Eden, and Oath of Judah.
Although in the end, because his teammates were so overwhelming, Leo Ash didn't use these Divine Keys at all, Welt naturally didn't ask for them back. So, these things had remained in Leo Ash's hands ever since.
After placing the Oath of Judah on the floor, Leo Ash placed his hand on it, manipulating the chains of the Key of Binding to wrap around Kiana's right hand.
"Well, it can't be helped now. This symptom of yours can only be treated this way."
"Judah..."
Looking at the giant cross beside her, Kiana, whose power had been weakened, felt a sense of peace.
Although the chains extending from the Oath of Judah were far inferior to Leo Ash's Field of Binding in terms of weakening energy intensity, his Field of Binding was, after all, a power released by the Herrscher of Binding.
Even with Leo Ash's Precision Control suppressing its intensity, that power was simply too domineering. Compared to such an overbearing force, the Oath of Judah, a Divine Key that could *just* suppress a portion of her power, was actually more suitable for 'treating' Kiana's symptoms.
"Also, the HSN serum. You have to take it regularly and record your physical condition for me every day... Actually, never mind. Both you and Isla, you both have to go for a regular check-up with me every day."
Watching Leo Ash become more and more talkative, Kiana suddenly clutched her head and wailed.
"I'm finally starting to understand how Isla feels—Senior, when did you get so naggy?"
"I just say a few words to you and you..."
"Forget it. Just pretend I didn't say anything."
*Kiana's current state is similar to Isla's. No one knows this is a precursor to Finality's arrival.*
*Really, I have no right to criticize them for hiding information.*
*Now, upon realizing the information that Finality is coming, my first reaction was also 'I'll solve the problem,' not 'Let's find a solution together.'*
*Maybe my lover and my daughter really were led astray by me.*
*But right now, even if I said this, it wouldn't help.*
*First, I'll stay with Kiana. After she's in a better state, I should go find Elysia.*
*The Authority of the Herrscher of Origin is the key to seeing Finality. Whether it's to make me strong enough to control that thing, or to give me a chance to see the Cocoon of Finality directly, the Authority of the Herrscher of Origin is essential.*
Seeing Leo Ash zone out again, Kiana didn't feel angry.
On the contrary, her heart now only ached for him.
Although in the two months since Leo Ash became Schicksal's Archbishop, the number of times the two had met had decreased significantly compared to before, Kiana actually understood his actions.
After all, he was just that kind of person. He'd talk about 'being afraid of death,' but always end up rushing to the front lines of the battlefield, solving the problem before the danger could spread.
Although the world hadn't faced any major problems in these two months, it didn't mean the world was now safe.
As long as this thing called the Honkai hung over humanity's head like that Sword of... whatever, no one, including Leo Ash, could be at peace.
Moreover, the moment something happened to Kiana, Leo Ash immediately sensed the problem with her and came to her side.
After resolving Kiana's problem, Leo Ash didn't leave right away, but chose to stay and accompany her.
All these actions from Leo Ash had already told Kiana that he actually cared about her a great deal.
His zoning out at a time like this only meant that Leo Ash still had other important matters to attend to, which was why he unconsciously slipped into work mode.
If there was anything that could stir up resentment in Kiana's heart right now, it would probably only be the thought, 'Aargh, how is this guy so busy all the time? Can't he just take a break?!'
But the Kiana now was different from six months ago. After experiencing so much, even if Kiana was dissatisfied with Leo Ash's tendency to constantly push himself, she wouldn't try to stop him.
He wouldn't listen even if she tried to persuade him anyway. Interrupting at a time like this was worse than just letting him finish his thoughts so as not to waste his time.
"...Sorry."
Leo Ash, realizing he had zoned out again, looked at Kiana, who had recovered slightly, and suddenly didn't know what to say.
The verbal skills he had honed to perfection suddenly seemed to have vanished from his brain.
"Senior, you—"
Seeing Leo Ash freeze for a moment, Kiana suppressed the urge to persuade him and finally managed to put on an expression of utter disdain.
"Do you take me for some weak damsel?"
"I don't need you to waste your time watching over me! A small problem like this, I'll just sleep it off and it'll be fine."
"Go do whatever you need to do. This young lady is going to sleep now!"
"Or perhaps..."
At this point, Kiana suddenly leaned close to Leo Ash's ear and whispered to him.
"Right now, are you planning to sle~ep~ wi~th~ me?"
"...You're rebelling."
After pushing the girl who was actively seducing him directly down onto the bed, Leo Ash said to Kiana with a blank expression.
"It's been too long since we've *done it*, you've forgotten who's in charge between us, haven't you?"
"I was going to be considerate of your poor condition today, but now, it seems I was too soft-hearted."
"Ah, really?"
Seeing a trace of violent emotion actually appear in her lover's eyes, Kiana deadpanned in a flat, emotionless tone.
"I'm~ so~ sca~red~"
*Violent emotions, huh... Before, when Senior and I* did it, *his eyes were very gentle.*
*It seems the pressure on his mind is probably overwhelming right now—but in the end, you're just like us, not saying anything.*
*Sigh, I hope this today can help him vent some of that pent-up anxiety.*
.
Schicksal HQ. Reception Room
At this moment, Fu Hua, whose body control had been snatched by the Herrscher of Sentience, felt her consciousness scattering a little.
From the moment the Herrscher of Sentience took over her body and started talking with Elysia, the two of them could be said to be having a very pleasant conversation.
After all, the Herrscher of Sentience possessed all of Fu Hua's memories and had even believed herself to be Fu Hua in the past.
To someone like her, Elysia wasn't a stranger, but an old friend she hadn't seen in a long time.
Coupled with the fact that this old friend was easy on the eyes and spoke pleasantly, the Herrscher of Sentience had basically told Elysia everything, whether it should be said or not, in just a few minutes.
After all, the Herrscher of Sentience's personality was all about being frank, or rather—in her eyes, there was no point in hiding these things. If she said them, she said them.
The topic they were currently discussing had already successfully prompted Aponia to quietly leave with Griseo.
And this was enough to prove just how... stimulating their conversation was.
Pardofelis had also wanted to listen in on what Elysia and Fu Hua were talking about at first, but as she listened, her expression underwent a massive change.
Although Pardofelis had the courage to face the Herrscher of Finality at critical moments, that didn't mean she wasn't a coward on a daily basis!
Just listening to these words made her feel that if Leo Ash found out she had heard this information, he might just silence her permanently.
After realizing this, Pardofelis, who didn't want to die, immediately chose to chase after the 'mother and daughter' pair who had just left, not daring to stay a moment longer.
As for Su, who was originally supposed to be their guide, who knows where he had run off to with the Elysian Realm's Kevin.
It's not like he couldn't read the atmosphere. At a time like this, when several women were exchanging 'secrets,' staying put would just make him disliked.
As for Vill-V and Mobius, they hadn't been interested in the matters here from the beginning.
Before parting ways with the group, the two of them had found Su, had him hand over a map of Schicksal HQ, and prepared to go directly to Schicksal's research team for a technical exchange.
"Mm-hm, so that's how it is."
After digging up every last detail about Hua's and Leo Ash's romantic experiences, bedroom experiences, and all sorts of other experiences not suitable for public discussion, Elysia smiled and gazed at the Elysian Realm Hua, who had been silent from the start.
"Hua, after hearing all that, do you have any thoughts?"
"Well..."
Hua, listening to these experiences, didn't feel particularly embarrassed.
After all, although these things happened to 'Hua' and Leo Ash, the problem was that Elysian Realm Hua had been separate from the original Hua ever since the moment she was born as a memory.
In her eyes, these were completely other people's affairs, and naturally, Elysian Realm Hua wouldn't have too many extraneous thoughts about them.
"Hmm, if I have to say something..."
Elysian Realm Hua looked at the Herrscher of Sentience and commented.
"Looking at the timeline, from when you met Leo Ash to when he stole a kiss, and when you and him... did *that* on Mount Taixu, you had only known each other for about two months and three months, respectively, right?"
"That amount of time... isn't it a little too short?"
Fu Hua, inside the Herrscher of Sentience's body, felt her consciousness get hammered, as if struck by a heavy blow.
A public execution was bad enough, but having another version of herself in the audience...
This, this, this...
—This is what you call the suffering of the mortal world! (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻
And being publicly executed while being watched by 'herself' wasn't the main point. The main point was, reviewing it afterward, Fu Hua felt...
—'Her' complaint was spot on.
Honestly, when Leo Ash had embraced her on Mount Taixu, she had indeed felt the atmosphere was right, but now...
Thinking back, being 'conquered' by Leo Ash after just three months... for Fu Hua, with her introverted and reserved personality, it really was a bit too fast.
But just because Fu Hua thought so, didn't mean the Herrscher of Sentience currently controlling her body thought the same.
Facing Elysian Realm Hua's question, the Herrscher of Sentience put her hands on her hips and said to Hua.
"Fast? I thought it was too slow!"
"Me and my stinky disciple are in love! If it weren't for Otto messing things up back then, and that old-timer thinking I was some Honkai spy, I would've gone to find my stinky disciple long ago."
"...Is that so."
Watching the 'her' in front of her say such... explicit words, Elysian Realm Hua couldn't help but feel something was off.
The personality controlling the original's body was, without a doubt, a Herrscher Personality unique to this era's Herrschers.
But a Herrscher Personality was, in the end, a personality born from the Herrscher Host.
And now, the Herrscher of Sentience's personality I'm seeing... how does it feel so vastly different from my original personality?
This won't do. This situation is feeling stranger and stranger.
But now, thinking about it carefully from another perspective, this could be considered a good thing.
Even 'I' have started to find time for romance. That's enough to show that the pressure this generation has to face must be much less than the pressure our generation faced.
To be able to create such an outcome, humanity's past leaders must have fought incredibly hard against the Honkai.
Thinking of it that way... I suddenly feel a little envious.
"Hey, what's with that look?"
As a Herrscher who manipulated consciousness, although the Herrscher of Sentience seemed carefree, she was an absolute expert at observing other people's emotions, even without using her Authority.
After detecting a hint of envy in Elysian Realm Hua's eyes, the Herrscher of Sentience suddenly became extremely vigilant and said to her.
"My stinky disciple is great and all, but I'm absolutely not handing him over to you!"
"Even if you're also Hua, it's not happening!!!"
Faced with the incredibly 'possessive' Herrscher of Sentience, Hua *really* wanted to tell her that her 'stinky disciple' had already been making eyes with Rin in the Elysian Realm more than once or twice.
But considering the other's personality, Elysian Realm Hua chose to bury this thought back in her heart.
*The original and her Herrscher Personality... it seems they've probably met a scumbag.*
*Okay, although Leo Ash's current performance was very impressive in Elysian Realm Hua's eyes, and she deeply admired a warrior who would fight the Honkai so desperately, admiration was admiration. It didn't mean she had to tolerate his flaws as well.*
*Having his feet in several boats is not a good thing. A person who does that... is a scumbag, no matter how you look at it.*
*Sigh, they've already been wrapped around this scumbag's finger. I'd better not say any more.*
"You, what's with that look?"
Detecting a hint of pity in Elysian Realm Hua's eyes, the Herrscher of Sentience huffed indignantly at her.
"I don't think there's anything about me that you need to pity!"
"Now, now, Miss... Herrscher?"
Eden, who hadn't spoken, saw the atmosphere becoming a bit strange and immediately spoke softly to the Herrscher of Sentience.
"Hua doesn't have any ill intent. Even if you don't believe me, you should believe yourself, shouldn't you?"
"...Tch. She's just another Hua. She's not me."
Listening to Eden's intoxicating voice, the Herrscher of Sentience instantly felt the emotions rising in her heart dissipate quite a bit.
Watching the emotionally volatile Herrscher of Sentience, Eden, who hadn't spoken much, now completely understood what the problem with this Herrscher Personality was.
Compared to those Herrschers who only wanted to destroy everything, this era's Herrscher of Sentience could indeed be considered an ally of humanity.
The problem was, the Herrscher of Sentience currently gave off the impression of an immature child—easily agitated, likes to show off her 'treasures,' but is, for the most part, willing to listen to reason.
A 'baby' like this might not cause any big problems normally, but at a critical moment, if no one is watching over her, the slightest mistake could lead this Herrscher to cause a disaster.
Eden hadn't known why Elysia was asking so many questions before, but now it seemed that after gently probing the Herrscher of Sentience, she had probably also seen her flaws.
"Everyone."
Seeing the atmosphere gradually quiet down, Elysian Realm Hua suddenly spoke to her companions in a serious tone.
"Archbishop Leo Ash asked us to come out, in the end, so that we could help him fight the Honkai while he is short-staffed."
"There will surely be plenty of time for pleasantries later. I think for now, we should get to work."
"Ah, you..."
Hearing Elysian Realm Hua's words, the Herrscher of Sentience paused for a moment, then nodded slightly.
"Yeah, that's definitely something the old-timer would say—hey, no, wait! I've only been out for a little while today!!!"
"The time you've been out... is long enough!"
Fu Hua, finally seizing a gap in the Herrscher of Sentience's control to take back her body, looked at the people in front of her and said exhaustedly.
"Everyone, just now... I've made a fool of myself."
"Hm? How so?"
Looking at Fu Hua, who was clearly overcome with shame, Elysia beamed at her, speaking to her friend with great happiness.
"Knowing that Hua is so happy now, I think both myself and Eden are truly happy for you from the bottom of our hearts, you know?"
Fu Hua was certain that these words from the Elysian Realm's Elysia were absolutely sincere.
But even so...
—AAAAARGH, THEY STILL HEARD ALL OF THAT!!!!!
[I'm telling you, old-timer, can you be a little more mature?]
The Herrscher of Sentience, having been forcibly suppressed back inside by Fu Hua, said to her irritably.
[You've been so jumpy all day. That's really not like you.]
*And whose fault do you think that is!*
[I'm not at fault. You, on the other hand... this current state of yours is unworthy of the title 'Immortal Red Kite'.]
*The title 'Immortal Red Kite'... ever since they all found out about... *that*, it's been gone, hasn't it?*
[Get over it. How many people do you think actually care about such trivial details?]
[The relationship between Kiana, Mei, Anna, and Leo Ash has been an open secret for ages. Right now, the most anyone is thinking is just 'Wow, the Archbishop is so charming.' Who's going to laugh at you?]
[You were the one who advised me to be magnanimous, to not think about keeping Leo Ash all to myself. How come now that it's your turn, you're so flustered?]
Fu Hua had many things she wanted to say.
But at this moment, she discovered with utter despair that, in terms of verbal sparring, she had been checkmated by the Herrscher of Sentience, who was only a few months old.
[Hey, from the very beginning, you've just been treating me like some gullible kid, haven't you!]
[Seriously, I have your memories. As far as I'm concerned, I've already experienced all those things.]
[Unlike you, old-timer, I've figured things out and want to live a little more freely. What's wrong with that!]
[Back when my stinky disciple was holding you, you didn't listen to a single word he said—he wants you to be happy!]
[And now, you're being all secretive about such a small thing, and you even want to run away because of this nonsense—cowards don't deserve to be happy!]
Fu Hua was certain that the Herrscher of Sentience was a personality born from within her.
In terms of pure rhetoric, although Fu Hua was terrible at it, she wasn't so bad that she couldn't even win against the infant Herrscher of Sentience.
But now, Fu Hua was left speechless.
Unable to refute, facing this awkward and embarrassing situation, she realized with deep sorrow...
—Everything the Herrscher of Sentience said was right. That was the only reason she couldn't utter a single word of rebuttal.
"Alright, Hua."
Seeing Fu Hua's less-than-ideal state, Elysia put away her teasing smile and spoke to Fu Hua with utmost seriousness.
"Everyone will be happy for you that you've found happiness. So right now, you can, and should, frankly face your heart's truest feelings."
"Hmm, if you still feel like there's something you can't figure out—then this is a perfect time to show us the way."
"To be honest, I still want to meet with Leo Ash again. There are many things I need to discuss with him seriously before I can make the best judgment."
"...I see. I understand."
Fu Hua forced herself to calm down, though her face still felt a little hot.
But recalling certain things that child usually mentioned, Fu Hua proposed to Elysia.
"Eden, and... Hua. If you are looking for Leo Ash or wish to fight, I will have the Schicksal HQ staff guide you."
"As for you, Elysia, before you meet with Leo Ash, I think there's someone you should probably meet first."
"Eh? Is there someone else I know here at Schicksal?"
Looking at the girl, whose eyes were sparkling like a curious baby, Fu Hua hesitated for a moment before continuing.
"Perhaps... you don't know her."
"But..."
"_For that child, who knows you one-sidedly, you are an incredibly important person."
"Although that child acts very mature, she is, in the end, just a child."
"If she knew you had come to Schicksal, that child would definitely want to meet you."
"That child..."
"Hearing the usually serious Fu Hua's words tinged with an unconcealable trace of affection, Elysia asked with great interest."
"Who exactly is this 'child' you're talking about?"
"Ah, she is Leo Ash's daughter—and please don't stare at me with that 'You two even have a child?!' look!"
Feeling Elysia's burning gaze, Fu Hua immediately retorted, extremely annoyed.
"You know perfectly well that it's impossible, timeline-wise!"
"Mm, I know. Your reaction was just so cute, I couldn't help myself."
*And now I've confirmed it. When you two were... intimate, you probably didn't even use rubber things, which is why you're denying it based on the timeline.*
*How wonderful. The ever-serious Hua has truly found her happiness.*
*If everyone in this world could, like Hua, inadvertently reveal such a happy expression...*
*—Perhaps then, I could finally be at peace.*
.......
Around the same time. In Isla Ash's room.
In Isla Ash's room, Isla watched her mother, Yuna, who currently had her hand placed on the room's floor. She pouted, letting out a dissatisfied huff.
"Hmph! Mommy Yuna is a stingy-pants! Why do you get to watch, but I don't!!!"
"Isla, trust Mom."
After watching the entire... *intense hand-to-hand combat*... through the plants in Kiana's room, Yuna looked at her daughter with a complicated expression.
"Mom... really is doing this for your own good, not letting you see those things."
"Hmph, I don't believe you!"
Looking at her daughter, who had turned her head aside—a rare sight, for her to be throwing a tantrum—Yuna couldn't help but wonder if she was being a bit...
A bit of nothing!
My actions are absolutely correct!
Isla isn't even half a year old!
Last time, when she saw Senior and Mei kissing passionately somewhere, that was already too much!
This time, if I hadn't noticed her using her Authority in time, Isla would have watched Senior and Kiana's entire *wrestling match*!!!
Although Kiana was trying very hard to help Senior de-stress, and Senior had 'fallen for it' so readily... which was definitely a good thing.
But... these images are just far too advanced for Isla.
Yuna suddenly felt that Leo Ash being busy recently was actually a good thing.
If, after killing Otto, he had really been like a husky in heat 24/7, running to his lovers' rooms every night in the dead of night...
Back then, Yuna wasn't with Isla every day. Naturally, there was no one to stop her from watching things a six-month-old child shouldn't see.
How terrible.
My daughter being strong and maturing early... I never thought it would give me such a headache.
And she just has to be smarter than me. If this rebellious streak isn't suppressed, in the future...
My head hurts.
I'm only seventeen, and I haven't even lost my... *purity*... why do I have to think about troublesome problems that only a mother should be thinking about?
"Hm? This is..."
Isla Ash, who had been sulking, suddenly seemed to sense something. The displeasure on her face vanished instantly.
"This feeling... I can't be mistaken!"
"Isla, what are you—!!!"
Because of the surge in Isla Ash's Honkai Energy levels, Yuna now jumped in fear, terrified something was wrong, whenever she saw Isla make any unusual movement.
Seeing Isla's sudden change in mood, Yuna's first thought was...
*—Dammit, don't tell me the Honkai is stirring up trouble again.*
*Senior's message said he had already taken down Corruption. With Finality not yet here, there shouldn't be any existence left that can threaten us!*
"Um, Mom, don't be like that."
Looking at Yuna's worried face, Isla Ash suddenly said apologetically.
"It was my fault just now. The HSN serum makes me feel really bad, so I got a little moody."
"But right now, I'm really fine!"
"Isla..."
Seeing the apology on her daughter's face, Yuna immediately felt—the situation was even worse.
*Isla actually apologized. That means her bad mood either vanished, or it got worse and she's hiding it.*
*Aaargh, why do I have to spend so much mental energy trying to guess the thoughts of my six-month-old daughter!*
*I'm her mom! I should just ask her what she's thinking!*
"Isla, what exactly did you sense that made you so happy?"
"Well, I mentioned some things before, right?"
Recalling the time after she met her parents, aunties, and grandmas, Isla Ash said happily.
"Before I met Mom and Dad and my aunties and grandmas, back when my consciousness had just awakened, the first person I met was the pink-haired... no, the pink-haired little sister!"
"She said something like 'This child's Key of the Flawless has awakened?' and then she started telling me things and guided me to find Dad."
"But during that process, she said the Key of the Flawless had run out of power and couldn't accompany me any further."
"I really wanted to see her, but I couldn't before. But now..."
"I can feel it! She! Is! Nea! By!"
Watching Isla Ash clench her little fists tightly, even pulling off the chains that extended from the Oath of Judah and were bound to her hand, Yuna instantly understood. Isla was truly excited right now.
*Pink-haired little sister... what a unique name.*
*But, since she was the one who allowed Isla to escape from the clutches of World Serpent, then we all owe her a huge favor.*
"Hm, footsteps. Mm, the footsteps are very light. It's Auntie Fu Hua!"
"Pink-haired little sister and Auntie Fu Hua are good friends, so—"
Isla Ash threw open the door and immediately launched herself in a flying leap at Elysia, who was standing behind Fu Hua.
"Pink-haired little sister! You finally came to see me!"
"Eh? Eh? Eh???"
Elysia, who had been knocked off her feet by Isla's overly enthusiastic pounce, used her exquisite skills to land gracefully and looked at the child in her arms.
The anticipation and joy in the little girl's eyes were undoubtedly real emotions.
*Mm-hm. So, she really has 'met' me.*
*Combined with what Su said before, that he last saw me a few months ago... so...*
*My Divine Key was preserved in more than one way, and it even successfully activated and produced some effects?*
"Ah, whoops."
Isla Ash, just remembering she had forgotten to hold back her monstrous strength, looked at Elysia nervously, immediately jumped off her, and said guiltily.
"I, I didn't do it on purpose."
"Alright, don't make that face, cutie."
After picking Isla Ash up from the floor, Elysia suddenly lifted her high.
"Come on, say it with me—Up we go!"
"Up we go!"
Fu Hua, who hadn't at all expected Isla Ash to be so excited to see Elysia, watched their perfectly synchronized performance and couldn't help but feel, 'Ah, compared to Yuna, these two feel more like mother and daughter.'
However, Fu Hua, being a person with basic emotional intelligence, would definitely not say this out loud.
Although everyone present, including Yuna—aside from Isla Ash and Elysia themselves—had this thought, as long as no one pointed it out, it wouldn't make the atmosphere instantly... *more.*
Of course, just because Fu Hua didn't say it didn't mean Yuna didn't know that's what everyone was thinking.
Never mind the others; even Yuna herself, upon seeing Elysia, had the illusion that 'they are the real mother and daughter.'
And this impression actually grew deeper as Elysia and Isla interacted.
If compared with Aponia, the youthful and beautiful Elysia wouldn't necessarily give off a 'radiating with maternal grace' feeling.
But now, Aponia had taken Griseo to wander around other parts of Schicksal.
Combined with the fact that Isla Ash was a child Elysia had guided, and her every action was now perfectly in sync with Elysia, it naturally gave others the feeling that they were mother and daughter.
"Oh, I forgot to ask."
After putting Isla Ash down, Elysia looked at the adorable child and asked with a smile.
"Sweetie, what's your name?"
"Isla Ash—Ash as in 'Lin' for two trees, and Isla as in 'Yi' with the person radical."
"Mm, Linyi... what a lovely name."
After hearing the other praise her name, Isla Ash suddenly asked Elysia.
"Pink-haired little sister, when we met before, I was too young and forgot to ask you some questions."
"You praised Dad—Leo Ash—so much, you must really like him."
"This time, you must have come to Schicksal because of Dad, too!"
At this moment, Yuna suddenly felt that she could not let her daughter continue speaking.
She had a feeling Isla's next words would be—
"Don't tell me—are you Dad's new girlfriend?"
Ah, she said it.
*Isla... she's usually such a sensible child who always thinks of others.*
*How is it that in front of this lady, she seems to have reverted to being a normal child...*
*Her 'sensible' attribute has been greatly weakened, and replaced with a bit of a... 'brat'?*
Hearing Isla Ash's suddenly explosive remark, Elysia grinned, crouched down, and whispered to her.
"What's wrong? Does your dad have... a lot of girlfriends?"
"Yeah—pink-haired little sister, you..."
Isla Ash, just now realizing that this Elysia and *that* Elysia weren't the same person, said helplessly to Elysia.
"You were the one who told me before that a child's parents aren't necessarily a married couple."
Hearing Isla Ash's words, at this moment, even the Elysian Realm's Elysia was momentarily silenced.
*Well, that certainly does sound like something I would say.*
*But...*
*—Under what circumstances would 'Elysia' say such a strange thing to a child who looks so young!*
.......