Big, Black, and Bulky-That's Every Man's Romance!

The mistake back then involved real lives. If Anna has no conscience and only wants to get away with it, then this statement is indeed useful. From a cold-blooded and objective point of view, it can be said that the merits and demerits cancel each other out—after all, those people were just ordinary refugees.

But Anna now wants to do something to atone for her sins, and saying this might actually have the opposite effect, because Anna also feels that the lives lost back then were not just a number from a purely profit-driven perspective.

However, another frustrating aspect is that Anna doesn't know how to atone for her sins.

"Speaking of which, there's also a man named Chen Tianwu... You met him back then, so he's considered a family member of a victim, right? Perhaps you could try apologizing to him first—it won't change anything, but it's better than doing nothing. Of course, I know this is a very difficult thing for you."

Otto about it for a moment, and she also felt that Anna's matter was a bit troublesome.

After all, the people are dead, and only their families remain. It was really difficult to explain the situation to the families of the victims at that time...

However, this is at least a starting point, and it's definitely much better than just thinking about it or letting this guy sit in solitary confinement.

"If you want to find Chen Tianwu, you can have Raven or Gray Serpent contact him—he's now an executive of World Serpent, codenamed 'Nighthowl'."

Anna was taken aback by Liu Bai's words.

"Him? A high-ranking official of World Serpent?"

Otto's expression was somewhat subtle. "That's quite a coincidence... but it is certainly much more convenient. Wait a moment, I'll call Raven."

"Why not call it Gray Serpent?" Liu Bai asked curiously.

Gray Serpent is definitely more reliable than Raven, but Otto seems to have no hesitation in choosing Raven.

"Because that Gray Serpent guy is too dangerous."

Otto said quietly.

Ever since he learned that Gray Serpent was the hidden boss's informant, Otto has kept his distance from him.

As for Raven, he's a bit of a jerk, and he has a very positive mindset—he positions himself in the range of bodyguard to mistress, so much so that even strong attackers like Otto don't bother Raven —even though Raven has the necessary skills and abilities.

"That's a pretty good description." Liu Bai didn't quite understand Otto's line of thought for a moment, but he remembered the Gray Serpent's dark history in the Previous Era, so he nodded. "Chen Tianwu was introduced by Raven —but he wasn't really that loyal to the World Serpent."

Although Raven always says that he only works for World Serpent because he can't get used to a comfortable life, to be honest, among the World Serpent's executives, Raven is the most loyal to World Serpent, followed by Jackal, and anyone below that is just nonsense.

"You make it sound like my Valkyrie is incredibly loyal to me."

When the topic of loyalty came up, Otto's tone turned resentful.

If she hadn't reacted quickly and hadn't been so thick-skinned, she would have been backstabbed to death by that little bitch Rita on the spot!

And then there's Ragna, Himeko, Bianka, and even Reanna —all of them were Valkyrie who betrayed their mothers!

Oh, and there's Li Sushang, who used the Tai Xu Sword Sect as a shield! What a waste of all the love I gave her before! I've loved so many people my whole life! And that brat even betrayed me!

Loyalty? What a load of rubbish about loyalty!

Anyway, Otto doesn't really care about the word "loyalty" anymore.

If it weren't for the fact that it's not a good time for idle chatter, Otto would have already merged Schicksal into Anti-Entropy. Being betrayed by his subordinates all the time is a bit too much for Otto.

Upon hearing Otto's answer, Liu Bai immediately pretended to be dead.

There's no way to respond to that—after all, the reason Rita and the others betrayed him... that was exactly the reason, okay!

It would be a miracle if anyone even bothered to respond to this topic!

"...I am still very loyal." Although Anna could not see Liu Bai's figure, she still showed a subtle expression as she listened to their conversation.

Hmm, the bishop's art style seems to be going Honkai.

"You... never mind, mind your own business."

Otto ignored Anna and directly called Raven.

A little over ten minutes later, Raven and Gray Serpent arrived at Otto's office together.

"... I didn't ask you to come, did I?"

Otto glared at the Gray Serpent with displeasure.

You're just here to gather intelligence, aren't you?

"After all, this matter concerns one of the few executives of our World Serpent and a future Herrscher, so please forgive us Bishop Otto."

Gray Serpent's hoarse, unpleasant voice carried a hint of apology—but this acting was no match for Otto.

—You just want to gather intelligence, don't you!

"... That's true." Although he was unhappy, Otto still admitted that the arrival of the Gray Serpent had some positive aspects.

Otto then spent another five minutes recounting what happened in Manila.

Otto couldn't see Gray Serpent's expression behind the iron mask, but as a wise man with a shared understanding, Otto knew that Gray Serpent also felt that this matter was a bit difficult to handle.

"Raven." Gray Serpent didn't contact Chen Tianwu directly, but instead turned to Raven. "If I told you that I killed your brother after I picked you up, what would you—"

"I'll just twist your head off—please don't make such harmful assumptions, Gray Serpent."

For the first time, Raven, who had been a pendulum and a salary thief since arriving at Schicksal, unleashed an overflowing murderous aura.

"Of course, this is just a harmless joke, and I'm sorry if it upsets you—you have to believe that I won't, and have no reason to, lay a hand on a poor soul who lacks a bit of luck... or is luckier in other ways."

Gray Serpent had no intention of further provoking the already somewhat agitated Raven. After offering a sincere apology, he looked at Otto.

"Although there are some discrepancies, perhaps Raven's performance can serve as a reference for Chen Tianwu's reaction?"

"Tsk." The Raven, used as a reference point, made an annoyed sound.

However, to be fair, although my brother was "unlucky" as Gray Serpent said, he may not have died in Siberia... although we haven't found him all these years.

So the Raven still held a sliver of hope—even though Raven knew it had long since drifted further and further away from the world of ordinary people.

And even if I find my brother now, what good will it do?

Your sister's current life goal is to become a rich man's mistress...

Okay, stop arguing.

Raven suddenly sighed, feeling that being a mistress wasn't as easy as she had imagined.

"I must point out that Chen Tianwu's sister cannot be simply described as a 'poor person who lacked a bit of luck'."

There are three reasons why Raven doesn't harbor much resentment towards Gray Serpent for forcibly taking him away back then.

First, it was the grace of saving my life.

Secondly, her own brother agreed, and in order to let her live, he took the initiative to send her away and even let her live a good life. Gray Serpent did not force her in any way throughout the process.

Thirdly, the most dangerous wave of that year has passed. Both she and her brother were affected by the Holy Blood. At that time, the environment in Siberia was dangerous, but it was mainly people rather than Honkai. It wasn't completely impossible to survive; it was just a matter of Schicksal.

But in Anna's case, the environment was such that if people were left to die, the mortality rate would be 100%.

To put it somewhat morally, Gray Serpent has no obligation to save people, but Anna does.

Although this sounds a bit inhuman, it's a rather helpless truth.

Between not saving someone when they should and not saving someone when they can... even the Raven can only sigh.

"I... I'm already mentally prepared."

Anna didn't seem to understand Raven's implied meaning; she simply wore a determined expression.

"The so-called atonement... always has a beginning. I was cowardly once before, and I shouldn't be cowardly now—or rather, I shouldn't be cowardly about death."

Anna knew what her biggest mistake was back then—clinging to life.

This is also why Anna considers herself a deserter back then.

The intensity of the Manila Honkai Outbreak was very high. Even Anna now cannot guarantee that she can escort a group of refugees safely out of that battlefield. To be more realistic, not many Valkyrie died on the spot in the first wave of combat.

The ensuing chaos was where the real casualties lay. It proved that it was difficult enough for her to manage with just one person, let alone a group.

But... duty is duty.

Most of his former teammates died during rescues. Ironically, he, the vice-captain, fled first before realizing his mistake and turning back to save others. Ironically, he became the captain to rebuild the Snow Lotus Squad because of this.

If I could return to that battlefield, even without seeing that person, I should still step forward... just like Lady Cecilia did back then.

Anna recalled the family elder she had met in the courtyard, who was already on the list of martyrs and had given her a gentle smile.

Anyone who has received Valkyrie training can recite her achievements by heart.

"... After you open the communication, could you give me some private space?"

Anna made her only request.

"... Don't do anything foolish." Raven rarely expressed concern to someone he was meeting for the first time.

"I'm not that stupid," Anna smiled. "If he wants me to atone with my death, I should atone for all my sins and resolve future troubles before I die."

"Ha..." the Raven sighed.

Liu Bai gently patted Anna on the shoulder to encourage her.

Afterwards, Gray Serpent placed the already opened communication device on the table, and the group slowly left the office.

"... That child reminds me a bit of Lady Cecilia... just a bit, of course."

The Raven muttered softly.

"Although it's a bit unethical to say this behind her back, she... might be more capable of inheriting the title of Saintess than that silly girl Kiana."

Chapter 372 Being big, rough, and clumsy is a man's romance!

"Ha... Saintess isn't exactly a nice title."

Otto complained with a hint of resentment.

"Look at Kallen, that lewd woman, isn't she also a saint?"

"... Lady Kallen's title of Saintess was personally awarded by you back then, wasn't it?"

Raven thought Otto was a bit schizophrenic.

"Ignore her, those two are like best friends who are sworn enemies and class enemies." Liu Bai gestured to Raven not to dwell on this issue.

Although Otto constantly talks about how shameless and despicable Kallen is, and how he would definitely kill her if given a chance, when it comes to enjoying life, the first person Otto thinks of is Kallen.

"To give an analogy, it's somewhat similar to you and the Jackal."

"... Are you misunderstanding something?" Raven's expression turned particularly strange when Jackal was mentioned. "I really don't get along with that cunning strategist... Okay, although I admit that her act of handing Kong candy last time changed my opinion of her a little, but only a little."

Although the Raven's past actions could hardly be called good deeds, it still possessed a moral compass. In Raven, its actions back then were more akin to "necessary evil."

As for the Jackal... well, although the Jackal's goals are quite noble, he is a villain in terms of both morality and actions, so Raven has always felt that he and the jackal can't get along.

But ever since the Jackal gave Sky a handful of candy last time, Raven felt that maybe it wasn't impossible for him to be friends with this guy.

What was that Shenzhou saying again? "Pei Ju was treacherous to the Sui Dynasty but loyal to the Tang Dynasty?"

That's roughly the idea... At least if Jackal is willing to maintain this attitude, Raven wouldn't mind downgrading his rating from "big idiot" to "idiot".

"Isn't it good enough?"

"... Where is it better?" Even though Liu Bai was her boss, Raven had to complain about it. "Okay, I have to admit, it's not just me. I feel like everyone's relationships are getting better... well, except for Rita."

How many things should have caused this group of people in Schicksal to have a relationship that should have been so serious in the past? But now they can still get together, drink tea, and chat... Their boss is really amazing.

Gray Serpent, looking at the Raven lost in thought, asked in a hoarse voice, "Raven, what do you think of the interaction between those two inside..."

"It's definitely going to fall through." Raven's expression was subtle. "It's not that I'm pessimistic or anything, but that kid Chen Tianwu... Hey, putting aside Chen Tianwu, just look at Otto and Siegfried. If Cecilia hadn't been resurrected, wouldn't he and the bishop probably not have been able to sit together?"

"The remaining 20% is because Siegfried understands the greater good." Otto, the person involved, smiled. "No, it should be said that Siegfried will probably reluctantly give up causing trouble temporarily because of the greater good—but it will definitely not be like now, where when I see Siegfried in the courtyard, Siegfried is at least willing to greet me."

Cecilia is dead, and even if everyone temporarily puts aside their hatred, Otto will have to fly around Siegfried.

"Yes, the conflict between these two wasn't resolved like it was with Lady Cecilia... Plus, Chen Tianwu is still quite immature, and if he gets carried away with his emotions..."

Raven was Chen Tianwu's introducer and knew Chen Tianwu a little better than the others.

"However, I can understand his feelings. His friend suddenly became the 'murderer' who caused his sister's death... Sigh, why did I get involved in this kind of thing?"

Raven sighed and glanced at Gray Serpent Gray Serpent, whose analogy still made her extremely unhappy.

"Because you're working for the boss." Liu Bai tapped Raven on the head.

Raven: "..."

Okay, you're the big boss, whatever you say is right, I'm just a tool anyway. Wherever you think I'm useful, just move me there and make sure I get things done.

Otto stretched and said, "Forget it, there's no point in discussing their affairs anymore. Let's find a place to rest and wait for the results."

"You're quite magnanimous." Gray Serpent nodded, clearly uninterested in this kind of conversation at the doorway.