The Story Will Be a Little Long (Continued)

So-called all-around maid, isn't that amazing?

"Rita, dyeing my hair is one thing, but why did you specifically braid it into pigtails for me?"

"Don't you think it's quite suitable, Durandal?"

"She is... kind of cute, like Kiana."

Durandal grabbed her braid, shook it, and unconsciously smiled.

For some reason, she felt that this look suited her quite well.

"Alright, everything is ready. Durandal, it's time to go and carry out your mission."

"Huh? But what's with Sakura's order? Why do I have to dye my hair white and then spend the night with Kiana and the others?"

"Oh dear, how could Rita, a mere maid, possibly know of His Highness the Archbishop's profound wisdom?"

"... There's something odd about your smile. You must know something, right?"

Durandal looked up, staring at Rita with suspicion.

However, against the backdrop of that innocent and adorable white braid, her originally heroic and upright aura inexplicably disappeared, replaced by a slightly silly and cute feeling.

Rita didn't recognize her and chuckled.

"Durandal, this is your mission, please don't make things difficult for Rita."

"Tsk. Never mind, I'll ask Sakura after I finish. It's been a while since I've spent much time with Kiana, I wonder how she's been doing lately."

Durandal felt this order was rather absurd. But after all, it was Yae Sakura's first order since officially taking over, and she didn't dislike being around Kiana. So she decided to do it first and ask questions later.

"Then I'll go ahead, Rita."

Durandal got up and left the room.

As I passed by the living room, I saw Yae Sakura sitting there drinking tea.

When Yae Sakura saw the white-haired Durandal walk by, a hint of amazement flashed in her eyes. She then ran over to a thick photo album.

Durandal caught it casually, blinking in confusion.

"This is?"

"Someone's growth record, from birth to becoming S-Rank Valkyrie. I'm too tired today to offer any further explanations. Go there and watch it with Kiana and the others."

"Hair dyeing and photo albums... Is this some kind of prank targeting me?"

"I already said I don't provide answers, bye~~"

Yae Sakura stood up, pushed Durandal's slender waist, and pushed her out of the house.

Durandal stood before the tightly closed door, her mind filled with questions. In the end, however, she could only shrug and head off to her mission location, her mind still heavy with doubt.

Inside, Rita walked to the window, watched Durandal's departing figure, and shook her head with a soft sigh:

"Sigh. Sakura-sama, is this really a good idea?"

What do you think is wrong?

"Lord Otto hopes that Durandal will separate herself from the history and grudges of Kaslana, Saniyat, and others, and simply be an independent and free girl to choose her own future."

"I know, I've seen those records. But that also forcibly deprived her of the love that should have been hers. I think Durandal has grown up, and now she is qualified to face everything and continue to make her own choices in reality."

Yae Sakura rested her head on Rita's shoulder, clinging softly to Rita body.

Rita naturally wouldn't resist, only feeling that Yae Sakura was indeed exhausted today, so she reached out and supported Yae Sakura's slender waist, smiling:

"Sakura-sama is indeed very gentle."

"Who said that? I'm about to assign you a very cruel task."

"Please give us your instructions, Your Excellency."

"This is the list I asked Fu Hua to find out... Fu Hua, the Herrscher of Reason. They are all high-ranking officials who had something amiss at today's succession ceremony. I need you to investigate them one by one and deal with those who need to be dealt with properly. I need to remove the last obstacles to uniting everyone. We don't have much time left, and we can no longer play the power game with them leisurely."

Rita took the list and glanced at it briefly; there weren't many names.

But the reality is far more complicated. Although there are not many names, each one is involved with a huge organization and power. Pulling out one head will bring out countless roots.

Rita shook her head with a wry smile, knowing that this would be a considerable amount of work.

Yae Sakura wrapped her arms around Rita's waist, pressed her cheek against the timid maid's soft, sweet face, and breathed softly:

"I'm sorry, it will be hard for you to go deep into the darkness again. Durandal is not suitable, she can't do this kind of thing."

"What are you saying, Sakura-sama? This is Rita's duty. It is Rita's honor to serve the cause of fighting the Honkai."

"That's not how it works. He who gazes into the Abyss is also gazed into by the Abyss, and he who eradicates darkness is also wounded by darkness. I believe in Rita, but this will definitely be tiring and painful, so... if you get tired, just tell me, and I'll prepare a hug and some tea for you. No matter what, I will share these burdens with you."

"Sakura-sama..."

Rita admitted that these heartfelt words touched a soft spot deep within her heart.

Otto is a competent leader. He understands the confusion, sadness, and helplessness that Rita feels in the darkness, so he lets Rita stay by Durandal's side, the sun, and he also gives Rita time to breathe and heal herself.

But Otto's heart was already occupied by Kallen, leaving only a Xiao Kong that was difficult for others to enter. Even special individuals like Theresa and Yae Sakura were able to enter that space only through their connection with Kallen. Therefore, Otto could not directly comfort Rita; he could not empathize with her, much less offer his true feelings.

Now, Yae Sakura says she understands the aftereffects of that darkness and shares it with Rita.

This feeling is different from Durandal's.

Durandal is the sun; even without knowing the situation, she can heal Rita with the light and heat emanating from nature.

Yae Sakura is more like the moon, not as scorching as the sun, but still radiant, gently massaging Rita's vulnerable heart with her tender hands.

"Sakura-sama..."

"Um?"

"Rita, I definitely prefer a boss like you."

"Isn't this boss being a bit too cold? We're clearly friends, right?"

Yae Sakura affectionately rubbed her lips against Rita's cheek.

Rita didn't feel offended at all; she just felt that Yae Sakura was genuinely exhausted, which explained her soft and tender reaction. Rita immediately felt a pang of sympathy.

"Yes, they are best friends."

Rita smiled and turned her head, gently stroking the face so close to hers. The intimate gesture was just like when she occasionally playfully cuddled with Durandal.

Yae Sakura possesses a captivating and alluring beauty, yet within her lies a self-proclaimed dark but actually gentle and passionate soul, outwardly displaying a pure and holy aura. This blend of qualities creates a fatal attraction that transcends gender.

Rita is a bit peculiar; her orientation is towards Durandal and pure, cute little girls—in short, she's not very straight.

Therefore, she could fully appreciate the beauty of Yae Sakura.

Yae Sakura's eyes became hazy, as if she were truly exhausted, or perhaps some emotion had been stirred within her, and she spoke in a slightly hoarse, alluring tone:

"Rita, can you take me to take a bath?"

"I...it's my honor, Sakura-sama."

Gazing into those tender, affectionate eyes, Rita gradually became dazed. It was as if she were sinking deeper and deeper into something warm, yet unwilling to break free...