After all, from a retrospective perspective, whether Otto decisively and falsely took her hostage to provoke Delta or turned around to block a knife for Wendy in a moment of crisis, he perfectly displayed the quick wits and responsibility that an Archbishop ought to have.
That circle of a flawless halo was truly so bright and dazzling that it blinded one's eyes! At the very least, it was entirely sufficient to fool Wendy.
"Miss Wendy need not worry. Regarding the former branch director and the others, as well as the other damages to the Oceania Branch, Miss Delta will not be punished. What Lord Bishop wishes to talk to her about more are her future treatment and arrangements, nothing more."
Wendy looked in the direction of that soft and melodious voice, and only then did she notice that Rita, dressed in an alluring maid outfit, was standing prettily nearby.
First to come into view was a tall and curvaceous figure, followed by that pair of soft, snowy mounds that made her look on with a sigh of despair and out of reach. This mouth-watering, delicate body, wrapped in a cool and sexy maid outfit, formed a breathtaking picture that made one's heart skip a beat.
Clearly she was a valiant and combat-skilled S-Rank Valkyrie, and clearly it was a maid outfit meant for labor, so why could Rita Rossweisse be so lewd?!
Wendy muttered in her heart, but out loud, she immediately pursued the question:
"Lady Rita, did Lord Archbishop tell you this? Could it be that you have already discussed the disposition of Delta in advance? Can you tell me?"
"Hehe! Miss Wendy can just call me Rita. I think we are already friends, are we not? You need not worry about Miss Delta's matter; she truly will not be harmed... In fact, this is also why I came to find you. The matters between Miss Delta and the former branch director are far more complex than you know."
Rita's smile dimmed, making it hard to conceal her lingering sighs of pity and sorrow.
Wendy blankly tilted her small head:
"Huh??"
More than ten minutes later, in another meeting room, Wendy received that record document of Otto's, "Delta's Diary."
"Lady Rita—oh, Rita, what is this?"
Wendy modified her form of address under Rita's disapproving gaze. Although she was a bit unaccustomed to it, she was far more concerned with the situation Rita had mentioned earlier.
Could there be some hidden story between Delta and the branch director that she was completely unaware of?
"You may read it first, and afterward Rita will explain it to you. Only, please try your best to maintain your restraint; these matters have already passed."
Rita said with a gentle smile.
Wendy secretly called her a freak. Leaving aside her mouth full of riddles, and the fact that she was clearly a noble S-Rank yet always dressed like a maid, she also showed exceptional respect for ordinary a-rank little girls like herself and Delta—could she be a fanatical maid cosplay enthusiast?
Wendy couldn't guess and could only open the document as instructed.
The childish handwriting closely matched Delta's characteristically deadpan, airheaded style. Even though not a single word was written about blood and tears, it portrayed an unimaginably profound and dark world.
Wendy's hands quickly began to tremble.
The color of blood on her face and lips gradually receded, replaced by a pale shade born of towering fury.
"Bang!!"
After quite a long time, Wendy suddenly smashed the table in the room with a single punch.
She raised her head, her tightly clenched small fists making the sound of joints tightening. Beneath the gloom, her eyes flashed with terrifying murderous intent, and she trembled with disbelief and a refusal to believe:
"This isn't... Delta's diary, is it?"
"Regrettably, it is."
"How could they dare! Delta never told me any of these things! That fellow was clearly so... I don't believe it! It can't be, how is that possible?"
Chapter 74 So Sweet
Wendy abruptly threw the document onto the ground.
Having experienced that darkest period of time together—being warmed, protected, saved, and pulled back into the light—Delta was, to Wendy, already a unique and irreplaceable existence.
She could not accept that beneath Delta's aloof and absent-minded appearance, such terrifying, dark experiences had been hidden.
Wendy knew that a dark side existed within Schicksal; for instance, she herself had once been a victim to a certain extent. Yet she could not accept that Delta had once experienced the things on that document. If this were true, if it were truly the case—just how riddled with holes must Delta's heart have been?
Rita sighed silently in her heart, squatted down, picked up the document, and placed it back into Wendy's trembling hands.
"Miss Wendy, I can understand how you feel. No one wishes to see someone they cherish suffer this kind of harm. But, if you do not even have the courage to look all of this in the face, how can you speak of saving Miss Delta?"
Rita persuaded earnestly and profoundly.
Wendy felt a sharp pain in her heart, then hugged the document tightly to her chest. Like a confession, and also like talking to herself, she said with thick bitterness:
"So, Delta experienced all of this before coming to my side; so that's why she always says to enjoy the pleasures of the moment while they last; so that's why she can treat life and death with utter indifference... That idiot, she actually told me with a smug face that she was a nepotism hire! What kind of nepotism hire is this, you idiot!"
Tears blurred Wendy's vision.
In a daze, she seemed to see Delta's lazy and decadent little face.
And in Wendy's eyes at this moment, those indifferent words and those exasperating slacker declarations all hid countless bloody scars!
"Delta..."
Wendy sobbed, unable to control herself any longer, and let out a heart-wrenching cry.
Rita also gave a faint sigh, quietly accompanying Wendy and waiting for her to vent the grief in her heart.
After a long while, as Wendy gradually stopped crying, Rita began to explain:
"That is why I said Miss Delta will not suffer punishment, because she was innocent to begin with, and the branch director and his accomplices have long since deserved the death penalty."
"Rather, being able to die at Miss Delta's hands on that occasion, allowing her to vent a portion of her hatred, is actually beneficial for her to ultimately and successfully complete the experiment. In that sense, Miss Delta merely used the lives of these sinners in the most valuable place. What crime is there in that?"
"The only pity is that the experimental base in the diary was completely destroyed two years ago, and the relevant grassroots personnel were silenced along with it. Yet these branch higher-ups steeped in sin were too eager to show off before Headquarters, and actually gathered at the scene in full; not a single person present wasn't an accomplice."
"Though they got what they deserved, this way, it is already impossible to fully list out their detailed criminal evidence."
Rita shook her head helplessly, feeling a slight sense of regret. But under the premise that the most important experiment had already succeeded, no one cared about these negligible regrets anymore.
Wendy listened quietly; she had already lost interest in the fate of the branch director and the others. It was just that upon hearing that Delta had taken revenge with her own hands, she felt slightly better.
Then, she wiped away her tears and once again opened the document.
"You're right. I must understand all of this; I must know all the pain Delta endured, and only then can I help her!"
With resolute determination, Wendy bit her teeth solemnly, and then with a firm gaze, she opened the document and read the second half of the diary.
The time written progressed all the way to a few months ago, which was when Delta and Wendy first met. Yet the text after this felt as though it belonged to a different world.
October 26, 2014, Sunny: Arrived at the Oceania Branch. Saw the real ocean. Super big, was a bit startled. One person who underwent the experiment before me is still alive; her name is Wendy. She moves super fast while sitting in a wheelchair—let's just call her the wheelchair sprite. The wheelchair sprite has a strange hair color that is black on the outside and green on the inside, and her eyes are like deep green gems. But she smiles stupidly, completely unaware that she has already been abandoned by those people.
October 30, 2014, Sunny: The wheelchair sprite stood up! To be exact, she is trying to do rehabilitation. Actually, it's meaningless. No matter how you rehabilitate with a gem in your body, it's useless. It will naturally get better once the gem is transferred to me. However, those stubborn eyes are a bit cute. I like them.
"Pfft! What wheelchair sprite?! You really don't know how to speak, you fellow! However, cute and liking... Tch, clearly she can still write some human words, why doesn't she write a bit more?"
Wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes, Wendy complained with a mixture of tears and laughter.
Rita looked at her with gentle eyes, knowing that Wendy was trying hard to adjust her emotions, so she said nothing. Only in her heart, Rita also felt a deep sense of relief for the Delta in the second half.
November 7, 2014, Overcast: Rehabilitation is indeed a useless effort, so the wheelchair sprite cried. Felt a bit uncomfortable, so I tried to comfort her. As foolish as she is, she seems a bit stronger than I imagined?
November 9, 2014, Overcast: Moved into the wheelchair sprite's room. Saw a lot of wheelchair accessories—could she be the legendary DIY expert? Dug out cute pink cartoon stickers from under the cabinet; they should be pasted on the wheelchair. In any case, dark history acquired! Slept with the wheelchair sprite at night. Her hair smells nice, and her body is also very soft. More comfortable than imagined.
November 13, 2014, Sunny: Received a thermos cup sent by the wheelchair sprite. Counting the flowers on the 14th, this is the second time I've received a gift from someone else. Anyway, the cup is very pretty.
November 21, 2014, Sunny: Secretly added sugar into the thermos cup, then lied to her that it was high-end goji berries bought overseas. She believed it! Hahaha, she actually completely believed it, how silly!
"Delta! So that high-end goji berry thing was a lie to me?! Pfft! Forget it, I'll forgive you for now, you heartless fellow!"
Wendy's sobbing had not completely stopped, and she couldn't hold it in this time; even a snot bubble popped out.
Rita very considerately handed over a tissue.
Wendy didn't have the mind to care about her image either, just continuously wiping while continuing to read.
December 3, 2014, Sunny: Didn't want to get up, so I ordered the wheelchair sprite to buy me breakfast. Anyway, her wheels spin fast, so consider it morning exercise. But I suddenly remembered that fellow seemed to be ostracized in the base, and felt a bit worried, so I quickly followed... So angry! Even I only dare to pull a secret prank occasionally; how dare those fellows sneer and jeer? Scolded them with sarcastic remarks from top to bottom! I memorized all their faces, you all just wait and see!
"You idiot, I didn't even care, what are you getting anxious for?"
Wendy stroked these words, as if she could feel Delta's anger at that time, and a wave of warmth surged in her heart, greatly soothing the anxiety and heartache she had felt up until now.
December 14, 2014, Overcast: The researcher said the gem transfer will take place the day after tomorrow. I told them to keep it a secret first, to give her a surprise when the time comes!
December 16, 2014, Overcast, Strong Wind: Wendy, I shall descend into a deeper darkness, in exchange for you returning to the light.
Late-night addition: Why did you suddenly crash into me? It hurt like hell, the wheelchair even fell apart. I'm keeping a record of this grudge!
Wendy was stunned, her soul trembling because of it.
Subsequently, the tears that had just stopped once more filled her eyes.
"You fool, it's enough if you just take good care of yourself..."
Wendy complained, sniffing, yet a warm smile with pear blossoms and rain slowly bloomed on her face.
Grandly held the 1st Wheelchair Racing Competition. Played some minor tricks in the middle of the night, so I won!
Slacker body pillow acquired. Feels like the texture is not as good as Wendy's.
Today's sunset glow is golden. Sneaked a look at Wendy's expression; she looks silly, but she's a bit cute.
Wendy's fifth day of rehabilitation. Holy shit, so flexible. Turns out an a-rank Valkyrie isn't sympathy points given just because people think she's silly? Petite and exquisite figure, professional movements, full marks for the smile... I have a new respect for her. Wendy is really super cute, I like her, hehe!
One piece after another, these records outlined Wendy's past memories without exception. Some made one's teeth itch, some brought a knowing smile, and some left one not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
Yet ultimately, to Wendy, these words were incomparably warm.
"Me too, I super like you, Delta..."
Her vision blurred by tears, Wendy smiled with incomparable gentleness, even momentarily forgetting Rita's existence as if that lazy fellow in her memories were right before her eyes.
All the way until the very end, she saw these words:
(Report to Lord Archbishop: the main text of the diary has ended with the previous section. This passage is a message on the final page of the diary. Please take note.)
Hey, Wendy, if you have the chance to read this diary, no matter where I am right now, I want to tell you: you are the only and best friend in Delta's life. I hope Wendy can live happily forever, and that way, Delta will be happy too.
"Drip, drop!"
Crystal-clear tears wetted the document, drop by drop.
Smiling, Wendy at this very moment desperately wanted to see the owner of these words and tell her:
"You too, Delta! You too are Wendy's only and best friend!"
Chapter 75 The Air is Dry, Watch Out for Fire
"...Regarding the Oceania higher-ups and your physical condition, we will probably leave it at that. You seem rather uninterested, so I won't make a fool of myself. Then next, how about we chat about your next arrangements?"
In the crisp-aired office, Otto laced his fingers, pressed his hands against the desk, and said with a smiling expression.
Having witnessed firsthand the process of the human heart triumphing over the Ruler's heart, his ultimate plan gained another layer of confidence, and he also gained one more crucial chess piece.
Coupled with the fact that Wendy ended up surviving, it made Delta—this newly emerged top-tier combat power—even easier to control.
Otto genuinely believed this trip had been worthwhile, and his mood at the moment was undoubtedly very good.
Therefore, Otto smiled and gazed at Delta, who maintained a cozy and indolent posture, entirely unbothered by her absent-mindedness—little did he know that in a place invisible to him, a full ten to twenty Anqis were holding their breath and listening intently at this moment, wishing they could tear apart and analyze every single punctuation mark he spat out.
"Ah? Oh, I'm listening..."
"How do you feel about arranging Wendy into Durandal's team? With this contemporary strongest S-Rank Valkyrie leading her, I imagine Wendy will soon be able to unleash her talent once again and ascend to the S-Rank level."
"What are the benefits and treatment like on that team? Are the working hours long? How many days of annual leave? What are the quotas for sick leave and personal leave? Do they still lack artificial Rulers?"
Delta suddenly opened her eyes. Although she was still sprawled in the wheelchair, her sleepy little expression instantly perked up.
Otto laughed dumbfoundedly, shaking his head as he said:
"I finally understand. You are only interested in matters concerning Wendy right now, aren't you?"
"Ah, not necessarily. For example, I also care about where my thermos cup has been shipped to by now."
Delta shifted her eyes to the side and said with a guilty conscience.
Otto's lips curled up, feeling that he had roughly outlined Delta's personality.
A defective personality shaped out of inhumane experiments, looking down on everything outside, and not even valuing her own life. Especially now that her meager grievances had been avenged, she was already like a ghost drifting outside of humanity. Perhaps this abnormal psychology, distinct from ordinary people, was also a favorable factor enabling her to successfully conquer the Ruler's personality?
In short, the only thing currently maintaining Delta's humanity was Wendy—the first and currently only friend in her life.
Before you continue