Chapter 376

"No need, Bronya is just here as arranged."

The emotionless loli said coolly, taking out a note from her pocket. Bronya had inadvertently found it in her clothes earlier. Bronya could only think of this woman when she saw the code name on the note.

Black Rose wants to experience the skills of the Ural Silver Wolf.

The note read these words. Earlier, a letter with such a line of beautiful cursive script had fallen into Bronya's pocket. After a moment's thought, Bronya decided to keep the appointment, posing as a retired assassin... Then, as soon as she arrived, she saw Rita holding Shen Gonglin. For a moment, Bronya even considered returning to the world of assassins.

"Oh, so that's what it is. Durandal asked me to help you relax, so I took the liberty of doing it... But Miss Bronya, as you can see, I'm a little busy right now. How about you pretend you didn't see this note?"

Remembering that there was such a thing, Rita suddenly realized, and then she tried to cover it up, but seeing Bronya's unmoved eyes, the maid could only sigh helplessly. Sure enough, even she couldn't perfectly predict what would happen in the future. If she had known she would have such an opportunity to get close to Shen Gonglin, she wouldn't have slipped that note to Bronya.

"Alright, alright, Miss Bronya, please relax. You don't need to be so wary. I mean you no harm, Miss Bronya. Of course... I know my behavior in the church may have upset you all."

Seeing the loli's appearance, Rita knew that she probably wouldn't have a chance to get close to Shen Gonglin today. The maid released Shen Gonglin and adjusted her Valkyrie Armor. Today, she wasn't wearing her maid outfit but was equipped with the God-Slaying Armor, but that didn't affect her identity as a maid.

"As an assassination, it was a clean and swift strike. Precise, cold-blooded, and ruthless."

From an assassin's perspective, Bronya commented on Rita's stab at the Otto clone in the church. It was indeed impressive, and it certainly made Bronya wary of her.

"I apologize for the unpleasantness I caused, but work is work, and I think the legendary Ural Silver Wolf will understand."

Rita bowed sincerely in apology. He had only informed Shen Gonglin in advance, but to others, he must have seemed cruel for killing someone so cleanly and efficiently. However, Bronya should be able to understand his actions.

"... Perhaps I could have understood that in the past. But now I believe that certain rights and wrongs cannot be excused by work."

Bronya stared intently at Rita. She still couldn't completely trust this woman, so she was very uneasy about Shen Gonglin being with Rita like this. Just like when Rita had held Rita in her arms earlier, if the maid had wanted to, she could have easily snapped Shen Gonglin's neck with a little force. It was terrifying.

Bronya winked at Shen Gonglin thought Bronya was flirting with him. What's wrong with this girl? This isn't like her at all.

It makes people feel really shy.

"Miss Bronya is absolutely right. Everyone should indeed have their own set of principles. Over-reliance on external rules is ultimately a sign of immaturity."

Rita agreed with Bronya's words. Contrary to her appearance, this emotionless loli was quite mature inside.

"... What exactly are you trying to say? And what's the meaning of this note?"

Bronya waved the note. What did she want by calling her over? Bronya had even wondered if she might call her over to stab her in the back, but Shen Gonglin was right here, so that shouldn't happen.

"Ah, it's nothing. It's just that you and Miss Kiana are going to participate in the Herrscher Core experiment, so Lady Durandal asked me to see if I could help in any way. That's all. Of course, if Lady Bronya doesn't want to, you can ignore this. Rita will take her leave now."

After saying that, Rita tried to leave with Shen Gonglin without waiting for Bronya's response. She hadn't expected to be alone with Shen Gonglin before, so Rita wanted to come and help Bronya. But who would want to do that now? Wouldn't it be better to find a place to be affectionate with Shen Gonglin? Shen Gonglin, who was devastated by spending money on in-game purchases, needed a maid's comfort right now. As for Bronya... well, she could go somewhere cool and stay there.

"Wait a minute, Bronya shouldn't just be walking along and suddenly get stabbed so cleanly and efficiently, right?"

Having seen through Rita's thoughts, Bronya wasn't about to let her have her way. She quickly moved closer and grabbed Shen Gonglin's arm. She should have been the one to initiate this, the one who first became close to Shen Gonglin because he had healed her legs. However, due to his personality and certain physical characteristics, Bronya felt her relationship with Shen Gonglin was now inferior to others. He didn't even seem to desire her body, which greatly hurt Bronya. So, in this situation...

How could I possibly watch Rita take Shen Gonglin away?

Isn't this like putting a hat on yourself in front of your face?

"Hehe, Miss Bronya is quite humorous. Although the name of the Ural Silver Wolf was only a fleeting phenomenon in the assassin world before quickly fading away... Rita would not dare to be disrespectful to you, who once set the record for the fastest ascent to the top of Charon's List. Moreover, Durandal repeatedly instructed me to get along well with everyone in the Hyperion, so Rita naturally would not do anything out of line."

Bronya couldn't find anything wrong with the maid's manners, which were impeccable. At this moment, Shen Gonglin also woke up from her disappointment at failing the lottery. What were these two girls talking about?

"Alright, alright, stop with your mutual flattery, Rita. What exactly are you going to recommend Bronya do for exercise? If she wants to relax, a massage is definitely the way to go."

This was the best way for Shen Gonglin to relax that she could think of, but Rita just smiled and shook her head. Massage was something that only Shen Gonglin could use, while for Bronya, the best warm-up activity was, of course, fighting.

"Of course, it's a warm-up match. This way, Miss Bronya."

Rita bowed and invited Bronya. There were still quite a few Honkai Beast over there; it would be a good option to warm up and clear them out at the same time.

Chapter 115 Seniors and Juniors

Without exchanging many words with Rita, Bronya entered battle mode. She didn't even need the power of the Herrscher of Reason to deal with this kind of Honkai Beast. She used to be an assassin, and although she hadn't done that kind of thing for a long time, Bronya still hadn't given up her skills. Precise and efficient, Bronya quickly took down the Honkai Beast in front of her.

To be fair, they really did achieve that in terms of physical activity.

"As expected of the legendary Ural Silver Wolf, his movements are clean and efficient, and his thinking is quick and clear. Rita has learned a lot from him, but..."

Bronya finished the battle, while Rita clapped softly behind her. Bronya acted as if she hadn't heard Rita's praise, since she didn't need it. However, the maid's next words made her a little concerned.

"But as a junior in the assassin profession, Rita, could you offer a small piece of advice?"

Does this maid have any objections to her battle? Bronya raised an eyebrow slightly. Normally, she could ignore it, but not this time. Shen Gonglin was there, and Bronya tried her best to be perfect in front of him. Rita's words clearly implied that there was something wrong with her, which Bronya couldn't tolerate. Bronya was a perfectionist.

"Oh? Tell me about it."

"Miss Bronya's movements are indeed very skillful, but perhaps she lacks a little bit... elegance."

With the demeanor of a maid, Rita, maintaining perfect etiquette, pointed out her elegance by pinching her fingers. It was indeed a very concise and efficient fighting style, but this style didn't actually fit Rita's fighting aesthetics. If it were her, she would try to make it more elegant and pleasing to the eye.

"Elegance? Bronya doesn't need it. The most important thing on the battlefield is to eliminate the target. Any unnecessary pursuit will have an immeasurable impact on the mission itself."

Bronya disagreed with Rita's opinion. In her view, any decision that exceeded the required standard when it came to killing enemies would affect the outcome. Therefore, elegance was not something Bronya needed. Bronya felt that this assassin junior's pursuit was putting the cart before the horse.

"Ah, Miss Bronya is absolutely right. However, a little embellishment might also be helpful for future missions."

With high emotional intelligence, Rita did not directly deny Bronya's point of view. Talking to this maid is very comfortable. She always considers things that make you feel more comfortable. However, this does not mean that Rita blindly follows other people's opinions. In fact, she is quite opinionated.

"Is it similar to getting more employers to appreciate your work?"

Bronya tilted her head. That was the only purpose she could think of. Was it something like making people admire how neat the cut on the corpse was?

"Miss Bronya makes a good point; it is indeed a derivative benefit. Although what I meant to say was that art might be used to build a kind of trust with others that transcends the realm of reality. Seeing is believing, and if Miss Bronya would allow, let Rita show off her limited skills for once."

Rita smiled at Bronya, nodded slightly to Shen Gonglin, and then walked to the other side. There was still a lone Honkai Beast there. As a junior in the assassin world, it was only natural to show off one's skills to a senior. Moreover, Shen Gonglin was present today. If she could perform more elegantly and artistically, it would be a plus for her.

So, in front of Shen Gonglin and Bronya, Rita perfectly showcased her aesthetics. Rather than fighting, Rita was more like dancing, and the roses that appeared at her feet after the battle perfectly demonstrated the maid's elegance. Bronya frowned slightly. This maid really knows how to pose seductively.

The idiot next to me who keeps clapping is just a spectator who's been tempted!

"The cleaning is complete. How is it, Miss Bronya? Please feel free to point out any imperfections in the details."

Sheathed Rita scythe and returned to Shen Gonglin's side. The maid, with her hands folded in front of her, was as perfect as ever. Bronya interpreted her words as a provocation. Before, she could have dismissed Rita as futile, but now, seeing the astonished look in Rita's eyes as she gazed at Shen Gonglin, Bronya understood a little better. She couldn't say anything more about this, or she would fall into the maid's trap.

"Rita, why are you helping Otto?"

The topic was a bit abruptly changed; continuing to discuss these elegant matters would only make Rita more popular with Shen Gonglin, while Bronya wasn't good at such things. Rita didn't mind Bronya changing the subject like this; for a maid, maintaining elegance and composure at all times is an essential skill.

"I am an S-rank Valkyrie of Schicksal, while Lord Otto was previously an Archbishop of Schicksal ... However, I know that's not what you want to ask. Both Durandal and I simply made choices based on our own positions at certain moments when we had to make choices."

As Rita answered Bronya's question, Rita voice carried a hint of apology when she spoke of these matters. After all, some of the choices she and Durandal had made in the past had indeed hurt them... But at that time, it was impossible for either of them to transcend their own understanding and optimize their choices to perfection.

"... Then let me rephrase my question. Durandal, in your heart, is she a superior or a comrade?"

The maid's answer was quite clever. Bronya knew that for the next period of time, these two S-rank Valkyrie from Immortal Blade would probably be acting with the Hyperion, so trust was essential. Bronya needed to make sure that if a conflict really occurred, someone wouldn't stab her in the back.

"He is a friend I will care about for the rest of my life."

"What about Otto?"

"He is the bishop who has not yet officially stepped down from his Schicksal, and obeying his orders is my duty as Valkyrie... unless it goes against my personal will."

Rita answered Bronya's question truthfully. When she got to this point, the maid glanced at Shen Gonglin, her attitude couldn't be clearer. If it affected Shen Gonglin, it would be against Rita's personal wishes. Rita had done this a long time ago, which was the biggest reason why Shen Gonglin had distanced herself from Durandal during that period while her relationship with Rita had warmed up without any change.

This maid made her stance clear from the very beginning. There was no "I'm doing this for your own good" attitude; she was genuinely on Shen Gonglin's side.

Chapter 116 Mutual Flattery

"... What would you do if, in the future, Shen Gonglin and Durandal's choices diverged from Otto's?"

This woman really doesn't miss any opportunity to curry favor with Shen Gonglin. She's much more threatening than that idiot Kiana. Bronya raised her guard against Rita even higher in her mind and asked the maid this soul-searching question. What they need now is a solid ally, not some traitors.

People destined for Schicksal often have a tendency to betray others, Bronya felt she needed to be discerning about this.

"Hehe... Forgive me, Miss Bronya, but given my current position, you probably wouldn't believe anything I say. But please understand it this way: Miss Bronya and I are perhaps a little more similar than you think."

Hearing this question, Rita couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle. So Bronya was worried about this kind of thing. She actually doubted that she would waver between Otto and Shen Gonglin's orders? Did she think that she would always stand by Shen Gonglin's side, and even bring Durandal along? Miss Bronya, how adorable.

"Similar? What do you mean?"

Bronya didn't find her own words laughable. Looking at the maid's perfect figure, which swayed slightly with her laughter, Bronya, one of the members of the 6A-level scenic area, felt provoked. This was truly... utterly humiliating! Bronya had always suspected that her current stagnation in her interactions with Shen Gonglin was due to her figure, and now Rita was provoking her like this right in front of her...

Just wait, Bronya will grow up one day. When I reach their age, I will definitely be more powerful than any of them!

"It means that among those friends we care about for a lifetime, there is one who is very cute, but also a little worrisome. Lady Durandal does seem very serious at first glance, and speaks bluntly, making her seem a little unapproachable... Lady Rin, don't be so surprised. The Durandal I'm talking about is indeed the same person you know. She's just different towards you. As for other people, that's exactly how I'm describing her."

Speaking of Durandal, Rita couldn't help but smile. Maids tend to like cute things; Theresa is like that, Shen Gonglin is like that, Durandal also has a cute side. Seeing Shen Gonglin's puzzled expression, Rita explained, "Don't be Durandal's attitude towards Shen Gonglin; her image as a straightforward, rigid, and inflexible female knight is deeply ingrained in people's minds."

"In some things, Lady Durandal can be as clumsy as a little girl, like whether or not to add an egg when buying a jianbing guozi, or rather... straightforward yet adorably awkward. So, back to your question, Miss Bronya, in those situations... I believe we would both act according to our own hearts."

Rita didn't directly answer Bronya's question, but her words made Bronya understand the maid's true thoughts. In fact, asking was pointless; judging from how much Shen Gonglin trusted Rita, it was probably clear enough.

She truly lives up to her reputation Hyperion socialite; she's incredibly capable.

"Perhaps I understand what you're trying to say."

"That would be wonderful. Although our past is full of friction and unpleasantness... I still hope that, at least after Lady Rin and Lady Theresa become bishops, everyone can get along peacefully."

Rita said very sincerely, after all, everyone will be sharing the same bed... ugh, the same ship and the same department in the future. Originally, they might have belonged to different camps, but after Shen Gonglin took over as the Bishop of Schicksal, these conflicts will no longer exist. Think about it, from now on she will be Shen Gonglin's personal maid, and everyone else will be Shen Gonglin's Valkyrie. We can't do anything that doesn't promote unity in the future.

"This will take some time for both sides, but... let's hope so."

With Shen Gonglin as a link, Bronya couldn't possibly remain hostile to Rita forever. After hearing Rita's words, Bronya's wariness towards her lessened considerably. It seems this maid is similar to them in some ways.

"So, how about we start a good friendship by working together to defeat a Honkai Beast?"

Rita has also cultivated a good relationship with one of the girls who serves Shen Gonglin. This is very important for Rita, her personal maid, because she can't make things difficult for Shen Gonglin in the future. To deepen their friendship, Rita extended an invitation to Bronya. At the same time, the maid winked at Shen Gonglin, as if to say, "See? I'm pretty good, aren't I? As a personal maid, you have to have this kind of ability. With me mediating and facilitating things for Shen Gonglin, he can just wait to enjoy the good life."

Seeing this, Shen Gonglin quietly squeezed Rita's palm. This maid is really amazing. With just a few words, she made Bronya's attitude towards her improve so much. Shen Gonglin was actually looking forward to the two of them fighting... no, she was afraid that the two of them would fight. But it turned out like this. As expected, Shen Gonglin still doesn't quite understand the relationship between girls.

"Okay, if you can keep up with Bronya."

"To the best of my ability."

The two fought side by side. Perhaps because of the Herrscher Core, there were many Honkai Beasts in the town of Kolosten. Clearing out the Honkai Beast and getting some exercise was Bronya's original plan.

Even the strongest Honkai Beast is no match for a Herrscher and S-rank Valkyrie. Before Shen Gonglin even finished her game, the two of them had already ended their battle. Fighting side by side is indeed the best way to improve one's relationship. Didn't you see that Mei and Raven came together like that? Now, Bronya and Rita are clearly closer than before.

"Phew, as expected of Miss Bronya."

"You're not bad either, Schicksal S-rank Valkyrie."

After returning to Shen Gonglin's side, the two first engaged in a round of mutual flattery. After fighting side by side, they both gained a clearer understanding of each other's strength and realized that they were indeed very outstanding individuals.

"Thank you, Miss Bronya. I hope... this training will be helpful for your later experiments."

As their relationship grew closer, Rita didn't use honorifics this time. Bronya was about to conduct an experiment with Kiana, and Rita wanted to help out a little.

"Yes, I feel much more physically fit now, thank you."

Chapter 117 Say What You Want, Shen Gonglin

"That's good. It's wonderful to be able to help you, Miss Bronya. If I have time, I might be able to give you a massage... It's a massage technique personally taught to me by Lady Rin."

Rita winked at Bronya. Although a personal maid should only massage her master, Bronya was clearly not an outsider. They were all good sisters, so it was no big deal. After saying that, Rita bowed slightly and was about to turn and leave, but Bronya called out to the maid.

"Rita ... Bronya has only one thing to remind you about what you said today: since you believe your companions won't make decisions that will disappoint you, then when the time comes, don't make decisions that will disappoint your companions either."

Bronya's words were pointed; her previous distrust had lessened somewhat after Rita's actions, but she felt she still had to say it. She didn't want Rita to do anything that would disappoint everyone; if she did, then the maid would truly be untrustworthy.

"... Of course, Miss Bronya. Rita will keep this in mind. Black Rose will do her best in her final battle and live up to your expectations."

The maid turned and left respectfully, while Bronya slowly approached Shen Gonglin's side. This maid was indeed very intelligent; she knew when to give Shen Gonglin and Bronya private space. Watching the maid's departing figure, Shen Gonglin was quite surprised and turned her gaze to Bronya.

This girl is something else.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Shen Gonglin? You don't still think Bronya is a clueless little kid, do Bronya knows everything, Bronya just doesn't say anything."

Understanding the meaning behind Shen Gonglin's gaze, Bronya glanced at Shen Gonglin Herrscher of Reason. Although her expression remained unchanged, Bronya was actually quite pleased with herself, feeling that she had impressed Shen Gonglin and that this would prevent Shen Gonglin from looking down on her.

Although the Class President is very knowledgeable, the headmaster is very wise, Kiana has become very mature, Bronya has also grown at all.

She knows everything, yet says nothing... Could this girl be hinting at something? Hinting that she knows everything?

However, Bronya didn't expect that her casual remark would instantly make Shen Gonglin tense. There was no mistake, that girl's meaningful look meant exactly that; she must already know. She knew Kiana was clumsy and unreliable. Who goes out to brush their teeth and wash the sheets late at night? Bronya must have found out now. What should she do next? Was Bronya just waiting for her to confess?

That must be right, otherwise why would she say something like that?

"Hmm? Shen Gonglin, is something the matter? The experiment is about to begin."

Bronya was about to return when she saw Shen Gonglin's conflicted expression. What was wrong with her? Did she need to go to the bathroom?... Was it because she had been with Shen Gonglin for too long? Bronya felt herself becoming a little strange, but Shen Gonglin's current state was a bit off. What was going on?

"Bronya, I admit that Kiana did make love to me that day... but it was Kiana who initiated it, it had nothing to do with me. I did resist, but she was stronger than me, so you can't blame me."

"He's such a scumbag!" Shen Gonglin blurted out, completely losing her temper. And this shameless guy even shifted all the blame onto Kiana. "If it weren't for his cooperation, how could Kiana have succeeded? So I'm sorry, Kiana. I'll make it up to you properly later. I'll definitely treat you to a bowl of tofu pudding!"