Chapter 401

Great, Kiana is indeed easy to understand. This way, we can delegate most of the work to Kiana, allowing Bronya to slack off a bit.

Watching Kiana working so hard, Bronya smiled faintly. That's how it should be.

Chapter 217 A Long-Awaited Afternoon Tea

"Bronya... what are you laughing at?"

Kiana, who was working hard, turned around and saw Bronya smiling faintly. Although she was not as smart as Bronya, the girl's intuition was quite accurate. She had a feeling that she had been tricked again without her noticing. Was it just her imagination?

"No, Bronya wasn't laughing... Bronya was just thinking, Kiana, after that, did you see Mei again?"

Bronya composed herself, her smile fading slightly. "Kiana mentioned earlier that she saw Mei in the passage to the Herrscher Core. This means there are still things I don't know about the Herrscher Core, and this is very important."

"Well, that's it."

"I understand. Communicating through the Herrscher Core in that way... must not be an easy task."

Kiana's answer wasn't surprising; it was a difficult thing to even think about. If communication could be established at will, it would be far too convenient.

"Yeah... that's why modern technology is so convenient. Bronya, aren't you a genius hacker? Do you have a way to get the World Serpent headquarters' landline number?"

Kiana sighed. Meeting Mei in that kind of place really didn't feel like anything special. She still wanted to be able to talk to Mei face to face, so she could hold her and smell her scent. Unfortunately, that kind of communication was too difficult. It was not as good as making a phone call with modern technology. Kiana said half-jokingly, "World Serpent's landline number... Does World Serpent even have a landline?"

"Are you serious?"

Feeling her professional dignity challenged, Bronya glanced sideways at Kiana. This girl was truly clueless. Even the most brilliant hacker couldn't do something like this. A landline and World Serpent... it just didn't seem to fit the style of the story.

"Just kidding, you're not serious, are you... If only I had World Serpent's landline number, even if I couldn't contact Mei, I'd call World Serpent silently every night to intimidate them. I'd make them know that abducting innocent women is a crime. Also, I know what Mei is thinking, even if she doesn't say it."

Kiana put the mop aside, looked up at the sky, and took a deep breath.

"It was like this when I was fighting the Herrscher of Domination, and it was like this when I was fighting Otto. She has always been helping me and helping us in her own way. I can't lose to her. When we finally meet, I have to show her how powerful I have become."

Looking dejected was not in Kiana's nature. The girl clenched her fist and clenched it hard. She had been beaten up by Mei when they parted last time, and she would have to tell Mei about her growth when they met again. If possible, Kiana would also like Mei to be her bridesmaid. Such an important moment, she really needed Mei by her side.

"Yes, that's right. Let's start with life skills. I'll leave the tidying and cleaning to you. The headmistress and Shen Gonglin should be back soon. Bronya is going to go find them."

Bronya clenched her fist in an encouraging gesture, then the girl dropped the broom and prepared to leave. Kiana had just been so determined to grow stronger, was immediately displeased. She hadn't meant to be strong in life skills! Bronya was too cunning. After Shen Gonglin returned, she was already thinking about showing off. Kiana was more scheming than Bronya!

"Wait, I'm going too... Hey, Headmistress, Shen Gonglin, you're back."

She rushed over and started playfully fighting with Bronya. Just then, Shen Gonglin and Theresa returned to the Hyperion and saw the two girls together. They seemed to be having a good time.

"Hmm, just got back... Why are there only the two of you? Where is the others?"

Theresa looked around. The huge deck was empty except for Kiana and Bronya. Where was everyone else?

"The Class President just came back, and then she and Seele went to help Dr. Tesla purchase experimental supplies. Rosaria and Liliya went to Rita's place, saying they're leaving soon and it would be a shame not to take some souvenirs with them..."

Bronya reported on everyone's schedule. Everyone was preparing to leave. This mission was finally coming to an end, and they could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

"I see... Well then, let's wait. The townspeople brought some bread and apple rolls, although this guy has taken a bite out of most of them, but... I don't think you'll mind. Let's eat them together when everyone comes back."

Theresa nodded, then helplessly raised the basket in her hand. The guy next to her insisted on looking at what kind of filling each bread had, so almost every bread fell victim to his wrath. Theresa was completely helpless against this willful and capricious fellow. She used to be able to put on airs as a headmistress, but after what happened in the sky, Theresa could no longer maintain that demeanor.

So, powerless to stop Shen Gonglin, she could only watch helplessly as Shen Gonglin ruined a basket of bread; it was all her fault.

"... As expected of Shen Gonglin, it's alright, I don't mind... It smells so good, I wonder when Seele and the others will be back?"

Kiana's lips twitched. She was already mentally prepared for Shen Gonglin's behavior, but she didn't care. She usually helped him finish his uneaten food, and besides, Kiana often argued with Shen Gonglin now, so how could she possibly dislike Shen Gonglin?

"They should be back soon... Judging by the time, it should be about time."

Bronya's poker face also showed a hint of interest. The aroma of the bread made her look forward to it. Who would want to eat an energy bar when there's something delicious to eat?

"Let's prepare some coffee and tea now, which can be eaten with bread. Hehe, it feels like it's been a long time since we've all gotten together to eat. I'm really looking forward to it."

Kiana suggested that they should relax and have a meal together after the incident. Such a routine was usually so ordinary, but now it seemed so precious to Kiana and the others.

"Yes, let's treat it as... a long-awaited afternoon tea time."

Looking at the streetlights in the distance, it might be a bit late to talk about afternoon tea now, but Theresa was still in a good mood, so she decided to leave it at that.

Chapter 218 Durandal's Background

Time is merely a stream for me to fish in.

I drank water there; but as I drank, I looked at its sandy bottom and realized how shallow the stream was.

That fleeting moment has passed, but eternity remains. I should drink deeper; fish in the sky where Stars are the pebbles of the heavens...

On the other side of Kolosten, the blonde Valkyrie was sitting reading a book. The girl parted her cherry lips and read aloud from Walden. She truly loved reading and hoped to inspire others to do the same, but unfortunately, the person she was reading for didn't seem particularly interested.

"Shen Gonglin, didn't you say you wanted me to read to you? Why aren't you taking it seriously at all?"

Durandal looked helplessly at Shen Gonglin lying on the bench next to her. She was quietly reading here when this guy inexplicably came over, saying that he had eaten too much and needed to digest, and that he was too bored so he asked her to read to him. But now, after she read to him, Shen Gonglin looked drowsy. Couldn't he tone down this academic underachiever a little?

If you get sleepy as soon as you start reading, isn't that obviously a sign of a poor student?

"Because I can't understand any of the books you're reading, Durandal... You agree, right, Rita?"

Shen Gonglin yawned and looked up at the enthusiastic maid who was offering him a lap pillow. As expected, Shen Gonglin could only see two towering peaks and could not see the maid's pretty face. As expected of Rita, her defense was truly impenetrable.

"What Lady Rin is right... However, lately it seems that whenever you have free time, you're always engrossed in reading... Durandal."

Rita smiled and stroked Shen Gonglin's hair, then changed the subject to Durandal. As a friend who had been with her for so many years, Rita was very perceptive of Durandal's thoughts. She could probably guess what Rita was thinking.

"Hmm... is there?"

"Am I like that? "Durandal shook her head, and Rita was even more convinced after seeing her reaction. Anyway, there were no outsiders here, so the maid spoke softly.

"Hehe. Even you, Durandal, didn't realize it, which means you must have something on your mind. Durandal, can you tell me? Rita will be a good listener, and I think you wouldn't mind telling Rin-sama either."

Rita said this, and her words made Durandal hesitate. She was right; the two people sitting before her were probably the people she trusted most. What she said to them...

"Thoughts on your mind... Ah, are you referring to the fact that Bishop Otto is no longer with us?"

Durandal paused slightly. She was right, but Durandal herself was still hesitant about whether to say such a thing. So she changed the subject and said it, but Rita's smile remained unchanged. Durandal, you still didn't tell the truth.

"Well, to be honest, Bishop Otto is indeed one aspect of the matter. Lord Otto has influenced each and every one of us. As he once said, man is a river that will eventually flow into the sea. The closer the river flows to the sea, the more turbid it becomes. But only the sea can contain the turbid river and still retain its own identity."

Speaking of this bishop, Rita's face was full of reminiscence. Although she was reluctant to admit it, he had indeed changed everyone's lives. If she hadn't met him and hadn't become Valkyrie, what would she be like now? Rita couldn't imagine, but as things stand now, Rita really liked her life.

Rita loves a life where she has friends who are willing to accompany her and a lover she wants to entrust her life to. She can do everything she can to protect everything she wants to protect.

Shen Gonglin remained silent. After accompanying Otto through the final moments of his life, Shen Gonglin had gained a different understanding of him. Although he was still a bastard, in some ways, he was indeed a respectable bastard.

"A river. Indeed, it has flowed for five hundred years, carrying silt and sand... But it has ultimately transcended all of that and reached the other side, which is neither good nor evil. I once thought I knew him well enough, that he was a very complex character... But now, I feel that I know nothing about him at all."

Speaking of that person, Durandal herself felt very complicated. She no longer knew how to evaluate him, especially after experiencing everything in the Kaslana Stigmata Space. She was even more at a loss as to how to deal with him.

"So... Durandal, if you have such feelings, it must be due to your own background as well."

Rita glanced at Shen Gonglin lying on her lap and said without hesitation, "It's his word. It doesn't matter. I won't hide anything from him. I'll just say what needs to be said when it's time to say it. Besides, he didn't ask me anything, so this can't be considered deception."

The reason Rita chose to do this here was because she saw Shen Gonglin punish Changguang. At worst, she could just have her own salary deducted too. Anyway, she had already given her salary card to Shen Gonglin, and she relied on Alvit for her daily expenses. Rita was no longer afraid.

By the way, Durandal also benefits from Alvit's support. After all, they are both very family-oriented girls, and they have given their bank cards to Shen Gonglin. If they don't benefit from her, they will be eating dirt.

"Uh-huh?"

Durandal nodded subconsciously, then looked at Rita in surprise, realizing what she was doing. How could Rita know that she had doubts about her background? She...

"Durandal, the fact that you are the daughter of Siegfried Kaslana and Cecilia Saniyat... I actually knew from the very beginning."

Rita's words were so startling that they made Shen Gonglin was on his deathbed, sit up in shock. As a result, he bumped his head on the mountain that was blocking his view. What had Rita just said?

Is Durandal the daughter of Siegfried and Cecilia?

What about Kiana... Oh, Kiana is a clone, so Durandal is actually the real Kiana?

Did I just stir up trouble at Kaslana family?!

Chapter 219 The Bride Isn't Me

Shen Gonglin was extremely surprised. The world centered around Kallen Kaslana was now residing within her body. Kiana, the Herrscher of Flamescion, was now pestering her to get married, and now she was saying that her ex-girlfriend, whom she had reconciled with, was also from the Kaslana family. What was going on?

"Lady Rin, please calm down and let me explain slowly. Durandal, do you have any questions?"

Rita pressed Shen Gonglin down again and looked at Durandal. The Valkyrie was surprised and didn't know what to say. This Rita really knew how to give her a surprise. She was still hesitating about how to say this, but Rita suddenly said it out loud with a normal expression. It was really hard to know what to do.

"Rita, sometimes I really don't know... wait, at the beginning? Could it be, when we first officially started dealing with each other..."

Upon realizing this crucial point, Durandal was even more astonished. If she knew from the beginning, then Rita ... The maid nodded, meeting Durandal's gaze. Indeed, she had known this from the start.

"Yes, Durandal is right. After all, back then, I had already been working in Lord Otto's special agent team for a while. So, if you'd like to talk about this, feel free to tell me."

Rita was so frank, but Durandal didn't know what to say. The girl hesitated for a moment, but if Rita knew from the beginning, then she could indeed have a proper talk with her.

Shen Gonglin remained silent, but his mind was filled with strange thoughts: Otto's direct special agent team... Otto's direct senior agent, codenamed Pangolin, right?

Why do I suddenly feel like laughing?

"Hoo... To be honest, when I learned this secret in the Stigmata Space, my feelings were very complicated. It wasn't that I found the information unbelievable, nor was I confused by suddenly learning these things... I just suddenly thought of a few people... Siegfried, Kiana, and Theresa and the others who have always taken care of Kiana. Of course, there's also Shen Gonglin... For them, this secret has been kept for too long... long enough that it has become too sensitive and complicated. If it's revealed in an inappropriate way, it might cause unnecessary harm to the parties involved. So... I've decided to keep it a secret until everyone can reunite, until the day the time truly comes."

Durandal took a deep breath and said those words. After saying them, the girl felt relieved. Then Durandal looked at Shen Gonglin. She had originally wanted to keep it from Shen Gonglin, but since he was here, she might as well tell him. However, she still hoped that he would not tell anyone else for the time being.

This girl is so gentle. The first person she thought of wasn't herself but Kiana. How can I put it? Durandal, she truly lives up to her reputation as the daughter of those two people.

Knowing all this, and understanding Durandal's inner thoughts, Shen Gonglin's gaze softened. He understood what Durandal was thinking. Shen Gonglin nodded to her; since this was her wish, he would definitely help her keep this secret.

"As expected... you still think of others in your own way, as always. Rita is very clear about the reasons Durandal does not want to make this secret public... but precisely because of this, Rita must let Durandal know... I will always be by your side, sharing all the secrets with you, and of course, Rin-sama too, we will always be here."

Rita had anticipated Durandal's reaction and expressed her support for Durandal in her own way. It's hard for someone to keep a secret, but Durandal has never been alone. She had Rin before, and now she has Shen Gonglin. They will both be with Durandal, so there's no need to worry too much.

"Ah... thank you, Rita. I'm so glad you said that. Having you by my side, supporting me and everything related to me... makes me feel incredibly lucky. Really, thank you so much, Rita."

Durandal was truly happy to receive such unwavering support from her maid. She sincerely expressed her gratitude to Rita, saying that it was thanks to Rita's presence that she could move forward with such confidence and boldness.

"It is Rita's honor, Durandal."

The maid spoke softly, but Shen Gonglin felt a little strange. How to put it? The atmosphere between the two of them was so harmonious. She felt like she was superfluous. Having witnessed everything, Shen Gonglin felt that it would be difficult to end things if the two of them didn't get married on the spot. She really was superfluous. Feeling ignored, Shen Gonglin decided to make herself more noticeable.

"Since you two are talking so enthusiastically, I feel I should say something too. Since you two are so close, why don't you just get married right away? When Kiana and I get married, you two can have your wedding together. It would be more lively if you got married together."

As Shen Gonglin casually remarked, the atmosphere between the three of them instantly changed. Durandal and Rita's warm and gentle expressions vanished in an instant, and they looked at Shen Gonglin in disbelief. Rita even stood up, and Shen Gonglin tumbled off the bench. Before he could even stop, the two girls had already grabbed his collar.

What did those two just hear? Shen Gonglin said she wanted to marry Kiana? This Kiana definitely doesn't refer to Durandal. When did this happen? He needs to explain this clearly!

"Lord Rin, you can eat whatever you want but you can't say whatever you want. What's going on? Rita hopes you can explain this clearly."

With her eyes narrowed, the maid wore a smile, but Shen Gonglin could not sense any genuine joy from her. The maid's expression clearly suggested she wanted to kill someone. Durandal, standing beside her, wore the same expression. The tongue-tied girl remained silent, but her blue eyes revealed the same thoughts as Rita's.

Why is Shen Gonglin suddenly getting married, and not even to me? Who can stand for this?

In any case, Durandal cannot tolerate this. Shen Gonglin must make this matter clear: Durandal does not agree to this marriage!

Chapter 220 A Heart That Considers Others

"So, that was just Kiana's one-sided request, and you, Rin-sama, never agreed to it? Is my understanding correct?"

Cornering Shen Gonglin, Durandal and Rita managed to extract the information they wanted. After learning the truth, the two girls breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness, it hadn't become a fait accompli yet, so there was still time. They were terrified; they thought they were going to have to eat their wedding candy. With a sigh of relief, Rita spoke softly, her words full of deliberate guidance. If it were just wishful thinking, she could do it too.

"Ah... I guess so. Theresa didn't agree because we weren't old enough, so that's about it."

Shen Gonglin nodded. He didn't know why the two of them were so excited. It was probably because Durandal was the real Kiana. In a way, their relationship was similar to that of sisters. Of course, the older sister would be surprised when the younger sister suddenly got married.

Shen Gonglin can understand that too.

As expected of Theresa, it seems she hasn't been wasting her years of hard work. At this moment, in the hearts of Durandal and Rita, Theresa's image was infinitely elevated. This is exactly what she should do. However, this can only be considered a delaying tactic; they cannot let their guard down now.

"Ahem... I see. Indeed, Senior Theresa has considered things very thoroughly. It's too early for you two to talk about this kind of thing. Moreover, I think such an important matter should be considered more carefully, and we should also consider the opinions of each other's families, such as Kiana's sister... ahem, that is, me. This matter still needs to be considered more."

Durandal changed the subject, how could she possibly agree to such a thing? Not even a second thought. Kiana's identity could be given to her, but not this lively and energetic Shen Gonglin. Although an older sister should give way to her younger sister, this kind of thing was not something she could give up. Feeling that she was being a bit too obvious, Durandal coughed twice and started to change the subject again.

"And now is not the time to talk about marriage. Although Bishop Otto has left, we still have to deal with the mess he left behind, and Siegfried... Oh right, there's Siegfried. No matter what, no matter what our status is, we have to rescue him."

Suddenly remembering her old father, Durandal suddenly felt like she had found a reason. She couldn't even save her father who had suffered so much, so why was she thinking about getting married? Her father was suffering there, while she was in the bridal chamber. As the older sister, Durandal felt it was her responsibility to wake her younger sister up.

"At that time... I witnessed Siegfried's figure, and I felt a special respect for him, for this stranger who was like family. He was all alone, carrying too much, leaving behind too many regrets, and suffering endless torment... But he never gave up hope, firmly believing that he would be reunited with his family; firmly believing that for that tomorrow, he would live optimistically in solitude... In order not to betray such a great belief, one day, Kiana and I must rescue our common father from that hellish place. So, until that is accomplished, I think we don't need to consider such things, don't you think, Shen Gonglin?"

Speaking of that unfamiliar relative, Durandal's tone was filled with determination. Yes, that was why she disapproved of their marriage. What kind of marriage was this? They couldn't even save their suffering father, what were they thinking about getting married? This unfilial daughter, couldn't she learn from her sister? She was so ignorant.

"Durandal is right. Don't worry, Rita will always fight alongside you, no matter what."

At this moment, Rita spoke up to help. The maid glanced at Durandal with her wine-red eyes, quite surprised. This Durandal was not simple. She was still thinking about how to dissuade Shen Gonglin from her immature idea, but Durandal had given such an irresistible answer. Was this still the straightforward Durandal she knew? Indeed, love can change a person. Even the straightforward and old-fashioned Durandal could be so witty in this matter.

Stared at by the two girls' intense gazes, Shen Gonglin didn't know what to say. What they said seemed to make a lot of sense. It didn't seem appropriate to say such things before doing this, especially since she hadn't even agreed to get married yet. So it was a bit premature to say anything.

"Alright, Durandal, you're right. I'll give this a serious consideration."