Alicia is the Real Golden Finger in Honkai!

Rita smiled, sensing Yolandale's slight awkwardness.

Oblivious to the maid's subtle smile behind her, Yolandale felt a bit embarrassed for not being able to join Rita and Gwen's conversation about "gifts." She quickly changed the subject:

"Congratulations, Gwen, on successfully defeating a Simulated Herrscher."

"I was just relying on Yue Tian's performance, ignoring that Simulated Herrscher's poison, and destroying the opponent with overwhelming firepower," Gwen said.

Gwen shook his head slightly and smiled, "What about you? You've been traveling all over the world, it must be tough, right?"

"Mmm... it's alright... I was just doing what a Valkyrie should do..."

Yolandale was good at praising others, but she didn't know how to respond to Gwen's compliment. She could only give a vague answer and change the subject again:

"Speaking of which, Gwen, you're really diligent. You only rested for one night and you're already back to training. It seems I can't slack off either."

Yolandale felt she could talk about this topic for a bit.

"Well, Fu Hua happened to be free, so I shamelessly asked her to work hard," Gwen said.

As they spoke, the three of them walked into the lounge area, where Fu Hua was drinking water.

"Long time no see, Senior Fu Hua," Yolandale said, waving as she greeted Fu Hua.

"Mmm, long time no see, Yolandale, Rita," Fu Hua replied with a nod.

Before going undercover at the Far East Branch, Fu Hua had also been invited by Otto to teach at headquarters when Yolandale was still flat-chested. Even though Yolandale had entered puberty, Fu Hua could still recognize her easily.

Chapter 84: Rita: What a pity

Although Yolandale didn't know Fu Hua's true identity, she knew that this seemingly ordinary Valkyrie was surprisingly strong, so she wasn't surprised by Gwen's words.

"Greetings, Lady Fu Hua," Rita said.

Rita had seen Fu Hua in Otto's office once when reporting work to him. Although Otto hadn't revealed Fu Hua's true identity, Rita had learned that her status was not simple.

"You must be exhausted, Gwen," Yolandale said, looking at the neatly arranged empty potion containers. Having some understanding of Gwen's situation, she added, "The energy potions you've consumed this half-day are probably equivalent to a month's worth usually, right?"

"It's alright," Gwen said, glancing at the potion containers that were placed together to be sent back for special treatment later. "My usual training also consumes energy, but there's also enough rest time. Today, it was just a rare opportunity, and my condition was good, so I kept getting into that state, and used more."

"Is that so? That seems to make sense..." Yolandale nodded, looking at Fu Hua, who still had a bit of sweat on her forehead. She said with slight regret, "I was originally planning to ask Senior Fu Hua for more guidance, but since you've already been training intensely for half a day, I'll wait for next time."

"I'm fine. This level won't have a significant impact," Fu Hua said. Fu Hua saw Yolandale's effort and diligence and was willing to help her within her capabilities.

"No, please don't trouble yourself," Yolandale refused. "You must be tired after training with Gwen for half a day. It's almost noon, you should rest properly."

"Mmm, alright," Fu Hua agreed, no longer insisting.

"Speaking of which, weren't you and Yolandale on a mission in Southeast Asia? How did you end up here?" Gwen asked, trying to find an opening to prevent Yolandale from asking any more awkward questions.

"It's like this—" Rita started. Facing Gwen's confused expression, Rita explained, "This morning, Yolandale and I completed our mission. When we reported to headquarters and prepared to return, we received a notification from Bishop Otto saying that you, Mr. Gwen, were also here, and that if we had time, we should pick you up. Yolandale and I discussed it, and let the main force return first. Yolandale and I took a small airship to pick you up and see the current St. Freya Academy."

"Speaking of which, I almost enrolled here myself back then."

Yolandale, worried that Rita would mention she was the one who suggested picking up Gwen, spoke first before Gwen could reply, changing the subject.

"Then why didn't you end up enrolling here?" Gwen asked curiously.

Although he already knew the answer, Gwen followed her lead, seeing Yolandale's expression.

"Uh, it's not that I thought this place was bad."

Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Yolandale seemed concerned that others might misunderstand and explained first before saying:

"It's just that I feel the atmosphere here is still too relaxed...

Well, perhaps it's tense for ordinary people, but for Valkyries, it's still a bit too relaxed."

"Hmm... in your style, it's true you might not adapt well to a more relaxed environment."

Although Gwen hadn't explored St. Freya yet, even without his past life memories, he could draw this conclusion just from Schicksal headquarters' reputation of St. Freya.

"..."

Fu Hua offered no comment on their discussion.

Compared to Schicksal headquarters, St. Freya was indeed much more relaxed, which wasn't suitable for Valkyries who could be considered soldiers.

However, considering that many Valkyries were orphans from the Honkai outbreak, such an environment was also beneficial for their growth and reduced the possibility of them becoming extreme, which was a good thing.

It could only be said that there were pros and cons...

Fortunately, although she didn't quite agree with St. Freya's philosophy and atmosphere, Yolandale was only stubborn, not foolish. She didn't dwell on the topic, instead asking, "Speaking of which, Gwen, are you planning to leave with us immediately, or will you wait until after lunch?"

"Either is fine with me."

As he spoke, Gwen looked at Rita beside Yolandale and winked, saying, "However, considering the time difference, let's eat lunch before we leave. We can also go see Theresa.

Although I received news last night that Theresa, who was urgently sent back to St. Freya, has stabilized, it's still best to check on her.

This way, Bishop Otto won't be able to ask us questions and get no answers."

"That's true," Rita said, her smile deepening. "If we don't go visit Theresa, it will be difficult to explain to the Bishop if he asks."

"Senior Theresa? Alright."

Yolandale nodded. Although she and Theresa didn't quite mesh in terms of demeanor, it didn't diminish her recognition of Theresa's courage and responsibility in facing the Simulated Herrscher alone to minimize casualties... even if it was a bit reckless.

With their decision made, Gwen, Yolandale, and Rita, after packing their things, were led by Fu Hua to where Theresa was recuperating.

Last night, after handing over the sealed area, the Hyperion had returned to St. Freya. However, Gwen was resting, and no one woke him to move, while Theresa had already been sent to St. Freya's medical department.

Led by Fu Hua, the three arrived outside Theresa's hospital room.

Rita lightly knocked on the door. Upon receiving a response, she pushed it open, and they entered one by one, without making much noise.

In the hospital room, the petite Theresa, still a bit pale, sat properly on the hospital bed. Seeing them enter, she waved and greeted them:

"Good noon, Gwen, Yolandale, and Rita."

"Hello, Senior Theresa (Madam), it's truly great that you're alright," Yolandale and Gwen nodded and replied with smiles.

Rita stepped forward and tucked in the blanket at Theresa's feet, covering the slightly reflective surface. "Lady Theresa, you must stay warm when you're injured," she said softly, also tidying Theresa's slightly stiff clothes that had become wrinkled from her recent movements. "It wouldn't be good if you caught a cold."

The maid said with a smile, but inwardly felt a hint of regret. If Gwen and the others weren't there, she could have teased... no, admired Lady Theresa's cute appearance properly, instead of just helping Theresa cover up her traces.

Chapter 85 Rita: Can't Carry Her, Can't Carry Her

"Mmm... I'm not a child anymore," Theresa, who clearly didn't know that only children insisted they weren't children, secretly pulled her almost exposed manga further under the covers, her gaze drifting as she said, "Besides, the room temperature is well-controlled, I won't catch a cold just like that..."

Although she wanted to resist Rita's actions to show she wasn't a child, she thought that might seem even more childish. Meeting Rita's still smiling eyes, Theresa's voice grew quieter, and she quickly changed the subject, "Oh right, Rita and Yolandale, you came to pick up Gwen and bring back the Simulated Herrscher Core, right? When are you planning to leave?"

Despite being incredibly busy, Himeko had messaged Theresa when Rita and Yolandale's airship landed at the St. Freya airport, informing the nominal Far East Branch Director of their purpose.

"Since Senior Theresa is no longer in critical condition, we plan to set sail after lunch here," Yolandale replied.

Actually, if there were fewer people around, Yolandale would have liked to discuss the issues in Theresa's combat performance during this operation.

However, thinking about Theresa's personality, Yolandale ultimately abandoned the idea.

"Sure, there are still many good places to eat near St. Freya. I'll recommend a few."

Upon hearing this, Theresa immediately perked up. She reached for a Schicksal terminal beside her, opened the map, and showed it to Rita, who was next to her:

"Here, Rita, look. The bitter melon salad at this place is really amazing..."

Although Theresa initially recommended a few shops with specialty bitter melon dishes based on her personal preferences, thankfully, under Rita's guidance, she still managed to introduce some normal restaurants. This way, Gwen wouldn't have to trouble Fu Hua further later on.

"I hope the lunch dishes will suit your taste."

Not long after, Theresa, sitting on the hospital bed and holding a bottle of bitter melon juice, waved goodbye to them.

It wasn't that Theresa completely lacked hospitality. It was just that Rita often gave Theresa a very peculiar feeling. Theresa, who usually slacked off, couldn't adapt to Yolandale's straightforward nature. Moreover, although the Simulated Herrscher Core wasn't a true Herrscher Core, it was still quite a dangerous item.

If the news leaked and attracted people from Anti-Entropy across the ocean, or if any accident occurred, St. Freya would be finished.

Combining Theresa's suggestion with Fu Hua's opinion, the four of them finally chose a restaurant with a distinct local flavor of the Far East. It wasn't a wasted trip after all.

However, at the restaurant entrance, Fu Hua bumped into an acquaintance—

"Good noon, Teacher Yang."

Fu Hua nodded to the history teacher, who had just walked out of the restaurant, and greeted him.

"..."

Blinking, thanks to her excellent control over her body, Gwen showed no unusual expression on her face. However, the momentary shift in her eyes did allow the maid beside her to detect a slight abnormality, causing the maid to narrow her eyes slightly as she looked at Teacher Yang.

"Good noon, Fu Hua."

Pushing up the glasses on his nose, the seemingly refined, handsome middle-aged man also greeted the outstanding student in his class. Then, his gaze shifted to Gwen and the others beside her:

"These people... are your friends?"

"These people came from headquarters yesterday to provide support," Fu Hua said concisely.