Arrangements / A Troubled Heart

Looking at Bronya like this, Rita's eyes lit up, and her smile became even gentler.

"But Bronya is only one person, so we'll still need to trouble Rita later."

Bronya shook her head slightly and looked up at Rita.

"That's why Rita came here, isn't it?"

Rita covered her mouth and smiled when she saw Bronya's pleading gaze.

"After that, I'll leave it to Rita and Bronya to comfort these children."

Gwen smiled and said to Rita.

"After all, I'm not that good at dealing with kids."

"Yes, Gwen."

Upon hearing this, Rita smiled and agreed, her gaze towards Gwen becoming even gentler.

Soon, Rita, led by Bronya, entered the house, which wasn't very warm, to comfort and gather the children inside.

As for Gwen, he did not directly participate, but instead found a place to look after the unconscious Anne and analyzed the power that had been in Anne's body.

The fundamental ability of the Third Order Gene Lock is still the development of the brain, and the ability to simulate the thinking of others is only one manifestation of this ability.

Thanks to the boost from unlocking Tier 3, Gwen can now attempt to analyze the power within Amy.

"What a pity, I took the medicine too late. If I had taken it earlier, and had this ability when I twisted the entire illusion to my advantage back then, the gains would have been far more than just the remaining insights I have now..."

While stumbling through his analysis of the nature of Amy's power, Gwen also felt a pang of regret for the gains he had missed earlier.

While Gwen's analysis was making slow but steady progress, Bronya and Rita's work was going exceptionally smoothly—

With Bronya, the King Arthur of the Cocolia Orphanage, around, and Rita assisting her, although many children cried because they couldn't bear the reality, the overall situation was still manageable, and the children who accepted reality began to pack their things.

When the transport ship sent by the Eastern European branch arrived, while the children from the orphanage were carrying their belongings with the help of robots, Gwen called Bronya and Rita aside—

"Bronya, do you have any ideas about where to place your friends?"

"No, not at the moment. Brother Gwen, do you have any suggestions?"

Bronya shook her head honestly.

"Rita, what do you think about sending these children to Theresa's place?"

Gwen turned his gaze to Rita, who was standing to the side.

Although coaxing these children was not an easy task for Gwen, Rita didn't seem tired at all; on the contrary, she seemed to be enjoying it.

"Theresa's place... the environment and conditions are probably better than those of the affiliated orphanages in Eastern Europe."

Upon hearing Gwen's question, Rita hesitated for a moment, then frowned and gave her answer—

"However, if you want to go to the Far East branch, there may be language problems."

Moreover, many members of the Far East Branch were participants in that battle, which might influence these children.

325

Chapter 325 Arrangements.

"... That is indeed a problem."

Upon hearing Rita's words, Gwen nodded.

Although Gwen wasn't too worried that the children in Cocolia Orphanage would hate him or even seek revenge after learning that he had killed Cocolia.

However, if possible, Gwen still hoped that this time could be as late as possible.

Waiting until the children are more mature before learning this news may reduce some unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings.

Across from Rita, Bronya, upon hearing Rita's words, also fell into deep thought.

Although Bronya spent less time at the Far East Branch than Kiana and Mei due to being unconscious for several days, Bronya richer experience and stronger observation skills allowed her to see that the atmosphere at the Far East Branch was quite good.

Even with its problems, Bronya believed that with a leader like Theresa, everyone in the orphanage should be able to grow up safely in the Far East Branch.

However, the problem Rita mentioned does indeed exist—

If they stay at the Far East Branch, the children in the orphanage will likely find out very soon that their Mother Cocolia, was killed by Gwen.

Knowing this news too early is not good for the children in the orphanage.

Therefore, Bronya hesitated.

After a moment of silence, Bronya looked up at Rita across from her:

"Sister Rita, Bronya wants to know, are the Valkyrie at headquarters paid the same salary as those at the Far East Branch?"

"Perhaps different regions have different welfare benefits due to their own local customs, but the salaries of all members of the Schicksal branch and headquarters are the same."

Upon hearing Bronya's question, Rita immediately understood what Bronya was thinking and gave her an answer—

"If Miss Bronya wants to support the children in the orphanage with her own income, then the salary and benefits of C-rank Valkyrie are more than enough to ensure their healthy growth."

However, if education expenses are included, it seems that Miss Bronya will only be able to easily afford this expense after she becomes an A-rank.

"Grade A..."

Bronya frowned upon hearing Rita's answer.

Bronya certainly hopes that her friends in the orphanage can receive a good education and then enter society, but she obviously cannot afford that expense right now.

"So, Bronya, you're inclined to raise the orphanage children on your own with your own salary, right?"

Having also discerned Bronya's bias from the previous question, Gwen smiled, crouched down, and patted her little head.

"Um."

Bronya nodded.

"Everyone in the orphanage is Bronya's family. Bronya doesn't want them to go to an unfamiliar environment again, or even be separated and sent to different orphanages, facing strange looks."

As she spoke, Bronya's expression showed a hint of hesitation, clearly indicating that she had some idea in mind.

"In that case... I do have another suggestion—"

Gwen stroked Bronya's soft hair and said with a smile.

"Although I didn't go with you to comfort and persuade these children, I did conduct a simple test when we were moving them out. Most of these children have a slight Honkai Energy aura in their bodies, but there are no other unusual characteristics."

In other words, most of them possess basic Honkai Energy resistance and adaptability.

Whether by coincidence or intention, all the children in this orphanage possess the potential to become Valkyrie.

Even if many of them do not have enough Honkai Energy resistance to become powerful Valkyrie, they can still engage in Honkai -related work.

Therefore, if you, Bronya, are confident you can persuade them to let go of the hatred they harbored because of Cocolia, then having them join Schicksal might not be a bad option.

Even if they don't become Valkyrie but instead work in the Honkai Energy field, Schicksal has a systematic education system and welfare policies. While it may not guarantee they'll become talented individuals or live happy lives, at least they'll be financially secure in the future.

"This..."

Upon hearing Gwen's words, Bronya's silver-grey eyes widened slightly, and a conspiracy theory instantly arose in her mind—that it was aimed at Cocolia.

After all, adopted children all possess this potential, making it hard not to suspect that Cocolia was targeted.

Furthermore, what if these adopted orphans...?

However, before Bronya could recover from her conspiracy theories, Rita, with a slight frown, spoke up—

"Gwen, please wait a moment—"

"?"

Gwen and Bronya both turned their gazes to Rita, only to hear Rita say—

"It's true that Schicksal has a corresponding talent development program for individuals with a certain level of Honkai Energy resistance and adaptability."

However, because these children were once adopted by Cocolia, an enforcer of Anti-Entropy, they cannot be treated like ordinary people.

According to the regulations, these children who did not participate in acts against Schicksal will not be severely punished, but they will still need to be properly placed and their attitudes will be observed over a long period of time before they are selectively admitted...

It might be a bit harsh, but when it comes to the Honkai, personnel matters must be handled strictly.

"It was my oversight..."

Upon hearing Rita's explanation, Gwen raised his hand and pinched the bridge of his nose, secretly regretting his miscalculation.

On the other hand, Rita didn't think there was anything wrong Bronya the rules Rita mentioned.

After all, if a resentful person were to cause trouble at a crucial moment or place, it could be a major incident, and we must be on guard.

Or rather, in Bronya's view, who had been a Boy Scout, it was already quite merciful that Schicksal hadn't completely eradicated the threat.

"In that case, it seems we can only proceed according to your original plan, Bronya."

Gwen lowered his hand, looked at Bronya who was deep in thought, and smiled.

"Of course, there's no need to worry about funding—"

"Once I get back, I'll transfer some money to you through a smuggled account so you can settle your family and help them return to a normal life."

"..."

Bronya looked up abruptly upon hearing this, her silver-grey eyes meeting Gwen's smiling blue eyes. She saw no hint of joking, only utter sincerity, and her nose tingled with emotion.

Even though Bronya has more experience than many adults, she still feels immense pressure to suddenly shoulder the future of dozens of friends.

With Gwen's promise, the immense pressure was suddenly reduced by more than half, and even with Bronya's composure, her heart was in turmoil.

"Gwen, how about including Rita as well?"

Upon hearing Gwen's plan, Rita, who already had a draft in mind, smiled and said...

326

Chapter 326 Heart in Turmoil

"Since I've come here with you, Rita won't let you have all the glory."

"Um..."

Meeting Rita's smiling eyes, Gwen nodded in agreement.

"However, with Cocolia leading the way, it's not appropriate for those children to call you Rita Mama..."

"Rita seems alright too?"

"Gwen, even Rita doesn't like this kind of joke..."

Upon hearing this, Rita's pretty face flushed slightly, her beautiful, watery eyes fixed on Gwen—

Although being surrounded by a group of adorable children calling her "Mom" might seem nice, she's only been an adult for a short time!

"I'm sorry, I was wrong."

Faced with Rita's slightly reproachful and resentful gaze, Gwen immediately apologized.

"When interacting with girls, please try to avoid discussing age..."

Let's just say that Rita's words were presumptuous, given that she was merely a maid.

Seeing that Gwen and Rita's conversation seemed to have gone a bit off track, Bronya quietly stepped back, leaving the two of them alone.

"Yes, Rita you for reminding me, Rita. I'll keep that in mind when facing Changguang."

Faced with Rita's advice, Gwen "humbly accepted the advice" and readily took it as a suggestion.

"It's not just about Director Changguang, but about all women."

Rita suddenly had a feeling that Gwen seemed to have been infected by Lord You Lan Dai Er, being overly straightforward where he shouldn't be, and could only emphasize wearily.

"But Rita, you are still in the prime of your life, at the most beautiful time of your life. Don't you deserve the most sincere praise?"

However, at this moment, Gwen seemed to have truly been infected by You Lan Dai Er's straightforwardness, and asked with a smile.

"..."

Rita was speechless for a moment.

To be fair, Gwen's praise just now did make her very happy.

However, this is clearly not the same issue.