Collapse, I became Duck's daughter at the start?

Himeko sighed with a touch of emotion.

"To have a daughter at such a young age, and she's so cute and well-behaved. You have no idea how much everyone in the academy has been talking about Rosia lately..."

"If Teacher Himeko had found a partner earlier, her child would probably be about Rosia's age by now."

Bronya said calmly.

"Ha, but I'm your teacher."

Himeko replied helplessly.

"Rosia doesn't take after me; she's a lot like Seele."

This was one of the rare occasions Bronya proactively shared information about Seele with them.

"I remember Rosia saying Seele looks almost exactly like her?"

Kiana replied.

"Yes, not just in appearance, but their personalities are very similar too."

Bronya nodded.

"Seele and Bronya met at the orphanage..."

Hearing this, Raiden Mei couldn't help but let out a soft cough.

It seems like the upbringing of this little family of three is quite similar...

"Alright, everyone, let's eat. Mei-sister's cooking will get cold."

Rosia, knowing Bronya didn't particularly want to talk about Seele, changed the subject for her.

"Mm, right, let's eat first!"

Kiana's attention was diverted immediately, while Himeko looked at Rosia with surprise.

This child is very smart.

From the beginning, Himeko had been watching her. Most Valkyries who came to this academy had strong personalities. A child like Rosia, who naturally exuded a gentle and cute aura, was practically a guaranteed hit here.

Even she found it hard not to be drawn to this child.

What's more, Rosia's talent was exceptionally good. Valkyries with natural Stigmata could at least become the strongest A-rank Valkyries.

It was hard to imagine how many outstanding Valkyries would accompany her in the future.

"However, you all are quite remarkable too."

Himeko smiled slightly.

Whether it was Bronya, Kiana, or Raiden Mei, they were all the most outstanding children of their generation.

As a teacher, she wanted to teach them many things: responsibility, willpower, courage, and resilience.

But time at the academy always passed in the blink of an eye, and there were many things she couldn't teach.

"It really has a sweet scent."

After sitting for a while, Himeko could faintly smell a fragrance sweeter than honey.

"Oh right, Bronya, did you manage to buy that limited edition Houmu plushie you were talking about last time?"

After dinner, Kiana and Bronya sat on the sofa and watched TV for a bit.

"No, the store said they would be released randomly without a time limit. If I'm lucky in the future, I might be able to buy one when I happen to pass by."

Bronya shook her head slightly.

Hearing this, Rosia, who was helping Mei dry her towel nearby, her silver-grey eyes lit up slightly, and the hair on her head seemed to perk up happily.

"A limited edition... Houmu plushie?"

Chapter Twenty-Six: Sweet Apple Candy

Class time always felt long, yet it inexplicably passed very quickly.

On the weekend, when Kiana groggily woke up to eat breakfast, she was surprised to find only three people at the table.

"Is Rosia still asleep?"

Even though it was the weekend, Kiana rarely saw the usually punctual Rosia sleeping in.

"She's awake. Rosia said she wanted to go out and buy some food and will probably be back by noon."

Raiden Mei shook her head.

"Is that so... Rosia is a bit of a glutton too. Why didn't she ask me to go along?"

Kiana pouted.

"I know so many delicious places."

They weren't worried about Rosia's safety. On weekends, many Valkyries liked to wander around the shopping streets near the academy.

Many Valkyries knew Rosia, and quite a few would discreetly follow her within the academy, let alone outside.

"Speaking of which, Rosia hasn't been coming back for her afternoon nap lately. I wonder what she's been doing."

"Don't try to guess what's on a girl's mind, Kiana."

Although Bronya was also very curious, she decided to give Rosia enough personal space.

"Teehee, Bronya, I'll make you change how you address me sooner or later!"

"Don't even think about it!"

On the bustling shopping street.

"How much longer are you going to keep looking?"

"Rosia" watched the small, blue-haired girl search earnestly from one shop to another, then bow and thank them, pursing her lips.

"It's been a week. You come to these shops every day, asking over and over again. Don't you find it tiresome?"

"Rosia" didn't think it was necessary to waste so much time on such meaningless things.

"Maybe the next one will have it?"

Rosia's slender fingers gently touched her lips, a faint smile appearing.

"Is it really worth it, just for a toy..."

"Alright, alright. Having you by my side is the happiest time for me."

Seeing Rosia's face constantly filled with anticipation, "Rosia" fell silent for a moment.

"Forget it. I'll stay with you a bit longer."

When they arrived at the next shop, Rosia's eyes immediately landed on the most conspicuous Houmu, a spark igniting in her gaze.

"Hello... I... I want that one!"

Rosia strained to stand on her tiptoes, pointing at the limited edition Houmu plushie.

"Little Rosia, you're here again?"

Seeing her arrive, the waitress greeted her with a smile.

"This just arrived today. I guessed you'd come by today."

"Miss, how much is this?"

Rosia looked at the Houmu plushie with anticipation.

She tried to visit every Houmu specialty store around noon each day, and today she had finally managed to find it.

"There's a tag on it. I'll get it for you."

The waitress helpfully assisted her.

Recently, Rosia's figure had been appearing frequently in the vicinity. Her obedient and cute demeanor had attracted quite a few people.

They had also seen ill-intentioned individuals try to stop her, only for a crowd of beautiful girls to rush out the next moment, dragging the offender into a corner, followed by a series of screams.

"Thank you!"

Rosia's sweet smile brightened the waitress's mood even further. Seeing Rosia was one of the few moments of joy in her day.

"..."

Upon seeing the price on the tag, Rosia's silvery-gray eyes flickered twice. Her voice held a hint of hesitation, but she still looked at the waitress pleadingly.

"Um... could you please hold it for me? I want to..."

As she spoke, Rosia's voice trembled noticeably.

She disliked causing trouble for others, and she knew this might be difficult, but...

"I'm really... so sorry..."

Rosia lowered her head slightly.

According to the price on the tag, she couldn't even afford the smallest fraction of it.

"I'll have to ask the store manager about this."

Although the waitress wanted to kindly agree, this was beyond her scope of responsibility.

The various limited edition plushies in the Houmu specialty stores were not cheap, and they were very popular, which was why these limited edition plushies were sold on an irregular basis.

Whether or not one could buy them depended entirely on luck.

"Okay, thank you."

Hearing the waitress's words, Rosia didn't push further, instead offering a grateful smile.

"Store manager, it's about the one you saw last time... Okay, I understand."

After some communication, the waitress finally hung up the phone and then nodded at the girl, who was filled with anticipation and worry.

"The store manager said that this Houmu plushie will be available for half a year. So, within six months, little Rosia, you can come and buy it."

For them, Houmu plushies were generally not a concern for not selling, let alone the limited edition ones.

Thanks to Rosia, many Houmu specialty stores had seen an increase in sales these past few days. The store manager was happy to do her a favor, and if the opportunity arose, he might even consider asking her to do some advertising.

Why not?

"Thank you, big sister..."

Despite feeling apologetic for potentially causing trouble, Rosia still flashed a happy smile.

"What's next? That thing is so expensive..."

"Rosia" watched her retreating back, a frown creasing her brow.

Half an hour later

"Rosia" sat on a bench, chin propped in her hand, watching the blue-haired girl peddle apple candies one by one, lost in thought.

By the time it was almost noon, Rosia, shaking her little head, prepared to leave.

"How many apple candies do you plan to sell to afford that thing?"

Seeing how cautious Rosia had been lately, it was clear she didn't want Bronya and the others to know.

"You only have time to come out on Saturdays and Sundays. Even if you sell apple candies for half the day, how long will it take you?"

"At least... I should have enough time."

Upon hearing "Rosia's" words, Rosia smiled faintly.

"I'm really lucky..."