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In the highest military command center of the Inner City, silver-gray steel paint formed the dominant hue. The expansive tiered space was filled with individuals dressed in white uniforms and blue data glasses—Cecilia clones—busily coordinating orders on countless virtual screens, managing global military forces with precision.
At the topmost area of the command hall, a commander's seat suspended mid-air exuded both futuristic allure and imposing authority, directly facing a massive world map ahead.
Bronya occupied this position, legs crossed and chin resting on her hand as she gazed thoughtfully. Despite her outwardly cute appearance, her icy, emotionless gray eyes radiated an intimidating aura that dared not be met directly.
"Bronya!"
Amidst the orderly execution of tasks, a vibrant figure clad in shorts and a miniskirt suddenly descended from mid-air, grabbed Bronya's hand, and gazed at her tearfully.
"Oh no, oh no, oh no! Bronya, please help me quickly, or I'm doomed!"
"...What foolish thing have you done now?" Bronya emerged from her thoughts, lifting her gaze to impassively look at Kiana's panic-stricken face.
Kiana shrank back, visibly trembling as she spoke with a pale complexion: "Well, um, I wanted to use that medicine... that medicine..."
"Medicine? Did you tamper with Bronya's special arsenal?"
Bronya narrowed her eyes, instantly envisioning scenarios of failed drugging attempts followed by Zeke's furious wrath. She also recognized a crucial point—after their relationship deepened, she had still kept that potent drug, acknowledging its remarkable effectiveness. In extreme situations, it could indeed prove invaluable for turning the tide.
However, the drug could only be found within Bronya's arsenal. Its potent effects were like a double-edged sword; neither Bronya nor Zeke would risk allowing it to circulate freely, giving outsiders opportunities for mischief.
Kiana's panicked expression froze momentarily as she pursed her lips and said sheepishly, "Sorry, I just...just couldn't help feeling resentful."
"Sigh, being fiercely competitive is indeed one of your traits, foolish Kiana, but Bronya never expected you to vie even in such matters. So, you've been caught, and Zeke is coming?"
"Uh-huh. I put it in the water, and Senti... drank from it."
"Well, you're truly doomed now. There's nothing Bronya can do to help you," she replied coldly before abruptly lifting her head to gaze past Kiana.
Kiana's face paled, unsure what Bronya's sudden movement meant. She tried to gather her words to plead for assistance when she felt a large hand grab her by the head.
"Eep!" With a startled cry, Kiana dared not move a muscle, beads of cold sweat forming on her forehead.
"Can...can I leave a final message?"
Kiana slowly turned her gaze behind her, meeting Zeke's icy stare from above and cautiously spoke.
Then, the chill on Zeke's face dissipated, transforming into a warm and gentle smile.
"Go ahead."
"Don't hit my face; it'll ruin my image."
"And?"
"Uh... everyone's watching. Can we maybe find somewhere more private before starting?" Kiana pleaded with a sheepish grin, embodying vulnerability and helplessness—picture perfect.
Zeke glanced down, surveying the scene below him. Indeed, aside from Bronya standing nearby, most of the Cecilias were observing from all directions. With their data glasses obscuring their expressions, it was impossible to discern their gazes, but one could assume they anticipated some drama unfolding.
"Finish your conversation quickly; you're interrupting Bronya's work."
"It seems like this is the delightful chaos you initiated."
Zeke gently patted Bronya's head.
Bronya stuck out her tongue, looking at Zeke innocently with bright eyes.
With a soft laugh, Zeke tightened his grip on Kiana's head and dragged her away.
Upon reaching Kiana's room, Zeke tossed her onto the sofa and sat facing her with a stern expression, leaning forward intently.
"You've messed up."
"Sorry...?"
"Firstly, Bronya's arsenal is reserved for extreme combat scenarios; stealing from there is a severe offense. Secondly, involving outsiders—especially since that body belongs to Fu Hua—is highly inappropriate. Despite her good nature and my timely antidote for Senti, it still leaves a bad impression. And thirdly... Who gave you the nerve to pull such tricks on me?"
Zeke gripped Kiana's chin, smiling mildly as he spoke.
Involuntarily trembling, cold sweat dripped down Kiana's face. Feeling guilty, she darted her gaze around, unable to meet Zeke's eyes.
After a tense moment, Kiana gritted her teeth and broke free from Zeke's hold.
"Agh! Fine, whatever! I get it already. Go ahead and hit me; might as well get this over with!" Resigned, she turned away from Zeke, lowered her skirt, got down on all fours, and lifted her round, plump little rear towards him.
Zeke glanced at her adorable bear-patterned panties and felt his anger instantly replaced by sheer exasperation.
"Spill it—what were you thinking this time to pull such a stunt?"
"I just couldn't accept it! If Bronya can do it, why not me? I don't care; I want my chance too!"
"Jealousy or simply stubborn pride?"
"Don't know! Just hurry up and spank me already. Once it's over, I'll apologize to Fu Hua-sensei and Senti."
With her resolve strengthened after bracing herself for punishment, Kiana confidently demanded of Zeke. She then grabbed a towel from midair, stuffed it into her mouth, lifted her head, and arched her back, ready to endure the ordeal with determination.
The corner of Zeke's mouth twitched slightly.
"It seems like you've had too much idle time on your hands."
"You're so naggy! Are you going to... mmphh!"
CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!
The sharp sounds echoed through the room, accompanied by the girl's utterly ungraceful, unrestrained screams.
Rewarding achievements and disciplining misconduct—a principle Zeke consistently upheld, as he does now.
Five minutes later, still in Kiana's room.
Kiana lay face-down across Zeke's thighs, her bottom raised as he gently pulled down her panties and applied soothing ointment to her sore skin.
"Yikes—so cold!"
"Stay still, you dolt."
"Hmph! You're the one who spanked me, and now you're the one applying lotion. Why go through all this trouble? Aren't you tired?"
"Whom do you think is to blame?" Zeke retorted sharply, tapping the back of Kiana's head with his knuckles.
She turned her head, eyes reddening at the corners, brimming with accusation.
"You already smacked my butt, yet you hit me again?! What for?!"
Zeke remained silent, finishing up the application of the ointment. As he watched the redness on her buttocks fade, he sighed and asked,
"Why so upset? Tell me."
"...How could you tell?"
"Since when have I ever missed anything about you, from childhood till now?"
"Hmph! Then take your sweet time guessing!" Kiana stubbornly turned away, remaining draped over Zeke's legs while fumbling to pull up her panties and skirt.
As she gingerly touched her no longer tender rear, she heard Zeke whisper softly:
"Is it because of Seele and Wendy?"
"Isn't it obvious?! Damn you, Zeke! Leaving for half a year without a word, only to return with this mess. I even had to tend to Wendy and Seele's feelings, yet you couldn't spare a single comforting word for me! Jerk Zeke! Stupid Zeke! You're such a big bad guy!"
Lying across Zeke's thighs, Kiana pounded her fists against his chest, producing dull thuds, while her cries carried hints of tears.
This time, Zeke found himself utterly unable to suppress her emotions.
After venting through punches, Kiana turned her head, her nose red and teary eyes glistening. She spoke softly, sounding subdued:
"Why didn't you resist?"
"I'm sorry; I've upset you again." Zeke sighed, gently caressing her pale, soft face with a tender and apologetic tone.
Kiana twisted away but remained lying on Zeke's legs for a moment before sitting up and leaning close to his chest, sniffing back tears.
"I...I actually know that Zeke is very busy, with so much to do, and there isn't enough time to cater to my whims. I also understand that since all three of us fell prey, Seele and Wendy would naturally feel hurt, and it's not entirely your fault. But...but it still hurts so much."
Zeke raised his hand to stroke Kiana's hair while gently patting her back, attentively listening to her tale.
Kiana nuzzled against Zeke's chest, continuing,
"I don't want to burden you, Zeke, nor do I wish to hurt those two girls. But...I also can't bear sharing you any further! Why does it have to be them? What should I do, Zeke? Waaah..."
Her stifled sobs reminded Zeke once again of his own failings. His heart seemed to constrict, and he pursed his lips before softly saying:
"Alright, then we won't share."
"Hic! What did you say?" Kiana paused her crying, lifting her head to ask.
Zeke wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes with his thumb and replied:
"I'll let them know that wasn't my intention, and explain how urgent our situation is, leaving no room to cater to their feelings right now. I think they won't bring it up again during this critical time. Once everything settles down, we'll gradually distance ourselves from them, allowing these matters to fade over time. There's no need for sharing anymore, so please don't cry."
"Pfft! If only it were that simple, silly goose, blockhead!" With a playful punch on Zeke's chest, Kiana burst out laughing through her tears.
She was quite easy to appease; as long as she felt Zeke's love and importance placed on her, other issues seemed insignificant. Now, from Zeke's clumsy words of comfort, Kiana sensed his genuine affection—he cherished her immensely, just as before, unwavering.
Noticing Kiana's improving mood, Zeke finally let out a sigh of relief. As he took in the sight of her delicate face, tear-stained yet radiant, he found himself momentarily captivated.
Kiana rubbed her eyes, preparing to say something, but suddenly felt Zeke cupping her cheeks gently.
"Uh!"
For Kiana, it had been half a year since experiencing this longing sensation, while for Zeke, it marked an even longer hiatus before tasting again the softness and sweetness of a girl's lips.
Both became slightly intoxicated, so much so that when they parted, Kiana found herself completely relaxed, fully leaning against Zeke. Blushing, she buried her face in his chest, slowly absorbing the lingering warmth and shyness following their intimate embrace.
"Ba-dump! Ba-dump! Ba-dump!"
Kiana heard rapid heartbeats, unsure whether they were hers or Zeke's due to being pressed against his chest—perhaps both their hearts were racing?
After a moment, Kiana lifted her head again and softly said, "Zeke, let's try it once more."
Zeke gazed at the girl's exceptionally flushed lips, gently caressing their softness with his thumb before his lips curved upwards.
"Alright."
They leaned close once more, lost in another timeless embrace.
When they parted, Kiana was slightly panting, her face red, eyes filled with affection. She bit her lip and whispered, "Again."
"Sure."
Round after round, until words were no longer needed from Kiana, and Zeke had no desire to stop.
The room access was completely secured; no one could barge in uninvited now. As for what transpired within, that remained a secret between them.