Under the starlit night, atop the observation deck high above the clouds. The lofty platform, constructed of glass and steel, stood firm and expansive. A specialized atmospheric control field ensured vibrant life for the lush vegetation and blooming flowers around, illuminated by ambient lighting that bathed this breathtaking garden as bright as day.
In celebration of Zeke's return and the end of the Herrscher of Corruption crisis, an outdoor barbecue was organized for the evening.
It wasn't particularly extravagant; the ingredients were just ordinary vegetables and meats, no different from what people commonly enjoyed outside. However, with several skilled cooks present—and Zeke himself being an accomplished molecular gastronomy expert—the tantalizing aroma of food wafted enticingly through the air.
Amidst the lively atmosphere, Kiana stood nervously before Fu Hua and Senti, her face flushed as she bowed apologetically.
"Fu Hua-sensei, Senti, I'm so sorry!"
Senti wrapped her arms around Fu Hua's waist, burying her face near Fu Hua's shoulder, softly mumbling something unintelligible—though it was clear that Kiana bore responsibility for this incident, it was Senti who suffered the embarrassment. Her fiercely proud nature couldn't withstand such a humiliating faux pas involving aphrodisiacs, making her too ashamed to face anyone.
Fu Hua gently stroked Senti's head, attempting to maintain her usual serene smile but struggling to hide her peculiar expression.
"Cough—uh, well, just make sure it doesn't happen again," Fu Hua said, exasperated. She then glanced sidelong at Zeke, grilling nearby, her gaze somewhat distant.
Zeke turned to Fu Hua.
"I also need to apologize for poor discipline at home, causing you both trouble."
"It's fine; Senti's overreacting was part of the issue too. And ultimately, no harm done. Let this be a lesson for her as well."
Fu Hua sighed and patted Senti on the head. What else could she do? She couldn't possibly reprimand Kiana for something like this, nor could she harshly scold Senti, being the victim herself. As for Zeke, there was even less recourse—actually, if anything had truly happened, Fu Hua doubted she'd have been particularly upset... Shaking her head, she dismissed these peculiar thoughts.
Upon hearing that, Senti playfully punched Fu Hua's waist with a thud.
"Old Antique! Whose side are you on?"
"The side of reason. Also, bodies made of Soul Steel aren't invincible—you should hold back your punches; it hurts."
"...Forget it! Forget everything that happened today! Don't make me edit your memories!"
"Don't be silly. You really need to learn from this experience too, always acting so frivolous."
"Hmph!"
Senti's displeasure was evident from her haughty snort, but she managed to restrain herself and merely gave Fu Hua's waist a gentle pinch—a common girl-on-girl move.
Fu Hua let Senti vent, chuckling indulgently.
Kiana watched them, blinking, sensing that this exchange had reached its conclusion. She then walked over to Zeke and sat down beside him.
"Ah, I'm so tired..." Kiana sighed heavily, leaning her head against Zeke's shoulder as her eyelids grew heavy. After exhausting both her physical strength and mental energy for most of the day, if not for wanting to personally apologize to Fu Hua and Senti, she might have chosen to sleep right there on the spot.
At that moment, Zeke offered her a skewer of grilled bell peppers.
"Ew! No peppers, I want meat~~"
Kiana's cheeks puffed out adorably, her pink lips shimmering enticingly under the lamplight.
Zeke's gaze softened at the sight, and he handed her a skewer with marbled pork instead—now that her body's issues were resolved, Kiana boasted dual buffs from both Kaslana and Herrscher physiques. They could afford to be slightly more relaxed about her nutrition needs; ensuring her happiness was currently more important.
However, instead of reaching for the skewer Zeke offered, Kiana lazily pouted and whined,
"Feed me, Zeke~"
"If I feed you, who's going to keep grilling?"
"Just let the machine handle it—it won't make much difference! Feed me!"
"Sigh! You're such a little lazybones."
Zeke didn't argue further. With one hand gently holding Kiana's cheek open, he placed the grilled meat delicately between her lips using his other hand. The skewers on the grill automatically began turning; the only reason they hadn't been fully automated was to add some fun and maintain a touch of hominess—technologically, there were no issues.
Kiana savored the grilled meat, her glossy lips shining like those of a contented, well-fed animal, eyes half-closed with enjoyment.
This sight stirred feelings of envy among many watching girls nearby.
"Screech!"
Suddenly, from the adjacent table came the sharp sound of a fork scraping against a ceramic plate.
With her cheeks still puffing as she chewed, Kiana glanced toward the noise. Her movements froze momentarily before guiltily averting her gaze.
Unbeknownst to her, Bronya sat nearby with a cold expression, staring at Kiana with icy eyes.
Zeke reprimanding Kiana was nothing out of the ordinary—it had become a daily routine. However, today's scolding lasted most of the day. By evening, when Kiana arrived, she appeared exhausted yet incredibly docile, carrying the faint scent of fresh bathwater. Was there any mystery left for Bronya to unravel? To top it off, she had specifically checked the access logs for Kiana's room earlier that day, confirming her suspicions beyond doubt.
Well done, Zeke! Well done, Kiana! While Bronya had been hard at work all day, these two were secretly indulging in their sweet and affectionate escapades, right?!
How utterly disrespectful!
Zeke also noticed Bronya's resentful gaze. He reached over and placed several skewers of grilled meat on her plate.
"Hmph!" Bronya maintained her stony expression, continuing to fixate on them both.
Finally, unable to bear the tension any longer, Kiana hastily grabbed several skewers from the grill. She then opened a black hole behind her and stepped back into it.
"I'm not feeling well," she announced. "I'm going to bed; you two can continue enjoying your meal."
With that, Kiana disappeared along with the swirling spatial vortex.
Zeke looked at the half-eaten meat skewer in his hand, noting Kiana's distinct tooth marks on the topmost piece, and fell deep in thought.
But Bronya didn't give him time to ponder. Sitting next to him, she coldly commanded:
"Feed me."
"You don't mind Kiana's saliva, do you? Or should I get another skewer?"
"The top piece is for you; Bronya will have the rest."
"Sure."
Zeke consumed the piece marked by Kiana's teeth, then offered the remaining skewer to Bronya's lips.
Once again, a sour atmosphere filled the air.
Sin watched this scene, momentarily unsure whom to envy more.
Late at night, after the barbecue party concluded, Zeke returned to his room only to find a certain little bug already nestled snugly under the blankets, sleeping soundly.
She hadn't bothered him on the first night, but he knew she'd undoubtedly insist on joining him tonight. Zeke was well-prepared for this development.
Fortunately, Bronya managed to drag Sin away; otherwise, it might have been quite cramped tonight.
Zeke sighed as he looked at the tightly bundled blanket. "At least try to maintain a better sleeping posture; your neck is under unnecessary strain... Ah, never mind. You'll move around anyway during the night, so arranging you perfectly before sleep won't help."
Gently pulling back the covers, Zeke fully exposed the girl's face to ensure her breathing remained unobstructed.
He then headed to the bathroom for a shower.
Upon returning, wrapped in a bathrobe, a warm and delicate 'Duck Duck' fell from the ceiling right towards him.
Zeke instinctively reached out, catching the girl effortlessly with one hand supporting her soft, rounded buttocks—a sensation so inviting that his fingers yearned to sink deeper.
Narrowing his eyes, Zeke glanced down, meeting a pair of bright yet serene gray irises.
"A surprise nocturnal visit?"
"Is it not allowed? Kiana spent quite some time with Zeke earlier, even got his ring, and today she secretly enjoyed another meal... No matter how understanding Bronya may be, jealousy is inevitable!"
"She really ate?"
"Yes."
Bronya wrapped her arms around Zeke's neck, nodding solemnly.
Then, maintaining a serious expression, she said, "If Zeke doesn't believe me, he can taste for himself."
"But Kiana is still asleep over there."
"Don't you think that makes it more thrilling? Besides, hasn't Zeke already noticed? Right now, Bronya—oh no~"
Zeke clenched his hands, feeling the unmistakably soft and supple contours, confirming her thorough preparation.
As he watched the girl approach eagerly, her pale, adorable face drew nearer. His lips curved upwards slightly, and a hint of assertiveness flickered in his previously indifferent gaze.
"Don't casually tease a MANTIS like me."
"Will the consequences be severe?"
"Yes."
"Bronya is more than willing to bear them."
And then, their faces touched.
The night stretched long enough for Bronya to express her deep longing and affection fully. As for a certain exhausted soldier unwittingly caught up in this affair—even while asleep—Bronya's verdict was that she had it coming.
In any case, the night was long, but dreamless.