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"Theresa will be alright, won't she?"
After some time spent sipping tea and conversing, during a brief lull, Himeko finally broke her silence. This sophisticated and elegantly dressed woman couldn't hide her anxiety and distress.
Theresa, who had been quietly observing her, took Himeko's hand.
"I thought you'd remain silent throughout, expressing your displeasure with me, Himeko."
"I'm not upset."
Himeko lowered her head and tightly clasped Theresa's small hands. The redness around her eyes intensified uncontrollably as tears welled up.
"I understand the grand ideals of saving the world too! But how can you expect me to bear this... watching my best friend walk down such a path with my own eyes!"
"Himeko, please don't be like this. I am deeply grateful for your understanding over these many years. You're Saint Freya's most exceptional teacher and a friend I take immense pride in—no matter what happens, I will always remember these moments."
"Theresa..."
Tears filled Himeko's eyes, streaming down her smooth cheeks. Unable to contain her reluctance and worry any longer, she embraced Theresa tightly.
(°ー°〃)(°Д°;)(°ー°)
Softness and suffocation aren't always mutually exclusive.
Before Theresa could fully appreciate the moment, she felt herself being smothered within Himeko's wide embrace, followed by a sensation akin to a heavenly beckoning.
Theresa whimpered softly, "Mmph..."
As Theresa struggled fiercely against Himeko's embrace, something felt off to her. Quickly, she loosened her grip.
"Phew! Phew! Phew!" Gasping for breath, Theresa's flushed face showed both the strain of suffocation and relief akin to surviving a catastrophe.
"Just barely avoided meeting Cecilia before my experiment..."
"Pfft! Sorry, I almost forgot how...ample I am."
"Spare me! Is it ever different with you? Can't you remember your own size at least once, Himeko?!"
"I promise next time, definitely next time!"
Himeko smiled, her tear-streaked expression radiating an astonishing beauty.
They exchanged glances, understanding each other's resolve. From now on, Himeko would no longer resist Theresa's choices but silently offer her blessings instead.
Theresa shot a sideways glance at Zeke, Otto, and Amber, who seemed oblivious to their recent exchange, then pursed her lips and took hold of Himeko's hand again.
"One more thing, you have to promise me this."
"...Okay."
"Promise me that if I lose control, you won't step onto my battlefield."
"Theresa, you..."
Himeko's emotions, just beginning to settle down, stirred once more. The thought made her heart feel as if it were being tightly squeezed.
Theresa showed no signs of jest or compromise. Gazing resolutely into Himeko's eyes, as if seeing through her thoughts, she said firmly:
"Himeko, I admit that if the worst should happen and you could be there for my final moments, I would be truly grateful. But it would be far too cruel and dangerous for you! Grandpa and Zeke will ensure everything is meticulously planned. You must stay at Saint Freya Academy and wait for me, without taking unnecessary risks. Please promise me, Himeko?"
"I..."
"Promise me, Himeko! We know each other well; if something happened to you because of me, I couldn't rest in peace..."
"Don't say such things! Nothing will happen to you! There are still so many things you need to do, and I'll always be waiting for you. So, come back safely, you dolt Theresa!" Himeko exclaimed passionately, punctuating her words by lightly bumping their foreheads together with a soft "thud."
"Ow! That hurts!"
The one who cried out wasn't Theresa; she merely touched her forehead and felt just a slight sting. Under no circumstances should you underestimate Theresa, with her fusion of Kaslana and Vishnu genes. While her physique might seem comparatively frail against Herrschers or MANTIS fighters, compared to Himeko as an ordinary Valkyrie, Theresa's resilience was immensely superior.
Himeko held her now red and swollen forehead, tears welling up from the pain once more.
"Pfft!" Theresa covered her mouth, unable to suppress her laughter.
"Theresa!"
"Yes, yes, I'm right here."
Under Himeko's accusing gaze, Theresa softened her expression and gently stroked Himeko's forehead, expressing her concern.
After their heartfelt exchange, the tea party came to an end. Meanwhile, Zeke relinquished his last bit of hesitation and entrusted the entire experiment fully to Otto.
A few days later, adhering to the agreed schedule, Zeke led the main forces aboard the ship bound for the Starchaser Ring.
At the same time, Otto and Theresa converged on the massive warship deep within the ocean.
"Little Theresa, are you nervous?"
"A little, I suppose. Becoming an artificial Herald? It just sounds so surreal... Who would've thought that one day, the esteemed Principal of Saint Freya Academy would turn into a Herrscher? It's almost comical. But then again, years ago, my actions nearly doomed Wendy to eternal torment—perhaps this is some form of retribution?"
"Little Theresa, it wasn't your fault; it was mine. My psychological manipulation and deliberate leniency allowed the Gem of Desire experiment to proceed. In truth, it's grandfather's responsibility."
"I'm well aware that Grandpa carries countless debts, so holding you accountable for this isn't entirely unjustified. Regardless of intention, it was ultimately me who pushed that child towards her fate. I've always wanted to make amends but never found the opportunity, which now feels deeply regrettable... Grandpa, if there's a chance, please extend compensation on my behalf as well. She has endured much hardship to reach where she is today."
With a sigh, Theresa looked up at Otto earnestly.
He was a family member whom she couldn't fully love nor completely hate. Her unique upbringing fostered these complex emotions. At times, Theresa felt the urge to brutally strike Otto's smiling face with Judah, yet when he held her hand, she genuinely experienced warmth and reassurance.
"Sigh..."
Theresa let out another long sigh, expressing her deep helplessness at this inexplicable fate.
Otto patted Theresa's head gently, his emerald eyes filled with affection and tenderness. As if understanding all her thoughts, he reassured her warmly:
"Little Theresa, throughout my life, I've committed many unforgivable deeds, carrying debts of blood that can never be repaid. But none of those things involve you. You, dear, just keep nurturing your beautiful heart and continue living healthily and happily."
Theresa lowered her gaze, blinking back tears as she tried to sound nonchalant: "Grandpa, you're truly annoying. I can't tell when you're lying or being sincere."
It was a lie.
Deep down, Theresa knew Otto's seemingly casual words were genuinely heartfelt.
Yet, she couldn't allow herself to become too moved, nor could she forgive Otto for his past actions—despite being the closest family members, they had reached a tragic point where only temporary compromises were possible, ultimately unable to coexist harmoniously.
"Would you like a cup of Grandpa's secret bitter melon juice, my darling granddaughter?"
Before entering the laboratory, Otto gently squeezed Theresa's small hand and smiled as usual.
Theresa looked up at him with teary eyes shimmering brightly for a long moment before breaking into a radiant grin.
"...Yes! I want two!"
"As you wish, my little Theresa."
With a smile, Otto reached out and tenderly wiped away Theresa's tears.
If only time could pause here just a bit longer—both grandfather and granddaughter shared this thought as they entered below deck, hands clasped together.