Otto walked through a world shrouded in white, his red bishop robes with golden trim gently fluttering as he sighed with a troubled expression.
"Sigh, my dear friend has many virtues, but his penchant for putting me in tricky situations is truly exasperating... Should I perhaps voice my concerns more firmly? But then again, he'd never listen, would he?" Otto sighed once more, gradually regaining his composure.
After all, this was part of his original plan from the start. Liberating Theresa from the God of Honkai's control was an immensely challenging task. While Otto trusted her will, he had to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
He couldn't let anything happen to Theresa, so he had long been ready to take on the risk himself.
This time, let's just consider it following the planned course of action, he reassured himself, seeking solace amidst his unease.
"Theresa, wake up!"
Half-dazed, Theresa lifted her head from the table and rubbed her eyes to see before her a gentle, pure-hearted woman—a silver-haired beauty radiating maternal warmth.
"You're...Ceci...lia?!"
"What's on your mind? You seem so out of it today."
"I..."
"Now, hurry up and get yourself together. Don't forget—you're the star of the show today. Everyone is waiting for you!"
With a charming giggle, the lovely figure gracefully exited the room.
Staring after her, Theresa felt silent tears slide down her cheeks.
"What was that... So strange... But wait, isn't today my birthday?"
She rubbed her face vigorously, slapped herself lightly, then gathered her spirits and left the room.
Walking through the familiar corridors of Cecilia's home, Theresa entered the living room, her eyes welling with tears once more.
"Auntie, what are you doing?! You're taking forever!"
"Don't be rude. Auntie isn't like some lazy little piglet who only knows how to eat and sleep all day. She has important work."
"Mom! Look, Big Sis is bullying me again! Just because she's Schicksal's strongest Valkyrie, right? I'm pretty awesome too—why does she always pick on me?! Hmph!"
Kiana and Durandal, silver-haired sister to golden-haired sister, both turned their gazes toward Cecilia with smiles. One was acting cute for attention while the other awaited her mother's fair judgment.
Cecilia smiled warmly, gently pulling both girls into her embrace as she stroked their heads.
"Durandal, Kiana, no fighting now. Sisters must get along well, just like Theresa and me."
"Yes..."
"You're right, Mom."
Kiana casually wrapped her arms around Cecilia's waist, her laughter carefree and unclouded. Durandal showed a hint of shyness but also wore a sweet smile within her mother's embrace.
As Theresa approached this dreamlike scene, it felt as if even her steps were floating.
"My...my bitter melon cake? Don't tell me Kiana ate it again!"
"I don't even like bitter melon! Auntie, you can't blame me without proof!"
"Hey, troublemaker of a niece, maybe think about how many times you've snuck snacks from the kitchen before saying that?"
"No way, would you count every slice of bread you eat? Nyah~" Kiana stuck out her tongue, confidently defiant.
Cue a gentle tap on the head from Cecilia.
"Kiana!"
"I know, I know, I'll try not to sneak food anymore, okay? Don't be mad, Mommy!" Kiana squirmed playfully in Cecilia's embrace, unabashedly acting cute.
Cecilia fell silent and then helplessly turned toward Theresa.
"This child... Ahh, Theresa, I really don't know what to do with her anymore. Please help me educate her; at this rate, she'll surely drive away any potential boyfriends!"
"Leave it to me! As the esteemed Principal of Saint Freya Academy, guiding students is my forte!" Theresa flexed her arm muscles confidently.
"That's reassuring. The cake is ready; let me bring it out. Today deserves a proper celebration." Smiling, Cecilia headed back towards the kitchen.
Theresa took her seat at the table, Durandal to her left and Kiana to her right, grinning warmly:
"How's Durandal's training been lately?"
"Everything's great, Auntie. I'll keep pushing myself to become even stronger!"
"Mm-hmm, but remember not to overdo it and exhaust yourself."
"I understand, Auntie."
"And you, Kiana—have you managed to get into fewer troubles recently?"
The conversation took a sudden turn when Theresa addressed Kiana, casting a shadow on her face. She fidgeted anxiously before complaining:
"Why do you always ask me these kinds of questions?"
"It helps to be self-aware, Kiana."
"Ahhhhh! You're all ganging up on me! That's unfair—I'm clearly pretty amazing too!"
"All right, all right. Today is my birthday, so I won't scold you further. Just sit down and wait for the cake." Theresa waved her hand nonchalantly.
Kiana pouted, crossing her arms as she sulked alone. Meanwhile, Durandal watched her with a stifled giggle behind her hand.
Amidst this warm and harmonious atmosphere, Cecilia returned carrying a pale green bitter melon cake.
"Theresa, I forgot to buy candles, so let's skip that part and make our wishes directly?"
Cecilia smiled gently, avoiding Theresa's age-related sensitivities with her usual kindness and consideration.
Theresa appreciated this thoughtful gesture. She scratched her face awkwardly and said, "It...it's okay, let's just skip that part."
"Huh? So how old is Auntie today? Forty-five? Fifty? Or six..."
Whack! Before Kiana could finish her sentence, she slumped over onto the table, sporting a massive lump on her head.
The room fell silent for several seconds.
Then Cecilia casually chuckled and declared, "Happy birthday, Theresa! May you always remain full of energy, smart, and adorable!"
"Yes, happy birthday, Auntie!" Durandal chimed in, acting as if nothing had happened to Kiana.
With her expression softening, Theresa gratefully accepted their well-wishes, smiling warmly.
"Rumble!!"
Suddenly, a powerful tremor shook the entire building from outside, causing the room to sway momentarily.
However, no one inside acknowledged it.
Cecilia and Durandal continued smiling, while Kiana rubbed her head and lifted herself up. All three pairs of eyes focused on Theresa, waiting for her to make a wish.
Theresa grinned widely, wiping away her tears with joy.
"I wish... I wish for a day when you all can truly celebrate my birthday with me! If—if this were real...how wonderful it would be..."
Cecilia, Kiana, and Durandal reached out simultaneously to hold Theresa's hands.
"Cheer up, Theresa," Cecilia encouraged her with a smile. "That day will surely come!"
Through her tears, Theresa smiled back.
"So tell me, is this just a dream or some strange place?"
"This is the stigma space; we're manifestations from your memories—and those of many Kaslanas... We're sorry, Auntie, but this is as far as we can go. There's no way we can protect you anymore. You must stay strong—don't let Honkai defeat you. The real me and Big Sister are waiting for you outside!"
"That's right, Auntie! You haven't even heard the real me call you 'Auntie' yet, so there's no way you can give up here!" Kiana and Durandal gazed intently at Theresa, offering their encouragement.
"Shh!"
Theresa took a deep breath, suppressing her sobs and pouted defiantly.
"That's enough! Who do you think I am? I'm Theresa, your most dependable Auntie! Don't worry; there's absolutely no way I'll lose!" she declared resolutely.
Then, as if shattered mirrors, the warm room vanished, leaving behind only the blank world and the silent, unmoving God before Theresa once more.