Seeing Daziel's decisive refusal, Sampo didn't push further. His trademark smile remained fixed, but he merely shrugged, letting out a string of meaningful "Heh heh" laughs. "No worries, buddy." Sampo's tone was light as if he hadn't just been pitching bedding supplies. "You'll understand old Sampo's good intentions eventually. Believe me, when it comes to this stuff, old Sampo's judgment is razor-sharp, always spot on!"
Daziel pursed his lips, not wanting to explain his personal preferences to him.
Suddenly, just then, an idea flashed through Daziel's mind. He recalled something.
Daziel looked searchingly at Giovanni. "Right, Mr. Giovanni," he asked, "You previously left a riddle for each 'champion candidate' and had them relay it to me. Could you please tell me what those words actually meant?"
Giovanni stroked his chin, fingertips rubbing against smooth skin, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.
"Well now... just think of it as something Aha asked me to bring you. I don't know what it means either."
Hearing this answer, Daziel's mouth twitched.
"Seriously? Are you telling the truth? How can I believe that? Does Aha know you people blame everything on Him?"
Sampo nodded vigorously nearby, chiming in, "Don't worry, buddy! Even if it's fake, Aha wouldn't mind such trivial things. He's not the kind of Aeon who can't take a joke. Besides, these words from Giovanni are His decree, absolutely genuine."
As he spoke, Sampo winked at Daziel, his eyes glinting slyly, seemingly hinting at something deeper.
Giovanni cleared his throat softly, elegantly taking over the conversation.
"It just so happens you asked, Mr. Daziel. So, I'll take this opportunity to tell you the final proverb—"
He paused, lowering his voice, and spoke slowly, "When Aha's mask cracks for the thousandth time during the grand celebration, have you ever listened to how many pin-pricked condoms hide within each laugh line?"
His every word seemed to carry a peculiar rhythm, vibrating gently in the air.
After hearing this, Daziel was utterly speechless. His mouth twitched even more violently, and his temples throbbed. What on earth was that?
How could he say something like that with such a deadpan serious tone?
March 7th, however, listened with great interest. She stroked her chin, analyzing, "Eh? This one's much easier to understand. Is it hinting, Mr. Giovanni, that you plan to tamper with the security measures prepared for Daziel?"
"Hahahahaha!"
Hearing this, Giovanni threw his head back and roared with laughter, his hearty chuckles echoing across the stage.
He waved his hands repeatedly, vehemently denying March 7th's guess.
"Absolutely not, Miss March 7th, you're really overthinking things! I, Giovanni, guarantee on my honor that I would never allow such a lapse! As for the obscure contents of the proverb, I'll leave it to the two of you to puzzle over!"
Daziel took a deep breath, trying hard to suppress the churning emotions in his chest.
"Alright, thank you for informing me, Mr. Giovanni. This headache-inducing riddle game is finally over, I suppose." A wry smile touched his lips, seemingly mocking the whole pretentious affair.
"Anyway, I don't want to guess the details anymore. Whatever happens next, let it happen."
"That's the right attitude. There's really no need to take Aha's proverbs too seriously. Even in the taverns, few truly believe what He says..." Giovanni nodded elegantly, a flicker of agreement in his deep eyes.
"Then, it's about time for us to part ways temporarily, Mr. Daziel." He bowed slightly, maintaining his usual politeness.
"See you at the Finals Festival. The stage there is a hundred times grander than this one. I hope everyone achieves their desires there! All questions will eventually find answers, and all chaos will finally settle."
"Then I should probably get going too. See ya later, Brother Daziel, and you lovely ladies. Good luck to you all." Sampo also waved goodbye to the group.
"Goodbye, you two!"
...
The group watched as Giovanni and Sampo's figures gradually blended into the interplay of light and shadow in the Final Showdown Plaza, eventually disappearing completely from view.
The Masked Fools were gone. Now it was just Daziel and his harem again.
Topaz turned around, her gaze landing on Herta's delicate puppet face with a hint of inquiry.
"Lady Herta, regarding the investigation results concerning Mr. Giovanni, you witnessed them yourself—" Topaz's voice was slightly softer than when she spoke to Giovanni, carrying a tentative and cautious undertone.
"I wonder... are you satisfied with our company's attitude in this incident?"
Hearing Topaz's words, Herta narrowed her eyes slightly. Beneath her eyelids, her amethyst-like eyes swirled with complex light. Her gaze swept over Topaz, Daziel, and March 7th, finally returning to Topaz, filled with scrutiny.
Herta didn't answer immediately. Her rosy lips pressed tightly together, and a suffocating silence fell around them.
The air seemed to freeze. Only the faint sounds of their breathing and the low hum of distant Geomarrow Extractors could be heard.
Topaz's heart leaped slightly into her throat. She waited quietly, yet anxiously, for Herta's judgment.
She knew perfectly well that Herta's assessment was far more than a simple affirmation or denial of the investigation's findings. It concerned the future direction and depth of the cooperative relationship between Herta Space Station and the Interastral Peace Corporation.
If problems arose, it would undoubtedly be a loss for the company.
"Satisfied?" Herta's voice finally broke the silence. It was still that steady, level tone, yet it carried an icy chill that could make one shiver.
"Topaz, you actually think I would be satisfied with such farcical investigation results?"
The puppet's exquisite, flawless little face frowned slightly, revealing her genuine displeasure, which spread through the air.
"This so-called investigation, from beginning to end, was filled with 'Aha'-style absurdity." Herta's tone carried undisguised mockery, as if commenting on an extremely clumsy performance – disdain and contempt woven throughout. Her words weren't aimed at Aha, but at those two Masked Fools whose backgrounds were unknown.
"Giovanni's suspicion hasn't been completely cleared at all, at least not nearly enough for me..." Her cold gaze was like a tangible blade, seemingly capable of piercing hearts, pointing directly at the core of the issue – sharp and incisive.
"These investigation results only indicate that your Interastral Peace Corporation has no issues for the time being regarding this matter. I can temporarily refrain from pursuing your company's responsibility."
Topaz's previously slightly apprehensive face instantly lit up with surprised radiance, the gloom dispelled.
"Does that mean, after this, it won't affect the cooperative relationship between you and our company?" She clenched her fists tightly, her long fingernails digging into her palms, her voice urgent, tinged with unconcealed excitement.
Herta raised an eyebrow slightly, glancing at Topaz, her tone carrying an elusive nuance.
"Seeing as you and I share the same... hmm, let's just say, for Daziel's sake, we'll let this matter drop."
"Ahem ahem."
Daziel coughed abruptly twice, trying to cover up the slightly awkward atmosphere.
Could something like this really depend on his influence? Was his influence really that significant? Enough to sway the judgment of an Emanator?
Topaz, however, wasn't thinking that deeply. As if a heavy burden had been lifted, she let out a long sigh of relief. Her tense body relaxed, shedding a thousand-pound weight.
"Thank you, Lady Herta... And thank you, Master!" Topaz turned to Daziel again, her eyes brimming with gratitude, her tone becoming exceptionally gentle.
Daziel's mouth twitched slightly, a mix of emotions swirling within him.
"It's good that you two can get along amicably... cough cough, don't fight. We all have to share a blanket in the future, fighting wouldn't do at all," he said dryly, feeling his throat was a bit parched, an indescribable sense of helplessness rising within him.
As a harem protagonist, his greatest fear was internal conflict within the harem.
But now, having the great Herta, an Emanator of Erudition, here was truly wonderful. Sensible, powerful, and able to command the situation – it couldn't be better for the harmony and stability of the harem.
...Maybe he should just let Herta be the main wife?
He just didn't know if March 7th would agree...
At this moment, March 7th had no idea what Daziel was thinking.
Her lively eyes darted around, sensing the subtle tension in the air. She aptly broke the somewhat heavy silence.
March 7th pointed towards the area outside the Final Showdown Plaza, winked playfully, and suggested, "Daziel, you should go find Miss Bronya now, otherwise Qlipoth Fort might really close its gates."
"We won't accompany you. Let us rest a bit. Can you go alone?"
Hearing this, Daziel felt like he'd grasped a lifeline. He nodded eagerly in agreement, a relieved smile spreading across his face.
"Yes, yes, I'll head to the Administrative District right now! You guys go back first and wait for me." Although there wasn't much risk of those two fighting, the current atmosphere was still a bit awkward. It was better for him not to linger. Retreat was the wiser option.
Thinking this, Daziel couldn't help but give March 7th a silent thumbs-up in his heart. This silly girlfriend was actually quite reliable sometimes. Though she might get a little jealous usually, she could still consider the bigger picture at critical moments and had never caused him real trouble.
She could keep the main wife position for a while longer.
Daziel bid farewell to Herta and Topaz, left the Great Mine's Final Showdown Plaza, and walked alone towards Belobog's Overworld Administrative District.
Belobog, Administrative District, Qlipoth Fort.
Sunlight streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the spacious office.
Bronya stood alone, quietly by the window, gazing at the cityscape bathed in sunlight in the distance. Her posture was upright and resolute, but a hint of fatigue lingered between her brows.
Daziel stood behind her, relaying Sampo's news and Giovanni's suggestion, recounting everything exactly as it happened.
Bronya listened quietly without interrupting. Only after Daziel had finished speaking did she slowly turn around, looking deeply at him with her grey eyes.
"Then... your list should be ready, right? Let me see it." Bronya spoke slowly, her voice still steady, yet carrying a barely perceptible tremor. She lowered her gaze slightly, concealing the complex emotions within, unwilling to let Daziel see.
She had already mentally prepared herself to accept the list Daziel would hand over, filled with densely packed names.
Aetherium Wars was simply too popular; too many women had been affected. The matter probably wouldn't be easy to resolve. She had even begun mentally drafting how to persuade the women on the list to cooperate with Daziel to complete this... special "purification."
After all, Daziel had already sacrificed so much for Belobog. Saving the city from peril twice – his contributions were unparalleled, enough to offset any request that might seem "excessive" to ordinary people.
Moreover, the potential threat of the "meme" now hung like the Sword of Damocles over everyone's head, ready to fall at any moment. For the future of Belobog, to protect this city, perhaps any sacrifice was worthwhile, even necessary.
Bronya took a deep breath, as if suppressing all complex emotions deep within her heart. She raised her head again, her gaze firm as she looked at Daziel, ready to receive the heavy "book of fate."
Daziel pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Bronya.
Bronya took the paper, her fingertips trembling slightly. She slowly unfolded it, her eyes quickly scanning the contents.
Her initially calm expression instantly froze, replaced by a mixture of profound surprise and confusion spreading across her face.
On the list, there were starkly only three names—
Seele, Natasha, Clara.
Bronya snapped her head up, looking at Daziel in disbelief.
"Only... three? Mr. Daziel, are you sure... you didn't miss anyone?"
She could hardly believe her eyes. This was drastically different from what she had anticipated, a world apart. The memetic crisis that had swept through all of Belobog could actually be completely resolved with such a small scope of sacrifice?!
Bronya even began to suspect that Daziel, perhaps considering her feelings, had intentionally written only these few names, holding back, hiding something.
Seeing Bronya's surprised expression, Daziel paused slightly. He then nodded seriously, affirming, "I'm sure. These three are enough."
According to Daziel's deduction, after the Aetherium Wars storyline triggered, the eligible female characters in Belobog with unique models who hadn't been purified yet, and weren't l0li-types... were only these three. Hook was too young, crossing Daziel's moral bottom line, definitely not considered. Although he had previously 'farmed some corruption points' with Clara, that was before the Aetherium Wars plot... Just to be safe, it was best to include her name too.
Bronya didn't press further. Her mood had shifted from initial surprise to an inexplicable sense of gratitude.
She looked deeply at Daziel, her voice soft and sincere, "Thank you, Mr. Daziel... Only three names on the list, and all people you are familiar with. This is simply... couldn't be better, really... Thank you!" Bronya's gratitude was overflowing.
She had originally thought Daziel would present a huge list, forcing her into difficult "negotiations." But now, the list was so concise, so "considerate," making her feel incredibly relieved and comforted.
Seeing Bronya's sincere thanks, Daziel actually felt a bit strange.
He couldn't help scratching the back of his head, muttering inwardly with some confusion—
Why is Bronya thanking me... for making this kind of request?
What kind of situation is this?
He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but didn't know how to begin.
Bronya seemed to notice Daziel's confusion. She smiled slightly, proactively breaking the brief silence.
"Don't worry! I will contact them. I'll communicate with Mr. Giovanni's side as well." Her tone was light and firm, as if discussing a trivial matter.
"...Go rest first, prepare for the competition with peace of mind, and just wait for the Finals Festival to unfold."
Seeing Bronya's relaxed expression, Daziel's confusion deepened. But he ultimately chose to nod, saying, "Then... I'll have to trouble you, Great Guardian."
Bronya quickly waved her hand, her tone carrying a deliberately playful and relaxed air, "No trouble, no trouble at all. This is what I should do."
She paused, turning to look out the window at the sun-drenched city, her gaze becoming distant and profound.
"For the future of Belobog... even if any of them disagree, I will tie them up and bring them before you, Mr. Daziel." Bronya's last sentence, though still soft, carried an undeniable firmness.
Daziel fell silent for a moment upon hearing this, finally just giving a dry acknowledgment, unsure of what else to say.
Daziel stepped out of Qlipoth Fort, wandering alone through the streets of Belobog. The already cool sunlight poured down, landing on him but failing to dispel the lingering unease in his heart.
He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, a strange sense of dissonance that bothered him deeply.
Although he had followed Aha's instructions and submitted the list with only three names. Now, it seemed he just needed to wait quietly and complete the so-called "purification" at the final Finals Festival.
But... could the words of Aha, that Aeon of Elation, truly be trusted completely? He was audacious enough to freely tease even Akivili. Who knew what tricks He truly had up His sleeve?
Furthermore, there was that inscrutable, bratty troublemaker, Sparkle, like a hidden variable lurking in the shadows, ready to drop an unexpected bomb onto this seemingly calm chessboard at any moment.
Perhaps only after I've... gotten involved... will I truly know her depths...
He shook his head, trying to banish these chaotic thoughts from his mind, trying not to dwell on the unsettling possibilities. Because he knew very well, there was no better way out of the current predicament. He couldn't really resort to some crazy ideas like... doing that to all the eligible women in Belobog...
No, absolutely not!
The thought merely flickered through his mind before he immediately rejected it.
Daziel took a deep breath, forcing himself to temporarily stop thinking about these troublesome matters. The most important task now was to prepare for the upcoming Finals Festival, and... patiently wait for news from Bronya's side.
Qlipoth Fort, at the Great Guardian's desk.
Bronya stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, her gaze following Daziel's receding figure through the clear glass until he disappeared at the end of the street. Her face still wore that calm expression, but a complex emotion flickered in her eyes.
Bronya slowly turned, walked to her desk, and picked up the list bearing three names. Her fingers gently traced over the names, as if touching the very lines of Belobog's future fate.
"Seele... Natasha... Clara..." she murmured softly, each name representing a heavy responsibility, an unavoidable mission.
She took a deep breath, folded the list neatly, and placed it in a drawer.
Then, she picked up her communicator, her slender fingers expertly dialing a number long committed to memory.
"...!" The communicator emitted a brief dial tone, then the line connected.
"Hello, Seele? It's me... Bronya."
"There's something... I need to discuss with you."
"Yes... about Aetherium Wars, about... the future of Belobog."
Underworld, Boulder Town. A group of Molten Rift children surrounded Seele. Simple purple fabric formed Seele's outfit; though somewhat revealing, it couldn't hide her inherent disposition. Her purple-black hair was casually draped behind her back. The children crowded around her, playing happily, their laughter and shouts intermingling.
Just then, Seele's communicator rang, breaking the noisy peace. She glanced at the caller ID with slight confusion, paused for a moment, then stepped aside to answer the call.
"Hey, Bronya? What's up?" Seele's voice was clear and pleasant, carrying the unique energy and carefree spirit of the Underworld, tinged with mild curiosity.
"Seele... it's me." Bronya's voice came through the communicator again, this time the complex emotions more pronounced, even carrying an indescribable weight. Because, in her eyes, Seele was the most special... friend.
"There's something... I need your help with."
"About Aetherium Wars... about the future of Belobog."
Seele's initially relaxed expression instantly turned serious, her brow furrowing slightly. She clearly sensed that Bronya's tone held an unusual significance.
"Okay, I understand. Where are you? I'll head over right away." She hung up and said to the children, "Kids, I have something to do, I need to leave for a bit. Be good and play here, wait for me to come back."
Though reluctant, the children nodded obediently. Seele patted their heads and turned to leave that area of Boulder Town.
Still in Boulder Town.
Natasha was busy in the clinic, diagnosing patients and prescribing medicine. The faint smell of disinfectant lingered in the air. She wore her signature white lab coat over a black turtleneck shirt, her blue-puple hair casually tied back. Natasha's movements were skillful and efficient, her eyes filled with focus and diligence. A uniquely charming woman indeed.
Just then, the communicator on her desk suddenly rang, the clear chime particularly distinct in the slightly noisy clinic. Natasha tilted her head slightly, glanced at the caller ID, her calm expression faltering for a moment. She put down the medical record she was holding, picked up the communicator, and answered the call.
"Hello, Lady Bronya? Is there something you need?" Natasha's voice was calm and gentle, carrying a hint of fatigue.
"Natasha... it's me." Bronya's voice came through, laced with barely perceptible tension.
"There are some things... I'd like to discuss with you in person."
"About Aetherium Wars... about the future of Belobog."
Natasha's brow furrowed slightly. She keenly sensed that something was off about Bronya's tone.
"Alright, I understand. I'll head over right now." She hung up, gave a few instructions to her assistant, and hurried out of the clinic, her steps slightly rushed.
Robot Settlement. The air was thick with the smell of oil and grinding metal.
Clara sat beside Svarog, concentrating on repairing a damaged robot. She still wore her iconic red jacket, her fair legs exposed to the air as usual. Unlike before, however, she now wore a pair of new small leather shoes, seemingly no longer running around barefoot. Clara wore goggles, her movements careful and meticulous, her eyes full of concentration and passion. Svarog stood quietly nearby, watching Clara's busy figure. A faint blue light flickered in his mechanical eyes.
Just then, Clara's communicator rang. She put down her tools, took off her goggles, and answered the call.
"Hello, Big Sister Bronya? What's wrong?" Clara's voice was young and clear, tinged with slight confusion.
"Clara... it's me." Bronya's voice came through, carrying an undisguised tenderness.
"There's something... I want to... talk to you about."
"About Aetherium Wars... about the future of Belobog."
Clara hesitated for a moment, asking cautiously, instinctively wanting to seek Svarog's protection and help. "Um, should I ask Mr. Svarog to come too?"
"It's best if you don't. This is something you should decide for yourself." Bronya's voice held a subtle, profound meaning.
"I... understand." She hung up, turned to Svarog, and said seriously, yet childishly, "Mr. Svarog, Big Sister Bronya said she has something important to discuss with me. I'm going to the Overworld for a bit."
Svarog's mechanical eyes flickered, internal complex electronic components processing rapidly. Finally, he spoke in his characteristic synthesized voice, "Calculation complete. Bronya... important matter... Understood. Clara, I will wait here for your return. It is time... for you to grow up."
__
Walnut: I won't have to write an 18+ scene for Clara, right?
_____
Director Hu Returns! 📣 New Release & Special Patreon Promotion!
Director Hu is back with an exciting new release! 🎉 To celebrate, enjoy special discounts on our Patreon tiers:
✨ 30% OFF: 'Director of Wangsheng Funeral Home' Tier
✨ 15% OFF: 'Wangsheng Funeral Home Consultant' Tier
Unlock More Bonus Chapters! 🔓 New Patreon Goals:
Help us unlock multiple bonus chapters! We currently have 40 amazing Patreon supporters (Thank you! 🙏).
🎯 Goal: 50 Patreon Members = Get 10 bonus Chapters!
➕ Community Milestones: Every 100 Powerstones OR 5 New Reviews = 1 Bonus Chapter Released!
Support Walnutchan on Patreon:
👻 patreon.com/Walnutchan 👻