That day, after school, with exams approaching, Orion continued to meet Bronya in the classroom to study. But today, Orion didn't immediately take out his textbooks. He placed his schoolbag to the side, turned his body towards Bronya, and casually asked in a conversational tone: "Bronya, what do you… think of the Underworld?"
Bronya's hand, holding her pen, unconsciously tightened a little. She looked up at Orion, her clear, cold eyes filled with confusion: "Why ask that suddenly?"
"Nothing special. It's just because I'm from the Underworld."
"So, I've always been curious how you, who live under the bright sun, view the place where I grew up."
Bronya was silent for a few seconds. Then, she spoke in an almost standard answer: "The diligent labor of the Underworld residents provides essential minerals and energy for all of Belobog."
"Without their contributions, the people of the Overworld could not enjoy such a stable and affluent life as they do now."
"I… we, should all be grateful for the contributions of the Underworld people."
"Grateful?"
"Then, how do you evaluate the Supreme Guardian's recent order to completely seal off traffic between the Overworld and Underworld?" This question was clearly much sharper than the previous one.
Bronya's brows furrowed slightly. She seemed to want to argue, but also seemed to have some reservations, organizing her words. Finally, she spoke: "My mother… no, the Supreme Guardian did that out of necessity due to the situation at the time."
"During that period, Fragmentum activity around Belobog was unusually frequent, and according to intelligence, news of the Underworld being re-corroded by the Fragmentum also came."
"To concentrate forces on protecting Belobog's safety, she had to temporarily reassign all Silvermane Guards stationed outside and take… some necessary measures." The further she spoke, the softer her voice became, as if even she herself was not entirely convinced by this official-sounding explanation.
"I see, I understand." Orion nodded gently, not pressing further. He knew very well that asking more would only yield polished official statements. He abruptly changed the subject and asked directly: "So, do you know what the Underworld is actually like?"
"Or rather, have you ever been to the Underworld?"
Bronya froze. A brief silence fell in the classroom, broken only by the occasional sound of wind outside the window. After a long while, she replied softly, somewhat bewildered: "The Underworld… I haven't been there."
"So, I don't know… what it's actually like."
"Is that so." Orion's reaction was calm, as if he had already anticipated this answer. He understood in his heart. Indeed, she no longer had specific memories of life in the Underworld, or of her own origins. Was it completely erased by Cocolia using some means, or was it due to some influence of the Stellaron that caused the memory loss? Regardless of the possibility, it meant that Cocolia had put immense effort into her. The Supreme Guardian clearly intended to mold Bronya into a perfect successor. A pure and noble guardian successor, completely unrelated to the dirty and chaotic Underworld, belonging only to the Overworld.
Orion did not continue the topic. He simply took out his history textbook and math workbook from his schoolbag and laid them on the desk. "Alright, let's not talk about that. Let's review."
"Mm…" Bronya seemed to let out a sigh of relief, redirecting her attention back to the books in front of her.
Looking at Bronya, Orion thought, Since she didn't remember, he would just have to find another way.
The Belobog Academy's midterm exams arrived as scheduled. The day after the exams, the atmosphere within the academy noticeably relaxed. Orion still attended school as usual. But his schoolbag contained some inconspicuous small items. A few small glass marbles, and a somewhat damaged little rabbit doll woven from coarse twine. These were all things Bronya played with when she was little.
During lunch break, Orion seemingly casually took these small trinkets out of his schoolbag, trying to attract the attention of Bronya, who sat next to him. She occasionally cast a glance, but showed no reaction. Bronya was still the well-mannered successor, always maintaining her lady-like demeanor.
After several unsuccessful attempts, Orion was not discouraged. The dismissal bell rang. Students left the classroom one after another, and the noise faded into the distance. Orion saw Bronya packing her books and stationery; since the exam had just finished, she had no intention of staying to review today.
He walked to her desk and said, "Bronya, could you… wait for me for a moment?"
Bronya paused her action of organizing her schoolbag and asked, confused: "Is there something?"
"Uh… just a little something, it'll only take a moment."
Bronya gazed at him. According to her usual conduct, she would typically refuse such a request without a clear reason. But for some reason, looking at Orion's somewhat hopeful expression, she agreed: "Alright."
The other students in the classroom had already left. Bronya sat alone in her seat, taking out a thick book from her schoolbag and reading it. Time passed minute by minute, and the hour hand on the wall clock moved to the next mark. She raised her wrist to check the time, her beautiful brows furrowing slightly: "Why is it taking so long…" Although a hint of impatience had arisen in her heart, since she had promised the other party, she would wait until the very end. This was an education instilled in her since childhood: a person cannot stand without trustworthiness. Even if Orion only returned tomorrow, she thought, she should still keep her promise and wait here.
Just as her patience was about to run out and she was preparing to get up and look for Orion, the classroom door creaked open. Bronya looked up. She saw Orion walk in, carrying something carefully wrapped in an insulated bag. He walked straight to her, handing her the cup-shaped object that was emitting a slight coolness and a faint sweet aroma.
Bronya's gaze fell on the cup. The contents of the cup were layered and colorful, with a delicate little wooden spoon stuck in the very top. Beneath the sparkling crushed ice were syrups and jams of various colors, creating a dreamy hue.
"This is…?"
Orion smiled faintly and replied, "Soda Iceberg."
"Soda Iceberg?" Bronya repeated the unfamiliar name, her eyes full of confusion. "Why… are you giving this to me?" She had never seen such a thing in any high-end dessert shop or banquet in the Overworld.
"Try it, it's delicious."
Bronya shook her head, "No, thank you."
"Mother says this kind of snack is bad for teeth, and it's too high in calories, easily leading to weight gain, which is not conducive to maintaining one's demeanor." Despite saying this, her gaze was still drawn to the misty iceberg in the cup, and her throat unconsciously swallowed slightly.
Hearing this, Orion sighed inwardly, what kind of rigid and boring life was she living in the Overworld? She didn't even have the freedom to eat snacks, facing only those tedious books and complicated etiquette every day… Perhaps, it was even worse than when she was in the Orphanage back then… At least, the former her had light in her eyes.
Orion could only patiently persuade: "Just one small bite, it's fine."
"I went through a lot of trouble to get this; it's a 'limited edition specialty' from the Underworld." Indeed, he had put a lot of effort into getting this "Soda Iceberg." He had Natasha send people to great lengths to find the original stall owner who made Soda Iceberg at a wanderer's camp on the outskirts of Boulder Town. The stall owner's skills had become rusty, and it was only after Natasha's people used both soft and hard tactics that he reluctantly resumed his old trade, making this special portion for Orion, and having it delivered to Orion in the Overworld as quickly as possible.
"Your mother isn't here, eat it, no one will know." Orion lowered his voice, "Just consider it… our little secret."
His voice seemed to carry a kind of magic, easily plucking the string called "rules" in Bronya's heart.
"Secret?" Bronya's eyelashes trembled slightly.