Seeing the seriousness in Theresa's eyes, Himeko, who was familiar with her, knew that this usually frivolous Principal was being serious, which made her even more curious about what had happened in the Stigmata Space.
However, seeing as Theresa was sending Kiana and the others away, it must involve some secret. In these matters, Theresa was still very sensible and knew that some things were not convenient for these children to know.
With a meaningful glance at Ming Yu, Himeko said to Kiana and the others, "Theresa is right, it's getting late. Let's hurry back and prepare lunch, I'm getting hungry too."
At the thought of Mei's cooking, Kiana's mind became active. She sidled up to Hiyokumaru and started introducing Mei's culinary skills to her new companion.
She could naturally see that the newly arrived girl was still a little nervous. Being her naturally sociable self, she took it upon herself to ease the relationship and help Hiyokumaru better integrate into St. Freya High School. Besides, she loved cute girls the most.
Unlike the carefree Kiana, Mei sensed that something was amiss. After the incident with her father, Raiden Ryoma, she had become much more sensitive to the ways of the world. At this moment, she also noticed the strangeness between Theresa and Ming Yu and couldn't help but look at Ming Yu with some worry.
The observant Bronya also felt that something was wrong, but recalling what Ming Yu had said a few days ago and seeing that his expression hadn't changed, she wasn't too worried. She only took another look at the two unfamiliar katanas in Ming Yu's hands but didn't say anything.
Although Hiyokumaru was very interested in the delicious food Kiana was talking about, she still stayed by Ming Yu's side, nervously tugging at his sleeve to show that they were in this together and to express her concern.
Seeing the stubbornness and concern in Hiyokumaru's eyes, Ming Yu's heart warmed slightly. He gently ruffled her soft pink hair and said softly, "Alright, you go with them first. They can all be trusted.
Besides, I'll be fine. I'll come find you later, be good~"
Although she was reluctant, Hiyokumaru knew she couldn't help with this matter. She vaguely knew that the conflict between Ming Yu and Theresa was because of that Jizo Mitama, but she couldn't possibly persuade Ming Yu to give it up.
In her eyes, that sword already belonged to Big Bro Yu, and no one could take it away!
After one last look at Ming Yu, Hiyokumaru slowly followed Kiana and the others out.
It wasn't until they were near the door that Kiana belatedly realized two people hadn't followed. She couldn't help but ask, "Aren't Great Aunt and Ming Yu coming with us?"
Before either of them could answer, Himeko wrapped an arm around Kiana's neck, smothering her in a hug while saying, "They have their own things to attend to. Little children shouldn't be so nosy!"
"Mmph~" Before Kiana could struggle, she was dragged out. Bronya, walking at the very back, gave Ming Yu an encouraging look and gently closed the door.
After everyone had gone, Theresa sat up properly on the hospital bed, her hands crossed over her abdomen, and slowly said to the only other person left in the room, "They're gone. Next, we only have your business to deal with. Ming Yu~"
Seeing Theresa trying to put on a serious expression with such a childish body, Ming Yu couldn't help but find it a little amusing, but he quickly controlled his emotions and didn't let it show.
Although the Principal looked cute, her combat power was unquestionable. Even though he had obtained Jizo Mitama, it was still far from enough to immediately gain the qualification to speak to Theresa as an equal.
He tightened his grip on the two swords in his hands and said calmly, "Principal, do you wish to speak with me about this Divine Key?"
At this point, playing dumb and pretending not to know would be foolish and would only leave a negative impression of dishonesty in Theresa's mind. Since they both knew what was going on, it was better to be direct and lay the cards on the table. Wouldn't that be simpler and more convenient?
"Do you really think you understand the Divine Keys?" Seeing Ming Yu being so perceptive, Theresa didn't deny it, posing her question without any concealment.
Hearing Theresa's words, a strange feeling arose in Ming Yu's heart. Although Theresa had possessed Judah for over forty years, Otto had never taught her how to use this Divine Key. Even the Zeroth Power was something he had reluctantly taught her under the pressure of the Second Herrscher.
This led to Theresa having no idea how to use Judah correctly, so the number of ways Judah could be used had always been an unsolved mystery.
Yet such a Theresa was asking him if he truly understood the Divine Keys, which made Ming Yu want to laugh a little inside.
"Not a lot, but I know a little," Ming Yu answered ambiguously, his fingers unconsciously tightening on Jizo Mitama. At this point, it was impossible to pretend he was a complete novice. He now had to stick to his established persona—an escapee from a mysterious organization related to the Honkai, 'Serpent.'
In the early stages, this was very important. He had to give Theresa an initial reason to trust him, to let her see that he was not completely uncontrollable.
Once he gained a certain degree of trust, established a foothold here, and proved his value, then it wouldn't matter even if this was exposed. As long as he performed excellently, Theresa would most likely choose to overlook the flaws in his identity.
"Since you know about these things, I won't explain further. I've seen pretty much everything I need to know in the Stigmata Space. Delving into other matters is meaningless." Seeing Ming Yu's small movements, Theresa knew it was impossible to make him obediently hand over the Divine Key.
Taking a deep breath, Theresa said coldly, "I'll ask one last question. Can I trust you?"
Looking at Theresa's serious little face, Ming Yu didn't speak. Or rather, this was a question he couldn't answer, because he couldn't make the choice for Theresa.
Whether to trust or not depended entirely on Theresa's decision!
From the moment he entered St. Freya High School, Theresa's side had never had much trust in him. Arranging for him to live in Himeko's apartment, placing him completely under St. Freya's surveillance, and having Himeko test him from time to time were all for this reason.
But before he obtained the Divine Key, the issue of trust wasn't important, because back then he was just a harmless little wildcat. St. Freya could tolerate his ill intentions and his unknown origins.
But after obtaining the Divine Key, everything was different. The wildcat had become a tiger cub, and though young, its claws and fangs were fully formed. At this point, St. Freya could no longer ignore his existence. If he truly harbored ill will, it would cause immeasurable losses to the entire St. Freya High School.
Even St. Freya could not ignore the threat from a Divine Key with unknown abilities!