Chapter 345: Roll Call, One by One
"When the World Anchor is fully formed, there will be phenomena that shake the entire world. It's best to prepare in advance, to avoid… unpleasant accidents. Furthermore, once it links with the Imaginary branches, this world will shift from a dissolving process into a solidification process. The reversal of matter and law will cause temporary turbulence in the world's barrier. To put it simply—when the anchor is completed, we must leave this world immediately. Otherwise, the world core fused into my body could react badly with this unstable bubble. You all need to prepare accordingly."
Holding his wine cup, Sigurd spoke in a calm, level tone, eyes on the four girls of differing ages and temperaments as they entered the pool.
This was, of course, the very subject none of them could afford to ignore.
Especially Durandal—serious by nature, now carrying the weight of imperial authority—who immediately knelt upright in the water, back straight, and declared solemnly:
"Thank you for Father Emperor's guidance. This daughter will not fail in her duty!"
Sigurd raised a brow, gesturing at her with the wine cup. His gaze lingered briefly on her breathtaking figure, barely covered by a towel, and he asked flatly:
"You call me 'Father Emperor,' call yourself 'daughter'… and yet appear before me like this?"
"If Father Emperor wills it, Durandal can change at any time—call you husband, and take her place as Empress."
"…A while ago, it was all 'father' this and 'ancestor' that. And now it's suddenly 'husband'? Well, true, husband and wife are still a form of hierarchical family relationship. That works. So—Rita taught you this, didn't she?"
"Father Emperor is wise!"
Durandal lowered her head, displaying docile submission.
Sigurd drained his cup, let Fu Hua refill it, and then looked at the four of them.
"I've told you before—you cannot possibly bear my child. That is a biological impossibility, beyond anyone's power to change. Your nation should build itself by its own means. That is the proper path."
"Father Emperor speaks the truth…"
Durandal faltered, her offensive instantly defused beneath Sigurd's calm gaze.
So, Rita rose instead. Her jade-like legs glided through the water as she approached, kneeling gracefully before Sigurd. With a charming smile, she said:
"Of course, we obey Your Majesty's wisdom. However, love and desire between man and woman are not merely for procreation. Your Majesty, so peerless in might and unmatched in the world—you are worthy of any woman's devotion, are you not?"
"Oh? So you love me? Because I'm capable? Because I look handsome?"
"Indeed."
"Don't make me laugh. You're not that sort of person. Chancellor Rita, your real concern is this: you've realized I shoulder the burden of your world's survival, yet I see little value in this world itself. The balance between what I give and what I receive is skewed. You fear I may not care for this world's survival, and that when greater opportunities arise, I won't even think of this place. Correct?"
"Your Majesty, Rita… Rita…"
Her words caught. Those enchanting eyes, usually brimming with calculation and wit, now flickered with panic.
She had a hundred clever speeches prepared, a thousand ways to twist the conversation. But the weight of Sigurd's long-established authority—and the way those deep eyes seemed to pierce all falsehood—left her utterly unable to speak them aloud.
Sigurd shook his head, voice indifferent:
"To you, affection, desire, a man's urge to gain and to possess—those are tools of return, a way to strengthen bonds. For your selfless devotion, you've earned at least a drink."
He pushed forward the tray, upon which rested a small cup of wine.
Rita's red lips parted slightly. Her gaze flickered with shifting emotion—half sorrow, half longing. Finally, with a soft sigh, she lifted the cup in both hands and said:
"Ah… So, in Your Majesty's eyes, Rita is truly nothing but a woman without sincerity, a woman whose head is full of calculations and schemes?"
"No. You're a good person—I'll grant you that. As for being calculating… it simply means you're intelligent. And what's wrong with being intelligent? I quite like clever people. Most of the time, they're easier to work with."
"Then I thank Your Majesty. But… is it truly necessary to restrain yourself so strictly? Rita may think of the world's welfare, yes—but that does not mean there is any unwillingness in our hearts. Your Majesty, you are a good man. As long as you nod, the four of us would… If your worry lies with Lady Kiana from the other world, you could simply keep silent. None of us would ever speak of it. Even if that Lady Kiana were to press you, we would absolutely cooperate with your will. You truly won't reconsider?"
"I don't like lying—especially not to her. Drink. To you, Rita."
So said Sigurd, draining his cup.
Rita let out another sigh. After giving thanks, she too finished her drink, eyes dimming with a trace of sorrow. Then she shifted aside, leaving Sigurd face-to-face with Kiana and Zhuge Kongming.
"Kiana—you're very much like her. I admit, when I see you, sometimes I can't help but be tempted. But no matter how alike you are with her… you are not her. There's no meaning in doing it with you."
"As for Theresa… little children shouldn't imitate grown-ups. After the hot spring, drink your milk and go to bed early, or you won't grow taller in the future."
Sigurd called them out one by one. Kiana's face fell, and she sank her mouth under the water, puffing bubbles in silent dejection. Zhuge Kongming first flushed with shyness, then burst into angry indignation—I told you, my name is Zhuge Kongming! Who in the world is this Theresa!?
Seeing the four of them silent, Sigurd's lips curved faintly upward. A small laugh, a shake of the head—and for once, his expression softened.
"All right. Whatever the case, you are all remarkable individuals. I believe you can bring a brighter future to this world. Work hard. Don't let your lives be filled with regrets. As for your world—you need not worry too much. Even in the worst case, I can at least restore your world to what it is now. I won't let you vanish into nothingness in an instant."
His words, carrying the weight of farewell, were softened by an uncharacteristic warmth. At that moment, all four pairs of eyes reddened.
Sigurd had descended upon them with unmatched force, and had become the one who dragged them—and their nation—forward to this day. There had been many times they were infuriated with him, powerless before his will. Yet in hindsight, it was precisely he who had built all that stood before them now.
As long as Sigurd remained here—even abdicated—they could walk forward without fear, for they knew there was always someone who could intervene, who could reverse disaster when all else failed. That sense of security was irreplaceable.
And now, this man was leaving. Perhaps never to be seen again.
It made one… really want to cry.
"—Hah."
Sigurd tipped back his head and drank, saying nothing more.
But at that very instant—
A soft, warm body surged through the water's surface, and threw itself against him.
<+>
Tn: If you want to see more chapter of this story, please go to my Patreon[1], just for $5 each month, you can read till the latest chapter.
Latest Chapter in Patreon: Chapter 399: Operation[2]
Link to the latest chapter: https://www.patreon.com/posts/honkai-strijder-145129735[3]
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/collection/95348?view=condensed[4]
[1] https://www.patreon.com/collection/95348?view=condensed
[2] https://www.patreon.com/posts/honkai-strijder-145129735
[3] https://www.patreon.com/posts/honkai-strijder-145129735
[4] https://www.patreon.com/collection/95348?view=condensed