"The purpose of my visit? Hmm, true, the Herrscher of a Thousand People is still a Herrscher, and claiming no interest would be disingenuous. However, the main reason is Kiana's safety being paramount; I must keep a close eye on her situation. Additionally, I suspect that after the trial, you've prepared some contingencies for the Herrscher of a Thousand People. I'd like to observe these measures and learn from them!" Otto cheerfully explained, now refraining from addressing Kiana as K-423.
This shift stemmed from two factors: firstly, Kiana's previous performance had earned Otto's recognition, and secondly, as his relationship with Zeke evolved, Otto consciously adjusted his demeanor towards her.
As expected, noticing the change in Otto's address, Zeke's expression visibly softened, saying:
"As you can see now, it's someone who might make you quite uncomfortable. I assume this was within your expectations, so would you like to have a chat with her?"
"I... indeed wish to speak with Miss Yae Sakura. But let's discuss it outside; I'll come find you later. Since you've already made arrangements for the Herrscher of a Thousand People, Zeke, I won't keep you here any longer. Until we meet again in the real world."
Otto gave a deep, complex look at Yae Sakura before disappearing from the theater.
Yae Sakura opened her mouth as if wanting to say something, but facing the now empty stage, she could only sadly lower her head.
"Zeke-san, Sakura, may I go see him now?"
"The earlier restriction was to avoid upsetting him. Now that he has invited you, feel free to go ahead."
"May I...ask boldly, if he intends to kill me, would you intervene on Sakura's behalf?"
"Not necessarily. It depends on his intentions. Your value is high, but his far surpasses yours."
"You're truly candid," Yae Sakura said with a bitter smile.
Zeke responded impassively:
"From the beginning, I told you that if you work for me, I'll help revive Kallen. However, it's merely a partnership. If you slip up and Otto catches you, I won't protect you under his scrutiny; the risks would outweigh the benefits."
"But initially, I wasn't aware this was part of your deal with Mr. Otto, right? It feels like I've been used without any real gain," Yae Sakura murmured, her voice tinged with slight disappointment.
However, it was just disappointment. Yae Sakura had no objections to working for Zeke. The fact that he rescued her from darkness and despair was a great kindness, and striving to revive Kallen was an even greater one. Moreover, fighting against Honkai also served as penance for her past mistakes—in every sense, Yae Sakura willingly dedicated herself to serving Zeke.
"Don't blurt out such inconvenient truths... Don't worry, given Otto's style, if he intended to kill you, he'd quietly do so outside my watchful eyes. Since he has now openly invited you, it's clear he harbors no intent to harm you. You can safely attend the gathering. Of course, if during conversation you say something provocative and upset him, I cannot guarantee your safety then."
Zeke nonchalantly responded, appearing cold and uncaring. In reality, he had subtly grasped some of Otto's intentions.
On this trip, Yae Sakura would face no immediate danger. Once her identity was openly acknowledged by Otto, Zeke could more easily manipulate her situation.
Yae Sakura sighed.
"Yes, Sakura understands."
Towards Otto, Yae Sakura felt predominantly guilty.
She already knew that Otto was Kallen's fiancé, deeply in love with her, and had tirelessly worked for over five centuries to resurrect Kallen. Moreover, she understood that one crucial catalyst leading to Kallen's death was Kallen's affection for herself—well, based on the information uncovered so far, it seemed largely accurate.
In summary, from Yae Sakura's perspective, she bore significant responsibility for Kallen's demise and the heartache endured by the pitiable Otto for these past five hundred years.
Zeke studied her intently. Honestly, he didn't delve much into understanding his simple-minded subordinate, so he couldn't discern what she was thinking.
However, it wasn't important anymore. With matters here settled, Zeke swiftly ended the communication, focusing on more pressing issues at hand.
Standing on the high platform, Yae Sakura lost track of time. After a while, one by one, dolls began rising from the ground.
"My life may be as insignificant as an insect's, but even such a humble existence has its guiding light! Hail Master Zeke, the eternal God!"
"We live solely for Master Zeke!"
"Ah! I long to be Master Zeke's dog!"
"The true essence of life is nothing more than being Master Zeke's dog and striving to be his best dog!"
"Becoming Master Zeke's dog is my lifelong honor!"
Each shout, every phrase—dolls either raised their heads in praise or knelt in prayer, displaying unwavering devotion, reminiscent of a cultish fervor.
As these chants echoed around her, Yae Sakura touched her sword, feeling deeply embarrassed.
Although she had adjusted the Key of Corruption under Zeke-san's instructions and carried out the act herself, this spectacle was truly disturbing!
"...He really has some twisted interests! Eldest Sister, I suggest we distance ourselves soon; otherwise, that guy will surely betray us eventually."
"Higokumaru, you might not want Zeke-san to hear that; he could give your bottom a spanking."
[Ahhh! Eldest Sister, can't we just forget about that incident?!]
"Ha ha! Alright, Zeke-san may be harsh and have some twisted interests, but his actions genuinely aim to save this world under threat. We must support him... However, I didn't expect our power of corruption to truly distort the Herrschers' minds."
[Who do they think they are, Herrschers? Just a bunch of amateurs! Regardless of other aspects, that guy's intellect is truly exceptional, even among the top-tier throughout eras. He redefined my corruption ability as 'informational pollution,' significantly enhancing it. Dealing with complete Herrschers is uncertain, but these half-baked ones? One chop at a time, easy peasy.]
"Yes, Zeke-san is indeed a genius."
[Hmph! If it weren't for saving Eldest Sister, I wouldn't bother cooperating with him! Such an annoying fellow...]
Higokumaru continued grumbling within the mental world, while Yae Sakura merely smiled serenely, her presence like a vibrant light illuminating the darkness shrouded by black mist.
In truth, Yae Sakura knew that her tsundere little sister didn't actually dislike Zeke, who showed neither fear nor disdain towards her. On the contrary, Hiru quite enjoyed the occasional toys and delicacies Zeke tossed into the Key of Corruption.
However, Zeke's blunt manner of speaking, especially towards the proud yet sensitive young girl, left no room for tolerance. Each interaction invariably infuriated the contradictory Higokumaru.
"Excuse me, Miss, do you know where Master Zeke is? I want to go lick his boots!"
"Whack!"
Yae Sakura instinctively swatted away the overly serious doll approaching her, sending it flying. Then, more dolls noticed the platform and rushed over.
"Master Zeke! Take me to see Master Zeke!"
"I want to be Master Zeke's dog!"
The corner of Yae Sakura's eye twitched; if not for ensuring the situation was fully understood and relaying Zeke's orders, she would have fled this world instantly!
In an unnamed pocket realm within the Sea of Quanta, Kiana's eyes snapped open.
Zeke stood by her bedside, gazing down at her and letting out a soft sigh.
"You're awake? The child didn't make it, but with effort, there can be more. Don't grieve too much."
"⊙(?△?)⊙...(ー_ー)!!"
Kiana's expression initially showed shock, then transformed into speechlessness.
"Does Zeke think I'm stupid?"
"If you're not, why did you end up like this?" Zeke pinched her bandaged cheek, sounding quite displeased.
Feeling guilty, Kiana pulled the blanket higher to cover part of her face.
"But...didn't I succeed?"
"Yes, you succeeded. If not for me, your recklessness would have killed you outright."
"...Don't be angry! Can't admitting my mistake suffice?"
"A pattern with you: sincere apologies followed by repeated mistakes," Zeke said expressionlessly.
Then, Kiana completely covered her head to avoid the anticipated barrage of scolding remarks that might follow.
After a long silence, hearing no further rebukes, she cautiously peeked out from under the blanket.
Zeke reached over and gently touched Kiana's forehead.
"Just being alive is enough," he murmured, his voice filled with deep resignation.
Pausing, Kiana grasped Zeke's hand and declared, "Zeke, I truly love you!"
"...Don't say sweet nothings at times like this."
"But I truly love you, Zeke," Kia replied earnestly, her bright eyes shimmering with sincerity.
After a moment of silence, Zeke said softly, "I feel the same way."
"Mm-hmm, I know."
"Does it still hurt?"
"A little."
"Where does it hurt?"
"Everywhere, there's just too much pain to numb... So, give me a kiss, please—it's my most effective painkiller!" Kia winked, sounding quite serious.
Zeke merely tilted his head back and sighed deeply.
He had suppressed so much anger earlier, planning to teach her a soul-deep lesson once she woke up.
Why couldn't he muster even a hint of that fury now?