Siegfried chuckled bitterly, finding no words to respond.
Deep down, he understood all too well that the time spent together, emotional bond, and sacrifices made by Zeke for Kiana far surpassed anything he could match. Reasonably speaking, even Siegfried himself felt as though he had little right to criticize their relationship.
But logic aside, as her father, if he couldn't even confront the man his daughter chose who was clearly fickle and promiscuous, what good would it do for him to be alive? Zeke needed to know that no matter how foolish or incompetent Siegfried might be, Kiana still had a father who would stand up for her whenever she faced injustice.
"Because I'm her father..." Siegfried crushed out the burning cigarette, melancholic yet resolute.
Theresa turned to look at Siegfried's profile and silently sighed.
"You've made your decision?"
"I never wavered."
"Then go while you still have time. Speak your mind—good luck."
"Will do!" Siegfried snapped his fingers, leaned forward, and descended toward the ground below.
Moments later, a figure enveloped in bone-chilling cold raced across the land under the cover of night, leaving all else behind in its dust.
Watching Siegfried's trail recede, Theresa shook her head with a soft chuckle.
"Hah! That stubbornness is just like Kiana—it must be why you took a liking to him, Cecilia, right?" With another wistful sigh, Theresa turned and headed back to the Hyperion's command room.
After two hours of flight, Siegfried had crossed nearly half the new continent and arrived at the magnificent Anti-Entropy Headquarters.
"Private First Class Siegfried Kaslana, it's not yet your scheduled time to arrive. Leaving your unit without permission and trespassing on Headquarters grounds—what punishment do you expect?"
"Oh come on, Bronya, spare me this time! I just want to see Zeke."
"You should address me as 'Commander.' And as a private under disciplinary action, what right do you have to demand an audience with His Imperial Majesty by name?"
"I...how about for Kiana's sake?" Siegfried stood beneath a hundred-meter-tall wall, smiling ingratiatingly at Bronya's projection hovering above him.
His response came from countless oval-shaped robots with long ears suddenly materializing around him, their red targeting lasers dotting his body.
"Siegfried, you enlisted voluntarily. Do you really think military operations can be taken lightly? Even if I were to execute you here and now, Kiana wouldn't dare say a word against me. Believe that or not."
Bronya's massive holographic projection looked down at Siegfried with icy eyes.
Siegfried was rendered speechless; his only recourse was to raise his hands in surrender. He couldn't possibly force his way through this fortress brimming with advanced technology—and even if he could, his limited wisdom still cautioned him against causing conflict. It would jeopardize the order that Anti-Entropy had painstakingly maintained for years.
"I'll accept any disciplinary action afterward, whether it means confinement or sending me back to the front lines. I understand and will abide by your decision. Bron... Commander, please allow me to see Zeke one last time as his father."
The towering hologram continued to gaze down at Siegfried. After a long moment, she replied slowly,
"There is no point. The matter concerning Zeke and us requires neither questioning nor interference from anyone else. If you're wise, withdraw now and wait outside. Considering your dedication during recent missions, I may spare you further discipline."
"What if I insist on seeing him?"
"Personally, we'll take good care of Kiana, so you don't need to worry. Professionally... matters concerning Herrschers affect civilization at large, and you have no right to interfere. I believe I've made myself clear."
"Sire, I am Kiana's father."
The conversation reached a stalemate.
Bronya stared expressionlessly down at Siegfried, while the little bunny drone's smiling electronic face switched to a menacing grin.
After half a minute, Bronya's demeanor shifted slightly.
She narrowed her eyes, withdrew the bunny drone, and opened a glowing portal beneath the thick wall.
"Go ahead," she said mildly, as the massive projection on the wall disappeared.
Siegfried lowered his raised hands, rubbed his nose, and let out a sigh of relief.
"Young women these days sure can be strict. Come to think of it, even she is part of this complicated mess. Kiana is so innocent; if only... Tsk! Why do I always find myself facing such chaotic situations?"
Scratching his head with frustration, Siegfried stepped through the glowing portal.
Siegfried thought he was simply stepping through a door, but instead, he experienced a disorienting sensation of chaotic space.
When he regained his bearings, he found himself on an observation deck bathed in the bright moonlight, high above the clouds.
Ahead, Zeke leaned forward menacingly from his wide black chair, gazing at Siegfried with an indifferent expression.
Behind Zeke, Kiana stood demurely, gently massaging his shoulders with utmost obedience.
Noticing Siegfried's arrival, she continued kneading while frantically winking at him.
Get outta here, you old man! If Zeke gets mad, there'll be no saving you!
Clearly, Kiana had shown up to do her best to protect Siegfried's life.
Siegfried sighed helplessly.
Logically speaking, when a father-in-law confronts his philandering son-in-law, he should hold all the leverage.
So why is everyone worried about Siegfried's safety instead?
Siegfried sensed something was off here, but as he met Zeke's calm blue gaze, he inexplicably felt guilty.
"Uh... Good evening?" Siegfried began awkwardly, attempting to convey friendliness with this greeting.
"Hmm." Zeke responded mildly and gestured, causing a chair to materialize across from him.
"Please sit," said Zeke.
Feeling somewhat uneasy, Siegfried approached the chair and slowly sat down. After working for Anti-Entropy for half a year, he had gained a clearer understanding of Zeke's capabilities, achievements, immense influence, and revered status in this era.
Siegfried knew well that a casual word from Zeke could prompt the entire world to hunt him down, perhaps even overcoming Welt's intervention.
"All your commanding officers have given you high praise, commending your exceptional abilities, bravery in combat, and significant contributions on the front lines. These accomplishments deserve recognition."
"Eh... Th-thank you!" Siegfried felt slightly uncomfortable, not expecting such compliments and almost overwhelmed by the unexpected honor.
"Kiana is mine. Do you have any objections?"
Zeke's sudden declaration left both listeners momentarily speechless.
Kiana felt shy yet delighted, while Siegfried was utterly taken aback, unsure of how to respond.
After a long pause, Siegfried let out a weary sigh and said, "Seeing Kiana like this, I know there's no convincing her otherwise. And truth be told, it seems I lack the right to say anything to you; after all, you've been taking care of Kiana all along... But with other girls around you, don't you feel guilty or indebted for making Kiana endure such indignity?"
"I do. However, she belongs to me. No matter what, nobody can take her away from my side."
"You... At least give her the choice."
"That choice, I will not grant. She can only be mine," Zeke replied calmly, his words conveying unwavering determination.
Siegfried paused, looking at Kiana, who displayed only shyness and happiness on her face. With a resigned sigh, he gazed up at the moon and continued, "Kiana is a very innocent girl. Once she commits to something, she never looks back."
"I know that better than anyone."
"It's clear to me now—no matter the grievances she endure, she won't leave you."
"Uh-huh, I know that too."
"But this isn't an excuse to mistreat her!"
Siegfried slammed his hand onto the table, embedding it into the metal surface as frost spread across its surface. His gaze instantly turned firm and piercing.
Zeke lowered his eyes, momentarily speechless.
Kiana's hands paused on his shoulders, leaning back with a sharp intake of breath.
"Z-Z-Z-Zeke, don't be mad, please don't be mad! It's just that stinky dad doesn't fully understand the situation..."
"...Do I seem like someone who loses my temper without reason?"
"Eh! No, absolutely not. I was just...just giving you a heads-up..."
"Continue the massage."
"Yes sir!" Kiana responded enthusiastically, refocusing all her attention on serving Zeke diligently.
The corner of Siegfried's eye twitched slightly.
"She sure is wrapped around your finger! Even I've never received such treatment."
"Jealous?"
"Well, honestly, my shoulders could use some relief too."
"I have ample energy; from loosening muscles to reaching heaven, take your pick." Zeke offered sincerely.
Siegfried's eye twitched again before he shook his head and said,
"Let's talk seriously now. Are you certain you want to keep Kiana by your side like this? Especially when you can't give her complete love?"
"I am," replied Zeke firmly.
"I'm her father."
"I know, and that's why... I apologize."
Though brief, Zeke's words stunned both Siegfried and Kiana.
Siegfried never expected to receive an apology from him.
Kiana's eyes welled up instantly, and she glared at Siegfried with discontent.
It felt like his little darling had stabbed him right in the heart.
"Kiana, I'm just trying to stand up for you!"
"How could you make Zeke apologize?! Quickly say sorry to him, you stinky old man!"
"Hey, how come it sounds like I'm the villain here?"
"Anyone who makes Zeke unhappy is a bad person! No excuses, now apologize, you smelly dad!" Kiana pouted, stubbornly glaring at Siegfried.
Everything was fine between them; they didn't need such apologies—just being together mattered most. That was all Kiana thought at that moment.
Then, Zeke gently touched Kiana's hand and continued:
"I'm truly sorry that Kiana suffered under my care. I'll do everything within my power to make amends and ensure her well-being from now on; this is my promise. However, our relationship doesn't require interference from anyone else, understood, Siegfried?"
Before Siegfried could respond, Kiana rapidly nodded like a pecking chick, clearly endorsing Zeke's declaration.
Siegfried glanced between Kiana and Zeke several times before finally letting out a resigned sigh.
"I understand. Then, I entrust my daughter to you. Remember your commitment; if you ever break your word, even with my limited abilities, I will make sure you feel a father's wrath."
"Understood. Rest well, we've prepared a room for you," Zeke replied as he stood up and left.
Kiana remained standing, blinked, then playfully pulled down her lower eyelid at Siegfried, making a funny face.
"Pfft! Wait for me, Zeke!"
With a joyful shout, she jogged after Zeke, her face beaming without a trace of worry or gloom.
Left behind, Siegfried shook his head with a wry smile.
"What was even the point of me coming here then? Did I just play the villain for nothing?" Siegfried chuckled bitterly.
Though he still had some lingering dissatisfaction, there was nothing more he could do about it now.
Zeke raised Kiana since she was young, resolving all her difficult challenges—from Otto's threats to those posed by the Herrscher of the Void—perfectly. Without his intervention, how could Kiana maintain such a comforting smile today?
This is where Kiana chose to belong, perhaps precisely the best place for her.
Resigned, Siegfried lowered his head without further complaint.