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"Bronya noticed that yesterday's dinner was attended without the Taixuan Mountain team or Heroic Spirits. Considering their common connection with Fu Hua-sensei, did something happen on her end?"
As the sun finished its ascent, Bronya raised this question—clearly overlooking the possibility that Mobius, as a biological and medical specialist, might have been forcibly dragged along.
Kiana, doodling absentmindedly on the table, suddenly perked up, her antenna-like hair swaying as she exclaimed wide-eyed:
"Yes, Fu Hua-sensei woke up yesterday! Almost forgot about it; when I was half-asleep, I heard her calling for 'my husband'... 'My husband,' huh? Well, well! You sure didn't waste any time while we weren't looking!"
Kiana glared at Zeke, visibly indignant.
Zeke rubbed his nose, feeling too guilty to respond. However, he knew clarification was necessary. After hesitating briefly, he stammered awkwardly:
"She did wake up, but there's an issue with her memories; she can't recognize us anymore."
"I see. Then Bronya understands why they were all absent. It must be similar to the Second Major Honkai Eruption—Fu Hua-sensei likely utilized power beyond her limits," Bronya nodded understandingly.
"Bang!"
Kiana abruptly slammed her hand on the table and stood up.
"Well, well! I thought you two were just caught up in some romantic entanglement, but who knew you'd stoop so low, Zeke?! Taking advantage of Fu Hua-sensei's memory loss to trick her into calling you 'husband'? If I hadn't arrived in time, were you planning to force your way into a committed relationship? That's outrageous! I despise you... Ow ow ow!" Kiana's pale finger nearly touched Zeke's nose before he, with a grim expression, swiftly bent it upwards, causing her immediate pain and forcing her to double over.
However, the brave and upright Kiana wouldn't yield to such intimidation that easily.
"Hmph! Afraid to face the consequences of your actions? I won't back down! You despicable..."
"Crack!"
Expressionless, Zeke raised his other hand and slowly clenched it into a fist, eliciting audible cracks from his joints.
"I'm sorry! I was wrong!!!" Kiana exclaimed loudly while bowing at a ninety-degree angle.
"Hmph!"
Only then did Zeke release her finger.
This white-haired husky disguised as a human would take any slight concession as an invitation to push further—Zeke wasn't unwilling to be gentle with her, but creatures like Kiana simply couldn't be managed without firmness!
"Phew...phew...phew..."
Kiana sat down, holding her recently freed index finger, and gently blew on it to soothe the reddened digit. Her plump, fair cheeks puffed out endearingly.
Naturally, she didn't forget to sneak cautious glances at Zeke, fearing that her pettiness might still harbor lingering anger.
Bronya blinked slowly and sighed.
"Sigh! This is more familiar territory. Congratulations, idiot Kiana, for reclaiming your rightful place in the hierarchy."
"Hey!"
Eyes wide, Kiana shot Bronya an indignant glare, silently condemning her friend's schadenfreude—but only silently so. Zeke had just scowled at her moments ago, and her finger still throbbed; Kiana decided not to provoke him again just yet.
Still cradling her cheeks, Sin swung her legs leisurely and gloated gleefully, "Ha! Serves you right, idiot Kiana! But even Fu Hua-sensei deserves it for daring to forget Zeke—getting toyed with by him is only natural! In any case, Sin would never forget about Zeke!"
Sin puffed out her chest, unequivocally siding with Zeke as if it were second nature. Her philosophy was simple: she unconditionally supported anything Zeke wished to do.
Zeke raised his hand and gently tapped Sin's head. "Stop teasing."
After the playful tap, he softly stroked her hair, feeling somewhat helpless amidst her pure and adorable smile. He explained, "I'm not that kind of person. It was just Little Fuxi and Elysia's prank."
On the sidelines, Kiana rolled her eyes while nursing her finger. Unable to resist the urge to snark, she muttered under her breath, "If you didn't have ulterior motives, why take advantage of the situation...?"
This elicited a surprised look from Zeke.
To be precise, both Bronya and Sin joined him, all three staring at Kiana with astonishment.
Feeling uneasy under their peculiar gazes, Kiana shrank back slightly and asked,
"What are you all staring at?"
"Oh, nothing. We just didn't expect...you to correctly use two idioms in a row! Impressive, quite remarkable progress indeed!"
Zeke stroked his chin with a kindly and appreciative expression before gently patting Kiana's head as encouragement.
Kiana gritted her teeth, her face flushing red.
Although it was praise, albeit delivered warmly...
"You guys are too much!" Tears streaming down her cheeks, Kiana indignantly sprang up and ran off the rooftop.
She needed comfort from her gentle mother; she couldn't bear facing these disrespectful bullies any longer. As for Fu Hua-sensei and Zeke's situation... Forget about them—I'm done caring! With this defeated mindset, Kiana quickly disappeared from sight.
Zeke glanced at his hand, which Kiana had swatted away, paused momentarily, then unexpectedly chuckled—not that terrifying laugh but a normal smile.
Bronya and Sin raised their hands and gave each other high-fives.
"Great teamwork, Sin."
"Heh heh heh, keep praising me, Bronya!"
It's true that Kiana is often impulsive and doesn't like to think things through. However, thanks to Zeke's years of force-feeding education, her academic foundation is quite solid.
So this time, Kiana wasn't wrong; they indeed conspired together to tease her seamlessly.
There was no helping it. With her ego on the verge of becoming unbearably inflated, if they didn't check her now, who knows how recklessly she would act later, doing whatever she pleased?
With their means of controlling Kiana temporarily set aside, Bronya blinked and looked at Zeke with a meaningful gaze. "My dear husband... It seems Fu Hua-sensei and you have been developing your relationship swiftly when we weren't around!"
Sin pouted, also casting an unhappy glance at Zeke.
While their personalities and perspectives differed from most people, making them more accepting, it didn't mean they couldn't feel jealous.
Zeke had anticipated this reaction and reached out, gently ruffling both girls' hair as he sighed, "I'm sorry, I couldn't resist."
His relationship with Fu Hua evolved gradually without him realizing, and ultimately, he found himself unable to turn her away, sealing the situation.
Regardless of how it unfolded, Zeke felt deeply indebted to each girl involved due to these circumstances.
As Zeke's warm hands gently stroked her hair, Sin's eyes gradually softened with contentment, quickly dismissing any lingering unease. Long ago, she had realized the futility of trying to monopolize Zeke's attention. As long as she maintained a special place by his side, she was perfectly fine.
Bronya held out slightly longer than Sin.
The Book of Fuxi and Ellie were astute observers; if they could discern Fu Hua's feelings, Bronya surely wasn't oblivious either. She had anticipated this relationship developing for some time. In fact, aside from her initial discomfort, she even supported Fu Hua joining them. On one hand, Fu Hua being inherently uncompetitive meant her involvement wouldn't hinder Bronya's aspirations for a higher standing. Instead, it would help diminish Kiana's prominence, creating a more favorable environment for Bronya's ambitions. On the other hand, without Zeke opening new avenues, what chance did Seele have?
Despite her mental preparation, when it comes to love, no one can be entirely magnanimous—not even Bronya.
Sigh!
After a moment, Bronya closed her eyes, silently exhaling.
When she opened them again, she met Zeke's focused and apologetic blue gaze, and the corners of her lips curved upward slightly.
"It's alright, let's talk about serious matters now."
"...Mm-hmm."
Zeke wanted to express his sympathy and apologize, but he knew such words held little meaning. Instead, he silently acknowledged her feelings.
Bronya, after some thought, asked with seriousness:
"I understand that despite your mischievous tendencies, Zeke, you wouldn't prank Fu Hua-sensei at such a critical moment. So, is there something wrong with her condition?"
Publicly, Fu Hua was one of the most formidable combatants, especially as the Sword Goddess capable of severing even the Will of Honkai's connections. In a sense, her strategic value far surpassed that of Kevin, the perfect being.
Privately, their respect for Fu Hua-sensei was evident from how they all addressed her as "sensei." Her guidance and teachings had significantly shaped their growth without reservation. Bronya deeply appreciated this and held immense regard for Fu Hua.
Thus, Bronya keenly sensed an issue.
Zeke nodded and explained:
"During periods of unstable consciousness, maintaining a solid self-identity is crucial. Only with a stable mental state can the strength of one's consciousness gradually recover, easing the burden on Senti considerably. I suspect Little Fuxi and Elysia instigated these events only after obtaining insights from Su or Otto, knowing well that I wouldn't easily disrupt the newfound self-awareness Fu Hua has just established."
"I understand. Bronya will manage things here; please take care of Fu Hua-sensei, Zeke."
Bronya stood up and spoke gently with understanding, her soft voice carrying a reassuring warmth despite its youthful innocence.
After such a fierce battle and having just confronted Fu Hua's past, Zeke should have spent more time with them and offered compensation. However, Fu Hua's condition was indeed precarious, requiring Zeke, as her "husband," to stabilize her emotionally.
Comprehending this, Bronya willingly supported him without any resentment.
Zeke looked at her, then towards the silent Sin, feeling both relieved and grateful amidst his sigh.
"Wait for me."
With these words, Zeke rose and headed where he needed to be - Taixuan Mountain.