"Say, shouldn't we find another place to chat? It's kinda noisy here."
After seeing Himeko off, Xing scratched the back of her head and gestured with a look of disdain towards the wall, from which strange, loud noises were constantly emanating.
At Xing's sudden suggestion, the others finally registered their surroundings. The environment was indeed a bit too clamorous for a conversation.
"In that case, how about this?" Bronya stepped forward and offered a smiling suggestion. "Why don't we all head to Qlipoth Fort to rest for a bit? I can have various refreshments prepared for everyone. At the same time, I'd like to share this good news with the Great Guardian. And Ms. Topaz, we could also discuss the trade matters there. How does that sound?"
"That's an excellent idea."
Although Topaz would have preferred to stay and examine the iron and string farms more closely, she knew they were Fu Zhu's secrets. Lingering here without his supervision might cause offense, so it was better to agree to Bronya's proposal.
"What about you three?" Bronya turned to look at Fu Zhu's group.
Hearing there would be good food, Xing and March 7th naturally had no objections. After a moment's thought, Fu Zhu also agreed.
"Alright then. The few of you can head to Qlipoth Fort first. I'll make sure you are well-received. I have a small matter to attend to in the Underworld, but I'll be over shortly."
Although Fu Zhu and the others were a little curious about what business Bronya had in the Underworld, they had already accepted her invitation and decided to leave the robot settlement first.
Before leaving, Fu Zhu turned back and reminded Bronya, "If there's anything else you need help with, remember to tell me."
Bronya paused for a moment, then gave a soft "mm-hm."
Receiving her reply, Fu Zhu felt reassured and left the robot settlement with March 7th and the others.
Bronya watched until their figures completely disappeared over the edge of the settlement before walking over to Seele, who was guarding the iron farm as Fu Zhu had requested.
"Seele, there are some questions I'd like to ask you."
"Me??? Are you serious?"
Seele, who had been lazing about in boredom, was completely bewildered by Bronya's statement. In her mind, she was at the very bottom of Jarilo-VI's social ladder.
In terms of both culture and worldly knowledge, she was leagues behind Bronya, who had received a fine education since childhood. And yet, here was Bronya, wanting to ask her for advice?
After a moment of thought, Seele asked tentatively, "Are you asking me how to fight, or how to curse someone out?"
Hearing this, Bronya couldn't help but look torn between laughter and tears. She waved her hands. "Of course not... It's about something else. Do you have a moment?"
Seele glanced at the iron farm behind her. She wanted to say no, but seeing the expectant look on Bronya's face, she sighed in resignation. She called over another member of Wildfire to watch the machine for her, then pointed to a deserted corner nearby.
"Let's talk over there."
"Thank you, Seele."
The two of them walked to the empty corner. Seele leaned against a large rock, looking with great interest at the somewhat fidgety Bronya.
"So, what is it you wanted to ask me?"
Bronya asked hesitantly, "What do you... think of Fu Zhu?"
"???" Seele was completely baffled. She scratched her head, not quite understanding. "What do you mean, 'what do I think'? That he's a good person?"
"No, that's not really what I wanted to ask..." Bronya was getting flustered. She knew her question was wrong, which was why Seele couldn't give her the answer she was looking for. But she just couldn't bring herself to voice the real question in her heart.
"If that's not it, then what is?"
Seele was just getting more confused. First, Bronya asks what she thinks of Fu Zhu, and now she says that's not it.
As she thought about it, a peculiar expression crept onto Seele's face.
"Bronya, you don't... like Fu Zhu, do you?"
Bronya jolted as if struck by lightning, her body trembling. Her eyes darted away as she stammered, "Wh-what makes you think that? I didn't say anything of the sort..."
Seeing her reaction, Seele was now even more certain. Bronya liked Fu Zhu.
Bronya fumbled, trying to explain herself, but when she saw the mischievous smirk on Seele's face, the air went out of her. She knew Seele had already figured it out.
"Seele... how did you know?"
"It was just a guess at first." Seele folded her arms and leaned against the rock, tilting her chin up smugly. "I may not have gone to school, but I've been in more fights in the Underworld than you've read books. That's given me a sharp pair of eyes. Bronya, you might not realize it yourself, but whenever you and Fu Zhu are in the same place, your eyes are on him almost the entire time."
"Oh, and March is the same way, by the way. Wait a minute... does that mean..."
Seele suddenly realized the situation was not quite right. Did this mean Bronya and March 7th were love rivals?
Hearing Seele mention March 7th, Bronya wasn't surprised. Instead, her face showed a hint of relief.
"As I thought. March feels the same way I do."
At that, a shadow crossed Bronya's eyes. She lowered her head and asked, somewhat at a loss, "Seele, what should I do?"
Now it was Seele's turn to anxiously scratch her head. She had never been in a relationship, and besides, both Bronya and March 7th were her friends.
No matter which one she gave advice to, it would feel like she was letting the other down. The feeling was awful; she would rather fight a Fragmentum monster for a whole day.
After a long while, Seele finally managed to squeeze out a sentence.
"Bronya, if you're going to have regrets no matter what you choose, then you might as well pick the option that won't leave you feeling sorry later. Looking at you now, it's obvious you can't let this go, so you might as well just take it one step at a time."
"No regrets... take it one step at a time... Thank you, Seele. I know what to do now."
Bronya nodded and turned to leave.
Watching Bronya walk away with newfound determination, Seele felt as if she had just given her the final push she needed.
"Tsk... Sorry, March. I'll treat you to a meal next time I get the chance!"
Seele grit her teeth and pulled out her phone to call Oleg.
"Uncle Oleg, I need to request some time off to go to the Overworld!"
"Hm? What's this about?"
"I have to go do something a girl's family should do!"
PS: Sorry, my messed-up sleep schedule had me waking up in the middle of the night.