--- Mu Continent. Inside one of Eden's residences. ---
The most renowned artist of the Current Era, the celebrated vocalist, the goddess holding unimaginable wealth—Miss Eden—was about to conclude her tour of the Mu Continent.
Next, she would accept the invitation of the Far East government to hold a public performance there.
However, in the rare leisure time before her departure, she had some private words to share with her close friend.
"It's such a pity. Eden is leaving Mu, and I couldn't even find the time to come cheer for you," a girl with a voice as sweet as a pixie lamented from the other side of the communicator, her tone filled with apology. "I really am a terrible friend, aren't I?"
"Please don't say that, my dear Elysia," Eden smiled gently. "Distance is no barrier to our friendship. Even thousands of miles away, I can feel your sincere heart, and that is enough."
"Oh my, Eden is still so understanding! I feel like my heart has been pierced by your kindness~♪"
On the screen, Elysia clutched her chest dramatically, as if struck by Cupid's arrow. Coupled with her flawless features, the gesture didn't feel exaggerated at all; instead, it exuded a strange, endearing charm.
Eden, well aware of her friend's personality, looked at her warmly and said:
"With this, my schedule in Mu has come to an end."
"I had intended to tour this continent, known for gathering the pinnacle of human civilization's technology and art, a bit more. But the Far East extended such a gracious invitation, and I can't keep my fans there waiting too long."
"So, I'm setting off tonight. Elysia, please give me your blessing."
"Of course! Eden's journey will definitely go smoothly. This is a blessing from the Elf of the Elysian Realm, so make sure to keep it safe~♪"
The two smiled at each other. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, Elysia added:
"I saw in Fire-MOTH's internal reports that Honkai energy activity in the Far East has been rising abnormally lately. Although the assessment department thinks it's just a normal periodic fluctuation, I'm still a little worried. My dear Eden, you must protect yourself."
Eden naturally knew what the "Honkai energy" Elysia mentioned was. But seeing the worry on her friend's face, she comforted her lightly.
"Elysia, don't worry. Although I don't agree with some of Fire-MOTH's methods, I have to admit they are the furthest ahead in Honkai research. If they believe it's just a normal fluctuation, then there shouldn't be any danger."
At this point, Eden smiled gently.
"Besides, my security team is quite professional. They can protect me."
"But I'm still worried about you, Eden~♪"
"Then... do you want to come protect me, Elysia?"
"I believe with your strength, even if we faced a so-called Herrscher, you could keep me safe, right?"
Hearing the hint of expectation in Eden's tone, Elysia replied somewhat dejectedly, "I really want to go with you, Eden! But Fire-MOTH is swamped right now. There's been a Honkai outbreak in Australia. if we leave it alone, a lot of people will get hurt."
Eden didn't press further. Instead, she said:
"In that case, take my regards with you. Although I can't go to the disaster area personally, I can still do my part."
"I'll make a donation to Fire-MOTH shortly."
The two chatted for a while longer, until Eden noticed a trace of hesitation on Elysia's face.
"Elysia, do you have something else you want to tell me privately?"
"Sigh... ε=(´ο｀*))) Nothing gets past you, Eden~" Elysia sighed, looking a bit conflicted. "I have a friend..."
"Elysia, is this 'friend' you?"
"My good Eden, you've learned to joke! Unfortunately, no~" Elysia shook her head, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. "The friend I'm talking about is a playmate from back when I was in the orphanage."
"If possible, I'd like to ask you..." Elysia hesitated again.
It was the first time Eden had seen her friend make such an expression, and she found it quite amusing.
"Elysia, do you want me to visit this friend of yours for you?"
"Not exactly."
"I wanted to ask... if you run into him, could you please... tie him up and beat him up for me?"
"???"
Eden looked at Elysia in astonishment, only to find her good friend wearing a very "kind" smile.
...
--- Far East, Nagazora City ---
In the West District of the city, not far from MEI's home, a rather grand reception was underway.
The location was an orphanage.
And the VIP the orphanage was hosting today was an official recently transferred from the United Government to the Far East District.
She was a beautiful woman with wavy golden hair and a voluptuous figure. However, judging by her appearance, she was clearly Slavic.
According to the unspoken rules of the United Government, she would be more likely to appear in the neighboring Russia District rather than the Far East.
However, given the increasing centralization of power within the United Government, such transfers were no longer uncommon.
The orphanage director responsible for the reception was an elderly man with a kind face. He wasn't particularly surprised by the arrival of this big shot.
"The children are very happy that Ms. Cocolia could come to our orphanage."
Behind the old director, young children peeked out, eyeing her with curiosity.
Seeing the children, the woman named Cocolia revealed an extremely gentle smile.
"My arrival has disturbed the children's daily life." She signaled her entourage to bring out beautifully wrapped gift boxes, smiling at the children behind the director. "I brought some gifts for the little ones."
Cocolia picked up the gift boxes and personally handed them to the children.
"Thank you, pretty blonde auntie!" The children took the boxes, laughing happily as they thanked Cocolia.
Cocolia glanced at the people behind her.
Among Cocolia's entourage, the cameramen understood immediately and hurriedly captured the heartwarming scene.
Seeing the camera flashes, the smile on Cocolia's face grew even brighter.
The old director watched the group's actions and shook his head helplessly.
Another political stunt.
But seeing the happy smiles on the children's faces as they received their gifts, the old director let it go.
Forget it. At least the kids got presents. As for these big shots, let them do what they want.
Soon, the interaction with the orphans ended. Cocolia bid farewell to the children with a reluctant expression.
Once back at her residence, an aide placed a report on her desk.
"Ms. Cocolia, this is the operational status report of that orphanage you requested."
Cocolia rested her chin on her hand, reviewing the information gathered from the orphanage today.
Very quickly, she frowned.
The meals at this orphanage were too... 'frugal'.
Clearly, the funds meant to keep the orphanage running had likely been 'reasonably' diverted by someone.
Recalling the healing smiles of the children she met today, Cocolia's expression turned cold.
But soon, she sighed, tossing the report into the deepest part of her drawer, as if sealing away a terrible demon.
After doing this, a trace of exhaustion appeared on her face.
"Cocolia, you've already paid the price for your integrity..." she muttered to herself, sounding like she was trying to convince herself. "That weak version of you is dead. The current you must learn to compromise. You must become a qualified political creature."
Being exiled from the power center of the United Government to the Far East District, instead of her home turf in the Russia District, to take over the position of an official who had been shot dead for colluding with a cult...
It was a warning from the higher-ups in itself.
"Integrity alone won't get you into the core of power. You must blend in with the dust and the light."
"You must climb. Only when you reach the highest peak will you have the right to reshape this world!"
The confusion vanished from Cocolia's face. Having completely killed off her past weak self, the current her had no weaknesses!
She opened another report, which detailed Eden's itinerary.
Cocolia smiled. Fate seemed to be favoring her again.
She called in her most trusted subordinate.
"Is everything ready?"
"Please rest assured, Ms. Cocolia. Everything is prepared. Not a single one of those assassins from the Chrysalis will survive."
"Good."
Cocolia stood up and walked to the window. Watching the sun about to dip below the horizon into the twilight, she couldn't help but reach out her hand.
As long as the plan went smoothly, not only would she return to the center of power...
She would take a step further.
Cocolia clenched her hand tightly, as if grasping the setting sun before it plunged into the night.