Herta's expression instantly tensed.
For someone as cool and proud as her, this was truly a rare occurrence. Fortunately, no one was there to see it.
Herta paced anxiously in her laboratory, her small, purple-and-white formal shoes with bows tapping lightly on the smooth floor, making soft "tap, tap" sounds.
She still had the remote sensory function with the Herta doll active, so she could hear the ambient sounds around Zao Wu.
It was a quiet midnight, utterly silent. That was why the sound of the boy's breathing felt strangely tingling in her ears. And it was also why she could hear the footsteps, which had been deliberately lightened.
Who is it?
Thinking on the bright side, perhaps it was someone from the Astral Express crew who had entered Zao Wu's room. For example, that worrywart Himeko might be concerned about Zao Wu's sleep, tucking him in, kissing his forehead, and wishing him good night.
But on the dark side...
The footsteps approached, seeming to have reached Zao Wu's bedside.
Herta focused her thoughts, concentrating on listening and analyzing. If it turned out to be the former, she would silently note Himeko's mother-hen moment; it might be useful for teasing her in the future. But if it was the latter, Herta had left a crucial backup plan in the Herta doll.
Herta probably never imagined she would be this worried about a child one day.
For Cocolia, tonight was destined to be a sleepless night.
She had finally awaited him, her destined... new king.
Not the "薪" (xīn) of passing on a legacy, but the "新" (xīn) of a "brave new world." In that world, there would be no poverty or blizzards, no aging or farewells.
Destruction did not necessarily mean the end of everything. On the contrary, it could brew new life. Ultimately, everyone would be saved in that beautiful world, reborn, and embrace eternity!
Even a flawed rebirth and eternity (turning into a Fragmentum monster) was better than falling into a cold, eternal silence.
Cocolia did not see this as a betrayal; this was the path of "Preservation" she had chosen.
And what snuffed out the last trace of reluctance in her heart was the fulfillment of the Stellaron's prophecy.
It told Cocolia:
—"She who walks with Destruction will one day meet her destined king."
—"He will be clad in frost and snow, traverse the stars, and descend in a form of pure beauty."
—"I see a kingdom of Destruction rising from the ground, the prosperity of old returning to the world, the resurrected dead remembering their past..."
—"Embrace your destiny, Cocolia!"
—"Offer your everything and serve my king!"
...
Facing the ornate door before her, imagining her king, for whom she had longed through countless lonely nights, sleeping peacefully within, Cocolia took a deep breath of the cool air, letting a rosy blush spread across her face. She lowered her head and whispered.
"...As you command."
Not obeying the voice of the Stellaron, but following her own desperate, inescapable destiny.
As long as the future promised by the Stellaron could be realized, Cocolia was willing to submit herself at the boy's feet, to become his most gentle and virtuous queen consort. To rule with him over a reborn Belobog, to rule over the millions of resurrected citizens.
But before that, she had to conquer and possess... her king.
The thought was quite embarrassing. Especially the other party's age... he was probably much younger than her adopted daughter, Bronya.
But, Mother is doing this for you, for all of Belobog!
She thought Bronya would surely understand her difficulties.
After a brief and complex mental preparation, Cocolia took out her exclusive key and gently inserted it into the small keyhole. In the dead silence, she could hear the uneven tip of the key teasing the lock cylinder, until its hardness made it submit obediently.
"Click!"
It was finally open. Cocolia's body trembled slightly, as if resonating with it in some indescribable way. She felt her throat go dry and quietly swallowed.
Once the sound subsided and the world returned to silence, the woman tiptoed gently through the door.
She had taken off her high heels the moment she stepped into the hotel corridor, her bare feet treading on the cold floor.
This was to avoid disturbing her king's rest. It was a symbol of her humility, a pilgrimage she could perform. Legend had it that ascetics would kowtow every three steps to prove their faith until they reached their sacred destination. All she was doing was walking barefoot, what was that in comparison?
The room, unlike the corridor, was covered with a soft and luxurious crimson velvet carpet. Above the Dream Pool, a stained-glass rose window cast a faint, colorful moonlight. The moonlight fell on the carpet, seemingly guiding Cocolia.
The woman gently closed the door and locked it from the inside. She let her jade-white feet step into the moonlight, casting a dreamlike glow on them as she walked towards the bed where Zao Wu slept.
Cocolia could never have imagined that even with her actions being so covert and secretive, two powerful beings far beyond her imagination were watching her in this very room, each in their own way.
Herta relied on the doll.
Sparkle used the fox mask.
Each had their own unique skills.
However, their objectives were in direct conflict.
Herta wanted to protect the boy.
Sparkle wanted to see a bigger show.
And Herta was far away at the space station, unable to reach. Sparkle, however, could exert a more powerful force of Elation through her fox mask. So, after she noticed the specialty of the "Herta doll," Sparkle quietly used her power of Elation to block Herta's observation.
Far away at the space station, Herta suddenly froze. The girl could no longer receive sensory input from the Herta doll on the distant planet. The connection between them had been severed for some unknown reason.
Was this a coincidence or was it deliberate?
And at a time like this!?
Herta couldn't help but suspect that somewhere in the shadows, another existence was trying to eliminate her interference. But a scientist's spirit is rigorous; she wouldn't jump to conclusions. Besides, wasn't the key issue right now ensuring Zao Wu's safety?
The brown-haired girl paced around the lab in frustration. She thought about contacting Himeko, but that would undoubtedly expose the secret of her Herta doll. But if she didn't contact Himeko, who else could she contact? Contacting Zao Wu directly was unrealistic, as the mysterious person was in his room right now; it would only alert the enemy. Herta even suspected she wouldn't be able to contact Zao Wu at all! The person who could block her doll's signal would not have overlooked interstellar communications.
So, she had to find another way, to find help from the other members of the Express crew. But Herta didn't know the younger members of the crew.
"But someone does, don't they?" Herta muttered to herself.
She suddenly sent out an urgent summons, startling Asta from her sweet dreams. Hearing that Lady Herta had an important matter for her, Asta didn't even bother to get dressed properly. The girl, wearing only her cute pink pajamas, ran from her bedroom all the way to the Simulated Universe laboratory. Many researchers saw the station master's hurried figure along the way, causing Asta immense social embarrassment.
But who could she blame when the one summoning her... was the one and only Lady Herta!
"Hah... Lady Herta, I'm here! Hah..."
"You've come at the right time. I remember you have the contact information for those junior members of the Astral Express crew, right?"
"Eh, why the sudden question... Um, yes, I do. March 7th, Stelle, and Dan Heng are good friends of mine, and Zao Wu is my best friend!"
Herta's lips twitched slightly.
"You can leave out that last part."
"Anyway, can you contact them now? Anyone besides Zao Wu."
"Why except..."
Herta's frown indicated she didn't appreciate Asta's chattering. Asta immediately shut up and did as she was told.
The person she chose to contact was March 7th. She knew very well that Miss March 7th, with her youthful lifestyle, was definitely the one who stayed up the latest and slept the least.
Following Lady Herta's instructions, Asta pretended to be a concerned friend and sent her a message.
[Asta]: Miss March 7th! It's been a while. What have you all been up to lately? Are you doing well?
The message was received instantly, and the screen showed "Typing..."
You're amazing, March 7th!
[March 7th]: Asta! It hasn't been that long... but it doesn't matter!
[March 7th]: Thanks for asking! We're on a trailblazing mission on a frozen planet called Jarilo-VI right now.
[March 7th]: It's Zao Wu's first time!
[March 7th]: I was part of Zao Wu's first time!!
[Asta]: ...I'm so jealous. Ahem, actually, I'm asking about Zao Wu's situation.
[Asta]: Because I just tried to contact Zao Wu, but the message failed to send. He's not receiving my messages!
[Asta]: So I thought I'd try through you all.
[Asta]: Since Miss March 7th can receive messages, interstellar communication should be working fine...
[Asta]: So why is Zao Wu's side...
March 7th was silent for a long moment.
Although the possibility was low, could it be...
[Asta]: I swear Zao Wu didn't block me!! 呜呜伯哭哭.jpg (Pom-Pom Crying.jpg)
[March 7th]: 帕姆心虚.jpg (Pom-Pom Looking Guilty.jpg)
[March 7th]: I wasn't thinking that! Zao Wu is so gentle, how could he block Miss Asta!
[March 7th]: Hold on, it might be a signal issue. I'm close by, I'll try.
With that, March 7th scrolled up her contact list and sent a message to the pinned Zao Wu. As Asta had said, the message failed to send.
This sent a jolt through March 7th, and any drowsiness she had felt instantly vanished.
[March 7th]: It's true!
[March 7th]: What's going on!
[Asta]: That's a question I can't answer...
[Asta]: But if Miss March 7th is nearby, you could go and see for yourself! Please!
When Lady Herta uttered the word "Please," one could only imagine how incredulous Asta's gaze was. But it was best to keep such thoughts to herself; Asta had no desire to be hit by a diamond-hard hammer.
Herta's thoughts were still drifting.
I hope Zao Wu will be safe tonight.
She had already done her best... as a godmother.
Far away on Jarilo-VI, inside Belobog's Goethe Hotel, within the Supreme Guardian Suite.
Cocolia, with a complex mix of excitement and shame, slowly climbed onto the boy's bed. The bed frame was sturdy, the sheets were soft, and her knees made small, soft indentations as she moved.
Zao Wu's breathing deepened slightly. It was unclear if he sensed something or was simply preparing to turn over after sleeping in one position for too long.
Cocolia froze, too scared to move.
The next moment, Zao Wu shifted from his curled-up side position to lying flat on his back. His breathing returned to normal.
The heavy stone in Cocolia's heart finally dropped.
But then she had another thought...
I'm here to convey my feelings to the king of the new world, to beg him to accept my devotion, and more importantly, to save all of Belobog!
Why am I afraid of him waking up?
I'm not some pervert who wants to do unspeakable things to a sleeping boy!
At this thought, Cocolia became bolder. She straddled Zao Wu's waist, looking down, her eyes shimmering as she admired the unparalleled beauty of the boy beneath her.
Such a beautiful child...
He surpassed Cocolia's imagination of beauty. It made one wonder if, even without the Stellaron's prophecy, she would have been irresistibly drawn to the boy. The pursuit of beauty is a natural law, deeply engraved in the soul of every living being.
Cocolia slowly reached out a trembling hand to touch Zao Wu's flawless white face, as if touching a piece of warm, beautiful jade. Her hand slid down to the boy's chest. Then, Cocolia let her full hips sink down bit by bit. She couldn't bear to let her full weight rest on Zao Wu's body, afraid she would hurt the lovable boy. A partial weight, just enough for him to feel her presence, was sufficient.
"My destined... king."
"Please forgive my rudeness, my transgression."
"But this world needs your salvation!"
"And I... I need your comfort."
"Carrying an ideal that no one understands is just too tiring..."
"Even my own daughter stands against me, which breaks my heart!"
"I am a woman too."
"I also feel lonely and desolate."
"In the cold night, I long for a shoulder to lean on, an embrace to hold."
"I want to let go of all my strength and enjoy that vulnerability..."
Cocolia's confession went from nervous to natural, then colored with rich emotion, venting all her accumulated stress with heartfelt passion.
Zao Wu gradually woke from his deep sleep. He could feel a soft but heavy weight gently shifting on his lower abdomen. He could hear a woman's voice, like a tearful plea. The sound was heart-wrenching.
Finally, the boy opened his eyes and witnessed the scene before him.
It was a scene Zao Wu could never have imagined, even in his wildest dreams.
The esteemed Supreme Guardian of Belobog, Lady Cocolia, was actually...!
And the Supreme Guardian's attire at this moment was something Zao Wu couldn't even describe... it opened a new world for the boy. It made Zao Wu afraid to look directly, his heart pounding violently, his face beet red.
"La-Lady Cocolia?"
"It is I, my king. You are awake." Cocolia's tone was incredibly gentle.
But Zao Wu only wanted to escape.
Cocolia saw his intention. But a woman who had come this far couldn't possibly give up.
Just as she resolved to give her all to move Zao Wu, a banging sound came from the door, making both Cocolia's and Zao Wu's hearts stop!
Rewinding time slightly, when March 7th found out from Asta that she couldn't contact Zao Wu, the girl immediately took action. She knocked on the doors of Dan Heng and Stelle, who were staying next door.
Dan Heng, though looking confused, calmly asked March 7th what had happened.
Stelle came out holding a glowing baseball bat, full of morning grumpiness. Fortunately, after hearing March 7th's explanation, Stelle gradually woke up.
The priority was to ensure Zao Wu's safety!
But just then, the three of them realized a major problem.
They... didn't seem to know Zao Wu's room number!
And the Goethe Hotel was so large, with so many floors, they couldn't use the brute-force method of searching room by room.
Dan Heng made a quick decision.
"Let's go, we'll find the hotel manager and get the answer from him!"
The three of them rushed to the front desk, aggressively confronting old Mr. Goethe. But for some reason, no matter how they questioned or threatened him, old Mr. Goethe, pale-faced, refused to tell them which room Zao Wu was in. Because telling them would truly cost him his life! Compared to being executed by the Supreme Guardian, he could only gamble on not being beaten to death by these three travelers!
Just as they were at a stalemate, a voice rang out.
"What are you doing!"
"In my capacity as the Captain of the Silvermane Guards, I order you to immediately cease your violent acts against Mr. Goethe!"
A girl's angry shout caught the attention of March 7th, Dan Heng, and Stelle. They all looked up, though their hands still refused to let go of old Goethe's neck, collar, and sparse hair. But they noticed the identity of the newcomer.
A girl with silver hair and silver eyes, wearing the uniform of a Silvermane Guard Captain.
Her name seemed to be... Bronya?
She was—the daughter of the Supreme Guardian Cocolia!
The girl happened to be patrolling nearby and rushed over when she heard the commotion in the Goethe Hotel.
March 7th's eyes lit up.
"Miss Bronya! You've come at the perfect time!"
"Our companion is staying in this hotel and might be in danger!"
"But this old man refuses to even tell us our companion's room number!"
"Tell me, does he deserve a beating or not!"
"..."
Bronya frowned delicately. If everything was as the pink-haired girl said, it did seem that old Mr. Goethe was highly suspicious, making one wonder if he was colluding with criminals to harm travelers, for example... "Wildfire"?
At this thought, Bronya instantly switched sides. She questioned old Mr. Goethe from March 7th's perspective.
"Mr. Goethe! Is everything as this young lady says!"
"..."
Old Goethe's silence seemed to confirm everything. Bronya was not one to tolerate injustice. She immediately commanded in a stern voice.
"Mr. Goethe, I'm giving you one chance!"
"Tell me that traveler's room number now!"
"Otherwise, I will have you imprisoned immediately!"
Old Goethe was at his wit's end. He was dead either way, so better to die later than sooner. In his despair, he finally compromised and gave them Zao Wu's room number.
And so, Bronya led March 7th and the others, rushing to the suite where Zao Wu was resting!
-------
My : pat*eon*com/RuneA
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