"Hmm... Kafka's character card really is something else."
Though Lynelle herself possessed psychic perception abilities, and with her Elysia Stigmata amplifying her powers, her Herrscher of Corruption authority was actually quite adept at altering memories too.
But just to be safe, Lynelle still chose to use Kafka's character card for the modifications.
After all, Otto could simulate the power of Corruption as well. If he were to discover any strange traces, that would be troublesome.
Thinking this, her hair now tinted pink with purple hues—somewhat similar to little Sirin's hair color—Lynelle decisively snapped her fingers again.
Instantly, web-like purple threads wrapped around Rita's entire body.
Mmm, the texture really is nice... truly the Herrscher of Tender… well, you know.
Gently tracing her fingers over the smooth black stockings along Rita's thigh, Lynette felt an exquisite sensation at her fingertips.
Unlike the youthful style of herself or Wendy, Rita's attire and charm had fully matured into an adult elegance.
The effect of those stockings was clearly far superior to any Lynelle had touched or worn herself... Wait, seems I'm getting off track.
Suddenly realizing she'd been distracted by allure, Lynelle awkwardly coughed a few times and began channeling the power of Spirit Whisper granted by the character card to alter Rita's memories regarding the exam results.
"[Listen to me], regarding Kiana's assessment, you only saw that her physical fitness and combat abilities have significantly improved."
"However, her second personality still only shows suspected signs of reawakening, her condition remains highly unstable, and continued observation is needed to determine if it has fully emerged."
"[Listen to me], about our meeting tonight, you will remember nothing. After the Valkyrie exam ended, you returned directly to your residence and encountered no one along the way."
Amidst the flickering purple light, the Spirit Whisper's commands took full effect.
Seeing this, Lynelle breathed a sigh of relief, retracted the threads binding Rita, and watched as she walked toward the reception area.
To be honest, Lynelle had considered using Kafka's character card to implant a few extra suggestions—like having Rita boldly confess to Durandal upon returning, or setting up some foreshadowing for the upcoming battle with Schicksal.
After all, Kafka's card had limited uses, and spending one like this felt a bit wasteful. But...
Watching Rita walk away, Lynelle sighed and gave a slight nod toward a distant rooftop.
Immediately, what seemed to be the deliberately visible half of a maid's hair accessory on that roof wobbled in response before disappearing.
Well... she's truly a veteran Valkyrie.
Despite being stuck in such an awkward, caught-in-the-middle position, Ragna still manages to perfectly balance her interactions with everyone and keep their rivalries within acceptable limits.
Stationing her in Oceania is such a waste of talent...
Though, supposedly, the Honkai catastrophe will reach its conclusion in two years. By then, Ragna should be able to shine within the merged Schicksal.
After all, from what follows, the new Schicksal is precisely lacking Valkyries like Ragna—those with principles, capability, and shrewdness.
"This should about wrap things up... Ugh, I'd better start thinking about how to deal with Kiana and Sirin tonight."
"Even though they already caused enough trouble yesterday, I've got this feeling they might try to sneak into my room again tonight... Maybe I should lock the door? But for a Herrscher of the Void, locking the door would probably just trap me inside."
--+--
Two days later, at Schicksal Headquarters.
"That concludes my observations at St. Freya... However, on the day after the exam, the day I left, an additional situation arose."
"I'm not sure how Miss Lynelle managed it, but Kiana and Wendy's relationship seems to have improved dramatically. Kiana even invited Wendy to temporarily stay at Himeko's villa."
"Due to time constraints, I couldn't investigate further. The Oceania delegation will be at St. Freya for a while longer, but I lacked a reason to remain there for continued observation."
"Their relationship improved? Hmm... That's not entirely unexpected."
Otto leaned back in his office chair, looking as if he'd anticipated this all along.
"Miss Lynelle has her own unique charm. I never expected her to be overly distracted by such matters anyway. Rather, it's the observations regarding Kiana..."
"Your Excellency, is there an issue with the observations of Miss Kiana?"
"..."
Otto remained silent, merely furrowing his brow slightly in contemplation.
"Never mind, Rita, you may return for now. Allow me to ponder this further."
"As you wish, Your Excellency."
Rita bowed respectfully, turned, and prepared to leave the office.
However, at that moment, Otto softly snapped his fingers. A small golden cube instantly appeared in his hand.
Rita, who had been about to leave, froze in place, her eyes devoid of consciousness. Clearly, Miss Rita had been hypnotized once again.
"Void Archives, mimic Jizo Mitama—check Rita's body for any traces of corruption."
The Void Archives, now transformed into a black katana, emitted several golden rays that enveloped Rita. Moments later, it reverted to a small golden cube and wobbled slightly.
"Nothing? Then mimic Fenghuang Down and continue the examination."
Yet, even after golden feathers emerged from within Rita's body, Otto still didn't obtain the answer he sought.
"Not Lynelle's own Corruption authority, nor did our old friend assist her with Fenghuang Down... Strange. Why would the observation results differ from my hypothesis? Could something have changed on their end?"
After pondering back and forth, Otto could only wave his hand, dispersing the golden feathers. Rita, after a slight daze, continued out of the office completely unaware.
"Your Excellency... Since the verification results differ from your hypothesis, should we alter the arrangements I previously had in hand?"
Seeing Otto remain silent for a long while, Amber stepped forward and asked in a low voice.
"...Not for now. Since this probe yielded no results, we shall proceed as if it never happened."
Otto sighed.
"Lynelle, oh Lynelle... What grand secret are you hiding that makes you so confident, insisting on holding all your cards until the plan is set in motion?"
"Really... You're forcing me to gamble here..."
"But you know, when it comes to matters concerning Kallen, I never gamble... Amber."
"Here, Your Excellency."
"Summon Nagamitsu. There are some matters I require her assistance with. Also... recall Wraith. There's no need for her to continue monitoring Lynelle's movements. I have a new assignment for her."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.