Durandal: "..."
How exactly was she supposed to answer that?
While the version of her from those memories had indeed said something similar back then, she felt a lump in her throat now that Elysia was the one listening. It felt a bit too much like bragging.
"So, you like Rita too, don't you?"
Just as Durandal was lost in thought, Elysia dropped the question out of nowhere.
Durandal's mind went blank. Wait, isn't this a bit too direct for a probe?
Even in her current dazed state, Durandal understood exactly what Elysia was implying. But it didn't seem right. Based on Elysia's usual personality, she should have...
No, it was exactly because of Elysia's personality that she would ask so bluntly. She wasn't the type to nurse a private grudge or leave someone guessing what was wrong.
After all, this was Elysia, the bearer of the Signet of "Ego." While she had her secrets, she wore her heart on her sleeve most of the time.
A heavy silence fell as Durandal drifted into deep contemplation.
She knew perfectly well which answer was the "safest." But since Elysia was being so sincere, could she really bring herself to lie?
What were her feelings for Rita...?
Before she had realized her feelings for Elysia, the side of her that was "Durandal" might not have had an answer.
However, the side of her that was once an ordinary college girl knew the truth all too well: the bond between Rita and Durandal—that classic, "official" pairing—was undeniably real.
And now, having personally experienced what it felt like to be in love, the Durandal part of her could finally answer Elysia's question.
In those memories, she must have loved Rita; she just hadn't realized it yet due to a myriad of reasons.
So, Durandal didn't answer directly. Instead, she asked, "Elysia, do you remember that feeling when your memories came rushing back after you entered the simulation?"
Elysia tilted her head, wondering where this was going. What did that have to do with her question?
"You mean...?"
Elysia was sharp. As she recalled that sensation, she realized Durandal was trying to use it as an analogy.
"Exactly. The past I told you about—even those past emotions—is like how you felt in the simulation."
"When you regained your memories of reality and looked back at that 'alternate possibility' starting from the Second Honkai War... you know it happened, but you lack the emotional resonance. You don't truly feel it the same way."
Having shielded herself with that explanation, Durandal continued, "In truth, if you had asked me how I felt about Rita before we started dating, I wouldn't have known how to categorize it."
"She was the first person I met when I joined Schicksal. After I became an A-Rank Valkyrie and we survived that mission in the Sea of Quanta together, we were inseparable."
"Perhaps it was that constant companionship that made me grow so used to her presence that I took it all for granted. And she... though she would tease and flirt with me sometimes, she always stopped just short of the line. She'd pull back before I could ever catch on."
"She always defined herself as my maid, my adjutant, hiding her feelings beneath those titles. They were her camouflage, but they also became the barrier that kept us from moving forward."
"Elysia, if you hadn't asked me today—now that those shadows of the past no longer weigh on me—I might never have noticed those feelings for Rita."
"Of course, I'm aware that in another world, another 'me' exists. That 'me' and Rita will surely overcome every obstacle to be together, because 'I' love her and she loves 'me.' But that 'me' isn't who I am anymore."
Elysia blinked, and then a radiant smile broke across her face.
"I see. So Rita wasn't as honest or as brave as I am! She was by your side since you were twelve, and by the time you got here years later, you two still hadn't made any real progress."
"But you come to this world, meet me, and I win you over in less than two months. It looks like my type is just a better fit for you, hm~?"
Durandal couldn't help but nod. It was true. Compared to Rita, Elysia really was the better match.
Both Elysia and Rita were the types to take the initiative in a relationship, but the latter lacked the former's bluntness.
When dealing with a "blockhead" like Durandal, a slow-burn pursuit could feel like an eternal tug-of-war.
In a fast-paced, post-apocalyptic world, some might enjoy the thrill of a slow romantic chase or the tension of "will-they-won't-they."
But for Rita and Durandal, given Durandal's emotional density, there was likely no "enjoyment" involved.
Rita only reaped the frustration of sending signals that never received a response, perhaps even doubting her own charm until her confidence withered away, while Durandal remained blissfully unaware the entire time.
In contrast, a "straight-ball" offensive like Elysia's was exactly what it took to make Durandal's gears finally turn.
Once the feelings were mutual, everything else followed naturally. And if the feelings weren't returned? Well, at least the pursuer could cut their losses and move on quickly.
The conversation between Durandal and Elysia was being captured word-for-word by a robot left behind by Vill-V, feeding directly into the ears of the genius engineer.
"So, that's the Leader's past?"
Through their dialogue, Vill-V began to piece together Durandal's origins.
She was certain Durandal had noticed the robot, yet the Leader had spoken freely anyway. Was this a gesture of absolute trust?
Vill-V shook her head. She had a feeling that once this incident was over, Durandal would come looking for her.
Only then would she learn the Leader's true intentions. For now, there was no point in overthinking it.
--+--
Outside the Spiral Workshop, Schicksal members were busy sprinting through Nagazora City, hunting Honkai beasts and rescuing stranded civilians.
They all noticed it: the Honkai energy in the air, which had been thick enough to make even them uncomfortable, was steadily thinning out as time passed.
The rank-and-file members might not have known why, but those who had heard the news of the duo's return from Miyuki—Connie, Himeko, Emile, and Ato—understood.
Although Durandal had kept the details of how she would handle the Honkai energy in Nagazora and the surrounding cities a secret to protect Elysia's involvement, it was clear now.
This sudden drop in Honkai concentration was the direct result of Durandal and Elysia taking action the moment they returned.
--+--
T/N: If you want advance chapters, you can find it at [email protected]/AspenTL