Takatsuki had made preparations long ago. He had thought extensively about how to build a good relationship with Kiana when they met, and after much deliberation, he chose to lie.
The Kiana before him, or rather K423, was a clone, but she didn't know this. Siegfried, Kiana's foolish father, due to his biological daughter's disappearance and K423's amnesia, projected his longing for Kiana onto K423, giving her his daughter's name. This led the current Kiana to believe she had amnesia.
This situation offered a lot of room for manipulation.
"Although it's been ten years, I recognized your familiar white hair and eyes at a glance."
Ten years… Kiana had only had memories for eight years.
Although he didn't elaborate, under this misdirection, Kiana subconsciously assumed that Takatsuki was someone she knew before her amnesia.
However, it wasn't stable enough yet; there were still many questionable points.
So Takatsuki struck while the iron was hot, saying, "Why are you here? You and Uncle Siegfried suddenly moved without telling me back then. I thought I'd never see you again."
"After all, I only lived there for two years, and I never saw you come back until I left."
"Oh, right, where's Uncle Siegfried?"
His tone, like that of an old friend meeting again, coupled with the interlocking questions, were all things Takatsuki had practiced long ago. Even his expression showed no flaws, perfectly conveying the emotions of someone meeting a childhood playmate.
At the same time, he exploited Kiana's guilt, causing her to misjudge the situation.
Just as Takatsuki expected, Kiana was in a panic.
Ten years ago? I've only had memories for eight years. Could he be a friend from before my amnesia?
And he even knows Dad, so he must… really be an acquaintance.
"Ahahaha, how could me forget? Takatsuki, right? Long time no see."
Listening to Kiana's extremely guilty voice, Takatsuki secretly chuckled to himself but put on a skeptical expression: "You completely forgot about me, didn't you!"
"How… how could that be? It's just been so long, I was momentarily surprised."
Kiana said, somewhat guiltily. At this point, she couldn't hide her true thoughts at all.
"Then do you remember when you said you'd be my bride when we grew up?"
"Eh…"
My childhood self! What exactly were you doing!
"Of course I remember, but what a child says… how could…"
"Alright, I'm sure now. You really did forget about me!"
Interrupting Kiana directly, Takatsuki looked at her with a deadpan expression: "You never said that. Back then, you'd only come out to play for a little while before going back to learn Casslana Gun Kata with Uncle Siegfried, saying you wanted to become the Strongest Valkyrie. How could you say something like that?"
While continuously exploiting Kiana's guilt, Takatsuki also secretly added credibility to his words.
Anyway, no one knew about what happened back then, and the real Kiana, Durandal, had also lost her memories.
Even if someone brought it up later, he could just say it was children's talk.
After all, Siegfried couldn't follow his daughter around every day observing her every word and action.
And Cecilia was the Strongest Valkyrie of Schicksal, so it was normal for Kiana to pursue her mother's profession.
"Sorry, I really did forget."
Kiana finally realized she had been tricked, but she was also internally convinced that Takatsuki truly knew her from before her amnesia.
"But I didn't do it on purpose, I lost all my memories before I was eight."
"How could that be!?"
Takatsuki thoughtfully performed the role of someone who knew his friend had amnesia: "So you and Uncle Siegfried moved to the Far East… Well, a new beginning isn't bad either."
Kiana shook her head: "No, we used to live in Siberia. Then that rotten old man disappeared, so I've been searching for news of him. I heard there were some clues in Changkong City recently, so I came here. Do you live here? Do you have any clues about that rotten old man?"
"Ah? Uncle Siegfried…"
Takatsuki shook his head: "I've been in Changkong City for almost half a year, and I haven't seen him."
"However…" he looked at where the Honkai Beast had disappeared: "I've suddenly noticed Honkai Beasts appearing recently, so I came to deal with them."
"I think something really might have come to Changkong City, after all, there haven't been any Honkai Beasts here before."
In reality, this was his first time dealing with a Honkai Beast, but it didn't stop him from boasting. After all, he didn't know if Honkai Beasts had appeared before, did he?
"I see. I just arrived in Changkong City today and immediately sensed a Honkai reaction. I thought they appeared here often."
"So where are you planning to stay? Or are you just passing through and leaving soon?"
"A place to stay, huh? I haven't thought about it yet. I found some clues earlier that the rotten old man seems to be connected to a school called Senba Academy. I'm planning to try and enroll today."
Senba Academy had already missed its enrollment period, but it was currently winter break, with only two or three days until school started again. With some methods, it was still possible to enroll.
Takatsuki didn't know how Kiana originally enrolled, but since he was here…
"I know Senba Academy, but the enrollment period has passed. I can take you there, but you'll have to figure out how to enroll yourself."
"As for a place to stay, there are some rooms for rent near my place; you can go take a look."
"Okay, thank you then."
Kiana felt for the first time how good it was to have an acquaintance help out.
It truly was 'rely on parents at home, rely on friends when out.' If she had to do it herself, just finding the way would take half a day.
Takatsuki did not introduce Kiana to Mei. Firstly, it would be difficult to explain, and secondly, there was no need to introduce them now.
As a frequent visitor to Senba Academy, Takatsuki only took Kiana to the school gate, to prevent the school from refusing Kiana's enrollment because of his involvement. After all, as the only person accompanying Raiden Mei, many people disliked Takatsuki and would report him to teachers or the student council. However, even Raiden Mei's specialized security guards couldn't catch Takatsuki before, so these students had even less chance.
Nevertheless, his "notoriety" was remembered by these people.
He didn't know how Kiana managed it, but she came out in less than an hour, wearing a school uniform, which meant she had succeeded without needing to ask.
"Let's go, I'll take you to see the place to stay."
Without asking further, Takatsuki led Kiana towards his residence.
"En!"
Carrying the newly acquired school uniform, Kiana nodded and followed Takatsuki's steps.