On the Mu Continent, inside one of Eden's residences.
The most renowned artist and singer of this era, a goddess of wealth and beauty, Miss Eden was about to conclude her journey on the Mu Continent.
Next, at the invitation of the Far East government, she would head east for a series of public performances.
But on the rare free evening before her departure, there were still a few private thoughts she wanted to share with an old friend.
"What a pity," came a voice from the communicator, light and playful, like a fairy dyed in pink. "Eden is leaving the Mu Continent, and I still could not find time to go cheer for you. I really am a terrible friend, huh."
"Please do not say that, my dear Elysia," Eden replied with a gentle smile. "Distance has never been an obstacle to our friendship. Even across thousands of miles, I can still feel your sincerity. That is more than enough."
"Oh my, Eden is as understanding as ever. My heart feels like it has been pierced straight through by your affection."
On the screen, Elysia clutched her chest dramatically, as if struck by an arrow. Paired with her flawless features, the gesture did not feel exaggerated at all. Instead, it came off strangely adorable.
Eden, long familiar with her friend's personality, looked at her fondly and continued.
"So, my schedule on the Mu Continent has come to an end."
"I had planned to properly tour this land said to gather the pinnacle of human science and art, but the Far East's invitation was simply too enthusiastic. I could not keep my fans waiting for too long."
"So I will be setting off tonight. Elysia, please give me your blessing."
"Of course. Eden's journey will surely go smoothly. This is a blessing from the fairies of the Elysian Realm, so make sure you treasure it."
The two smiled at each other. Then, as if remembering something, Elysia suddenly spoke again.
"I saw in MOTH's internal reports that Honkai energy activity in the Far East has been rising abnormally recently. The assessment department says it is just a normal cyclical fluctuation, but I cannot help worrying. My dear Eden, you must protect yourself, okay?"
Eden naturally understood what Honkai energy was. Still, seeing the worry on Elysia's face, she reassured her in a relaxed tone.
"Elysia, there is no need to worry. While I do not agree with some of MOTH's practices, I must admit they have gone the furthest in Honkai research. If they say it is just a normal fluctuation, then it should not be dangerous."
She smiled softly.
"Besides, my security team is quite professional. They will ensure my safety."
"But I am still worried about you."
"Then… would you like to come protect me?"
"With your strength, Elysia, I am sure you could protect me even against a so-called Herrscher."
Hearing the hint of expectation in Eden's voice, Elysia looked a little disappointed.
"I really want to go with you, but things are very busy on MOTH's side right now. A Honkai outbreak has occurred in Australia. If it is left unattended, many people will be hurt."
Eden did not press the issue.
"In that case, take my share of goodwill with you," she said. "Even if I cannot personally go to the disaster area, I can still do what little I can."
"I will be making a donation to MOTH shortly."
They talked for a bit longer before Eden noticed a trace of hesitation on Elysia's face.
"Elysia, do you still have something you want to tell me?"
"Ah… figures I cannot hide it from you." Elysia sighed. "I have a friend…"
"Elysia, is this 'friend' you are talking about yourself?"
"My dear Eden, you have learned to joke now. Sadly, no." Elysia shook her head, her eyes filled with nostalgia. "I mean a playmate from the orphanage back then."
"If possible, I would like to ask you…" She hesitated again.
This was the first time Eden had ever seen her friend look like this, and she found it oddly amusing.
"Elysia, do you want me to help you visit this friend?"
"No."
"I want to ask if you could… hang him up and beat him senseless."
"…What?"
Eden stared at Elysia in shock, only to find her wearing a disturbingly gentle smile.
…
Far East, Nagazora City.
In the western district of the city, not far from Mei's home, a rather grand reception was underway.
The venue was an orphanage.
Today, the orphanage was hosting a high-ranking official who had recently been transferred from the United Government to the Far East region.
She was a beautiful woman with long, wavy blonde hair and a voluptuous figure. From her features alone, it was obvious she was Slavic.
Under the United Government's unwritten rules, she would normally have been assigned to the neighboring Rus region rather than the Far East.
But with power becoming increasingly centralized within the United Government, such transfers were no longer rare.
The orphanage director, an elderly man with a kind appearance, did not seem particularly surprised by her visit.
"It is an honor to have you visit our orphanage, Miss Cocolia. The children are very happy."
Behind the director, rows of young children stared at her with curious eyes.
Seeing them, the woman named Cocolia smiled warmly.
"I hope my visit has not disrupted the children's lives." She gestured for her entourage to bring out a series of exquisitely wrapped gift boxes, smiling as she addressed the children. "I brought some presents for you all."
Cocolia personally handed out the gifts, one by one.
"Thank you, pretty lady with golden hair," the children said cheerfully, smiling as they accepted the boxes.
Cocolia gave a subtle look to her subordinates.
Those carrying cameras immediately understood and began recording the scene.
As the camera lights flashed, Cocolia's smile grew even brighter.
The old director watched the spectacle and shook his head helplessly.
Another political performance.
But seeing the children's genuine smiles as they received their gifts, he relaxed.
At least the children got something out of it. As for the politicians, let them do as they please.
Soon, the interaction ended, and Cocolia reluctantly bid farewell to the children.
After returning to her residence, one of her aides placed a report on her desk.
"Miss Cocolia, this is the operational status report of that orphanage."
Resting her chin on her hand, Cocolia reviewed the information gathered earlier that day.
Before long, she frowned.
The orphanage's meals were far too plain.
It was obvious that the funds meant to support the orphanage had likely been "legitimately redirected."
Recalling the healing smiles of the children she had seen earlier, Cocolia's expression turned cold.
But soon, she sighed and shoved the report deep into a drawer, as if sealing away something dangerous.
When she finished, a trace of fatigue surfaced on her face.
"Cocolia, you have already paid the price for your righteousness," she murmured, half to herself. "That naive version of you is dead. Now you must learn to compromise and become a qualified political creature."
Being sent from the power center of the United Government to the Far East instead of her homeland, Rus, and taking over the position of an official who had been tied to a cult and executed, was itself a warning from above.
"Righteousness alone will never get you into the core of power. You must blend in."
"You must climb higher. Only at the top will you have the right to reshape this world."
All hesitation vanished from Cocolia's face. Having completely killed off her former weakness, she now had no vulnerabilities left.
She opened another report, detailing Eden's upcoming itinerary.
Cocolia smiled.
Once again, fate seemed to be favoring her.
She summoned her most trusted subordinate.
"Is everything ready?"
"Rest assured, Miss Cocolia. Everything is prepared. Not a single one of those Poison Cocoon assassins will survive."
"Good."
Cocolia stood and walked to the window, reaching out toward the sun as it sank into dusk.
If nothing went wrong, she would not only return to the center of power this time.
She would go even further.
She clenched her fist, as if trying to grasp the setting sun itself.
…
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