Chapter 372: None of Your Business
Snore~
After sitting down, Kiana promptly switched her pillow from Mei's lap to Sigurd's. Surrounded by the familiar, comforting scent that always made her feel safe, she slowly drifted off to sleep without even realizing it.
"Eat and then sleep… just like a pig."
His Majesty the soon-to-be Emperor made that outrageous remark as he gently stroked the little piglet in question—a comment no one dared to refute.
Bronya leaned lazily against the couch beside him, accepting Seele's tender feeding service while shooting Sigurd a sidelong glance.
"She probably hasn't recovered from yesterday's nonstop travel and exhaustion. Honestly, if she hadn't wanted to wait for you, Bronya suspects she would've fallen asleep on Mei-nee's lap already… so, this is all Sigurd's fault."
Her milky-sweet voice carried a languid drawl—and a faint, teasing huskiness that could easily lead one's mind astray. In response, Sigurd reached out and pinched her cheek lightly. Bronya immediately took his hand in both of hers, pressing it affectionately against her face and rubbing against it.
One thing had to be said—Bronya was very good at flirting. She never missed a single opportunity to act cute and claim affection!
Then she turned her head and gave Seele a playful wink, wordlessly saying:
"See? Learn this."
"..."
Seele silently forked a slice of apple into her mouth and lowered her head.
Bronya truly meant well—Seele never doubted that. But this kind of "help" was… honestly beyond her comprehension. Seele felt like she just wasn't cut out for that sort of thing.
Sigurd paid no attention to the sisters' quiet exchange in the corner of his vision. Instead, he looked around and asked:
"Rozaliya and Liliya—have they left already?"
"Yes, Mr. Sigurd. The Alliance Leader sent people specifically to escort them. They've both done excellent work in previous disaster relief operations, and their presence brings great comfort to those who've just suffered loss. You might not know this, but there's even an online saying now that whenever Rozaliya and Liliya take the stage, it means the disaster is over."
"I see."
Sigurd nodded in understanding, then turned to the serene, smiling Mei.
"By the way, your 'Sigurd-phobia' doesn't seem to be acting up anymore. Does that mean you've recovered?"
To confirm, he casually patted Mei's shoulder.
Her gentle, picturesque smile froze instantly. It took her several long breaths before it shifted into a look of weary resignation.
"In the first place… there's no such medical term as 'Sigurd-phobia.'"
"As long as it's getting better, that's fine. Anyway, since Bronya will soon be in charge of both the military and the research divisions, I'll need a capable all-around assistant by my side. You'll take that role."
"Eh?"
Mei blinked in surprise.
Bronya was equally taken aback, though since it was Sigurd's arrangement, she had no objections. She simply nodded once in acknowledgment.
Truth be told, military command and technical research were exactly where Bronya excelled most—areas where she could make the greatest contribution. Those two sectors were crucial for the coming decisive battle, and having Bronya oversee them would ensure that Sigurd's will was carried out precisely and efficiently. That was important.
"Bronya understands," she replied without hesitation.
Mei, snapping out of her surprise, quickly stood up and bowed deeply to Sigurd.
"Yes! I'll do my best! Please guide me!"
But instead of showing satisfaction, Sigurd merely sighed and shook his head.
"Do you know what sets you apart from Bronya?"
"Ah?"
"You've both had the same educational resources. Intelligence plays a part, of course—but what truly limits you is your tendency toward weakness. Bronya has already become someone who can stand on her own. Even without me, she can take the lead where she's needed. You, on the other hand, still act as Dr. Einstein's assistant—or mine. I'm not saying you're incapable, nor that being a pure executor is wrong. But if you truly wish to grow, you need to reflect on this overly dependent personality of yours."
"..."
After a moment of silence, Mei lowered her gaze, thoughtful—then lifted her head, sincerity shining in her eyes.
"Thank you for your guidance. I'll remember it well."
"You're welcome," Sigurd replied evenly. "Everyone has their own path. Kiana's suited for charging ahead on the front lines. Bronya's a talented all-rounder. Sin Mal is a fearless vanguard. Wendy is both a forward scout and a field commander. Seele's strength lies in the medical corps—she'd shine there, and during wartime, she could lead the field medics effectively."
"As for you, Mei—you've learned nearly everything, but all you've done is learn. You haven't mastered how to apply it. As a Herrscher, your potential even surpasses Bronya's. Think carefully about what that means, and figure out your own way forward."
"Yes, Mr. Sigurd… or should I say, Your Majesty?"
Raiden Mei said with a sly little smile.
Sigurd's lips curved faintly, and he nodded. The title was correct—and more importantly, the fact that she could joke with him like that proved her so-called "Sigurd-phobia" was pretty much cured. That was good progress.
"Get some rest, all of you," Sigurd said with a soft sigh. "Peaceful days like this won't last forever."
With that, he got ready to carry the sleeping Kiana back to her room—but the moment he reached out, Kiana's eyes snapped open.
Golden. Brilliant. And cold as starlight.
"Human," she said icily, "don't touch my body."
It was Sirin—resting on Sigurd's lap, voice vibrating slightly from the excess Honkai energy radiating through her body, carrying a distinct resonance that made her sound almost otherworldly.
Sigurd looked down at her calmly, then—ignoring her words—reached out and pinched her cheek.
"Human!!"
"Do you want me to hit you?"
"...Hmph! ╭(╯^╰)╮"
Sirin snorted—it was hard to tell whether from embarrassment or irritation—then sat up. The moment she did, she felt the dull ache in her waist and frowned.
"Shameless! Pervert!" she snapped, scowling darkly as certain… indecent images flashed across her mind.
Sigurd crossed one leg over the other, entirely unbothered.
"Kiana and I are in a relationship. We'll marry sooner or later. Isn't it natural for couples to be close? If you don't like it, you can lock yourself back in your little mental room and stop watching."
"Oh, really? Then what about her? Is this what you humans call 'love'? Pathetic. Disgusting!"
Sirin jabbed a finger toward Bronya, whose expression remained perfectly deadpan.
Blinking innocently, Bronya returned her glare with the purest "what did I even do?" look imaginable.
Sigurd extended his hand—not toward Sirin, but to pull Bronya into his arms.
Bronya, perceptive as always, immediately understood his intention. She turned, facing him directly, slipped her arms around his neck, and brushed her soft lips against his.
A brief, gentle kiss—light as a dragonfly landing on water.
Then, as one, the two of them turned to look at Sirin, both wearing the same cool, expressionless gaze.
"This is between Kiana, Bronya, and me," Sigurd said evenly. "What's it got to do with you?"
Sirin: "(ꐦಠ皿ಠ)!!"
For a split second, she could feel the blood rushing to her head—but even in her fury, Sirin wasn't stupid. Kiana could wake up at any moment and take control again, and Sigurd was no mere human—not someone she could afford to provoke with just her fragment of Herrscher power.
So she took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down.
Yes. Whatever nonsense Sigurd was up to, however disgusting or absurd it was, it was still between him and Kiana. None of it had anything to do with her.
"None of my business," she muttered inwardly, turning away with a cold huff.
She picked up the TV remote and started flipping through channels.
"Hmph! Watching anime? Really? How old are you? So childish."
Her tone dripped with disdain, as if everything in front of her offended her existence.
The others hadn't even reacted yet—but Bronya, still cuddled in Sigurd's arms, suddenly widened her eyes in shock.
"What did you just say? How dare you look down on Homu-chan! That's not some shallow kids' show—it's art!"
"Hmph. Childish."
"Forget it," Bronya sniffed, crossing her arms. "The Homu series is already recognized worldwide. There's no point arguing with someone who lacks taste."
"Still childish," Sirin shot back.
Their eyes locked—gold versus gray—sparks practically crackling between them. After a few seconds, both simultaneously turned their heads away with twin huffs.
"Hmph!" ×2
Sigurd could only sigh, stroking Bronya's hair to soothe her indignation before glancing at Sirin again.
"So? What are you doing out here now?"
"That's between me and that idiot," Sirin replied coldly, curling her lip. "What's it got to do with you?"
This time, it was her turn to throw his words right back at him.
Sigurd froze for a second, momentarily at a loss for words. But since it was still Kiana's body, he didn't want to cause her any unnecessary trouble.
So he said nothing, simply noting the debt in silence and filing it away in the back of his mind.
<+>
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