"So, what seems to be bothering you? I feel like something's troubling Zeke."
Holding her red envelope, Kiana leaned comfortably against Zeke's back, resting her head on his shoulder. In a gentle voice, she asked: Then, defying all norms as someone of lower status, she boldly reached up to pat Zeke's head—typically warranting at least a spanking, but this time, no such consequence followed.
Zeke simply grasped that tender, small hand, feeling its warmth and softness. With a silent sigh, he said:
"Kiana."
"Hmm?"
"Have you ever wished to return to the past?"
"Why do you suddenly ask that?" Confused, Kiana blinked her wide eyes curiously at Zeke's profile, slightly bewildered. Nevertheless, considering it was Zeke's question, she nodded thoughtfully before responding with a hint of melancholy:
"I actually have pondered it. There are so many regrets from the past, like those who sacrificed during the Second Major Honkai Eruption, or the long separation between Durandal and my dad... You see, if I could go back, wouldn't there be a chance to rectify these sorrows?"
Zeke fell silent, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with her sentiment. He simply lowered his gaze, avoiding Kiana's expression and eyes for a moment before continuing gently.
"If given the chance now, would you choose to go back?"
"Nah... I think not."
"Why not?"
"We've come so far together, and it took us so much effort to be here like this, finally with each other... I just couldn't bear to lose any of it," Kiana replied wistfully.
Indeed, if she were to return to the past and alter events, who could predict what the present might look like now? Instead of chasing uncertain changes through time travel, it felt more prudent to cherish the present and every day spent with loved ones. That was Kiana's current perspective.
Sensing Kiana's feelings, Zeke squeezed her small hand once more and asked, "Under what circumstances would you feel compelled enough to disregard everything and traverse time to save something?"
"...Your questions today are quite peculiar, Zeke! What exactly are you trying to ask? Wait, no—I want to know what happened that made you bring this up?"
"One last question: If you truly traveled back in time, what would be your most desired action?"
Zeke posed his final query instead of explaining to Kiana.
Kiana furrowed her brow, perplexed by this line of questioning but still answered without hesitation:
"Of course, I'd make sure we meet, ensuring that on that night in Mondstadt, I can appear before Zeke and give him a big hug! That's one thing I absolutely, positively won't let go wrong!"
Kiana grinned widely, looking quite pleased with herself. In truth, keeping young, frail Zeke warm with her body on that night was indeed her proudest moment in life; nothing could surpass its significance for her.
Carrying Kiana on his back, Zeke fell silent, steady as a mountain.
Reflecting on it, wasn't that first night in this world also the greatest fortune of his life?
He had begun to vaguely grasp an answer concerning the Young Lady.
'If I were to die in battle...'
"Sigh—"
Zeke sighed and shook his head, deciding against elaborating further since it was all speculation at this point. Sharing these thoughts would only burden Kiana unnecessarily. Considering her fiery personality, if Zeke were to tell her, "I'm thinking I might die in battle someday," she'd likely explode on the spot. And from that moment onward, she'd probably cling nervously to him every day, never letting him out of her sight.
Keeping Kiana constantly anxious would also make Zeke feel uncomfortable; there's no need for such stress.
Moreover, even if the speculation turned out true, Otto had already provided a potential solution. It's just one possibility after all; the true future still lies within their control, doesn't it?
Zeke gently patted Kiana's bottom and nonchalantly said, "Hop down."
"Huh? No way! It's so late already, you should just carry me back!"
"Stop acting spoiled. I have important work to do. Go back and rest by yourself."
"Then I want to stay with Zeke while he works overtime!" The girl protested cheerfully, not only refusing to get off but tightening her grip around his neck and squeezing her legs more firmly around him. Clearly, she wasn't about to abandon her troublemaker persona—though in her mind, accompanying her boyfriend during overtime showed consideration! A significant plus point, indeed!
"Snore... Snore..."
Thirty minutes later, in Zeke's study. As soon as Fu Hua pushed open the door, she heard familiar snores. Upon closer inspection—Zeke was tinkering with holographic projections resembling weapon models, while Kiana lay sprawled across his legs, her limbs haphazardly positioned and a silly grin accompanied by glistening drool at the corner of her mouth.
"Pfft!"
Fu Hua covered her mouth, but couldn't suppress the sound of her stifled laughter.
Zeke's movements paused momentarily, and his clear azure eyes shifted to Fu Hua's face.
"Find it amusing?"
"Well, somewhat... You always seem helpless when it comes to this child!" Fu Hua shook her head, chuckling softly. Beneath her smile, however, there lurked a hint of envy even she didn't fully comprehend.
Fu Hua approached Zeke's spacious seat and leaned over to wipe away the drool from the corner of Kiana's mouth. Then she softly asked Zeke,
"Shouldn't we take her to bed? Sleeping like this might make her uncomfortable tomorrow."
"Let's wait a bit longer; she just fell asleep. Moving her now could wake her up."
"You're right, then let's leave her for now. Zeke, I came here with some questions."
"Go ahead." Zeke responded casually while continuing to adjust his model.
Fu Hua opened her mouth but paused before asking, carefully observing Kiana to ensure she was truly deep asleep. Only then did she speak slowly.
"Do you have any definitive conclusions or strategies regarding the Young Lady?"
"The conclusion remains speculative, lacking strong evidence. As for strategies... if she is indeed the Finality, there's no choice but to fight her. Don't entertain shortcuts; defeating the Finality is the only path for civilization's survival." Zeke's gaze flickered momentarily before returning to calmness, responding in a detached and rational tone.
Fu Hua sighed inwardly but understood Zeke's reasoning. Although if the Young Lady truly was Kiana from another timeline, this approach would be unbearably cruel for many, including Zeke himself, current research conclusions indicated that Finality is the ultimate trial bestowed by the Imaginary Tree—a culmination of Honkai. It cannot be bypassed or avoided; there is no choice but to confront it head-on.
"I understand. Regardless, I will prepare thoroughly and do my utmost. However, I have one more question."
"Go ahead."
"If the Young Lady indeed turns out to be Kiana...then does that mean the original Kiana Kaslana was actually Durandal?"
Zeke fell silent, lifting his gaze to meet Fu Hua's clear, gentle azure eyes.
Fu Hua deeply cherished all her connections, and Kiana's background stood uniquely special among everyone she knew. It wasn't surprising that she sought clarification on this matter.
"Based on all available verification methods so far, there seems little doubt that Durandal is indeed Kiana Kaslana."
"I see. I'll keep this confidential, and I hope you can resolve the situation swiftly. Both of them have had quite a challenging journey." Fu Hua let out a long breath.
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