After an unknown stretch of time, the world finally quieted. The snowstorm had ceased its howling, and the small wooden cabin stood still in the silence, sheltering its few occupants as they prepared to resume their journey while the blizzard slept.
The Captain stirred from her slumber, blinking slowly as morning light filtered through the frosted window. She gently shifted Kiana and Bronya, who were curled up beside her, and rose to her feet.
She walked to the bonfire, shook out her dried clothes, brushed off the dust, and slipped them on. Her long hair fell messily over her shoulders, and she sighed as she tried to tame it.
Behind her, Kiana watched with a gaze that was equal parts regretful and content.
The Captain stepped outside, pushing open the sturdy wooden door. A pristine white world greeted her—quiet, untouched, and breathtaking.
She smiled softly.
Returning inside, she added fresh firewood to the dying flames and pulled out a few simple ingredients from her pack. One last warm meal before they left Siberia.
Before long, the aroma of simmering stew filled the cabin.
Kiana's eyes snapped open, wide and sparkling.
"Bronya, wake up! The Captain made breakfast!"
Bronya, dragged from the hay bale, gave her a tired look. "Bronya isn't a lazy bum like Kiana. Bronya's been awake for a while. It's nearly noon."
"Oh, what's the difference? We both just woke up—and the Captain made something delicious!"
Kiana pulled Bronya over, then wrapped her arms around the Captain's waist, nuzzling her with a blissful smile.
The warmth, the scent, the softness—it was everything Kiana loved.
This was the life she wanted. Waking up to the Captain's cooking, falling asleep in her arms, being spoiled without question.
But even for this dream, she knew she had to reclaim her power. She had to become the Herrscher of Finality again.
Only then could she protect this peace. Only then could she keep Honkai from tearing it away.
And she was confident. Once she touched the Cocoon of Finality, the authority would return to her.
But that was for later.
For now, she just wanted to enjoy the Captain's warmth.
Bronya, sitting quietly beside them, leaned gently against the Captain. She wasn't as bold as Kiana, but the warmth was enough.
Still, as she looked out at the now-stilled snowstorm, a flicker of sadness crossed her eyes.
"Bronya, is the food not to your liking?"
The Captain noticed the shift and asked gently.
Bronya looked up, startled, then glanced at Kiana—who was clearly eavesdropping.
Blushing, she hesitated. Then she tugged the Captain's sleeve and whispered:
"Captain… are you and Kiana leaving Siberia?"
The Captain paused.
She remembered—they were just travelers who met in the storm. And now, it was time to part.
She felt a pang of guilt. But she couldn't take Bronya with them.
She knew what awaited Bronya. A blue-haired girl in an orphanage. A tangled fate. A tragedy she couldn't prevent.
Cocolia's schemes were far beyond her reach.
All she could do was hope Bronya would stay safe—and that one day, she'd come find her.
The Captain stroked Bronya's head gently.
"I'm sorry… truly. Kiana and I have to leave. For her growth. For a better future. I'm sorry, Bronya."
Bronya took the Captain's hand from her forehead and pressed it to her cheek.
Her expression softened. The ice melted.
"Don't apologize. Bronya doesn't want that. Bronya will always wait for the Captain."
She paused, then added quietly:
"Although it's selfish… can the Captain promise me one thing?"
"Of course. Anything."
Bronya's cheeks turned crimson. She didn't know why she wanted to say it—but she had to.
"Captain… can you… not marry… before Bronya finds you?"
"Ah?"
"What?!"
The Captain blinked, stunned. She was a girl now, yes—but her soul was still male. The idea of marrying someone out of the blue was… baffling.
Kiana, who had been quietly listening, was equally stunned.
What do you mean, 'don't marry before I find you'? Are you planning to marry the Captain?!
No way! The Captain is mine!
She was about to explode when the Captain pulled her into a calming embrace.
"Bronya… why do you want that?"
Kiana's eyes burned. Her suppressed emotions flared.
Bronya poked her fingertips, silent. Maybe she didn't know the reason. Or maybe she did—but couldn't say it.
The Captain understood. She didn't press.
She simply smiled and stroked her head.
"If that's what Bronya wishes… then I promise. I won't marry until you find me."
Bronya's eyes lit up.
"Mm! Bronya will find the Captain soon. Please wait for me."
No! This is terrible!
Kiana was in despair.
Her perfect plan—charm the Captain, become the Herrscher of Finality, protect the world, win her heart—was unraveling.
Bronya had only just met the Captain. And yet, she'd made a bold request.
And the Captain agreed.
Kiana's mind raced.
If Bronya can max out affection this fast… what about the others?
She imagined Valkyries lining up to steal her Captain.
No. I won't let it happen. I'll max out the Captain's affection first. I'll claim her.
Bronya, go play with Seele. Leave my wife alone.
After a quiet lunch, the Captain watched Bronya leave.
She held the Siberia map Bronya had given her, and tucked Kiana under her arm.
She sighed.
Even without Bronya's request, she wouldn't be marrying anyone anytime soon.
Even Kiana—adorable as she was—was still twelve.
She had her own boundaries of course.
Kiana turned away, sulking.
Captain, you have principles and won't touch minors.
Does that mean I have no principles? That I would?!
I have principles too! I just like someone older. What's wrong with that?
Besides… Captain, aren't you already an adult?