Most of Schicksal's active-duty Valkyries resided on a Schicksal floating island named [Eden]. The living quarters for Valkyries, including Rita and Durandal, were allocated here by Schicksal, completely free of any mortgage pressures or the like.
Even after marriage, they could continue to live here. The facilities and supplies were fully equipped, functioning almost like a complete rural town on the surface. The environment was phenomenal.
Back in the day, Cecilia Schariac's residence had also been located here.
Originally, as a mere Valkyrie Reserve who had yet to become an official Valkyrie, Mei didn't have the qualifications to live here. She was supposed to stay in a four-person reserve dormitory, but as the Overseer of Schicksal, Otto had graciously opened the back door for her.
Taking the floating elevator from the mobile platform up to this sky island, Otto walked along the pebble-paved path with his hands clasped behind his back. The attention of every surrounding Valkyrie immediately locked onto him.
It couldn't be helped; he was just too handsome.
Unless they were completely tired of their jobs, no Valkyrie would dare ignore the Overseer of Schicksal.
Moreover, seeing the Overseer filled these Valkyries with exceptional excitement. For the longest time, Otto had been the absolute banner and spiritual leader of Schicksal.
Even Ragna, the former captain of the Valkyrie Assault Squad, had originally derived the convictions she passed down to Himeko and Durandal straight from Otto.
Perhaps Otto was a man who resorted to unscrupulous means, but the convictions he passed down were undoubtedly genuine.
Because those were the convictions he believed he had inherited from Kallen.
Every Valkyrie who spotted the Overseer hurriedly saluted and offered their greetings. In response, Otto simply offered a brief nod and a polite smile.
But even just that was enough to leave these young Valkyries utterly infatuated. Being favored by Overseer Otto was the ultimate honor for any Valkyrie.
However, seeing these young recruits swoon, the older, more experienced Valkyries nearby couldn't help but offer earnest counsel, urging them not to let the Overseer steal their hearts and cloud their judgment.
You youngsters can't handle him; it's best to leave it to us seniors to take the reins.
However, they all felt a little curious.
Why had the Overseer come here? Was he here to see someone?
Many Valkyries immediately recalled a deeply entrenched rumor circulating within Schicksal—that Lady Durandal was actually Overseer Otto's illegitimate daughter and was deeply favored by him. Perhaps the Overseer was here to visit Lady Durandal.
Bathed in countless stares, Otto didn't feel the slightest bit uncomfortable. Perhaps he was simply born to thrive under the spotlight.
But then, he paused to think. If he swaggered right into Mei's house, wouldn't it spark malicious gossip?
He had been too abrupt.
While he didn't care in the slightest, Mei might end up being targeted by jealous Valkyries.
Sigh, this Overseer's sins truly run deep. I suppose this is just the burden of being an outstanding man.
Deciding against going straight to Mei's place, Otto walked toward Durandal's residence instead. Then, right in front of everyone's watchful eyes, he pushed open the door to Rita's house right next door.
"Ooh—!"
The Valkyries' eyes practically sparkled. Durandal's place was right next door to Rita's, yet the Overseer hadn't come for Lady Durandal, but for Lady Rita?!
Instantly, the collective imaginations of the Valkyries conjured up an entire series of dramatic love-hate soap operas. After all, Overseer Otto, Durandal, and Rita were easily the top three most popular figures in all of Schicksal.
The Otto x Dudu, Otto x Rita, and Rita x Dudu factions immediately began bickering among themselves.
But all of that commotion had nothing to do with Otto. As the Overseer of Schicksal, he had unrestricted access to every inch of the organization's territory. Even when Cecilia was alive, he could walk into her home as he pleased, let alone a mere maid's quarters.
He hadn't chosen his destination entirely at random, though. The reason he didn't enter Durandal's room was that Durandal absolutely wouldn't care about the gossip, which would only cause the rumors to spiral out of control.
Who knew, one day it might even reach the ears of Kiana, Fu Hua, or Mei.
But Rita? Otto knew she would handle the situation perfectly.
However, Rita wasn't home. Durandal was currently undergoing live combat training, and as her adjutant, Rita naturally served as her sparring partner.
The air inside Rita's home was permeated with the rich, elegant fragrance of roses. Otto's mind briefly wandered, imagining himself standing amidst a vast sea of flowers, with Rita clad in a pure white wedding dress, clutching a floral bouquet before him.
Slurp.
Otto gulped down his saliva.
He admitted it; he did covet Rita a little. After all, she was the very first true Valkyrie he had encountered upon his arrival in this world.
"Otto Apocalypse?"
Suddenly, a flat, somewhat childish voice sounded right next to his ear.
Otto frowned slightly. Wasn't that the System's voice?
Good grief, you've finally bared your wolfish ambitions today! You didn't even call me 'Dear Host', and dared to address this Host by his full name? Such absolute rebellion!
[...]
The System remained completely speechless, and Otto quickly realized something wasn't quite right.
He turned his head. Standing at the top of the stairs was a slender figure.
Her face was breathtakingly beautiful, every inch of her skin exuding a delicate refinement. The only exception were her silver-gray eyes, which remained completely devoid of any ripples of emotion.
Her silver hair, bright and pure as the moon, was unusually free from the restraint of its signature twin-tail scrunchies. Instead, it cascaded loosely over her smooth, fair shoulders.
Draped over her petite frame was a black, off-the-shoulder formal dress, elegantly accented with purple silk ribbons and midnight roses. Her waist, so slender it could be encircled by a single hand, was cinched tightly, further emphasizing her delicate charm and adding an aura of cold, pristine magnificence to the young girl.
The off-the-shoulder design seemed expressly tailored to highlight her slender collarbones. Yet, wrapped around her long, fair neck was an incredibly conspicuous red collar. It twisted her youthful beauty into something else entirely, radiating an overwhelmingly alluring, forbidden temptation.
It was the collar Otto had personally fastened around her neck.
Otto quietly observed Bronya, his gaze slowly traveling downwards.
The magnificent hem of the dress swallowed her hips and legs, leaving not an inch of skin exposed. Yet, through the slightly translucent silk fabric, the faint, slender outline of her legs was visible.
Finally, Otto's gaze rested on Bronya's feet as she stood on the stairs.
She wore no socks, simply stepping into a pair of transparent indoor sandals. Her slender, perfectly rounded toes were delicately exposed, adorable and gleaming like radiant pearls. A coat of pale cherry blossom nail polish adorned her translucent toenails, making one want to cradle those feet in their hands and meticulously play with every single toe.
"You can walk now?"
Otto asked with a smile.
"Mhm. The treatment was successful," Bronya replied, her tone as flat as ever. Here at Schicksal, her legs had received proper medical care, allowing her to walk without relying on Project Bunny.
"It's a beautiful outfit."
Otto praised. Bronya suited dressing up very well; she naturally looked like a lovely porcelain doll.
"Miss Rita helps me change into a different outfit every day," Bronya stated.
Otto nodded. He had indeed instructed Rita to take good care of Bronya. It seemed Rita had done a spectacular job, even housing Bronya in her own home.
"Miss Rita isn't home. Did you come looking for me?"
Bronya stared at Otto. Since arriving at Schicksal HQ, it had been quite some time since she'd seen him. She was beginning to suspect the man had completely forgotten about her existence.
"No, I was just passing by. I'll be leaving in a moment."
He really did have to leave soon; who knew when Mei might return?
Bronya's face remained expressionless, but she clearly didn't believe a word of it.
However, she offered a slight bow towards Otto, causing his eyes to widen in mild surprise.
"Overseer Otto, thank you for taking good care of the girls from the orphanage."
Bronya lowered her head, expressing her gratitude.
The children from Cocolia's Orphanage had all been brought to Schicksal HQ and settled on a small sky island. Bronya would visit them occasionally. The orphans, who used to struggle with hunger and the freezing cold, were now living in what felt like absolute paradise at Schicksal HQ.
They had meat with every meal, even fresh fruit, and they would never have to feel the biting cold again.
Many of the children were incredibly happy.
Schicksal could more than afford to feed a few extra mouths, and even Amber hadn't raised any objections to taking the children in.
"It's mostly thanks to your cooperation," Otto replied with a smile.
Schicksal had taken the children under Cocolia's name, telling them that their 'Mother Cocolia' had found a warmer place for them to live.
Even if they had doubts, all it took was for them to see their big sister Bronya. As long as Bronya played along, they would believe it.
Bronya refused to let those children live their days in fear and anxiety, so she had no choice but to cooperate.
"I'm going to head out now. Next time, you'll have to introduce me to your little friends."
Otto said, though he made no move to leave. Instead, he beckoned Bronya over.
Bronya walked up to him. Otto raised his hand, hooked a finger under the collar around her neck, and gave it a slight tug.
Like tugging on a dog's leash.
Yet, Bronya simply stood there, perfectly still and expressionless, tilting her head up to look at the man who towered over her.
Bronya knew this collar wouldn't be coming off anytime soon. And she had no intention of taking it off, either.
Because only by wearing this collar could she be trusted—trusted by the man standing before her.
This collar had become a symbol.
But Bronya remembered the promise she made with Otto back in Nagazora.
If Otto could fulfill his end of the bargain and bring Seele back, then... she wouldn't mind wearing this collar for the rest of her life.
Otto seemed to read her thoughts. He smiled and said, "As long as you remain loyal to me, I will treat you with sincerity and grant you my favor."
"So, don't betray me."
Otto didn't like traitors.
In response, Bronya simply parted her cherry lips and softly called out.
"Woof."
A dog would never betray its master.