Since Rin arrived at the base, Vya had gained another little companion. Because little sister Griseo often had to stay with her older sister Blanca, she couldn't always play with Vya.
But sister Rin was different. Sister Sakura usually went out with Vya's older sister, so the two of them could often spend time together.
They also frequently went to find Griseo to play.
The three little girls became fast friends.
...
When Rin first heard they had to move again, she felt a bit down.
But the moment she learned her sister's latest assignment involved working with Elysia, she was instantly overjoyed. That meant she could often go play with Vya and meet the new friends Vya talked about.
So, just a few days later, guided by Vya, she had already become familiar with most people at the base.
That day, Vya and Rin went together to watch Griseo paint.
Joining them was Dystopia, who was truly walking further and further down the path of childcare.
Griseo sat before her easel, a small paintbrush in her tiny hand, completing a colorful, dark abstract painting.
"Griseo is amazing!"
Rin praised.
Even though she had seen it several times before, she was still amazed that Griseo, so young, could create paintings like this. Those bold blocks of color combined together held an indescribable, harmonious beauty.
Vya, of course, had known for a while, so she wasn't surprised.
...
"Alright, you two, time to go do your homework~"
Dystopia reminded them.
"Okay, sister Dystopia!"
"Alright..."
Rin was still somewhat reluctant, having been in the middle of having fun.
Even though all three of them were there to play, the only one who could keep playing endlessly was Griseo.
Rin was still of school age, so naturally, she couldn't neglect her studies.
As for Vya's homework, well, that was because many people assigned her tasks.
Vya's situation was more special—Mobius gave her a biological observation diary, and Vill-V had mechanical crafting assignments.
Ever since Vya once showed great interest in little robots,
Vill-V had grandly waved her hand and promptly designed a specialized children's robotics tutorial set.
Just follow the steps slowly, guaranteed that anyone with hands could do it.
Vya had even tried carving out a little wooden figure with her hands... something she learned last time at the sanatorium from Kalpas...
Right at that moment...
Sakura, having finished her mission, quietly slipped in. She could tell at a glance something was different; her little sister was in a state unlike before, and it made her happy.
After all, Rin had rarely been able to play so carefree with kids her own age before.
Dystopia was just about to greet her when Sakura raised a finger to her lips and shook her head. Sakura tiptoed to sit down not far behind Rin, without making a sound.
It was a professional habit of an assassin, and also her unwillingness to disturb this rare peace.
Dystopia immediately understood and didn't disturb her either.
Sakura was a very calm person, but calm was not the same as serene. Only by her sister's side could she feel this long-missed tranquility.
She knew she had made the right choice, even if it might only be temporary. But who could claim to remain untouched by it all?
Back in her days with the Serpent, she had learned just how terrifying the disaster called the Honkai was, and how insignificant human strength could be.
Just then, Sakura sensed someone else entering...
The door was pushed open again, and a tall figure walked in.
"Well now, little ladies, having fun?"
A hearty voice echoed in the room.
Looking closely, it was Ato. Sakura had only met him once before, introduced by Elysia, and she only knew this man was the father of the little girl painting.
"Oh, it's Uncle Ato!"
Vya greeted.
These days, Ato found the title 'Uncle' quite agreeable.
"Vya's studying hard, very good."
Ato said, also nodding politely to Sakura. Sakura returned a courteous smile.
He walked over to Griseo's side.
"Sweetie, did you miss Daddy?"
Ato crouched down, opening his arms in a gesture known as a father's embrace.
"Daddy..."
Griseo murmured, turning to look at Ato, blinking her eyes.
Ato coaxed softly, "How about we stop painting for now, okay? Mommy is already waiting for us. Shall we go?"
It was only in front of his daughter and wife that he showed this rare tenderness...
"Mhm, Mommy!"
Griseo put down her brush and obediently extended her little hand. Ato scooped her up in one motion, and the little girl naturally wrapped her arms around her father's neck.
Ato laughed proudly, "My daughter is so good. We won't disturb anymore, see you next time."
Happily, he carried his daughter and turned to leave.
Now only Vya and Rin remained in the room.
Because of Ato's brief visit, a quietness settled over the room for a moment.
It was then Rin noticed her sister had been sitting beside her, she didn't know for how long.
"Sister? When did you get here?"
Surprised and delighted, she immediately scooted closer to Sakura.
Sakura gently stroked her sister's hair, "Just arrived. I saw you were so focused, so I didn't disturb you."
"Hello, sister Sakura!"
Vya greeted sweetly.
Actually, she had sensed Sakura's arrival much earlier, but Elysia had taught her that sometimes you pretend not to know, to save face for the adults.
Light, quick footsteps sounded from outside the door again as Elysia walked in, humming a little tune. She had just run into Ato in the hallway and had taken the chance to tease Griseo a bit.
"I'm here to announce some news♪~"
"There's an event tonight. Want to dress up all pretty with me~?"
"Yes!"
Vya was the first to respond. She loved these events the most!
Fun to play, delicious to eat.
"Will Sakura and Rin join us too?"
Elysia extended the invitation to the sisters, her eyes full of expectation.
As for Dystopia, needless to say, she would definitely go to such things, and would bring all the little sisters she knew along...
"Well... What does Rin think?"
Sakura looked at her sister, placing the choice in her hands.
"I want to go too!"
"Alright, then let's go."
Sakura herself was rather indifferent to such activities, but if her sister wanted to go, then they'd go.
"Yay♪~"
Elysia clapped her hands happily,
"So, want to come with us to get ready?"
She suddenly winked, a sly smile appearing, "Hehe~ Before that, going to take a bath together sounds pretty nice too~"
Sakura: ...
She promptly took Rin and left.
And Dystopia, as if she had anticipated this, had already vanished without a trace.
So, in the end, Elysia didn't get her way.
"Aww, why did everyone leave? Looks like it's just the two of us going to wash up then~"
She and Vya enjoyed some sisterly bathing time.
In the bathroom, bubbles flew and laughter was constant.
Vya shaped shampoo foam into various forms, while Elysia crafted ridiculous foam hairstyles. The two of them played with great delight.
...
Before they knew it, evening was approaching...
…
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