"Put on the goggles—yes, like that. And… if you run into anyone, don't speak first. If you have questions, ask me instead. Understood?"
Otto repeated his instructions again and again. Cecilia didn't know why, but she nodded obediently.
"Once your memories return, I'll hold a press conference," Otto said gently. "We'll let everyone know you're back. But for now, since recalling things gives you headaches, it's better not to be recognized—just in case you lose composure on the way, alright?"
"Okay."
After Cecilia finished putting on her shoes and gave a small stomp to show they fit, Otto stepped back and looked her over.
Not bad. The nun's outfit concealed her figure, the goggles blurred her features. If one ignored her saintly aura, she looked like an innocent girl.
Later, with a little Fenghuang Down interference, no one would suspect a thing.
"Smile."
"???"
Cecilia didn't understand, but she still curled her lips into a faint smile.
Click.
"Alright," Otto put away his terminal, having openly snapped a photo. "When you see people, just keep that clueless Kaslana-style smile."
Cecilia: "…"
It felt a bit strange, but she didn't question it.
"Let's go. We'll take a walk around Schicksal. If anything comes to mind, say so. If it makes your head hurt, stop thinking—relaxing is more important."
He reached out and hooked his fingers with hers.
Her fingertips were cool yet soft; when he pressed lightly, they yielded with a gentle elasticity. Holding her hand, he led her outside, where winter's chill met them.
It was the day after the winter solstice in Shenzhou. Winds from distant icy seas swept across mountains and oceans—only to be stopped by Schicksal's climate systems.
As a floating city in the clouds, headquarters always displayed shifting weather and scenery, each high-altitude climate bringing subtle changes.
But never blizzards freezing the entire base, nor lightning striking vital machinery.
Still, the crisp air carried the unmistakable hint of winter. Sunlight slanted lazily across the sky, not warm, but bright—like someone idling through a workday.
Cecilia exhaled and watched the white mist drift from her lips, swirl toward her face as she walked, then dissolve. A gust of wind scattered her hair, and she instinctively tucked her head closer to Otto.
Few people were out; those who passed even walked right by Otto without noticing. He didn't mind.
"A bit desolate…" he murmured.
He recalled a moment from the timeline—once, while shopping with Cecilia, she'd whimsically asked if headquarters could have a grand snowfall at year's end so Valkyries living there could feel winter properly.
But a sudden icy gust had made her crouch and shiver, and she'd given up the idea immediately.
Back then, her expression…
Otto glanced sideways at the Cecilia beside him, still shrinking slightly from the cold.
Yes, that timid look was the same as years ago.
He smiled faintly, tightening his grip from her fingertips to her palm.
Her hand tensed for a moment, unfamiliar with the gesture, then relaxed and stopped resisting.
The corner of Otto's lips lifted as he continued the tour, explaining along the way:
"Schicksal Headquarters is a floating fortress, hovering year-round above the Mediterranean, overlooking the world."
"It's enormous—comparable to some coastal islands—so you could think of it as a cluster of floating landmasses."
"It's the administrative heart of Schicksal and its most important research facility, working day after day with the mission of fighting the Honkai."
"The air harbor in the distance is the main entry point. Each one is guarded by Valkyries and giant mechs."
Valkyries?
Giant mechs?
The words felt familiar. Cecilia tilted her head slightly.
Otto paused, reminiscing.
"I remember we once gave the Heimdall mechs the nickname 'Big Sea Fatty.' When they enter overload mode, we called them 'Doctor Lobster.'"
Lobster…
In Cecilia's mind appeared the image of a red crustacean, magnified several times, waving its claws at her. She let out a soft laugh.
Amnesia—but not entirely.
She could recall lobsters, just not "Doctor Lobster."
Otto glanced at her smiling eyes and understood.
He continued leading her around, introducing various sights.
"That's the Bader mech…"
"That's the Schicksal laboratory…"
"That's…"
Before long, guided deliberately, they arrived at the core sector.
Amber seemed to have been waiting. She bowed slightly.
"Bishop, the meal you requested has been prepared and delivered to your office."
"It feels like I haven't eaten in ages," Otto said lightly. "Ah—Cecilia too."
Amber nodded. "Since you began using the soulium body, Bishop, you have not eaten for twelve hours and fifty-three minutes."
"After such a long time, eating and drinking feel more like habits," Otto said as he entered the office, glancing at the food. The corner of his mouth dipped briefly. "Oh, and next time, replace the red wine with bubble tea."
"Understood, Bishop. But if you don't wish to drink wine, please pour it somewhere appropriate—and avoid smashing the glass. Broken shards on the floor and wine stains on the curtains are difficult to clean."
"… "
Otto chose not to respond and silently marked that against his secretary.
"Oh, and Bishop," Amber added as Cecilia stepped inside, "the Oath of Judah requested from St. Freya will arrive tomorrow morning. Additionally, Lady Durandal wishes to speak with you."
"Oath of Judah… Durandal… understood."
When Amber mentioned the Eleventh Divine Key, Otto deliberately glanced at Cecilia. Her brows furrowed as if trying to recall something, yet her eyes remained blank.
"Have Rita lead part of the Valkyrie squad to escort it back, while Fu Hua holds position with the rest," Otto ordered while thinking. "Once the Eleventh Divine Key arrives, deliver it to me immediately. Then have Fu Hua and the Valkyries destroy all experimental materials in St. Freya's underground facility—leave nothing behind."
"Also, begin a global search for information related to 'Serpent' and the 'Stigma Project.' Leave no detail unchecked."
"This is important, Amber. If we fail, we'll be facing a powerful organization capable of—and intent on—overturning humanity."
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