"Looks like the timing is just about right. The future S-rank Valkyrie of Schicksal is about to fall."
Gray Serpent spoke with clear delight, staring at the live broadcast of the two on their date displayed on the screen, like a grand director hidden behind the scenes.
He constantly sent assists their way.
This entire amusement park had already become his territory. Elias and Cecilia were receiving the most meticulous treatment possible. The moment the two showed interest in any attraction, Gray Serpent immediately cleared the venue to make space for them.
At the same time, every food cart in the park revolved around Elias and Cecilia. Ice cream, hot dogs, barbecue, desserts—everything imaginable was available.
"Still, I truly didn't expect it. The one our Lord chose for a date is Schicksal's legendary maiden, the future S-rank Valkyrie. As expected, our Lord's eye for people remains as sharp as ever."
Gray Serpent sincerely hoped that Cecilia would join World Serpent in the future. After all, although he possessed many Gray Serpent bodies, an organization couldn't possibly function with only a single executive.
Especially not an organization like World Serpent, which already had over a hundred thousand members.
Moreover, combat was not one of Gray Serpent's specialties. The organization was currently lacking powerful fighters like Cecilia.
And with that extraordinarily special Schariac Holy Blood, Gray Serpent was certain that once Cecilia joined, she would be promoted directly to executive level.
At that very moment, he was already pondering what codename to give this future colleague… or perhaps future sister-in-law.
"Lord Gray Serpent, we've successfully misled Schicksal. Otto Apocalypse now believes Anti-Entropy abducted Miss Cecilia. The two sides have already started fighting."
"Very good. A snake always lurks in the shadows, waiting for the dust to settle before swallowing everything whole."
"Yes! However, given how cautious both sides are, this likely won't last long. Otto Apocalypse may eventually discover our Lord and Miss Cecilia."
"It matters not. By then, this Saintess of Schicksal may already have joined our World Serpent. As for that fool coming to demand her return… heh. Laughable. Schicksal couldn't even withstand a single strike from our Lord's sword. On what grounds would they demand anything?"
Recalling the glorious record of the Savior in the past twenty-four battles, Gray Serpent felt completely at ease. There was no possibility of this going wrong.
The World Serpent member listening couldn't help but feel admiration. Indeed, their Lord was invincible. Worrying was unnecessary.
"Still… isn't this progressing a bit too quickly?"
Watching how close the two had already become on screen, he felt as though his horizons had been broadened. Their Lord was not only unrivaled in strength—he was also a master of romance? Truly flawless.
Gray Serpent merely regarded this as standard practice for their Lord.
If Elias lacked ability, he would never have been able to handle the female Flame-Chasers within the Elysian Realm. Compared to those wildly different—and frankly somewhat unhinged—women, Cecilia was as gentle and docile as a lamb.
"In truth, it may seem as though we are assisting our Lord, but in reality, we are serving Miss Cecilia. Our goal is not merely to complete a date. What matters more is making this young lady fall in love with our Lord."
"Uh… that doesn't sound easy."
"Heh. No. It's very easy. In fact, one could say we've already succeeded." Gray Serpent was in an excellent mood today and didn't mind explaining a bit more to this lower-ranking subordinate.
Even for an artificial being like him, the sweetness between Elias and Cecilia felt sugary.
"Miss Cecilia is a bird in a cage. She longs for the outside world yet has never been free. And now, by accident, the cage that bound her has shattered."
"This entire day has been happiness for her—a beautiful dream. Look at how joyfully our Saintess smiles. And all of it was brought to her by our Lord."
"Wherever our Lord takes her becomes a place of delight. It is as though the entire world revolves around them. Miraculous strokes of luck occur one after another. So…"
"Our Lord has already become her hero."
Gray Serpent was brimming with emotion, yet he also felt a trace of regret.
If their revered Lord would only remove the mask from his face, Cecilia's favorability would likely already be maxed out—or even overflowing.
What a pity. Their Lord could have relied on his looks, yet he insisted on relying on his strength instead.
"As expected of our Lord. In that case, Miss Cecilia will definitely join World Serpent, right?"
"…One can only say the probability is high."
Gray Serpent fell silent for a moment before shaking his head.
Though mechanical in body, he was adept at seeing through the hearts and essence of others. He could tell that Cecilia was the type who excelled at restraining herself.
Though pure-hearted and passionate, she would not allow her emotions to control her. Even if her heart longed desperately, she could still slam on the brakes at a critical moment.
Such people were difficult to move impulsively. And with that unwavering will of hers, it was hard to imagine she would switch sides simply for love.
"Forget it. As subordinates, we only need to do what we can within our means. We must not overstep. For our Lord is the true player moving the pieces on the board."
Gray Serpent decided to abandon his concerns.
He reflected that, compared to someone like himself who hid behind the scenes directing events, their Lord seemed to prefer placing himself on the chessboard as a piece.
And then… sweeping across the board in overwhelming victory.
...
"Elias, what do you want me to do?"
After the game ended—although her defeat had been caused by Elias' words distracting her—Cecilia was not like a certain little white-haired grasshopper who would make excuses after losing.
She accepted her loss and prepared to fulfill Elias' "not excessive" request.
"Emmm… maybe later. The atmosphere right now isn't great."
Elias hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. He glanced at the gathering crowd and the noisy arcade, finding the environment entirely lacking in mood.
"For now, let's conquer every game in this arcade. There's more than just this machine."
"Mm, okay!"
Cecilia's eyes lit up with excitement. It was her first time experiencing video games, and they were far more interesting and entertaining than she had imagined.
After that, the two of them swept through the arcade like unstoppable forces, breaking every high score on every machine.
On the leaderboard, Elias and Cecilia stood tied for first place, their scores so absurdly high that second place amounted to barely a fraction of theirs.
Soon, they were rewarded with a mountain of plush toys.
"Wow! Big brother and big sister are amazing!"
"So many dolls… I'm so jealous!"
"Heh. If you like them, you can have them."
"Mm. I'll just keep this one."
Elias and Cecilia gave the plush toys directly to the children. Elias genuinely had no interest in them, while Cecilia kept only a yellow Homu rabbit plush for herself.
"Thank you, big brother and big sister! We hope you'll be happy forever!"
"…Those two kids aren't members of World Serpent, right, Gray Serpent? We don't employ child labor."
Watching the children run off happily with their prizes, Elias smiled. Then he noticed the white-haired beauty beside him wearing a tender expression, maternal affection practically overflowing from her eyes.
"Cecilia, you like children, don't you?"
"Mm… I think so…"
"Heh. Then in the future, have a child with the person you love. A child that belongs to the two of you."
Elias said it casually. He also recalled how, in the original storyline, Cecilia had once tried to use her maternal love to move Sirin. She was someone who, like him, excelled at exchanging sincerity for sincerity.
If not for her terrible teammates, perhaps Sirin—who had once sought to destroy the world—might truly have been redeemed by her.
"!!!"
Cecilia's face instantly turned red, steam practically rising from her head. She placed both hands over her flat abdomen, her eyes spinning as if already imagining something inappropriate.
When the sun finally set, the two of them arrived at the Homu-themed restaurant they had noticed earlier. Unsurprisingly, they once again became commemorative VIP guests and were treated to a luxurious meal free of charge.
The staff thoughtfully arranged a seat by the window in a quiet corner. A candle was lit at their table, and soft, romantic music began to play. The atmosphere was undeniably intimate.
The candlelight painted Cecilia's cheeks a rosy hue, and her long white hair shimmered softly in the glow.
Soon, plate after plate of exquisite dishes was set before them.
"…"
Cecilia showed a trace of disappointment when she saw Elias brush his mask and detach only the mouthpiece portion. She still hadn't managed to see his face.
Elias smiled slyly. Of course he wouldn't wear the mask forever. One of the reasons for wearing it in the first place was so that he could remove it at a chosen moment.
Clearly, that moment had not yet arrived. He intended to take off the mask only at the climax, at the most critical instant. As for whether Cecilia would fall in love with him at that time… that was not something Elias particularly worried about.
"Eat while it's hot. As the saying goes, a wise man recognizes the value of food. In life, neither good cuisine nor the person you love should ever be neglected."
"Um… is that really the original saying?"
"No. But it makes sense, doesn't it?"
Elias had already begun enjoying his meal, urging Cecilia to pick up her utensils as well. Although he hadn't stepped into a kitchen for some time, he was still a cook at heart.
Letting food grow cold was the utmost disrespect to the chef.
"That's true."
Cecilia then experienced her first candlelight dinner of her life. With just the first bite, her eyes lit up. The flavors were unlike anything she had ever tasted at Schicksal headquarters.
It was the taste of the outside world.
"Elias, I really had so much fun today. Thank you for taking me to so many different places. The clothes were beautiful, the flowers were fragrant, the games were so much fun… This was the happiest day of my life."
Cecilia smiled radiantly, more dazzling than fireworks blooming in the night sky. Elias smiled as well, reaching out to gently wipe a smudge of tomato sauce from the corner of her lips.
"As long as you're happy. After all, the reason I came to this era was to give you more beautiful memories. So… how about letting that happiness continue?"
"Eh?"
Cecilia blinked, not quite understanding his meaning.
"The wager in the arcade. I'd like you to stay with me a few more days. The scenery around here is wonderful. My subordinates will arrange everything for us. So… Cecilia, would you like to take a short trip with me?"
"!!!"
Her heart pounded fiercely.
An overwhelming impulse surged within her—to take Elias' hand and accept the invitation.
Today had been the most brilliant and blissful day of her life. If she could extend that happiness for just a few more days…
Cecilia had thought about it before, but she immediately cut off the thought. It felt far too extravagant. She believed she had no right to be so greedy.
And yet now Elias was truly inviting her.
For a moment, she wondered if she was dreaming.
But helplessly, she could not accept that happiness.
"Cecilia, you cannot leave Schicksal."
"What miraculous blood! With this blood, humanity can defeat the Honkai!"
"Unfortunately, the quantity is too limited. Until replication technology is perfected, she must not leave."
Cecilia lowered her head, clenching her fists tightly.
"I'm sorry… Elias… I'm really sorry… I can't accept your invitation… I have to go back."
This body no longer belonged solely to herself.
This body that carried Holy Blood—according to certain people—contained humanity's hope of overcoming the Honkai. There was no one more precious than her in this world. Cecilia Schariac was supposed to feel pride and superiority because of it.
But if she could choose, she desperately wished the Holy Blood had never manifested within her. If she were just an ordinary Valkyrie, if she did not possess Holy Blood…
Would she be able to accept Elias' invitation right now?
"Eh~ I have to admit, I'm a little hurt."
Elias sighed, touching his mask.
"It's the first time I've been rejected by a girl twice in a row. Maybe I really should take off this mask? No… with your personality, even if I did, it probably wouldn't help."
"…"
Cecilia was too dejected to speak. She felt as though she had just rejected the greatest opportunity of her life.
"Come here, Cecilia."
Resting his chin on one hand, Elias beckoned her closer.
She hesitated, but obediently stepped before him.
The next second, he reached out with both hands, pinching her cheeks from either side and giving them a firm tug.
"Mm—mmph, Elias…"
"Didn't you promise to grant me one request? I don't like girls who break their promises."
"S-Sorry…"
So he disliked her now… The thought made Cecilia feel even worse.
Then Elias placed an hourglass on the table in front of her.
"In that case, let's do this. At least until the sand runs out, give your time to me. That's my compromise."
"…"
Cecilia stared at the hourglass. She had no idea where Elias had taken it from. It was about the same size as the vase on their table. The sand flowed slowly—though it seemed it would only last about a day.
She hesitated.
Was one day long?
No. Not long at all.
Today had already felt so short to her—as if twelve hours had passed in the blink of a single one. If it was only such a brief period, then agreeing should be fine… right?
"Mm… I understand. Until this hourglass finishes, my time belongs to you, Elias."
"Good. You said that yourself, Cecilia. The contract is formed. Those who break their word shall be punished by being fed to stone… or perhaps being punished with childbearing would be more fitting?"
Elias joked lightly.
"W-Wait, that… that's not allowed…"
Cecilia quickly grabbed the menu to cover her flushed face. Innocent as she was, she had no idea she had already fallen into a trap—nor did she notice that the sand in the hourglass was now falling just a little slower than before.