"Kiana will go berserk."
"...But she has the highest chance of success."
"Kiana truly will lose control."
Zeke remained silent, unable to counter Bronya's repeated conclusion.
Zeke almost mentioned his resurrection ability, but it wasn't that simple. If Theresa died while berserk, upon revival, she would likely still be under the God of Honkai's influence—remaining in the same state as before. To restore her to normal, they might have no choice but to kill and resurrect her repeatedly until she could overcome the God of Honkai's effect. However, reviving a Herrscher consumes vast resources, making multiple attempts unsustainable.
The risks involved were significant indeed.
If not for the fact that, considering all factors, Theresa had the highest chance of success, Zeke wouldn't have approached her at all.
"Otto is prepared," Zeke whispered finally. "If necessary, he'll spare no cost."
Otto's obsession lay solely in resurrecting Kallen, and now there was a clear path forward to solve this dilemma. Consequently, he could willingly give up his life at any moment. Or rather, to prevent Kallen from feeling deep remorse and guilt upon seeing him, Otto had long decided to die before Kallen's resurrection. He preferred his fervent longing remain unfulfilled than burden Kallen with difficulties because of him.
If Theresa truly couldn't escape the will of Honkai, Zeke believed Otto would sacrifice himself for his beloved granddaughter to ensure her safety.
Bronya understood what he meant and nodded. "In any case, we should prepare a plan to console Kiana," she added. "Put yourself in her shoes: If Aunt Theresa were replaced with Seele, Bronya would react similarly."
"I understand."
"Bronya has an idea."
"Go on."
"Why not let Bronya get pregnant first? That way, using the child as leverage, even if Kiana is still mad at you, I can approach her gradually and talk her around. What do you think? Isn't it perfect?"
Bronya tilted her head back, her eyes shimmering like pools of water, her youthful face earnest—almost as if this genuinely was an altruistic scheme.
Zeke reached out, pinching Bronya's soft cheeks gently but with a hint of exasperation. He scolded her, "Firstly, physiological barriers aren't so easily overcome; secondly, your body is still slowly developing; thirdly, don't try sneaking in ulterior motives at every opportunity!"
"But Bronya thinks this plan is very reasonable!"
"Hmm?"
"Okay, then let's just pretend I didn't say anything." The girl lowered her head, displaying utmost docility as she pouted dejectedly.
Although Zeke had exposed Bronya's clever scheme, he still grappled with Kiana's potential reaction, unable to devise a suitable approach. Ultimately, he could only sigh and shake his head, feeling utterly perplexed.
"Zip...zip..."
Suddenly, the sound of a stealthily unzipping zipper echoed through the room.
Zeke glanced down at Bronya's motionless little body and said, exasperated:
"This isn't the time for games."
"But we're in the imperial palace, sitting on the dragon throne! Doesn't it stir something within you, Zeke? Don't you find it fascinating?"
"Why do I detect a hint of pride in your voice... Wait... Ah!"
"B-Bronya can feel... Zeke's... sincerity..."
The rest of their encounter unfolded without significant changes, aside from adjustments in attire. Most actions were repetitive, so further description seems unnecessary.
The night grew deeper.
Zeke carried the unconscious Bronya back to their room, only to find a carefree silver-haired girl sitting cross-legged on the floor, headphones on and fully immersed in a game displayed on the massive screen. Various snacks like chips and soda littered the ground around her.
"Shield counter! Shield counter! Counter that bastard! Ahh!"
The screen abruptly dimmed, revealing a giant "DEAD" message in mocking dark red, reminiscent of bloodstains, taunting the girl's clumsy gameplay.
Kiana's expression instantly deflated, then she turned her head towards Zeke, who was holding Bronya.
"Tsk! I've prepared hot water for you two; hurry up and take a bath. Let me reload this save, adding more poisoned throwing knives should do it—I refuse to believe I can't beat this level!"
With renewed vigor, Kiana plunged back into the game world.
Holding Bronya, Zeke surveyed the messy snack remnants scattered across the floor.
Silently, he made a subtle adjustment to the data of Kiana's ongoing game, ensuring she would experience a most exhilarating demise before heading towards the bathroom with Bronya.
As Zeke gently lowered Bronya into the bathtub, she stirred awake. Opening her hazy, beautiful eyes, she looked at Zeke with affectionate dependence.
"Hmm... How long was I asleep?"
"About half an hour. Is the water temperature okay?" Zeke softly replied, his voice carrying a rare gentleness reserved for few others. He adjusted Bronya's position slightly to ensure she could fully relax in the warm water.
Bronya lifted her hand out of the bath, nonchalantly rubbing her eyes as she yawned.
"Mm... It's perfect, very soothing. Zeke, join me?" She extended both arms towards him, blinking her large, expressive eyes charmingly like a young girl seeking attention.
"Sure, but give me a moment first. I need to deal with that idiot."
"Okay, Bronya will wait patiently." Obediently lowering her hands, she sank deeper into the water, watching Zeke attentively with bright, gleaming eyes, looking incredibly well-behaved.
Zeke acknowledged being charmed by her and responded with a gentle kiss on her forehead, eliciting a delightful smile from Bronya, her eyes curving happily. Then, he stepped out of the bathroom.
"Dang it! Damn, damn, damn! Why did I lose again? My moves were perfect... Ah! You took my headphones? What for?" Kiana looked up, seeing Zeke holding her headphones, and pouted unhappily.
"Clean up, brush your teeth, and go to bed."
"No way! I need to finish this level! It must have been you two disrupting my focus; otherwise, I would've definitely succeeded!" Kiana huffed indignantly.
Suddenly, a hand clamped down on her head.
Zeke narrowed his eyes, speaking coldly: "What was that?"
"I'm sorry, I'll clean everything right away!"
Kiana set down the game controller, cautiously glancing at Zeke's expression while hastily gathering snacks and drinks scattered across the floor.
In her gaming frenzy, she almost forgot who held authority in this household—it had always been Zeke!
Once Kiana finished tidying up, she cradled all the items in her arms and gazed pleadingly at Zeke with a charming smile.
"Hehe, see, everything's cleaned up now. So, can you... spare me this time?"
"You never take things seriously," Zeke remarked dispassionately, patting her head before turning back towards the bathroom.
Behind him, Kiana stuck out her tongue briefly, then swiftly put away the items and rushed to the washroom for her bedtime routine.
Only now did Kiana notice that Zeke and Bronya were already lounging in the bath. Zeke had his arms around Bronya, who lay comfortably against him, their closeness enough to make anyone blush.
Kiana felt envious.
After rinsing her mouth with a splash of water, she swiftly stripped off her clothes and jumped into the pool.
"Kiana torpedo incoming—boom!"
True to her sound effect, water splashed everywhere, drenching both Zeke's and Bronya's faces.
Their expressions darkened simultaneously.
Following a brief bout of laughter, Kiana finally took stock of the situation. She obediently knelt down amidst the warm water and earnestly declared,
"I only have one request: no hitting me in the face!"
Silence reigned over them all.
In her carefree recklessness, even Kiana's pleas for mercy seemed casual and unapologetic. Dealing with this single-minded creature named Kiana left both Zeke and Bronya feeling utterly helpless.
A moment later, they shifted their gazes away, too exasperated to bother with her anymore.
Kiana patted her chest, the gentle waves of her pale jade-like skin more captivating beneath the water, relieved at narrowly escaping another disaster. Of course, she knew they found her annoying, but it didn't bother her—not because of any particular reason, just sheer thick-skinnedness!
So Kiana sidled up to Zeke, casually draped her arm around him, and grinned mischievously.
"Bathe together, huh? You two sure know how to have fun—let me join!"
Zeke remained silent.
"Aiya, don't stay quiet; I admit it, I was wrong, okay? Don't think I'm oblivious—I know you snuck off for some alone time without me. And yet, despite not being upset, you both still look so grumpy at me?"
Kiana playfully shook Zeke's hand, ensuring he fully felt her soft, ample curves against his arm.
In a clash between someone shamelessly thick-skinned and another less so, the latter often emerges as the loser. Moreover, Kiana had a point. Bronya's face flushed bright red with embarrassment, half-submerging her small features in the water, momentarily speechless and nearly choking on her words.
Even Zeke stiffened briefly. Their relationship was indeed unique, and having Kiana abruptly expose their intimacy left him feeling somewhat apologetic—not to mention that Bronya's fatigue made Zeke's current state highly susceptible, making it difficult to control his reactions when Kiana got so close.
"!!!" Sensing the awkward situation escalating, Bronya's antenna-like hair instantly stood up. She quickly rose from the water.
"Colonel Kiana!"
"Huh? You're talking to me?"
"This commander has concluded her battle for now; feel free to take over the next battlefield."
"What?" Confused, Kiana blinked innocently, failing to grasp Bronya's meaning. But Bronya had already stepped out of the bath, grabbing a towel at random. Unmindful of the droplets still clinging to her body, she hurriedly splashed her way out of the bathroom.
Kiana watched helplessly as Bronya departed, about to call out with questions—only to find herself suddenly too preoccupied to speak or think further.