The world is never a fairy tale.
Unless it is carefully arranged by human hands.
Several weapons were hidden in the shadows, all aimed at Cecilia, waiting for her answer.
Otto had painstakingly woven this beautiful story of reunited first love and rekindled feelings—not merely because he desired her body.
Well, not only.
The benefits Cecilia could bring him, the loyalty she could secure from people like Kiana and Durandal—those were the real reasons he supported her.
But for her to play the greatest role, one condition had to be met:
He had to sever every last thread between her and Siegfried, making himself her only anchor.
How strong that bond might be, Otto didn't know.
He only knew that during the Second Honkai, when he tried to kill that man, she protected him.
Since there was precedent—
Then she must never be allowed a second "mistake."
Even if she could no longer think, that would still be better than thinking and making the wrong choice.
He still held expectations for her, after all. His creed was simple: never trust a traitor.
Even the faintest thought of returning to that fool—
Was unacceptable.
Otto stood there, yet his soul seemed to float above, looking down without joy or sorrow, waiting for the white-haired woman's reply.
If her answer crossed his bottom line, the tranquilizer would fire. Cecilia would fall. The simulated Fenghuang Down would rewrite her memories and implant his commands.
Then everything that had just happened would be replayed again and again—
Until the answer he wanted was carved into her mind like a seal.
If she resisted too fiercely, the methods taken from St. Freya could also be used, couldn't they?
—Though unless absolutely necessary, he would never choose that path. He preferred to see the white flower vibrant at his side, not frozen into a stagnant abyss.
Don't disappoint me, Cecilia…
Otto said silently.
"In my personal opinion… not really,"
Cecilia finally spoke, shaking her head as he wished.
"But Brother, if it's for your benefit, Cecilia is willing to—"
Congratulations, Miss Schariac.
You've passed.
Inside, Otto remained indifferent—neither guilty for his suspicion nor pleased by her loyalty.
"The first few words were enough," he interrupted firmly.
"That level of combat power isn't worth me giving you up again. Just do what you want. I promised you that."
Just do what you want. I promised you.
Cecilia savored the words, sweetness blooming in her chest, though she still tried to protest:
"But…"
"No 'but,'" Otto said coldly.
"If you're not going because of feelings but for such a ridiculous reason, the Kaslana family wouldn't mind losing one foolish former head."
If it had been the former…
He turned his head away, hiding the darkness in his eyes.
Cecilia stared at him for a moment, then smiled brightly.
"I was wrong, Brother."
She apologized simply, stepping closer.
"I won't mention going to him again. As for everything else… you decide. Your will is my path."
"Mm."
"I'll have the two families finalize the dissolution agreement. Whether he agrees or not, you'll be free."
"As you command."
"That's my good girl."
Otto smiled, bringing his hand forward. Cecilia naturally slipped closer, holding his arm.
Golden particles drifted away as the simulated Divine Keys vanished. The gun dissolved into the air. The Abyss staff dimmed. Only faint sparks remained on Seven Thunders.
You passed this test, he thought.
"Shall we go for a walk?" he asked gently.
"Mm."
She had no objection.
It was still January, the air cold as at the end of last year.
They walked the streets of Schicksal's floating island once more. Silence lingered—Cecilia blushing faintly in her thoughts, Otto reflecting on what had just happened.
Her restored sense of taste.
A good sign, perhaps—but he remained cautious.
If even that had fully recovered, it meant Cecilia had been restored to an ideal state.
In mysticism, there was one immutable law:
Equivalent exchange.
To gain something, something must be paid.
So what price had been paid to restore her so perfectly?
And what other changes had he yet to notice?
"I'll have to pay closer attention from now on…"
"What are you saying, Brother?"
Her white hair fell into his view as she leaned closer, eyes blinking curiously, lips soft and near.
Otto smiled faintly.
"What do you think?"
They stopped, facing each other like children playing a game of statues.
As expected, Cecilia lost first—his gaze made her blush, eyes darting shyly, making her all the more endearing.
"Rakashan, after five hundred years you've mastered the 'One Qi Transforms into Three Purities' technique? My, how—"
A clear voice rang out.
A girl in bright yellow descended on a flying sword—
And froze.
Seeing her past crush standing close with a white-haired woman, arms linked, faces inches apart.
"…Perhaps I came at the wrong time?" Li Sushang blurted.
"No," Otto replied calmly, catching the joke, placing an arm around her shoulder naturally. "You came at just the right time."
"Let me introduce you. This is Li Sushang—Fu Hua's grand-disciple, inheritor of Taixu Sword Qi."
"And this is Cecilia Schariac, Schicksal's Saint—an S-rank Valkyrie like you."
Sushang shot Otto a look, stepped back, and clasped her fists.
"Li Sushang of the Boundless Ease Sect. Please take care of me."
Cecilia mirrored the gesture.
"Cecilia Schariac. We'll be colleagues from now on."
She spoke in Shenzhou's language—something she could manage a little.
After some chatter, Sushang explained she had come to bid farewell but decided to stay a few more days, delighted at Otto's offer to get her martial arts novels.
They bantered lightly.
Then Sushang tilted her head, smiling.
"Rakashan, you feel more human now than five hundred years ago."
"That's only with you, my old friend," Otto replied with a faintly bitter smile. "We're from the same moment in time, after all."
Loneliness colored his voice. Even Cecilia, who didn't fully understand, felt a pang of sympathy.
Sushang blinked, confused by his phrasing.
Otto sighed.
"I forgot—you've devoted your life to the sword."
He looked at her seriously.
"Among all the Shenzhou people I've known, I treat you the best."
Sushang froze.
A single flirtatious line from a first love—
For a girl from the 16th century, barely in her mid-teens—
Was devastating.
Her face turned crimson. Words failed her. She stomped her foot and flew away at impossible speed.
"Gone?" Cecilia asked, expression strange—part pleased, part unsettled.
"She's a friend from five hundred years ago," Otto said.
He noticed the subtle shift in Cecilia's mood.
But he didn't explain further.
Affection shouldn't be constant indulgence; a little tension, a little reassurance—such rhythms deepened attachment.
Cecilia indeed felt a faint gloom.
So he isn't only gentle to me…
She told herself it was reasonable—Sushang was an S-rank Valkyrie too.
Yet reason didn't soothe her.
A shadowy girl in her mind watched greedily, possessively.
Could my place… be replaced?
No… I don't want to lose again…
I want you to keep treating me like this…
She had received so much already—
But Cecilia was a greedy child.
"Tomorrow is Little Goose's S-rank ceremony," Otto said suddenly, pulling her back from her thoughts. "And your return ceremony."
"Hm?"
"Will you place the medal on her?"
"That's your authority, Brother."
"Precisely because it's mine, I'm giving it to you."
She understood immediately.
This was a declaration to all of Schicksal:
No one was to touch her.
Her petty emotions vanished, replaced by overwhelming gratitude. She leaned gently against him, like a flower blooming from his side.
Closing her eyes, she walked as he guided her, breathing in sync, feeling as though they shared one breath.
"I can never repay this…"
she whispered.
Moonlight spilled through thin clouds, painting the floating island in dreamy silver.
Cecilia breathed softly, savoring the warmth of being cherished.
Otto carried a cool, clean fragrance. Golden strands brushed his pale ear. Like a pampered kitten, she leaned into his arm, letting all her worries melt away.
The long winter night.
The pure saint.
The calculating overseer.
Night fell, and the world grew gentle—
Like a fairy tale.
◇ You can read 60+ chapter ahead on P@treon if you're interested:
patreon.com/ElaraVance1
✨ Bonus Chapter Goals ✨
10 Reviews = 1 Bonus Chapter
100 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter