Chapter 180: Entwined
As the war ended, the morning sun began to peek over the horizon.
For many, today's sunrise felt distinctly different.
Meanwhile, Sigurd had fallen asleep in the temporary war camp.
The subsequent medical treatment and consolations were handled by a professional team, leaving Sigurd with no need to manage everything himself.
By the time the sun was setting, its rays filtered through the transparent fabric of the tent, casting a warm glow on Sigurd's face.
His eyelids twitched slightly as he slowly opened his eyes.
"Zzz..."
As he sat up, he wasn't surprised to hear the familiar sound of breathing in sleep.
Looking down, Sigurd saw Kiana resting her head on the edge of the bed, her hand clasping his.
The sight of her long silver hair draped over the bedside filled his gaze with warmth, and a soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Mmm... Sig, you're awake!"
The girl, who hadn't been sleeping deeply, quickly woke up as well.
With a smile as radiant as the sunlight, she threw herself into Sigurd's arms.
Sigurd's eyes gleamed with amusement.
He wrapped one arm around her waist while gently running his other hand through her soft, silver hair.
"How's Wendy?"
"Dr. Einstein took her away for a full check-up. They need to test her powers and everything."
"And what about Bronya and Sin Mal?"
"They're in the temporary hospital nearby. They fought a lot, but their injuries aren't too serious, so don't worry too much."
"And Seele, Rozaliya, and Liliya?"
"They're fine. Seele said she got lost and then passed out, probably from being hit by a surge of Honkai energy... but overall, they're unhurt. They're helping out around here."
"Hmm... and you?"
"Me? Of course I'm fine! I'm full of energy!"
Kiana grinned up at him from his chest, showing off a set of perfectly white teeth.
Her fair, rosy cheeks made her look adorably silly.
Sigurd tapped her forehead lightly with his finger, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"You're not feeling guilty for not joining the battle, are you?"
"Ah... maybe a little."
"There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. Your condition is unique, so be kinder to yourself."
"Okay, I'll listen to everything you say."
Kiana nodded, tightening her embrace around Sigurd's arms.
She breathed in deeply, savoring his scent, and her expression softened with affection and longing.
At that moment, with her head tilted up, her lips curved into a delicate smile.
The sight of her cherry-red lips made Sigurd feel a bit thirsty.
He followed his impulse and touched Kiana's lips lightly with his finger.
They were softer and more delicate than he had imagined—like freshly made, silky-smooth custard, but far more enchanting.
As Sigurd gazed intently at her, Kiana's face flushed slightly.
She hesitated for a moment before boldly saying, "If you want to kiss me, just do it. I won't resist~"
"You mischievous girl!"
Sigurd flicked her forehead, making her stick out her tongue playfully, followed by a soft, endearing laugh.
With a smile, Sigurd wrapped his arms around the girl, drawing her close as he buried his face in her hair.
He mimicked her, taking a deep breath.
A sweet, gentle fragrance filled his senses.
It had always been there, but now it felt particularly pleasant to Sigurd, lifting his mood inexplicably.
He seemed to understand why Kiana loved clinging to him so much.
Just like now, after waking up and holding Kiana for a while, he felt an overwhelming sense of peace.
"Let's go. There's still a lot to do."
"Rest a little longer. You've already done so much. Don't push yourself too hard."
Kiana raised her hand, gently caressing Sigurd's cheek as she softly urged him.
Sigurd paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts.
Then, he took hold of Kiana's hand and said, "...Alright, the major issues are resolved. The rest... they can handle without me."
"Mm, I'll stay with you," Kiana said softly.
"Are you hungry?" Sigurd asked.
"A little... but let's worry about that later. Right now, I just want to be with you," Kiana replied.
"What would you like for dinner?"
"Anything's fine. Don't think of me as so spoiled… even though you do pamper me a lot. But really, everyone's been through so much, anything to eat is fine," Kiana said, blinking with a thoughtful expression.
Sigurd gently stroked her smooth back, feeling a bittersweet emotion well up inside.
Kiana seemed more mature now, but Sigurd found himself yearning for her to cling to him, make demands, and act like her usual carefree self.
"After seeing so much tragedy this time... does it make you sad?" Sigurd asked quietly.
"...It does. I even started thinking that this might have been what the Second Honkai Eruption was like," Kiana admitted.
"If it becomes too much to bear, don't bottle it up. Come to me, talk it out, cry if you need to. Don't make me worry, okay?"
"Mm, with you around, I'm not afraid of anything. I really like you... no, I love you, Sigurd!" Kiana exclaimed.
"Silly girl," Sigurd muttered with a fond smile.
"Hehe, I'm only silly for you, and you won't mind at all," Kiana giggled, resting her head on Sigurd's chest.
Listening to his strong heartbeat, she felt a sense of intoxication, as if she had drunk too much, though no alcohol was involved.
Sigurd didn't say anything further.
He just smiled softly, hugging Kiana a little tighter.
...
Meanwhile, in Kiana's mind, Sirin—who was bound by golden chains—felt waves of overwhelming sweetness surging within her.
"Ahhh!!!"
"Impossible! Impossible!" Sirin shouted.
"Ahhhh!!!"
She conjured a brick and smacked it against her own head, but it was useless.
She couldn't stop the corners of her mouth from curving upward.
She conjured another brick, smashing it over and over again, yet to no avail.
Finally, she collapsed onto the dark floor, banging her head against it, unable to block the powerful emotional impact radiating from Kiana.
"Ahhh!!! Stupid humans… stupid humans… stupid humans…" Sirin muttered in frustration. "How could I? I never will!"
"Ahhh!!!" she screamed again, slamming her head repeatedly. Bang! Bang! Bang!
...
"Ah-choo!" In the real world, Kiana sneezed just as she stepped out of the tent.
Sigurd raised an eyebrow. "Did you catch a cold?"
"No way. I never get sick—you know that."
"Usually, only top-tier idiots are immune to colds."
"Huh? You're teasing me again! Someone must be talking about me! Let me tell you, there are tons of people out there thinking about a top-tier beauty like me! Even if I only have eyes for you, you'd better learn to appreciate that, got it?"
Kiana tilted her head and put her hands on her hips, speaking with righteous confidence.
Suddenly, a small figure barreled into her, sending her flying.
"Sigurd ❤～～"
Sigurd looked down to see Sin Mal, wrapped in some bandages, clinging tightly to his arm.
She looked up at him with heart-shaped eyes.
Sigurd sighed and covered his face with one hand, feeling exasperated.
Now what was he supposed to do with her?
If he told Sin Mal that he had chosen Kiana, she'd either start pursuing him even more aggressively or challenge Kiana to a life-and-death duel.
Perhaps she'd do both.
Sure enough, Kiana and Sin Mal quickly began bickering.
The two girls, one taller and one smaller, fiercely argued as if fighting over some priceless treasure, neither willing to back down.
Meanwhile, Sigurd's forehead was beginning to ache.
As he watched them, Sigurd suddenly realized that even though this particular issue had passed, there were still many more problems to solve—and Sin Mal was just one example.
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