At the towering observation tower's peak, the stable air barrier subdued the fierce high-altitude winds, transforming them into a pleasant breeze.
The view from above was breathtaking.
A panoramic landscape stretched out below, with the vast, endless sea not far in the distance.
The serene sky, adorned with fluffy white clouds, cast a harmonious and picturesque atmosphere.
On the wide platform, a redwood chair, and a white round table were set up.
Bronya, wearing a breezy white strap dress and red sandals, revealed her delicate, flawless feet and toes as she gracefully poured tea.
At this moment, the usual iciness of her demeanor was gone, replaced by a soft, neighborly girl-next-door charm.
Currently, the only person on this expansive platform privileged to enjoy this serene and delightful scene was Sigurd.
The wind mischievously teased Bronya's silver-gray hair and gently played with her lightweight dress. Paired with her faint, gentle smile, the moment exuded an air of tranquility and leisure.
"Ahem!"
Sigurd coughed lightly, covering his mouth, his expression neutral as he turned his gaze toward the scenery.
"Your dress… it's a bit short."
He commented.
Bronya glanced at him, blinking.
"Is it? Bronya bought it to fit her height."
"It's not about the size… You've grown. Be mindful of that."
"This is only because I'm at home. Bronya wouldn't wear it outside."
"Then it's fine. As long as you're aware."
Sigurd replied flatly.
Bronya then pushed a cup of tea toward him.
"Want to try?"
Her toes curled slightly at that moment, looking as tender and smooth as budding lotus shoots.
It was likely a sign she hoped for praise.
Noticing this detail, Sigurd mused as much to himself.
With a faint smile, he picked up the teacup and took a sip.
"It's good."
That was his evaluation.
Not being a tea connoisseur, Sigurd typically only categorized tea as either "good" or "bad." Bronya's tea met the standard for "good."
However, the enjoyment of tea often depended on one's mood.
Last night, Bronya had brought Kiana's Herrscher identity into the open, putting the matter on the table.
Though Sigurd wasn't privy to the specifics of the girls' subsequent discussion, their relationship seemed intact when they departed this morning.
The issue, which had been a headache for Sigurd, was essentially resolved.
Feeling at ease, he naturally found the tea more flavorful.
Thus, the question of Bronya's tea-making skill remained an open one.
Fortunately, Bronya didn't seem concerned about such things. She simply sat down and enjoyed her tea as well.
"Sigurd, Bronya has a question."
"Go ahead."
"Are you and Kiana in a relationship now?"
Bronya asked calmly, holding her teacup with a serene expression.
Sigurd froze mid-action, raising his head to look at Bronya in mild surprise.
Kiana's identity had plenty of clues leading to it, so her figuring it out wasn't shocking. But to ask something this direct… that wasn't merely about being clever.
Sigurd's thoughts raced, and after a moment, he grasped the likely explanation.
"Your surveillance tech has leveled up again?"
"It's just the functionality of the equipment. Bronya isn't that capable herself."
"So, you were eavesdropping?"
"Does that make Sigurd angry?"
Bronya blinked, her expression a mixture of blankness and innocence, holding her teacup.
Sigurd shook his head.
"Not really… but do it less. I don't like it."
"Okay. Bronya won't eavesdrop anymore."
"Good girl."
Sigurd reached out for his usual "head pat" move, gently stroking Bronya's head with a satisfied nod.
See? This girl admits her mistakes and promises to change. How could she not make his life easier?
Then Bronya looked up and continued.
"Sigurd still hasn't answered Bronya's question."
"Well, yes, you could say that. She confessed, I accepted. That's it."
Sigurd answered openly.
Though the sudden transition to a romantic relationship with Kiana was slightly awkward, Sigurd saw no reason to hide it. Not to Bronya or anyone else who might ask.
After all, if even he couldn't openly acknowledge their relationship, how heartbroken would Kiana be? Sigurd didn't want to see her upset—not even a little.
This candor made Bronya purse her lips as if holding back something. After a while, she slowly spoke.
"If Bronya confessed, would Sigurd accept it?"
Her tone was calm, but the content struck like a thunderclap.
Sigurd's expression stiffened.
"Is this… today's joke?"
"No, Bronya is very serious."
"Don't be impulsive."
"It's not impulsive. Bronya has thought about this for a long time. Sigurd, Bronya is different from Kiana. I've always known exactly what I want."
The girl stared directly at Sigurd. Her unwavering gray eyes were filled with complete earnestness.
Sigurd had to admit—at that moment, he panicked. His heartbeat was erratically speeding up.
"Ahem! I think—"
"Sigurd is trying to change the subject?"
The words Sigurd had been planning to use to deflect weren't even fully formed in his mind before Bronya sharply caught onto his intent and interrupted him.
Bronya gazed steadily at the now-silent Sigurd for a while before sighing. She poured more tea into his cup, her demeanor nonchalant as she spoke:
"Bronya knows that to Sigurd, only Kiana is different. I've never thought about replacing Kiana or asking you to give her up… Bronya doesn't want much. Just accept me, that's all. And even if it's a secret relationship, Bronya would be happy to accept it. Drink your tea."
"I… I still don't understand. Why?"
Sigurd sipped his tea.
Was it his imagination, or was he feeling increasingly parched?
Bronya's sudden confession was so shocking that he didn't have the mental space to notice such small details.
Bronya smiled softly, all traces of her usual coldness melting away, her warmth reminiscent of spring sunlight.
"Sigurd is very smart, but not when it comes to emotions. Why ask why? Instead, ask yourself—why do you care so much about Kiana?"
"Well, that's because…"
Sigurd paused.
Why, indeed?
Because she's clumsy? Because she's naive? Because if left alone, she'd get herself hurt?
None of those seemed like real reasons.
After a moment of thought, Sigurd murmured to himself in realization:
"Maybe… it's just because she's Kiana."
"Then Bronya is the same. Have another drink."
Bronya smiled and refilled his cup.
Still feeling inexplicably parched, Sigurd absentmindedly picked up the tea cup and tilted his head back, downing the entire contents in one go, hoping to soothe the dryness that had now become unmistakable.
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Tn: Baby making time is near~
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