Chapter 158: The Moonlight is So Beautiful~

Chapter 158: The Moonlight is So Beautiful~

By the time Bronya and Kirataka finished their work and returned to the Anti-Entropy base, it was already night.

The moonlight illuminated the snowfield, making it even whiter and more flawless. Every snowflake on the snowfield was reflected by the moonlight, crystal clear as if countless shining diamonds were inlaid on the earth.

Kirataka descended from the sky and put Bronya down.

Not far away, Mei was talking to Ryoma. It was a long-lost father and daughter reunion, and they must have a lot to talk about.

Noticing their return, Mei stood up and waved to them.

Kirataka came in front of the two people, looked at the mature middle-aged man, and greeted him politely:

"Hello, Uncle Ryoma."

"Hello, Kirataka. Mei just told me a lot about you," Raiden Ryoma said with a smile.

Then, he said to Mei:

"Mei, I have something I want to say to your friend alone."

"Okay, then I'll go do something else with Bronya," the purple-haired girl nodded obediently and pulled Bronya away briskly.

Although Cocolia is dead, there are still many serious matters that need to be dealt with.

For example, collecting evidence of her secretly imprisoning other executives and her collusion with the third organization, the World Serpent.

Naturally, this kind of work is mainly done by Bronya.

Looking at his daughter's gradually leaving back, Raiden Ryoma said with a low laugh:

"She's changed a lot during the time I wasn't around. To be honest, I was a little worried at first... I wondered if she had grown taller if she would still cling to me like before, and if she... still had her own self."

As a father, there are always such concerns, especially since Mei has become a Herrscher, a creature that can no longer be defined as a human being.

Even though the leader of Anti-Entropy is the First Herrscher... there have been beings like the Second Herrscher in this world who intended to destroy humanity. Therefore, before seeing his daughter again, he was always afraid that she would become a stranger he was not familiar with.

Fortunately, that sad future did not come to pass.

"Are you afraid of becoming strangers to each other?" Kirataka asked.

"Well, after all, something like that happened. Besides, Mei had always been well taken care of before. I really can't imagine... how she managed to hold on after that."

Her family fell into poverty, their wealth and glory were gone, and the halo that had once been around her disappeared completely. She fell from heaven to hell almost overnight.

Kirataka: "Mei is a very strong girl. She was not defeated by those difficulties."

Raiden Ryoma laughed softly, and a hint of warmth appeared on the steady face that was unique to middle-aged people.

He stretched out his hand, gestured, and said:

"You know what? When Mei was born, she was so tiny, only this big. At that time, her mother and I were always worried about whether we could raise her."

"I have devoted my life to fighting the Honkai. To be honest, I used to worry that I would die without knowing why. But when I saw Mei for the first time, I suddenly felt that death was not such a terrible thing."

"Because in Mei, I saw the continuation of my own life. After that, I felt that it wouldn't matter if I died one day because of the Honkai, because she would still live anyway."

As the old father spoke, his eyes slowly closed and a smile appeared on the corners of his mouth, as if he saw a precious scene in his memories.

"When Mei was born, the ME Company I founded as the executive officer of Anti-Entropy was growing rapidly. Before she came into this world, the meaning of my hard work was to give her mother a better life and to provide sufficient financial support for Anti-Entropy."

This is a necessary job as an Anti-Entropy executive, and it is also the care that a husband should give to his wife.

"After Mei came into this world, my work gained another meaning—I hoped she could grow up healthily and live a happy life."

"...I can understand your love," Kirataka said silently.

As a father, who doesn't want their children to be safe and sound all the time?

However, Raiden Ryoma was not so lucky, and this little wish did not come true.

"When Mei was eight years old, her mother passed away because of... the awakening of the Stigmata. I tried everything I could to save my wife, but in the end... I could do nothing. I could only watch her leave this world in pain."

Raiden Ryoma smiled silently, his expression showing a bit of helplessness and relief toward his fate.

At that time, he was on the verge of collapse.

——Because the awakening of the Stigmata in his blood took away not only his wife's life but also almost took Mei away.

"Because of her bloodline, Mei was also tortured by the awakening of the Stigmata. At that time, she was almost halfway to death. I didn't want to lose my wife and daughter at the same time, so I took the risk to apply to Alliance Leader Welt and made that decision..."

What Raiden Ryoma was talking about was, of course, the operation to implant the Conquest Gem into Mei's body.

This was a very risky thing to do. After all, the Second Eruption had occurred just a few years before.

Implanting the Herrscher's Gem into the human body is generally not approved. It is too risky for both Mei and the world and is very likely to lead to the birth of the Herrscher of Thunder.

However, Alliance Leader Welt was a reasonable man, and he finally agreed to the operation.

Fortunately, Raiden Ryoma's decision was correct. The power from the Herrscher Gem temporarily suppressed the awakening of Mei's own Stigmata, maintaining a delicate balance in the girl's body, and allowing the eight-year-old Mei to survive.

"It was also from that time that I began to fear death... not because of myself, but for Mei. Her mother had already left this world, and I was afraid that if I died one day, Mei would become helpless and be bullied by others.

"…That's why I started teaching her Hokuchin Ittoryu, letting her learn and master this family sword technique, hoping that she could become strong enough to live well on her own even if I'm gone one day.

"Later, I did leave... and left her alone in the Far East in a way that I didn't expect. I have always felt bad about this," Raiden Ryoma said with a sigh.

He had a miserable life and had imagined himself being torn to pieces by Honkai beasts countless times, but he never imagined that the real threat was the knife stabbing from Anti-Entropy's followers.

"…This is not your problem. You don't have to feel guilty," Kirataka said in a low voice.

If it weren't for Cocolia's conspiracy, nothing would have turned out like this. Mei could live and grow up like a normal person, and Raiden Ryoma wouldn't have to endure this imprisonment.

"I understand this, and I'm thankful that during my absence, Mei has come out of the dark times and has met many trustworthy partners, such as Kirataka."

Raiden Ryoma smiled and said:

"I know Mei's character very well. Even though she didn't tell me directly, I can tell that she likes you very much."

"Yeah, I like Mei, too."

Kirataka said frankly.

 "...After returning from Siberia, I will eventually have to return to Anti-Entropy to continue my work. Mei is living well at St. Freya Academy now, so I don't plan to take her back with me."

 Although he was a little reluctant, he had to admit that Schicksal had a mature system and technology for training Valkyries. For Mei, who had become the Herrscher of Thunder, letting her stay there to train and master her own power was the best option for her.

 Therefore, there will still be a long distance between him and his daughter.

 "Kirataka, when I'm not with Mei... I hope you can take good care of her."

 Raiden Ryoma formally entrusted his daughter to him.

 ............　

 The moon was bright in the sky, and the snowfield under the moonlight looked exceptionally quiet. There was no sound at all, only the wind blowing the snowflakes, making a gentle sound.

 Kirataka arrived at the base, where a purple-haired girl was sitting alone, admiring the snow scene under the moonlight.

 "Ah, Kirataka, you're here."

 Noticing his arrival, Mei turned around and smiled sweetly.

 "Well, where's Bronya?"

 Kirataka asked casually.

 Mei immediately replied

"She went to take care of those two girls... Those sisters, are they also Bronya's sisters?"

She was talking about Rozaliya and Liliya, who were knocked unconscious by her.

"Well, they are actually similar to Seele."

Kirataka nodded.

However, in the hearts of the twins, Cocolia is still a pure mother, and they probably cannot understand the evil things that woman have done.

It will probably take some time for this young pair of twins to accept this reality.

Mei saw his worry and said with a faint smile:

"Bronya said she would try to persuade those two children. Well, the sisters should be admitted to St. Freya's Academy in the future."

After all, after Cocolia's death, the sisters were effectively homeless. If there was a place that was more suitable for them, it would definitely be Theresa's school.

"Well, anyway, the principal won't refuse such a thing."

Kirataka said in a low voice.

Let's put aside the topic of other people for now.

"How does it feel to have your revenge?"

"…I don't have any special feelings. Compared to this, I am still happier to be reunited with my father."

Mei said softly.

Rather than seeking revenge, she is more focused on protecting her family and friends.

Speaking of her father, her cheeks suddenly turned red, and she asked Kirataka in a low voice:

"By the way, my father didn't say anything to you just now...right?"

"Hmm? Uncle Ryoma told me that you were only this big when you were born~"

Kirataka imitated the posture of Ryoma and performed it twice.

"It's... annoying..."

The girl took out her little pink fist and punched him on the shoulder.

The two played around for a while, then quieted down a bit and looked at the scenery together.

Mei was looking at the beautiful silver scenery in front of her, thinking about something very important.

Before, she had told herself that she would tell Kirataka her feelings after rescuing her father.

Now is indeed the time...

So the girl looked up at the bright moon tonight, mustered up her courage, and whispered:

"The moon is so beautiful tonight."

Derived from the translation of "I love you" by the famous Far Eastern writer Natsume Soseki, it is a vague way of expressing love that has recently become popular among young people in the Far East.

This kind of obscure confession method also has a corresponding reply sentence, which is...

Kirataka smiled and replied:

"Yes, the wind is also very gentle."

"Eh..."

Mei's heart started beating suddenly.

Because Kirataka was not from the Far East, she did not expect to get such a standard response.

So, that is to say...

Obviously, she was the one who initiated it, but she remained silent for a while before asking in a low voice:

"Why is that...?"

Why does he like her?

"Mei is very gentle, knows how to take care of people, and cooks delicious meals. Of course, I like her."

These words warmed the girl's heart, but she remembered something and said softly:

"Well... you said before that you like everyone, too."

"Yeah, that's a fact. I like them as much as I like Mei."

Kirataka admitted frankly.

He never intended to hide this.

Mei heard this, stood up, turned her back to him, and looked at the snow with her hands crossed behind her:

"You know, this is a very selfish statement."

"I know it's a terrible idea to be honest, but it's also what I really mean."

Kirataka also stood up.

His connection with them is what keeps him going and is truly his source of strength.

Kirataka pondered and said:

"If you can't accept it, Mei, I..."

"It's okay..."

The girl responded quietly.

"...Um?"

"Well, I mean, actually... I don't really care. I can accept it..."

Mei turned around and was almost face-to-face with Kirataka.

She is not the only one who has experienced misfortune. they are all defective products of an unhappy past. Perhaps only when they get together like this can they support each other and move forward.

"…Thank you, Mei."

"It's nothing. By the way, Kirataka, um, um, when we were at Chiba Academy, were you..."

Mei's pretty face flushed as she spoke in a low voice.

She tried very hard to finish her words but failed.

Although she didn't finish her words because she was shy, Kirataka naturally knew what she was referring to.

——With the help of a baseball bat from a paramecium, he had an unexpected kiss with Mei.

For both of them, this should be the first experience in their lives and a very important thing.

Kirataka coughed lightly and said:

"Well, that did happen, but it was that idiot Kiana who did it..."

"Um..."

The girl lowered her eyelids, not knowing what she was thinking.

Then, as if she had mustered up her courage, she raised her head slightly, looked at Kirataka who was close by, and said:

"But, I was still asleep at that time, which was not fair to me."

At that time, it was the will of the Stigmata in her body that took control of her body.

She still didn't know how it felt like to have her first kiss in her life.

"So, what does Mei mean?"

Kirataka didn't understand the meaning of Mei's words for a moment.

"As compensation, I want to... do it again."

Then, before Kirataka could react, Mei gently stood on tiptoe, closed her shy eyes, and moved closer.

Long, sweet, soft, and sticky...

This feeling made Kirataka hold his breath almost reflexively.

The wet feeling coming from his lips took him several seconds to react to what was happening.

——Mei kissed him.

The girl's soft and fragrant lips, the blurred feeling on her body, and the intoxicating girl's fragrance on her body were enough to make anyone indulge in it...

Soon, his body gave a signal—a signal to hold her body and accept her.

No need to think, no need to speak, he knew what to do.

He naturally reached out his hand, gently embraced the girl in his arms, and then slowly but forcefully deepened the contact between them.

Two passionate hearts were beating on the silent and empty snowfield as if they could hear each other's intense heartbeat.

His arms were wrapped around Mei's slender waist, and he could even clearly feel the warmth emanating from Mei's soft, silky skin.

He could clearly see that Mei's cute little face was as rosy as an apple and very pretty.

Two bodies of almost the same age were pressed closely together. The snow falling from the sky did not bring any coolness to their bodies. Instead, it seemed as if they had put on a white coat for the two beautiful years of youth.

At this moment, it seemed as if they were the only ones left in the world.

After a long while, the two reluctantly separated from each other.

Because of this overly bold action, Mei leaned on his chest, panting with her head down, her cheeks flushed, and Kirataka also breathed heavily.

"Kirataka...I like you."

After calming down a little, the girl raised her head shyly, her eyes filled with affection.

This time, she no longer used euphemisms but expressed her inner thoughts directly.

Her voice was soft, like a peach that had just been moisturized, with a lovely flavor.

"Yeah, I like Mei too."

Kirataka answered seriously.

Mei leaned in his arms and said softly:

"It's really great to be able to convey this idea to you."

Of course, it is the happiest thing to be loved by the person you like.

This warmth and support are exactly what she misses.

Then, the girl thought of something, raised her head slightly, smiled, and said:

"Oh, by the way, I can't be the only one to have this warmth to myself. I'll ask her... to come out for a bit."

As she said, she immediately called out the will of the Stigmata in her body.

The dark purple eyes turned blood red in an instant.

 "...!"

 The other Mei, who was forcibly summoned, was a little dazed at first, but after finding herself in Kirataka's arms, her cheeks quickly turned red.

 She exerted a little force with her hands as if she wanted to break free, but when she started to exert force, her strength disappeared for some reason.

 "Don't you like it?"

 Kirataka asked with a smile.

 "...You obviously know the answer."

 Mei looked up and glared at him, then simply stayed still and stopped moving.

 Damn it, she obviously didn't want to come out... Such a scene, such contact, made her a little... scared.

 "Well, of course I do."

 He knew it since the time he gained the power to control electromagnetics on the rooftop of Chiba Academy.

 After all, the real Mei was still sleeping at that time, so there is no need to say more about the source of his power.

 "...I thought that a special being like me was not worthy of the same love as humans."

 Mei leaned her head against him and said to herself:

 "If you hadn't come at that time, I might have chosen to... commit suicide."

 She was confused about the meaning of her own existence and had no good feelings toward this decadent world.

 "This world is still very beautiful. Let us keep going together."

 "...Um."

 The girl answered softly and then said in a somewhat confused tone:

 "So, what am I? The will of the Third Herrscher? But... I always feel like something is wrong."

To this day, she still doesn't know what she is.

 If it was the will of the Third Herrscher, then her malice towards this world was too obvious.

 Although she did feel that the world was corrupt and it would not matter if it was destroyed, she had never thought of doing it herself.

 If it is the will imposed by the so-called Honkai, would it be such a weak thing?

 "Strictly speaking, you should be the self-will awakened by the Stigmata on Mei's body. However, after all, the Conquest Gem has been in Mei's body for so many years, so it may have mixed with a part of it."

 Kirataka said uncertainly.

 He is not an expert in this area and can only express his own guesses.

 "In fact, there are still people like you... maybe you can ask them to confirm it."

 Although it cannot be said to be very common, at least there is a similar existence around them.

 "...You mean Seele? I can feel that there seems to be something similar to me in that child."

 She doesn't appear in the outside world most of the time, and the only thing she can do is observe the people around Mei.

 "Well, you observe very carefully."

 Kirataka said with a low laugh.

 "Anyway, what you just said to Mei..."

 The girl said hesitantly.

 "The same goes for you. After all, you are Mei too, right?"

 "...Humph, that's more like it."

 "So, to be fair, let's do it again?"

 Two Mei, one time each.

 Kirataka lowered his head as he spoke.

 "Huh? Wait... um..."

 Soon, the girl's lips were blocked again.

 This time, Kirataka took the initiative.

(TL: Hey there! If you're enjoying this fanfic and want to get early access to more chapters or explore some of my other works, feel free to swing by my Patreon. You'll find plenty of advanced updates and maybe even some exclusive content waiting for you~ 

link: patreon.com/Elysia_Husband)