Chapter 92: The Foolish Look Suits Her Best

Kiana cried until most of her nightgown was soaked, even rendering Zeke's sleeve unsightly, before she finally managed to stifle her tears amidst hiccups.

With no choice, Zeke carried her to the bathroom.

Kiana requested him to wash her hair—despite having already done so earlier that day.

Zeke complied without hesitation, adjusted the water temperature, and started gently massaging her scalp.

"Hic!"

Kiana hiccuped from crying.

Zeke looked down at her.

"Still not done crying?"

"I am! I just can't stop yet."

"Take your time then."

"Okay."

Pouting slightly, Kiana quietly waited for Zeke to finish rinsing her hair.

Knowing she had washed her hair earlier, Zeke merely gave it a symbolic massage before quickly grabbing the showerhead.

"Close your eyes; I'm going to rinse now."

"Go ahead."

The gentle stream washed away the suds, cascading down her smooth, porcelain-like back and soaking the tiny panties she wore.

"Little bear underwear? How cute and childlike."

"Aren't you the one who bought them? I want something more mature too!"

"Kids don't need to act so mature; cute cartoon prints are just fine."

"That's unfair! I'm growing up already! Just you wait and see—soon enough, I'll be as... as beautiful as Aunt Cecilia!" Kiana grumbled.

As Zeke finished rinsing her hair, mischief flickered through those reddened eyes, and she deliberately shook her head.

"Splash!"

Her wet tresses whipped across Zeke's face, drenching him with water droplets.

Zeke wiped away the moisture, still holding the showerhead in one hand while gently placing his other atop Kiana's head.

"Ever heard of the Skullcrusher Godclaw?"

"...Wait! Given my current state, can't you at least go easy on me?! Please?!"

Kiana began trembling, beads of sweat reflexively forming on her forehead.

Then, Zeke removed his hand.

"Just this once, no repeats."

"Fine... Seriously, Zeke has no sense of fun whatsoever."

"What fun could there possibly be with you around? Have you done your homework? Met your training goals for the month? And haven't you been indulging in too many snacks when I'm not around?"

"...Zeke, look how round the moon is tonight!" Kiana grinned foolishly, completely oblivious that the bathroom had no windows from which to view the moon.

Zeke lightly tapped her forehead.

"Hurry up and finish washing, or you'll catch a cold. Besides, it's my turn now."

He stepped out of the bathroom, leaving Kiana alone behind him. As he departed, she stuck her tongue out mischievously at his retreating back.

"Uh..."

The bathroom door slid shut.

Zeke entered the living room where Bronya and Sin were already waiting.

"How is she?" Bronya asked, her brow slightly furrowed.

Sin remained silent but watched Zeke intently, unlike her usual carefree demeanor.

Zeke sighed. "She's okay now. There are some matters to discuss, but let her gather herself first. Wait until she's ready to talk about it before approaching her."

"All right. Sin, come sleep with me tonight." Bronya turned towards Sin as she spoke.

Sin had been suppressing her feelings for a month now. This time, though, she glanced at Zeke with a hint of disappointment, nodded, and held back.

"Okay..."

Before Kia emerged from the bathroom, Bronya led Sin back to the large bedroom.

Meanwhile, Zeke leaned against the wall, his eyes reflecting deep contemplation.

During their first conversation with Otto, he had rushed preparations and focused primarily on persuading him to treat Vera, without considering the broader implications. Inadvertently, much information was indirectly revealed.

If Kiana remembered that dialogue, perhaps she might have deduced even more than he anticipated.

Should they delve deeper into those revelations? If Kiana hadn't noticed those hints yet, revealing them directly could cause another emotional blow—would she be able to handle it?

On the other hand, if she had already guessed something, leaving it unaddressed might lead her imagination astray.

Rubbing his temples, Zeke once again lamented why superior intellect couldn't simply pierce through human hearts.

After freshening up and changing into clean clothes, they returned to Zeke's bedroom.

Bathed in moonlight streaming through the window, Kiana sat on a chair while Zeke dried her silver hair, blending almost seamlessly with the lunar glow.

Still wavering over what he'd been contemplating earlier, Zeke remained silent.

Kiana grabbed a cookie from the table, popped it into her mouth, and crunched away. After crying so much and rehydrating, she was ready for some sustenance.

The loud sound of chewing made even Zeke feel hungry. As he continued drying her hair, he asked, "Can I have one?"

"Sure." Kiana promptly held out the cookie, already half-bitten.

"Ew, saliva. Gimme another."

"What's wrong with a beautiful girl's spit? You can't get this anywhere else! Hurry up and eat!" Kiana shook the cookie stubbornly, insisting playfully.

Zeke took the biscuit and ate it without hesitation.

Zeke wasn't excessively germophobic; it was just a slight mental aversion. With Kiana, he could manage.

"That's more like it. Zeke, I'm not sleepy anymore; I don't want to go back to bed."

"Then stay up by yourself. My body can't handle all-nighters—I need sleep."

"Huh? Alright then, let's both sleep. Staying awake alone isn't any fun."

"Agreed. After eating those snacks, remember to brush your teeth," Zeke said matter-of-factly, having made his decision.

Judging from Kiana's demeanor, she seemed gradually recovering, perhaps not yet fully comprehending the depth of her situation.

Let's observe for a couple more days before addressing everything. Revealing too much information at once might be overwhelming for Kiana.

"Zeke, I want to see that stinky dad of mine."

"He'll be transferred here in a few days, so just wait a bit longer."

"...Okay." Kiana didn't say anything else, silently munching on the treats until the plate on the table was empty, and her hair had completely dried.

The next day, Zeke once again opened his eyes amidst discomfort.

Kiana had burrowed deep under the covers, tightly hugging him around the waist with great force.

One of her legs draped over Zeke, and her head was pressed against his chest, leaving a wet saliva stain on his nightshirt.

With some difficulty, Zeke managed to pry one of her arms apart.

But Kiana immediately rewrapped herself around him, even more snugly this time.

Zeke exclaimed internally, "(@_@;)!!"

"Icarus, execute Program A-06."

"Yes, my lord."

"Boom!"

Early morning, at the washroom.

With a crestfallen expression, Kiana washed her slightly charred face.

"Kiana, did Big Bro Zeke scold you again?"

Rozaliya glanced sideways at Kiana while brushing her teeth.

Kiana rolled her eyes.

"Not at all! I just went out for my morning exercise and accidentally got dirty, that's all!"

"I don't believe you~~"

"Rozaliya! In a moment, I'm showing Zeke your zero-scored culture class exam paper!"

"Pfft! Wait, wait! That's not fair! We agreed to keep it secret!"

Rozaliya turned abruptly, spraying toothpaste foam onto Kiana's freshly cleaned face.

Spotting the clear white streaks on her reflection, Kiana's cheeks flushed red with irritation.

"Ro-zal-i-ya~~"

"You...you...I'm not scared of you!" Rozaliya crossed her arms defensively.

Without hesitation, Kiana pounced, and soon they were playfully wrestling on the floor.

The others continued their routines—brushing teeth or washing faces—with no interest in intervening. Even Seele, usually the most well-behaved, merely touched her smooth, clean cheek, smiled sweetly at herself in the mirror, and showed no inclination to mediate.

Such disruptions occurred frequently in the orphanage, and Seele had grown accustomed to them. Rather than wasting time on such matters, she preferred to finish her morning routine quickly and start preparing breakfast. With more guests around, managing the meal quantities was indeed a challenge!

Bronya and Sin exchanged glances and nodded at each other.

Judging by her behavior, Kiana seemed to be fine now.

Indeed, this dimwit act suits this little paramecium best!

******

Please hit this novel up with some Power Stones and a Review or two <3