Chapter 47: Alcohol is dangerous

Our war against Nanook ended in total victory.

Miraculously, there was not a single death; however, many ended up wounded and some even seriously. After resting, I of course volunteered to help those in need with Gota de Vida.

Thanks to Bronya's intervention and Cocolia's collaboration, the Coup d'Etat initiated by us was forgiven; also, the scandal produced by Cocolia and Nanook were too conspicuous to be unnoticed. For that reason, it was declared that a public explanation would be made within a few days.

As for Jarilo-VI's Estelaron, it disappeared. According to Herta's analysis, the Stelaron fell apart after being used by Nanook to summon his Legion; an unprecedented occurrence since the Stelaron were considered indestructible. Furthermore, to create that last giant Outer Space Fire, the corrosion of the Fragmentum was mostly wiped away.

In summary, after this final battle, the conditions of the planet Jarilo-VI improved a lot compared to the game, the blizzard is no longer as strong as usual. Above all, Cocolia is still alive thanks to my intervention.

-Nadie, are you sure you're okay? Rest a while longer, you don't need to push yourself.

-I'm fine, Stelle. You don't need to be so overprotective of me, I can take care of myself.

-Still rest.

Stelle gently pushes my body back on the bed. Taking advantage of the situation, Stelle also gently lays her body on top of me, guides my hands to hug her around her waist and she wraps her arms around my neck in another embrace; Stelle purposely settles herself so that my face sinks into her neck so I can smell her natural fragrance directly.

With such obvious intentions, I didn't reject Stelle's advance, instead, I tighten the embrace more and sink my face deeper into her neck, taking a deep breath of her natural scent.

-Hm~

My bold action caused Stelle to moan accidentally but she didn't resist in the slightest.

As Stelle only wears her top and underwear, the skinship we currently have is very high, as I am also only wearing light clothes.

That sly one noticed my tastes. I am prone to physical contact with my loved ones, I especially like to feel their body heat and scent head on; obviously only with those of the opposite sex.

Even if my hands slip into more questionable places, Stelle merely twists her body against me seductively. From hugging her waist, I moved on to touching her thighs, then slipped my hands inside her top and embraced her curves brazenly.

-Stelle, how is Nadie...? Ah.

Our intimacy was interrupted by March who came into my room.

As for our intimacy, we didn't hide anything; my arms are still inside Stelle's top and the fact that she is about to put her hands inside my shirt as well... The only thing we did was to stop our advance, but we didn't change our position.

This made March's face blush furiously.

-Wh-what are you two doing?!

-Tsk. Don't worry, March, as you can see, Nadie is already feeling better.

-Did you just click your tongue?

-No.

Stelle replied with a soft smile.

-You clicked your tongue, didn't you! Even if you fake a smile, I heard you click your tongue!

-You should have figured it out.

Stelle ignored March's complaints and detached herself from my embrace to help dress me.

-I don't need you to treat me like a handicapped person, Stelle. Look, my arm is back and it's good as new.

Stelle took my right hand, the hand I had lost a few days ago in my confrontation with Nanook, and kissed the back of my hand gently. The look Stelle gave me at that moment was so elegant that it took me by surprise and I couldn't help but feel my heart pounding for an instant.

-Emanator or not, your body is still human. Seeing you hurt breaks my heart, that's why you need to rest.

-Un...

I timidly nodded my head.....

March was furious at being ignored and shouted in annoyance.

-Bronya and the others are asking about your well-being, Nadie. You helped treat the wounded even though you were so tired. I just came to communicate this message to you. If you're feeling better, I'm leaving! ¡Hmph!

March turned her back to us, trying to communicate the message that she was leaving, but her feet didn't move in the slightest....

Already dressed thanks to Stelle, now she starts to dress herself and I got up from my bed. The room we are in is mine, but I don't mean the one in the Grand Hotel Goethe, I mean the one in the Astral Express.

After the Belobog incident ended, we were allowed the freedom to teleport to any Space Anchor without worry of being arrested by the Crinalgenta Guards, so we took the liberty of returning to the Express for the night.

After the war with Nanook was over, the Space Station had to leave for urgent work matters; of course, they did not leave without first giving me a thorough medical check-up and giving me the necessary treatments.

For an instant, Stelle and March exchanged glances.... I have no idea what happened but they both nodded their heads silently, as if they had reached an unspoken agreement. Then Stelle left my room first without first saying goodbye.

-So, I'll see you later, Nadie.

-Later? But I'm also going to...

Stelle didn't let me finish my sentence and closed the door. Then suddenly I felt a weight come back to pull me back to bed.

-March?

-I'm so glad you're all right....

Hearing March's tearful voice, I just remained silent and stroked her head. March closed her eyes as she enjoyed the touch of my hand, all the while hugging my waist and sinking her face into my chest.

-I'm sorry, I got a little too excited.

-You don't need to apologize, Marzo. On the contrary, knowing that you care so much about me makes me happy.

It took several minutes for Marzo to calm down.

-You didn't have to force yourself to help the wounded after the war against Nanook, Nadie, because of that you fainted.

-But it was thanks to my intervention that the seriously wounded were saved, reducing the total casualties to zero.

-That's true, but...

I'm surprised, to think that Marzo would prioritize my health before the lives of many others...

-By the way March, did something important happen while I was resting?

-You missed the reactivation of the cable car, the official reconnection of the Underworld with the Overworld! The reaction of the Underworlders was very emotional.

-It's understandable. For them, this is a historic event after all.

What's more, unlike the game, here EVERYONE contributed to earn their freedom, so I wouldn't be surprised if the reaction of the Underworlders was more emotional than usual. Too bad I missed it.

-I almost forgot! Bronya's investiture speech is today! Chocolia will officially retire and leave her position as Supreme Guardian to Bronya, we can't waste time here!

-Then what are we waiting for.

With that said, we quickly left my room to teleport directly towards the Administrative District.

-What a crowd.

-I know, right? Come on, Nadie! Let's have some fun!

March takes my hand and pulls me towards her with a beaming smile.

-Hey? What about Bronya's speech? Also, wouldn't it be more appropriate to join the others?

-I heard from Gepard that it's still quite a while before the succession ceremony begins. As for the others, don't worry, we'll meet up later. More importantly, we should have fun now that we can finally roam the Administrative District freely!

Isn't she basically asking me out on a date...?

-Or is it that you don't want to spend time with me alone...?

That teary-eyed look is cheating...

-Well, let's have fun together.

-Yay~! I knew that Nadie is the best~!

I think I have a soft spot for this girl.

This way, strolling around and enjoying the Administrative District for the first time, the two of us alone and holding hands.

-What beautiful flowers.

-Do you like any of them? I'll buy you any one you want.

I offered to give one to March.

-Really? Well, I won't hold back!

-Of course, choose carefully.

While March went to talk to Vaska, the florist, I started to contemplate the other flowers.

-Hm...?

For an instant, on the other side of the window, I saw a gray head peeking out and peeping secretly at this side. Another head, but black, was following it, but it seemed to be being forced....

-I must be imagining things....

-Nadie! I've made up my mind!

-Yes? Which one?

-This one... Round peony.

For some reason, March looked a little embarrassed. I didn't understand the reason but nodded anyway.

-Of course, if it's the one you like the most.

Without thinking too much about it, I took out my escudos savings and paid the florist.

Before we left, the florist Vaska smiled mischievously at me.

-Be sure to take care of your girlfriend, she sure is madly in love with you.

-What?

I was confused, why would she out of the blue...? Wait a second.

-Excuse me, could you tell me the meaning of the round peony in the language of flowers?

I spoke as quietly as possible, all so that March wouldn't overhear me.

-Kukuku~ Of course~ The round peony symbolizes various things, from patience, excellence, ephemeral eternity; but, above all, it means eternal love.

-...

I didn't say anything or answer anything, I simply paid and walked out with March holding hands...

-Thank you for your purchase~

Our next stop is the bookstore.

-Look how many varieties of books there are, Nadie!

-Yeah but I doubt you'd be interested in them, right?

-Why do you think so?

-Please, it doesn't go with your character.

-That's not true! I'm also very intellectual!

-...

-I'm serious!

-It's okay, I'm not much of a reader myself.

-Huh? Really?

This girl... Was she trying to compete with Herta...?

-Hm...?

Instead of seeing something strange, this time I heard a strange metallic sound. Half a body is buried in the garbage can on the side of the bookstore. Is he trying to hide...?

Besides, I recognize those clothes...

-Whatever.

March and I held hands again and moved to our next spot.

-Try this ice cream, Nadie! It's delicious!

-Really? Ice cream in Jarilo-VI?

We ate of the same ice cream.

-Look! There's a discount for couples, let's go there! I want to try that time-limited drink!

This girl seems to have slipped her tongue, whatever. We share of the same drink.

Sitting at the other end, there is another "couple" watching us from a distance, both wearing sunglasses. The gray-haired girl holding a crumpled newspaper looks furious for some reason, the black-haired man reading a book looks exhausted for some reason; he tried to get away but the girl held him back with her monstrous strength....

Enjoying our drink, out of nowhere the cheers increased. Then...

-Guards, form up!

-Ah, is it going to start already?

Sitting at a table away from the crowd, we watched Bronya and Cocolia take the stage.

-Miss Bronya Rand will give her investiture speech in a moment. Please be quiet and help maintain order!

The succession ceremony had begun.

-Citizens of Belobog, listen to me! Today we gather here to celebrate our victory.

As in the game, some of the truth was hidden from the public.

Now that Cocolia has been released from her brainwashing, she will relinquish her position to her adopted daughter Bronya. Although she has been controlled by the Stelaron, the atrocities Cocolia committed behind the scenes are not few; for that reason, to make up for her sins, she will now devote herself 100% to helping her daughter as her right-hand woman.

All this political stuff, it's none of my business so I won't go any deeper.

-Nadie, Stelle, March 7, Dan Heng, Seele, Serval, Natasha, Oleg, Luka, Clara, Svarog and the Great Hook of Darkness, I'm sorry but could you please come up on stage?

Unexpectedly, our names were called?

-Nadie? What are we doing? The thought of getting on that stage makes me nervous!

-Don't worry, I'm by your side. You guys are coming with us too?

After addressing our pursuers, they both take off their sunglasses and come closer.

-You found us out...

-I told you he's figured it out, Stelle. Our "disguise" is too obvious.

Without further ado, we go on stage to the curious stares of everyone. Then Seele and the others also came up with us; the reactions of our group were mixed, some were nervous, others euphoric.

To the surprise of all of us, we were presented with medals of honors.

-Thank you for your contribution, Nadie. Your sacrifice was the greatest of all, it was also thanks to you that I regained my sanity.

Cocolia placed the medal on my chest as she thanked me with a soft blush on her cheeks.

-Don't worry, I just did what I wanted to do.

Unlike Honkai Impact 3, Honkai Star Rail's Cocolia is misunderstood, she was bewitched from an early age, that's why she couldn't control herself properly and made such wrong decisions. Although she has made unforgivable decisions, it is preferable for her to devote her life to making up for it if she is willing rather than being imprisoned or executed to be forgotten into nothingness.

-Thanks to these heroes who led many more brave ones, the Stellaron was destroyed and the Eternal Ice is finally receding. To acknowledge their bravery, please give them a round of applause!

The view on the stage is completely different from how it looks from the stands, there are thousands of them and their cheers even make my eardrums rumble.

How to say it? I felt very satisfied.

The talk continued after we got off the stage.

In conclusion, the succession ceremony with Bronya Rand as the new Supreme Guardian was a success.

What could not be missed, the night was celebrated with a huge party all over the Overworld and visiting Underworlders!

The Fragmentum was greatly reduced and the Eternal Ice is receding at a rapid pace, there's no way we're not going to party in the face of so much good news. This is a historic event for Belobog!

-Bring more alcohol!

----Ohhhh!

...

..

.

-Ugh... My head hurts.

My memories feel fuzzy. I shouldn't have taken so much...

When I tried to get out of bed, I felt a weight on each side of my arms, which prevented me from sitting up. When I saw to what, or rather who those weights belonged to.

-Oh my God, what did I do...?

Cocolia and Serval, naked and asleep, are hugging me each on one side of the bed....

.

Author's note:

Reversing the plot after Cocolia's death, I'm really amused at how March 7 doesn't give a damn about Bronya's loss and celebrates for the victory. Seriously speaking, it's brutally hilarious.

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