Chapter 21: Rita’s Face Turned Pale with Fear!

Chapter 21: Rita's Face Turned Pale with Fear!

Rita recalled her brief encounter with this man yesterday.

At the time, she had even suspected him of being an Anti-Entropy spy.

But other than that?

They had no connection whatsoever.

"He's probably just learning to enjoy life more. No need to pay attention to him."

She turned back gracefully, chiding her subordinates.

Why Is Rita Staring at Me Like That?!

Meanwhile, Hokuto suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

He instinctively turned his head—

And met Rita's gaze.

She was staring straight at him.

…Why?

"I made sure to hide my identity during the stream…"

"Otto wouldn't have told her about the livestream, right?"

So then—

Why was she looking at him like that?!

Eavesdropping on the Valkyrie Gossip

Hokuto decided to listen in on their conversation.

Valkyrie A: "But… I really feel like that guy is suspicious. Vice-Captain, shouldn't we investigate him?"

Rita smiled—graceful, yet ruthless.

"Oh? What's this? The latest trend in comedy?"

To her, Hokuto was just one of many temporary workers under Schicksal.

They had plenty of those.

Run out?

Just post another job listing.

What made him so special?

Meanwhile, Durandal Appears… at the Worst Possible Time.

Valkyrie B (whispering nervously): "Um… actually, Captain Durandal seemed a bit distracted today."

The moment the words left her mouth—

A voice suddenly spoke up.

Durandal: "Oh? Were you talking about me?"

"!!!"

The two Valkyries froze.

They had been caught talking behind their captain's back.

Instant regret.

But Rita?

Completely unfazed.

With her usual gentle elegance, she swiftly redirected the conversation.

"Oh no, not at all, Captain~"

"We were just discussing… relationships."

Durandal: "…What?"

Rita (smiling): "For example, if you were to choose a partner… what kind of person would you like? These two were just arguing about whether to investigate that man over there~"

Her voice was calm, refined, and full of half-truths.

It was impossible to tell where the lie ended and the truth began.

But Rita knew exactly how Durandal would respond.

And sure enough—

Durandal, utterly unfazed, replied:

"A Valkyrie's duty is to grow stronger. You were really discussing something so trivial? Don't involve innocent civilians."

With that, she gave them a brief, polite wave and gracefully walked away…

…Right toward Hokuto.

Hokuto and Durandal: The Briefest Interaction Ever.

Before Hokuto could react, Durandal stopped at his table.

She looked at him.

Then, in a calm, formal voice:

"I apologize for my subordinates' rudeness."

Her tone was polite yet firm.

Neither arrogant nor overly humble—

Simply respectful and professional.

Hokuto thought for a moment, then shrugged.

"It's fine. I didn't take it personally."

Durandal nodded approvingly.

"Thank you. You're quite open-minded."

And with that, she turned on her heel and walked back to Rita's table.

Where—

She immediately disciplined the two gossiping Valkyries.

"Remember, as Schicksal Valkyries, our duty is to fight against Honkai. We have power, and that means we must take responsibility—to protect civilians."

"Yes, Captain!"

The two soldiers straightened up instantly.

Meanwhile—

Rita sat watching, slightly amused.

Then, Durandal turned her gaze directly onto Rita.

…

And Rita suddenly had a bad feeling.

"Vice-Captain Rita," Durandal said firmly.

"Yes?" Rita responded, calm and composed.

"Otto has summoned you. He wants to see you immediately."

Rita's smile stiffened.

Otto's Office: Where Rita's Life Flashes Before Her Eyes.

Rita knocked on the door politely.

"You called for me, Lord Otto?"

"Come in, Rita."

Otto rested his chin on one hand, his voice relaxed.

"I have something important to discuss with you."

After receiving permission, Rita gracefully stepped inside, closing the door behind her.

She bowed with perfect etiquette, then looked up.

"What are your orders, my lord?"

Otto smiled.

And then—

He began speaking.

"It seems Kiana's sleepwalking episodes… are similar to Bronya's. Likely caused by the Moonlight Throne's core energy."

"!!!"

Rita's eye twitched.

Otto continued.

"My mission here is complete. I will return to headquarters and submit my report."

"!!!"

Rita's polite smile was starting to crack.

Otto leaned back in his chair.

"Ah, and let's not forget… 'Theresa is just as cute as a doll.'"

…

Rita's face turned deathly pale.

Rita's Internal Panic Mode: Activated.

"Otto, what the hell—?!"

She hadn't even finished processing the first part before Otto casually dropped that last line.

And it broke her.

Rita: "M-My Lord… what exactly are you trying to say…?"

Otto, smiling kindly:

"Oh, nothing much."

"Just that I seem to know everything you said at St. Freya Academy."

Rita froze.

Otto chuckled.

"Oh, and by the way—your compliment about Theresa's cuteness?"

"I wholeheartedly agree."

Rita.exe has stopped responding.

Her expression was completely blank.

She had been—quite literally—exposed.

And she had no idea how.

End of Chapter 21