Chapter 49: Theresa Roasts Schicksal While Educating the Paramecium

Chapter 49: Theresa Roasts Schicksal While Educating the Paramecium

 『Hard Work Always Pays Off:』 "In a critical moment like this, she should understand the consequences of internal conflict."

 Durandal's orderly and precise message floated across the screen.

 As the strongest and most diligent Valkyrie of Schicksal, her first reaction wasn't to think about an aunt looking after her niece—

 Instead, she saw it as a commanding officer digging up past mistakes during a mission.

 It made sense, of course. But arguing in enemy territory could only lead to disaster…

 Hokuto stared at her message for a moment.

 Is she… jealous?

 Because it's obvious that Theresa isn't actually planning to punish Kiana.

 『Hokuto:』 "Nah, not really. Just keep watching, and you'll see what she means."

 With that, Hokuto tapped the screen.

 The stunned Theresa finally spoke again.

 [So you didn't report it… because you wanted to protect Bronya?]

 Immediately, a blue text bubble popped up.

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "So… that's what happened?"

 Seele had only just realized that back on the Moonlight Throne, Kiana had actually been shielding Bronya.

 They always bicker, but in the end, they really do care about each other…

 『today's performance wasn't perfect:』 "Their bond is stronger than it appears."

 『Hokuto:』 "Obviously~"

 Seeing Seele so innocently touched, Hokuto couldn't help but smile.

 Seele supremacy! (At least for now…)

 But before he could enjoy the moment, a short message popped up—

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "A little jealous…"

 Her disappointment practically leaked through the screen.

 …Wait, so she wasn't happy about their friendship—

 She was just jealous that someone else was close to Bronya?

 『Hokuto:』 "Uh…"

 For once, he had no idea how to respond.

 Welp, when in doubt—keep playing the story.

—

 Theresa continued speaking.

 [Lying for a friend… very much in line with the Kaslana way of doing things.]

 [It reminds me of your fool of a father.

 That guy always said, "Whenever I see someone in pain, I feel my Kaslana blood boiling!" And then he'd rush in headfirst.]

 [Yeah, that sounds exactly like Dad.]

 [Ultimately, it's Anti-Entropy's fault for turning Bronya into this!]

 The conversation so far was pretty peaceful—

 Everyone could tell that Theresa wasn't actually mad at Kiana.

 But only Hokuto, who had seen the full script, knew—

 This was all Theresa subtly teaching Kiana a lesson.

 And then, she dropped the bomb.

 [So, does that mean Schicksal is justice?]

 Boom.

 The chat fell into dead silence.

 『Hard Work Always Pays Off:』 "…What is Theresa saying?"

 Even as she traveled toward Sky City, Durandal was stunned.

 She had assumed Theresa only rebelled against Schicksal because she foresaw the upcoming Honkai disaster—

 That it was a last resort.

 After all, how could Otto Apocalypse's own granddaughter possibly betray Schicksal so easily?

 But… now it seemed—

 She actually held doubts about Schicksal itself?

 The Valkyrie training headquarters wasn't on the same page as the organization's core?

 This wasn't just a small disagreement—

 This was outright ideological conflict.

 『Hard Work Always Pays Off:』 "Does she truly understand what she's saying?"

 Hokuto could guess what Durandal was thinking.

 But honestly, he wasn't too concerned about the amnesiac warrior's worries—

 What he really wanted to know was—

 What does Otto think of this?

 After all, even though he had let Theresa go before, they had never truly had a heart-to-heart.

 This wasn't just about teaching Kiana.

 It was about the kind of justice Theresa believed in—one completely separate from Schicksal.

 [Schicksal modified Valkyries to fight Honkai. But in return, Honkai energy constantly eats away at their bodies.

 Those with weaker constitutions die young.]

 [I… I didn't know…]

 [The opposite of justice is often another form of justice.]

 [Anti-Entropy has its own reasons, its own purpose.

 To fight for what they believe in—that is justice, too.]

 [But the brightest, most dazzling kind of justice…

 Is the Kaslana way—of throwing yourself in danger to protect others, no matter what.]

 Theresa's words were objective—

 Logical.

 In some ways, they were absolutely correct.

 And in others—

 They couldn't be more wrong.

 The naïveté of it all made Durandal sigh, pressing a hand to her forehead.

 She's not completely wrong…

 But why is she saying this now?

 Does she actually…?

—

 [Because of your live stream, Hard Work Always Pays Off is shocked! You've received 740 Crystals!]

 ???

 Hokuto blinked.

 Durandal's shocked?

 I get why Otto wouldn't be surprised—Theresa's defiance is nothing new to him.

 But Durandal… she's just realizing that Theresa and Otto don't exactly get along?

 Hah, actually… that does sound like her.

 『Your Great Inventor:』 "Heh. What a sentimental ideal. So she refused to ask headquarters for help because she couldn't accept it?"

 Otto's text finally appeared.

 Hokuto immediately focused on the screen—

 He wanted to see exactly how the Grand Bishop would react to his granddaughter roasting Schicksal.

 In a way, this might be the first real heart-to-heart they've had in years…

 『Your Great Inventor:』 "I don't think she's right. But I know this is her truth. No one can force her to change her heart."

 Otto wasn't angry.

 He simply disagreed.

 Much like how he had let her go back then.

 『Hokuto:』 "Huh. Looks like this viewer is really interested in Theresa."

 『Your Great Inventor:』 "?"

 Faced with Hokuto's teasing, Otto responded with a single, cautious question mark.

 End of Chapter 49