I can stay calm in the lap

After another hour of comforting March 7th, her emotions finally settled. The sobbing ceased, and the redness in her eyes faded to a faint blush. Daziel let out a quiet sigh, releasing his hold on her.

"Alright, if you're done crying, we've got serious matters to deal with," he said, his tone practical but not unkind.

March 7th's face flushed a deep crimson at his words. She clutched her collar tightly, hands shielding her chest, and shot him a wary look. "S-serious matters? E-even if something did happen last night, don't think you can just push your luck, Daziel! I only said you should be nicer to me, and now that I've stopped crying, you're already thinking about that? You're terrible!"

Daziel stared at her, dumbfounded, lines of exasperation creasing his forehead. "What are you even imagining now?!" He flicked her forehead lightly, the tap more playful than punishing. "I meant we need to head to Belobog. The Sun Festival celebration, remember?"

"Ah? Oh… right, the c-celebration…" March 7th's voice trailed off as the memory clicked into place. But then it hit her—everyone else from the Astral Express crew had either refused to go or was too busy. That meant it would just be her and Daziel. Alone. For who knows how long. A wave of regret washed over her for agreeing to this. Why did her heart race every time she looked at him now? Did something really happen last night? The thought made her cheeks burn. Ugh, this was so embarrassing!

Daziel grabbed her hand and pulled her along, the two stepping out of the room one after the other. As soon as they crossed the threshold, they found Himeko standing in the hallway, her expression a mix of curiosity and confusion.

"Little March, didn't you say Daziel wasn't in your room? Why are you two coming out together now? And… holding hands?" Himeko raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting between them.

"W-we…" March 7th stammered, immediately yanking her hand free from Daziel's grip. She froze, her face a picture of flustered panic.

Daziel stepped in quickly, his voice calm but firm. "Miss Himeko, it's like this—I stayed in Belobog yesterday and didn't return with March. I came to find her this morning so we could head back for the celebration."

"Oh, I see." Himeko nodded, though her eyes lingered on March 7th. "Little March, you look exhausted. Didn't sleep well?"

"Ah… y-yes… I didn't sleep much last night," March 7th mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

"Well, you two should sit down and have some coffee before you go. I just brewed a fresh pot—it's delicious," Himeko said, ushering them toward the dining table.

On the table sat a delicate coffee pot, steam rising from its spout, the rich aroma filling the air. But instead of looking eager, Daziel and March 7th exchanged uneasy glances.

"Something wrong? Don't like coffee?" Himeko asked, her tone tinged with confusion.

"N-no, it's not that…" Daziel waved his hands dismissively.

"Then what is it?" Himeko pressed, her curiosity piqued.

"This…" Daziel hesitated, glancing at March 7th, who looked equally lost for words. Neither of them dared to explain.

"Um… Himeko, we really need to get to Belobog. We'll be going now!" Daziel blurted out, grabbing March 7th's hand and bolting for the door.

"Hey, wait—!" Himeko called after them, but they were already gone. She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Those two… honestly."

Belobog, Administrative District

The two arrived at the entrance of Clipoth Fort, only to find the door slightly ajar and the interior empty.

"Looks like Miss Bronya isn't here. Let's wait somewhere else," Daziel suggested, turning to leave.

But March 7th stopped him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Since we're here, let's take a look around. I've never been inside before. We're Belobog's great benefactors—Miss Bronya won't mind. If she shows up, we'll just leave before she notices."

"This is where they keep official documents. It's not exactly a place for uninvited guests…" Daziel began, but March 7th had already pushed the door open and stepped inside.

"Sigh, I really can't stop you, can I?" Daziel muttered under his breath, following her in.

Inside, the Clipoth Fort was a maze of towering bookshelves and stacks of files. March 7th wandered around, picking up documents here and there, her initial excitement quickly fading. "This place is more Dan Heng's style. Not really my thing."

"I told you there's nothing interesting here," Daziel said, ready to lead her out. But then, footsteps echoed from outside. More than one set. Was it Topaz coming to see Bronya? Even if Bronya didn't mind their presence, Topaz and the Interastral Peace Corporation might not take kindly to outsiders snooping around the Supreme Guardian's office.

Thinking fast, Daziel grabbed March 7th and pulled her under Bronya's desk.

"Hey! What are you—" March 7th's protest was cut short as they squeezed into the cramped space.

Under the desk, the two were pressed tightly together, their breaths mingling in the confined area. Thump, thump, thump—their heartbeats echoed loudly, one after the other. March 7th trembled slightly, her nervousness palpable. Daziel couldn't help but notice how stunning she looked in her formal dress. The fabric hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating her curves, while the backless design revealed her delicate shoulders and slender waist. Her legs, clad in white suspender stockings, were smooth and inviting. His hand accidentally brushed against the thin fabric, and the slight friction sent a jolt through him.

But no—this was Honkai: Star Rail, a wholesome 12+ world, and Daziel was the epitome of integrity. He could resist temptation. He would resist temptation. This was his moment to prove his unshakable resolve… or so he thought.

Just as he was convincing himself of his impeccable self-control, March 7th let out a soft, flustered gasp. "Ah! You… you you you… what is that thing pressing against me?!"

_______

Hey there! I'm Walnut-chan! 🌸 I'm translating this fanfic and restoring some +18 scenes that were cut from the original work—since explicit content isn't allowed in China. I went through everything carefully and reinserted the scenes while staying true to the story! Hope you enjoy it!

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