Raiden Mei initially wanted to offer some advice but realized she had no standing to intervene. With a quiet sigh, she suppressed her thoughts, placed breakfast on the table, and spoke resolutely:
"Zeke-san, please provide instructions for today's tasks."
As Zeke's personally appointed secretary, Raiden Mei had indeed been diligently carrying out his orders over these days. Her daily routine involved assisting him with various errands—of course, managing tasks for such a great emperor required exceptional skills, allowing Raiden Mei to learn much along the way.
"Take a day off. Later, I'll outline what needs your attention. Starting tomorrow, you won't need to report here every day."
"That... Yes! Mei understands!" Raiden Mei responded respectfully with a bow.
Her initial reaction was to wonder if she had done something to displease Zeke, but she quickly realized that if he were dissatisfied, he would directly address it and criticize her. The change in work arrangements must have a valid reason; there was no need to overthink it.
This straightforwardness was what she appreciated most about working alongside Zeke. She never needed to guess her superior's intentions; performance was assessed plainly without any superficial politicking or manipulation.
Thus, Raiden Mei exited the room, leaving space for the enviable trio inside.
"Click!"
Raiden Mei gently closed Zeke's door, standing there with mixed emotions as she sighed.
"Sometimes, Zeke-san can be quite unserious. But since it's only with them, I suppose it's not much of an issue."
Recalling her interactions with Zeke, Raiden Mei realized they were always strictly professional. Although demanding, it never burdened her emotionally; following Zeke's guidance allowed her to sleep soundly every night.
However, beyond those professional boundaries, there truly was nothing more between them.
At this thought, Raiden Mei couldn't help but press gently on her soft chest, feeling somewhat disheartened.
Shaking her head vigorously, she suppressed these inappropriate musings even though she knew they shouldn't linger. After a moment of contemplation, she headed towards the kitchen, deciding to experiment with new dishes and prepare special meals for everyone today.
Thus, the supreme culinary mistress arrived at her loyal domain—the kitchen.
Inside, Seele and Wendy were already bustling about their tasks.
Taken aback, Raiden Mei asked the two girls wearing small aprons, "Don't you have study assignments, power supply missions, and a reservation for today's specialized training grounds? How do you find time to come here? What delicious treats are you making?"
Approaching from behind, Raiden Mei spotted adorable cat ear-shaped puddings scattered across the table. Their various colors indicated different flavors, looking both cute and enticing.
"Big Sister Mei!" × 2
The two girls whipped around simultaneously, startled by Raiden Mei's appearance like frightened little animals.
A gentle smile came naturally to Raiden Mei as she gazed at them. Memories of what she had witnessed in Zeke's room flashed through her mind. With a heavy expression, she patted these two reserve members who hadn't yet been drawn into the conflict, as if sensing something burdensome weighing upon their heads. She spoke solemnly:
"Wendy, Seele, you both must stay strong!"
"Huh?!?" × 2
They exchanged glances, clearly unable to discern Raiden Mei's thoughts, feeling somewhat bewildered but quickly responding nonetheless.
"Big Sister Mei, Seele will do her best!" said one after another.
"So will I—though I'm already quite strong, aren't I?"
Raiden Mei sighed, gently patting both their shoulders without delving further into the topic.
"By the way, you still haven't told me why you're here."
"Well," Wendy began, "Fu Hua-sensei finally reunited with her lost loved ones, so how could we ask her to teach us again right now? We've also completed our power supply mission. And then... Instead of training, this silly Seele insisted on making everyone some treats for such a special day!"
"I see, that sounds just like Seele!"
Both Wendy and Raiden turned to look at her.
Blushing, Seele fidgeted with her delicate fingers, then bashfully lowered her head.
Kiana had been reunited with her mother, while Fu Hua endured countless years of torment before she could finally be together with her lost loved ones again. Overjoyed for them both, Seele wanted to express her well-wishes through cooking.
She was always this way; the little angel's nature never changed.
What a pity—Zeke-san/the blockhead doesn't know how precious she is! × 2
Wendy and Raiden Mei sighed inwardly, feeling sympathy and concern for Seele despite themselves.
Caught under their direct gaze, Seele felt only awkwardness, growing increasingly nervous as they stared.
Finally, they let her off the hook.
Raiden Mei spoke up, "Then I'll help too. How about we prepare some afternoon tea treats together? The puddings seem almost done, so I'll bake some cookies... Hmm, and once lunch is ready, why not invite everyone over for a teatime party later this afternoon?"
"Yes! Let's do it your way, Big Sister Mei!" exclaimed Seele enthusiastically.
"That works for me," agreed Wendy. "Sounds great."
With smiles on their faces, the trio resumed bustling around the kitchen.
Few could resist an invitation to tea from Seele, Wendy, and Raiden Mei. As Anti-Entropy's most reliable cooks, their combined popularity extended across the entire organization, making any joint invitations incredibly influential.
As expected, the observation deck buzzed with activity that afternoon, filled with delightful sights and sounds.
Wendy stood nearby, counting heads with her fingers before rubbing her chin thoughtfully.
"Hmm, just missing Zeke, Bronya, and Sin," she said. "Do you have any news on them, Seele? Come to think of it, they didn't show up for breakfast or lunch either. Are they perhaps up to no good?"
Sensing something amiss, Wendy muttered irritably, forcing herself to ignore the sour taste growing in her heart.
In her gentle voice, Seele replied slowly:
"Well, earlier, I contacted Big Sister Bronya, and she mentioned they'd be slightly late."
Coincidentally, as soon as Seele finished speaking, the trio they were discussing ascended the stairs.
Zeke walked in the middle, with Sin clinging affectionately to one arm like a delicate bird, while Bronya strolled calmly beside him, holding his other hand.
It was a harmonious scene, one everyone had grown accustomed to.
As Zeke headed toward his comfortable armchair, Bronya let go of his hand and joined Seele's conversation. But Sin remained glued to him, casually flaunting her golden ring as they passed by Kiana, followed by a mocking smirk.
Sin scoffed, "Hmph!"
Kiana's eyes widened, stunned. "(??皿?!)!"
She slammed her fist on the table with a loud bang, glaring daggers at Zeke and Sin without relent. Unfortunately for her, one was her owner while the other was her sworn enemy; neither paid any heed to her fury.
Under Cecilia's puzzled yet concerned gaze, Kiana's anger quickly dissipated—though it could be considered a gift exchange, Sin received a ring symbolizing a promise that Kiana herself had been given long ago. However, the gift Cecilia bestowed upon Kiana was so precious, she couldn't muster any resentment anymore. Despite suspecting something unpleasant occurred, all Kiana could do was chew her cookie vigorously, unable to raise a fuss.
Zeke sat down with Sin cradled in his arms. Seeing Kiana's reaction fall within his expectations, he smiled as he gently caressed Sin's slender waist through her clothing.
Sin leaned softly against Zeke's chest, feeling pliant and boneless from both his touch and the lingering afterglow of their intimate moments earlier. She exuded an unusual air of languid docility.
"Want to eat something?"
"I want Zeke to feed me~"
"How spoiled."
With a faint smile, Zeke picked up a plate of pudding and fed it piece by piece to the girl in his embrace.
This unabashedly affectionate scene, blindingly romantic, stirred various thoughts among onlookers.
Cecilia nudged Kiana's shoulder and whispered discreetly to her newly recognized precious daughter:
"He is...your...you know who?"
"...Yeah."
"Although he's remarkable and saved my life, I can't help but feel...he might not be entirely good-hearted?"
Feeling somewhat guilty for speaking ill of her savior, Cecilia nonetheless worried about her daughter's well-being around Zeke, given his apparent flirtatiousness and assertiveness.
"You're right, he's truly despicable!"
Kiana gritted her teeth as she watched their flirtatious display. Suddenly, the delightful pudding that tasted so sweet just moments ago now felt sour in her mouth.
By then, Zeke had fed Sin half a plate of pudding. He handed the remaining dessert and spoon to Sin, allowing her to enjoy it at her own pace. Finally, he turned towards Kiana and said,
"Come here."
"No way!"
"Hmm?"
"Alright, coming right away!"
Internally, Kiana scolded herself for capitulating so quickly. However, with Cecilia's resurrection, their previous conflicts were water under the bridge, and their roles returned to normal dynamics. In this situation, when Zeke's gaze turned unfriendly, it was best to obediently comply; otherwise, the consequences could be severe.
Kiana's survival instincts fully kicked into gear before her mother and sister, leaving them speechless as they exchanged glances.