"Eh-hehe, Mom, let me introduce you—this is Zeke, my husband!"
"Sss... Sssss..."
Seated on Zeke's lap, Kiana discreetly signaled him with exaggerated expressions, urging him to play along and make a good impression on Cecilia.
Zeke calmly observed her before turning towards Cecilia and nonchalantly added, "And simultaneously, her master."
"Hey! This is in front of my mom; will it kill you to give me some dignity? Jerk! Scumbag! Asshole, asshole, asshole!!!" Kiana's face flushed with anger, disregarding the situation and numerous spectators as she spun around, furiously pounding Zeke's chest and shoulders with her tiny fists.
Despite possessing enough strength to effortlessly shatter steel plates, for Zeke, these punches merely felt like a slightly invigorating shoulder massage.
Since there were no outsiders present, Cecilia would inevitably discover the truth sooner or later. Zeke saw no need to pretend further, nor was he bothered by it. He allowed Kiana to vent her mortification unabated for a while. But once his patience wore thin, he firmly grasped Kiana's chin, tilted her face upwards, and gently kissed those soft lips he hadn't touched in days.
"Mmmph!"
In front of her newly recognized mother, this moment pushed Kiana's embarrassment past its limits. Her face turned crimson all the way down to her neck as she lowered her head, mind completely flustered.
Zeke watched with keen interest, savoring the rare sight of Kiana feeling self-conscious, a hint of amusement curving the corners of his lips.
Cecilia asked, "Are they always like this?"
Theresa sighed, "While I wanted to share some good news with you, unfortunately, this is indeed the reality."
Himeko chimed in, "Wow! These young folks nowadays sure aren't shy, huh~~"
Nuwa observed, "This is precisely what the Hua Selection entails..."
Fuxi interjected, "Idiot, know when to stop talking. Besides, it's Hua's decision; she must have her reasons... All I know for certain is that he's the emperor, so undoubtedly, he has immense wealth."
Rustling sounds filled the air...
The whispers from all around further eroded Kiana's rationality; her eyes started to swirl as shame overwhelmed her mind, rendering her incapable of coherent thought.
Zeke savored this rare spectacle for a moment before gently placing Sin back in her seat and standing up with his arm around the disoriented Kiana.
"Mrs. Carnot, although we've met since your recovery, I haven't had the chance to introduce myself formally yet. I am Zeke, as you can see, Kiana's husband. Please bear with me."
Zeke addressed Cecilia courteously and formally.
There was no need to spare Kiana's embarrassment, as the fool couldn't maintain any dignity herself. However, presenting himself seriously to Kiana's mother, clearly stating their relationship, was essential.
Cuddled close to Zeke, Kiana gradually regained her composure, nodding with a flushed face and softly saying:
"Yes, Mom, this is...my husband!"
As she introduced Zeke, Kiana beamed brightly, her eyes radiating unmistakable happiness and contentment.
Cecilia watched this scene unfold, placing her hand on her forehead, torn between choices. Rationally, she couldn't possibly believe that a clearly flirtatious man would be a suitable match for Kiana. Yet emotionally, her love for Kiana and gratitude towards Zeke made it difficult to dampen the spirits of these deeply affectionate young lovers.
Ultimately, Cecilia sighed resignedly:
"I've missed much of Kiana's life, but they have shared your story with me. I am truly grateful for the care you've always shown Kiana, as well as for helping bring me back into this world. Although there are still concerns, since it is Kiana's own choice... I sincerely hope you both find happiness!"
"We will, thank you for understanding, Mother," Zeke replied gently, adopting a new term of address with remarkable humility—a trait rarely seen in him. This was his tender gesture for Kiana, shedding his usual arrogance and aloofness, embodying the role of a respectful son-in-law perfectly.
Kiana looked up at Zeke's calm and courteous demeanor, finally breaking into a sweet smile. She tiptoed and impulsively kissed his cheek, unabashedly expressing her joy.
"Thank you, Zeke!"
She thanked him for earnestly acknowledging their relationship, for treating Cecilia with such respect, and most importantly, for bringing about everything they now cherish.
Zeke looked down, smiled at Kiana, gently patted her head, and released her, saying:
"Go ahead, spend some quality time with your mother-in-law; you deserve this maternal love."
"Yes!" Kiana nodded obediently, returning to her original spot. Under Cecilia's affectionate gaze, she blushed while acting sweetly towards her.
Overall, it was quite heartwarming.
Meanwhile, Zeke picked up his juice from the table. Although not consuming food or drink didn't affect him significantly, considering the continuous energy expenditure, replenishing with fluids and sugars felt quite refreshing.
As he sipped his juice, the Tai Xu Mountain Group approached, led by Fuxi, Nuwa, and Cheng Lixue, followed closely by Fu Hua, Senti, and the Book of Fuxi.
"Hey, thanks for gifting me an extra life there, young Zeke! Much appreciated!"
"Your lifesaving kindness is deeply valued."
"L-Lixue...Lixue thanks Sir Zeke!"
Each girl expressed her gratitude, showcasing their distinct personalities: Nuwa was more lively, Fuxi leaned towards reserved, while Cheng Lixue... With her intellectual demeanor, polite mannerisms, tall stature, long legs encased in black stockings, and mature curves, she indeed appeared to be the eldest among the Tai Xu Mountain Group!
Sipping his juice, Zeke nodded at them.
"Your thanks is noted. I'll arrange positions for you later. Considering the resources expended, it's only fair to recover some from your contributions. In this era... we can no longer afford idleness."
Naturally, the trio had no objections and agreed with nods.
Then Senti squeezed through them, casually slinging her arm around Zeke's shoulder, loudly clapping him on the back as she laughed heartily:
"Hahaha! Finally, you're learning how to treat people right, kid! I appreciate this gesture, so feel free to come to me anytime; I'll make sure to handle things impeccably... Aiya! Ow, ow, ow!"
Zeke twisted Senti's wrist, dusted off his shoulder where she had slapped him, and coldly observed her shift from arrogance to pleading for mercy. He sneered,
"Since when did you start speaking to me so disrespectfully?"
"Zeke, she's still young; don't take it too seriously."
At that moment, Fu Hua approached and gently placed her hand over Zeke's, which was gripping Senti's wrist. A hint of exasperation showed in her soft expression.
Zeke looked at Fu Hua, who smiled back warmly. After a brief gaze exchange, Fu Hua silently withdrew her hand, and Zeke released Senti's wrist.
"If not properly guided as a child, she won't turn out well even as she grows older."
"Yes, I'll be mindful of that. There's also another matter I'd like to discuss with you," Fu Hua responded calmly, maintaining her smile.
Zeke raised an eyebrow and asked, "What is it?"
"It concerns Lixue. Having faced life-and-death situations, I believe there's potential for further refinement in her mindset. Additionally, my understanding of the Inch Heart Fist Technique and Taixuan Sword Qi has deepened significantly. Would it be possible for her to temporarily study under my guidance? By becoming stronger, she can contribute more effectively." Fu Hua spoke in a conciliatory tone.
Standing nearby, Cheng Lixue's lips trembled slightly, but ultimately she didn't decline this rare gesture of goodwill. Only on the brink of death did she realize that her master hadn't left because he cared little for her; rather, it was to shield her from misfortune due to her limited talent and abilities, hoping she could live a peaceful life. Now, given a second chance, Cheng Lixue felt deeply warmed by Fu Hua's affection.
Zeke pondered for a moment before responding,
"Based on past records, she was already at the pinnacle among A-rank Valkyries. Her perceived weakness only stems from comparison with you and me. Nowadays, Valkyries fight alongside mech soldiers, complementing each other's strengths, significantly reducing the risks... Let her learn while fulfilling her duties. Practical experience will accelerate her growth."
Zeke reassured Fu Hua, understanding her heightened protective instincts after losing and then regaining someone dear—much like his own feelings towards Kiana. However, excessive protection isn't always beneficial. Cheng Lixue would inevitably return to the battlefield someday. As a powerful Valkyrie, just a step away from S rank with further enhancements and training, humanity's combat potential is robust yet not so abundant as to allow such formidable warriors to retire safely behind the lines.
Fu Hua paused briefly, then slowly nodded.
"All right, I trust Zeke's judgment."
She smiled warmly, seemingly resolving some internal conflicts.
The afternoon tea session ultimately passed pleasantly and lightheartedly.
As for Zeke briefly calculating the resource cost to revive Cecilia mid-conversation and sending Siegfried, miles away, an exorbitant merit point debt invoice—those minor details need not be elaborated upon. After all, free labor is meant to be exploited; one can only assume he'd gladly endure it.