No one besides Cecilia and Sirin knows exactly what transpired afterward.
Perhaps Kiana, sharing the same origin with Sirin, is aware, but it seems likely she agreed to keep it confidential. She didn't disclose anything to anyone outside, including Zeke. While Zeke undoubtedly has numerous ways to pry open Kiana's lips, he deemed this insignificant matter unworthy of pursuit.
Thus, even the all-powerful Great Emperor remained oblivious to the details of their conversation.
The only clear outcome was that later on, Zeke provided Kiana with a Soulium body for free—though equipped with some Honkai Energy suppression mechanisms. This allowed Sirin to gain independent mobility, and subsequently, she officially moved into a room with Cecilia.
"Ring-a-ling!"
"Boom!"
The alarm clock chimed and was promptly smashed by a tender, white fist.
Sirin's eyes remained closed, her loose blonde hair spread across the pillow as she obliviously pulled the blanket over her head to continue sleeping soundly.
"Sirin, wake up, it's time for breakfast!"
"No...won't... Zzz..."
"How can you skip breakfast? It's unhealthy; Mom doesn't approve... Ah! You've been using my personal terminal again to game all night, haven't you? And why have so many merit points been spent on recharging accounts? Plus, buying this much instant ramen? These merit points were meant to repay Zeke's debt!"
Cecilia's eyes welled with tears as she saw her significantly depleted merit point account balance.
As a former S-rank Valkyrie, Cecilia's role at the imperial palace mirrored her past duties within Schicksal. She served as a valuable living source of Schariac holy blood. Although her combat prowess against Honkai was formidable, most often, her research value far outweighed her fighting potential.
Thus, Cecilia's avenues to earn merit points were limited—primarily daily trips to the laboratory for blood extraction, along with occasional assistance in weapon experiments conducted by Zeke, Hera, Mobius, or others, including biological studies. While this method wasn't slow, given that any experiment involving Schariac holy blood held immense value, it paled in comparison to the colossal resurrection debt owed.
Cecilia caressed her personal terminal, wiping away tears with heartache.
"All my hard-earned money...," she lamented.
"You're so naggy! Who else would you spend your merit points on if not me? And as for his debt, what can he do if you don't repay it?"
"It's not that simple, Sirin. We must be reasonable; repaying debts is essential. Besides, we've already caused Zeke so much trouble..."
Indeed, there was no need to mention their indebtedness due to Kiana alone. In truth, every member of their family owed Zeke greatly. Moreover, exchanging contributions for merit points and then using merit points for purchases is one of the cornerstones upon which current human civilization operates. How could they dare burden Zeke further by disregarding this principle?
Cecilia frowned anxiously, softly insisting, "Mom isn't saying you shouldn't spend at all, but spending should be rational. Items like video games and instant noodles simply aren't necessary!"
"Ahhh! So annoying! What about Siegfried and that paramecium guy? Plus, you're not the only one resurrected—why are you always going on about repaying debts?!"
Sirin, fully awakened by Cecilia's scolding, threw off her blanket and sat up. Beneath her disheveled silver hair, her golden eyes brimmed with impatience.
Cecilia felt the sting of her daughter's rebellious phase, clutching her chest as she took two steps back.
How could she compare to Taixuan Mountain's trio? They had Fu Hua and Senti supporting them—a Red Kite Immortal paired with the Herrscher of Sentience. The accumulated merit points on their accounts were practically immeasurable. Even Zeke and Hera willingly covered Fu Hua's expenses without hesitation.
Even excluding these factors, Kevin, Su, and Elysia would gladly foot the bill for their old comrades Fuxi and Danzhu, along with Cheng Lixue, the younger generation member. It made perfect sense for them to do so. Consequently, Taixuan Mountain faced no financial pressures whatsoever.
As for Cecilia, she couldn't burden her husband entirely, nor was it feasible to trouble Theresa, who already carried significant debt due to Himeko's resurrection. As for her indebted daughters, Kiana and Durandal, tapping into their savings was even less plausible—though, truthfully, all these individuals would be more than willing to help cover costs.
"Sirin... Our family is indeed facing some difficulties..."
Cecilia sniffled and gazed pitifully at her daughter, feeling unbearably heartbroken—never had she imagined that the esteemed young lady of House Schariac, a priestess of Schicksal, would one day worry about financial matters.
Sirin scowled, staring at Cecilia for a long moment before huffily responding, "Fine, then go get my money back. I don't want the instant noodles or crystal anymore, okay? So naggy, you sound like an old woman!"
"How... How could you say that to your mother?" Cecilia hesitated, her voice cautious yet determined. "But we really don't need to return everything... Just maybe fewer instant noodles—they're not healthy. The rest is fine; however, next time, can you try spending a bit less... Actually, it's not a big deal! Yes, it's alright; spend as you please, dear. Mom has plenty of merit points!"
Initially uncertain, Cecilia gradually spoke with growing confidence. In the end, she proudly puffed out her chest before Sirin, signaling their family's abundance.
Over these past few days, she had been diligently studying parenting advice. One key takeaway was avoiding financial stress on children by making them feel poor compared to others, which could lead to feelings of inferiority—a situation best prevented.
Heaven only knows how anyone could worry that Sirin, with her history laden with wicked deeds, might feel inferior due to financial issues. But Cecilia genuinely believed this advice.
After some thought, she resolved that if necessary, she and Siegfried would work even harder—after all, they couldn't let Sirin think she lacked anything others had!
"Yes, absolutely no problem. Our family can afford it!" Cecilia declared firmly.
Watching Cecilia's earnest determination, Sirin rolled her eyes in disdain. The woman rumored to be flawless, bathed in divine light, turned out to be just an ignorant and naive young lady lacking common sense.
Looks like I'll have to keep a closer eye on her; otherwise, one day she'd probably thank someone while blissfully unaware of being taken advantage of—not that I care about this foolish woman! It's simply because we're now bound together, and I won't let her tarnish the mighty Queen of the Void's dignity. Yes, that's the only reason! Sirin resolutely told herself before shouting towards the door:
"Tsk! Bella, come comb my hair and help me change clothes. As for you, you can wait outside."
"Eh, but Mom wanted to help..."
"You're too slow; I don't have the patience."
"Alright."
Seeing Bella swiftly enter the room, Cecilia pouted and left their shared bedroom with visible disappointment.
Cecilia was proficient in tasks like hair styling, assisting with dressing, and even cooking quite delicious meals. She had specifically learned these skills to care for young Durandal years ago. However, considering she was originally a well-off young lady, how skilled could one expect her to be?
From Sirin's experience, compared to Bella, who tirelessly mastered household chores at her master's command, Cecilia's craftsmanship and efficiency were indeed average.
"Your Majesty, is there any particular hairstyle you desire today?"
Bella guided Sirin towards the vanity mirror, gently stroking her long silver hair. Despite her expressionless face, her icy blue eyes sparkled like a serene lake.
'Today, once again, I get to serve my Queen - what a blissful day for Bella!'
Benares, the Demon Dragon known for her lack of emotions except loyalty, couldn't hide her joy and contentment, despite her cold demeanor.
"Whatever you think best, just make it comfortable," Sirin yawned nonchalantly.
Bella nodded understandingly.
With her hair neatly tied in a ponytail, sporting cute yet refreshing bangs, Sirin donned a loose T-shirt emblazoned with "Number One" on the front and "Long Live the Queen" at the back. She completed the outfit with ultra-short shorts and white sneakers.
In no time, a fair-skinned, seasoned otaku queen made a grand entrance.
Sirin adjusted her fringe before the mirror, golden eyes reflecting satisfaction. Despite her otaku aura, she nodded regally and approvingly:
"Not bad."
"Thank you for Your Majesty's praise!"
"Oh right, where's my pillow?"
"Right here, I've replaced it with a new one. Please let me know if it meets your expectations, Your Majesty!"
Out of nowhere, Bella produced a snow-white mini Benares-shaped pillow.
Sirin accepted it without concern for Benares' subtle self-promotion reflected in its design, instead hugging it tightly.
"Mmm~ This silky smooth texture, the soft plushness, and that unique resilient support... Not bad, Bella!"
"Yes! This pillow is handmade by Bella herself, using my hair and tail for the main materials. Combined with my scales, it creates a unique internal support structure, replicating the most popular ergonomic models currently available. Whether you hug it, lean on it, or rest your head for a nap, it promises an exceptional experience! It's waterproof, fireproof, electrically insulated, resistant to dirt and wear, and maintains its shape! Moreover, this way, Bella can accompany Your Majesty in even more ways... Ughh!"
"Boom!!!"
At the shattered doorway, Cecilia cautiously peeked into the bedroom only to see Sirin toss the cushion onto the floor, stomp hard on it, and then storm out with eyes blazing—resembling a humanoid demonic beast ready to unleash fiery breath at any moment.
Cecilia shrank back, silently stepping aside.
As Sirin strode forward, she bellowed at Bella, who was still embedded in the wall: "No wonder it felt like something was moving inside when I hugged it—it had your tail stuffed in there! I want a normal pillow, a regular one, do you hear me?!"
"Yes... Your... Majesty..." Bella gasped weakly from her position against the wall. With a thud, she collapsed onto the ground, lying motionless.
Simultaneously, due to the impact, objects like cabinets near the walls and ceiling chandeliers crashed down with a series of loud thuds. After this cacophony, the once pristine living room was now utterly chaotic.
With a dark expression, Sirin turned her gaze towards Cecilia.
Cecilia shivered under Sirin's menacing golden eyes. As a mother, she dared not say anything about the damaged living room; instead, with trembling hands, she offered her personal terminal.
"Here you go..."
"Hmph!"
Sirin snatched the terminal aggressively, exuding a fierce rebellious aura, and strode out of the room.
In the living area, Bella, lying there recovering from her injuries, and Cecilia, visibly shaken, watched Sirin's departing figure.
"Eh hehe! My Queen~ Oh my Queen~ Eh hehe~~"
"Even today, Mom thinks our Sirin is just adorable, heh heh..."
Despite Sirin's behavior resembling that of a defiant and temperamental teenager throughout the incident, through the thick lens of their biases—Cecilia as a seasoned daughter-obsessed mom and Bella as a die-hard queen enthusiast—their eyes still sparkled, filled with admiration. They couldn't help but grin foolishly, almost envisioning flowers blooming behind them.
And so began another harmonious and warm day in the daily life of Cecilia, Sirin, and Bella's family routine.