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After enjoying a hearty breakfast, the relaxed Zeke packed several servings and leisurely returned to his room, waking up Kiana, Bronya, and Sin, who were recuperating.
"Ugh... I don't want breakfast... Just let me sleep..."
"Bronya... +1..."
"Zeke?!?"
Initially, all three appeared exhausted, but Sin, brimming with energy and her voice bright, betrayed them effortlessly. There was nothing they could do; her recovery rate was simply astounding, far surpassing even the Herrschers' physical healing abilities.
Kiana & Bronya: "..."
Speechless, they watched as Sin eagerly threw herself at Zeke seeking affection, her unbridled vitality leaving them utterly hopeless.
Zeke's relentless nocturnal phase, marked by sleepless nights, had gradually subsided some time ago. As days went by, perhaps the initial novelty wore off, leading Zeke to become less insatiable for intimacy. Over that period, provided they didn't intentionally provoke him, Kiana and Bronya found themselves barely managing to adapt to Zeke's intense needs.
Then, Sin arrived.
Concerned for their well-being, Kiana and Bronya agreed not to intentionally instigate encounters. However, Sin was different; she had no concept of moderation. As soon as her energy and spirit recovered slightly, she would fervently demand attention without considering how Kiana and Bronya were inevitably dragged along, enduring the onslaught akin to facing a Judgment-class Honkai Beast.
For instance, at this very moment, Sin clung to Zeke, offering him today's first passionate kiss. Her utterly absorbed expression and uncontrollable panting were blatant seduction tactics.
"Zzzt... Zzzzt..."
Kiana and Bronya exchanged glances from their beds, despair evident in each other's eyes. They felt not a hint of envy anymore; all they desired now was rest.
"Bronya once thought that Sin could share the burden, lightening our load, but who knew she'd actually..."
"It's not your fault, I believed the same. Who could've predicted she would..."
"...make it even harder for Zeke to resist!" x2
Kiana and Bronya hugged each other sympathetically, feeling on the verge of tears yet unable to shed them.
Then Zeke broke away from entanglement with Sin, gently patting her bottom to prompt her off his body. He said,
"All right, clean up a bit, and let's come out for breakfast."
"Yes~" echoed three voices.
One brimming with enthusiasm, two sounding weary, they responded in unison.
Soon, the three girls sat on the sofa enjoying breakfast while Zeke read nearby.
Sin and Kiana still couldn't stand each other, despite having fought "side by side" numerous times. Even during meals, they would bicker or vie for food, making it quite restless.
"This sunny-side-up egg is mine, paramecium!"
"Does it have your name on it? You're so unreasonable! They were clearly placed together; whoever grabs one first gets it!"
"You looking for a fight?!?"
"Fight then, I'll teach you some manners!"
They started pulling each other's cheeks, squabbling as they ate. Thankfully, they were aware of Zeke's presence nearby, keeping their actions minimal, at least avoiding any serious confrontation.
Bronya, sitting upright and well-behaved, had her chubby cheeks slightly puffed out, moving rhythmically as she focused on replenishing her nutrients and energy.
With a sidelong glance at the quarreling duo, Bronya quietly moved closer to Zeke. She picked up a sausage, took a bite herself, and then offered the rest to Zeke with a playful gesture: "Zeke, open wide - ah~"
Zeke's hand paused mid-flip as he met Bronya's "innocent" gray eyes—she even blinked at him guilelessly.
"Sigh..."
Having grown accustomed to this little fox's high-level tactics, Zeke sighed, took hold of the half-eaten sausage with his mouth, and brought it close to Bronya's lips.
"Mmph!" exclaimed Bronya.
The seducer got a taste of her own medicine.
Zeke was no passive herbivore. If Bronya were a cunning vixen spirit, then Zeke would be akin to a ferocious tiger or fearsome dragon. It wouldn't be surprising for someone casually teasing them to find themselves swallowed whole. However, since it was daytime and considering Bronya's still-recovering condition, the situation remained under control.
After a moment, Zeke finally released the captured little fox.
Bronya covered her mouth, blushing deeply, and sat upright obediently.
Zeke asked, "Was it tasty?"
"I didn't really get to savor it; Bronya forgot to chew."
Partly due to Zeke's sudden advance, and partly because she didn't want any unpleasant flavors from biting into the sausage, Bronya is always mindful of such experiences. Consequently, she ended up swallowing the small sausage whole, nearly choking on it.
Bronya's reply was meek as she lowered her head, cheeks growing increasingly flushed.
Meanwhile, amidst their own squabble, Kiana and Sin had finished eating breakfast.
Kiana then sneered disdainfully, "Serves you right for trying to be so clever!"
"..."
Bronya cast her a dismissive glance but didn't bother engaging with Kiana—As if that simple-minded paramecium understands anything about love triangles! Did Bronya think changing their relationship status meant it was over? No, this marked a new beginning!
With one intimacy-building tactic per day, sooner or later, Bronya would secure the highest place in Zeke's heart, mercilessly pushing aside this pitiful single-celled organism!
"Even though I don't know what you're scheming, suddenly, I feel quite irritated!"
Kiana narrowed her eyes, instinctively becoming cautious.
But when Zeke casually stroked her hair, both her mood and expression softened instantly.
"Ah~ Zeke, you're so good at this ~ Keep going, keep going~~"
"Behave yourself. Lately, I need you to keep an eye on Sirin."
"Hmm? Did she act up again? Still causing trouble even after all that?"
"No, just being cautious is all," Zeke replied calmly. With the cards he held now, not even a multi-core Sirin could escape his grasp.
Nevertheless, Zeke couldn't help but sigh.
Kiana blinked and looked at Zeke, puzzled. "Isn't she behaving herself? What's there to worry about? Or do you have some other plan?"
"I've prepared a script for her. Once she gets accustomed here, I'll assign her tasks to contribute like others. Similar to Benares, although it's unlikely victims will forgive her, living as a penitent sinner can still be accepted by most."
"Right, though I'm sure she'll resist, she won't stand a chance against you. Sounds like a solid plan! So what's bothering you?" Kiana asked, genuinely confused.
Zeke, never one for suspense, slowly explained:
"Benares doesn't care about humans; she could oppose them due to Sirin's will or remain docile at your word. Sirin is different. Her biggest issue isn't merely the sins borne as Herrscher of the Void, but rather—her enduring hatred for humanity. We serve as her physical constraints, and Cecilia as her mental restraint, yet these cannot change her mindset. As long as her thoughts remain unchanged, she'll always be an unstable bomb requiring constant supervision. Even then, there's no guarantee that one day... I must kill her."
As Zeke shared his assessment of Sirin, those familiar with him detected a hint of difficulty in his words.
Kiana embraced Zeke, gently nuzzling against him.
She understood why Zeke felt conflicted. Killing Sirin posed no moral dilemma for him, but both Kiana and Cecilia would vehemently object. Ultimately, it was Kiana's stance that made things challenging for Zeke.
"It's alright, things will get better. Just like how Zeke saved me, someone will surely save Sirin too. Until that day comes, I'll keep an eye on her!" Kiana reassured him with a smile, expressing her faith in human nature—or more specifically, in Cecilia.
Kiana smiled, expressing her faith in human nature—or perhaps more specifically, in Cecilia.
Zeke shook his head and replied mildly, "For now, this is our only option."