Inside Qlipoth Fort, everything was quiet.
Bronya had dismissed everyone and walked alone into the inner chamber, holding the Resurrection Cross tightly in her hand.
She took a deep breath.
Then another.
Only after steadying herself did she activate it.
This was once Cocolia's office—so this was where she chose to bring her mother back.
A burst of light erupted.
Golden threads descended from above, weaving together into the shape of a woman.
Long golden hair.
Eyes closed.
As if merely asleep.
When the body fully formed, the light faded. Bronya quickly grabbed nearby clothing and covered her.
"Mother…"
Her voice trembled slightly.
A soft groan.
Eyes slowly opened.
"…Bronya?"
Cocolia frowned faintly, confusion flashing across her face. Just moments ago, she had been commanding in another world—how had she returned here?
And this place…
It felt painfully familiar.
"You're really awake…"
Bronya finally let out the breath she'd been holding.
"It worked…"
"I… was revived?"
Cocolia raised her hand, clenching it slightly. The weakness she once felt was gone—life pulsed through her veins again.
Bronya helped her sit down and explained everything.
At first, Cocolia listened calmly.
But the moment she heard that the resurrection item came from Phantylia—
Her expression changed.
"Bronya, how could you agree to such a deal?"
In her eyes, that woman clearly had ulterior motives.
This was basically inviting trouble into their home.
If she had known, she would rather have stayed dead.
She suddenly grabbed Bronya's shoulders, staring straight at her.
"Tell me honestly—how far have things progressed between you two?"
"Ah?!"
"What 'ah'? I'm asking about your relationship!"
Bronya's face instantly turned red.
"W-we just… confirmed things…"
"That's it?!"
Cocolia almost couldn't believe it.
There was already Jingliu around, and now Phantylia would soon arrive—and her daughter had made zero progress?
Unacceptable.
"Bronya," Cocolia leaned closer, lowering her voice, "you need to move faster. Otherwise… you'll regret it."
"…What do you mean?"
This time, Cocolia didn't hold back.
She leaned in and whispered directly into Bronya's ear.
"…WHAT?!"
Bronya's face turned completely red.
She stared at her mother in disbelief.
Why did this suddenly feel… so un-serious?
"You're still young. Trust me."
Cocolia gave her a firm, knowing look.
Then continued whispering.
"Y-you can do that?!"
Bronya was shocked.
At the same time…
She started thinking.
Maybe her mother had a point.
Valerius was very popular.
If she didn't act soon…
She might not even get a chance.
"…Maybe I should try…"
"Good. Do it now."
Cocolia immediately made the call.
No hesitation.
Soon after, the two left.
When Cocolia appeared in the halls, the Silvermane Guards were nearly scared out of their minds.
Wasn't she… dead?!
Bronya quickly explained that the former Supreme Guardian had only been "in a deep slumber," barely managing to smooth things over.
Then they headed straight for Serval's workshop.
Serval glanced at Cocolia.
Not particularly surprised.
She had already seen the resurrection item earlier.
"Something you need?"
Her tone wasn't exactly warm.
She still had feelings about… everything.
"…Serval…"
"Sit."
Serval waved them in, then noticed the bag Bronya was holding.
"What's that?"
Bronya froze.
"Uh… this…"
"Just some formalwear," Cocolia answered casually.
"Formalwear?"
Serval raised an eyebrow.
"Borrow your room for a bit."
"…Fine."
She was curious anyway.
After a while—
Bronya stepped out.
Serval's eyes lit up.
"Wow… that actually looks really good on you."
Bronya lowered her head, flustered.
"M-mother… I'll go now…"
"Remember what I taught you."
"…Mm."
With small, hesitant steps, Bronya walked toward Valerius's place next door.
Serval crossed her arms, watching.
"…What exactly are you two planning?"
Cocolia smiled faintly.
"Her lifelong happiness."
She explained everything.
Serval nodded along at first.
"Yeah, yeah, I've been worried too…"
Then paused.
"…Wait. What does that have to do with a dress?"
Cocolia smirked.
"You remember that novel we read back in school?"
Serval froze.
Oh no.
That novel.
"…That was a comedy."
"And it was at a ball."
"And this is broad daylight."
Serval slowly covered her face.
Her old friend…
Still just as unreliable as ever.
"Trust me," Cocolia said confidently. "This will work."
"…Yeah," Serval muttered dryly, "sure it will."
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