Three days passed quickly.
Under Otto's deliberate guidance, Cecilia enjoyed herself immensely. She had grown more playful than before—
—and, naturally, more reliant on him.
Their travels had taken them from Staffordshire to London. They now strolled casually through the streets, Christmas decorations still draped across the city. The faint jingling of bells echoed everywhere.
Christmas…
In the Honkai world, what exactly did Christmas commemorate again?
That person?
According to certain texts… could he have been a Stigmata bearer adept at healing?
Perhaps it had once been an ordinary holiday. Then, when later generations became Valkyries, they carried the custom into Schicksal—and eventually across the world.
Otto pondered idly.
Strange, though. Why hadn't the original Otto interfered here? He could have declared Kallen's birthday the Day of the Saint's Advent. Even renamed the calendar year in her honor.
There were precedents already—why not imitate them?
And now he still didn't even know Kallen's birthday.
The game had never mentioned it.
Three days was simply not enough to memorize every detail.
As he walked, Otto mentally cataloged the information he lacked but needed.
That had been one of the reasons he left Schicksal headquarters on his second day in this world.
To sort through what he must remember.
To "acquire" certain transmigration advantages—knowledge that Otto himself should not logically possess.
At the very least, he needed to fabricate a plausible "source" for such information.
It might seem like overcaution.
But better than nothing.
"Brother," Cecilia's voice chimed beside him, "it looks like there's some sort of festival over there."
"Then let's have a look," Otto replied immediately, understanding her intent.
They made their way through the lively crowd.
As they passed, Otto casually glanced at a woman in a black robe standing along the street, then asked in an offhand tone:
"By the way, you're wearing the Valkyrie armor I gave you this morning, correct?"
Cecilia tugged up her sleeve slightly, revealing a thin layer of black armor beneath her clothes.
"I'm wearing most of it underneath. It's actually quite warm."
It was one of Schicksal's near–fourth-generation armors. According to Amber, it provided maximum protection without restricting movement—and even offered auxiliary support in channeling Honkai energy.
"Comfortable to move in?"
"Hardly restrictive at all."
"Good." Otto waved lightly. "Whatever you want to see or play, take the lead. I'll carry the bags and keep you company."
She hesitated briefly.
"Today's the last day, isn't it?"
"Yes, yes," Otto sighed theatrically. "Unbelievable that someone would rush back right after their birthday vacation."
"I'm already very satisfied," Cecilia blinked playfully. "And even if I regain my memories, you'd still approve my leave, wouldn't you?"
Otto looked at her, helpless amusement in his eyes.
"You've always been good at acting on your own decisions. Ever since Siberia."
She responded with a sweet smile.
They entered the square.
Soft waltz music drifted through the air. Couples danced gracefully under strings of lights.
Cecilia stood beside Otto, expectation written across her face.
"You want to dance too?"
"Mm."
She turned to him, eyes shining.
"Brother, will you dance with me?"
Otto raised an eyebrow. "You still remember the steps? I can't promise I won't step on your feet."
"I remember a little," she said with a mischievous smile. "And I'll get used to it soon."
"Just follow my rhythm, Brother. After all, I'm a Valkyrie of Dance."
"Very well, Lady Valkyrie," Otto extended his hand in invitation. "Then I shall embarrass myself."
"My honor, Brother."
She dipped slightly before placing her hand in his.
Otto lifted her delicate hand and placed his other hand at her slender waist, stepping naturally into the lead.
The waltz's slow tempo wrapped around them.
Cecilia's beautiful face was less than a foot from his.
Otto was not an expert dancer—but his reflexes, precision, and control were exceptional. Every step adjusted instinctively to hers, allowing her movements to remain light and fluid.
It required perception, analysis, anticipation—
—and he lacked none of those.
Perfume lingered in the air.
Cecilia's knee-length coat flared like a skirt as she spun within his arms, blossoming like a summer flower beneath winter lights.
His grip was firm and steady. As she twirled, she felt both security and a faint dizziness—an exhilarating weightlessness.
She entrusted her body fully to his lead.
Absolute trust.
Though dressed in casual clothes, their striking appearances drew attention. Their dance evolved from slightly unfamiliar to seamless.
A few people approached, hoping to exchange partners.
They shared a knowing smile, pivoted in perfect synchronization, and glided away with effortless precision.
In that moment—
They saw only each other.
At the final beat, Cecilia stepped back half a pace and curtsied gracefully.
Her "skirt" settled around her like a summer bloom closing in autumn wind—solemn, elegant, almost ceremonial.
Otto returned the gesture, eyes fixed on her.
Applause rose around them—brief but appreciative. Most attendees were here to socialize; even beauty had its limits in commanding attention.
"Did you enjoy the dance, Brother?" Cecilia asked while adjusting his collar.
"Your hair's a bit messy—there."
He brushed stray strands from her forehead.
"You were wonderful. My girl is naturally the best."
She did not fully understand his phrasing, but her cheeks flushed nonetheless, her demeanor shy and radiant.
"Let's walk around a bit more," Otto said, taking her hand. "Perhaps there's some interesting game waiting for us."
"Okay!" she smiled brilliantly.
And just as they stepped out of the square, hand in hand—
Otto heard hurried footsteps approaching from behind.
A breath near his ear.
Then a voice:
"Beautiful lady and handsome gentleman—may I have a moment of your time?"
"I'd like to tell you about our god and our leader—Mr. 'Savior.'"
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