Midnight approached.
Ordinarily, at this hour, Schicksal Headquarters would still be brightly lit. Yet tonight, darkness blanketed the entire floating island.
On this lightless night, a golden-haired girl sat by the window, quietly gazing at the rarely visible stars.
It seemed the last time she had looked up at them in such peace had been a very, very long time ago.
"Lady Durandal, your tea."
Steam curled gently above the cup, its rich, tranquil fragrance spreading through the night air.
"Ah, this is… lavender tea?"
"Yes. Lavender tea soothes the nerves and aids sleep. It's quite suitable for nighttime."
Durandal lifted the cup and took a small sip. She seemed as if she wanted to say something—but hesitated, a little embarrassed.
"The Archbishop—ah, no—the maintenance staff said the power will take a while longer to restore. Until then, please relax with some tea."
The Archbishop?
The blonde goose narrowed her eyes slightly.
Her Kaslana-inherited formatting brain—well-practiced lately—booted up again.
Rita had nearly let slip "Archbishop Otto"… Was this blackout connected to him?
Could it be an experiment gone wrong?
And if so—
Who was the subject?
Could it be… her?
Thinking of that woman, Durandal's cheeks puffed slightly.
How could she leave so quickly yesterday?!
Just one sentence—"Well done. You've passed your S-rank Valkyrie examination."—and she disappeared, leaving Durandal behind!
Left her behind!
Gone!
She still wanted a hug!!!
For some reason, whenever she thought of Senior Cecilia, she felt childish.
As if she were no longer the composed, powerful S-rank Valkyrie-to-be—but an awkward, ordinary girl.
She thought of her dear friend Rita Rossweisse. Rita was always elegant, composed, mysterious, and charming with others—but when speaking to her parents, her tone carried a faint hint of coquettish softness.
"Lady Durandal?"
Rita's voice pulled her back. Durandal touched the cooling teacup and looked at the Valkyrie who had always stood by her side.
"Oh—right, Rita… Is your hand alright?"
"Please don't worry, Lady Durandal. Your earlier roundhouse kick did not injure me."
Durandal felt helpless at that answer. She knew that kick must have hurt.
…but she also knew this perfectionist maid did not want an apology.
Even if the incident had stemmed from Durandal's foolish misunderstanding.
"In the future… don't wait for me in the dark during a blackout, Rita. I don't want to hurt you by mistake."
"I will be mindful of it, Lady Durandal."
Rita bowed slightly, smiling gently.
The clock ticked softly.
The tea was finished, leaving a lingering sweetness in her mouth.
"The lavender tea is nice. A little sweet—did you add honey?"
"Freshly pressed honey. Light and clear, so it won't taste overly sweet."
"Your tea is always delicious," Durandal said sincerely.
"You flatter me, Lady Durandal."
The blonde girl looked up at the clear starry sky again, her earnest, pure expression unchanged.
At her side, the maid simply smiled quietly, watching the girl absorbed in the heavens.
"The stars seem brighter tonight than usual."
"Perhaps… this is a blessing in disguise. With the power out, there's no ground light to interfere. The starlight appears clearer."
"A blackout at Schicksal Headquarters… that's unexpected."
"Yes. In all these years, it's the first time."
Rita's voice carried a faint note of sentiment.
Yes.
The first time.
And… quite a grand one at that.
"An experience like this once in a while isn't bad," Durandal said. "If the power hadn't gone out, we wouldn't have had the chance to sit quietly and chat."
"It feels like we haven't spent time like this in a long while. The last time… was probably when we reunited with friends in the world bubble."
Rita thought for a moment and nodded.
"Yes. It's been quite some time. And with year's end approaching, missions have increased. Schicksal received a batch of important resources around Christmas, and we've yet to fully integrate them. We've had even less time to sit and talk."
She glanced at the clock.
One minute and thirty seconds until midnight.
"Lady Durandal worked very hard this year."
"No… it wasn't enough. There's still so much more I could do."
The golden-haired girl shook her head, blue eyes filled with self-reproach.
Rita smiled gently.
"Then in the new year, please continue striving—together with everyone—to accomplish what you couldn't this year."
"Everyone?"
"Yes," Rita said seriously. "The Archbishop, myself, Schicksal's Valkyries—and… Lady Cecilia. We will all work alongside you to realize your dream."
Because she has returned.
And he… treats you even better now.
Rita added silently.
"As for the Archbishop… I can't quite tell how much passion he has for such things," Durandal said, tucking a strand of golden hair behind her ear. "But when you mention Lady Cecilia… why do you think she would… help me realize my dream?"
She didn't notice that her heart had quickened with quiet joy when she asked.
After a moment, she brightened.
"Right—you know my dream. To drive the Honkai from this world. And as an S-rank Valkyrie, Lady Cecilia must think the same, correct?"
"Ah? …Yes. That's right."
Rita's smile turned slightly awkward.
That was close…
"I know it sounds arrogant. Perhaps Lady Cecilia would only smile at me kindly," Durandal gazed upward again, imagining that smile. "But I truly believe that only unrealistic dreams are worthy goals."
"So—that's Lady Durandal's New Year wish?"
"My wish has always been this."
She clenched her fist.
"I will drive the Honkai out of this world!"
"I wish you success in the new year," Rita bowed sincerely.
"Now then—since Valkyrie Durandal has made her wish, it's time for Miss Bianka to make hers."
Durandal blinked.
"Huh?"
"Please look over there, Lady Durandal… no, Lady Bianka."
Rita stepped aside, revealing flickering orange candlelight in the darkness.
"Lady Bianka—happy birthday."
She pressed a switch.
Warm-toned backup lights flickered on.
The cake beneath the candles came into view—
And behind it stood two figures.
Cecilia.
And Otto.
…
◇ You can read 60+ chapter ahead on P@treon if you're interested:
patreon.com/ElaraVance1
✨ Bonus Chapter Goals ✨
10 Reviews = 1 Bonus Chapter
100 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter