The air still held the faint, metallic scent of gunpowder, ozone, and dried blood.
It was the scent of victory that they had brought back with them.
"Goddess..."
In the end, it was Angronia who first broke the silence.
Her voice was raspy, as if she hadn't spoken properly for a long time, each word carrying a rough, gritty texture.
She looked up, and in the dim light, the burning Battle Intent in her amber eyes had long since faded, leaving only a pure, almost bewildered reliance.
She seemed to want to say something.
She wanted to express gratitude, loyalty, and the complex emotions that had surged within her countless times but had never had the chance to be spoken aloud.
But in the end, all words were stuck in her throat.
This King of Gladiators, this embodiment of fury, could use her battle-axe to speak the most eloquent language on the battlefield, but off the battlefield, she was as clumsy as a child.
Thus, she gave up on words.
She chose action.
Under Fogremia's slightly astonished gaze, Angronia took a step forward.
She bowed slightly.
Then, she rubbed her cheek against Leticia's clean, soft shoulder, which exuded a faint, delicate fragrance—gently, cautiously, and even with a hint of fawning.
It was like a beast that had wandered the wild for centuries and finally found its home, using its most primitive, most clumsy way to express its affection and submission to its master.
Her movements were very light, for fear that the strength she couldn't fully restrain would hurt the God before her, who was far more petite than herself.
That rough skin, carrying the residual heat and sweat of the battle, left a faint stain on Leticia's white robe.
"What a... rude beast."
Fogremia's voice came from the side.
Her tone carried the usual reprimand and disdain of a perfectionist.
But this time, her voice lacked some of the condescending scrutiny, and instead held a hint of... envy, which even she herself hadn't noticed.
While she said this, her body was very honest.
She also silently moved half a step toward Leticia.
Those beautiful purple eyes finally stopped looking at the ceiling and landed on Leticia.
The light of the jump flickered in her eyes, reflecting a hint of exhaustion she was trying hard to conceal, as well as... a vulnerability buried deep beneath her pride, seeking shelter.
Leticia did not speak.
She didn't even care about the stain on her shoulder.
She could feel that after Angronia finished rubbing against her, her whole body relaxed, and a faint, satisfied purr even escaped her throat.
She reached out and gently stroked Angronia's flame-like red hair.
The hair was coarse and stiff, yet full of vitality.
Then, she raised her eyes to look at the silver-haired sword maiden who was still feigning reserve.
She opened her other arm to Fogremia.
"You have both done very well."
Leticia's voice was soft, yet it carried the power to melt any ice.
"It's good that you're back."
Fogremia's body suddenly stiffened.
She looked at Leticia's pure, inclusive black eyes, which held no impurities.
Looking at the warm embrace opened for her.
That feigned pride and composure melted away quickly and silently, like an ice sculpture under the sun.
Her tightly crossed arms slowly loosened.
In the end, she yielded to the longing in her heart.
She leaned over and gently rested her smooth forehead against Leticia's other shoulder.
Two Primarchs with vastly different personalities, one could even say they were opposites.
One as violent as fire, one as elegant as ice.
At this moment, like two giant ships that had fought through a storm until they were covered in scars and finally returned to port, they found a rare peace in the seemingly small yet most solid harbor of Leticia, a place where they could completely let down all their defenses.
Leticia gently pulled the two Primarch Sisters, both far taller than her, into her embrace.
Her figure appeared exceptionally petite against their tall frames.
But her embrace was broad enough to contain all their fatigue and anxiety.
She could clearly feel their bodies trembling slightly.
It was not because of fear.
It was the most instinctive reaction after a great battle, as the mental pillars that had been stretched to their limit finally completely relaxed.
Leticia was like a true mother, or perhaps, a true sister.
She didn't say anything more.
She just used her hand, patting their broad, solid backs, one stroke after another, gently.
Angronia's back muscles were hard as iron, full of explosive power.
Fogremia's back lines were as beautiful as the most perfect sculpture.
But at this moment, they were both as quiet as children in this embrace.
The door to the room was not closed.
A small, golden figure had quietly poked its little head out, no one knew when.
Terrania had been waiting anxiously in her room, and when she saw this scene, her pure, golden-flowing eyes immediately lit up.
She didn't make a sound, just like a happy little kitten that had discovered a ball of yarn, charging over with her hands and feet, patter-patter-patter.
Then, she dove into Leticia's embrace, hugging Leticia's waist tightly from the front with her thin, weak body.
"Sister! Me too!"
Her voice carried a milky, unquestionable declaration, as if saying that in this warm embrace, there must be a place for her.
This small, warm impact brought Fogremia and Angronia back from that brief peace.
They lowered their heads, looking at the little one who wouldn't let go of Leticia, their eyes becoming exceptionally soft.
Leticia chuckled and reached out a hand, rubbing Terrania's bright golden hair.
On her left was the silent and reliant red-haired beast.
On her right was the proud and reassured silver-haired sword maiden.
In her arms were the treasures of the whole world.
At this moment, the bridge of the genesis seemed to cease to exist.
The damage to the warship, the dangers of the universe, all vanished.
Here, there was only a home.
And a family.
Just at this warm moment, enough to melt steel, a calm, serious, and emotionless electronic voice abruptly cut in through the personal communicator Leticia was wearing.
It was Valeria.
"Goddess, we are about to arrive at the Saintess Star airspace."
"Scans show that above the planet's orbit... a massive fleet of Battle Sisters is gathering."
A slight crackle of static came from the communicator, and Valeria's tone carried a hint of confusion.
"Their formation... is not a combat posture."
"Judging by our flight trajectory, they seem to be... welcoming us."
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