Inside the vast and solemn Royal Court, the greetings from Artoria and Minerva fell, their echoes gently reverberating between the pure light and the magnificent dome.
Upon the throne, Holy Keisha's gaze slowly swept over the two who were bowing in salute below.
Her gaze lingered on Artoria for a moment; it remained calm, yet it lacked some of the absolute detachment and judgmental tone she usually held when looking down upon the gods of the known Universe, replaced instead by a touch of substantive scrutiny and... a faint trace of approval.
Immediately after, her gaze fell upon Minerva. The projection, composed of Dark Energy and information streams, was so real, yet it carried the unique rhythm of a pure energy entity, especially those azure eyes—clear, resolute, bearing the curiosity of one newly awakened towards the World, as well as an undisguised reliance and deep affection for the person beside her.
Deep within Keisha's eyes, a faint shimmer seemed to pass.
An information lifeform... such a stable, harmonious existence, so tightly linked to the Host's soul, was rare even in her long life.
Even rarer was that sense of purity and resilience.
No wonder Hexi valued it so much, going so far as to open up parts of the core facilities of the Silver Moon Observatory.
"There is no need for such formalities." Keisha's voice rang out, still carrying that unique majesty and languor that seemed capable of soothing hearts, but if one listened carefully, the tone seemed... more peaceful than usual, one could even say, slightly softened.
She did not deliberately change it, but this subtle difference, falling into the ears of those familiar with her, such as Angel Yan who stood by her side, was an extremely obvious signal—Artoria, and this special existence beside her, carried weight in the Queen's heart that was far from ordinary.
Had her business been completed?
Artoria and Minerva straightened up. Artoria could feel the difference in Keisha's gaze, and her heart stirred slightly.
"It seems Hexi's experiment has been a complete success." Keisha's gaze returned to Artoria's face, stating the fact in a calm tone, but beneath that calmness lay absolute trust in Hexi's abilities, as well as affirmation of Artoria's single-minded devotion and all-out efforts over these years.
"Your partner, Minerva, seems to be in a very stable state."
"Yes, Queen Keisha." Artoria responded respectfully, her tone filled with sincere gratitude, "It is all thanks to Teacher Hexi's all-out assistance, racing against time in the time-accelerated environment, as well as the knowledge and resources provided by the Angel Civilization. Minerva's consciousness has been successfully migrated and stabilized; she is currently in good condition and is adapting to her new form of existence."
She specifically pointed out "time acceleration," which was a clear acknowledgement of the critical help provided by the Angel Civilization, especially by Hexi.
Minerva also nodded slightly, her projected face calm: "Thank you for the protection and help of the Angel Civilization."
Keisha nodded slightly, accepting their thanks. Her fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of the throne, making a crisp sound, and her gaze became profound once again.
"So, Artoria," Keisha's voice slowed down, carrying a tone almost like an elder caring for a younger one, "In Minerva's current state, are there any hidden dangers or specific needs? Your soul link, the stability of the Dark Plane carrier, energy supply... the Angel Civilization might be able to provide further assistance."
This was not just polite talk. Based on the information Hexi had fed back, and the value of that "gift," Keisha did not mind, and was even very willing, to provide every convenience within her power to this special pair of "guests."
"Thank you for your concern, Queen." Artoria thought for a moment and replied earnestly, "Minerva's Dark Plane carrier is basically stable, and her soul link with me is quite firm. Currently, she mainly needs time to let her consciousness fully adapt to this way of existence, and to explore the development and application of her abilities in an information lifeform state. As for energy supply, I can handle it for now. For the time being... there seem to be no other special needs. Being able to be taken in by the Angels is already our great fortune."
She answered with great propriety. A trace of almost imperceptible approval flashed in Keisha's eyes.
"Minerva, how do you feel? Are you used to your new... 'body'? Are you adapting well to the Heavenly City?" Keisha turned her gaze to Minerva, this question carrying more attention towards "Minerva" as an independent individual.
Minerva paused slightly, her azure eyes meeting Keisha's gaze, answering coldly yet sincerely: "It feels... very wonderful. Unlike the mechanical body of the past, I can more clearly perceive energy, information, and... the connection with Artoria. I am still adapting. The Heavenly City... is very beautiful, very peaceful. Thank you."
"Peaceful..." Keisha repeated the word, the corners of her lips seeming to curve almost imperceptibly, and finally she just nodded slightly, "As long as you like it."
She paused, her gaze flowing over the two again, and spoke once more, the question turning to a more long-term direction.
"Artoria, you came from another World, and have been following Hexi to learn in the Heavenly City. Although due to time dilation, you have spent a long time studying in an accelerated environment, in real time, it has only been about ten years." Keisha used a declarative tone. Ten years, for an Angel, was as short as a snap of the fingers, but enough to see many things clearly.
"Yes, since being taken in by Teacher, nearly ten years have passed in real time." Artoria replied. Ten years, for her, had concentrated the entire journey of a thousand years of searching, from despair to hope, every minute and every second appearing incomparably long yet fleeting due to that heavy expectation.
"Although ten years is short, you are no longer the traveler from another World you once were." Keisha's voice was steady, "Now that Minerva has awakened, you also have a brand-new way of existence. Regarding the future, do you have any plans? Will you continue to stay in the Heavenly City, or... do you have other thoughts?"
This question, seemingly casual, was actually critical.
Artoria fell silent. She had indeed not carefully thought about this question. Previously, all her thoughts were focused on saving Minerva, and the future was just a vague destination. Now the destination had been reached, and a new starting point was before her.
She looked at Minerva beside her. Minerva was also looking at her, her azure eyes filled with serenity, conveying silent support and trust.
She also recalled the bits and pieces of these ten years in the Heavenly City. Teacher Hexi's guidance and protection as both teacher and friend, the tranquility of the Silver Moon Observatory, the overall orderly atmosphere of the Angel Civilization that respected knowledge and virtue... although she hadn't interacted with many Angels, the atmosphere here had indeed allowed her to feel a rare sense of relief after a thousand years of tense study.
It was not that she didn't miss her hometown, but returning needed careful consideration; although she could let the system buy a ticket to go back directly, that wouldn't be very good. She had no clear goals for the time being, nor any urgent needs. And the Heavenly City, after ten years of getting along, although there was still a sense of detachment, it had truly given her a rare sense of peace and a feeling of a "temporary harbor." More importantly, Minerva had just awakened and needed an absolutely stable environment to adapt to and consolidate her brand-new form of existence. Rashly leaving a safe and resource-rich sanctuary was not a wise move. They also needed time to plan for a long-term future that truly belonged to the two of them.
Thinking to this point, Artoria had a decision in her heart. She raised her head, met Keisha's gaze, and spoke in a clear and frank tone:
"In reply to the Queen, Minerva and I do not have a clear place to go for the time being. The Heavenly City... is very good. We will keep in mind the grace of Teacher Hexi's guidance and the kindness of the Angel Civilization in taking us in. Moreover, I... really like the atmosphere of the Heavenly City. The peace and order here are what we, having experienced too much turmoil, cherish. Minerva has just awakened and needs an absolutely stable environment to adapt even more. Therefore..."
She paused, glanced at Minerva, and after receiving confirmation from her eyes, continued: "If the Queen and Teacher do not mind, we hope to continue to impose on the Heavenly City for a period of time. It is not a permanent settlement, just... Minerva and I both need some time to relax, adapt to our new state, and also carefully think about the direction of our future. In real time, it may be a few years, perhaps a little longer. During this period, we will also abide by the order of the Heavenly City and are willing to repay the kindness of the Angel Civilization within our power."
Her statement was clearer: a short-term stay, with the goal of resting and planning for the future, not seeking permanent asylum or asking for more, while at the same time expressing gratitude and a willingness to repay. This both met their current needs and demonstrated a sense of propriety.
Keisha listened quietly, with no change in expression on her face, but in those eyes that seemed to be able to see through everything, a trace of almost imperceptible satisfaction seemed to flash. A guest (or, friend) who knew how to be grateful, had a sense of propriety, had potential, and was temporarily willing to stay in the Angel camp without causing trouble, was something she was happy to see.
"Since that is the case," Keisha's voice returned to its consistent indifference, yet carried affirmation, "The City of Angels welcomes orderly friends. You may continue to use the Silver Moon Observatory. You will enjoy corresponding courtesies. During your stay, if you have any reasonable needs, you may seek Hexi, or inform Yan. Relax, it is fine. Under the order of justice of the Angels, there are also peaceful times."
Angel Yan, standing by the side, heard this and stepped forward half a step, placing her right hand on her chest, and bowed slightly to Artoria and Minerva: "If you have any needs, you can contact me via the Heavenly City network at any time."
"Thank you, Queen Keisha, thank you, Left Wing Yan." Artoria and Minerva bowed again, this time with sincere gratitude. They had received clear permission and a space of goodwill.
"Mm." Keisha nodded slightly, appearing somewhat listless as she leaned back onto the throne, "If there is nothing else, you may withdraw. Hexi should still have words for you. As for Minerva..." Her gaze fell on Minerva's projection again, paused, "Comprehend this brand-new existence well. The path to the future lies at your own feet."
"We will strictly follow the Queen's teachings." Artoria and Minerva responded in unison.
Keisha said no more and waved her hand casually.
Artoria understood, bowed slightly again, then took Minerva's hand, turned around, and under Angel Yan's signal, slowly withdrew from the Royal Court.
Walking out of the palace door, bathing in the light of the Merlot Heavenly Court again, Artoria sighed with relief. The meeting went smoothly; for the next few years, they had a stable place to stay.
"We can... finally have a good rest." Minerva's voice rang in her consciousness, carrying a hint of relieved lightness.
"Yes," Artoria tightened her grip on their joined hands, a truly relaxed smile appearing on her face, "Ten years... no, it has been too long, too long. Let's go home first, and then... enjoy a few days of doing nothing and thinking about nothing. As for the future, when we are ready, we will discuss it slowly."
"Mm, I'll listen to you." Minerva responded softly, a shallow and bright smile on her projected face.
The two walked together, their figures gradually fading in the teleportation light, heading towards the Silver Moon Observatory, that temporary, yet "home" full of peace of mind and warmth.
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