Honkai Diary: Start With Picking Up A White-Haired Treasure

Zeke spent the night at Schicksal Headquarters.

The room was elegantly minimalist, avoiding any impression of cheapness. Though sparsely furnished, the bed offered exceptional softness and comfort. As soon as his head touched the pillow, drowsiness gently washed over him.

'I believe the situation at the Oceania Branch should be resolved now. With Welt handling it and my emergency communication line remaining inactive, there likely haven't been any complications. Once back, I should prepare some rewards for Kiana and the others, don't you think?'

'Too bad; being at Schicksal Headquarters makes direct communication with them rather unsafe.'

'Otto... His patience truly exceeds expectations, engaging me in idle chatter for hours on end, seemingly quite enthusiastic. Is it due to novelty or because of my new theoretical findings?'

'Durandal, as expected from one of Otto's future trump cards, warrants close attention.'

'Schicksal Headquarters, Otto's stronghold... In my previous life, I never dared dream of setting foot here, let alone staying overnight with this identity...'

After these various thoughts raced through his mind, Zeke finally closed his eyes, gradually emptying his thoughts.

It had been an entire day without petting that silly white-haired fluffball, and even now, he couldn't hear her customary goodnight message before sleep.

As Zeke shut his eyes, he slightly furrowed his brow, feeling somewhat uneasy but determined to overcome it.

As Zeke prepared for bed, one last hazy thought flickered through his mind—I hope that little dummy doesn't kick off her blankets tonight.

"Achoo!"

Due to the time difference, it was roughly two hours later at the orphanage than where Zeke was, but beneath them lay the same starlit sky and night. Sitting on the roof, Kiana gazed up at the moon when she suddenly sneezed.

"It's cold out here tonight. Bronya suggests you go back inside to sleep."

"...Why is it you?" Kiana muttered with a pout.

The quiet appearance behind her, accompanied by that cool voice—if not for its milky loli tone, she might have mistaken it for Zeke returning.

"According to Alliance Leader Welt, Zeke's journey will take anywhere from three to five days at minimum, or even up to a month. We can't expect him back anytime soon."

"I know... But I just can't stay calm! It's Otto we're talking about. You're well aware of what my dumb dad could be facing right now, aren't you?"

"You must trust Zeke; he wouldn't embark on this mission without good reason."

"Hmm, I do trust Zeke... So, do you happen to know where he hid Judgment of Shamash?" Kiana turned and winked at Bronya.

Bronya covered her face, shaking her head with a sigh:

"Sigh. Zeke likely concealed Judgment of Shamash before leaving precisely to prevent your impulsiveness. What, are you still intent on rushing to your doom?"

"I'm not that gullible. If Zeke said one month, I'll wait for him until then. But if he still doesn't return...with or without Judgment of Shamash, I'm going to find him."

Bronya shook her head again and sat down next to Kiana.

"Bronya wouldn't tell you even if she knew," she replied.

"Pfft! We're comrades, at least give me some leeway here, huh? Hmph!" Kiana stuck out her tongue and huffed indignantly.

Bronya merely watched her, unamused but also not angry. A rare gentleness flickered within those clear, pool-like eyes as she continued, "Sin is waiting downstairs too, trying to get access rights to the black armor from me. You two are so alike. Rushing things won't help anyone. As you've already mentioned, we have another month left. And if you catch a cold now, how could you assist Zeke later?"

"Hmm, I guess you're right."

"Let's go inside. Bronya will make us a late-night snack."

"Sounds good."

Kiana took Bronya's extended hand, and they both stood up together.

Just before jumping off the roof, Kiana suddenly grabbed hold of Bronya.

"Yes, what is it?"

"Um, Bronya, your hacking skills are top-notch, right?"

"Zeke and Dr. Tesla have tutored me extensively. To be honest, infiltrating Schicksal's systems would be no issue. Are you asking me to check on Zeke's situation?"

"Uh... There's one more thing." Kiana took a deep breath, as if making up her mind.

Bronya tilted her head quizzically. "What is it?"

"Well, umm... Could you help me check if my dad has any other important family or friends within Schicksal?"

"Why do you want to know that?"

"Aiya, anything about my dad concerns me too! He's still asleep, and he never told me before, but I need to understand why he was so determined to infiltrate Schicksal, right? If possible, I'd like to fulfill his wish before he wakes up."

Kiana spoke earnestly.

Bronya sensed something wasn't quite right—why hadn't she asked Zeke earlier? Wouldn't his investigation be faster and more accurate? But considering Kiana's forgetful nature, it seemed reasonable enough, and there didn't appear to be any issues with her request.

So Bronya nodded and said, "No problem, Bronya will help you investigate."

"Great, thanks a lot! Next time, I'll treat you to some cake," Kiana replied with a smile.

Then, Bronya rubbed her arms, shivering slightly, and stated expressionlessly:

"If there's nothing else, let's go downstairs. You might not feel cold, but I certainly am."

"Okay, okay."

The next day, sunlight streamed through the window.

Weather conditions were irrelevant; the City of Air floated above the clouds, so regardless of its location, it always enjoyed clear skies.

"Ah..." Zeke opened his eyes and exhaled, welcoming a new day.

He sat up and turned to look toward the bedside.

Clad in black-and-white maid attire, her shapely legs encased in sheer stockings, slender waist like a willow branch, full bosom, radiant fair skin, and exquisite face adorned with a gracious smile—there she stood by the bed, modest yet breathtakingly beautiful.

"You look stunning."

Zeke rubbed away some slight teariness at the corners of his eyes, offering a relaxed, calm compliment.

The girl's smile grew even more enchanting as she gently bowed and said,

"It is my honor, Lord Zeke."

"So, why are you standing beside my bed, Rita Rossweisse?"

"The archbishop has given orders: Starting today until your departure, Rita will be responsible for attending to your daily needs, Lord Zeke. If there's anything lacking or unsatisfactory, please do not hesitate to bring it to my attention. Also, just call me Rita, Lord Zeke."

Rita responded gently, her soft smile and naturally charming voice creating a soothing ambiance even early in the morning.

Zeke lifted the blanket, showing neither surprise nor any signs of bashfulness like a flustered young boy might. Instead, he casually asked:

"Judging by your performance yesterday and this attire, have you received maid training? Does Schicksal's Valkyrie education include such courses?"

"As our missions require us to face diverse environments, apart from conventional combat training, we also undergo various skill-based courses. Maid training is just one insignificant aspect among them. Due to my interest and the responsibility entrusted to me for caring for Lady Durandal, I opted for maid training and graduated with perfect scores. According to Schicksal's standards, I possess the skills of a highly proficient professional maid. Hopefully, I won't disappoint Lord Zeke."

Rita replied with an appropriate smile, neither surprised by Zeke's lack of knowledge on this topic nor displaying any embarrassment or pride; she maintained her humble grace throughout.

Zeke nodded, then with a stoic expression said, "Please help me get dressed. For breakfast, I'd like something Shenzhou-style. If you can prepare it, go ahead; this will be a good opportunity to assess your culinary skills."

"As you wish, Lord Zeke!" Rita bowed and skillfully assisted Zeke in changing out of his nightgown into...a long robe bearing a striking resemblance to Otto's archbishop attire.