Drip, drip...
Pale green tea poured into the pure white ceramic cup with blue floral patterns, releasing a faint aroma of grass and wood. The steam gently rose, and when the flow of tea stopped, no bubbles remained.
Exquisite tea-making.
Hera silently praised herself as she gracefully completed the process, placing the teapot down gently. She then used both hands to offer the teacups to Sigurd and Fu Hua, her movements so elegant she resembled a fairy stepping out of a painting.
"This is the latest tea from Schicksal plantation. It's top-quality and very fresh. Please, old friends, savor it."
In the secret chamber of Anti-Entropy's headquarters, Hera spoke cheerfully to the two, her soft voice as pleasant as the sound of a morning lark in the woods.
Fu Hua lifted the cup and slowly brought it to her lips.
"Sip~~"
"Good tea ✧(≖◡≖✿)!"
Her eyes brightened at the taste, clearly impressed with the traditional Chinese tea and brewing technique.
Hera smiled warmly.
"The latest batch has already been sent to Taixu Mountain. If you run out, feel free to come to me, my old friend."
"Oh, how can I…"
Gulp, gulp, gulp...
While the two exchanged pleasantries, Sigurd, with a blank face, tilted his head back and gulped the hot tea in one go. His manner was so rough, it made one question if he appreciated tea at all. He slammed the cup back onto the table without any ceremony.
"Hey! Don't you know how to appreciate anything? The Archbishop herself brewed this tea. Only a few people in the world get this treatment. Show some respect!"
Hera pouted her small, pink lips and crossed her arms, looking slightly displeased, like a lively girl.
Sigurd, with dead-fish eyes, glanced at her without saying a word.
Hera dropped her pretense, laughing playfully as she addressed both of them.
"Thank you both for taking care of Theresa. I will certainly keep my promise regarding the reward. Please continue to pay attention to her in the future. I am deeply grateful!"
Fu Hua glanced at Sigurd, who only yawned in response, and then turned to Hera, nodding.
"It was the right thing to do. Principal Theresa is an outstanding warrior, and I couldn't stand by while she was being attacked... though you were the first one to interfere with her mind."
Fu Hua sighed, unsure how to evaluate Otto's actions.
Hera's smile faded slightly, and after a pause, she sighed softly.
"I just wanted to protect her."
"By sealing her consciousness and interfering with her mind?"
"What other choice did I have? With Theresa's personality and her feelings for Cecilia, if I hadn't imposed some limits, she would've resisted long ago… in fact, she already did, back then. I only stopped her in time. In short, I have goals that must be achieved, and I won't hesitate against any obstacles in my way."
"So, even if Theresa stood in your path, as your granddaughter, you would still…"
Fu Hua paused.
The answer came not from Hera's words but from her serene smile as she held her cup, her face shrouded in the tea's steam. That smile seemed almost illusory.
Fu Hua understood Hera's answer.
If Theresa wasn't restrained, she would block Otto's path and eventually be removed by him.
From that perspective, Otto's actions were indeed a form of protection for Theresa.
Twisted as it was, his concern for her was genuine.
Fu Hua pressed her lips together.
She could understand that mindset... For a long time, her own mentality had been similarly fanatical, willing to kill even those close to her for the sake of her goals. It wasn't until Sigurd repaired her physical injuries and the Book of Fuxi helped restore her mind that she gained a new viewpoint.
"Don't let yourself reach a point of no return, Otto."
"Are you concerned for me, old friend?"
"Yes. No matter what, your contributions to the world are undeniable. If you could return to the right path… I would be willing to bear your sins with you and do everything I can to help you find redemption."
"Oh, listen to you talk, as if someone actually has the authority to judge me. Isn't that right, Sigurd?"
Hera nonchalantly set down her cup, smiling as she looked at Sigurd, who was about to fall asleep.
Sigurd squinted at her, resting his head on his hand, and slowly replied, "If you have something to say, hurry up. I'm really tired, Benares' genes are useful, but traveling all the way from the moon to here was exhausting."
"More importantly, you've also had to subdue that new Herrscher core. That's the main reason you're tired, isn't it?" Hera pointed to the gem hanging from Sigurd's waist and winked.
Sigurd swatted her hand away.
"The Herrscher of Ice is all yours. Besides, I got this gem myself... don't even think about it."
"As if I would dare! My hopes all rest on you now. How could I afford to offend the great Sigurd at a time like this?" Hera said, twisting her body in an exaggerated gesture.
It looked beautiful.
But both Fu Hua and Sigurd turned their heads away uncomfortably at the same time.
"Hey! What's with you two?"
"Aren't you embarrassed, acting like that?"
"I've lived for 500 years. Do you really think I care about gender norms anymore?"
"...It seems that psychological adjustment for immortals should indeed be prioritized," Sigurd said, perking up.
He couldn't help it. The thought of himself in 500 years turning into something like Otto….better to end things early.
Hera spread her hands with a sly smile.
"Take your time. Now, let's talk business. Fu Hua, did you find any clues from Theresa's consciousness? I have to admit, whoever interfered with her mind did a remarkable job. If I hadn't been visiting little Theresa frequently in the guise of Cecilia, even I might not have noticed that someone had tampered with her mind after I did!"
Hera squinted, a dangerous chill seeping from her sapphire-like eyes. Her own meddling in Theresa's consciousness was to protect her, ensuring her beloved granddaughter could live a long, happy life.
But for someone else to lay hands on her precious granddaughter? That was an entirely different matter.
Fu Hua frowned slightly.
"If we're talking about important discoveries… like you, I was struck by how skillful the interference was. Had you not warned me, I might've overlooked the abnormalities."
"Even you say that?" Hera's face showed a hint of surprise.
Sigurd too was taken aback.
"If even Fu Hua acknowledges this, then it's likely the work of a Herrscher of the consciousness realm from this era—or perhaps an ancient figure from the previous era with expertise in similar fields. I can't think of anyone else who could reach this level."
Sigurd frowned, rubbing his chin.
<+>
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