Chapitre 267: Stars reflect in my eyes, and when I close them, all I see is you.
His face lit up with a big, healthy smile, showing off his teeth, and he gave a thumbs up.
Seeing this, Theresa felt her spirits sink even further.
The Herrscher of Sentience standing before her looked more like a troublesome student than anything else. Despite her appearance, she seemed very real, especially considering all the battles scattered throughout the game's plot.
Theresa didn't want another Herrscher in the academy; there were already too many.
If things kept going this way, the infamous reputation of her Far East Demon Cave would be cemented. It might even become part of the textbooks someday.
Imagine this: travel brochures often highlight historical landmarks, ancient relics, and local delicacies like food, tea, and wine as tourist attractions.
But for St. Freya, the main draw is the Herrscher Class, and its unique feature is the manipulation of the Herrscher Core.
Just thinking about this makes me feel like my fate is cursed and my future looks bleak. St. Freya can't, and shouldn't… turn into that under my watch.
"No, our specialty will not be the core of the Herrscher, unless someone convinces the Herrscher of Domination and then injects Ellie... ahem, pink energy. "
Luo Mo interrupted her train of thought and reminded her kindly.
After all, the other party has already started mumbling to himself, so he must give some response... The principal cannot fall down now.
"It's not all your fault!?" Theresa exclaimed, her face pale with anger. "Why do you like the Herrschers so much? You've practically turned the whole class into Herrschers!" She got off the sofa, slipped her feet into cool plastic slippers, and looked at Luo Mo with confusion.
"Oh? I like Herrschers. They have a future. Herrschers are powerful. The fight against Honkai depends entirely on them," the Herrscher of Sentience responded cheerfully.
In her original world, she had come to understand this deeply. Reflecting on it, she realized that those who claimed she were not Fu Hua were all relying on Herrscher powers.
"This, this is different..."
"Oh? What's different?"
"All the Herrschers have come to me. At least one should be assigned to each base. There are even rumors that the principal of St. Freya Academy has so many troops that one day she might rebel and conquer Schicksal, just like in the game..." Theresa said, tilting her head slightly and awkwardly expressing her true thoughts.
"Haha—really? Theresa, I didn't expect you to have such potential. But for the sake of old antiques, when you decide to make your move, take me with you!"
Herrscher of Sentience still had no idea and said jokingly, anyway, in her memory, this little dwarf was pretty good and easy to talk to.
"But," Theresa continued, her voice tinged with sadness, "so far, all the Herrschers... well, there's still one Herrscher whose awakening is uncertain. It's too much. If you want to joke about rebellion, don't do it at my expense. I already have enough trouble managing the academy. Why would I want to take on even more?" She was genuinely confused and upset.
Why would anyone think she would go against her own grandmother?
"Come to think of it, herrscher… is Sirin still alive?" The Herrscher of Sentience mused, tilting her head in thought.
After a moment, she quickly dismissed the idea.
"Well, I'm sleepy. I'm going to head back to sleep now, Theresa," she said, waving as a farewell.
"Alright, Principal, we'll see each other again next time," Fu Hua added with a nod to Theresa, preparing to leave as well.
This left Principal Theresa alone to handle the extra work for the time being. Of course, perhaps even more burdened by this situation was Himeko, the teacher of the Herrscher class.
…
At the same time, on the other side of the academy...
"Achoo! Ahhh—" Himeko sneezed loudly, while the person next to her opened their mouth wide, trying but failing to sneeze.
"Who's talking bad about me? I have this nagging feeling that something bad is going to happen," she muttered.
Looking at the class directory, she mentally pictured each student's face. "Damn it, it really has turned into a Herrscher class. Just look at how many of them there are," she murmured, rubbing her temples in frustration.
If she hadn't been feeling much better after getting that stigmata, and if she weren't clearly the best choice to teach this class, she would have considered resigning by now.
"Theresa will have to beg me when the time comes ~ Haha—" Himeko mused, imagining Theresa's constant worry that her school might explode and the helpless complaints she shared.
The thought made Himeko feel a bit better, and a smile crept onto her lips as she flipped through the book in her hand.
"It's okay, Anna," she reassured herself, "but it would be a real headache if the new Herrscher of Sentience from the game shows up too... I didn't expect it to get this complicated."
She thought about Fu Hua, who had always been the least troublesome student, and now, as the Herrscher, she was ironically the least of their worries. "Is this some kind of twist in the main theme, a complete shift in personality?" Himeko smiled helplessly at the irony.
She didn't realize it, but another Herrscher was emerging.
A new Herrscher has appeared, how can we stand still ~
...
When it came to deciding whether Little Senti should attend classes, there was some discussion, but eventually, she agreed to give it a try.
Luo Mo's persuasion was a mix of affection and logic, making it clear that the only class awaiting her would be the one everyone talked about.
"Huh? You want all the Herrschers to gather in one class? What nonsense is this? I'm not going to any class," the Herrscher of Sentience frowned.
how could the great Herrscher of Sentience go to class?
"But, there are many other Herrschers in that class," Luo Mo reasoned persuasively.
"Still don't want to go -"
"The subject you'll be studying is psychology. Not the fluffy kind like Vill-V's, but the real deal, including topics like deception and abduction," Luo Mo explained.
The Herrscher of Sentience pondered his words. Was he insinuating that she could turn into a scammer like Old Antique? What a ridiculous thought, she thought, feeling a surge of disdain.
"Fu Hua will be there too. Besides her voiceover work, she actually spends the most time in class on other activities," Luo Mo added, trying to persuade her.
"Ahem—well, actually, going to class isn't such a bad idea after all..." the Herrscher coughed twice, seemingly agreeing with the idea.
"So, are you going or not?"
"Of course I'm going! Why wouldn't I? I've been curious for ages to see the kind of environment that can cultivate so many Herrschers. I want to witness firsthand what kind of place could nurture such remarkable individuals!" The Herrscher of Sentience spoke convincingly, unconsciously puffing out her chest to show her determination.
Besides, in both worlds, this academy is like a paradise for Herrschers, and she's been itching to experience it for herself for a while now.
...
After Luo Mo returned home, Kongming returned home as well, or more accurately, to Theresa's home.
Theresa still hadn't fully recovered from the aftermath of just joining the Herrscher side.
She sat there blankly, staring into space, not even bothering to tidy up the comic books scattered on the table. The thought of reading them didn't even cross her mind.
She couldn't shake the feeling that more and more Herrschers were popping up in her school, which only added to her unhappiness.
"You seem a bit off... Are you feeling okay?" Kongming spoke softly and slowly, her hands moving with grace as she tended to the teapots.
Her delicate fingers glided between them, handling them with care as she heated them, prepared the tea leaves, brewed the tea, savored its aroma, and finally took a sip, all in one smooth motion.
Her fluid movements were a sight to behold, and even the wide cuffs of her sleeves didn't hinder her gracefulness.
She lifted the tea cup, blew on it gently, and glanced sideways at Theresa and Luo Mo, who were engrossed in checking information.
It was impossible to miss that she shared the same blue eyes as Theresa, but her demeanor was completely different. Luo Mo couldn't help but feel amazed; it was quite peculiar.
Even Theresa, who had previously been captivated by the Herrschers scattered throughout the future academy, was drawn by the scent of tea. She turned her attention towards Kongming and couldn't help but sigh.
"As the principal of this academy, I have a responsibility to ensure its safety. If there are more Herrschers, there will undoubtedly be more risks.
How can I not be concerned?" Theresa expressed her frustration, picking up the steaming cup of tea beside her and taking a slow sip.
She attempted to mimic Kongming's posture but ended up with a slightly twisted and awkward expression on her face.
" It's not as good as bitter melon juice! "
In response to Theresa's remark, Kongming raised her eyebrows. "Have you ever considered that maybe it's your taste buds that are the problem? Most people enjoy drinking tea instead of that strange juice," she pointed out with a hint of amusement.
Seeing this, Luo Mo, who had already picked up a cup to taste, nodded enthusiastically. He had been wanting to say something about Theresa's peculiar taste buds for a while now.
According to common sense, she cannot be artificially Lifeform in this world, but she still likes bitter melon juice so much, which makes him confused.
Could this be seen as some kind of powerful force keeping the timelines consistent? Because Theresa's counterpart in another world likes bitter melon juice, does that mean Theresa here must like it too?
It's a curious thought, much like wondering why Theresa's height seems to be the same across different worlds.
Alright, let's steer clear of that touchy subject. There's no need to delve deeper into that potentially dangerous territory.
"You!" Theresa shot a glance at Luo Mo. "Bitter melon juice is obviously delicious, but you don't like it."
"Have you ever thought that the Herrscher situation might be similar? Maybe you're just overthinking it," Kongming said lightly.
She wasn't fully aware of this world's history, where Herrschers were seen as humanity's enemies, a fact ingrained in the minds of Schicksal's warriors from their textbooks.
"...I admit that my love for bitter melon juice might be a bit unusual," Theresa conceded, "but the Herrscher issue is widely recognized in the entire educational community. My Far East Demon Cave—ah, no, Saint Freya—has made other branches so wary that they're afraid to visit. Even when I go to visit them, I have to review and approve the personnel list repeatedly."
Theresa complained bitterly. Compared to the reputation of her school, she considered herself quite normal.
The person who caused all this chaos was still leisurely drinking tea, which only made Theresa feel more resentful.
There was a time when others constantly complained about the high operating expenses of the Far East Branch. She hated having to depend on others and look at their disapproving faces. But now, the situation had reversed so quickly.
Once people started suspecting that Saint Freya was plotting to rebel against the headquarters, just like in the game, everyone was instantly shocked. The communication channels were closed, and no one mentioned cutting her funding anymore.
Okay maybe it's because of a certain class full of Herrscher but…
Even though the outcome seemed favorable, the situation was unfolding step by step exactly as she had predicted—though not in the way she had hoped.
Despite achieving her goals, she still felt uneasy. There was a nagging feeling that something was off, and she couldn't shake it.
"Tsk, it seems like it's not easy for you either," Kongming remarked, looking at Theresa with a newfound empathy rather than continuing to argue.
Theresa shook her head, feeling a mix of emotions. She understood that life had to go on, no matter how challenging it became. Her expression reflected an indescribable state of awareness, feeling both the warmth of empathy and the coldness of her responsibilities.
"There are some troubles that can't be helped," Theresa thought. "Himeko will just have to manage on her own and hope for the best. I hope she can handle this situation gracefully."
With that, Theresa resigned herself to stepping back from her duties, becoming more of a hands-off leader.
She hoped that this approach would allow her to deal with the mounting challenges while giving her a bit of respite from the constant stress.
"Oh? By the way, the bottle of sweet-scented osmanthus wine is almost ready. It's not aged, but we can still enjoy it. Mr. Assassin, are you free tonight?" Kongming asked casually as she made her way upstairs, sounding offhand but with a hint of anticipation.
"Huh? Sure, let's have a drink when you have time," Luo Mo replied, a bit surprised but quickly agreeing. He had never seen Kongming drink up close, so why wouldn't he take advantage of such a unique opportunity?
"That's good," she said, glancing back at him with a fleeting smile that quickly vanished.
...
After some time, Luo Mo and Kongming found themselves drinking in the courtyard.
They raised their glasses, capturing the moon's reflection in their drinks. It was as if the moon was not only in their glasses but also in their eyes and their hearts, creating a harmonious trio of moons.
The bright moonlight cascaded down like a waterfall, its silver rays quietly spreading across the courtyard like a gentle, flowing stream.
The night stretched on, the evening breeze gently rustling through the leaves.
The moon shone brightly overhead, its light mingling with the twinkling stars that filled the sky.
The serene beauty of the night reflected in their eyes, creating a moment of peaceful connection between them and the tranquil, luminous night.
~ ~ ~
I don't wait all night for a single cup; sometimes, I come here just to unwind and enjoy the elegance of the moment.
The evening breeze rustles the treetops, carrying the scent of flowers from the neighboring garden. The scene of trees and flowers comes alive before my eyes.
At night, the once noisy world becomes quiet and serene, adding a unique charm to the surroundings.
The clear night sky is a spectacle, with stars cascading like a waterfall. The bright moon shines brilliantly, the Big Dipper stands out vividly, and thousands of stars twinkle in the sky, weaving together a mesmerizing tapestry.
In this calm night, the stars reflect in my eyes, and when I close them, all I see is you.
___
As Luo Mo gazed up at the stars, a radiant moon seemed to sparkle in his eyes, emitting a particularly dazzling light.
The emotions flickering in his eyes were almost indiscernible, but the first thing he felt was sheer beauty—beauty that touched the depths of his soul.
"So, why do you always enjoy teasing others? Like Theresa, do you do it just to see their amusing reactions?" she asked, sitting upright on the stone bench.
The night air was a bit chilly, making her feel a tad uncomfortable. She furrowed her brows momentarily, but then quickly relaxed them.
Taking a sip of Wine, she continued, her tone playful and light, as if engaging in an ordinary conversation.
That was sweet-scented Osmanthus wine, the very same wine she brewed based on her memories.
As for why she chose this particular wine... well, it holds a special significance for her. It was the wine she shared with him when they first met. She still remembers his wry smile as he promised to pour her another glass as soon as he finished his own.
Although she's not one to easily believe in superstitions, how could there be such undeniable truth in the world?
Yet, after he drank that wine, she couldn't help but believe.
She wonders if he even realizes now that she drank the same Osmanthus wine...
Hmm, it wouldn't hurt to give it a try, she thought to herself.
"Because... I guess I'm just afraid of being alone," Luo Mo replied with a smile, though he wasn't entirely sure if it was the truth. Truth or not... he'd long struggled with distinguishing between the two. It's hard to pinpoint why we do certain things.
He inhaled the rich aroma of the wine in his cup, noting its light and fresh floral scent. He hesitated for a moment before taking a sip.
Luo Mo wasn't much of a drinker. Even at social gatherings, he made sure to keep his alcohol intake in check, hovering between tipsy and sober. Plus, being at home this time, he had no qualms about indulging a bit.
With that in mind, he took a tentative sip, finding the taste quite pleasant to his liking.
"Lonely..." Kongming was taken aback by the unexpected response, feeling a bit puzzled.
"Yeah, lonely... Sometimes I wonder if it's all just a dream," the other person continued, their voice tinged with uncertainty.
"To be honest, I haven't known them since childhood, or even this world," He explained further, his thoughts unraveling slowly.
"I've always been afraid that one day they'll leave me, so I keep my distance. But at the same time, the bond between us is so compelling, I can't help but want to be a part of it. So, I find myself drawing closer again, seeking the warmth they offer, like a fire that soothes the soul."
Luo Mo spoke as if he been holding onto these thoughts for a long time, and now that he had someone to confide in, the words poured out in one breath.
"This is... the truth or a lie?"
In the end, Luo Mo couldn't resist the temptation and took a sip of the wine. Its floral aroma was quite enchanting, and he found himself enjoying it.
As he continued to gaze at the stars, he reassured himself that he wouldn't get too drunk; he could handle himself just fine.
Seeing him take another sip, Kongming couldn't help but smile, though her expression was hidden behind her wine glass, out of Luo Mo's view.
She was convinced that this time he would end up getting a bit tipsy.
"Lie ~ " he whispered, a smile tugging at his lips, finding the situation amusing for some inexplicable reason.
"Humph, I always knew you were like this, never able to tell the truth," Kongming muttered, her grip tightening on the wine glass until her fingertips turned white from the pressure.
Despite her frustration, she wasn't angry. Tonight, she was determined to uncover the truth, no matter what.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone