Under the blue sky and white clouds, an invisible transport ship was rapidly cutting through the sky, speeding towards New Zealand, far across the ocean.
In the comfortable and luxurious cabin, Rita Rossweisse added drinks for the blonde girl and the blonde youth who sat opposite each other. The girl received refreshing and delicious sparkling water, while the young man was served a pure red 1982 premium cola.
"Black tea will do, thank you," Otto Apocalypse said without looking up while flipping through a diary.
Rita secretly thought it was a pity but replaced the drink as instructed. She thoughtfully placed a straw in Durandal's sparkling water. Durandal then held the straw in her mouth and took a sip, saying to Otto with some hesitation:
"My Lord Bishop, do we need to be so serious? If it's just me and Rita, it's fine, but you are very valuable. Do you really need to go directly to the site of that experiment?"
Durandal wasn't afraid Otto would get into trouble. First, she was confident in her and Rita's strength, and second, she knew about Otto's many backup lives. But the majesty of the archbishop needed to be carefully maintained. The Herrscher experiment in New Zealand was unprecedented, and there were too many variables. Durandal believed Otto wasn't suitable for such a tedious occasion.
Otto continued reading something attentively, smiling calmly:
"Durandal, Rita, the significance of this experiment is far greater than you think, and I really need to witness it myself."
"?" ×2
Seeing their confusion, Otto explained while flipping through the book.
"This is not only the first artificial Herrscher but also a preview of the Sirin Plan. Its success will add greater confidence to our strategic goals. I want to witness it in person; I must witness it in person."
Otto closed the notebook, picked up the black tea, and smiled warmly, like a spring breeze.
Durandal and Rita nodded half-knowingly.
Although they still didn't fully understand the importance Otto placed on this, since the archbishop had decided, they would naturally comply.
Then Otto pushed the notebook over, motioning for the two S-level Valkyries to check it.
"Lord Durandal, please let Rita open it."
Rita bent down and leaned into Durandal very naturally, her head touching hers. With graceful fingers, she opened the diary that Otto had always read with relish.
[April 13, 2011, Rain - the fourth anniversary of my mother's death. I put a flower in the corner of the yard. I wonder if my mother can see it? I secretly asked the maid to buy this diary. I hope it won't be discovered.]
[July 6, 2011, sunny—Dad stayed here for three days. He asked me to take off my clothes and took many photos. His hands were sweaty and uncomfortable. I didn't like it.]
[December 3, 2011, snowy—I found I grew 1cm taller today. He took photos of me again. The cake he brought was very sweet, but I didn't like it.]
[March 6, 2012, sunny—After taking photos, I was held for a long time before I put on clothes. I saw he was in a good mood, so I told him I wanted to go to school, and I was slapped.]
[July 10, 2012, rainy—The maid disappeared. I know where she went. I heard her screams. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. Mom, can you help me take care of her? That person is not Dad.]
[February 24, 2013, rainy—His eyes are getting more and more scary. I have no ability to resist. Weapons are meaningless. Kitchen knives are toys to him, and even less of a threat to him. What should I do?]
[June 13, 2013, Rain - My body hurts. I hope this is just a dream, but I know it's not. Mom also experienced this kind of thing in his cage? Kill him... Kill him (tears)...]
[September 17, 2013, Rain - He said there is a very important experiment, and if successful, you can gain very powerful power. He said that this power must be in the hands of his own people. I agree. Yes, I need power.]
"Beast!!" Durandal slammed the table and stood up, her finger bones clenching the table so tightly they left deep dents on the metal surface.
The charming smile on Rita's lips also disappeared, and the cold light of blood flashed in her deep red eyes.
Otto raised his hand, motioning for them to calm down.
"The protagonist of the diary is Delta, the subject of this experiment. As for 'him,' he is not only Delta's biological father but also the powerful head of the Oceania branch, and a disgusting beast. Read this diary, and you will understand your mission."
Durandal took a few deep breaths before sitting down. Rita continued to flip through the diary.
After a long time, the two Valkyries, suppressing their anger and murderous intent, closed the notebook and looked up at Otto.
"There are three possibilities for this experiment," Otto began.
"The first is that the experiment fails, and Delta dies. The second is that the experiment is half-successful, and Delta is controlled by Honkai. The third is that the experiment succeeds, and Delta kills the branch chief herself."
"But no matter the result, your task remains the same. Whichever is the outcome, Durandal, ensure the branch's safety. Rita, eliminate the branch chief and his dark underlings. This is your mission in New Zealand."
Otto picked up the diary, stroked the cover, and calmly said, getting the expected firm reply:
"Yes, Archbishop!" ×2
"Delta is very smart and hid the diary well. Our people only had the chance to record its contents when she went to do experiments. From it, you can see that this poor girl, trapped in darkness, now, she a special liking for another flower who was also enduring darkness but blooming strongly."
"You mean, use Wendy to control Delta after the experiment succeeds?" Rita looked at the notebook in Otto's hand and said thoughtfully.
For a poor child like Delta, who had been in darkness for so long, this plan seemed cruel.
However, if it was for the sake of defeating Honkai, if it was for the sake of the world, Rita and Durandal could suppress their reluctance.They could treat the child better in the future and make her happier. This plan was acceptable.
Otto looked at the clouds outside the plane window and smiled without saying a word.
"Delta, let me witness you defeating pain and even Honkai's control for Wendy. As long as you can do it, then K423 will definitely succeed."
This was an unexpected surprise, and Otto would witness everything that happened next with pure expectations and blessings.
...
"For everyone in Saint Freya, it is most important to arouse sympathy and let their kindness resonate."
"For the 'elders' of Anti-Entropy, let them discover the 'truth' themselves. Let them see the 'true face' they have never seen. The deeper and more complex the 'facts' they see with their own eyes, the more they will believe it."
"For the Master, the key is to be tough."
"And for Otto, a mastermind who has worked hard and been at ease for 500 years, he must be allowed to 'control' everything. Give him clues, let him write the script he wants, and let him 'personally' push the situation to what he expects. Only then will he believe it!"
In the gentle sea breeze, Delta nestled in Wendy's soft arms and drank hot water, as she listened to the Angels in the theater analyzing the layout so far.
Although it made sense, although it had been confirmed that the carefully prepared diary had been read by outsiders, and although the various settings about the branch director and his identity had been arranged to the most realistic degree based on the actual situation, the audience this time was Otto.
Delta still felt the heavy pressure under her indifferent expression.
"Delta, are you nervous about tomorrow's experiment?"
"I am a little nervous, but if Wendy kisses me, I will feel much better."
"...Saying such strange things again. Am I a panacea? You, you are really helpless."
Wendy complained but lowered her head and kissed Delta on the cheek. Wendy no longer thought about whether she was shy. Until the experiment was successful, she could no longer refuse any request from Delta.
"Are you feeling better?"
"Much better. With Wendy here, I have the strength of a thousand people~~"
Delta said with a smile, and there seemed to be no more worries and fears in her rising tone.
Wendy's eyes were full of anxiety. She was silent and hugged Delta tighter.
How nice it would be if she could never let go like this.
Want to see advanced chapters? Chapters 1-200+ available at patréon.com/PorterOfSomething