The Unexpected Situation

As I slowly regained consciousness, I found myself lying on the ground, with Rita kneeling beside me. Her hand gently cupped my cheek as she looked down at me with a playful smile.

"Ugh... What happened? Why am I... on the ground?" I groaned, trying to piece together the events that led to my current predicament.

"Ara? You woke up earlier than I expected," Rita said, her tone light and teasing.

"Rita...?"

"Yes, Master Shin?" Rita replied with a smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"What happened to Durandal?"

"Master Durandal? She already left a while."

"Is... that so..." I muttered, processing the information. Despite the soreness in my body, I couldn't help but smile back at Rita.

"Why are you smiling all of a sudden? Did something happen in your dreams?" Rita teased.

"Nope... It's just... I feel like I slightly improved."

"Fufu~ I wouldn't call that improved, but yes, you did." Rita chuckled softly. "Come on, let's get you back on your feet."

I accepted her hand, allowing her to help me up. As I stood, I couldn't shake the curiosity that had been nagging at me.

"By the way, Rita?" I began, turning to face her.

"Yes, Master Shin?" 

"Why are you calling Durandal 'Master'?" 

Rita paused for a moment, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. "Interested in a maiden's secret?"

"...I guess I shouldn't have asked that?" I said with a sheepish grin, realizing my mistake.

"Fufu~ I'm glad you understand us maidens," Rita chuckled, her laughter echoing through the arena as we walked away together.

As we walked out of the arena, I noticed Bronya standing in front of us, her expression unreadable.

"Bronya?" I called out tentatively, unsure of what to expect.

"Shin..." Bronya's voice was cold and devoid of emotion.

"Erm... What are you doing here?"

"I am here to kill you," Bronya stated matter-of-factly, sending a chill down my spine.

...I didn't hear that right... Hold on..

"Come again?" I stammered, hoping I had misunderstood.

But Bronya's expression remained unchanged as she revealed her Project Bunny equipped with rocket launchers and lasers.

"Eh..? Bronya? W-wait... I can explain! Rita!" I turned to Rita, desperately seeking help.

"Yes? Master Shin?" Rita replied innocently, though a mischievous glint danced in her eyes.

"E-explain! You're the only one I could count on!"

"Hmmm~" Rita formed a mischievous smile, clearly enjoying the situation. "You were so rough, you know? The way you thrust your blade."

"Rita!?"

"I see... Normally I would forgive you with just rockets, but it seems you even crossed a line," Bronya continued, her tone playful.

"Wait! What!?"

I'll seriously die you know?! 

"But it's true though? You were really fast and rough and the way you handled your blade," Rita teased, feigning a blush.

But I could tell she was thoroughly enjoying herself at my expense.

"Fufu~ I think I take it back, Master Shin. You don't understand anything about us maidens," Rita chuckled, her tone teasing.

"Okay! I get it, I don't understand maidens, but would you please clear things up?!" I pleaded, feeling increasingly flustered by the situation.

"Well then... condolences." Rita bowed gracefully before vanishing into thin air.

"Wh-where did she go?!" I looked around frantically, but Rita was nowhere to be seen. Turning back to Bronya, I found her standing stoically, her Project Bunny armed and ready.

"Are you ready, Shin?" Bronya's voice was calm, but her eyes held a steely determination.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "I suppose I have no choice but to be."

Just as Bronya was about to unleash her arsenal of lasers and rocket launchers, Wendy suddenly intervened, positioning herself between us.

"Wait! Bronya-oneechan," Wendy exclaimed, her voice trembling with urgency.

"Subject Wendy, get out of the way," Bronya demanded, her tone firm and unwavering.

"T-There's a misunderstanding!" Wendy persisted, her eyes darting between Bronya and me.

"Misunderstanding? Explain," Bronya commanded, her patience wearing thin.

"S-Shin's love letter... I-It's not really a confession but a duel invitation!" Wendy blurted out, her words rushed and frantic. She then turned to me, gesturing towards my arms. "L-Look! There's bruises on his arms!"

I couldn't help but feel a swell of gratitude towards Wendy. "W-wendy..." I murmured, my voice choked with emotion. "Thank you... even though you know that I can't win in arguments against girls, you saved me from a dire situation."

Wendy's expression softened, a small smile gracing her lips. "After all... I would've done the same if it was actually a confession," she said, her tone taking on a hint of mischief as she locked eyes with me, her gaze piercing through my soul. "Right, Shin?"

E-eh...? That's scary.

"Y-Yeah...!" I stammered, feeling a bead of sweat forming on my brow.

With Wendy's intervention, the tension in the air seemed to dissipate slightly, and I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for her timely assistance.

"I see... So it was just a duel," Bronya remarked, her tone softening as she lowered the lasers and rocket launchers. "I understand."

Relief flooded through me, grateful that Bronya had taken Wendy's explanation in stride.

"But we still need to fix this awkwardness!" 

Wendy interjected cheerfully, seizing the opportunity to diffuse the tension. She grabbed my hand and pulled me towards Bronya. "How about you two should go on a date!~"

"Eh? I don't mind but... Bronya?" I turned to Bronya, uncertainty flickering in my eyes.

"Date..." Bronya murmured, her gaze downcast as she nodded in agreement.

"O-Oh."

"Perfect! Anyway! Let's go Bronya! You have a date tomorrow!" Wendy exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious as she grabbed Bronya's hand and led her away.

Since when did Wendy get so cheerful...?

"Tomorrow..." I repeated to myself, feeling a mixture of nervousness and excitement swirling within me as I contemplated the prospect of going on a date with Bronya.

Now that I think about it... What if... Wendy went berserk at the time on the mission in New Zealand.

Oh well, no need to go back to the past with 'What ifs'. the most important right now is the present and future.

I should plan on the date for tomorrow.

As I walked, thoughts whirled in my mind, pondering on what activities would be enjoyable for both of us.

"Hey, Shin!" Kiana's voice called out from behind me, causing me to turn around.

"Kiana? What's up?" I greeted her with a smile, trying to hide my inner turmoil.

"I heard about the date with Bronya! That's so exciting!" 

Where the hell did you hear that?!

"Yeah... It is."

"Don't worry, I'm here to help you plan!" Kiana declared, flashing me a reassuring grin.

"Thanks, Kiana. I appreciate it."

I can handle it myself but for now... Why not let her in?

Meanwhile, at Bronya's side, the room was filled with the rustle of fabric and nervous tension.

"Wendy... I don't know about this," Bronya murmured, her expression uncertain as she tugged at the hem of her skirt.

"It's okay, Bronya-oneechan, You look cute in that outfit!" Wendy exclaimed, her smile infectious as she adjusted one of the ribbons in Bronya's hair.

Bronya shifted uncomfortably, but a hint of a smile graced her lips at Wendy's enthusiasm. "But..."

Dressed in black-brown ribbons with white polka dots adorning her hair, a gray jacket with yellow cuff sleeves and silver clasps, topped with an orange shirt adorned with gold buttons, and a gray skirt, Bronya felt a bit out of her element.

"Besides tomorrow is a big day!"

"Thank you, Wendy... but it's still for tomorrow. Maybe we should get some rest now?" Bronya suggested, her relief palpable as she began to unfasten the silver clasps of her jacket.

Wendy pouted momentarily before nodding. "Alright then."

As Bronya eased out of her outfit, Wendy's curiosity sparked another conversation.

"By the way, Bronya-oneechan..."

Bronya glanced up, her attention drawn by the serious tone in Wendy's voice. "Yes, Wendy?"

"Do you... like Shin?"

Bronya froze, her breath catching in her throat as she struggled to find the right words. "...My feelings are... uncertain."

Wendy tilted her head, studying Bronya intently. "Hmm? But you seemed jealous when Shin received those love letters from other valkyries."

Bronya's cheeks flushed crimson, her gaze darting away. "Th-that's not true..."

Wendy leaned in closer, her expression softening. "But... Wendy also likes Shin too."

Bronya's eyes widened in surprise. "Eh?"

The room fell silent, filled only with the sound of their quiet breathing as they processed the unexpected revelation.