Chapter 25: The Fluttering Lily

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On the surface, it seemed like Bianka enjoyed a great rapport with these admirers, but in reality, fans and true friends are entirely different. Bianka often struggled to find common ground with them.

With the negotiations concluded, Ana and Bianka exited the bishop's office side by side.

The two leaned against the airport platform's railing, gazing at the bright moon above while engaging in casual conversation.

"What do you think of the Far East Branch led by Lady Theresa?" Ana pondered for a moment before responding earnestly:

"If possible, I'd hope every Valkyrie in Schicksal could spend some time training at Saint Freya Academy."

This sentiment reflected Ana's view of Saint Freya Academy: it served as an ideal haven for short-term training for Valkyries. However, for long-term education, it fell short due to its overly comfortable environment, starkly contrasting with the harsh realities of the world.

Theresa and Cecilia had noble intentions, but they were somewhat idealistic. Once Honkai was defeated, Saint Freya Academy could indeed flourish further.

Currently, Saint Freya appears commendable only because its students are all geniuses destined to become Herrschers. If ordinary individuals attended, Saint Freya Academy would lose much of its significance.

"Is Murata Himeko truly as exceptional as you say?"

Bianka nodded, taking Ana's words to heart, and continued, "If given the chance, I'd definitely visit this Saint Freya Academy."

"Absolutely," Ana affirmed with a serious nod.

"In my opinion, her prowess is on par with Rita's. However, compared to Rita, she is somewhat older and lacks access to similar equipment or opportunities." As Ana spoke, she winked at Bianka.

Bianka understood immediately; Ana was referring to the experiences she and Rita had shared within the world bubble. Indeed, it could be considered an extraordinary stroke of fortune.

"Well, now I'm intrigued to meet this Murata Himeko myself," Bianka chuckled lightly.

Of course, Bianka's comment was merely idle talk. As Schicksal Headquarters' ace, she typically needed to remain stationed there. In the past, she might have had the chance to visit the Far East Branch, but now that Ana was assigned there...

Before Ana left Schicksal Headquarters, Bianka and Ana engaged in a friendly sparring match. Although both held back, they proved evenly matched—an astonishing outcome considering Bianka's strength impressed Otto enough to consider creating a Durandal rank for her.

Thus, if a situation arose that even Ana couldn't handle at the Far East Branch, it was likely Bianka wouldn't fare much better either. Moreover, Otto had recently entrusted Ana with the Abyss Flower, further enhancing her capabilities.

Neither Bianka nor Ana relied heavily on Divine Keys for their strength, but it's undeniable that any Divine Key significantly enhances one's capabilities.

"Let's go," Bianka said with a smile, glancing at the time. "Don't bother returning today; we should rest here overnight."

"Hey, hey, Bianka, that sounds quite suggestive! It makes it seem like you're inviting me to share a bed." Ana couldn't resist teasing her friend.

"If you wish, I wouldn't object." Bianka paused briefly before adding, "Rita misses you dearly, though."

"Ah, Rita..." Ana involuntarily pictured Rita in her mind—she truly was a bewitching enchantress.

"My apologies, I rushed off this time and forgot to prepare gifts for you both."

"Lady Ana, there's no need for such formalities."

Just then, a familiar voice suddenly sounded behind Ana, followed by a pair of arms wrapping around her waist. She shivered instantly, her smile becoming somewhat strained.

"Rita, how do you walk without making a sound?"

"Lady Ana, isn't stealth a mandatory skill for Valkyries?" Rita whispered into Ana's ear, her breath turning Ana's ears bright red. With Ana's naturally soft disposition, she found herself easily dominated by someone like the Great Demon King Rita.

"Or perhaps—"

"Would Lady Ana like me to train you?"

Ana turned her head slightly, glancing at the smiling girl behind her. Under the moonlight, Rita's face gradually overlapped with images from Ana's secret stash, causing her cheeks to flush crimson.

"N-no...that won't be necessary."

Mechanically turning back, Ana desperately signaled towards Bianka for help with pleading eyes.

"Wahh, Bianka, save me!"

However, Bianka seemed oblivious to Ana's plea, merely offering a faint smile.

As they say, let your fellow comrade perish before yourself.

Besides, it had been quite some time since Ana last spent any quality moments with them. What harm could there be in letting Rita tease her just a little? Or perhaps—

Under the moonlit sky, Bianka's eyes sparkled with a different gleam.

Just as Ana was often at Rita's mercy, Bianka found herself similarly vulnerable. But against Ana, she felt confident and assured. Now, it appeared that an opportunity presented itself right before her very eyes.

Initially seeking Bianka's rescue, Ana suddenly sensed something unusual in Bianka's gaze, sending shivers down her spine.

It felt akin to a prey being targeted by a predator.

But...how could this be? Bianka was supposed to be her trusted ally, enduring trials alongside her against the Great Demon King Rita. Why would she harbor such intentions towards Ana? It made absolutely no sense.

"L-Lady Rita... I...I need to return promptly..." Ana cautiously said.

However, Rita's smile remained unchanged.

"Lady Ana, just moments ago, Lady Theresa reported that Murata Himeko is now out of critical condition."

"No... No, her health could deteriorate at any moment!" Ana hastily responded, struggling to free herself from Rita's embrace. But how could Rita let her go so easily? As a skilled intelligence operative, she was highly proficient in restraint techniques.

"Rest assured, Lady Ana. Saint Freya Academy has Schicksal's top medical technology; there's no need for concern," Rita reassured her. "It's getting late, please get some rest soon, Lady Ana."

Without waiting for Ana's reply, Rita gently carried her towards the residential area, with Bianka closely following behind.

In the distance, a Valkyrie squad belonging to the Immortal Blades quietly observed this scene and began whispering among themselves.

"To be fought over by both captains, Lady Ana truly deserves the title of Schicksal's First Beauty! How fortunate!" one remarked enviously.

"Sigh, who do you think will win Lady Ana's heart?" another asked curiously.

"Definitely Lady Rita!" came the confident response.

"I think this time Lady Durandal might just..." (Valkyrie 6)

"Hmph, I still have more faith in Lady Rita!" (Valkyrie 7)

That night, Schicksal's lilies exuded an unusually strong fragrance...