Three days later, at a plaza somewhere in the Anti-Entropy headquarters, a tall silver-gray rocket stood, with those about to embark on the journey and those seeing them off below.
"Mei Mei, I'm leaving now. You must remember to miss me! And, don't you dare look for any other girls while I'm gone, got it?"
"Kiana, what are you talking about? It's just a trip to the moon. You'll be back soon. Remember to behave out there."
For Raiden Mei, who was used to Kiana's usual antics, she could only helplessly pat her silver-haired head, half-amused and half-exasperated.
After several years of studying under Dr. Einstein, Raiden Mei had seen many big scenes.
A trip to the moon might seem rare to outsiders, but to her, it wasn't a big deal at all.
Firstly, the rocket and space travel technology were absolutely reliable.
Secondly, even if something went wrong, they had several strong warriors with them, each carrying black armor that ensured safety. Anti-Entropy also had the technology for space rescue.
Lastly, both Sigurd and Welt had the ability to traverse space.
If all else failed, they could even seek help from Schicksal!
"Sister Bronya, stay safe."
"Mm, see you when I get back, Seele."
"Sister Bronya…"
"Seele…"
Sin Mal stood alone on the side, gritting her teeth as she watched, her wide eyes filled with jealous red streaks.
Sigurd patted her head.
"Be good."
"Sigurd❤～～"
"Outer space is different from the inside of planets. Be careful and don't get into danger."
"Yes～～"
Sigurd initially just wanted to pat her head for comfort, but Sin Mal quickly clung to his arm, snuggling up to him with a birdlike dependence, her face full of shy, adorable blushes.
This scene was seen by Kiana, who was still acting cute and whining to Raiden Mei.
"Hi-yah!"
A flying kick sliced through the air but was intercepted by Sin Mal.
"Let go of Sig! How dare you sneak around while I'm not watching!?"
"You think you can order me around, you stupid fish? Why not go cling to your girl instead?"
"Mei is Mei, and Sig is Sig. How can they be the same?"
"Hmph!"
Sin Mal sneered disdainfully.
A vein popped on Kiana's forehead, and she retaliated with a punch.
Sin Mal also clenched her fist, powerful energy surging within her small frame.
Boom! Boom!
A second later, Kiana and Sin Mal lay sprawled at Sigurd's feet, bumps on their heads, and the metal floor beneath them cracked.
"Phew—"
Sigurd blew on his fist without a change in expression.
His cold gaze swept around, seeing Bronya unfazed, Seele lowering her head submissively at him, Raiden Mei trembling as usual, Wendy's gaze wandering around at anything but him, and the Vodka sisters silent with fear.
Only Theresa, spinning her arms, charged at Sigurd.
"How dare you bully my niece!?"
Bang!
Sigurd blew on his fist again, now with another small girl at his feet, and the noise ceased.
"Bronya, check the rocket status and confirm the launch procedure."
"Yes, Sir."
Bronya saluted and jogged to the rocket's control panel, rapidly inputting commands.
"Everything is normal. We are ready for launch, Sir!"
Moments later, Bronya returned to Sigurd, reporting with her head raised.
It was quite remarkable; after all these years, Kiana and Raiden Mei's growth was evident, but Bronya, who wasn't much younger, seemed not to have grown at all—short, which perfectly described Bronya now and was also her taboo.
Looking at his cute little secretary, who barely reached his chest, Sigurd patted her head.
"Hmm. There are 30,000 drones on standby in the rocket. Use them if needed. The swarm on the moon is quite substantial; deploy them as necessary. Keep an eye on them and don't let them cause trouble or embarrass us."
"Yes, Sir!"
"Go ahead, safe travels."
"Thank you, Sir!"
Bronya saluted again, then grabbed Kiana by the collar with one hand and Sin Mal with the other, jumping straight into the high cockpit.
Minutes later, accompanied by mechanical sounds, the tall rocket trembled and slowly lifted off, propelled by smokeless blue flames, heading skyward.
"Kiana, come back soon～"
"Sister Bronya, everyone, safe travels!"
"Niece, stay safe～"
Raiden Mei, Seele, and the bumped-headed Theresa waved and shouted at the rocket, though their voices likely didn't reach inside.
At this moment, Wendy nudged Sigurd's arm with her elbow.
Sigurd looked down at Wendy, who was no taller than Bronya.
"What is it?"
"Just letting them go like that, aren't you worried about not saying a proper goodbye?"
"Scientific matters are hard to explain to someone like you."
All necessary calculations and preparations had been repeatedly confirmed, and the rocket was fine. As for Sin Mal and Kiana—wasn't the reliable Bronya sent along to keep them in check?
Wendy's teasing smile stiffened.
"What do you mean someone like me!? I aced all my theoretical exams, okay!"
"Exams are exams, research is research. That's why I said it's hard to explain to a layman like you."
"…You're just pretending not to care. Anyone can see you're worried!"
Wendy spread her hands and rolled her eyes.
After all this time together, she could tell whether Sigurd's expressionless face meant calm or worry.
—It's definitely not because she spends her free time observing him when he's busy doing work, she's just naturally perceptive!
Wendy nodded to herself, her mind wandering—now that the Black Armor trio was away, wouldn't the girls crowding around Sigurd decrease by a lot…?
Hmmm…. Should she make a move…?
Wendy shook her head, patted her face, and took deep breaths to calm her rising temperature.
Seeing her inexplicable reaction, Sigurd frowned.
"Did you forget to take your medicine?"
"Buzz off!"
Wendy rolled her eyes.
Sigurd patted her head and changed the subject.
"Guard the headquarters with Mei. Dr. Einstein will also be back to oversee things."
"Oh… wait, you're leaving?"
"Yes."
"Where? For how long?"
"I have an appointment with Chiyuan Immortal, about half a month."
"Half a month… huh!?"
Wendy looked as if struck by lightning, eyes wide.
Half a month… by the time he's back, he'd be inseparable from the Black Armor trio again!
"Idiot! Just boldly sneak into his bed at night and everything will be settled!"
"Shut up! I'm underage!"
"Hm?"
"Nothing, just talking to my other self."
"Communication is good. When the time is right, I can give you the 'Gem of Desire.' As long as you maintain your heart, being a Herrscher isn't bad. Didn't Welt gain many loyal followers too?"
Sigurd said without noticing Wendy's subtle expression and turned to leave.
"Keep hesitating over age and you'll miss your chance."
"Argh! I told you to shut up!"
"Hmph! I don't mind, just hope someone doesn't cry too hard. First love, sweet and bitter!"
"It's not first love! Shut up!"
Wendy tugged at her unusual black-and-green hair, her voice uncontrollably loud, not noticing the sympathetic looks around her.
Raiden Mei and Seele exchanged glances, scratching their faces awkwardly.
How to put it, they probably understood Wendy's state better than anyone present—it's what happens when there's an extra person inside you.
<+>
Tn: If you want to see more chapter of this story, please go to my Ko-Fi[1], just for $5 each month, you can read till the latest chapter.
Latest Chapter in Ko-Fi: Chapter 251: Transformation[2]
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[3] https://ko-fi.com/post/Chapter-251-Transformation-Z8Z41B2VD4
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