SWNOVELXO Chapter 233: Chapter 233: Anticipation
"What?! Sig's going to become an emperor? Doesn't that mean he can openly build a harem? No way! I won't allow it!!"
In the cool breeze of the pavilion, Kiana stood up, pointing her left index finger at Sigurd, speaking with fierce determination—then tossed the xiaolongbao held by her chopsticks into her mouth. Her defiant expression quickly melted into blissful enjoyment of the delicious treat.
"Nom nom nom—"
"Mmm, thin skin, plenty of filling, rich and flavorful broth. So good～～"
Licking her lips, Kiana raised her chopsticks again, reaching for another bun on the table.
At this moment, Sigurd put down his chopsticks and, without the slightest hint of humor, said:
"If you don't want your fingers, I can arrange to have them removed."
Kiana immediately placed her hands behind her back, puffing out her chest as if unfazed.
"You can't scare me, hmph!"
"If you can't use your mouth properly, I can help stitch it shut."
Sigurd spoke softly, his fingers making slow grasping motions that produced crisp cracking sounds.
"I'm sorry! I overstepped!"
Kiana bowed at a perfect ninety degrees, her tone full of genuine regret. However, the movement sent ripples through her white blouse that were enough to stir anyone's heart.
Full and well-proportioned, Kiana wasn't the type to rely on exaggerated features to draw attention. Her figure was flawless, radiating a healthy beauty that was hard to overlook.
In summary, she was very well-developed. More importantly, she looked robust and vibrant—Sigurd's gaze lingered for about a second, his thoughts quietly approving.
Crack! ×2
Sin Mal and Bronya both broke their chopsticks simultaneously, their eyes darkening.
Sin Mal looked down, her gaze resting on her top and thighs. The age gap between her and Kiana meant that her budding figure, still in its early stages, couldn't quite compare—a small frustration she couldn't avoid.
Bronya also glanced down briefly—she lacked any age-based excuse. This was pure and unadulterated despair.
"Hmm?"
Sigurd summoned drones to replace their chopsticks but failed to notice their inner turmoil. He simply raised a hand and lightly knocked on Kiana's head.
"Stop fooling around."
"Bleh～"
Kiana grinned mischievously, sticking out her tongue in playful defiance.
Despite her troubled past and the heavy burden of guilt she carried, coupled with the constant struggle against another personality within her, Kiana's smile remained untainted by shadows.
Her greatest source of confidence was knowing that no matter what happened, Sigurd would always be there to look after and care for her. He would discipline her, indulge her—that was enough.
Sitting back down, she continued stuffing buns into her mouth while gazing at Sigurd with her bright, lively eyes, waiting for him to continue.
Sigurd let out a soft sigh and then continued speaking:
"The second matter. The Herrscher of Thousands will be dealt with by the Herrschers on the human side, including you, Kiana. This is both a mission and a trial for you all. Herrschers on our side are critical combat assets for civilization, not protected mascots… Kiana, for this mission alone, I won't provide any assistance. This is a test that you must complete using your own intelligence and abilities."
Sigurd watched as Kiana quickly devoured the buns on the table. Once he finished speaking, he simply observed her quietly, neither urging her nor adding anything further.
He knew that Kiana understood the point he was trying to convey.
After a moment of silence, Kiana picked up her chopsticks and resumed her cheerful feasting. Not long after, she stuffed the last bun on the table into her mouth, puffing out her cheeks as she chewed. She then set down her chopsticks and, after swallowing, gave Sigurd a big thumbs-up, her face breaking into a brilliant smile.
"Don't worry, leave it to me!"
"…Alright, I believe in you."
Sigurd looked at her, a smile slowly spreading across his face.
Kiana was truly exceptional.
Even though he often complained about Kiana outwardly, Sigurd was well aware of her exceptional intellect and abilities. Especially her fearless courage and unwavering resilience, which granted her endless potential.
Perhaps, the real obstacle to Kiana's growth all along had been his overprotectiveness.
With a clean handkerchief, Sigurd wiped the oily sheen from Kiana's lips, saying:
"I don't want to see you pushing yourself too hard, nor do I want you to get hurt. But I also know how hard you've been working... Do your best. You have the potential to be a hero who saves the world. Of course, the prerequisite is taking good care of yourself. Don't make me worry, alright?"
Sigurd sighed as he spoke, his words tinged with contradiction.
On one hand, he wanted Kiana to fulfill her wish of being a hero. On the other hand, he wanted her to protect herself and spare him from anxiety. How could both be possible?
If he could, Sigurd would have preferred to lock Kiana away in a carefully constructed sanctuary, releasing her only after the Honkai was defeated. But Kiana would never accept such protection—she had her own pride and resolve.
After Sigurd finished wiping her mouth, Kiana smiled. Her bright eyes glowed with warmth as she said:
"I promise you, Sig, I'll take good care of myself! Because I want to spend a lot more time with you. As long as you're waiting for me, I'll never be defeated!"
Love may be a vulnerability, but it also arms people with unbreakable resolve.
Kiana's promise reflected the limitless strength she carried in her heart.
Sigurd gazed at her intently, his hand gently stroking her cheek. He could feel the softness of her skin and the warmth beneath it—sensations he knew all too well yet could never let go of.
"I understand," Sigurd finally replied.
He withdrew his hand and, facing the three unique yet equally charming girls before him, continued:
"The third matter—I'll be away for a while."
"Oh. Where are you going? How long will you be gone?"
Swinging her slender, smooth legs, Kiana's silvery-white hair tuft swayed in sync. Her expression was adorably naive, showing no surprise.
It wasn't unusual—Sigurd held a high-ranking position and was often busy with countless affairs. His absence was hardly unexpected.
Then, belatedly realizing a more pressing question, Kiana asked, "Can you take me with you?"
"I want to go too!" Sin Mal quickly added.
"Bronya believes she would be more helpful in handling comprehensive matters," Bronya remarked with her usual matter-of-fact tone.
Kiana shot a glance at the two of them, her hair tuft abruptly straightening.
"Wait a second! I brought it up first! You two have no sense of fairness!"
"Bronya is being perfectly fair. Logically speaking, Bronya is more intelligent than you, and Sin Mal is better behaved. If it's about official matters, we are obviously more suitable to accompany Sigurd. Besides, don't you have to figure out how to deal with the Herrscher of Thousands? That's your task, isn't it?"
Bronya's calm reasoning left Kiana wide-eyed and momentarily speechless.
Sin Mal's response was simpler—she shot Kiana a sidelong glance and turned her head away.
"Hmph!"
That single sound was laden with hostility and disdain.
Sigurd quietly observed them, stroking his chin in thought. Was this what people called…
"A love triangle?"
Sigurd mused aloud, as if talking to himself, though it also seemed like he was addressing them.
Kiana blinked in confusion, then clapped her hands in realization.
"Ohhh! So this is what a love triangle is!"
Sigurd and Kiana exchanged glances and nodded in unison, as though they'd just gained new insight.
Bronya opened her mouth, hesitated, and finally said in a dry tone, "Bronya doesn't think this qualifies as a love triangle."
At best, it was a bit of competition for attention, nothing more. Bronya couldn't even imagine an actual love triangle occurring around Sigurd.
Her extensive research on emotional and literary works had taught her that such scenarios often arose from unstable relationships, ambiguous romantic ties, and a lack of decisive action by the male lead.
But their feelings were already open and honest, and as for Sigurd's personality… anyone who tried to stir up drama around him would simply be seen as mischievous or disobedient. Sigurd would likely string them all up and train them into complete submission on the spot.
Make no mistake—he was that kind of unflinching and almost sadistically straightforward man.
Sigurd glanced at Bronya. Since it wasn't critical knowledge, he decided not to delve deeper. Instead, he explained:
"I'm heading to the Quantum Realm for a while. I've never been an emperor, so I need time to reflect. Also, after years of recklessly accumulating abilities, I need a quiet place to sort and refine them. Additionally, I'll be meeting two fusion warriors from the previous civilization. Their strength is crucial for the broader plans of this era… In short, I'll be going alone."
Sigurd's decision left the three girls with varying degrees of disappointment.
"As for how long I'll be gone, it could be as short as two to three months, or as long as six months. During this time, the Herrscher of Thousands, global instability, and maintaining things at home will be up to you to handle independently. You all need to learn and adapt to true self-reliance, to manage everything without me. After all, I can't always watch over you."
As Sigurd spoke, he tidied up the table. His gentle gaze swept across Kiana, Bronya, and Sin Mal, filled with both encouragement and anticipation.
He hoped that when he returned, it wouldn't just be to a new world but also to see how much they had truly grown.
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