Honkai Diary: Start With Picking Up A White-Haired Treasure

"Shiver..."

"What a bitterly cold day!"

Cocolia leaned against the leg of a Titan mech, rubbing her arms.

Raiden Ryoma adjusted his glasses, glancing briefly at the mysterious curve formed by twin mounds of snow-white flesh exposed to the chilling wind. With a chilly tone, he remarked, "If you paid more attention to modesty, perhaps you wouldn't feel so cold."

Cocolia rolled her eyes. "I'm attractive, and I'll flaunt it if I want to—what business is it of yours? Besides, who was sneaking peeks just now? Oh, is your little darling not around anymore, exposing your true nature?"

"...I won't stoop to arguing with someone like you."

"I know you're still hung up about Raiden Mei. Frankly, I don't feel like explaining myself any further. After all, as a mother myself, I understand how you feel."

"As a mother, I admit you're qualified," Raiden Ryoma conceded reluctantly, shaking his head.

He had spent quite some time at the orphanage already, so he could clearly see how Cocolia treated the children—and how much they revered and adored her in return.

At times, even Mei would display hints of envy.

She had lost her own mother very early in life, while Raiden Ryoma himself, due to work demands and feelings of guilt, often interacted with her stiffly and distantly. Knowing that Mei missed her mother deeply filled Raiden Ryoma with remorse and heartache, yet there seemed nothing he could do about it.

As Raiden Ryoma drifted off into thought, Cocolia suddenly asked:

"By the way, do you know whom we're waiting for?"

"No idea."

"Strange. It's not even Lord Leader returning. Who could have such clout to warrant both Zeke and me being dispatched?"

"Just because there were no more suitable candidates. The base is understaffed, with even fewer adults available. Only we fit for greeting these guests," Raiden Ryoma replied mildly, though he too harbored some doubts.

Nevertheless, he held deep respect for their predecessors Einstein and Tesla, as well as Zeke who initiated that crucial conversation. Serving them without reservation, he would raise no objections.

As they conversed, at the farthest reaches of their vision, within the depths of the snow-laden plains, a convoy gradually emerged.

The sight of massive white mechs alongside the distinctive Valkyrie troops caused both Cocolia and Raiden's expressions to turn serious.

"Hey, what do you think? Enemies or guests? Should we prepare for battle?" Cocolia scrutinized the approaching convoy while signaling the nearby Titan forces to ready themselves for combat.

Originally standing motionless like stone statues, the Titan forces began subtle movements, undergoing slight transformations. Their serene silence gave way to an aura of imminent danger.

Raiden Ryoma hesitated for a moment before shaking his head.

"I think they're guests. If they were enemies, Zeke's worker bees would have reacted."

Ryoma addressed Zeke as "Mr." out of respect. In the Far East region's culture, there has always been a strong admiration for strength and expertise. Recognizing Zeke's intellectual prowess and technological capabilities, Ryoma adhered to the principle that those accomplished deserve precedence, hence using the title "Mr." to show deference.

Cocolia nodded without saying anything but did not instruct the Titan forces to lower their guard.

The approaching convoy gradually drew near and finally halted several dozen steps away from the two figures.

Hera gracefully jumped down from atop one of the supply crates, landing softly in the snow.

She then stood on her tiptoes, scanning her surroundings with bright green eyes. It seemed as if she was trying to peer beyond Raiden Ryoma, Cocolia, and the neat ranks of Titan forces, searching for someone specific.

After a while, apparently not finding her target, she stopped dejectedly and lamented with a hint of resentment:

"I thought Zeke would personally come out to welcome me. Honestly, this is so disappointing—such a lack of respect! I must have a serious talk with him about this!"

"Ahem! Excuse me, ma'am, are you Sir Zeke's guest?" Cocolia politely inquired, addressing Zeke with the respectful title "Sir," positioning herself as his loyal supporter.

Judging by her demeanor, this young lady seemed to have a close relationship with Zeke. By openly declaring her allegiance, perhaps she wouldn't readily unleash the Schicksal mechs and Valkyries on them, right? Cocolia mentally nodded, silently praising her quick wit.

"I am... Oh! Almost forgot to introduce myself. I'm Hera Schariac, a dear friend of Zeke. Greetings, esteemed Enforcers."

Hera gracefully lifted her long dress and performed an elegant curtsy, reminiscent of a noble princess straight out of a movie. Rita appeared promptly behind her; though technically a guard, she resembled more closely an elite personal maid rarely seen among common folk, further accentuating Hera's exceptional nobility.

'Schariac?!'

Cocolia and Raiden Ryoma quietly contemplated the profound implications of this surname, exchanged glances, then stepped aside. With a wave of their hands, they directed the Titan forces to create a smooth path for Hera and her entourage to proceed.

"Clap!"

Unexpectedly, Hera clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention to herself before addressing the accompanying Valkyrie forces.

"Well done, your mission is complete. You may return now. Rita will stay behind to attend to me."

As she spoke, the all-silver Schicksal mech forces turned around, slowly levitated, and with a whistling sound, soared into the sky, quickly vanishing from sight.

The Valkyries exchanged glances, caught off guard by this turn of events. However, their highest command was to obey Hera's directives under any circumstances, even unto death.

After a brief moment of hesitation, the Valkyries collectively pounded their chests in salute, responding in unison:

"Yes ma'am!" ×N

Soon, only the self-driving cargo transporters remained on-site, along with Hera and Rita—the two distinctively elegant young ladies.

Cocolia and Raiden Ryoma simultaneously sighed in relief.

Regardless of the situation, Hera's cooperation had somewhat eased the awkwardness and tension.

About ten minutes later, Hera entered the living room and spotted Zeke.

He was slumped over the table, his posture so relaxed it seemed like all his bones had vanished, emanating an incredibly gloomy aura.

"Whoa—"

Despite expecting this reaction, Zeke's appearance still amused Hera greatly, stirring her mischievous impulses.

Her eyes narrowed feline-like as she stealthily approached Zeke from behind, carefully lifting her dress under everyone's watchful gaze.

"Hold it!"

A white-haired hand extended with a warding gesture, blocking Hera's path.

"Just who are you? What do you want with Zeke?" Kiana squinted suspiciously.

Although it was their first meeting and Hera appeared to be a very attractive older sister, Kiana couldn't muster any fondness for her. Instead, she felt a sudden urge to kick Hera right across her lovely face.

At that moment, Zeke lifted his head, repositioned himself, and stared at Hera with deadpan, somber eyes, unmoving.

"Tsk!"

Realizing her prank had failed, Hera shook her head helplessly.

"Well, well, long time no see, my dear friend! How did you end up looking so downtrodden? It breaks my heart just seeing you like this!"

"...Where's the Soulium?" Zeke asked monotonously, showing no hint of surprise.

Hera's smile faltered slightly.

Seriously? After all this, you have no other questions or thoughts?