"Glug-glug..."
Pale green tea poured gently into pure white porcelain cups adorned with blue patterns, releasing faint wisps of herbal aroma as steam rose. When the flow ceased, not a single bubble remained on the surface.
Quite a skilled tea ceremony, Hera assessed herself, gracefully finishing the pouring, setting down the teapot lightly, then offering the cups to Zeke and Fu Hua with both hands. Her movements were elegant, akin to a fairy maiden stepping out from a painting.
"Freshly harvested tea from Schicksal's plantation—premium variety and top quality. My dear friends, please enjoy."
In the secret chamber at Anti-Entropy Headquarters, Hera spoke with a warm smile, her soft voice as melodious as a skylark singing through a morning forest.
Fu Hua picked up the cup, gently bringing it to her lips.
"Sip~"
"Wonderful tea!" Fu Hua exclaimed, eyes lighting up upon tasting it. Clearly, she appreciated both the traditional Shenzhou tea leaves and the brewing technique used.
Hera nodded cheerfully.
"The latest batch of tea has already been delivered to Taixuan Mountain. If you run out, feel free to come by anytime, old friend."
"I couldn't possibly impose..."
"Gulp... gulp... gulp..."
While the two exchanged pleasantries, Zeke, expressionless, tilted his head back and gulped down the scalding tea in one swift motion. His bovine-like drinking suggested he had no appreciation for fine tea. With a loud clunk, he rudely placed the cup back on the table without any regard for etiquette.
"Hey! Do you know how to appreciate anything at all? I personally brewed this tea; only a handful of people worldwide get such treatment. Can't you show me some respect?" With her dainty pink lips pursed, Hera crossed her arms, looking every bit like a slightly disgruntled young maiden.
Zeke's eyes stared blankly as he glanced sidelong at her without uttering a word.
Hera dropped her act and cheerfully faced both visitors. "Thank you so much for helping with Theresa's situation. Rest assured, I will fulfill my promised rewards. Please continue your efforts; I am truly grateful!"
Fu Hua glanced at Zeke, who responded only with a yawn before turning back to Hera and nodding.
"It was our duty. Principal Theresa is an exceptional warrior, and it would be unjust to stand idly by when she's targeted... Although, it was initially you who interfered with her consciousness."
Fu Hua sighed, unsure how to assess Otto's actions.
Hera's smile faded slightly, and after a moment, she replied with a hint of wistfulness: "I merely wanted to protect her."
"By blocking her mind and interfering with her thoughts?"
"What else could I do? Given Theresa's character and her feelings for Cecilia, without some restraint, she would have... In fact, she did already start resisting back then, but I managed to stop her just in time. To sum it up, I had crucial objectives to achieve, and I wouldn't hesitate against any attempts to obstruct my path."
"In other words, if Theresa stood in your way, even as your granddaughter, you would..."
Fu Hua paused.
In response to her unspoken implication, Hera smiled serenely, holding her teacup as usual.
The steam from the tea enveloped her face, making that smile seem somewhat illusory.
But Fu Hua understood Hera's answer clearly. Without restricting Theresa, she would inevitably obstruct Otto's plans, leading him to ruthlessly eliminate her—seen from this perspective, Otto's actions indeed protected Theresa.
Though twisted, his genuine concern was unmistakable.
Fu Hua pursed her lips.
She understood this mindset all too well... For a long time, she had been similarly obsessed with exterminating those who succumbed to corruption, willing to kill anyone around her for a specific goal. It wasn't until Zeke healed her physical injuries and the Book of Fuxi restored her inner peace that she gained new insights.
"Don't let yourself reach a point where regret is inevitable, Otto."
"Are you concerned for me, old friend?"
"Yes. Regardless of your past actions, your contributions to this world cannot be erased. If you could return to the right path... I am willing to share the burden of your sins and do my utmost to help you find redemption."
"How grandiose! As if someone has the authority to judge me, eh, Zeke?" Hera dismissively set down her teacup, smiling at the drowsy Zeke.
Zeke glanced sidelong at her, chin resting on his hand, and drawled, "Get to the point quickly; I'm truly exhausted... Benares' genes are incredibly useful, but the journey from the moon here took quite a toll."
"And more importantly, you must still subdue this new Herrscher Core, which is likely the main cause of your fatigue, no?"
Hera pointed at the gemstone hanging from Zeke's waist and blinked playfully.
Zeke swatted her hand away.
"You already got the Herrscher of Ice; besides, I obtained this gemstone myself... Don't even think about mischief."
"As if I would dare? My dreams hinge on you now. At this moment, how could I offend the great Sir Zeke?" Hera coyly replied, her body slightly swaying.
She appeared quite enchanting.
However, both Fu Hua and Zeke turned their heads uncomfortably away.
"Hey! What's with you two?"
"Aren't you disgusted, acting like that as a grown man?"
"I've lived for 500 years. Do you really think concepts like gender norms matter to me?"
"...The psychological adjustment issues faced by long-lived beings indeed warrant immediate research attention."
Zeke's spirits lifted abruptly.
There was no way he'd risk ending up like Otto after five hundred years—better to commit suicide early than face that fate.
Hera spread her hands, smiling slyly.
"Take your time, then... Let's get down to business. Fu Hua, did you find any clues within Theresa's consciousness domain? I must admit, whoever tampered with Theresa is exceptionally skilled. If not for my frequent closeness with young Theresa due to Cecilia's ancestral connection, even I might have missed someone else interfering with little Theresa's mind!"
Hera narrowed her eyes, a chilling aura seeping from their sapphire-like depths. She had intervened with Theresa's consciousness to protect her, ensuring her beloved granddaughter could live long and happily.
However, anyone daring to meddle with Hera's precious granddaughter was another matter entirely.
Fu Hua furrowed her delicate brows slightly.
"As for significant findings... much like you, I simply noted the exceptional sophistication of their methods. If not for your prior warning, I might have overlooked the anomalies altogether."
"Even you agree?" A hint of surprise flickered across Hera's small face.
Zeke mirrored her reaction.
"If even Fu Hua shares this opinion, then it must be either the Herrscher of Consciousness Domain from this era or some relic from the previous one specializing in similar domains. Otherwise, it's hard to imagine who else could achieve such mastery." Zeke frowned, stroking his chin thoughtfully.