Starting from the Collapse World, I became the behind-the-scenes boss

If Theresa hadn't stopped her, she would have wanted to compete for the S-rank Valkyrie.

"..."

Seeing Kiana like this, Shihen couldn't help but facepalm.

Where does this white fluffy ball of fur get its confidence from?

"That depends on Lady Theresa's judgment. I was only permitted to visit by Lady Theresa and do not have the authority to decide Miss Kiana's grades."

With a soft chuckle, Rita glanced at the white-haired nun who had been watching them intently from a distance, and spoke in an extremely humble tone.

"Oh, then that's fine."

"I even defeated an S-rank Valkyrie this time, so Auntie will definitely agree to let me become an A-rank Valkyrie."

Kiana said with a proud look on her face.

Rita: “…”

She suddenly really wanted to fight this guy again and show him what the true strength of an S-class Valkyrie was.

"I apologize, Miss Rita, it was my companion who misspoke."

Shihen hurriedly apologized.

For Kiana's psychological growth, he felt he had to die once.

At the very least, he needs to get the white fluffy ball back to its senses.

Rita simply smiled and remained silent in response to the boy's words, her gentle gaze quietly observing the three people before her.

She felt as if she had not only discovered signs of the Second Herrscher's resurgence, but had even found the key to unleash the girl's power.

However... for the person involved, this might not be a good thing.

Thinking this, a hint of melancholy flashed in the maid's eyes.

Chapter Sixteen: The Death of Siegfried the White-furred Dumpling

Unexpectedly, Kiana eventually became an A-rank Valkyrie.

A week after the Valkyrie Level Exam ended, Theresa and Shihen and others were celebrating at a barbecue restaurant that had become their usual venue.

"Hmph! I told you long ago, for a genius like me, becoming an A-rank Valkyrie is a piece of cake!"

With one hand still clutching the rolled-up A-rank Valkyrie appointment letter, Kiana couldn't suppress the smile on her face.

"Yes, yes, Miss Kiana is the best."

While casually placing a perfectly grilled piece of beef onto Kiana's plate, Shihen glanced at Theresa beside him.

He felt that the white-fuzzy ball's A-rank Valkyrie was somewhat overrated.

Admittedly, in terms of combat ability, Kiana is no worse than a typical A-rank Valkyrie.

But in other aspects... this time, the opponent's theoretical course score barely reached the class average, making her the worst among all those who obtained the A-rank Valkyrie title.

As for other aspects such as overall strategic vision and tactical command ability, this white fluffy creature can't be said to be completely lacking, but it can be considered practically nonexistent.

"Hen, I've also obtained the A-rank Valkyrie title!"

Mei smiled and said, ignoring the boy's little thoughts.

"..."

Meeting the smiling gaze of the girl with long, straight black hair, Shihen very tactfully put a piece of grilled meat on her plate as well.

In an instant, the sharpness in the girl's eyes transformed into tenderness, like spring that had not yet arrived.

"I'm sorry, Bronya, Seele has let everyone down again this time..."

Beside her, Seele lowered her head and whispered.

In this Valkyrie ranking exam, she was the only one in the team who failed to obtain the A-rank Valkyrie title.

Although she has the support of the Heavy Bunny to assist in attacks and the White Scythe to heal her companions in retreat, Seele still lacks the ability to stand alone.

To put it simply, Seele is quite dependent on Bronya.

The girl was always accustomed to obeying orders given by others.

Of course, from this point of view, Kiana is somewhat unqualified, and this white fluffy ball often does some incomprehensible things without thinking.

This is why Shihen felt that the other party's title of A-rank Valkyrie was exaggerated.

"It's alright, Seele."

A person's achievements are not defined by a single exam; you too can become an A-rank Valkyrie someday.

Bronya spoke softly, her expression remaining calm and undisturbed, but her tone was full of sisterly concern.

Even when the girl and Seele stand together, 100% of people would think that the latter is the older sister.

"That's right, so I also hope that some people who have already obtained the title of A-level Valkyrie will not be too proud."

Otherwise, the appointment letter could be revoked.

As she spoke, Himeko glanced at the white fur ball next to her that practically had the word "pride" written all over its face.

"Hmm..." Kiana shrank back upon hearing this. Her eyes lit up, and then she seemed to remember something, her face lighting up with excitement. "Theresa, didn't you say before that you would tell me where my old man is if I became an A-rank Valkyrie?"

I've already done it!

Laughing loudly, Kiana proudly waved the letter of appointment in front of the nun.

Upon hearing this, the previously lively atmosphere in the private room suddenly froze, and for a moment, only the sizzling sound of charcoal grilling meat remained in the air.

Of everyone present, only the white-haired dumpling was still unaware of the truth behind the Siegfried incident.

"Eh???"

Noticing the odd behavior of the others, Kiana blinked in confusion, her clear blue eyes, as bright as a summer sky, revealing her bewilderment.

“I’ll tell you!” Theresa said in a slightly irritated tone, but she immediately realized her lapse in composure and softened her voice. “I’ll tell you everything after we finish this meal.”

Otherwise, once Kiana understands the truth, even if this silly niece is usually quite foolish, she won't be able to eat anything anymore.

"Oh~" Kiana nodded somewhat blankly, then her eyes lit up as if she had just realized something. "Hmph~"

Then this young lady will have no choice but to reveal her true strength!

She wanted to show Theresa what it really meant to eat fast and a lot!

Ever since she awoke from that snowfield, she had been searching for Siegfried's whereabouts.

Now that her goal, which she has worked hard for for six years, is about to be achieved, Kiana is already too excited to contain herself.

It's important to know that a girl's total memory span is only about ten years.

"Eat slowly, Kiana!" Seeing the white fluffy ball start wolfing down her food, even trying to eat the undercooked pieces of meat, Shihen couldn't help but sigh. "Besides, even if you eat your fill by yourself, the headmaster won't say anything if we haven't finished eating."

"..."

Kiana paused mid-chew, her eyes widening in disbelief, and then…

Unsurprisingly, the girl choked.

Seeing the white fluffy ball struggling and clutching its neck, Shihen couldn't help but shake his head slightly, while handing it a glass of water.

"Phew~" Kiana finally let out a long breath after drinking half a glass of water. "I'm finally alive!"

"Take your time eating. We've been through so many years, a little longer won't make a difference."

He gently patted the girl's head and whispered words of advice.

"Mmm!"

Meeting the boy's warm and concerned gaze, Kiana nodded obediently, feeling a warm current flow straight into her heart, and her previously barely contained emotions calmed down again.

"..."

Seeing this, Theresa took a sip of bitter melon juice, and a bitter feeling welled up inside her.

She naturally had no complaints about the boy... no, her biggest complaint was that he was too slow.

It's been two years already, and she hasn't seen the slightest sign of the boy taking the initiative.

Do you think this is a melodramatic soap opera?

Even if it's a melodrama, shouldn't there be some news or activity after two years?

Moreover, ink stains are one thing, but what's with Mei?

Aside from Kiana, that idiot, everyone can see through Mei's intentions.

Despite being in such an environment, the boy remained unmoved, as pure and detached as a deity.

Even Fu Hua... well, Fu Hua is indeed more detached, to the point that she didn't even attend today's gathering.

Lost in her thoughts, Theresa watched as the plates of meat were changed again and again, and even the embers in the stove seemed to grow dimmer.

Finally, meeting the expectant gaze of the white fluffy ball, Theresa wiped her mouth with a napkin, took a long breath, and said, "Siegfried... he's been dead for a long time."

Chapter Seventeen: The Boy and the Dumpling Under the Moonless Sky

"Huh?" Kiana's pupils dilated instantly, and her smile froze. "Auntie, what are you talking about?"

Today is Christmas, not April Fool's Day, right?

As she spoke, the girl looked at the others, but all she saw were silent faces.

"Tell me this isn't real, Auntie!" Kiana shouted, her helpless gaze sweeping across everyone's faces like that of a drowning person desperately calling for help. "Hen! Say something!"

Meeting the girl's hopeful gaze, Shihen could only place his hand on her shoulder and whisper, "I'm sorry..."

In an instant, as if struck by lightning, Kiana's delicate body trembled, and the light in her eyes went out completely.

"You...you bunch of liars!"

Kiana raised her grey-blue eyes and swept them over the crowd. She gritted her teeth and shouted hoarsely before turning and fleeing the private room.

Bang!

The white-haired girl vanished instantly, leaving only the muffled thud of the private room door being violently slammed against the wall.

"Kiana..."

Instinctively reaching out to grab that glimpse of white, Theresa was a beat too slow and could only watch helplessly as the girl disappeared from her sight.

Perhaps, just as the other party said, even though she knew Siegfried was dead and that the girl could never find her father again, she still used this lie to keep Kiana in St. Freya and by her side.

She's a complete and utter liar...

As a con artist, what right did she have to try to win him back?

Seeing the appointment letter left on Kiana's seat, Theresa's eyes dimmed as well.

Snapped!

Himeko slapped the boy on the shoulder, a forced smile on her face, and said, "Go after him! What are you waiting for!?"

"Captain Hen, you absolutely must bring Kiana back!"

With her hands clenched into fists and placed in front of her chest, Seele spoke in a slightly louder voice.

"Kiana may be an idiot, but Bronya has come to like this idiot a little."

Bronya looked up into the boy's eyes and said this.

"Hen, go!"

Mei gave the boy a gentle smile and called out softly.

"..."

Shihen glanced at everyone and sensed that something was off about the atmosphere.

But as Kiana's only close friend, he had no intention of giving up at this time.

Shihen gave the group a victory sign and said with a smile, "Leave Kiana's matter to me."

After leaving the barbecue restaurant, Shihen glanced at the familiar streets of St. Freya and, after a moment's thought, chose a direction and jogged off.

He knew exactly where the white fluffy ball would hide.