Honkai: Strijder

Tn: I forgot to upload chapter 29, so here it is.

Enjoy^^

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Drip Drip!

Cocolia refilled Sigurd's cup with tea, not with the original tea, but with the tea leaves that Sigurd pulled out of the air—there was an invisible device there, its true nature and purpose unknown, but certainly not just an invisible personal refrigerator.

Once again, Cocolia felt the unfathomable technological prowess of Sigurd.

Beside her, Kiana and Sin Mal each held a plate of small cakes, happily enjoying their treats.

Whether it was a simple-minded idiot or a yandere killer, no girl could resist the sweetness of cake.

No one!

Cocolia poured herself a cup as well, and her keen sense of smell made her distinctly aware of the difference in aroma compared to before.

She took a sip.

Fresh, sweet, lingering on the lips and teeth—this was the fragrance of nature and the aroma of money!

"Ah~~ It's so good~" Cocolia closed her eyes in bliss. How long had it been since she had... No, wait! She had never tasted such fine tea before!

In the past, she was a skilled soldier. Although her income wasn't high, most of her money went to the orphanage, and she lived a simple life as long as she had enough to eat and drink.

Later, when she joined Anti-Entropy, she had some capital, but the expenses of maintaining and expanding their influence, like a devouring beast, consumed her funds. Moreover, strictly speaking, that money belonged to Anti-Entropy and didn't belong to her personally. It was already challenging enough to set aside some for taking care of the children, so she didn't dare to spend anything on herself.

As a rising star of Anti-Entropy, it was hard to believe that she lived such a tight and frugal life. Whenever she thought about this, Cocolia would shed tears in her heart.

Then, her mood calmed down.

It wasn't because of the tea, but because after the brief scare, she understood that someone who had gone through so much trouble but couldn't even kill her bodyguards clearly wasn't targeting her.

At least, not for now.

So why be in a hurry? Let Sigurd make his move. It's just a matter of the enemy being stronger than us. Cocolia has seen it all, growing up like this.

Cocolia straightened her chest, her towering presence causing Kiana, who was eating her small cake, to stare in awe with her mouth wide open. The spoon clattered into the plate.

"Oh? Do you already understand the importance of understanding human nature at such a young age? Don't worry, you're still young, and there will be plenty of opportunities... Remember to drink more milk."

Cocolia lowered her head, catching a glimpse of the towering peaks and deep valleys, and then kindly imparted the only breast enhancement tips a poor person can achieve to Kiana, her expression revealing a sense of satisfaction.

Cocolia could see Kiana's envy, and Sigurd certainly wouldn't miss Kiana's reaction either.

Sigurd stroked his chin, deep in thought.

'Does she want her breast to grow that big? The nutritional balance I provide is comprehensive, which is definitely beneficial for development, but this matter is also highly dependent on one's own genetics. If she want to have it to be as big as Cocolia.... It's possible. I'll look for some scientific dietary and exercise plans for her when we return...'

'Wait a minute, why am I even considering this for her!?'

Sigurd fell into deeper contemplation.

Sin Mal showed no reaction. In her eyes, Cocolia was just a heartless statue, entwined with countless sins, who for some reason is able to speak.

This slightly relieved Sigurd from his thoughts, at least on the surface, this child seemed normal. She was completely different from Kiana, who was mischievous, flighty, and could easily lead Sigurd's thoughts astray.

That was enough.

If, if he had a child in the future, with the same characteristics as Kiana...

Sigurd suddenly thought about being childless.

But then again.....

The thought of a small fluffy ball of fur, just like Kiana, sweetly calling him "papa," made Sigurd place a hand on his heart, feeling a momentary shortness of breath.

Kiana continued to chew her cake in slow motion, her gaze following Cocolia's movements, completely unaware of Sigurd's actions.

But Sin Mal cast a concerned look.

"Sigurd, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell or something?"

"...It's nothing, just considering a serious matter. Keep eating."

"Well... alright, but if you really feel unwell, you have to let me know."

"Mm, good girl."

Sigurd ruffled Sin Mal's head, feeling slightly comforted.

Sin Mal giggled, a cute blush appearing on her little face, her eyes filled with pure happiness, resembling the appearance of a considerate little cotton jacket.

Then, Sigurd looked at Cocolia. He had already made a show of force, but just remaining at an impasse wouldn't lead to any progress.

"Let's talk openly and honestly. I need the resources and protection of Anti-Entropy. And in return, I'll help you strengthen your power and safeguard your quest for authority. You understand, I have that ability. Give me an answer, whether you want to cooperate or not."

"Is it that simple?"

"Yes? We are not even acquaintance, we discuss as much as necessary. I don't like wasting time."

Smack!

Sigurd slammed a briefcase onto the table.

Without a password, Cocolia opened it hesitantly, and a neat and tidy large box of cash appeared before her eyes.

Cocolia's eyes instantly lit up.

"This is a gift."

Sigurd said casually.

Cocolia used to belong to the military and now she is part of Anti-Entropy. Both organizations adhere to principles of discipline. Until she has enough power, she cannot accumulate wealth through unconventional means. In addition to her hobby of generously donating to orphanages, she has even opened her own orphanage.

Her poverty is a very apparent characteristic in Sigurd's investigative records.

"Hiss!"

Cocolia wiped the corner of her mouth and smiled politely, saying, "Then I won't be polite."

"What's your answer?"

"Why would I refuse a mutually beneficial arrangement?"

"These Titan robots."

"If they're destroyed, so be it. Once the R&D department digests your technology, they can produce as many as we need. It's not a big deal, don't worry about it."

After all, there would naturally be someone within Anti-Entropy to cover the cost of the robots, and the box of cash in front of her was going directly into her own pockets.

Cocolia felt she understood what was more important.

As for Sigurd, he glanced at the somewhat damaged Titan remains, which were actually not severely damaged, and nodded imperceptibly.

"Do you have anything you need me to do now?"

Cocolia politely asked.

Sigurd decisively replied, "Yes."

Cocolia's smile stiffened slightly. But that was fine; if she received so many benefits without having to give anything in return, Cocolia herself wouldn't trust the transaction.

"Please tell me. As long as it's within my capabilities, I will do my best."

Cocolia replied, seemingly sincere, while also leaving herself some room to maneuver.

Sigurd motioned for Kiana and Sin Mal to come over.

"You two, come here."

"Huh? What's up?"

"Do you need any help, Sigurd? You can rely on me for anything!"

Sigurd gave Kiana a cold glance. Then, calmly, he said, "Come and address Cocolia here as.... 'Mom.'"

"Eeeeeehhhh!!!" x2