July had brought the height of summer to Europe.
At dusk, the golden-red remnants of the sun danced along the horizon.
The evening glow bathed the floating islands of Schicksal Headquarters in radiant light, the dazzling hues of the sunset clouds seemingly within arm's reach.
Another beautiful, peaceful day. Most of those who had been busy on the floating islands had slowed their pace, savoring the tranquility before nightfall.
Bianka "Durandal" Ataegina had also finished her patrol duties at the airfield, returning to the dormitory area from Helheim.
Two years ago, after "returning" from the Quantum Sea, Durandal had swiftly risen to become Schicksal's strongest S-rank Valkyrie.
Though still young, she was already a renowned warrior—beautiful, diligent, elegant, and formidable. Her presence exuded perfection and reliability.
As long as Durandal was here, there was nothing to fear.
Among Schicksal's Valkyries, she enjoyed immense popularity.
The setting sun cast its slanted rays, cloaking the floating islands in a hazy twilight glow. As always, Durandal made her way back alone.
Behind her, lovestruck Valkyries gazed at her retreating figure with hearts full of longing.
"If only Durandal-sama would personally train me..."
Filled with such thoughts, they fidgeted inwardly.
Though they longed to speak to her, the moment they got close, they froze, unsure of what to do.
Durandal's aura was simply too overwhelming—so much so that no one dared even to breathe loudly in her presence.
Thus, they could only wait for her to approach them first.
Because of this, "Durandal-sama talked to me!" was enough to make these young girls giddy for weeks.
And yet—
"Ah! Is that... Rita-sama?"
A few starry-eyed admirers watched as the Valkyrie clad in a rose-black maid outfit approached Durandal, their hearts blooming with admiration.
It was a curious thing—some were devoted to just one of them, while others shipped them as a pair.
The most beloved couple in Schicksal Headquarters was undoubtedly the peerless Durandal and the elegant, radiant Rita.
This was no baseless rumor.
The relationship between Durandal and Rita was enough to make anyone green with envy.
According to Valkyrie Forum leaks, the two even bathed and slept together.
Durandal paused as the maid approached her.
Rita Rossweisse—a woman as enchanting as a moonlit rose.
She possessed the voluptuous allure of a noblewoman, yet carried the dignified purity of an untouched young lady.
The floating island's spotless floors reflected the slender legs clad in black stockings as the gray-haired maid in her high heels stood before Durandal.
The heels accentuated her graceful, upright posture, and her slightly intoxicated, wine-red eyes locked onto Durandal's.
"Rita?"
Durandal sounded faintly surprised.
During routine patrols, her adjutant would always thoughtfully prepare lunch and dinner for her.
However, Durandal's training regimen far exceeded that of an ordinary person, and she was still in the midst of her growth spurt—resulting in an astonishing appetite. Though she didn't particularly care about others' opinions, the young girl still wished to maintain some semblance of dignity.
Thus, "dining for two" became a little secret between Durandal and Rita.
Unless absolutely necessary, Durandal rarely ate outside.
But now, Rita had appeared here just before dinner time—which could only mean one thing.
"There's a mission?"
"Yes." Rita clasped her hands in front of her skirt, the smooth black stockings covering her legs gleaming softly in the sunset.
"Durandal-sama, I'll be heading to the Far East Branch soon."
"I see."
Durandal simply nodded.
Rita, however, stepped closer with a smile, slithering near like a serpent.
Her nose nearly touched Durandal's, their breaths mingling.
The maid in black stockings raised her hand, her fair, delicate arm moving like a snake as it gently caressed the golden-haired girl's cheek.
"Durandal-sama has nothing else to say to me?"
"..."
Durandal stood motionless, her legs straight and porcelain-smooth.
Whether it was due to Rita's cooking or Durandal's natural beauty, her youthful curves had blossomed into a lush, alluring figure. The fabric stretched taut over her chest, as if on the verge of tearing.
A flicker of hesitation passed through her eyes, though her expression remained calm. Softly, she replied:
"Come back soon."
Rita's slender fingers twitched.
"That's all? I might be gone for at least half a month."
Durandal pondered seriously.
"Be careful."
The maid noticed her superior's cheeks warming slightly, and her smile deepened. Her wine-red eyes stared straight into Durandal's.
"What danger could St. Freya Academy possibly hold? Does Durandal-sama have anything else to tell me?"
"..."
Durandal's lips parted slightly, but no sound emerged.
Seeing that the mood had reached its peak, Rita finally withdrew her hand and took a step back.
"There's so much I'd love to share with you, Durandal-sama. But~"
She raised a pale finger to her lips.
"I'll tell you when I return from St. Freya."
Their familiar interaction seemed to have played out countless times before.
The Valkyries fortunate enough to witness this scene screamed internally.
They were shipping it hard.
If possible, they would've loved to join in themselves.
...
The one-week deadline was approaching.
Kiana sat on the sofa, lifting her shirt to glance at the "69" etched on her abdomen, her heart swelling with pride.
This is in the bag.
Only 26 hours left—there was no way that bastard Ye Feng could make her go at it 69 more times!
He hadn't managed it in the past six days!
"My dear niece, what's got you so happy?"
Theresa barged in without even knocking.
"Auntie?! Didn't you say to knock before entering?"
"Huh? Why would I need to knock?"
"Privacy! Privacy!"
Kiana hastily tugged her shirt down, gripping the hem tightly.
"Even the Academy Head should respect her students' privacy!"
Theresa eyed her suspiciously.
"Since when did you care so much about privacy, Kiana?"
Of course I do!
Getting railed by Ye Feng every day, constantly worried about being caught by Mei—
She'd been living on edge, to the point where it was practically a reflex now.
Privacy was paramount.
"O-of course I do!"
Kiana clenched her fists.
"It's basic manners, Auntie!"
"Alright, alright, I'll keep it in mind. Where's Himeko?"
"Himeko-sensei? Probably out drinking. I haven't seen her since yesterday."
"Tch."
Theresa clicked her tongue.
"That woman... always drowning herself in alcohol. Won't answer her comms, can't find her in the dorms..."
"Why are you looking for her?"
Theresa's expression flickered slightly as she averted her gaze.
"Headquarters is sending a troublesome one to the academy."
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