Herrscher of Dominance in Honkai, starting with the abduction of Kiana

Bernice's sudden, formal bow flustered Kiana.

Despite her boisterous personality at St. Freya, she was awkward around strangers.

Unsure how to react, she reached out to help Bernice up—but her hand was full of pastries. She quickly wiped her other hand on Ren's shirt before touching Bernice's shoulder.

"Y-you don't have to thank me."

Unbeknownst to Kiana, Bernice was even more nervous.

She had rushed over in a burst of gratitude but now regretted her impulsiveness.

Did I scare her? I probably looked like a mugger.

Bernice stood up, flustered. Neither knew what to say, and an awkward silence settled between them.

"Um, are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?" Kiana offered the pastry in her hand.

Ren's eyes flickered. Smoothly, he took the pastry before Bernice could respond, then turned to her.

"Nice to meet you, Bernice. It's getting late. Why don't we find somewhere to eat and chat?"

"Oh, yes, of course. I apologize for my rudeness." Bernice gratefully accepted the suggestion.

Discussing matters over a meal was a Shenzhou tradition, fostering closeness. Even without conversation, the food provided a comfortable distraction.

They found a noodle shop, where Ren blended seamlessly into the lunchtime crowd.

He stored the pastries in the Imaginary space, preventing Kiana from giving them away again. Then he turned to Bernice.

"Don't be so nervous. Eliminating the Honkai is our duty. If you're here because I healed your Honkai corruption, there's no need for such formality. It was nothing."

His words eased Bernice's tension, making the atmosphere less awkward.

"I'm really sorry about earlier," she said, scratching her cheek.

"It's okay, really," Kiana waved her hand dismissively. "Just tell us what's on your mind."

"Right…" Bernice instinctively started to apologize again but stopped herself.

"My name is Bernice. I was part of Schicksal's Snow Lotus squad, stationed on Coral Island."

"Coral Island? The one that was almost destroyed?"

"Yes. You probably don't remember me, but the Snow Lotus squad was the only one stationed there. We wouldn't have survived the Honkai eruption without you."

"A Herrscher was born on Coral Island. Ordinary Valkyries wouldn't have stood a chance against that level of Honkai."

Though harsh, it was the reality for Valkyries. They were expendable, especially during eruptions.

"Exactly. Our squad leader was chosen by the Honkai. We would have been wiped out if not for you."

Kiana remembered saving a squad of Valkyries during her fight against the Herrscher of Rimestar, but she hadn't expected to see one here.

"I wanted to thank you, but never had the chance. And then, just now, you saved me and everyone else again, and I couldn't help myself..."

Ren interrupted, his gaze sharp.

"As a Schicksal Valkyrie, you should know Kiana's identity, right?"

Bernice flinched. "I… I wasn't sent by Schicksal. I learned about Kiana-sama later, but I mean no harm. You saved me. I would never..."

"Ren..." Kiana tugged at his sleeve, seeing Bernice's fear.

Ren gently squeezed Kiana's hand, reassuring her.

"Bernice, that name isn't typical for Shenzhou. And your features are clearly European. I'm curious why you're here."

He knew she wasn't from Schicksal, but her presence was still unusual. Caution was necessary.

Bernice stammered, "Because… because I am from Shenzhou. This is my hometown."

Ren raised an eyebrow, prompting her to continue.

"My mother is from Shenzhou. My father was a European merchant. They met during a trade expedition, fell in love, and he stayed for her. According to Mom, they were very happy, and they had me. But because of his nationality, they couldn't officially marry in Shenzhou. My name and genes are all I have from him."

Mother and father. Ren noted the subtle difference in her tone.

"My mother was born in a village near this city. So, this is my home."

"If your father was a merchant, he could have taken you and your mother away from Shenzhou..."

Bernice's eyes dimmed.

"He disappeared after I was born. His name is all he left me. I never met him. Everything I know about him is from Mom. After he left, her world fell apart. Life in the village was hard. She struggled to raise me, always smiling, telling me stories about their love. But I don't even know if they truly loved each other.

Later… she stopped smiling.

When I was older, I saw the Valkyrie recruitment notice and joined Schicksal."

Bernice drifted into her memories, her sadness palpable.

Kiana felt it, too. She squeezed Ren's hand, silently asking him to stop.

Ren nodded. He had been sensing Bernice's emotions. She wasn't lying.