Honkai Diary: Start With Picking Up A White-Haired Treasure

"Sigh..."

As Hera stormed back to her room and slammed the door shut with a loud bang, Amber stood outside, sighing emotionlessly.

Director Otto was upset again... Of course, it was all an act, something Amber saw through immediately.

Perhaps there was some important plan at play—too high-level for Amber to comprehend its intricacies.

But none of that mattered to her. All she had to do was follow Director Otto's commands faithfully.

Just like a doll, obeying Director Otto's will was the sole purpose of Amber's existence.

"The matter involving Lady Ana Schariac and the Pseudo-Herrscher's body has far-reaching implications. To prevent any unforeseen complications, I must trouble Lady Durandal to personally escort them."

"Yes, leave it to me!"

"As for Lady Theresa... Due to various factors, she may not be able to handle everything alone. The reconstruction of the Far East Branch will require Lady Rita's temporary supervision and guidance."

"Understood, Director."

"And regarding the ban on Welt's ideology, His Excellency the Archbishop lifted the prohibition yesterday."

"What? But that means..."

"Director Otto has his reasons; we simply need to follow through with his directives."

"I understand."

"Next, concerning future resource allocation and public opinion steering, my plan is..."

One holographic screen after another opened and closed as Amber efficiently managed video calls and electronic documents without pause from sunrise to sunset, never once rising from her desk.

After finalizing the last item on the agenda, Amber looked up amidst the lit office, adjusting the golden eyepatch covering one eye. Her delicate chin framed by snow-white skin resembled a painting come to life.

Glancing at the time displayed on the digital overlay within her eyepatch, she pursed her lips slightly.

"Director Otto's tea... must be delivered promptly."

In her usual cool and composed tone, Amber stood up, left the office, and headed towards Otto's private kitchen.

She washed her hands, heated water, cleaned the teacups, steeped the tea, and retrieved freshly baked pastries from the warmer.

"Lady Otto, today we'll have to make do with pre-prepared treats," Amber murmured softly. "I hope you don't mind."

Carrying a large square tray laden with tea and snacks, Amber traversed the long corridor and entered Otto's room.

"Otto—Lady Hera, your tea. Today it's Darjeeling, paired with milk almond cookies."

"Oh! Sounds delightful... Wait, just a moment, I'm about to beat my high score!"

With fingers flying across the tablet screen, Hera nestled on the couch, clutching a soft yellow cushion, her face filled with excitement as she focused intently on breaking her gaming record.

'Is this Body 0475 again?' Amber silently pondered to herself while setting down the tray and arranging the teacup and pastries.

Body 0475 was the designated code for the body known by the alias "Hera."

Otto was increasingly relying on this form even within Headquarters. His original male body spent more time preserved in the nutrition tank now, emerging only when necessary appearances were required. As a result, Amber rarely saw Otto present himself in his dashing masculine guise anymore.

This wasn't due to any particular preference but because body 0475 combined the bloodlines of Schariac and Kaslana, successfully completing the Fusion Fighter Experiment. Among all of Otto's bodies, it was both the strongest and had the most visually appealing appearance—the sheer convenience of using this form was the sole reason.

On this matter, Amber could only express one thought:

"Lady Hera, Schicksal has been experiencing high expenditure lately. To maintain a healthy and stable financial flow, I suggest... reducing some unnecessary expenses, such as unconditional support for certain gaming companies."

"...Ahem! Let's have tea first. It's off-duty time now; we can discuss matters another time."

Hera paused the game on her tablet, tossed aside the cushion, and gracefully sat upright like a lady, appearing almost childlike, awaiting someone to serve her food.

She blinked, her small, moist, cherry-like lips exuding an irresistibly enticing hue under the lamplight.

The light glinted off Amber's eyepatch, who said nothing, silently preparing the tea instead.

Then, with elegant movements, Hera began enjoying the beverage crafted by Amber.

At first glance, the scene resembled that of a cherished little princess accompanied by a poised, tall, and serene maid—a moment artists would capture in exquisite paintings for future generations to cherish and admire.

"Well then, I'll take my leave now, Lady Hera. Please rest well."

Half an hour later, Amber approached the door with her tray.

Besides the emptied teacups and plates, Hera's gaming tablet also rested on it.

"Um, my game..."

"Goodnight, Lady Hera."

Under Hera's pleading gaze, Amber's half-visible face beneath the golden eye patch remained unfazed as she slowly closed the door.

"Sigh..." Outside, Amber let out a soft breath, finally feeling a sense of relief that signaled the end of another day.

"The offer still stands—why not switch sides and join me instead? Whatever he pays you, I'll match tenfold."

The gaming tablet on the tray suddenly lit up, revealing a stern face with silver hair and blue eyes.

Amber jumped in surprise.

Though her expression showed no change, and her hands steadied the tray without trembling, she was genuinely startled.

"Sir Zeke, when did you connect?"

"While she was playing games, we discussed matters on the side; essentially, I've been present throughout."

"...Did Amber interrupt your conversation, Sirs?"

"Not at all. Back to business, have you reconsidered switching sides? Your expertise is crucial," Zeke emphasized once more.

A single Amber equaled the combined efficiency of Cocolia, Bronya, and Raiden Mei—a testament to her exceptional prowess in information processing and managing daily affairs.

Shaking her head, Amber respectfully replied with soft, delicate lips:

"Sir Zeke's kindness overwhelms me, but I must decline."

"Tsk! Still stubborn as ever, sticking to that guy till the bitter end. Fine, have it your way." The screen went dark.

Left standing there, Amber pondered for a moment while balancing the tray with one hand. With her free hand, she flipped over the tablet and covered it with a white cloth, ensuring both front and rear cameras were completely concealed.

Only then did she let out another sigh of relief.

At some point, Schicksal's system had become like an undefended garden, allowing Zeke unrestricted access whenever he pleased.

Perhaps he always possessed this ability, but initially, he held back due to Director Otto's presence. Now, though... even if Sir Zeke dismantled the entire Sky Base, wouldn't Director Otto simply applaud him, praising his actions?

For a brief moment, Amber was lost in thought.

She never imagined anyone could make Otto yield so much, yet here such a person truly existed.

With a shake of her head, she carried the tray, walking steadily down the corridor until disappearing around the corner.