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

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read 100+ extra chapters for this novel and a bunch of extra chapters for all the other novels I'm working on. I upload at least 1-2 times daily for all novels.

Additionally, there are also free extra chapters available for Free Members, so head on over:

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

At the pinnacle of the towering observation tower, a stable airfield smoothed out the fierce high-altitude winds, transforming them into a refreshing breeze that invigorated the senses.

From this vantage point, the panoramic view stretched majestically below, with the boundless ocean visible just beyond the horizon. Underneath the cloud-filled sky, it painted a harmonious and picturesque scene.

On the spacious platform, redwood chairs upholstered in soft fabric surrounded a snow-white circular table. Bronya, dressed in a cool white strapless dress, gently poured tea while wearing red sandals that revealed her flawless, ivory-like feet and dainty toes, as round and smooth as jade.

In this moment, she shed her usual aloof demeanor, devoid of any aggression, exuding a gentle charm reminiscent of a girl next door.

Currently, Zeke was the only one privileged to witness this delightful sight on the expansive platform.

The playful wind tousled Bronya's long silver-gray hair, also gently lifting the hem of her dress, revealing tantalizing glimpses of the sacred territory beneath, extending up to her snow-white thighs.

"Ahem!"

Zeke raised his hand to cover a cough and nonchalantly shifted his gaze back to the scenery.

"Your skirt is...a bit short," Zeke cautioned her gently.

Bronya glanced at him and blinked. "Really? Bronya bought it based on my measurements."

"It's not about the size... You're growing up now; you should be more mindful of your attire."

"I only dress like this at home. Bronya wouldn't wear such clothes outside."

"Well then, as long as you know your boundaries, it's fine." Zeke replied mildly.

Bronya pushed the teacup towards him. "Want to try some?"

As she did, her toes slightly curled inward, revealing delicate white skin akin to tender lotus sprouts—adorably innocent. Noticing this detail, Zeke surmised that perhaps she was hoping for compliments.

With a faint smile, he picked up the cup and took a sip.

"It's delicious," Zeke praised.

He wasn't a tea connoisseur; typically, his evaluation of teas would simply be either "delicious" or "average." Bronya's brew clearly fell into the former category.

However, much of one's enjoyment of tea depends on their mood.

Last night, Bronya had openly confronted Kiana about her Herrscher identity, bringing everything to light. After a night for emotions to simmer, Zeke wasn't privy to the exact conversations between the girls, but this morning, they set out without any visible rifts among them.

It seemed like the incident was largely behind them.

With the once-troublesome issue resolved satisfactorily, Zeke naturally felt quite cheerful now.

A good mood enhances the aroma of tea, making it difficult to assess Bronya's actual brewing skills accurately.

Fortunately, Bronya didn't seem to mind this ambiguity and simply sat down to enjoy her own cup.

"Zeke, Bronya has a question."

"Go ahead."

"Have you officially established a relationship with Kiana?" Bronya asked calmly, holding her teacup with a serene demeanor.

Zeke paused, looked up, and regarded Bronya with mild surprise.

Considering the numerous clues surrounding Kiana's status, it wasn't surprising that someone might suspect. However, asking such a direct question couldn't be explained solely by intelligence, could it?

Zeke's thoughts raced, and within moments, he grasped the general truth.

"Your stealth technology has been upgraded again?"

"Just features of technological devices; Bronya herself isn't that impressive."

"So, you were eavesdropping?"

"Does it make Zeke angry?" Bronya held her teacup, blinking innocently yet detachedly.

Zeke shook his head.

"Not really... But try not to do it often. I don't particularly like it."

"Alright, Bronya won't eavesdrop anymore."

"Good girl." As usual, Zeke gently patted her on the head, nodding approvingly.

See, this child readily admits when she does wrong and is willing to change—such a relief!

Then, Bronya lifted her gaze and continued, "Zeke still hasn't answered Bronya's question."

"Well, um, sort of. She confessed, I accepted—it's as simple as that," Zeke replied candidly.

The sudden shift from strong father-daughter affection to romantic love felt somewhat awkward for Zeke, who hadn't fully adjusted to it yet. However, what happened had already occurred, and he didn't feel the need to hide or downplay it—not just with Bronya but with anyone who brought up the topic.

After all, if even he couldn't openly acknowledge their relationship, how disheartened would Kiana feel? Zeke didn't want to see her sad, not even the slightest bit.

His unwavering honesty made Bronya purse her lips as if suppressing some frustration. After a moment, she slowly asked,

"If Bronya confessed too, would Zeke accept her feelings?"

Her tone remained calm, but the words held explosive implications.

Zeke's expression stiffened momentarily.

"...Is this your joke for today?"

"No, I'm serious."

"Don't rush into anything."

"I'm not rushing; Bronya has thought about it for quite some time. Zeke, unlike Kiana, Bronya has always been clear about what she wants."

The girl gazed intently at Zeke, her unblinking gray eyes conveying utter sincerity.

Zeke had to admit, at that moment, he felt flustered, his heart racing abnormally fast.

"Ahem! Well, I think..."

"Are you trying to change the subject, Zeke?"

Before Zeke could fully form his evasive response, Bronya astutely picked up on his intention and interrupted him directly.

Bronya gazed at Zeke's speechlessness for a moment before sighing. As she refilled his teacup, she nonchalantly said,

"Bronya knows that Kiana is special to you, Zeke. I never intended to replace her or make you abandon her... All Bronya asks is for your acceptance. Even if it must remain our secret, I would gladly accept that... Please enjoy your tea."

"I still don't understand... Why?"

Zeke took a sip of the tea, feeling increasingly thirsty despite drinking more—though perhaps it was just his imagination. The sudden confession from Bronya was truly shocking, and he couldn't focus on such minor details.

Bronya slowly smiled, shedding all her icy demeanor like warm spring sunshine.

"You're very intelligent, Zeke, but unfortunately not when it comes to emotions. There isn't any 'why.' Instead, ask yourself why you care so much about Kiana?"

"Well, because..."

Zeke was taken aback.

Why indeed? Because she's clumsy? Foolish? Or because without someone looking after her, she'd end up bruised and battered?

None of those seemed like genuine reasons.

After pondering for a moment, Zeke murmured to himself with sudden realization:

"Perhaps it's simply because she is Kiana."

"In that case, Bronya feels the same way. Have some more tea." Smiling warmly, Bronya continued pouring for Zeke.

Feeling somewhat bewildered, Zeke lifted the teacup, tilted his head back, and drained its contents to quench an inexplicably noticeable thirst.