I Am Honkai

"Let him in."

"Yes!" The attendant responded without hesitation.

Exhaling a soft breath, Selene murmured as she stood up slowly from the bottom of the steaming pool, her body relaxed and slightly sluggish from the soothing combination of drowsiness and the medicinal bath. Her gaze was hazy, her movements unhurried.

Amid the rising mist, clear water droplets slid down her skin.

She had an elegant figure that exuded grace and charm. Her skin was soft and flawless, her arms delicate, her slender legs perfectly proportioned. Combined with her radiant, healthy complexion, she looked naturally stunning.

Her damp silver-white hair cascaded over her fragrant shoulders, exuding a sense of alluring charm. Every moment, she radiated a natural and intoxicating grace.

Snap!

With a flick of her fingers, a surge of Honkai energy instantly evaporated the droplets from her hair and body. A simple, pure white loungewear robe materialized, covering all her radiant beauty.

Selene sat on the edge of the indoor hot spring pool, her legs bare below the robe as she didn't bother to summon footwear. She dipped her delicate feet into the warm water, her pink toes spreading slightly. Gently swaying her legs, she stirred the rose petal-covered surface of the pool, creating delicate ripples.

"Your Majesty." The deep, resonant voice of Sebas sounded from beyond the screen.

"Ah, Sebas, come in." Leaning against the sculpted jade armrest by the pool, Selene turned lazily, her tone relaxed.

"Then, this old servant shall intrude." The screen slid open, and Sebas entered with light, measured steps.

"My lady..." Sebas murmured in genuine admiration as he laid eyes upon the silver-haired figure by the pool.

Even dressed in simple, monochromatic loungewear, Selene exuded a natural aura of superiority. Whether it was Sebas' perspective or his deep-rooted respect, in his eyes, she sat there with the unmistakable poise of a queen: cold yet rational, elegant yet lethal, proud yet sharp.

"My lady, I've met with the ladies you mentioned—Kiana Kaslana, Bianka Ataegina, Rita Rossweisse—"

Mid-sentence, Sebas abruptly stopped mid-step.

His heart skipped a beat.

Realization struck him like lightning: the root of all his failed etiquette training attempts—whether with Esdeath or Alyssa—was right here. The problem lay at the source.

Before his wide-eyed disbelief, Selene casually gestured for an attendant to bring over an ice-cold soda. Crossing one leg over the other, she leaned back and began chugging it unceremoniously.

The soda, with its malty aroma, trickled from the corner of her mouth, sliding down her neck and soaking into her pure white robe.

"Ah, refreshing!" she exclaimed, wiping her mouth with her hand without a second thought. She then let out a long, contented sigh.

"My lady!"

Momentarily forgetting the topic at hand, Sebas exclaimed in shock, breaking his usual composure. "How could you?!"

"That is so unrefined! So crude!"

"Oh, Sebas, it's fine, it's fine," Selene waved dismissively, propping her chin on her hand. "You're not an outsider. All those formalities—who am I performing for? Comfort comes first."

"Miss! That is an incorrect perspective. Elegance, propriety, and grace... these should all stem from one's inner qualities. There should be no division between public and private behavior. True gentlemen and true ladies are consistent in their actions, inside and out," Sebas passionately declared, standing three paces behind Selene, his demeanor invigorated as he began a spirited lecture.

"Then why," Selene retorted, "are there so many billionaires and revered priests whose private scandals shock the public? Before their exposure, who would've guessed they were such wolves in sheep's clothing?"

"That's because they are not true gentlemen! They are scoundrels in disguise! Rotten apples spoiling the entire basket!" Sebas exclaimed indignantly before softening into a more earnest tone. "Regardless of how others act, what matters is that it reflects the cultivation of an individual and their family."

"Yes, yes, I'll change," Selene said, raising her hands in mock surrender, casually flipping her soft, white hair over her shoulder. "Sebas, help me comb my hair."

This small, unconscious gesture made Sebas sigh softly. Stepping forward, he took the intricately carved wooden comb from a nearby attendant.

Selene's silvery-white locks cascaded down her smooth forehead, flowing like a silky wave. Her hair shimmered faintly and extended all the way to her hips. Combing it was always a laborious task. Aside from using her abilities to keep it smooth, Selene had long relinquished the effort of managing it herself, leaving such tasks to her attendants.

Carefully, Sebas began to comb through her hair, gathering it in one hand and twisting it into a simple bun, pressing it under the comb's sturdy wooden teeth. As he worked, he asked, "Miss, what are your plans for the ladies?"

"Temporarily assign them to Esdeath's 'Jaegers' unit structure," Selene replied casually. "You will also oversee teaching some lessons. I assume you don't think I brought you in just for a quick lecture, do you?"

"Kiana Kaslana and Bianka Ataegina—given how much they resemble me, I'm sure you've noticed too, Sebas," Selene said.

"Your blood relatives..." Sebas murmured softly, lowering his head, his expression momentarily complex.

"Yes and no. They share a portion of my bloodline," Selene explained. "Strictly speaking, it's the other way around—they also carry a part of my power. But there's no familial bond between us."

Her crimson eyes gazed at the water's surface, the gentle sway of her legs dispersing the rose petals, revealing the crystal-clear depths beneath.

When Selene decided to push Kiana and the others onto the stage, she had already decided against hiding the truth entirely.

With the imperial elite's scrutiny and their striking resemblance in appearance and abilities, it wasn't something that could be entirely concealed. The human population of this world, with their notably high resistance to Honkai energy, would make it impossible to suppress suspicions.

Unless Selene decided to keep them permanently hidden—or eliminate them completely. Otherwise, it was better to let the matter be a subject of speculation. With Esdeath and Sebas watching over them, people could speculate as much as they liked. Selene herself had no intention of addressing the issue directly.

Whether they were guessed to be the emperor's blood relatives, members of the royal family, or distant branches of the imperial line, it didn't matter to her. As long as it remained an unspoken understanding, she was content to let it be. However, if anyone dared to publicly challenge their status, Selene wouldn't hesitate to annihilate them and their entire family.

"Let them help temper the empire's excesses," Selene remarked with a faint smile.

"Indeed," Sebas nodded. "The imperial military is too overrun with bloodthirsty warriors. The ripple effect has permeated the ranks. A cooling influence would be beneficial."

"I plan to assign them as field commanders to their respective units once the Valkyrie corps and the newly organized planetary auxiliary forces are fully structured," Selene continued.

Field commanders—focused solely on military operations.

As for the internal governance of the Honkai-inflicted planets, Selene would appoint direct central officials. These officials would have exclusive control over administrative authority, as well as the rights to independent arms manufacturing, logistical supplies, and the primary receipt of territorial gains.

Selene's reservations about entrusting them were not due to doubts about their integrity but because, at present, they were overly emotional. The Valkyries, to varying degrees, were prone to this trait.

In future conquest wars, Selene worried that a few pitiful children might appear, coupled with some eloquent persuasion, and the Valkyries' judgment would waver.

As for why the new regiments drawn from the Honkai-world humans were categorized as auxiliary forces—simple, they needed to earn their ranks through combat merit.

If they performed poorly and were initially elevated to auxiliary army status, wouldn't that reflect poorly on Selene's judgment?

The troop quality wouldn't be low, so earning merit wouldn't be an issue. Some casualties were inevitable.

"The nominal commander of the Valkyrie unit, I plan to assign Alyssa to that role, with Esdeath as her deputy. The Inquisition will also be involved, deploying monitors, commissars, and internal operatives," Selene said softly, tearing apart vibrant rose petals one by one.

"And before any of this, they need to spend some time learning under Esdeath and you."

"I understand, Miss. I will take good care of them," Sebas replied.

...

Imperial Capital, Palace Garden Residence.

"The rain is really coming down hard…"

"Why is it only raining in this area? Mei, look—the market below is completely dry," Kiana said.

Inside a lakeside pavilion, Kiana and Raiden Mei stood by the wooden window, pressed close together, watching the torrential rain outside.

The weather in the Imperial Capital was truly strange. The weather divide was unnervingly precise. Though the nearby market remained bathed in sunlight, the palace garden residence suddenly experienced a heavy downpour.

The rain came without warning. In an instant, raindrops pelted down as if someone had dumped a basin of water from the second or third floor. Within moments, the raindrops formed a continuous curtain of rain.

"Miladies, this is the city's climate regulation system, controlled by the Imperial Capital's garrison," explained an attendant stationed at the corner of the pavilion.

"Climate regulation system?" Kiana's blue eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Is it a device that can control the seasons and weather? Oh, and don't call me milady. Just call me Kiana."

The attendant responded with a warm smile.

"Yes. Whether it's spring, summer, autumn, winter, wind, rain, or snow, all natural weather in the Imperial Capital is controllable."

"The Imperial Capital is so vast that the distance between its districts and markets spans hundreds, even thousands, of miles. Within a single city or between neighborhoods, inconsistent climates would hinder systematic urban planning and management."

"Therefore, Her Majesty delineated distinct climate zones for the various districts and markets, standardizing them. Authority over these zones was delegated to the Imperial Capital's garrison."

"In addition to the default weather changes set by the authorities, if 65% or more of a district's residents agree, they can apply to choose the weather for the next seven days."

"Seriously?"

Kiana's mouth hung open slightly. She exchanged a glance with Fu Hua. Observing the sharply defined weather zones, they both came to the same conclusion: Selene (Her Majesty) had an extreme case of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

As the sky outside darkened and the bustling night market began to stir, the attendant maintained a calm smile and spoke gently, "Dinner time is approaching. Would the esteemed guests like me to arrange the meal?"

"Yes!"

"Perfect timing! I'm starving," replied Senti and Li Sushang in unison, both lying lazily on soft cushions.

After speaking, the two glanced at each other. Senti rolled over and jumped up, patting Li Sushang's shoulder with an exaggerated air of seniority, saying, "Good disciple, you and your master share the same thoughts."

Durandal and Rita exchanged amused glances. How wonderful... to share such feelings.

"Rozaliya and Liliya want some too!" the Olenyeva sisters, who had been playing around, chimed in.

As the attendant prepared to arrange the meal, Raiden Mei suddenly spoke, "Wait."

"Could we use the kitchen, utensils, and ingredients to cook for ourselves?"

"Mei..." Bronya, sitting with Seele, spoke softly. A gentle warmth flashed through her gray eyes as she stood up. "Bronya would also like to cook herself."

"Mei, you—" Kiana began, but Mei cut her off with a warm, wifely smile.

"Wait just a moment, Kiana. I'll make you something delicious, just like always."

The attendant glanced at the girls and nodded. "Please follow me. The left wing of this pavilion is equipped with a kitchen. However, for meat ingredients, there might be a slight delay as the kitchen typically stocks only common fruits and vegetables."

The attendant led the group down the corridor, sliding open a door to reveal an immaculate cooking area.

The counters were stocked with basic ingredients like cabbage, lettuce, onions, carrots, and tomatoes. Mei stepped forward, scanning the selection before opening a refrigerator. She pulled out an egg and asked, "Could you provide a whole chicken?"

"Certainly."

The attendant approached a control panel near the kitchen entrance, inserted an identification card, and tapped a few commands. Then, turning back to Mei, she said, "Currently, the five-minute delivery menu for meats includes... Class-1 Danger Beasts: Earth Dragon, Marg Don, and Octagon Horse; Advanced Danger Beasts: Marg Panther and Three-Eyed Lion; Special Danger Beasts: Kaiser Frog; High-Rank Beasts: Behemoth and Megalodon; Kilometer-Class Sea Kings...."

"Do you have any preferences?"

Raiden Mei blinked rapidly, utterly confused by the attendant's words. She hadn't encountered these creatures before and had no clue about their culinary properties.

"No, just keep it simple—black pork, wagyu beef, and sturgeon will be fine."

"Understood. If you have further requests, please let me know, and I will arrange them immediately."

Wiping imaginary sweat from her brow, Raiden Mei opened the pantry beneath the counter to reveal an impressive collection of precision kitchen tools.

She selected a chef's knife and examined it closely, marveling, The difference is staggering.... This isn't just a knife; it can even withstand Honkai energy?

At that moment, Raiden Mei was thoroughly overwhelmed by the Imperial Capital's extravagant opulence.

No wonder everything here was supplied to the palace—it was excessive beyond belief. Even the knife in her hand felt more advanced than the weapons she had used at St. Freya Academy.

"Bronya, what are you planning to make?"

"Russian Borscht. And Mei, you?"

"Me? Something Kiana likes...."

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