Making Honkai Impact lll In A World Where Kallen Exists [Continuation]

Although understanding was one thing, it wasn't always necessary to say it out loud.

"This matter… do you have any ideas?"

Fu Hua's expression remained unchanged. She wasn't surprised by the question, though her gaze flickered slightly.

She didn't know what methods the other party had, but they certainly seemed to know a lot—almost as if they were observing from outside the world itself. This idea had also been speculated among the Flame-Chaseres in the Golden Courtyard.

If it were anyone else, she wouldn't believe they could guess the Herrscher of Sentience's thoughts. But if it was Luo Mo…

It was indeed possible.

And accurate.

"More or less. I guess… it'll be a weapon that perfectly fits her personality? Something that aligns with her preferences."

Luo Mo rubbed his chin, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

"Hm?"

Fu Hua was puzzled. What does "align with her aesthetics" mean? Does that person even have normal aesthetics?

"You'll know when the time comes. If I tell you now, there's a chance I might get called out by her later," Luo Mo explained.

Not just a chance—more like a high probability.

Once the Herrscher of Sentience finished crafting the weapon, she'd definitely excitedly find Fu Hua to guess what it was.

And if Fu Hua guessed correctly… wouldn't she chase after Luo Mo to confirm it?

If she found out he was the source, he'd be the one in trouble.

Initially amused by the thought of such a scene, Luo Mo's mood suddenly soured. He chose to avoid the topic altogether—he didn't want to end up entangled with the Herrscher of Sentience.

Guessing right brought no benefits; guessing wrong risked his authority. This wasn't something worth doing.

With his mind made up, Luo Mo bypassed Fu Hua and prepared to continue on his original path to find the headmaster. He was curious whether Theresa was slacking off or, more precisely, how long she'd been slacking.

Fu Hua glanced in the direction he was heading, seemingly pondering something. After a moment of thought, she silently decided to follow.

With the Herrscher of Sentience not at home, and Changxuan and Danzhu dragging the Chang Xuan Tome to the Doctor's place to "admit their faults," returning alone felt dull. She might as well see what Luo Mo was planning to do.

In her mind, Fu Hua reasoned that she didn't want to deal with the Doctor either.

Come to think of it… wasn't Dr. Mobius still staying at Luo Mo's house? After all, the Golden Courtyard had run into some issue again, and the construction timeline had to be extended.

Luo Mo glanced at her but didn't object.

He was really just delivering a gift, what was there to be afraid of? Besides, it wouldn't hurt to have Fu Hua give her opinion on whether it looked good.

---

Inside this simple yet grand teaching building, there was a sense of novelty and warmth everywhere.

The hallways were adorned with numerous paintings. While they were supposed to showcase the school's cultural heritage, St. Freya's history wasn't nearly as long as Theresa's, so the spaces were mostly filled with scenic landscapes.

Sunlight poured through the windows in fragmented patterns, and from a distance, one could see the blue horizon of the sea. The warmth left by the passing summer was carried on the breeze, accompanied by faint, cheerful laughter that reached their ears.

Walking along, Luo Mo couldn't help but admit that Theresa's life was indeed comfortable. She had created a little paradise on this island.

As for her office…

Even with Fu Hua nearby, Luo Mo had no intention of asking.

He vaguely remembered Theresa mentioning her workplace was in the innermost room. And the headmaster's office? It had to be on the top floor, no doubt about it.

Honestly, when he first heard this, he had guessed it was deliberately designed to give herself some buffer time. If she heard footsteps approaching, she'd have time to hide her manga.

So, Luo Mo intentionally slowed his steps, making them as silent as possible. As a martial artist, Fu Hua naturally didn't make a sound either.

They soon arrived at the innermost door.

Looking at the nameplate to confirm it read St. Freya – Headmaster's Office, Luo Mo felt relieved. Getting the wrong door would've been embarrassing.

After hesitating for a moment, he decided to knock. Although he was on good terms with her, Theresa had never barged into his space unannounced.

"Come in—"

Unexpectedly, the voice that came from inside was youthful yet steady, showing no sign of panic. It didn't sound like someone caught slacking off at all.

Luo Mo was confident in this assumption because… he'd been caught plenty of times himself.

How could being the boss count as slacking? He was always thinking about the company's major strategic decisions and planning the next steps…

Alright, fine. Luo Mo admitted he was a bit disappointed. He had been looking forward to seeing Theresa's flustered expression.

He pushed the door open and entered.

Theresa was seated at her desk in a specially designed chair to match her height. Sunlight filtered through white blinds, casting a soft glow on her white hair, making it shimmer like that of a saint.

Her small face was almost pressed against the desk. The workspace wasn't particularly messy, though papers were piled everywhere, indicating the various tasks she had to manage as headmaster.

She frowned slightly as she dealt with academy affairs and the evaluations her grandmother had sent.

Even though she had seemingly turned down the role of Overseer last time…

"Phew~ So, what is it? …Luo Mo? Why is it you?"

Theresa tilted her head, looking quite surprised to see him.

"Oh? I just came to check if you were slacking off. Strange, are you really Theresa?"

Luo Mo looked astonished. The idea that Theresa wasn't slacking off seemed utterly inconceivable to him.

This was Theresa!

Theresa who doesn't slack off, is that even still Theresa? In the end… was he the only one slacking off?

He couldn't accept this, feeling betrayed, as though a comrade in the trenches had suddenly turned on him.

"W-What nonsense! This academy principal never slacks off! And… what do you mean by that? Are you looking down on me?"

Theresa was stunned by his remark, but then quickly became indignant.

She wanted to stomp her foot but, sitting as she was, her feet couldn't even reach the floor. That only made her angrier. Was she really only seen as a slacker in his eyes?

Sure, sure, she had been slacking off ten minutes ago. But that was just because an idea had struck her—since the end of the workday was near, she couldn't let the whole day go to waste! That's why she worked diligently for ten minutes.

She had planned to push through another ten minutes before taking a well-earned break, and now this scoundrel barged in!

Honestly, she did feel a bit guilty.

But what did he mean by those words?

Puffing out her cheeks, she set down the items in her hand and gave Luo Mo a sidelong glance. If he came here to monitor her, well… it wasn't going to work!

After all, her stash of manga was safely stored with Judas.

"…Looking down?" Luo Mo chewed on the words briefly, then shook his head before Theresa could blow up.

"You're misunderstanding me. This time, I'm here to apologize—to express my sincere regrets for my earlier behavior and to deliver a gift as an apology."

"Really?"

Theresa hesitated, her gaze skeptical.

To be honest, she'd never heard of Luo Mo apologizing for anything.

His approach was usually to walk away without a second thought, not even sparing a glance. Or if he caused trouble, he'd cover it up without a second's hesitation…

Well, maybe not that extreme. He handled big issues decently, but when it came to pranks, he was utterly reckless.

So… Theresa squinted at him, observing his earnest and even sheepish demeanor.

Something felt off… very off.

"I've got the gift right here. Aren't you curious to see it?"

Luo Mo didn't explain further. He merely lamented the fragility of trust between people, even those who worked side by side could be rife with doubt.

This world… could it really get any better?

Yet as he spoke, a card appeared between his fingers. In the sunlight, its colorful radiance shimmered mysteriously, giving it an enigmatic air.

Fu Hua adjusted her glasses and glanced at the card with curiosity. It didn't seem like a stigma, but since it was a gift for the principal… she hesitated for a few seconds and chose not to comment.

"Wait… could this be a stigma?!"

Theresa's eyes lit up as she recalled something and exclaimed in surprise.

She had seen one before, on Himeko's occasion.

But whether in reality or in games, her own battle records were relatively sparse. Her body wasn't in any critical condition, and there weren't any pressing emergencies.

She had figured she wouldn't get one.

After all, stigmas seemed exceedingly rare, especially those that could truly elevate a Valkyrie to S-rank strength.

"Sigh… Maybe it's better if this goes to Kiana or the others," Theresa said, her eyes drifting from the card as she turned to Luo Mo seriously.

"They need it more than I do. Actually, Kiana will be coming here shortly," she added.

Those kids needed it more.

The real fight against Honkai rested on their shoulders. While it pained her to admit it, saying so made her feel like she was aging…

Still, Kiana and the others were performing admirably, and that brought her great comfort.

"…Though I deeply admire the principal, this particular gift is exclusively for you. Also, it's not a stigma, it's more like an outfit," Luo Mo replied, glancing at the ceiling as if burdened by his conscience.

He hadn't expected Theresa to think so selflessly. It made him question if he was the one at fault. For three seconds, he reflected sincerely.

Reflection over, he resumed as normal.

He hadn't done anything wrong, it really was just a gift. A piece of clothing, and one only she could wear.

"An outfit?"

Theresa took the card, looking at him skeptically.

"Mm-hmm. You just need to concentrate on it to equip it," Luo Mo explained.

Theresa, despite her general distrust of Luo Mo, didn't suspect he'd harm her. Besides, it was just an outfit…

A flash of white light filled the room.

When it faded, Theresa was clad in a red child's outfit. The hat bore a four-leaf clover design, accented by a small feather. Her pure white hair was now styled into twin tails.

She felt a weight on her shoulders, and when she turned her head, she found a small backpack with an adorable Judas charm attached. Its colors and style suited her perfectly.

Her usual nun's habit had been replaced by a red coat with a hood, and her short skirt now featured playful, wave-like trim. Every small detail of the outfit radiated childlike whimsy.

She looked every bit like a carefree child.

(TL/C: It's Klee~)

…The only problem was that she was the principal—the dignified leader of St. Freya Academy!

"Aaaaah—Luo Mo!"

She screamed in dismay. Somehow, she felt even shorter than before, her body even smaller!

And this outfit… wasn't it for kids?!

Luo Mo, on the other hand, admired the sight with great interest. Though the contrast between Theresa and the outfit was striking, it had its charm.

It exuded a mix of innocence and maturity, childishness and pretense, a peculiar but memorable blend.

Meanwhile, Fu Hua silently facepalmed.

She had known it. She shouldn't have come. Luo Mo was, predictably, up to no good.

---

"I think I just heard Auntie!"

At the entrance, Kiana suddenly halted, glancing toward Mei with surprise.

She really did hear something!

"Bronya heard it too, but Bronya and Seele are waiting downstairs. Besides, Kiana, is it because you failed your exam again that the principal called you over?"

"I absolutely did not! Can't it be that Aunt Theresa just called me for something important? Why always jump to the worst conclusion?"

Kiana glared at Bronya, clearly annoyed by the latter's perpetual teasing.

"Heh... Do you honestly think that's possible?" Bronya replied, her expression as neutral as ever, but the faint smirk hinted at her amusement.

"Alright, alright, Bronya. Let's not start another argument. Kiana and I are heading up now. Though… I think I heard principle shouting something about the boss… Must've been my imagination."

Mei sighed, scratching her cheek as she pushed Kiana toward the stairs, trying to mediate their endless bickering.

"Hmph—don't be so sure! Doesn't the company always say, 'You can see the boss anytime except during work hours'? So, the boss showing up here is totally reasonable!"

Kiana, being nudged forward, turned back to argue her point while still walking.

---

Luo Mo was quietly admiring Theresa in her new outfit, a satisfied smile on his face, though his tone feigned ignorance.

"What's wrong, Theresa?"

"You—! You actually have the nerve to ask! Why did you give me this kind of outfit?!"

Theresa was practically fuming, clearly distressed at the transformation and not knowing how to return to her original attire.

"I think it looks quite good..." Luo Mo began, only to be interrupted by a loud voice from the doorway.

"Wow—Aunt Theresa, why are you dressed like that? Are you pretending to be a kid for some kind of undercover mission? But… hmm… the outfit doesn't quite match the vibe… Uh, actually, it kind of suits you!"

Kiana's tone wavered as she processed the scene before her, her thoughts bouncing between confusion and amazement.

"Oh, so that's why you called me here, Aunt Theresa! It must be for some super-secret mission, right?"

"If that's the case, then you don't have to worry! Leave it to me. I'll take care of it!"

The office door had been left open, and when Kiana and Mei entered, they were greeted by the sight of a small red-haired girl.

At first, Kiana was baffled. Who was this child in her Aunt's office? Could it be Aunt Theresa's daughter? No, that made no sense. But if not, then who—

Wait.

The resemblance was uncanny.

Not just similar, identical.

Kiana finally realized that the child wasn't just anyone; it was her Aunt Theresa.

But wasn't her Aunt always sensitive about comments on her height and youthful appearance? So why would she willingly dress like this?

A theory quickly formed in Kiana's mind. She must be enduring this humiliation for the sake of a greater mission!

Her admiration for Theresa soared, her eyes sparkling with newfound respect.

However, deep down, Kiana couldn't help but think that this outfit made her Aunt look… older.

It was strange, Theresa's usual outfits made her appear overly childlike, but this one looked like something a grown woman might awkwardly squeeze into.

Kiana was about to offer her "advice" when Theresa cut her off with a yell.

"Ki-a-na!"

Theresa took a deep breath, glaring at the two intruders who had just witnessed her embarrassing new look. This was yet another dark mark on her record of dignity.

The list of people she needed to "silence" had just grown by two.

"Your exam results is... FAILED!"

Her voice was ice-cold, clearly intent on deflecting attention away from herself. Originally, she had thought about giving Kiana some words of encouragement for her 59-point score and maybe offering a little help.

But now?

After this?

"That's the why I called you here. As for this outfit—Hmph, blame your boss!"

Her voice carried a sharp edge as she shot a venomous look at Luo Mo, practically grinding her teeth.

---