"The medication takes approximately ten minutes to fully take effect, and all official meals involve communal dining, introducing too many variables, so these options can be ruled out."
During dinner, Bronya mentally noted this observation in her mental journal.
Afterward came leisure time, followed by bathing and bedtime.
Zeke had to resort to force just to extricate himself from Kiana and Sin, who were clinging to him for shared baths and sleepovers.
Meanwhile, Bronya leaned against a wall at the corridor corner, quietly listening to the commotion and recording her thoughts:
"Assuming no unforeseen circumstances, Zeke's usual bedtime is around 11 PM. Approaching him after that hour would be unusual; he'd stay alert and focused... This timeframe carries high risk, so it must also be excluded."
Then Bronya left to sleep for six hours and returned at 5 A.M., crouching once more in her hidden corner.
In the darkness, those cool amber eyes were bright and alert.
Soon after, Kiana came pounding on Zeke's door, followed by Sin barging in with equal determination.
Following a noisy squabble between the two girls, they both found themselves flung outwards, slamming into metal walls and leaving human-shaped dents behind.
Bronya blinked expressionlessly.
[Zeke typically wakes up at 6 A.M., very consistently. However, Kiana and Sin often arrive early, especially recently. The frequency of Kiana disturbing Zeke's sleep has increased, causing Sin to show up earlier as well. In any case, Zeke tends to be grumpy upon waking, and these two are also significant issues—but during this time, his guard should be relatively low... Let's keep it as a secondary option.]
["During Zeke's work hours after breakfast, he tends to be very focused. This isn't an ideal time; move it down on the list."]
[Zeke doesn't often have morning tea; his habits are unpredictable. Let's decide based on the situation at that time.]
[Zeke typically doesn't take afternoon naps but instead uses the post-lunch time to troubleshoot programming issues. Interrupting him abruptly could also draw attention, so this period might be best avoided.]
[The afternoon tea break is relatively consistent. Usually, it's when we discuss issues or simply chat together. Bringing tea and snacks over with me is quite common, appearing entirely natural and unlikely to raise any suspicions—making it the most perfect opportunity. However, Kiana and Sin won't miss this time slot either. I need to find a solution.]
"After dinner, Zeke likes to stay in his room, perhaps doing some research or deep thinking, or simply relaxing with a book. It would be perfectly normal for him to have tea during this time... I'm usually present then as well, but again, Kiana and Sin will be there too."
After another long day, Bronya returned to her room and lay down on the bed, hugging her beloved Homu doll. Her delicate face, like that of a porcelain doll, showed no emotion as she stared straight at the ceiling.
Her mind replayed the day's observations, cross-referencing them with previous records.
Following meticulous analysis and calculations, she reached a final conclusion:
[Teatime in the afternoon is the perfect opportunity.]
[However, I must first distract Kiana and Sin.]
[To put it plainly, so long as they're both present at the base, there won't be any suitable moment, regardless of the time.]
"Knock knock!"
A tapping sound came from the door.
"Come in; Bronya isn't asleep yet."
The door opened, and Seele stepped inside timidly, clad in her white nightgown and clutching a pillow.
"Seele, what's wrong? Can't you sleep?" Bronya sat up to face Seele, a gentle expression softening her usually stoic features as she gazed warmly at her.
Hugging the pillow tightly, Seele covered her delicate, snow-white chin and hesitantly spoke in a soft voice:
"Big Sister Bronya, Seele... Seele wants to sleep with you."
"Come on over," Bronya replied promptly. She shifted on the bed, lifted the covers, and patted the space beside her, inviting Seele to join.
Seele raised her head, revealing a joyous smile that was pure and utterly adorable, like a little angel who had stumbled into the world of humans.
She climbed onto the bed, arranged the pillows, lay down, and let out a contented sigh.
"Sigh (╯^╰)..."
Bronya tilted her head slightly and turned sideways, nearly nose-to-nose with Seele. With tenderness, she asked:
"What's bothering you? You seem troubled."
"Well... Actually, the other me hasn't been talking to me lately. This used to happen often before, but recently, she's been unusually quiet—she doesn't even show up in my dreams anymore. I'm getting a bit worried. Big Sister Bronya, do you think she might be upset?"
Bronya fell silent, unsure how to respond.
This question ventured into areas beyond her knowledge.
Seele possessed dual personalities, carried the Death Stigmata, and exhibited Herrscher-like tendencies—as Zeke had roughly assessed her once.
But Seele was everyone's little angel—a cherished daughter to Zeke as well. Even he never intended to exploit her merely as a tool.
Consequently, after ensuring that her condition posed no threat to her safety—in fact, the second personality seemed like a powerful safeguard—Zeke chose to let Seele grow naturally without interference.
And Bronya, reassured by Seele's repeated assurances of being fine, saw no reason to intervene either.
To this day, apart from knowing about the presence of another personality within Seele, Bronya had limited insight into its nature, abilities, or state.
"Could it be that she's going through a rebellious phase? After all, Seele is reaching that age now."
Bronya pondered various possibilities—some far-fetched yet oddly plausible.
"Rebellious phase?" Seele blinked, momentarily taken aback.
Recalling the other her and her consistently cool, defiant demeanor during their encounters—it was hard to imagine it being related to any rebellious phase.
"Nah...," Seele murmured.
Frowning slightly, Bronya gently touched Seele's forehead as smooth as jade, finding no signs of fever. She continued, "Have you been feeling unwell lately? Did you consult with Zeke?"
"Not at all. I feel perfectly fine. Big Bro Zeke has been very busy lately, working on something important, so I didn't want to disturb him."
"It's not just about Zeke, is it? If things weren't winding down, I doubt you would have even approached me. Seele, you're such a thoughtful girl, and that makes Bronya very happy. But remember, we all care deeply for you. Next time, if anything feels off, please tell us right away. It's not disturbing us; keeping your concerns bottled up inside is what truly worries us." Bronya tapped Seele's forehead softly but firmly, speaking with sincerity.
Seele smiled faintly. "Okay, I understand, Big Sister Bronya."
"It's not just about understanding; you must follow through. I'm unsure of your exact situation too, so let's ask Zeke together tomorrow. I doubt there's anything to worry about—Zeke would have noticed if it were serious. So don't fret."
"Okay!" Seele gently nodded and moved closer to Bronya, wrapping her arms around Bronya's waist. Feeling the comforting warmth and deep sense of security, she couldn't help but smile sweetly.
Bronya stroked the soft hair of the girl nestled in her embrace, her expression warm.
"Now, get some sleep... Oh right, does Seele have anyone special she likes?"
"Yes!"
"Oh? Who is it?"
"Seele loves Big Sister Bronya!"
Bronya's hand paused briefly.
This answer undeniably softened Bronya's heart, filling her with warmth and contentment, yet it wasn't quite what she had hoped to hear.
"What about Zeke?" Bronya persisted.
She felt the girl in her arms momentarily stiffen.
"I...I definitely like Big Bro Zeke too! And everyone else, Seele loves them all!"
"All right then, time for bed. Goodnight."
Bronya ended the conversation with a resigned sigh.
Seele's reaction had already revealed her answer.
It didn't surprise Bronya at all. Over these years, Zeke had provided everyone with an unparalleled sense of security.
Don't be fooled by his brutish demeanor; even cute girls who foolishly pranced before him risked getting soundly thrashed, making him appear utterly emotionless. In reality, he was incredibly attentive, quietly taking care of every aspect of their lives like a proud yet caring father figure.
Hmm, that analogy is somewhat delicate.
In any case, Zeke radiated warmth without realizing it, effortlessly attracting those around him—especially vulnerable girls haunted by trauma and shadows within their hearts, who found it impossible to resist.
Seele succumbing to his charm was something Bronya had anticipated long ago.
While monogamy is the prevailing norm in modern society, don't forget Bronya's childhood environment—a child soldier trained to seduce and assassinate targets from a young age, exposed to homosexuality, underage prostitution, promiscuity, and countless breaches of conventional morality. It would be unrealistic to expect her to hold much regard for so-called mainstream values.
As long as Seele was happy and could live healthily, Bronya didn't much care about anything else.
We'll talk about it later.
After all, Seele is still young. For her physical and mental well-being, it's too soon to make any decisions.
It's alright, Seele. No matter what happens, Big Sister Bronya will always protect you.
Goodnight, my little angel.
Bronya gently kissed Seele's forehead as she slept, wearing a tender smile full of warmth.