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

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"Hehe! That tickles~"

"Then stop squirming."

In the bathroom, Zeke was washing Kiana's hair.

Just before starting, it dawned on him that he could do this fully clothed since it's only shampooing. So, Zeke rolled up his sleeves while still dressed.

As for Kiana, at least she wore her little panties; after all, everything will get washed anyway. As for any undergarments above... well, considering her age, they were unnecessary.

Not like there's much to see even if she were naked.

With her head covered in suds, Kiana crouched on the bathroom floor, giggling as she tucked her chin inward.

Zeke couldn't quite understand what made her so happy about just getting her hair washed? He rolled his eyes and said:

"Honestly, it's a bit too long now. I suggest cutting it shorter."

"Zeke, you're such a dummy! Haven't I told you already, short hair wouldn't look pretty?" Kiana pouted, countering with her adorable loli voice.

Carefully massaging those silvery-white strands, Zeke ensured every strand from root to tip was thoroughly cleansed, nonchalantly responding:

"Really?"

"Of course! Zeke, you truly don't understand girls' feelings. You're such a blockhead, silly!"

"One more insult, and tonight's dessert is off."

"Wah! But you promised me, Zeke! You're being mean!"

In response to Kiana's complaints, Zeke merely rolled his eyes, picked up the showerhead, checked its temperature with his hand, ensuring it was neither too cold nor hot, and said:

"Close your eyes; I'm going to rinse you off now."

"Oh, okay."

Comfortably warm water cascaded down from her head, washing away the suds and revealing her long silver hair that reached past her waist, shimmering under the light.

The flow glided effortlessly over Kiana's petite body onto the floor, highlighting just how fair and tender her skin was, akin to milk.

Despite being only twelve or thirteen years old, subtle curves were already beginning to emerge. She was transitioning into the beautiful phase of adolescence known as girlhood.

"All right, next."

Zeke patted her head and gestured for her to move aside, showing no sentimentality whatsoever.

Kiana pouted, shifting her little feet, and squatted sideways to make room.

Then, Sin timidly approached.

Zeke glanced at her, faced with a smooth expanse of snowy white skin, his gaze turning lifeless like dead fish eyes, he stated:

"Put on your underwear first."

"...Okay."

Sin complied and crouched down.

As before, Zeke patiently washed her hair, but this time, there was no idle chatter like with Kiana.

Despite his reaction, Sin, hugging her knees, still managed a smile.

"Zeke, do we have to continue tomorrow?" Kiana asked from where she was squatting nearby, scratching her small bottom through the wet fabric.

Zeke glanced at her sidelong and replied evenly, "What's the point of training for just one day?"

"Can't we get a different instructor instead? I think there's something off about that little shrimp."

"You're not much taller than she is—and regarding IQ...don't embarrass yourself further. She has relevant experience, plus you can ask Sin what she thinks."

Before Sin could respond, Kiana puffed out her cheeks and dejectedly said, "No need to bother her then. That dummy Sinbara must've been bribed already; asking would be pointless."

"It's Sin Mal," Zeke corrected, rolling his eyes on behalf of Sin. He looked suspiciously at Kiana and continued, "It's not like you lack memory—it's simply that you don't like using your brain. Shouldn't such a short name be easy enough to remember by now?"

"...Nope, it doesn't stick." Feeling guilty, Kiana turned away and started whistling ineffectively.

"Thump!"

Zeke lightly smacked her head as a form of discipline.

The soap suds from Sin's hair inevitably drifted onto Kiana's clean locks. Zeke grabbed the showerhead and rinsed her briefly before deciding it wasn't worth addressing their squabble.

Despite the noise they were making, there seemed to be no deep-seated animosity brewing between them—just typical childhood bickering, not much cause for concern.

After rinsing their hair and warning them not to fight during bath time, Zeke exited the bathroom.

"Um, Dr. Tesla just sent me a message saying someone wants to see you at the nearby woods," Cocolia approached, casting a concerned glance towards the bathroom door as she spoke to Zeke.

Considering they had all shared the same bed before, having two women and a man together in the bathroom conjured too many provocative scenarios for Cocolia not to feel uneasy.

Zeke dried his hands with a towel, nonchalantly asking, "How long ago was that?"

"About three minutes, I think."

"How did you respond?"

"Just... told her the truth?" Cocolia blinked uncertainly.

Zeke glanced at her and simply said, "Have Bronya inform them that I'm attending to some business, and there's no need to wait for dinner. Also, you should come along."

"I'm coming too?"

"You seem to have something on your mind. While I don't particularly care, it's better to be cautious and bring you with me."

While Cocolia's character trait included not easily harming children, Zeke had no intention of relying on her restraint. By keeping her close, any schemes she might harbor against Kiana and Sin would be futile.

Cocolia blinked silently.

What could she possibly have planned? After Zeke rendered her Titan force useless, her greatest fear was this information leaking out. Until the research department fully mastered cold fusion technology and could independently mass-produce Titan mechs, Cocolia lacked confidence even to show herself publicly.

After all, those she had wronged or partnered with were far from benevolent individuals.

Cocolia merely speculated that the person Zeke intended to meet was likely Siegfried. She had no standing to offer advice, but as Kiana's father and someone capable of evading Schicksal's pursuit, perhaps Siegfried could influence Zeke positively?

Thus, Cocolia embellished her message slightly. Primarily, she hoped Siegfried could dissuade Zeke from targeting the little girls at the orphanage, and more importantly, prevent any tragic loss of life involving such young individuals!

As instructed, Zeke arrived at the forest where moonlight illuminated the snow-covered ground, casting a frosty glow that made the air feel even more bone-chillingly cold.

"Ask Dr. Tesla when they'll arrive."

"Three..."

"Three minutes?"

"...two... one... That's what she replied with," Cocolia finished just as a gentle breeze stirred the tranquil woods.

Moments later, several figures slowly emerged, treading through the snow.

Zeke squinted slightly; his worker drones had reported no sign of them until this moment.

Did they suddenly appear out of nowhere or use some advanced concealment technique beforehand? In any case, their method was beyond Zeke's current understanding, piquing his interest somewhat.

Among the group, there wasn't much to say about Siegfried aside from his new black mechanical arm. The blue-haired and red-haired beauties—Einstein and Tesla—also required no further introduction.

The man leading them wore a high-necked sweater, a gray coat, and gentlemanly glasses, his handsome face bearing a warm smile that felt as refreshing as a spring breeze—Welt Yang, the renowned current Herrscher of Reason!

"Dr. Tesla, Dr. Einstein, Siegfried, and this one... must be Anti-Entropy Alliance Leader Welt, I presume? It's an honor to meet you all, but if I recall correctly, I was only seeking Siegfried?"

Before anyone could respond, Cocolia took a step back.

Wow, did we come at just the right time?! Before her stood the true powerholders of Anti-Entropy—the three founding members, including her top boss! If she could forge connections with them, who cares about those Radicals? With these bigwigs backing her, climbing the ranks within the Conservatives would be a breeze, wouldn't it?!