Dinner time.
Miss Sirin sat alone in the cafeteria once used to entertain the researchers, a lost expression on her face.
Miss Sirin was bewildered.
Truly bewildered.
So many strange things had happened to her in just one day.
Just a short while ago, she had been trapped in a cold cage, living in constant fear. Now, she was sitting in a place that should have belonged to the researchers.
Those researchers, on the other hand, had been tied up one by one and taken away by a massive dragon that called a certain someone "beloved son."
"Some of my former kind are at their wits' end because of the Honkai, trying every method they can think of to study ways to resist it."
"And those researchers carry, to varying degrees, remnants of the Stigmata Project used to defend against Honkai energy. To my former academic colleagues, they are priceless treasures."
That's what the boy, who called the ferocious-looking dragon "Mother," had said.
The researchers from the Tower of Babel would be sent through Imaginary Space to another place called the Clock Tower.
Everyone in the entire research facility was gone. The laboratory, which symbolized a tower reaching for the heavens, was essentially废了.
Naturally, test subjects like herself were now free.
So, what was she supposed to do now?
The girl stared ahead, suddenly feeling completely adrift.
Should she strive to become stronger, to get revenge for Bella and the others?
"No matter what, staining your hands with blood is a sin. It's better not to get involved in such dirty business."
"However, just laughing it off doesn't seem right either. I'll try to pay Schicksal a visit later and vent some of that anger for you."
That's what the boy who claimed to be her "other self's husband" had said after seeing her.
It sounded so casual, almost like children fighting. But Sirin knew that the researchers who had used her as a test subject were already being sent to other researchers to be used as lab rats themselves. The fate that had once befallen her and Bella would now be perfectly reenacted upon them.
Next, he would go after Schicksal, the source of her tragedy. He, who didn't want her to stain her hands with blood, would take revenge in her stead.
Her past had been gray, where even the lights felt harsh and blinding. She had been like a doll, mercilessly manipulated when needed and discarded in that dark, cramped cage when not.
Now, someone had smashed that cage and given her freedom.
So, what should she do next?
The girl, who had clung to revenge as her final conviction while in that cage, felt the bewilderment on her delicate face deepen. It seemed now all she had to do was wait, and her wish would be granted.
She looked forward. In her line of sight, the boy with the perpetually playful smile was methodically taking out ingredients.
The ingredients had all been found in the Tower of Babel's kitchen. Unlike the test subjects who ate nutritional paste all day, the researchers' food was excellent. She could even spot some rather precious ingredients among them.
His movements were practiced, clearly those of a master chef.
The one who called himself her "other self's husband" had started cooking. What about her?
What should she do?
After a moment of silence, Sirin stood up from the sofa, walked slowly to the kitchen entrance, and asked with some apprehension:
"What… what should I do now?"
There is no such thing as a free gift in this world; every handout inevitably comes with a profound demand. Although this guy claimed to be her future husband, someone she could rely on forever… a husband and wife should rely on each other, right?
The girl, who had more or less accepted the fact that this person was her future husband, thought cautiously.
She should do something for him, not just be a pretty vase.
"If you'd come a bit earlier, you could have helped me chop some vegetables. But it's not needed now."
The boy's words made Sirin feel a little disappointed.
Then, he lifted the lid of the pot.
Incredibly, the dish that had just been put into the pot was already finished.
This scene undoubtedly challenged little Sirin's understanding of common sense.
You can serve a meal the moment it hits the pan? How is that possible?!
"King Crimson."
Sensing the girl's shock, the boy explained casually.
What's a King Crimson?
Sirin's eyes widened.
Miss Sirin, living in the world of Honkai, knew nothing of time magic, and naturally had no idea what a "King Crimson" was.
"Don't worry about such uninteresting details. It's time to eat."
After becoming a divine chef thanks to his Fire-Thief Authority, the boy, whose cooking was now basically limited to a choice between the cuisines of Shenzhou, France, or Turkey, carried plates of food to the dining table.
Bouillabaisse, pan-seared foie gras, Parisian lobster, pheasant in red wine, chicken liver with saffron…
The glory of French cuisine—dishes that made one drool just by looking at them—was placed before Sirin.
"Although I know your hometown is Belarus, Belarus isn't exactly a gourmet nation. Celebrating our first meeting with Belarusian food might not feel grand enough."
"Want to try some?"
The boy who called himself her lover very earnestly handed the cutlery to the girl, his tone incredibly gentle.
"Of course, if you're not used to it, I can make something else later."
Hearing his gentle voice, Sirin was suddenly reminded of her mother. She was always so gentle, never getting annoyed no matter how much Sirin acted like a spoiled child, always comforting her again and again.
She picked up the knife and fork, slowly cut off a small piece of chicken liver, and placed it in her mouth. An exquisite flavor echoed through her palate. The texture was delicate, melting the moment it touched her tongue, as if it didn't need to be chewed. A simple lick was enough to experience the fragrant savory taste as it dissolved.
The girl's eyes lit up, and she immediately cut off a second piece to savor.
She squinted her eyes in satisfaction, then put a piece of the apple garnish into her mouth. The specially treated apple had a unique aroma—sour yet sweet, utterly delicious.
She tried the other dishes, and every bite was filled with surprise and happiness. Each dish had its own distinct character, yet they did not clash when combined, forming a harmonious and perfect whole.
Without much hesitation, the girl, whose life in the laboratory had been anything but pleasant, began to eat heartily.
The boy beside her simply smiled faintly, watching her wolf down the food.
Soon, Sirin was full.
When was the last time I ate this happily...?
She couldn't remember.
But the fish soup tasted wonderful, not like the flavorless nutritional paste. The lamp overhead was warm, not glaring at all.
Just like…
The girl turned her head and looked into Li Zihan's eyes.
Just like the gaze of the boy beside her.
A sudden feeling of reluctance washed over her. She wished this moment could last a little longer, just a little bit longer.
"Are you full?"
But the boy's voice broke the spell, much to Miss Sirin's slight regret.
Sirin nodded, indicating she was full.
"Since you've eaten, come with me. We're going to meet someone."
Are we going to see his friends or family?
The girl, who had more or less accepted that this person would be her husband, wondered.
"Can you tell me who you're taking me to see?" Sirin asked, full of curiosity.
And then—
Her expression froze.
"My fiancée."