Daziel felt his mind roar as if something had exploded inside, stunning him and robbing him of the ability to think. Outrageous!
This was absolutely, ridiculously outrageous!
He blinked incredulously, trying to confirm if what he was seeing was real.
Could it be that last time in the lounge, his harsh attitude while playing the villain had scared this girl so badly her brain broke?
That shouldn't be right. Wasn't the Memetic Contamination DLC completely cleared? The residual memes shouldn't be this potent, right? Strange, how did things end up like this?
Also...
Why was Seele so bold now?
He couldn't help but look Seele up and down again, his gaze lingering on her slender waist and long, straight legs.
Seele seemed to catch the complex look on Daziel's face and explained, her voice trembling slightly, "Um... I'm only like this... to make things convenient for you..."
She tried hard to act natural, but her tone involuntarily carried a hint of shyness as she blushed and added:
"Er... Before coming here, I was already prepared to sacrifice everything..."
Seele's words made Daziel's heart lurch as if an invisible hand had squeezed it tightly.
Sacrifice everything...
These words echoed in Daziel's mind. He was completely stunned; of course, he understood what Seele meant.
His mouth hung open, unable to find any suitable words to respond for a moment.
Seele stared at Daziel. Seeing him silent, she bit her lip, seemingly deciding to go all out.
She continued, "If you're going to punish me, please do it quickly. Consider it a way to ease my conscience. I, Seele, never like owing anyone anything!" Although her words carried a hint of awkwardness and shyness, her inherent straightforward earnestness was clearly audible.
This was indeed very much in line with Seele's personality.
Daziel looked down at Seele before him. Her expression was earnest, putting him in a dilemma.
Punish her? Or not punish her?
This was a tough choice. After all, his... methods... weren't exactly gentle...
However, something even more shocking was yet to come for Daziel.
In the suffocating silence, Bronya's cool voice rang out again, striking Daziel like a thunderclap and leaving him even more dumbfounded.
"Mr. Daziel, it's not just Seele, but me too..."
Bronya paused slightly, as if gathering her thoughts or summoning immense courage, before continuing:
"Mm... Please let me serve you alongside Seele. Mm, with Seele... is that alright?"
... Huh?
Daziel felt like his entire worldview was about to collapse.
Wait, Miss Supreme Guardian, what act are you putting on now?! Are you still thinking about that threesome scenario we didn't get to finish last time?
Last time it was with an Aether Spirit, this time with Seele...
Isn't this kind of activity something the ancient beast "River Crab" would target? [Translator's Note: "River Crab" (河蟹 - héxiè) is internet slang for censorship in China, sounding similar to "harmony" (和谐 - héxié), a term often used officially to justify censorship.]
Bronya, even if you want to play, I, the protagonist of this harem story, wouldn't necessarily dare! Otherwise, this whole world might get swallowed by the "River Crab" ancient beast...
Wait...
Shouldn't I be the one apologizing today for my "offensive" behavior in the lounge last time?
How did it turn into both of them practically throwing themselves at me?
If scoring becomes this easy, the audience won't buy it, you know.
However, Bronya didn't seem concerned about that. She explained solemnly, with a barely perceptible note of sadness in her voice:
"Because... I truly couldn't find any other way to repay the immense debt Belobog owes you. I know that even my personal sacrifice, as the Supreme Guardian, is nowhere near enough to compensate for what Belobog owes you."
After all, for Belobog...
Lord Daziel's kindness could never be fully repaid!
But even if Bronya was willing, Daziel himself didn't think that way.
Daziel quickly waved his hands. "No, Miss Bronya! That's not why I helped Belobog..."
He wanted to explain his true intentions clearly—
As a Nameless on the Astral Express, carrying out the will of Trailblaze and helping friends is perfectly normal.
This completely aligns with the consistent theme of the 12+ rated main storyline of Star Rail.
How did it get completely twisted when Bronya said it?
Am I the kind of person who only helps people to get into their pants?
All the women around me now... scoring with them was unavoidable, a necessary measure!
It was all a necessary sacrifice I made to save the world!
...
Bronya clearly didn't get the point.
Before Daziel could finish speaking, a complex glint flashed in her silver-grey eyes, her voice tinged with a subtle grievance.
Bronya directly retorted, "Mr. Daziel, you've helped Belobog three times. Are you going to reject me for the third time with the same reason?
"Could it be... that in your eyes, I, Bronya Rand, am so unworthy, so unattractive, that I don't even deserve a small... chance to repay you?"
"I never thought that! Miss Supreme Guardian, could you please stop jumping to conclusions?!"
Daziel was nearly choked speechless by Bronya's sudden retort. This Supreme Guardian's train of thought was so peculiar it left him utterly astounded.
However, Daziel could never have imagined that things were about to get even more absurd—
Just then, Seele seemed to get anxious. She suddenly turned around, straightening up, her previous shyness and awkwardness vanishing, replaced by her usual decisive and swift manner. "What are you dawdling for! Bronya has already said so much, aren't you even going to give her this much face?!"
Hearing Seele say this, Bronya's expression changed, her eyes filled with stunned disbelief as if she'd been struck by lightning. Her delicate body trembled slightly. "Seele, you... what's wrong with you? Didn't we agree? We were going to properly apologize to Mr. Daziel and explain about the lounge yesterday..."
Seele clicked her tongue unhappily at Bronya's slightly accusatory question, her voice laced with irritation and confusion:
"Tsk, I understand the reasoning, and I really do regret my impulsiveness last night, but... I don't know why, seeing you act so humbly in front of him just makes me feel incredibly uncomfortable."
Seele bit her lip, her voice suddenly rising with intimidating force as she continued:
"Hey, Daziel, I'll ask you one last time, do you want to do this or not? If you keep dawdling, I'm taking back my offer!"
"I see you really don't appreciate how great Bronya is! Bronya is perfect, irreplaceable! It's your honor, understand?!"
Hearing Seele's hostile words, Daziel's expression hardened.
The awkward feeling in his heart instantly vanished, replaced by irritation...
This wild girl was really pushing her luck again!
Say a few polite words, show her a little kindness, and she starts acting presumptuously. What a terrible attitude.
Acting bossy as if he owed her something, completely lacking gratitude.
A typical case of forgetting the pain once the wound heals!
Didn't he just teach her a harsh lesson yesterday, making her cry her eyes out?
Slept one night and forgot all about it today, huh?!
Eh, wait, something's not right...
It seems I overlooked something!
Daziel suddenly recalled Seele repeatedly insisting that he subject her to that kind of punishment...
This request was truly strange. Thinking about it carefully, it was rather intriguing...
Could it be that yesterday's... actions... were too intense for her, awakening some strange preferences?
At this thought, the corner of Daziel's mouth twitched slightly.
Her brain hasn't actually broken, has it?
"Seele—"
To test his suspicion, Daziel deliberately drew out her name, his tone carrying a hint of probing curiosity, "You really want me to punish you, don't you? Why else would you keep bringing it up?"
Seele was taken aback by Daziel's sudden question, her confident momentum faltering. "I... I do not! Wh-what nonsense are you talking about! Who... who would have such weird preferences!" Her cheeks flushed crimson, and her eyes darted away, avoiding Daziel's gaze. "I just... I just felt that this might help wash away... my inner guilt!" As she spoke the last part, her voice weakened noticeably, a fleeting girlish shyness appearing.
"Really? You don't seem like it..." Daziel teased, his tone implying he knew better, having already confirmed his suspicion seeing her reaction.
"Tsk, I said no, so it's no! Can't you understand?"
She stomped her foot forcefully, trying to hide her inner turmoil with the action.
In the next moment, Seele seemed to revert to the decisive Underworld punk, her earlier awkwardness and shyness replaced by familiar stubbornness.
"Alright, enough nonsense!"
She turned around, resuming her previous pose, even pushing her backside out slightly higher to emphasize her determination.
Her full curves were displayed unreservedly before Daziel, filled with directness and provocation.
"Hurry up! If you're going to punish me, then punish me quickly, you damn jerk!" Seele urged impatiently, her tone tinged with a commanding harshness.
Looking at Seele's pale, smooth thighs and her slightly stiff yet resolute back, Daziel fell into thought again for a moment.
There was something else he seemed to have overlooked...
This girl, Seele, kept saying she wanted him to punish her, even asking him to repeat what happened last time. Maybe the reason wasn't just that she'd awakened some strange preference...
Every time her emotions fluctuated wildly and her attitude hardened, it seemed to be related to Bronya...
Although he could vaguely understand Seele's motives for acting this way, a trace of displeasure still rose in Daziel's heart.
Being confronted with such an aggressive attitude by this girl every time... even the most patient person would find it hard to bear.
While Daziel considered himself a champion of justice, he wasn't some pushover who just swallowed insults!
It was time to teach this insolent girl a little lesson.
It didn't require the intense, even somewhat rough methods from last time.
Just a small, gentle, yet memorable—
"fond" memory!
At this thought, Daziel's lips curled slightly, an imperceptible glint of cunning flashing in his eyes as an idea quickly formed in his mind.
"Wait, Seele!" Daziel deliberately slowed his speech, drawing out the syllables, his tone shifting. "Perhaps, if we're going to do this kind of thing, maybe it doesn't require such a severe punishment. At least, not one that causes you any actual harm..."
Seele's tense nerves were caught off guard by Daziel's sudden change. Her almond eyes widened slightly, her voice tinged with noticeable panic.
"Wh-what is it?! What are you scheming now, you jerk?" She subconsciously raised her voice as if to cover her unease.
"Stop beating around the bush! Just punish me quickly, then get on with your sordid business, can't you?! Isn't that what you want?"
"Seele!"
Bronya couldn't bear to listen anymore and gently reprimanded her again, her tone laced with clear reproach and worry, "Don't talk like that..."
"It's alright, Bronya. I don't mind."
Daziel gave Bronya a reassuring look, signaling her not to worry.
Then he turned back to Seele, his tone gentle yet carrying a subtle playfulness:
"Seele, you know my methods... blunt instruments, harsh measures... they don't discriminate. Perhaps a different approach would be better."
Hearing this, Seele's brows furrowed slightly, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Tsk, you, being gentle? That's not like the you from yesterday?"
She pouted, her tone still harsh as if unwilling to acknowledge Daziel's good intentions.
"Don't flatter yourself! I won't be grateful for this! You'd better use more intense, harsher methods, otherwise, my guilt won't be appeased!"
Listening to Seele's contradictory words, Daziel's expression became somewhat strange.
Although he was already sure Seele had developed some strange preferences, Daziel couldn't help but ask:
"Seele, tell me honestly, after what happened yesterday, did you awaken some strange attribute? Like... enjoying my rough side, for example?"
"Pah!" Seele retorted, her face flushing beet red with indignation.
"Who... who has weird preferences like that! How many times do I have to say it, I don't! Damn it, you jerk, can you stop asking so many questions!"
"Sigh, I really can't bring myself to use my usual methods of punishment on you. It would be too cruel."
A faint smile played on Daziel's lips as he sighed, feigning helplessness.
"How about this: to satisfy your request without violating my principles, I've thought of a method with a similar effect to punishment. It guarantees we achieve the goal without causing you any actual harm..."
Seele's curiosity was piqued by Daziel's words. Though still verbally defiant, her tone noticeably softened.
She pressed eagerly, "What kind of method? Spit it out! Stop keeping me in suspense!"
Daziel slowly looked around, his gaze sweeping over the orderly furnishings of Qliphoth Fort, finally settling on a stack of files in the corner and the rope used to bind them.
He walked over, picked up a hemp rope from beside the files, rubbed its rough surface with his fingertips, gave it a few gentle tugs to check its flexibility and strength, then turned back.
Daziel held up the rope towards Seele, a meaningful curve playing on his lips, and asked softly, "Will this do?"
Seele's gaze fell on the hemp rope in Daziel's hand. At first, she was puzzled, but as she realized the implication in his words, her fair cheeks instantly flushed scarlet.
Her eyes flickered, not daring to meet Daziel's teasing gaze, yet she stubbornly mumbled in an unnatural tone:
"Tsk, what a detestable jerk... I already said you were detestable! To think you'd even come up with something like this, hmph! Such bad taste!"
Despite her words, however, Seele's tone had clearly weakened, losing its previous harshness and righteousness.
She lowered her head slightly, trying to feign contemplation, but this pretense lasted only three seconds before she broke it herself.
Seele suddenly looked up as if she had made some sort of decision, her voice becoming mumbled:
"Well... it's not... unacceptable... It's all that kind of thing anyway... Rope... should... should be fine, I guess! Tsk, you really got off easy, jerk!"
Watching this scene unfold, Bronya's tense expression finally relaxed. She walked over to Daziel's side and said sincerely:
"Thank you, Daziel. You truly are a very gentle person, to think of a way that won't hurt her..."
Daziel observed Seele's contradictory reaction and Bronya's grateful gaze. A faint smile touched his lips, but his mind was perfectly clear.
This girl, Seele, was truly a tsundere—saying one thing but acting another, her behavior betraying her words.
Who would have thought that the outwardly cold and sharp Seele would have this side inadvertently brought out by him?
Originally, whatever happened with Seele didn't matter...
But now, she was repeatedly being insolent and aggressive towards him. For that, she needed a small lesson to make her remember.
...
Thinking this, Daziel took the rope and slowly walked towards Seele.
Seeing him approach, Seele reluctantly held out her hands towards Daziel, saying awkwardly:
"Hey, pervert! Don't blame me for not warning you! Tie me up tight! Preferably tight enough to make it hard to breathe! Even if you accidentally hurt me, it's fine! I'm just afraid... afraid I might accidentally break free!"
Hearing Seele's transparently flimsy excuses, the smile on Daziel's lips deepened. He chuckled and agreed, "Don't worry, I guarantee I'll tie you securely. You definitely won't break free easily."
Daziel skillfully tied Seele up, the ropes tracing the curves of her young body.
Through practice with Hanabi and Jingliu, Daziel had long since mastered this art.
Seele wasn't actually that strong; just a wild girl raised on a primitive planet, half her combat prowess reliant on the scythe given to her by Sampo.
Even with ropes made locally in Belobog, Seele might not have the strength to break free on her own.
Her cheeks flushed red, Seele urged him on, seeming eager to escape the embarrassing situation, yet perhaps also harboring a hint of unspoken anticipation:
"What's next? Hurry up and start! Er... It's not like I want to do that kind of thing, I just... I just want to get this over with quickly. There's a pile of things waiting for me back in the Underworld."
Daziel responded unhurriedly, a playful smile on his lips.
"No rush, no rush. Just wait a moment. Before we begin, I have a small suggestion. I'd like to gag you first, may I?"
"Hmph!"
Hearing this, Seele raised an eyebrow slightly, snorting with feigned disdain. "Quite the collection of tricks you have. Hurry up and do it."
Daziel's smile deepened. "Right, before we start, let me just confirm one thing. You really don't have any feelings for Miss Bronya beyond friendship, correct?"
Seele threw him a puzzled look upon hearing this, as if looking at a complete weirdo.
"How strange. Bronya and I are best friends who've been through life and death together. What other feelings could there be? You're overthinking things."
"Good, then." Daziel nodded meaningfully, as if a weight had been lifted from his mind. "With those words, I can finally rest easy."
Before his voice faded, Daziel produced a piece of cloth from seemingly nowhere—already prepared—and unhesitatingly stuffed it into Seele's mouth.
Immediately after, he picked up tape from Bronya's desk and carefully, yet hermetically, wrapped it several times around Seele's lips.
Seele instantly let out muffled whimpers.
Daziel lifted Seele and seemingly casually placed her on Bronya's large office desk.
Seele had originally thought that what awaited her would be similar treatment to yesterday...
Although the pain was difficult to speak of, deep down, Seele had to admit she seemed to secretly enjoy it a little...
This contradictory and complex feeling made her even more flustered and annoyed.
However, the scene that followed completely overturned Seele's expectations, leaving her stunned and etching itself into her memory forever—
Daziel turned around, faced Bronya who was standing nearby, and said with sincere earnestness:
"Miss Bronya, after careful consideration, rejecting your kind offer for the third time would indeed seem rather unromantic. Why don't we start now? After we're finished, I'll go help Seele resolve her issues."
Bronya's complex gaze swept over the bound Seele on the desk. With a hint of hesitation and unease, she asked softly:
"But, Seele... is this really alright?"
Daziel waved dismissively. "It's fine. Let's tend to our own business first, shall we? What, Miss Bronya, don't you want to repay your debt to me anymore...?"
Hearing the words "repay your debt," Bronya's eyes instantly firmed, her previous hesitation and unease vanishing. She responded eagerly, with a hint of yearning:
"No, no, of course not! I've been dreaming of this moment. Let's begin..."
Seele's mind instantly went blank, as if struck by a bolt from the blue, completely losing the ability to think.
What was Daziel doing?
Although she had realized she might end up offering herself alongside Bronya...
But why like this?!
An indescribable sense of absurdity and shock washed over Seele, threatening to drown her.
She lost control of her emotions instantly, her small body beginning to struggle violently.
However, she was tightly bound by ropes, her mouth securely gagged with cloth and tape. Even as a storm raged within her heart, she could only let out desperate, helpless muffled cries—
That detestable jerk, what was he doing?!
However, her faint mental protests were like stones sinking into the ocean, utterly powerless to stop what was about to happen.
She watched helplessly as Bronya reached out with slender fingers and began to unbutton the uniform that symbolized her status and modesty, gradually letting down her guard...
She didn't know why. She and Bronya were just friends, ordinary comrades-in-arms and best friends. Between them, there was only...
But at this moment, Seele's heart felt as if it were being brutally torn apart by an invisible knife, hurting so much she could barely breathe.
The bitterness was far sharper, far more unbearable than she could have imagined.
This pain...
This...
Detestable
Daziel!
Damn it! How dare he do that kind of thing to Bronya right in front of me...
My best, best friend...
Is going to be... by him... just like that...
What a despairing scene this was!
Seele's inner rage and humiliation erupted like a volcano. She began to struggle frantically, her bound legs kicking against the cold desk, making dull thudding sounds. Her inner voice grew more hysterical—
Stop! Stop it!
However, Daziel and Bronya were already lost in the anticipation of their imminent passionate moment, completely ignoring Seele's struggles.
Bronya even proactively stood on tiptoe, wrapped her slender arms around Daziel's neck, and kissed him deeply, never once glancing back at Seele.
For Seele, the impact of this kiss far surpassed the sight of Bronya letting down her defenses, even surpassing the act that was about to occur between Bronya and Daziel...
Because a kiss is the purest symbol, the most cherished and beautiful thing in a young girl's heart.
Shining teardrops finally, traitorously, slipped from the corners of Seele's tightly shut eyes, tracing paths down her burning cheeks and landing on the cold desk, spreading into glistening pools.
In desperation, partly out of defiance and partly out of a strange curiosity, she licked the cloth stuffed in her mouth.
Suddenly, her taste buds caught two distinct, yet faintly familiar scents...
One was a light, fresh, and familiar fragrance. The sharp-sensed Seele instantly recognized it as Bronya's scent.
Judging by the delicate, smooth texture of the cloth in her mouth, it wasn't hard to guess what it was...
The other scent was faint, masculine, and carried an aggressive edge. It clearly belonged to the man before her...
This is horrible!
Aaaahhh, no! I don't want to see this!
Seele completely broke down inside. Her inner cries became even more desperate, more piercing, laced with unprecedented humiliation and fury.
This was absolutely the ultimate insult Seele would never forget for the rest of her life!
______
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