The bridge lounge of the genesis had been completely transformed into a dreamlike corner that should not exist on a cold starship.
The air was filled with a sweet fragrance originating from some alien flower.
The floor was covered with a thick, soft, white shag carpet that made no sound when stepped on.
Several tables and chairs carved from unknown jade had smooth, graceful lines, as if they had grown naturally rather than being man-made, emitting a warm, gentle luster.
All of this was the work of Fogremia.
This Perfect Sword Princess was wearing a pale pink-purple silk dress, her moonlight-like silver hair tied behind her back with a simple ribbon.
With impeccable grace, she gently placed a set of bone china tea sets, as exquisite as works of art, on the jade table in front of Leticia.
"Big Sister, this is afternoon tea from the 'Windsor Dynasty' era of Ancient Terra, replicated using the ship's matter synthesizer.
Although it lacks the real sunlight and soil, the flavor should still retain seventy percent."
Her voice was soft and pleasant, and her amethyst-like eyes were full of anticipation and the joy of showing off a treasure.
Leticia sat in the main seat, still wearing that simple black robe, which made her skin appear even fairer and her divinity even more profound.
She picked up the teacup, gently sniffed the mellow tea fragrance, and nodded in satisfaction.
"How thoughtful, Fogremia."
On the sofa nearby, the blonde Terrania held a cup of hot milk, sipping it in small mouthfuls.
She watched Fogremia's busy figure curiously, her pure golden eyes reflecting the soft halo of light in the lounge, like a quiet and satisfied kitten.
Just then, the lounge door slid open silently.
A tall, upright figure walked in with a standard, powerful gait.
Valeria.
She was still wearing that crisp, spotless black female Commissar uniform; the scarlet belt tightly cinched her fragile, slender waist, which in turn accentuated the astonishing curves of her chest.
A head of short, jet-black, neat hair made her heroic, imposing face look even cleaner and sharper.
As soon as she entered, the cozy and lazy atmosphere of the entire lounge seemed to be cut by an invisible rift by the sense of steel-like discipline and order she carried.
She looked straight ahead, walked directly to Leticia, stood as straight as a pine, and gave an impeccable military salute.
"Goddess, reporting to you."
She held a data pad in her hand, completely ignoring the tea and refreshments on the table and the surrounding atmosphere, and began to report her work in her clear and steady voice.
"'Sword of Genesis' First Auxiliary Legion has completed its initial reorganization.
There are 184 combat personnel, divided into three companies.
Fifty-three technical personnel have taken over the daily maintenance of areas three to five of the ship..."
Fogremia gracefully held her teacup, and upon hearing this cold data report, her beautiful brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
She put down the teacup, the bottom of the cup colliding with the saucer with a crisp, pleasant sound, interrupting Valeria's report just at the right moment.
"Miss Commissar."
Fogremia's voice carried a faint smile, but in those purple eyes, there was a trace of a Primarch's condescending scrutiny.
"Now is tea time.
Big Sister needs relaxation and pleasure for her body and mind, not this cold data that can be heard at any time during a strategic briefing."
Valeria's report was interrupted; she raised her head, her clear gray eyes staring directly at Fogremia.
"Providing the most accurate and efficient support for the Goddess's great cause, ensuring that every ounce of her power is used in the most critical places, is in itself the highest level of physical and mental pleasure."
Her words were forceful and tit-for-tat.
"War is not a work of art, Miss Fogremia.
It is the cornerstone of victory built from countless precise data, strict discipline, and efficient logistics."
The smile on Fogremia's face deepened, but it did not reach her eyes.
"Turning war itself into an impeccable, perfect art that showcases power and beauty is the highest praise for Big Sister's divinity.
Mortal war logic is too... crude."
In the air, invisible electric sparks seemed to be crackling.
One represented the ultimate 'aesthetics'.
One represented absolute 'utility'.
The conflict of ideas between the two was sharp and direct.
"Big Sister..."
The quiet Terrania seemed to sense this tense atmosphere.
She put down the milk cup in her hand, tugged gently on the corner of Leticia's robe with her small hand, her golden eyes filled with a trace of unease.
"Are they... arguing?"
Leticia smiled.
She reached out both hands, her left hand gently pressing on Fogremia's hand on the table; that hand was graceful and slender, the skin as cool as jade.
Her right hand covered the hand Valeria was holding the data pad with; that hand had distinct knuckles, was full of a sense of power, and had the thin calluses peculiar to soldiers on its palm.
The two's dispute instantly stalled.
A warm and sacred power came from Leticia's fingertips, instantly smoothing out the confrontational emotions rising in their hearts.
They both looked at Leticia, their eyes filled with a trace of confusion and inquiry.
"Why argue?"
Leticia's voice was calm and gentle, yet carried an unquestionable wisdom that could reach the depths of the soul.
She looked at Fogremia, her pure black eyes reflecting the Perfect Sword Princess's stunning face.
"Fogremia, you are my sword.
You are the sharpest spearhead of the 'genesis', and your existence is in itself the ultimate display of 'perfection' and 'power'.
What you need to do is to completely crush the enemy on the most magnificent stage, with the most impeccable posture."
Fogremia's breath hitched slightly, and her purple eyes erupted with brilliant radiance.
"Sword... is my role, Big Sister's sword?"
This role perfectly matched all her pursuits for her own value.
Then, Leticia turned to Valeria, her gaze gentle and full of trust.
"Valeria, you are my shield.
You are the most solid cornerstone of the 'genesis', and your existence represents 'order' and 'protection'.
What you need to do is to keep everything behind me in perfect order, building an unshakeable barrier that all Sisters can rely on with peace of mind."
Valeria's tall body couldn't help but tremble slightly, and a fanatical wave surged in her gray eyes.
"Shield... the shield... that protects the Goddess!"
This mission made her feel an unprecedented, huge sense of satisfaction from being needed and recognized.
Leticia withdrew her hands, leaned back slightly against the back of the chair, and made a final summary in a matter-of-fact tone.
"The sword is responsible for clearing obstacles externally."
"The shield is responsible for securing the home internally."
"Tell me, between the sword and the shield, which one can be missing?"
A single sentence, like an oracle, instantly split the last bit of resentment in their hearts.
Fogremia and Valeria couldn't help but look at each other.
This time, in Fogremia's eyes, there was no longer that condescension towards mortals, but an extra bit of recognition for a 'colleague'.
She understood that the 'crude' work done by this mortal Commissar was precisely so that she, this'sword', could display its edge without any worries.
And in Valeria's eyes, the wariness towards the 'artist' also disappeared, replaced by a trace of respect.
She also understood that this 'home' she was building ultimately needed a sharp enough sword to protect its glory and peace.
They were different, but they were complementary.
They were the indispensable right and left hands in the Goddess's hands.
An efficient command team prototype, with Leticia as the absolute core, was quietly established during this small tea party.
"I understand, my Goddess."
Valeria was the first to lower her proud head, saying respectfully, "I will make the most thorough preparations for every time Miss Fogremia draws her sword."
Fogremia also nodded slightly, showing a sincere smile to Valeria: "Then, I leave the rear to you, Miss Commissar.
Do not let trivial matters disturb Big Sister's peace."
The atmosphere in the lounge became harmonious again, even more so than before.
However, just at this moment—
"Beep—! Beep—! Beep—!"
A sharp and urgent alarm sounded without warning throughout the entire genesis!
The lights in the lounge instantly switched from soft warm colors to the crimson red representing the highest alert.
The expressions of the three changed simultaneously.
The next second, a cold, emotionless system prompt sounded in Leticia's mind and on the bridge's public channel at the same time.
"Warning: Arrived at the periphery of the target historical slice."
"Coordinates locked: Nukeria system."
"Whether to consume 5000 Warband Points to enter the S-rank instance: Angron's Lament?"
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