Honkai Impact 3rd: Don't Die For Me/ Book 3 Paradise

Chapter 36 Gardens

<Kaslana Base>

Spring was coming and the snow knew it. Rain fell and flooding forced people into their homes. It wasn't all bad, the empty summer canals were filled and the excess water was eroding the various runoffs of the streets. In other words, property damage was the last thing on anyone's mind. The cloggers, a group of working men, had already proofed the basements of every townhouse.

Only a few people dared to enjoy the runoff. Sakura wished to see London rain and Kallen could only groggily accompany her. She was a sun-loving girl, damp cloudly weather was always unbearable.

In the Kaslana townhouse were only two occupants. Henry was studying architecture across the street. His master's acquaintance had taken a liking to him and today they'd dive deep into the constructs of citywide flood infrastructure: floodways, levees, and drainage canals. The Thames River, which flooded once every decade, had risen to a concerning but manageable height. It was the perfect time for Henry to witness the power of engineers and architects.

"Sasha, are you willing to talk?" Frederick sat, leaning his back against a closed door.

On the other side sat Sasha holding in the remnants of her failure. Her arms wrapped around her knees that curled to her chest. Despite not being active, her stigmata stung. It was a curse that gave her strength. A curse that had driven her father to lose everything he loved. A curse that tore her mother away from her. A curse so weak that she couldn't protect anyone. She was carried to her position. She had the best tutors. She had the best subordinates. Even Henry proved more useful than her. Most of their infiltrations were preplanned with Henry's analysis of the building.

"It's been hours. I want to be left alone."

Frederick sighed, perhaps he wasn't stubborn enough. Perhaps he could've explained to her the difficulties of the path she took. Perhaps he could've prepared her better for the task. They were lucky. They had lost but the Queen always wanted to stand on the winning side. Her bet was on the Kaslanas and she used the image of the new age to her benefit. It was almost too easy, there couldn't be any more villains in an age of heroes. If she was dethroned then the people would question if the devil truly left. The story would unravel and lies would send the world into chaos.

"We'll be leaving tomorrow and I know you're not okay. You were rash and desperate but you've found what you're looking for right?"

"I did. Everything we did was useless. All I did was cause more trouble."

"That's not true. You gave me some free time. Getting out of the office is refreshing."

"That's hardly comforting." Sasha choked out a laugh.

"I'm trying to be. But if you're feeling terrible about the situation with the Queen, the deal we established wasn't terrible. She'd have sooner or later reached out."

"If I wasn't caught she'd have no leverage. I was foolish and lucky. Sakura's alive. Agon's well."

"No, you've forced her to choose sides. I've had to clear a few remaining outposts and we've captured some Thorns. She'd pick the winning side. If you hadn't caused a scuffle, she could've sided with the Black Rose. Know this, the queen would've done anything for power. Sacrifices are nothing to her."

"I don't feel better."

Frederick hung his head. He was no better than his uncle when it came to comforting children. Cain's method was skirting out or yelling for them to shut up. Everyone shut up when his mother entered. His father always called on his mother. Francis's go-to method was to buy them food. The troubles of being a father were soon going to overwhelm them.