Honkai Impact: My Power Grows When Valkyries Fall For Me — Chapter 86

Chapter 86: London Vacation, Part 2

“Never?”

Lucian turned his head, a note of genuine surprise in his voice as he looked at the strongest Valkyrie.

Durandal’s expression remained placid. She offered a slight shrug, a hint of helplessness touching her words. “Every time I’ve come to London, it has been to carry out a mission.”

She sighed softly. “I return to base as soon as the objective is complete, so I’ve never had the time to ride this.”

Lucian’s gaze softened. He watched the colorful lights of the massive Ferris wheel reflect in the depths of her sapphire eyes and asked gently, “What about today?”

Durandal was taken aback for a moment. She turned her head, her gaze meeting his. A quiet understanding passed between them.

“I have time today,” she confirmed, her voice low. She paused, and the corners of her lips curved into a subtle, almost imperceptible arc. “But there are too many people right now. Let’s come back in the evening.”

Lucian nodded, a warm feeling spreading in his chest. “Alright.”

The two of them continued their walk along the Thames.

A few paces behind them, Rita chuckled softly, her attention focused on the digital camera in her hands as she reviewed the photos she had just taken.

Though faint, the soft sound carried on the breeze, reaching the pair ahead. Lucian and Durandal both turned back in unison.

Rita was still looking down at the camera’s screen, the pleased smile on her face not yet having had time to fade.

“Did you get any good photos?” Lucian asked casually, breaking the silence.

Rita looked up, her smile widening as she met his gaze. “Quite a lot, actually.” She gave the camera a little shake. “Would you like to take a look?”

Lucian hesitated for a split second, his eyes glancing toward Durandal. She simply stood there, a quiet statue of grace, showing no sign of objection.

He nodded. “Let’s see.”

Rita’s smile was triumphant as she stepped forward, handing the camera to him.

The screen displayed the photo they had taken in front of Big Ben just a short while ago. The two of them were standing side by side, his dark hair and her golden braid fluttering gently in the morning light, a perfect picture of harmony.

Lucian stared at the image for a few seconds before swiping to the next one.

This one was taken while they were walking by the riverside, captured mid-conversation as they chatted aimlessly.

He swiped again. It was still the two of them.

Every single photograph captured them walking together, side by side, framed against the iconic London backdrop.

“This one is nice.”

Durandal’s voice suddenly sounded right beside his ear. Lucian flinched slightly, only then realizing she had leaned in at some point, her head close to his. Her gaze was fixed on the camera’s screen, her expression focused and unexpectedly serious.

Lucian followed her gaze back to the photo and fell silent.

In the image, he was turning his head to look at Durandal. The expression on his face was completely natural, unguarded, with a faint, almost invisible smile gracing the corners of his mouth. It was a look of pure, unadulterated fondness.

“This one looks good, too,” Durandal commented, pointing to the next picture.

In that photo, she was pointing at the distant London Eye, and Lucian was looking in the exact direction she indicated. Their movements were perfectly synchronized, making them look exceptionally… harmonious.

A corner of Lucian’s mouth twitched. He looked up from the camera, his gaze finding Rita.

“Miss Rita,” he began, his tone carefully neutral, “when did you take so many of these?”

Rita blinked, her smile the very picture of innocence and candor. “I’ve been taking them ever since we got out of the car.”

“…”

Lucian was momentarily at a loss for words. Since we got out of the car?

He glanced at the photo count on the camera’s screen: thirty-seven. How on earth had Rita managed to capture so many perfectly composed, candid photos in less than an hour?

He looked at her guileless face, not knowing what to say. He turned his head, seeking an ally in Durandal.

But Durandal’s expression was still calm, her attention still completely absorbed by the images on the screen.

“Rita,” she said, her tone as natural as if she were requesting a mission report, “can you send these photos to me?”

Upon hearing the request, the corners of Rita’s mouth curled up even further. “Of course, Lady Durandal.”

She paused, her gaze sweeping from Lucian to Durandal and back again. “But, which ones would you like?”

Durandal was momentarily stunned by the question. She looked down at the gallery of photos on the camera screen and was silent for a few seconds, contemplating.

Then, she gave her answer.

“All of them.”

The smile on Rita’s face deepened into one of pure satisfaction. “Understood, Lady Durandal.”

————

They walked past the London Eye and strolled through the lush greenery of St. James’s Park.

Durandal walked by Lucian’s side, occasionally pointing at a historic building or a scenic spot to offer a brief explanation. She didn’t say much, but every sentence was clear and concise. The name of this bridge, the history of that building, the unique characteristics of this particular street.

One could see why she was Durandal. She was truly a master of both pen and sword; aside from a certain social awkwardness, her skills were seemingly maxed out in every other area.

Lucian listened quietly, nodding from time to time and asking a question or two.

The sunlight grew brighter, spilling over the three of them and causing their shadows on the path to grow shorter and shorter.

“Hmm… it’s noon.” Lucian looked up at the sun hanging directly overhead. It was indeed midday.

Durandal also stopped, following his gaze to the sky before nodding in agreement. “It’s time for lunch.”

“Do you have any recommended restaurants?” he asked.

Durandal blinked, a rare hint of awkwardness appearing on her face. “Usually, Rita handles the arrangements.”

She paused and turned her gaze to the maid trailing just behind them. “Rita?”

Rita, who had been holding the camera up to capture another shot of the two, lowered it and walked forward with her ever-present, pleasant smile. “I’m here, Lady Durandal.”

“Are there any arrangements for lunch?”

“Of course.” Rita nodded, her smile as proper and impeccable as ever. “I’ve already booked a table at a restaurant nearby. It’s only a ten-minute walk from here.”

Durandal nodded once, then looked back at Lucian. “Let’s go.”

Lucian nodded and followed them.

—

The restaurant was situated right on the bank of the Thames. Through the grand, floor-to-ceiling windows, one could see the London Eye and the beautiful scenery across the river.

The three of them sat at a window seat, the afternoon sun streaming through the glass and illuminating the crisp white tablecloth. Lucian gazed at the view outside for a moment before taking a sip from his teacup.

‘English Black Tea,’he thought.’It tastes quite good.’

“Where would you like to go this afternoon?” Durandal’s voice came from across the table.

Lucian drew his attention back to her. Durandal was holding her own teacup, her gaze meeting his through the delicate wisps of rising steam.

“Don’t we have to carry out a mission this afternoon?” Lucian’s question made Durandal’s hand, the one holding the teacup, pause ever so slightly.

She seemed stunned for a moment, then looked at Rita, who was seated beside her.

Rita gracefully put down her knife and fork, picked up a napkin, and gently dabbed the corners of her mouth with flawless etiquette.

“Mr. Lucian is correct,” she said, her voice smooth as silk. “There is indeed a mission this afternoon.”

After saying this, Rita’s gaze flickered between Lucian and Durandal, a knowing, insightful smile playing on her lips.

“However—” she began, intentionally dragging out the word. “It is my mission.”

Durandal was taken aback. “Your mission?”

“Yes.” Rita nodded, taking a small, delicate sip from her teacup. “Someone has to carry out the orders given by the Lord Bishop.”

She set her cup down on its saucer with a soft clink and looked at Durandal, a playful glint dancing in her eyes. “So, this afternoon, Lady Durandal can continue to show Mr. Lucian around London.”

She paused, turning her warm gaze to Lucian.

“Mr. Lucian, you shouldn’t mind, should you?”

Lucian was momentarily speechless. He looked from Rita’s knowing smile to Durandal’s confused expression.

“Shouldn’t I also be handling the mission?” he asked, feeling like he was missing a crucial piece of the puzzle.

Rita gently put down her teacup, the smile on her face deepening just a little more.

“Mr. Lucian,” she said, her voice the epitome of professional courtesy, “your mission is to go on vacation with Lady Durandal.”