"Mmm..."
"Wake up, wake up. Lumina, wake up. We're here."
An unknown amount of time had passed. Deep in sleep, Lumina felt a soft palm gently patting her small face. She groggily opened her eyes.
The first thing she saw was Herta's stunningly beautiful face leaning over her, their eyes meeting.
"Morning, Herta."
In an instant, Lumina's drowsiness vanished.
At the same time, feeling the softness beneath the back of her head, she restlessly shifted her head to get even more comfortable.
When one person finds comfort, another naturally suffers.
After all, one person's comfort and pleasure are often built upon another's pain.
Just like now—Lumina's comfort was built upon Herta's "pain."
Hmm... but was Herta truly in pain?
"Since you're awake, get up already."
"You've been asleep for nearly two or three System Hours. I'm about to die from discomfort. Hurry up and let me rest and recover."
Herta claimed that Lumina lying on her lap was causing her immense pain.
Very well, then let her suffer.
Lumina decided to indulge her.
"Haa~ Mmm..."
Covering her mouth with her palm, she let out a yawn but remained stubbornly on Herta's lap.
Then, she raised her hands above her head and, still lying there, stretched languidly right in front of Herta.
In that instant, a sight beautiful enough to make countless stars lose their luster unfolded before Herta's eyes. Her body trembled slightly, and she froze on the spot.
Snapping back to reality, Herta remembered that Lumina was likely watching her every move. She quickly turned her head away, unable to look directly at Lumina—unable to face the full display of Lumina's figure.
"Hoh..." After finishing her stretch, Lumina noticed Herta's reaction.
A faint, mischievous smile curved her lips, her stunning face taking on a smug expression.
Normally, Lumina would have pressed her advantage, pushing Madam Herta deeper into a passive state.
But this time, she didn't. After watching Herta for a few moments, she averted her gaze, engaged her core, and slowly lifted herself off Herta's lap.
"I remember you saying we've arrived at Amphoreus?" Lumina asked, completely ignoring Herta's flustered behavior.
She didn't even question why Herta hadn't slapped her awake the moment she fell asleep.
Instead, she immediately inquired about Amphoreus.
Hearing this, Herta couldn't help but sigh in relief that Lumina wasn't dwelling on the matter.
But after the relief came a wave of emptiness and loneliness...
Why... why isn't she dwelling on me? Why did her attention immediately shift to Amphoreus?
Though Herta was puzzled and a little hurt, she didn't let any of it show on her face.
She nodded, answering Lumina's question. "Yes, we've arrived at Amphoreus."
"Those two are already back on the Astral Express."
"You were still asleep, so I didn't tell you."
"I waited a bit, and when you didn't show any signs of waking up, I woke you."
Herta briefly explained the situation, conveniently omitting the parts where she'd been... handsy... with Lumina.
"Alright." Lumina chuckled softly and said nothing more.
Although Herta's expression was perfectly calm, as someone who knew her well, Lumina could tell she was hiding something.
But Lumina didn't call her out on it, instead choosing to play along.
After all, we're at Amphoreus now, Lumina thought. When March 7th and Stelle's safety is on the line, even someone as formidable as Madam Herta has to take a step back.
With that, she stood up and started walking toward the starship's exit.
"Herta, let's go."
"First, we'll check on Little March on the Train, then we'll head into Amphoreus to see what's going on."
Herta: "..."
Watching Lumina's retreating back, Herta lowered her gaze. Her eyes, half-hidden by her bangs, swirled with unreadable thoughts.
What am I even thinking...? In a situation like this, of course those guys' safety is more important.
Lost in thought, Herta suddenly tapped her head, let out a self-deprecating chuckle, and hurried to catch up.
Herta didn't know why her thoughts were running wild, but she knew one thing for certain: it had everything to do with Lumina.
As long as I'm by Lumina's side, as long as Lumina is by my side...
As long as I'm always with Lumina, and Lumina is always with me, these chaotic thoughts will stop...
Clinging to this idea, Herta walked shoulder-to-shoulder with Lumina toward the starship's exit, like a pair of inseparable best friends.
-
"Hmm... So this is Amphoreus?"
"It's a bit different from what I imagined."
On the way from the starship to the Astral Express, Lumina observed Amphoreus before her, a hint of surprise showing between her brows.
"What did you imagine it would be like?" Herta glanced at Amphoreus, then quickly looked away, her gaze settling on Lumina as she asked.
"I thought it would be more spectacular, considering it produced three Emanators from at least three different Paths." Lumina chuckled softly, then turned away, stepping through the void toward the Astral Express.
"Passenger Lumina, Passenger Herta, welcome to the Astral Express, pom!"
As Lumina and Herta boarded the train, Pom-Pom immediately rushed over to greet them.
"Pom-Pom, long time no see~" Lumina smiled warmly at the adorable conductor.
"Mhm, mhm, pom." Pom-Pom nodded, then pointed toward the passenger cabin. "Passenger Lumina, Passenger Herta, everyone's in there, pom."
"Passenger March is in serious trouble, and everyone's trying to figure out how to help, pom."
"Passenger Lumina, can you help Passenger March 7th , pom?"
Pom-Pom's big eyes widened as he looked at Lumina, full of hope, eagerly awaiting a positive answer.
"Hehehe, don't worry, Conductor."
"I'll definitely solve Little March's problem."
Seeing Pom-Pom's earnest expression, Lumina's smile grew even wider.
If it weren't for the urgent need to help March 7th , Lumina would have scooped Pom-Pom up and given him a good, long cuddle!
Hearing her words, Pom-Pom's expression instantly brightened. "Thank you so much, Passenger Lumina, pom!"
Lumina smiled at Pom-Pom, then nodded to Herta.
Together, they headed into the passenger cabin...