『 [ Stop using riddles to insult my dignity. ]
[ Did you come all this way to see me to satisfy your own malicious vanity? ]
Sunday looked at Jade, his expression somewhat impatient.
[ Of course not. ]
[ I merely came to fulfill your younger sister's wishes. To offer you a generous trade — that is, if you're willing to accept.] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
March 7th: "Now we can confirm it, it really was Miss Robin who asked Madam Jade to come."
Stelle: "I'm more curious about the contents of the deal. Just how generous is it?"
Stelle: "Don't tell me Sunday is going to join the IPC?"
Stelle: "Are the Ten Stonehearts about to expand their roster?"
Furina de Fontaine: "If that's the case, that would be quite dramatic indeed!"
Furina de Fontaine: "The former Oak Family head ending up as one of the Ten Stonehearts, that plot twist is just too unexpected."
Hu Tao: "Seems highly unlikely."
Hu Tao: "And Mr. Sunday might not necessarily agree to it anyway."
....
『 [ Robin…? ]
Sunday was stunned to hear this.
[ To build a true paradise where everyone can find peace—that was the promise between you two siblings, correct? ]
[ If I told you that you still have a chance to fulfill that promise… ]
[ Would you be willing to talk with me? ]
Jade asked in a quiet, leisurely tone.
[ …. ]
Sunday fell into silence upon hearing this.
[ I know this is a heavy question, so you don't need to answer me right now. ]
[ Go now. You are free — O chosen one, who dared to exceed his bounds. Sever your wings, descend to the mortal realm, and walk their lands. See what this world is truly like. ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Stelle: "Madam Jade makes a lot of sense."
Stelle: "Sunday really should see more of what the real world looks like."
Stelle: "Instead of overgeneralizing based on the trends of Penacony."
March 7th: "If he had just learned to be more down-to-earth like Miss Robin, he wouldn't have been so extreme."
March 7th: "But fortunately, looking at the video, he still has a new opportunity."
March 7th: "In that case, this ending seems a bit more perfect, doesn't it?"
Paimon: "Ah, it really does feel much more complete."
Paimon: "Originally, I was still feeling regretful over this ending for Miss Robin and Mr. Sunday."
Paimon: "Now seeing that Mr. Sunday still has a chance, I suddenly feel a lot more relieved."
Lumine: "The main reason is that Mr. Sunday isn't a bad person in the truest sense."
Lumine: "On the contrary, he is still someone with great love."
Lumine: "It's just a pity that on the path to realizing the great love in his heart, he took a wrong turn."
Boothill: "Son of a nice lady, since he got a chance at a new life, this time he'd better learn his lesson and turn over a new leaf, right?"
Hanabi: "I understand the reasoning!"
Hanabi: "But why sever his wings?!"
Hanabi: "I won't allow it, because Chicken Wing Boy should have wings!"
Hanabi: "Without them, he wouldn't be Chicken Wing Boy anymore!"
Qingque: "Uh… that was just metaphorical, right?"
Qingque: "They aren't actually going to sever his wings…"
Stelle: "It's fine, if we can't call him Chicken Wing Boy, we can call him the guy with the halo on his head!"
March 7th: "Ahem, I feel like you are discriminating against the Halovians, and I have proof!"
....
『 [ I will not accept your charity. ]
Sunday shook his head slightly.
[ As I mentioned earlier: It's a trade, and you don't have to give me an answer right now.]
[ Rewards are not reaped in a day, and if there's one thing I'm best at, it's waiting. ]
[ The sweet dream still continues, and the night is still long — you have plenty of time to contemplate your answer. ]
[ Ah, a word of advice for you before we part ways — a word of warning from someone who's been in your shoes before...]
[ Life is too short to miss out on golden opportunities.] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Mualani: "My, Madam Jade's tone really sounds like an elder earnestly caring for a rebellious child!"
Stelle: "Compared to the scene when she had a private meeting with old Oti, the current Madam Jade is indeed very different."
March 7th: "So will Sunday eventually accept Madam Jade's charity… ah, bah!"
March 7th: "It's a deal!"
March 7th: "Will he actually accept it?"
Lumine: "Mr. Sunday is a smart man, I feel like he won't refuse in the end."
Lumine: "After all, there are many ways to make the world a better place."
Lumine: "Just because this path didn't work doesn't mean others won't."
Furina de Fontaine: "Speaking of which, is it possible that Mr. Sunday might lose himself again on the path of pursuing paradise, thereby causing even bigger trouble?!"
Stelle: "And then happen to run into our Express crew again?"
Stelle: "Damn, what is this, 'failing to eliminate the roots, only for the spring breeze to blow them back to life'!"
Stelle: "But seriously, I don't think he will."
Stelle: "He isn't that pedantic. Even if he got stuck in a horn for a while, once he figures it out, he should be able to wake up."
Stelle: "Sunday, am I right?"
Sunday: "Yes, I will not make the same mistake twice."
Sunday: "I will find a more suitable method to fulfill the great wish in my heart!"
....
『 The scene shifted, returning once again to the Express parlor car.
[ You have an interstellar communication message, please check it promptly. ]
In the parlor car, Pam suddenly noticed a message.
[ Oh? Hmm… ]
Pam hurriedly checked it a few times, the expression on its face changing slightly.
[ What's wrong, Pam? ]
Himeko noticed its abnormality and couldn't help but ask.
[ The Express just received a message from the Luofu Xianzhou. Looking at the summary, it seems to conflict with our upcoming travel plans. ]
After Pam explained, a holographic projection of Jing Yuan appeared in front of everyone.
[ It has been a long time, friends of the Astral Express. I wonder if your Trailblaze journey has been smooth? ]
[ Recently, the Luofu Xianzhou is about to hold the Luminary Wardance. ]
[ You all once helped the Luofu resolve its crisis and are good friends of the Xianzhou Alliance. ]
[ Thus, on behalf of the Seat of Divine Foresight, I'm extending an invitation to attend the ceremony. Your presence would be greatly appreciated.] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Stelle: "Ah, this???"
Stelle: "We just came to Penacony from the Luofu not long ago, and now that we are just preparing to leave, the Luofu is inviting us back again?"
March 7th: "The Luminary Wardance?"
March 7th: "Eeee~"
March 7th: "Don't blame me for being a jinx."
March 7th: "When I hear those words, I feel like something is bound to happen."
March 7th: "Originally, I thought coming to Penacony was really just to participate in the Charmony Festival happily!"
March 7th: "In the end, after all the twists and turns, such a series of thrilling and soul-stirring events actually happened!"
March 7th: "So, if we happily go to participate in this Luminary Wardance this time, it definitely won't be smooth sailing either!"
Stelle: "I agree."
Stelle: "But we can't show respect, right?"
Stelle: "After all, General Jing Yuan and I have a life-and-death friendship!"
Stelle: "Let me secretly ask General Jing Yuan, tell me honestly, is the Xianzhou about to have some kind of trouble again?"
Stelle: "So you are calling back our surprise squad to work for you?"
Jing Yuan: "Ah, dear, you have misunderstood me."
Jing Yuan: "Am I, Jing Yuan, that kind of person?"
March 7th: "Yes."
Jing Yuan: "Ahem… you all are overthinking it."
Jing Yuan: "The Luofu Xianzhou has just recently experienced a crisis, and it is precisely the time when we need to boost morale."
Jing Yuan: "So I wish to hold the Wardance to liven up the atmosphere, that's all."
Jing Yuan: "Knowing that the Express crew enjoys lively events, that's why I thought of inviting you all."
Jing Yuan: "Haha, of course."
Jing Yuan: "I also hope that you warm-hearted folks can, at the same time, lend a hand with any small matters within your capability."
Jing Yuan: "In that case, Jing Yuan would be deeply grateful!"
Stelle: "As expected, I knew it!"
Stelle: "When the General calls us, it's definitely because he's short on surprise-squad workers again!"
Lumine: "Why does this familiar feeling feel so real?"
Lumine: "How come I feel like I've had similar experiences too?"
Paimon: "Lumine, you don't need to just feel it."
Paimon: "Along our journey, it seems we really have been workers many times, right?"
Furina de Fontaine: "So… the upcoming itinerary is going to change again?"
Furina de Fontaine: "Originally, it was supposed to be that Eternal Land."
Furina de Fontaine: "Now it seems it's going to be the Luofu Xianzhou."
Hu Tao: "But if we do this, will the fuel still be enough?"
Hu Tao: "Don't let the Express completely run out of energy after visiting the Xianzhou."
Paimon: "Please don't let that happen!"
Paimon: "I still dream of the day when the Astral Express can drive onto the continent of Teyvat!"
Himeko: "It shouldn't be that tight."
Himeko: "With the Express's current energy reserves, as long as we plan the route and use it sparingly…"
Himeko: "Making a trip to the Luofu is not difficult."
Welt Yang: "The problem is, I share the same feeling as March. I always feel that this trip to the Luofu will also be fraught with danger…"
....
『 [ It really is lively. We just got away from the Family's Charmony Festival, and so quickly we have a new invitation. ]
After Himeko finished watching the holographic image, she felt quite emotional.
[ I'm still recovering from the trauma caused by the last 'festivity.' ]
Stelle scratched her head, indicating that whenever she heard of things like grand festivals, she felt a sense of dread.
[ Yeah, me too! ]
[ And also, rushing to two grand festivals in a row, doesn't it make us seem a bit like we're neglecting our proper duties? ]
[ The Express's proper business should be restoring astral charts and route data, along with doing some serious scientific research, right? ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Stelle: "Wait!"
Stelle: "Does the Express really do those things?"
Stelle: "Restoring astral charts and route data, plus scientific research?"
Stelle: "This sounds more like something the Intelligentsia Guild should be doing."
Stelle: "Isn't our Astral Express an organization that just charges straight in?"
Himeko: "Ha, it seems your understanding of the Express is only limited to continuous trailblazing and adventures."
Himeko: "But in fact, conducting records and scientific research along the way is also something our Astral Express does."
Himeko: "It's just that it doesn't happen very often."
Stelle: "Well, this kind of thing doesn't sound like it suits me."
Stelle: "I reckon it's either Uncle Yang's job, Dan Heng's job, or simply your job, Himeko-jie."
March 7th: "Why isn't there me?"
March 7th: "Do I not look like someone who would do scientific research?"
Stelle: "And would you?"
March 7th: "Of course not."
Stelle: "Then why even mention it, Wubbaboo!"
Paimon: "Whoa… I didn't expect the Astral Express to also conduct scientific research."
Paimon: "It really is all-powerful!"
Furina de Fontaine: "Scientific research must be very dry and boring, right?"
Dr. Veritas Ratio: "That depends on your interest in the research process."
Hu Tao: "So, after saying so much, how should the Express choose its next stop?"
Aventurine: "I suggest tossing a coin and leaving it to fate."
....
『 [ Then, should we let March stay behind to maintain the Express? ]
Hearing that on March 7th, Dan Heng immediately followed up.
[ I, I didn't say I didn't want to go. ]
[ I really like joining in on the fun… ]
[ I just hope the next place we go to join in on the fun doesn't have some Friday or Saturday popping up to oppose us. ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Qingque: "Putting everything else aside, why can't it be Monday or Tuesday?"
Guinaifen: "It could also be Wednesday or Thursday!"
March 7th: "But I think Friday and Saturday roll off the tongue better!"
Stelle: "Damn, except for Sunday, the rest of the week has already been claimed by you guys!"
Stelle: "Then what do I say?"
Silver Wolf: "You can invent an eighth day or a ninth day of the week."
Boothill: "Hilarious, are you guys researching the calendar here?"
Furina de Fontaine: "Speaking of which, Mr. Sunday's name indeed sounds very strange."
Furina de Fontaine: "Certainly, his real name is definitely not like this."
Hu Tao: "It should be a name changed to fit the concept of 'every day being Sunday', right?"
Lumine: "Haha, I actually think it's quite unique."
....
『 [ The Luofu Xianzhou has just passed its crisis, and holding the Luminary Wardance is also to display its peaceful and secure state to the outside world. ]
Welt pondered for a moment before speaking.
[ Before going to Penacony, everyone said the same thing! ]
[ Under the protection of the Family, there won't be any danger~ ]
March 7th was not optimistic about this, and even brought up a counterexample. 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Qingque: "Ahahaha, Penacony's reputation is truly ruined now."
Qingque: "It has practically become a textbook negative example."
Aventurine: "Who let the Family promote it so beautifully before?"
Aventurine: "If you ask me, one shouldn't speak so absolutely."
Aventurine: "Leaving some leeway is better for making a smooth retreat!"
Stelle: "I actually think, in terms of security, the Luofu is still much stronger than Penacony."
Stelle: "After all, the Cloud Knights are battle-hardened soldiers, aren't they much stronger than those security-guard-like Bloodhounds?"
Feixiao: "That's a given!"
Feixiao: "Our Cloud Knights fight in all directions, and every single one of us has the merit of slaying Abominations of Abundance. How can some security guards compare?"
Kachina: "Um… what are Abominations of Abundance?"
Kachina: "It sounds like they aren't anything good."
March 7th: "Well…"
March 7th: "If we explain it in detail, it would be too complicated."
March 7th: "Simply put, you can think of them as a kind of evil monster."
March 7th: "Just eliminate them ruthlessly whenever you see them."
Jiaoqiu: "Indeed, when encountering Abominations of Abundance, one can show no mercy!"
....
『 [ There is no need to be startled by every rustle of grass. ]
[ The Luminary Wardance is not like the Charmony Festival, which hides so many secrets. ]
[ It is merely a festival established to commemorate the Reignbow Arbiter and the Cloud Knights who fought against the Abominations of Abundance and protected the Xianzhou ships. ]
[ Around the ceremony, apart from the starskiff parade performances, it is just some martial arts and sword-fighting competitions. ]
[ It is no different from the Taikiyan Roboball contest we've seen before. ]
Dan Heng shook his head, feeling that March 7th was an overreaction.
[ Himeko, what do you think? ]
[ According to the current situation of the Express, we accepted Lady Black Swan's proposal. We should arrange a Trailblaze journey to Amphoreus to replenish our fuel. ] 』
『 ....』