『 [ Why didn't you show up during the final battle? ]
Stelle suddenly thought of something and asked curiously.
[ To my shame, Ena's Dream was far too realistic. ]
[ I could not bear to part with my deceased friend who had long since turned into an abominable beast, and ended up lingering in that illusory dream for a very long time… ]
[ Ah, his voice and expression were just too vivid. ]
[ I failed this trial of Beauty, and spent a great deal of time reflecting on my wavering resolve. ]
[ I only hope Idrila is still willing to be my banner, and sharpen my resolve for Beauty. ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
March 7th: "I didn't expect even Argenti to fall into Ena's Dream and become unable to extricate himself."
March 7th: "That's really terrifying!"
Stelle: "Indeed. Logically speaking, given Argenti's temperament, he shouldn't have."
Stelle: "All we can say is that this dream was indeed unrealistically real."
Lumine: "I can understand."
Lumine: "When you meet the figure of an old friend in a dream, even if you know it's fake, you wouldn't want to leave."
Argenti: "Failing to break free from the illusory Ena's Dream is truly shameful."
Argenti: "It seems my cultivation is still lacking."
....
『 [ Ah, that is understandable. ]
[ Alright, then I wish you a wonderful time at the festival. ]
Stelle offered Argenti her blessings.
[ Thank you, and may Beauty be with you always! ]
Argenti returned the gesture.
Stelle bid farewell to Argenti and continued on her way to the festival venue.
A moment later, she arrived at the location.
[ Looks like the ceremony hasn't started yet. I should take a break first… ]
Since the ceremony hadn't begun, Stelle decided to rest by the poolside.
But just then, someone called out to her.
[ Hey, we meet again. ]
The voice was incredibly gentle, sounding very familiar to Stelle.
[ This voice is… ]
Stelle turned around abruptly and saw Hotaru's figure.
[ It really is you. ]
[ I knew I didn't mistake you earlier. ]
Seeing Stelle turn around, Hotaru spoke with a smile. 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Stelle: "Yay! Hotaru came to find me!"
Stelle: "We can continue our date!"
Hotaru: "Ahem… It's not a date."
Hotaru: "It's just having a chat…"
Furina de Fontaine: "I really didn't expect Miss Hotaru and Miss Stelle actually to reunite."
Furina de Fontaine: "Miss Hotaru's words from before still seem to echo in my ears."
Furina de Fontaine: "I thought this would end in a tragedy."
Hu Tao: "May we meet again in the waking world."
Hu Tao: "Looking at it now, although it's not reality, they are indeed awake."
March 7th: "All I can say is, judging by the previous perilous situation, this was indeed just a hair's breadth away from becoming a real tragedy!"
March 7th: "Fortunately, everyone worked together in the end and didn't let things continue to go south."
March 7th: "Otherwise, we probably all would have met our ends here."
Lumine: "In any case, Miss Hotaru and Miss Stelle have reunited."
Lumine: "This scene feels so good."
Lumine: "It's very heartwarming."
....
『 [ Huh? ]
[ Who did you mistake me for? ]
Stelle was stunned by Hotaru's words.
[ You, of course. ]
[ I saw you opening treasure chests, popping balloons, and playing Dreamy Slots. I don't think I was mistaken… right? ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Hu Tao: "We can testify that Miss Hotaru wasn't mistaken!"
Hu Tao: "Because we saw it too!"
Qingque: "Thanks for the invite. I was there, and I saw with my own eyes how silly Stelle looked while playing with those things."
Stelle: "You're the silly one!"
March 7th: "Miss Hotaru missed one thing."
March 7th: "And that is the scene of Stelle teasing Origami Birds on top of that statue."
March 7th: "Oh boy, that really made me feel embarrassed even through the screen."
Stelle: "Origami Birds are so cute. What's wrong with me playing with them?"
Stelle: "Those people actually called me a lunatic. THAT'S JUST OUTRAGEOUS!!"
Li Sushang: "To be fair, if we couldn't see the Origami Birds in the video as well,"
Li Sushang: "We would have definitely treated your bizarre behavior as that of a lunatic, too."
Li Sushang: "So I feel like we can't really blame those people."
....
『 [ There's still some time before the opening of the Charmony Festival. Would you like to chat? ]
Hotaru extended an invitation, and Stelle gladly nodded.
Afterward, the two walked together toward a quiet, open area.
[ …Two murder cases, the confrontation with the IPC envoy, the inheritance of the Nameless' path, a remnant of Order who dreamed of replacing an Aeon to create a paradise—you even shattered the beautiful dream in the end… ]
[ What a grand and turbulent holiday. ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Stelle: "Oh boy."
Stelle: "With Hotaru listing these things one by one,"
Stelle: "I actually feel like a lifetime has passed."
Stelle: "I still remember at the very beginning, I was scared to tears by Acheron on the Express!"
Acheron: "…"
Acheron: "Though that may be…"
Acheron: "Your involuntary tears shouldn't have been caused by me frightening you…"
March 7th: "Oh my!"
March 7th: "I didn't expect this Penacony vacation to be so exaggeratedly grand and turbulent!"
March 7th: "Come to think of it… can this really be considered a vacation???"
Paimon: "Uh… if a vacation is this dangerous, terrifying, and thrilling,"
Paimon: "Then Paimon would rather never go on vacation again."
Silver Wolf: "Haha, don't you guys think this is the unique way of vacationing for the Nameless and the Express crew?"
Silver Wolf: "All I can say is, your hidden matchmaking rating is too high."
Silver Wolf: "The matchmaking system is just like that. There's no way around it."
Hu Tao: "Setting aside whether it's a vacation or not, at least you gained a lot."
Hu Tao: "I think this is also something very precious."
Lumine: "Indeed. The inheritance from the Nameless predecessors, and the like-minded companions met along the way."
Lumine: "These are all beautiful memories that cannot be discarded."
Lumine: "From this perspective, it's much more meaningful than a vacation."
Lumine: "Of course, if we compare the danger of the two, I personally still prefer a peaceful vacation."
Lumine: "What happened before was truly too thrilling."
Lumine: "It felt like a single misstep would lead to eternal damnation."
Lumine: "Fortunately, the Express crew won in the end."
....
『 [ Fortunately, you successfully resolved these difficulties. Congratulations. ]
[ Once the Charmony Festival opens, you'll be setting off again, right? ]
Hotaru asked with a smile.
[ I don't know where the next stop is. ]
Stelle scratched her head, feeling a bit lost.
[ There will always be a direction. ]
[ After all, you are Pathstriders of Trailblaze… ]
[ Before joining the Stellaron Hunters, Elio told me that this journey would show me how to live. ]
[ He stopped there, leaving the rest for me to explore on my own. ]
[ So, I pay special attention to clues that can keep me alive, and this trip to Penacony is no exception. ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Stelle: "Elio is truly wasting his talent by not being a riddler."
Stelle: "Does speaking only half-truths really not get him struck by lightning?"
Silver Wolf: "Well… from what we've seen so far, it really doesn't!"
Silver Wolf: "Otherwise, Elio would probably have been roasted crisp by now."
Boothill: "Son of a nice lady, since he has the ability to foresee the future, what's the harm in saying a few more words?"
Boothill: "Does he absolutely have to give an ambiguous answer?"
Boothill: "Are we sure he's not just tricking people into working for him for free?"
Dan Heng: "We analyzed this before."
Dan Heng: "Elio's role should only be to guide."
Dan Heng: "The more clearly he speaks, the fewer possibilities there will be for the future."
Dan Heng: "Therefore, even if he knows a lot, he has to maintain a limit."
Welt Yang: "Yes… Elio's current approach is actually just right."
Welt Yang: "Giving people a thread of a clue and leaving them to pursue it themselves."
Welt Yang: "This will give rise to some unknown variables."
Furina de Fontaine: "It can be seen from the brief descriptions."
Furina de Fontaine: "This Elio must be a very formidable, wise man!"
Silver Wolf: "Haha, the wise man you speak of is currently bewildered by the sudden appearance of this live broadcast room."
Hu Tao: "Ahem… this should be an unexpected surprise among unexpected surprises."
Hu Tao: "But… does this also prove in a roundabout way…"
Hu Tao: "Even if you can foresee the future, plans can't keep up with changes?"
Venti: "Hehe, so I feel that maybe letting things take their course from the start and then dealing with them as they come is also pretty good."
Paimon: "Hey, tone-deaf bard, DON'T MAKE SLACKING OFF SOUND SO HIGH AND MIGHTY!!!"
Venti: "Hehe~"
Zhongli: "Indeed, a drunkard cannot be presented in polite society."
Lumine: "(giggle.jpg)"
....
『 [ No wonder you were actively investigating the Watchmaker. ]
[ It seems you didn't get what you wanted this time either. ]
Stelle sighed softly.
[ Yeah… at first, I thought the answer was hidden in the Watchmaker's riddle, but unfortunately, I looked in the wrong direction. However, I did gain some other things. ]
[ Do you know Miss Jade from the IPC's Strategic Investment Department? ]
[ Bonajade Exchange is her property. ]
[ She offered me a price, but… ]
Speaking up to this point, Hotaru hesitated.
[ Did you agree? ]
Stelle asked.
[ No. ]
[ What she wanted wasn't my answer either. ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Stelle: "So, the method of living that Elio spoke of is still related to the IPC?"
Stelle: "It's not that I have a prejudice against the IPC."
Stelle: "But I always feel that going to the IPC is like entering a devil's den."
Topaz: "Well, I can see that you indeed have a deep prejudice against the IPC."
Topaz: "However, you're not wrong either."
Topaz: "The IPC is a mixed bag. If an ordinary person goes in, a single misstep could indeed leave them with nothing left, not even their bones."
Topaz: "But don't worry, Elio, the leader of the Stellaron Hunters, is no simple person."
Topaz: "It's absolutely safe for him to lead people into the IPC."
Topaz: "Besides, if a cooperation can really be reached, then our Strategic Investment Department would be considered an ally of the Stellaron Hunters."
Topaz: "We will definitely support them."
Jade: "Topaz is right."
Jade: "Within the IPC, the status of the Strategic Investment Department is still quite high."
Jade: "Naturally, we can ensure the safety of our allies."
March 7th: "With acquaintances from the Strategic Investment Department leading the way, that is indeed reassuring."
March 7th: "Otherwise, I'd have the same thought as Stelle."
March 7th: "I really wouldn't dare to get involved with the IPC at will."
Zhongli: "As a giant of cosmic trade, the IPC's reputation is not very good."
Zhongli: "It seems the Interastral Peace Corporation does not fully implement its name of peace."
Zhongli: "This is indeed regrettable."
Hu Tao: "I think it's quite normal."
Hu Tao: "After all, when the forest is large, there are all kinds of birds."
Hu Tao: "Just like in Liyue, not everyone abides by the contract spirit!"
Paimon: "You're right, but those who break their contracts shall suffer the Wrath of the Rock!"
Qingque: "Huh?"
Qingque: "What kind of perverted punishment is that?"
Qingque: "Is it to choke someone to death with salt?"
Lumine: "Ahem, Paimon, it's 'wrath of the rock', not 'salt'!"
Paimon: "Uh… they sound similar, they mean the same thing anyway… hehe."
....
『 [ Of course I want to live, but… fate owes me, and what I want is repayment, not transfer. ]
[ No third party should be dragged into this, because this is my personal grievance with fate. ]
[ Ah, speaking of which… ]
[ Actually, I've always felt that I still owe you a formal apology about the Iris Family artist matter. ]
[ Even the smallest lie can forge a betrayal as sharp as a dagger… I'm sorry, Stelle. ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Stelle: "Oh~"
Stelle: "It's okay, my Hotaru-chan!"
Stelle: "Who could refuse to forgive a beautiful girl who looks soft and delicate on the outside, but is actually a mecha pilot?"
Stelle: "So…"
Stelle: "WHEN CAN I PLAY WITH THE SAM MORPHER!!!"
Silver Wolf: "LMAO, are you getting close to Hotaru just because you're eyeing her 4.2-meter morpher?"
Silver Wolf: "What a player."
Stelle: "Shut up, Silver Wolf!"
Stelle: "Don't drive a wedge between Hotaru and me!"
Stelle: "Whether it's the SAM morpher or Hotaru, I like them both!"
Qingque: "Tsk, tsk, tsk, you really know how to take it all."
Stelle: "Speaking of which, fate owes Hotaru, Aventurine, and seemingly Acheron, Robin, and her brother, etc…"
Stelle: "Oh boy, this fate is truly asking for death!"
Stelle: "Do you guys think there might be an Aeon of Fate hidden somewhere in this world who hasn't appeared yet?"
Dr. Veritas Ratio: "Hypotheses are fine, but please bring your supporting evidence."
Stelle: "Ahem… I was just guessing."
Stelle: "Professor, don't be so serious…"
Furina de Fontaine: "Come to think of it, don't you guys think Miss Hotaru is really suitable to debut as an idol?"
Furina de Fontaine: "A beautiful mecha girl warrior…"
Furina de Fontaine: "Isn't this even more popular than a simple Iris Family artist?"
March 7th: "That's for sure!"
March 7th: "I can't even begin to imagine how popular she would be!!"
Guinaifen: "Hehe, family."
Guinaifen: "ONE VOTE FROM YOU, ONE VOTE FROM ME, HOTARU WILL DEBUT TOMORROW!!"
Hotaru: "HUH?!!"
Hotaru: "Please stop teasing me, everyone!"
Hotaru: "How am I suitable to be a star!"
Hotaru: "I can't sing or dance. It really doesn't have much to do with being an artist."
Silver Wolf: "You indeed can't do those."
Silver Wolf: "But you can…"
Stelle: "I WILL… SET THE SEAS ABLAZE!!!"
March 7th: "COOL!!"
March 7th: "SUPPORT MISS HOTARU'S DEBUT TO SET THE SEAS ABLAZE!!"
Hu Tao: "Support +1."
Lumine: "+2"
Paimon: "+3"
Silver Wolf: "+999"
....