『 As Aventurine finished his sentence, the tourists behind him began to show looks of dissatisfaction.
"…I'll handle this," Himeko whispered to Welt.
She then stepped forward and spoke to Aventurine.
"I heard that the Interastral Peace Corporation also received an invitation to Penacony. I assume you are their representative? The Corporation's elites truly possess an extraordinary aura—could such a distinguished figure grant us a small favor?"
"Did I hear that right? A favor? Shouldn't I be the one saying that to all of you?" Aventurine said, glancing back at the tourists behind him.
"I've been waiting here for over ten minutes. Do you know how many Credits ten minutes are worth to me?"
"I imagine it's an astronomical figure. That's why, Mr. Aventurine, I have an 'investment' here that you cannot afford to miss."
Himeko looked at Stelle and said to Aventurine, "The Corporation's influence spans the cosmos, and your words naturally carry great weight. We hope to use your status—to act as a guarantor for her."
"In doing so, you won't just save a lot of precious time, but you'll also make a group of new friends."
Aventurine looked at Stelle after hearing this. "Now that's interesting. And what can these friends bring to me?"
"That is a topic more worth discussing. As fellow guests of the 'Watchmaker,' why don't we take our seats in Penacony first, and then take our time to get to know each other?"
Aventurine nodded slightly.
"Fair enough, fair enough. However, Madam Navigator, I must point out—"
"If I step in, the time saved is something I've earned for myself—not something you've given me."
Himeko's expression changed slightly upon hearing this.
But Aventurine's next sentence took a hundred-and-eighty-degree turn.
"But the second half of what you said? I like that very much! Friends, yes, nothing is more precious than friends, especially upright Trailblazers like the Nameless. For the rest of my journey in Penacony, I'll have to trouble my friends to look after me. I hope we—get along well." 』
『 ....』
〘Stelle〙: That was a fast pivot.
〘Topaz〙: It's just his rhetoric. Didn't you feel like he was leading the conversation the whole time? This is a required course for Corporation executives.
....
『 "I'm glad you feel that way. About the guarantee…"
Aventurine looked at Alley. "Miss, you saw everything. For my sake, let this lady check in. I have an appointment with the Family's Mr. Sunday; I'll ask you to handle the formalities later. Don't worry, it won't cause you any trouble."
"This… but…"
The receptionist was still hesitating after hearing Aventurine's words, but at that moment, her savior and the person to resolve the Astral Express's predicament appeared.
"Alley, calm yourself. The Family cannot allow our guests to enter the dream with a burden."
Stelle and the others looked toward the speaker and saw two people standing there.
Both had a golden halo above their heads.
One was an elegant man with an aristocratic air, and the other was a woman radiating a sparkling and friendly aura.
"Speak of the devil, look who's here—Sunday, the most handsome man in Penacony! And the universe-renowned singer, Robin." Aventurine smiled at the two.
Robin smiled and said to Sunday, "He said you're the most handsome man in Penacony. How amusing." 』
『 ....』
〘Fan A〙: AHHHHHH! Miss Robin, STEP ON ME!!!
〘Fan B〙: Ah, seeing Miss Robin, my life is complete!
〘Evelyn〙: Compared to Miss's fans, these guys are even more intense.
〘Astra Yao〙: I discussed music theory with Miss Robin for a long time yesterday; it was very rewarding.
〘Robin〙: Miss Yao, you flatter me. I learned just as much from you.
....
『 Seeing the arrival of these two, Himeko glanced at Welt; neither of them spoke.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Aventurine. This way, please. Let us speak in private," Sunday said to Aventurine.
"Of course, but please wait a moment." Aventurine walked over to Stelle's side and smiled. "Friend, are you alright? I was just joking earlier; I hope you don't mind."
Stelle shook her head. "It's fine, I don't mind. At least you didn't order my arrest or suddenly snap your neck."
"Hahaha, friend, you really have a sense of humor." Aventurine laughed.
"I apologize for my rudeness. Take this, 10,000 Credits—a small meeting gift, consider it my compensation."
Stelle hesitated for a moment but ultimately declined Aventurine's kindness.
"You have backbone, I like that. I've decided we're going to be friends. Here, take 20,000 Credits."
As Aventurine spoke, 20,000 Credits were transferred into Stelle's bank account. After the transfer, Aventurine turned and followed Sunday away. 』
『 ....』
〘March 7th〙: Is this the legendary 'friendship fee'?
〘Hotaru〙: He gives that much?
〘Silver Wolf〙: That's a lot? It's not even a fraction of our bounties.
〘Stelle〙: 'Our'?
〘Elio〙: …..
〘Silver Wolf〙: DON'T TOUCH MY GAMES AND SNACKS!!!
〘Asta〙: Is 20k Credits a lot? Peppy's dog food costs 500k.
〘Space Station Staff〙: I don't even eat as well as a dog?
〘Arlan〙: My Lady… please, stop talking.
....
『 March 7th looked excitedly at Robin, who remained behind. "Um, excuse me, are you… no, could you be…"
"That singer, the superstar from Epsilon… 'If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking' is your work, right?"
Robin looked at the excited March 7th and smiled. "I didn't expect such a cute lady to be a fan of mine."
"Ah, it really is the Robin! To think I'd meet the real person here…"
"It is my honor to meet all of you as well."
"Are you, like Mr. Sunday, a member of Penacony's Family?" Welt asked.
Robin shook her head and replied.
"To be honest, I am a guest just like all of you. Penacony is my hometown, but I left after growing up. I was fortunate enough to be invited back to sing for the 'Charmony Festival.' The Sunday you mentioned is my elder brother, one of Penacony's local leaders and the organizer of this 'Charmony Festival.' Hearing that you were in trouble, he brought me along to offer assistance."
"Regrettably, we arrived a bit late and provided you with a poor check-in experience. My sincerest apologies." Robin showed a regretful expression.
"Please rest assured, I have instructed Miss Alley to resolve the 'system error' as quickly as possible—and to upgrade your room types as compensation. The hotel will arrange suitable rooms shortly."
Sunday returned to the lounge area and picked up where Robin left off.
"Mr. Aventurine has an appointment with the 'Oak Family' and has checked in ahead of time. On his behalf, I apologize to the members of the Astral Express and look forward to working with you all in the future."
"Thank you for mediating. However, is it appropriate to upgrade our rooms individually? As far as I know, there should be quite a few guests from various factions who received invitations," Welt said, looking at Sunday.
"Rest assured, the Family will handle the communication. Since you have graced Penacony with your presence, it is our duty as managers to resolve your troubles," Sunday explained.
His tone was kind and gentle, possessing a magic that made people instinctively feel close to him. He then bowed slightly in apology.
"Apologies for taking up your precious time; we shall not disturb you further. If you have any needs in Penacony, the Family is at your service at any time."
"May you all spend a wonderful time in the dream," Robin gave her blessing. 』
『 ....』
〘Hanabi〙: Is it really going to be 'wonderful'?~
〘Stelle〙: I have a feeling something bad will happen in the dream.
〘March 7th〙: Oh, come on. It's not like we'll see plot points like family turning against each other, homes being destroyed, being separated by death, or rivers of blood, right?
〘Silver Wolf〙: LOL, Elio is basically 'Little March 7th.'
〘March 7th〙: Huh? No way…
〘Dan Heng〙: You should probably talk less.
....