Ding-a-ling~ Ding-a-ling~ Ding-a-ling~
Just as the warmth between them began to rise, Lumina's phone, set to ring with a Special Group notification, inconsiderately chimed.
"M-Miss Lumina, your phone is ringing," Robin stammered, jolted back from her reverie. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she offered the gentle reminder.
Hearing this, Lumina nodded briefly, feeling the phone vibrate in her pocket. She pulled it out and opened the message from the Special Group.
[March 7th]: Sister Lumina, Robin is dead!
[March 7th]: [Image.jpg]
[Lumina]: ...
Staring at the message, Lumina silently glanced up at the well-behaved and beautiful Robin before her, then back at her phone screen, opening the attached photo.
It showed Robin "dead" in the Dream Pool, her expression serene.
Hmm... Come to think of it, where did March 7th even get this photo?
"What's wrong?" Robin asked softly, sensing Lumina's odd gaze.
"No, it's nothing," Lumina said, shaking her head as her fingers continued to tap rapidly on the screen. Then she uttered something that left Robin completely bewildered:
"It's just that Robin is dead."
Robin: ?!
Has news of my death spread through the Sweet Dream?
Though Lumina's sudden remark momentarily short-circuited Robin's brain, the ice-smart detective quickly recovered.
That's impossible...
Realizing this, Robin muttered in confusion.
As one of the most crucial figures in the Charmony Festival, even if she had gone missing or died, the Family would have concealed it. It couldn't have spread widely...
This was precisely why Robin had dared to investigate alone and remain on Dreamscape Reef.
"Don't worry, news of Robin's death hasn't spread through the Sweet Dream," Lumina said, still typing on her phone without looking up. "In fact, very few people even know about it."
Noticing Robin's changing expression, she added casually, "It's just that my friend witnessed your death firsthand."
Robin: ?!
Lumina's words left Robin even more dumbfounded.
Witnessing my own "death" firsthand? Hadn't I entered Dreamscape Reef several days ago?
Back then, the honored guests from various factions hadn't even arrived in Penacony yet. How could they have witnessed my "death" firsthand?
"They broke into your room and saw your body in the Dream Pool dissolve into foam," Lumina said, pausing her typing. She first opened the image, then turned her phone screen toward Robin so she could clearly see the photo March 7th had sent.
"I see..." Robin nodded, offering no further comment. As long as news of this didn't spread widely, that was all that mattered.
She wasn't particularly concerned about the intruders themselves.
But her brother...
Robin understood Sunday's temperament, and even more so, his deep affection for her.
He must be frantic now that she had disappeared, yet the Charmony Festival prevented him from launching a full-scale investigation.
That must be agonizing for him.
Robin lowered her gaze, a flicker of sorrow crossing her exquisite features.
Noticing this, Lumina refrained from rushing to embrace Robin and offer comforting words.
Instead, she first sent her reply to March 7th:
[Lumina]: Relax, March.
[Lumina]: Death doesn't exist in Penacony's Sweet Dream—that's absolute, and I've verified it myself.
[Lumina]: So, Robin's death must have deeper implications. It's not as simple as it seems on the surface.
Though Lumina hadn't explicitly stated anything, she had said everything, the implication was clear.
If Herta were on the other end of the screen, she would likely have immediately guessed that Robin wasn't dead. As time passed, she might even realize that Lumina had already met Robin herself, hence her certainty.
But the person on the other end wasn't Herta; it was the clueless March 7th.
When she saw the three messages from her beloved Sister Lumina, she simply took them as comforting words—a reassurance not to worry or be afraid. She didn't overthink them at all.
[March 7th]: Ugh, Sister Lumina, weren't we supposed to be on vacation in Penacony?
[March 7th]: How did we suddenly get dragged into some massive conspiracy?
By now, March 7th had also grasped the gravity of the situation. Lumina could sense her speechless frustration and helplessness in those two sentences.
[Lumina]: Don't worry, little March. Remember what they say?
[Lumina]: If the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up.
[March 7th]: Mmhmm, Sister Lumina, you're right! There's nothing to worry about!
Seeing that message from her beloved Sister Lumina on the other side of the screen, March 7th felt reassured.
Even if the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up. All I need to do is enjoy this vacation~
March 7th thought to herself with smug satisfaction, completely unaware that she was actually one of those "tall ones" herself...
[Lumina]: I've got some things to handle. Let's talk more about this later.
[March 7th]: Okay, Sister Lumina! Go take care of it.
[March 7th]: Oh, and Sister Lumina, promise me you won't get tricked by those sophisticated Big Sisters!
March 7th fussed over Lumina like a mother hen, bombarding her with earnest advice.
Only she knew the true scheme brewing in her heart... well, if Lumina pretended not to notice.
Reading March 7th's message, Lumina smiled wryly, shook her head, and replied:
[Lumina]: Don't worry, little March. I won't be tricked by those sly Big Sisters.
After sending the message and ending the chat with March 7th, Lumina put her phone away.
Looking at the slightly melancholic Robin before her, Lumina reached out and pulled her into a warm embrace.
Without a word, she gently patted Robin's back in silent comfort.
So warm...
At first, Robin's body was stiff in Lumina's arms, but she didn't resist. She knew Lumina only wanted to care for her, and she couldn't betray that concern.
As time passed, a gentle warmth spread from Lumina's embrace into Robin's own body. Gradually, Robin began to relish Lumina's warm hug.
It felt just like when she was born, being held in her mother's arms with a face full of joy.
Warmth, happiness... she wanted it to last forever.
Robin closed her eyes, quietly savoring the sensation...
Looking at Robin nestled in her arms like her own daughter, Lumina felt a surge of contentment.
As for the promise she'd made to March 7th earlier?
Come on, March 7th said not to be fooled by mature Big Sisters. Robin isn't a mature Big Sister, so I wasn't lying~
Besides, even if we take the most extreme view...
How can something I willingly do be considered deceit?
Surely it doesn't count, right?~