Stelle was utterly confused now. "Uncle Yang, how did you get here? And March, Firefly… you didn't go to get revenge on that bird for me and get counter-killed, did you?"
That didn't add up. With the strength of these three, unless they faced an Emanator, how could they possibly lose?
Could that origami bird be an Emanator-level monster?
"It's a strange story," Welt said. "One system hour ago, Penacony's dream system had an emergency bug. Everyone who died in the dream during that time couldn't return to reality normally. I only found out after some friendly negotiations with the Family's representatives."
Stelle: "So you died to get here?"
Welt: "Something like that. The process was a bit complicated. The Family's people are suspicious, and so is that Mikhail. I was worried about Himeko, so I borrowed a car to head her way and happened to spot you all on the way."
…
Some time earlier, right after Stelle had "died."
Reality, The Reverie Hotel.
"Welt, I know you're not fond of negotiations, but we're short on hands, and Stelle's safety depends on us," Himeko said over the phone, emphasizing repeatedly. "If you're unsure what to say, you can take a page from Stelle's way of talking. That girl's words are very likable."
"Don't worry," Welt nodded solemnly. "I understand the gravity of this situation. I'll do my best to persuade the Family. Leave Senior Mikhail to you."
"Got it."
Beep beep beep…
While Welt was on the phone, two figures observed him covertly from a distance. They were the Family's representatives sent to deal with Welt. Though they claimed to be "assisting," their real job was to stall him with deflections and conceal the truth.
"See that middle-aged guy? That's the Nameless from the Astral Express," Representative #1 said. "When we meet him, just stick to the script. The boss said if we drag this out long enough, the dream bug will be fixed."
"During that time, we absolutely cannot let the Trailblaze faction interfere."
Representative #2 nodded. "Got it. Don't worry. That guy doesn't look like a smooth talker. Together, we'll handle him easily."
"Let's go!"
"…!"
Soon, the two Family representatives approached him, their demeanor polite. "You must be Mr. Welt from the Astral Express? We're the Family's representatives, here to assist with the dream incident."
This was their standard spiel for outsiders. As long as they controlled the conversation, they could effectively stall.
—I have to negotiate with all I've got. Stelle's safety depends on us.
Recalling Himeko's words, Welt exhaled softly. To make this negotiation work, he needed to be concise, clear, and convey his urgency.
He had to make the other side take him seriously!
…Got it!
Welt nodded slightly, adopting a natural leader's tone. "Good. You both know the specifics of the situation, right?"
"Um, yes. Regarding that, I'd like to explain—"
"Knowing is enough. Fix it quickly."
Welt cut off the representative's words, adjusting his glasses calmly. "Time is tight, and the task is urgent."
The two representatives exchanged glances. Why did it feel like he was controlling the conversation?
After a second of thought, Representative #1 awkwardly explained, "Mr. Welt, I understand your feelings right now, but…"
"But?"
Welt glanced at Representative #1. A single look from his crimson eyes sent a chill down the man's spine. This guy's presence is so intimidating…
"What's wrong with you?" Welt frowned slightly, standing up, his shadow looming over them. "Get it together."
The two: "Y-Yes… Mr. Welt, we're, uh, we're investigating. If there's any update, we'll notify you immediately. Why don't you… have some tea first?"
These two were clearly born workers. Welt meant no harm, but his commanding aura added a filter to their perception, making them feel every move he made carried deeper meaning.
His simple act of standing up felt like immense pressure.
No, they had to take this seriously and not let their guard down.
"Tea? Who has time for that right now?" Welt said.
Time?
The word made the representatives perk up. Did he suspect they were stalling?
"You're trembling," Welt observed, staring at them silently. "Is it the air conditioning? Or fear?"
The representatives shrank back. "The AC! It's the AC, Mr. Welt. Sorry, this VIP room has over a hundred air conditioners. We're just ordinary people, not like you, so we're not used to it."
"Yeah, haha, it's, uh, it's too cold in here!"
Welt pointed at their foreheads, concerned. "Then why are you sweating?"
The representatives: "Uh, uh, uh… Oh! We drank too much soda earlier. Too much water element, that's why."
Welt: ?
Welt couldn't shake the feeling that these two were awfully nervous, which puzzled him. Was there something wrong with his attitude?
—"If you don't know what to say, just think of Stelle. That girl's way of talking is very likable."
Himeko's words resurfaced in his mind.
Imitate Stelle's speech… Welt pondered. In his memory, ever since Stelle boarded the Express, she quickly became the group's darling. Every planet they visited, the locals seemed to adore her too.
Her way of talking must have something worth emulating.
Got it!
Smack!
Representative #1 felt a heavy hand slam onto his shoulder, the force nearly bringing him to his knees. He looked at Welt tremblingly, cautiously saying, "M-Mr. Welt, don't be mad. We can talk this out. Worst case, I'll go ask the boss for instructions, alright?"
"…!"
Welt: "…Ciallo, don't be so nervous~"
The representatives: …?
"Brothers! You may not know this, but the moment I saw you, I felt an instant connection. Could it be… we're brothers from different mothers?" Welt's crimson eyes sparkled with sincerity, his smile curling into an adorable cat-like grin.
The two: ? → ! → !!!
Big brother, if you're mad, just say it! This kind of talk… it's really freaking us out!
Boss, we don't want this assignment anymore! Just dock our pay already!
I just want to run!