"Yes, I am Mr. Dan Heng," Stelle declared with perfect seriousness.
"…I see. No wonder Stelle's name isn't listed. When we replied to the Family, she hadn't boarded the Express yet."
"Would this work? Our companion Dan Heng had a last-minute schedule change and can't check in. Could you transfer his reserved room to this young lady instead? The headcount matches."
"She's the newest passenger on the Astral Express. We can vouch for her identity."
Himeko stepped in to back Stelle up. Right in front of the attendant, Stelle flashed the fire lance of the Bricklayer.
"No, I'm not doubting your identity, it's just…"
"It's just that we're on the eve of the Charmony Festival—Penacony's most important moment each Era. With the Family extending invitations galaxy-wide, the place is packed tighter than a Stellaron Hunter's schedule…"
The blond spectator who'd been enjoying the show suddenly cut in.
"Hotel security is already stretched to the breaking point; there's no room for slip-ups. A sudden situation like this really isn't something this young lady can decide on the spot. Nameless of the Astral Express—don't make things difficult for her."
"We ran into a small issue during check-in ourselves. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. May I ask who this gentleman might be?"
"Aventurine, Strategic Investment Department of the IPC, specialist in non-performing asset liquidation under [Diamond]. Here at the invitation of the [Clockmaker]…"
"And right now, as you can see, I'm in the middle of discussing a deal with the Pontiffs of the Eternity Church." Aventurine stepped back gracefully, giving Blake and Freesna the spotlight.
"Did I hear that right? The Interastral Peace Corporation doing business with the Church?"
March 7th whispered. Penacony really was something else.
"Only on behalf of the Strategic Investment Department. You forgot about Topaz?" Stelle explained while waving hello to Freesna.
Himeko glanced at the growing crowd of onlookers and said to Welt, "…I've got this."
"I've heard the IPC also received Penacony's invitation. You must be their representative—such refined bearing truly befits an elite of the Corporation. Would a personage of your stature do us the favor of lending a hand?"
"Of course, of course. The Astral Express's reputation echoes across the cosmos, and you enjoy a close relationship with the [Eternity Church] that cooperates with the Corporation. How could I not show some face?"
Aventurine said with half-joking courtesy, deliberately glancing toward Adrian.
When Infero Grand Duke Avelite publicly released footage of Oswaldo Schneider's murder, the IPC—working with multiple factions—quickly suppressed it.
Even an employee like Aventurine had received a copy distributed to the [Ten Stonehearts]. [Diamond] himself had slapped protective measures on the file.
Hmm… besides that silver-haired elf, there was another [Eternity] Emanator he'd never seen before. Quite intriguing.
Blake and Freesna remained silent—because of him, perhaps?
His presence was concealed to the level of an ordinary person. Judging by attire alone, he didn't look anything like an Emanator. From that, Aventurine deduced he wasn't from the Eternity Church.
"Friends—yes, nothing is more precious than friends, especially upright Trailblazers like the Nameless."
Aventurine noticed the fire-lance-wielding Stelle. Interesting people weren't limited to just Adrian, it seemed…
"For the rest of my stay in Penacony, I'll have to trouble all you friends to look after me. Here's hoping… we get along splendidly."
Adrian quietly retreated to the spectator seats, glancing at the messages Silver Wolf had spammed him.
[Silver Wolf: Friends are fate~ Cherish them forever~ To our friendship, cheers!]
[Silver Wolf: Really love that Prometheus quote—don't you think it fits perfectly right now?]
[Silver Wolf: So many elite bosses spawned the moment we hit Penacony's starting zone. Terrifying.]
[Silver Wolf: …]
[Silver Wolf: DON'T LEAVE ME ON READ!!!]
[Adrian: Quiet. I'm thinking.]
"I have an appointment with Mr. Sunday of the Family. I'll ask him to step in and handle this shortly. Rest assured, I won't cause you any trouble."
Attendant Ellie looked helplessly flustered. Stelle could tell—she was just a fellow wage slave trying her best.
"Ellie, easy now… The Family can't have guests entering the dream carrying burdens." An elegantly dressed silver-haired man approached, accompanied by a young woman dressed like a singer.
"Speak of the devil—look who's here! Sunday, Penacony's most handsome man! And the cosmic songstress, Robin!"
[Silver Wolf: Yo… even the final boss is showing up?]
[Silver Wolf: This front desk is stacked with raid bosses! Damn, I wanna join the fun!]
Robin let out a light laugh. "Hehe~ Calling you Penacony's most handsome man—how amusing."
"My apologies for keeping you waiting, Mr. Aventurine, Mr. Blake. This way, please—let's speak privately." Sunday led Aventurine and Blake away.
Robin took charge of the Express crew and guided them to the lounge area.
March 7th, who'd been too busy watching the drama, finally noticed Robin and squealed, "Wait—you're…" She quickly adjusted her wording. "Um… excuse me, but… are you…?"
"The singer—the superstar from Epsilon… A Single Pale Flower That Saves a Star From Sorrow is your song, right?"
"I didn't expect such an adorable young lady to be my fan."
"Ahh~ It really is THE Robin! I can't believe I'm meeting you in person…" March 7th delivered a live fangirl performance.
"Meeting all of you is my honor as well."
"You and that gentleman—are both of you members of Penacony's Family?"
Welt hadn't caught the recent IPC broadcast and wasn't up to speed on Robin.
"To be honest, I'm a guest just like all of you. Penacony is my hometown, but I left long ago after growing up. This time I was fortunate enough to be invited back to perform a song at the Charmony Festival."
"The Sunday I mentioned is my older brother—one of Penacony's decision-makers and the host of this Charmony Festival. When he heard you were having trouble, he brought me along to help."
"Unfortunately we arrived a little late and gave you a poor check-in experience. My deepest apologies."
"Please rest assured—I've already instructed Miss Ellie to resolve the [system glitch] as quickly as possible… and we'll upgrade your room types as compensation. Suitable rooms will be arranged shortly."
After settling Aventurine and the others, Sunday returned to Robin's side.
"Mr. Aventurine had a prior appointment with the Oak Family and has already checked in. On behalf of Ellie, I apologize to the Astral Express once more, and I look forward to working together in the future."
"Thank you for mediating. However, upgrading only our rooms—wouldn't that be improper? From what I understand, many other invited factions have arrived as well."
"Please don't worry—the Family will handle communications. You've graced Penacony with your presence; as the actual administrators, it is our duty to smooth away any troubles."
Sunday's gaze suddenly fixed on Stelle… or more precisely, on the hourglass pendant at her chest.
What was this complicated energy?
"Ahem… forgive me for taking up your valuable time. We'll excuse ourselves now. Should you need anything in Penacony, the Family is at your service."
"May you all spend a wondrous time within the dream."