At the same time, Firefly dragged Silver Wolf back to Starskiff Haven, ready to flee the Xianzhou Luofu at a moment's notice.
"Firefly? We're just leaving like that?!"
Firefly set Silver Wolf down and deactivated her SAM suit.
"Sigh. Silver Wolf, we're no match for Herta right now. Let's go back and report to Elio first."
Silver Wolf turned away, unconvinced.
"You go back if you want. I don't have any new missions this month. I'm finding a way to get back at Herta, no matter what."
Seeing Silver Wolf's stubbornness, Firefly could only sigh helplessly.
"Silver Wolf, listen to me. Revenge only breeds more revenge. Besides, Madam Herta and Madam Ruan Mei are far too mysterious and unfathomable."
Silver Wolf turned to look at Firefly.
"Firefly. When we're gaming and we run into an unbeatable boss, do we just give up after losing a few times?"
Firefly lowered her head, unconsciously clutching her sleeve.
"Silver Wolf. This isn't a game. This is reality. And Herta and Madam Ruan Mei aren't some game bosses."
Silver Wolf just blew a bubble with her gum and let out a casual snort.
"Firefly, you don't get it. Those two have a bond. Especially Herta—it's like March 7th and Stelle. Or like Stelle and you."
In an instant, Firefly's face darkened. Seeing the shift, Silver Wolf quickly added,
"Tell you what—I'll take you to the Astral Express first. The train's parked on the Xianzhou because of the Luminary Wardance."
The gloom in Firefly's eyes and the fiery marks on her face vanished in an instant. What remained was joy and anticipation.
"Really?!"
"Absolutely."
Silver Wolf had taken only a few steps when Firefly froze in place.
"What's wrong?"
This time, Firefly seemed genuinely flustered.
"I... Silver Wolf, is my hair okay? Any wrinkles in my sleeves?"
"Should I bring Stelle and her friends some gifts? I..."
Silver Wolf quickly cut her off.
"Stop, stop. No need to be so formal. We're just visiting the train."
Firefly still hesitated, stammering.
"But... this is our first real meeting since we woke up. Should I change into something more formal?"
Silver Wolf crossed her arms, a smug smile playing on her lips as she circled Firefly, observing her.
"What? What is it, Silver Wolf?"
"Sigh. Never thought I'd see this side of you. Usually, you're all about 'settling things with reason.'"
"Ah... I..."
Finally, Silver Wolf nodded.
"Fine. I'll go with you to pick out some gifts for Stelle."
"Thank you."
Silver Wolf pulled up her etheric map and located three shopping districts on the Xianzhou.
"Aurum Alley has snacks and desserts. Changle has gift shops. The Skysplitter has Luminary Wardance souvenirs."
"Where to?"
Firefly pulled out her wallet. Empty. She suddenly remembered: during that dream in Penacony, Stelle had already spent all of last month's allowance.
And the cosmetics she'd never used—the ones Stelle bought for her—she'd had to ask Kafka for an advance on this month's allowance.
(A/N: Reference to Firefly's Eidolon 4 and that Jade event.)
The smile vanished from Firefly's face. She lowered her head, crestfallen.
"Maybe... forget it, Silver Wolf. Let's just leave the Xianzhou."
Silver Wolf understood immediately.
"Firefly. I have credits."
"But that's your new limited edition console money."
"The new console doesn't have any major updates. I'll pass this time. Come on, stop hesitating."
Firefly ventured cautiously.
"Then... let's try Aurum Alley first. Stelle seems to like snacks."
"Sure."
---
In Aurum Alley, Ruan Mei and Herta were sitting at a snack stall.
"Ruan Mei. You really do love meddling these days."
Ruan Mei took a delicate sip of Immortal's Delight and replied calmly.
"It's called building good karma."
"Oh? What kind of karma?"
"The Xianzhou natives value personal connections. If trouble comes, three Xianzhou ships will answer the call."
Herta picked up a mille-feuille roll and said casually,
"Who could possibly cause you trouble? Polka?"
At the name, Ruan Mei froze. After a moment of silence, she fixed Herta with an icier than usual gaze.
"Why did you mention her?"
Ruan Mei's frost was ten times colder than usual. Passersby wondered if summer had suddenly turned to winter and instinctively gave the stall a wide berth.
Seeing how strongly she reacted to Polka's name, Herta quickly set down her Immortal's Delight. She sat up straight, her tone more serious than usual.
"Just by chance. You don't want to hear her name. I'll be more careful next time."
Ruan Mei sighed softly. Genius Society member #4. The number of geniuses Polka had erased was truly terrifying.
And that woman and Herta? They were like lifelong nemeses.
Every time Herta mentioned anything about her, a vague unease stirred within Ruan Mei.
A feeling words could barely capture. Sometimes, she genuinely wished that woman would simply vanish from Herta's memory.
Ruan Mei composed herself and asked softly,
"Herta. Do you remember what happened in the Unknowable Domain?"
Herta nodded. Sipping her Immortal's Delight, she inadvertently spoke her mind.
"If Aha hadn't intervened, things might have gotten dicey. But next time we run into Polka, I'll protect you."
Ruan Mei blinked. Though her expression remained calm, surprise and delight flickered in her eyes.
Herta realized she'd said too much. She quickly turned away, feigning composure with a cough, her tone resuming its usual confidence.
"Ahem. I meant—next time we meet that woman, I'll make sure she knows Madam Herta isn't someone to be trifled with."
Ruan Mei gave a soft "Oh" and turned to gaze at the distant Arbor. A faint smile, imperceptible to Herta, played at the corner of her lips.
"You and the Arbor really are different."
Herta frowned.
"You said I was like the Arbor just a few days ago."
Seeing Herta's confusion, Ruan Mei replied calmly.
"Exactly. It was that expression of yours that made me say you were like the Arbor."
Herta gritted her teeth and picked up her mille-feuille roll with a snort.
"Hmph. Utterly incomprehensible. Your words are stranger than the Corramoth theory."
"But still, only you would dare say such things to Madam Herta."
"Anyone else might be floating in a star by now."