"So that's how it is."
Gallagher stroked his stubbled chin and nodded slightly.
"Mr. Yun Fan came to the Reverie several days ago already."
"About a week ago, 'Memem' brought back Sunday's sister—that renowned singer known throughout the universe, Miss Robin. Of course, rather than saying 'brought back,' it would be more accurate to say she was rescued from her brother's hands."
Gallagher detailed everything about Robin, when Yun Fan had come here, and what he had done here to the Express crew.
"'Memem'? Is that the memetic entity from the Memetic Domain that brought us here?"
Hearing the name Memem, March 7th blinked, asking curiously.
This depressive memetic entity called Memem seemed a lot like the monster the Family described as 'Death.' Could it be that it was 'Death'?
"Mm, 'Memem' is a memetic entity I created using the power of [Mystery] to conveniently connect the Reverie with the outside world. The Family calls it 'Death.' I think you should have heard of it."
Gallagher spread his hands. Memem was born from the power of [Mystery] and constructed using memetic energy and Path power. However, in essence, it was still a memetic entity full of uncertainty.
"Wait! According to what you're saying, Mr. Gallagher, that 'Memem'… it couldn't possibly just be a vehicle, right?"
Our little March seemed to have realized something and spoke in surprise.
"You can understand it that way."
March 7th: "...…"
A trace of embarrassment appeared on little March's face. So this thing really was just a vehicle.
When she saw Misha borrowing Memem's power to bring them to this world, she had thought it was one of this fierce memetic entity's abilities. Who would have thought that was its most fundamental function… It somehow felt a bit wasteful.
"Let's set that aside for now. Everyone, you should head back. Penacony isn't very peaceful right now. I've had this vague sense of unease. I'm afraid the Family's bunch has already started taking action."
Gallagher sighed. He didn't know if it was his imagination, but he always felt something was off. Yet if he had to say what it was, he couldn't put it into words…
In the end, he could only attribute it to the Family.
"Mm, the time really is about up. According to Penacony's announced schedule, there are only a few system hours left until the opening of the 'Harmonia Grand Festival.'"
Himeko took out her phone from her bosom, glanced at the displayed time, and a trace of solemnity could not help but appear between her brows.
With Misha and Gallagher's help, the Astral Express team had basically learned the Family's goal in full. This 'Harmonia Grand Festival' was originally a huge conspiracy—one that might involve an Aeon.
"Little March, Stelle, let's head back. Oh right, March, contact Mr. Yun Fan. If the Family really plans to make their move at the 'Harmonia Grand Festival,' then the power of an Emanator of [Causality] will definitely be an indispensable guarantee."
"Got it, Sister Himeko. I understand. I'll contact Yun Fan right away."
March 7th nodded seriously. The girl knew how to distinguish priorities. Although she usually seemed careless and a bit unreliable, in matters concerning fate, her heart was extremely clear—she would not make mistakes.
"Please wait a moment."
Just as the group was about to set off, a voice suddenly came from behind them.
Misha took two steps forward and called out to the Nameless who were about to depart.
"Please take me with you. As the miniature of the 'Watchmaker,' I ought to witness Penacony's life and death, rise and fall, glory and disgrace!"
...…
Watching Misha leave together with the Nameless, Gallagher stood at the door for a long time, his expression seeming slightly dazed. After a long while, he sighed.
"They've all left… Haha, looks like I'm a lone man again."
Gallagher shook his head self-mockingly, yet a trace of relief appeared in his eyes.
"Mikhail, wait for me. I'll come accompany you soon."
"Was it worth it?"
A voice rang out. Gallagher was first stunned, then abruptly turned around.
There, in the seat that had originally belonged to March 7th, a handsome black-haired youth was calmly sitting, holding the coffee cup the other had just used.
"This coffee is pretty good. Your skills are quite nice."
Yun Fan took a light sip of the brown coffee that still seemed to carry the faint fragrance of the girl and nodded in satisfaction, generously praising it.
"Mr. Yun Fan, were you here the whole time just now?"
Gallagher narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone carrying some doubt. Hadn't he left with Miss Robin? Why had he appeared here again now?
Moreover, those Nameless from earlier were his companions. If so, why hadn't he shown himself?
"Mm, I was here the whole time. I just used special means to conceal my presence, so you didn't notice me. As for why I didn't appear…"
At this point, Yun Fan paused, the corners of his mouth curving into a faint smile.
"I wanted to leave them a chance for a trial. After all, I am an Emanator of [Causality]. If I personally stepped in, this grand drama would become rather dull."
Just as Yun Fan said, if he personally stepped in, how could the fragile dream realm woven by Sunday using the power of [Order] withstand the rank of an Aeon?
He wouldn't even need to do anything. Simply releasing his own rank would cause a dimensional strike from a higher dimension to directly shatter the dream world, ending the so-called 'Dream of the One' right there.
"So that's how it is. I understand. You've really gone to great lengths for the growth of the Nameless."
Gallagher quickly understood the reasoning. This uncle-like 'youth' smiled lightly and shook his head. With a flash of his figure, he somehow produced a bottle of fine-looking liquor from nowhere.
"Care to have a drink with me?"
Gallagher picked up two empty wine glasses from the nearby table and handed one to Yun Fan.
After all, this was a tavern—they didn't serve coffee here. This was a place for drinking.
Himeko and the other two ladies didn't like drinking, so Gallagher had personally brewed coffee for them.
As for himself, drinking was naturally more comfortable.
"With pleasure."
Yun Fan did not refuse. He himself quite enjoyed drinking. While he couldn't be called a hopeless drunkard, if he went too long without a drop, he would feel somewhat uncomfortable.