Firefly looked at Caelus and continued, "When there's no performance, I also take on reception work around Glax Avenue. If you don't mind, I can take you to experience all sorts of fun things! As long as I work hard, maybe I won't get caught by the inspectors…"
Caelus looked into Firefly's eyes, "Weren't you working before?"
"Today's a day off from performances, and guiding isn't always available… The guests who come here are all high-profile, most with escorts…"
"The Star of the Festival is pretty realistic, huh…"
"No, no! Penacony is where dreams gather, a grand feast that never ends! It's just that with the festival approaching, the pressure's a bit high…"
"Are you a member of the Family?"
"Me? No, I'm not… I'm not part of the Family yet, just working for them…" Firefly lowered her lashes, glancing around, especially at the noisy crowd, as if something was hiding among them.
But soon, she reined in her emotions, returning her gaze to Caelus, "Let's not talk about that! I'll take you to explore the town… Let's go!"
[Guide? Why does this plot feel familiar?] [Tingyun???] [No way, bro, not again! Another head-tilt kill? Damn!] [Big bro, don't say it. Using the same trick twice? miHoYo wouldn't dare, right? That'd be wild.] [Hold up, Firefly's actions seem off.]
Firefly ran ahead, turning back with a smile that melted the audience's hearts, "This way, this way!"
Caelus thought to himself, "Taking the chance to learn about the place isn't a bad idea."
Firefly meticulously introduced every spot they passed, finally pointing ahead, "The shopping center's plaza is just outside—come here, I'll treat you to something delicious~"
Suddenly, she stopped, sniffing the air intently, "This is the place. Have you heard the saying—in dreams, 'hunger' is the most precious spice? Penacony has most of its signature foods here, like Clockwork Pizza, Oak Cake Roll, Alfalfa Salad… and the classic soda! Pick anything, I'll cover it!"
Caelus scratched his head, "My spending habits are a bit high…"
"It… It should be fine, right?" Firefly pulled out a palm-sized pouch with a firefly pattern on it. It looked worn but was carefully preserved. She took out all the money inside, holding it in her hand, "I've got some savings… Here's twenty thousand credits."
Firefly pointed at a signboard nearby, "These are Penacony's most iconic foods." As if worried Caelus might feel pressured, her tone was gentle, like comforting a lost child, "Pick anything, it's on me~"
Caelus nodded and said to the server, "This, this, and that, oh, and that one—yep, I want it all."
Soon after, Caelus carried a large bag and walked up to Firefly, "I'm done ordering."
"Uh, this… this…" Firefly forced a smile, "Already done? You… have great taste!"
Her expression perfectly captured what it meant to force a smile, "Haha… T-then, I'll pay…"
Caelus watched as Firefly paid, already starting to eat.
…
Firefly watched Caelus, a happy smile on her face, even though she hadn't taken a single bite.
[Damn, this… this… is this even human?] [Oh no, this hurts to watch!] [Is this a steel-hearted straight guy? What kind of species is the Trailblazer?] [Look at Firefly's expression—she said she doesn't have much work, saved up all her money, and the camera gave her a close-up, and Caelus spent it all?] [Argh!!!] [Caelus, let Firefly have a bite, I'm begging you!] [Look at Firefly's eyes—she's watching Caelus eat and still looks happy.] [This hurts so much, why do this?]
After Caelus finished eating, Firefly stood up, "Um… Next, let's go this way…"
Next, Firefly led Caelus to check in at famous landmarks around the city. They reached the center of Glax Avenue, visiting the mascot statue "Clockie."
Firefly even offered to take a photo for Caelus. Through the photo, Caelus noticed something off about Clockie's eyelashes. He jumped suddenly and found a pink bird in his hand. The next moment, it chirped twice and flew away.
Firefly patted Caelus' shoulder, "What's wrong with Clockie's statue? Why did you suddenly jump?"
"I saved a bird with edges and corners."
Firefly clasped her hands to her chest, "A bird with edges and corners… But I didn't see anything. Um… Since you're fine, let's head to the next stop. It's not far, follow me~"
Then, Firefly spared no effort in introducing everything about Penacony, The grandstand in front of Penacony Grand Theater, the soda-themed leisure area "Aideen Park"…
But at the park, Firefly's gaze grew cautious.
"What are you looking at?"
The next moment, the girl's gentle expression returned. She gave Caelus a perfectly timed smile, "No time to waste, let me show you around!"
[Foreshadowing, there's foreshadowing!] [I know, I know!] [So, are these two on a date?] [Feels like a shopping trip.]
Firefly suggested Caelus try the various entertainment facilities at Aideen Park while she rested nearby. After exchanging for game tokens, Caelus tried a few activities, but his gaze fell on Firefly.
For some reason, even when a passerby walked by, Firefly gave the sincerest smile. Caelus felt a passion in her eyes—a love for life.
Caelus slowly approached Firefly, who seemed startled and thrilled, waving eagerly, "Are you having fun? This dreamland—Penacony—'The Golden Hour,' it's pretty great, right?"
Caelus nodded and sat beside Firefly, "You sound a bit sad… Why?"
"It's not exactly sadness." Firefly looked toward the Grand Theater, "It's just… this dream is too generous, too forgiving. It's vast and profound, like an ocean where even nobodies can rest peacefully. I'm really grateful you helped me. Because of that, I can show you this paradise—it accepts me, even though I don't belong here. I love it, so I want to… share it with others."
"You're not a local?"
Firefly shook her head, then nodded, "I am… at least for now…"
The next moment, she leaned toward Caelus' ear, "May I ask, did you come to Penacony alone?"
"I did. At least for now."
Firefly gave a knowing smile, then turned serious, "You may or may not have noticed, but I've been taking you on detours to all sorts of places because… Someone's following you."
Caelus was about to turn around, but Firefly stopped him, "Don't look back. I'm certain they're targeting you—they haven't lost us since we parted with Mr. Gallagher. I thought they might be your friend, but my gut says no. He's about 1.8 meters tall, give or take two centimeters, well-built, clearly trained. Long strides, but no sound when he steps—very light. His footwork leaves no prints… He's likely skilled in combat—the stealthy kind. Large palms, but long, nimble fingers. I'd guess he's used to knives. Short blades, daggers… Do you know someone like that? Burgundy coat, green eyes, dark blue hair…"
[Firefly, what's your job?] [She's definitely not simple, but damn, why is she so girlfriend-material?] [I love this contrast.] [I'm worried—could Firefly be another Lord Ravager? That observation skill is unreal.] [Possible. I bet Caelus is about to get tricked again.]
Caelus blinked, growing more familiar, "Isn't that…?"
"Yo, isn't that my loyal customer, Trailblazer bro?"
The camera panned to the newcomer—Sampo.
"Well, well, long time no see, dear friend! Didn't expect to run into you here—man, I'm lucky!"
"Sampo?!"
Sampo gave an elegant deep bow, "That's right, your old pal Sampo! The real deal!"
For some reason, seeing Sampo's face made Caelus want to punch him. He immediately thought of taking Firefly and staying far away from Sampo.
But, Sampo had his ways of dealing with Caelus, "I've been watching you two for a while. Miss Firefly knows Penacony well, but when it comes to 'adult entertainment'… I'd say Sampo's got the edge."
Firefly looked at Sampo with interest, "Adult entertainment?"
Sampo flicked his head, letting his bangs fall naturally to one side, "Hit the nail on the head, didn't I? Come on, you two—let old Sampo show you the adult world!"