Chapter 312: Penacony Arc 『 Part Seven 』
「 March 7th abruptly cut through the idle chatter between Stelle and Misha, pointing out that some manner of trouble seemed to be brewing at the front desk.
Alley, the receptionist in charge of registration, had failed to find Stelle's name in the records. According to the logs, the Platinum Guest Suites were reserved only for March 7th, Himeko, Welt, and Dan Heng.
"That's right, I'm Mr. Dan Heng," Stelle declared, planting her hands firmly on her hips.
"Dan Heng…" Welt murmured, lost in thought. He suddenly recalled that when the Nameless had first replied to the Family's invitation, Stelle had not yet boarded the Express.
Himeko suggested transferring Dan Heng's room to Stelle, offering to personally vouch for her identity, but this only served to deepen the receptionist's distress.
"We are on the eve of the [Charmony Festival], the most significant moment of every era in Penacony. With the Family's invitations sent out, guests from across the galaxy have packed the hotel to the rafters."
From the back of the queue, a young man dressed in opulent finery spoke up, interceding on the receptionist's behalf. "Hotel security is under immense pressure; there is no room for the slightest oversight. A sudden discrepancy like this is truly beyond this young lady's authority to resolve—dear members of the Astral Express, let's not make things difficult for her."
Welt offered a polite apology and inquired after the stranger's name.
"The name's Aventurine, of the IPC's Strategic Investment Department. I'm a specialist in Non-Performing Asset Liquidation under [Diamond], here at the invitation of the [Watchmaker]. I'm also a tourist who has been waiting behind you for quite some time."
Himeko caught Welt's eye before stepping forward with a poised smile. "I had heard the Interastral Peace Corporation received an invitation to Penacony as well. You must be their representative; the Corporation's elite truly possess an extraordinary aura. Surely a figure of such renown could find it in his heart to do us a small favor?"
"Did I hear that correctly—a favor? Shouldn't I be the one saying that to you?" Aventurine feigned a look of shock. "I've been waiting here for over ten minutes. Do you have any idea how many Credits ten minutes is worth to me?"
Himeko remained unruffled, her smile widening. "An astronomical sum, I'm sure. Which is exactly why, Mr. Aventurine, I have an [Investment] here that you simply cannot afford to miss."
The corners of Aventurine's mouth curled upward—finally, they were speaking a language that interested him.
Himeko looked toward Stelle. "The Corporation's influence spans the cosmos, and your word carries immense weight. We would like to borrow your status—to act as her guarantor." 」
「 ..... 」
〜Frieren: Beyond Journey's End World〜
Under the dim, amber glow of the tavern, Fern's face was scrunched into a tight knot as she watched the exchange between Himeko and Aventurine play out upon the celestial screen.
"Himeko-sama's way with words is incredible… she's almost like General Jing Yuan-sama."
In Fern's memory, the most silver-tongued individuals she had encountered were the Divine Foresight, Jing Yuan, and Miss Topaz. Now, it seemed, she had to add a third name to that list.
"Is this the world of adults? Every time I realize grownups talk like this, I lose all interest in growing up…"
Stark scratched his chin.
"I mean, I understand what she's saying, but I could never replicate those conversational tactics."
"It's fine, Stark. I've lived for over a thousand years, and I still haven't learned it,"
Frieren remarked, slumped peacefully against the dining table.
"Frieren-sama, you're being entirely too indifferent about this, aren't you?"
Fern said with a look of pure exasperation.
"Back when I had to speak with powerful figures, Himmel was always the one who handled it."
Frieren propped herself up, resting her chin in her hand.
"I never paid attention to such things while Himmel was alive. It wasn't until I set out on my own journey that I gradually realized talking to people isn't a simple matter. It's not just about speaking; it's about making the other person feel comfortable during the exchange, or using certain techniques to achieve your goals."
"Frieren-sama, have you never thought about learning?"
Fern asked.
"I don't care much for skills outside of magic, Fern."
With that, Frieren let out a long yawn.
"I'm so sleepy… Anyway, conversation is a difficult thing, harder than many spells. If you two want to learn, you'll have to put your hearts into it. I'm going upstairs to bed."
—
「 "By doing this, you not only save yourself a great deal of precious time, but you also gain a new group of friends."
Aventurine's expression turned serious as he chuckled. "Now that is interesting. And what exactly can these friends bring to me?"
"That is a topic far more worth discussing. Since we are all guests of the [Watchmaker], why don't we first take our seats in Penacony and take our time getting to know one another?"
Aventurine nodded with satisfaction. "Fair enough, fair enough. However, Madam Navigator, I must point out—if I step in, then the time saved is something I've earned for myself—not something you've given me."
Himeko gave a soft, knowing laugh.
"…But that second half of yours? I like it very much! Friends. Yes, nothing is more precious than friends, especially when they are upright Trailblazers like the Nameless. For the rest of my journey in Penacony, I'll have to rely on my Trailblazer friends to take good care of me. Looking forward to a delightful time with you all." 」
「 ..... 」
〜Jujutsu Kaisen World, Future Timeline〜
The wooden floor of the training ground was scorching under the afternoon sun. Itadori sat cross-legged on the ground, clutching a can of soda. Despite the sweltering heat, a chill ran down his spine the moment he heard the word "friends" come out of Aventurine's mouth.
"This guy… he talks about how many Credits his time is worth the moment he opens his mouth. He isn't the type who values money above life itself, is he?"
As he spoke, he couldn't help but glance toward Mei Mei, who was sitting further down the corridor.
"Not necessarily, Itadori,"
Utahime Iori interjected suddenly.
"Rest assured, he's definitely not the type you're thinking of. Someone who can reach the P45 level in the IPC has long since achieved financial freedom. Not everyone is like Mei Mei, only interested in banknotes and the digits in a bankbook."
Mei Mei, sitting in the corridor, merely smiled, offering no denial of Utahime's assessment.
"The care and assistance of the Astral Express cannot be calculated in money. It's like Satoru Gojo—you can't move him with cash. Only sentiment and ties are reason enough for them to act."
"And as for sentiment…"
Utahime suddenly laughed.
"A person like Topaz, who can climb to P45 while still possessing a heart, must be a rare breed among the higher-ups, right? Regardless, it's an absolutely scarce commodity. For Aventurine, trading a bit of 'face' for the priceless friendship of the Astral Express—no matter how you look at it, it's a bargain."
—
「 Having finished his piece, Aventurine intended to use his influence to guarantee Stelle's stay, yet the receptionist remained hesitant, until—
"Alley, please, remain calm." A handsome man dressed in a white suit approached slowly, offering a polite bow to Stelle and the others. "The Family cannot allow our guests to enter the Dreamscape carrying such a burden." 」
「 ..... 」
( Translator-kun: There's also a theory that Topaz's backstory isn't like Aventurine; starting from nothing, our little Jelena is like Asta. (SLANDERING Honkai Star Rail Characters WITH TRUTH) )