"Miss Lumina, after unanimous deliberation among the Astral Express crew, we've agreed to your proposal."
"However, there's a slight difference: we're not deciding on Stelle and March 7th's next destination, but rather the Astral Express's next destination."
It didn't take long for the Astral Express crew to reach a consensus.
Himeko and March 7th stepped off the train and addressed Lumina.
"Hmm... You mean the entire Astral Express is coming?" Lumina asked, somewhat surprised by Himeko's announcement.
"Yes. March and Stelle can enjoy an extended stay there. When it's time, we can also take you, Miss Lumina, to Penacony on the train."
Himeko nodded, explaining their rationale. While Lumina possessed the power to traverse the Cosmos unaided, the Astral Express would undoubtedly make the journey more convenient.
"Is that alright with you?"
Thinking of this, Himeko gently inquired, mindful that Lumina had only invited Stelle and March 7th. Bringing the entire Astral Express might seem presumptuous.
"Of course!" Lumina smiled at Himeko's cautious inquiry. "I was just wondering, as the highest authority on this planet, how should I properly welcome the arrival of the Astral Express?"
Lumina chuckled, openly sharing her thoughts.
The Astral Express's arrival was a great convenience for her. She was too delighted to even consider refusing.
After all, her planet was quite a distance from Penacony. Even at her fastest, she couldn't match the speed of the Astral Express, which carried the consciousness of the Trailblaze Aeon.
Lumina had been fretting over how to convey a complete story in just a few days when the Astral Express intervened.
With the Astral Express on board, her time had been significantly extended.
"Miss Lumina, you flatter us," Himeko replied. "The planet you rule is a sacred haven sought after by Physicians and patients throughout the Cosmos. It is our honor to be invited to visit."
Upon hearing Lumina's words, Himeko immediately engaged in mutual flattery.
Although the Astral Express was renowned throughout the Cosmos, a direct extension of the Aeon's will, its Stellaron and Nameless agents scattered across the universe... the Astral Express was now a shadow of its former glory.
Now, in its decline, being invited to a sacred realm where even its predecessors had never set foot, there was no harm in expressing gratitude.
Of course, this "honor" wasn't the kind bestowed by superiors upon subordinates. Even though the Astral Express no longer shone as brightly, it remained the Astral Express. Regardless of Himeko's humility, both parties stood as equals.
Lumina understood this perfectly and made no comment on Himeko's modesty.
However, one statement required rebuttal.
Lumina extended a finger, gently pressing it against Himeko's lips, stopping just a hair's breadth away as she spoke:
"Miss Himeko, the word 'rule' isn't quite right."
"I'm merely the highest authority figure, not the ruler of this planet."
"No single person has the right to call themselves the planet's ruler—except for each and every citizen."
Lumina winked at Himeko with one eye and smiled gently. Even though Himeko had misspoke, Lumina felt no anger, only a need for correction.
"My apologies, Miss Lumina." Sensing the delicate fragrance wafting from Lumina's fingertip, Himeko realized her mistake and quickly apologized.
"It's quite alright," Lumina replied, withdrawing her finger upon hearing the apology.
Himeko wasn't March 7th or Stelle; placing a finger directly on her lips would have been somewhat presumptuous, a point Lumina understood well.
"Anyway, once Stelle resolves the Herta Puppet issue, let's set off!" Lumina said with a smile, dismissing the matter.
"Understood," Himeko nodded in agreement with Lumina's proposal.