"Ahem♪ Wanting to play is fine, but it won't interfere with our research into the Simulated Universe. Besides, it'll make Stelle happy, won't it?"
As Lumina listened to Herta's words and observed her actions, she couldn't suppress a smile, revealing a breathtakingly beautiful smile.
Question: What's the sweetest thing on the Herta Space Station?
Answer: Without a doubt, the sweetest thing on the Herta Space Station is Madam Herta's honey-sweet lips♪
"Are you thinking something impolite?"
As expected of Member 83 of the Genius Society, Herta seemed to sense something amiss. She frowned, her gaze turning dangerously probing as she tried to pierce Lumina's mind and uncover her thoughts.
"Not at all. How could I possibly think anything impolite about Madam Herta, who possesses both wisdom and beauty?♪" Feeling Herta's slightly dangerous gaze, Lumina shook her head, her exquisite features betraying no hint of her true intentions.
"Is that so?" Herta narrowed her eyes, her expression radiating deep distrust toward Lumina.
But despite her distrust, there was ultimately nothing she could do about it.
It was clear that even Madam Herta, Member 83 of the Genius Society, lacked the ability to read minds.
"Alright, alright, enough chit-chat. I came to discuss something important with you." Lumina, unfazed by Herta's expression, spread her hands and smiled.
"Speak."
Herta didn't bother with unnecessary pleasantries. If anyone else had wasted her precious time like this, she would have already blasted them out the door. But Lumina was different; she was worth wasting time on for casual conversation.
"I'm leaving."
"Mm-hmm, and?" Herta nodded, signaling Lumina to continue.
"That's all."
"?"
A large question mark slowly materialized above Herta's small head, her eyes fixed on Lumina with speechless incredulity, as if asking, "Are you here to make me laugh?"
"I'm leaving the Space Station. The important matter is that I came to say goodbye," Lumina explained, shrugging with a smile, ignoring Herta's glare.
"Fine. Considering the timing, it's about time anyway." Herta sighed, studying Lumina's expression.
Her gaze shifted back to Lumina, hands on her hips, as she said:
"Penacony, located in the Asdana Star System, is quite a distance from the Space Station. There are several idle starships at the Platform. Feel free to pick one you like and take it—they're all fully automated, so you don't have to worry about piloting them."
"Of course, the Astral Express is still docked at the Platform. If you need it, I can personally intervene and 'borrow' a passenger seat for you."
"Hmm... Given your status, I doubt they'd refuse."
Though Herta outwardly showed no interest in Lumina's departure, her underlying concern was no less profound than anyone else's.
"Thank you, Madam Herta♪" Lumina replied, expressing her gratitude for Herta's thoughtfulness.
"However, my next destination isn't Penacony."
Herta: ?
"Isn't the Charmony Festival just a few days away now? Travel time alone will take days. If you're not going to Penacony, where are you headed?"
"Aren't you worried that the Charmony Festival might be over by the time you get there?" Herta asked, her voice tinged with confusion.
Though this matter had nothing to do with Herta personally—even if Lumina were to arrive late, miss the festival, or even skip it altogether, it wouldn't affect her in the slightest—Madam Herta's actions always had their own logic. Mind your own business!
"If I miss it, then it simply wasn't meant to be," Lumina replied calmly, shaking her head.
"Before heading to Penacony, I'll first visit my homeland... with the Astral Express in tow."
"Your homeland?" Herta frowned slightly at the mention of it. "Is something wrong there? Do you need my help?"
Lumina's homeland was renowned throughout the Cosmos, far more famous than Herta's own The Blue. Given Lumina's urgency to return, especially with the entire Astral Express in tow, it was hard not to suspect that something major had occurred.
"Hmm?" Lumina blinked in surprise at Herta's offer, not expecting such a response.
Lumina quickly regained her composure. She smiled at Herta, whose face was full of genuine concern, and walked to her side. Under Herta's puzzled gaze, she slowly raised her hand and gently rested it on the puppet's head, softly stroking it as she said in a gentle voice:
"Thank you for your kindness, Little Herta. But nothing's wrong on my end."
"I simply wanted to take Stelle and March 7th to experience the place where I grew up."
"Even though I don't need your help right now, I'll remember this. If The Blue ever faces an insurmountable problem, or if you, Little Herta, ever encounter something you can't solve, please come to me."
Lumina continued to gently stroke Little Herta's head as she spoke.
Even though it's just a puppet, it feels surprisingly nice to the touch... I wonder when I'll get to stroke Herta's real head?
Recalling the photos of Herta's main body she had received earlier, Lumina's fingers began to twitch slightly with anticipation.
Lumina continued to massage Little Herta's head, lost in her self-satisfied thoughts, completely oblivious to the darkening expression on the puppet's face beneath her hand.
"Had enough yet?"
After a while, seeing no sign of Lumina wanting to stop, Herta, her face darkening, spoke coldly.
Though having this woman pat her head sent a warmth spreading from her scalp deep into her soul, bringing a sense of peace and pleasure... If it were anyone else, they might have long succumbed to the allure of this gentle comfort.
But who was Herta? Member #83 of the Genius Society, Emanator of Nous, the Erudition. Did this mere little Lumina dare to manipulate her?
Thus, Herta abruptly knocked Lumina's hand away, crossed her arms, and glared icily.
Still, she had to admit... it had felt rather nice.
Ahem...
As that thought surfaced in Herta's mind, she immediately suppressed it. It was far too dangerous; she couldn't bear to confront it.
"Hmph♪" Lumina withdrew her hand with a light hum, showing not a trace of embarrassment under Herta's frigid gaze.
Taking a few steps back to maintain a relatively "friendly" distance from Herta, Lumina brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled warmly at Herta, saying, "Herta, beyond bidding farewell, there's something else I wanted to ask you."
"I'd like to invite you to come to my homeland with the Astral Express."
The more the merrier, Lumina thought, extending the invitation to Herta.
"Hmm..." Herta's icy expression melted away, replaced by a thoughtful, contemplative look.
Herta had never visited Lumina's homeland, a place renowned throughout the Cosmos as a sacred sanctuary of medicine. It was undoubtedly worth a personal visit—provided there were no pressing matters to attend to.
Knowing Lumina's personality, she would undoubtedly want Herta's main body to come... But Herta's main body was currently tied up with pressing matters and couldn't spare the time.
"Apologies, I accept the invitation, but not now."
"I see! Then I'll look forward to Little Herta gracing us with her presence in the future♪" Lumina nodded, showing no disappointment, but instead teased Herta with a playful smile.
"If you ever call me 'Little Herta' again, I swear I'll smash your face with this hammer!" Hearing the words "Little Herta," Herta's face darkened once more, her fingers trembling slightly, as if she were about to raise her hammer and strike Lumina across the face.
"Hmm♪"
Lumina hummed softly in response, saying nothing. Her gaze swept over Herta's body from head to toe before she flashed a dazzling smile, its meaning crystal clear.
Herta: ...
As Member 83 of the Genius Society, Herta naturally understood the implication behind Lumina's smile.
Instantly, a shadow fell over her face, and a purple hammer materialized in her hand.
Without a word, Herta swung the hammer.
"Kuru~ Kuru~"
-
New Area Preview: Sumeru Star System, Apricot Grove
Lumina's homeland, where the medical arts are revered above all else. Physicians enjoy unparalleled social status, making it a sacred land coveted by doctors and patients throughout the cosmos.
On Apricot Grove, illness and injury are nonexistent. Everyone follows Lumina, worships her, and sees her as a divine figure in their hearts.
To better express their devotion to Lumina, every physician on the planet treats patients without charging any fees...
Even after following Lumina's path beyond Apricot Grove and the Sumeru Star System, these physicians never forget their original purpose, selflessly making their modest contributions to the cosmos...