"Robin's singing is truly beautiful," Lumina remarked, "no wonder she's a world-renowned superstar."
After their private concert concluded, Lumina gifted Robin a ring, waved a simple farewell, and departed from Dewlight Pavilion.
Seeing the reporters still camped outside the entrance, Lumina couldn't help but marvel at their tenacity.
Three days and nights, just for a news story? And this is Sweet Dream Paradise—their territory! They could easily have bypassed the main gate. What's the point of staking out here?
Shaking her head, Lumina dismissed the thought and began planning her next farewell.
Acheron, March, Stelle, and... Black Swan. Topaz and Jade? Not close enough yet—giving them a ring now would probably make me look like a pervert.
Acheron and the others must still be at Dreamscape Reef, their reminiscences likely far from over. In that case, I'll find Black Swan. This farewell might be the perfect chance to redeem myself in her eyes.
After all, what I did to her before was indeed a bit excessive.
So excessive, in fact, that it was practically no different from some perverted old man luring a pure, innocent beautiful girl... Hmm, there is a difference though—after all, that perverted old man isn't nearly as good-looking as me.
Lumina pulled out a mirror and admired her stunningly beautiful face for a while. After indulging in a bit of self-admiration, she expanded her senses to begin searching for Black Swan's location within Penacony.
"Hmm?" After quickly pinpointing Black Swan's location, Lumina was slightly surprised, but upon reflection, it seemed rather predictable.
After all, this place was likely the most memorable location for Black Swan in all of Penacony...
"Sigh... well, if you're here, I guess I have no choice but to use the same excuse and 'accidentally' bump into you."
The corners of Lumina's mouth curled upward into a bewitching smile, revealing an expression that was both devilish and alluring, like that of a femme fatale or villainess.
Tap... tap... tap...
She strode purposefully toward her destination. In no time at all, Lumina's figure vanished completely from the bustling street.
-
I've been watching her for a long time. Tonight is the first time I've invited her out—a Galaxy Ranger, as mysterious as the legends say...
Entering the familiar ballroom, Lumina immediately spotted her sitting in a corner, elegantly sipping SoulGlad while her gaze swept across the crowd like a hunter searching for prey.
The classic quote involuntarily surfaced in Lumina's mind.
Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Lumina walked straight toward the corner where Black Swan sat, picking up a glass of SoulGlad along the way.
"Waiting for someone?"
Reaching Black Swan, Lumina tilted her head back, revealing a serene, enigmatic smile.
Black Swan: ...
Hearing that familiar voice, Black Swan's hand, holding the SoulGlad, trembled involuntarily, spilling some of the drink onto the floor.
Though she had suffered many silent setbacks at Lumina's hands, Black Swan's fleeting panic and surprise vanished in an instant. She regained her composure, gracefully shaking her head.
"My dear lady, I have no engagements tonight."
"Is that so?" Lumina smiled, naturally settling beside Black Swan.
She raised her SoulGlad glass and gently swirled it, offering a toast. "To you, fair lady?"
Clink.
"It's my pleasure to toast with you, beautiful lady," Black Swan replied, lifting her own SoulGlad glass and lightly clinking it against Lumina's.
With a soft clink, both women tilted their heads slightly and sipped their SoulGlad.
"It's so delicious," Lumina sighed, savoring the taste. "It's a pity I won't be able to enjoy it much longer."
"Leaving so soon?" Black Swan asked.
"Indeed. Even the land of dreams, Penacony, isn't meant to be a permanent home." Lumina drained her glass in one gulp, set it down on the table, and rose to her feet, extending a hand towards Black Swan.
"Then, Miss Black Swan, would you do me the honor of sharing one last dance before I depart this dreamscape?"
Black Swan paused, staring at Lumina's pristine white hand. Without hesitation, a faint smile curved her lips as she set down her glass and placed her hand in Lumina's.
"Beautiful lady, the honor is all mine."