Chapter 143: Stelle, March 7th, and Dan Heng
Inside the Supreme Guardian's office in Qliphoth Fort.
Cocolia sat behind her desk. "Come in."
Gepard pushed the door open, followed by three unfamiliar figures. "Supreme Guardian, these visitors from beyond the stars wish to meet with you."
Cocolia lifted her gaze, assessing the three—a lively pink-haired girl, a calm young man, and a gray-haired girl with a blank expression. It was then that the Astral Express crew noticed a black-haired young man standing quietly beside her.
March 7th almost gasped. It was a face impossible to forget—almost perfect handsomeness. He looked no older than 17 or 18, tall and slender in a dark uniform.
"Wow, that guy is so handsome…" March 7th mumbled softly.
Dan Heng lightly coughed, signaling her to mind the occasion. However, it was Stelle whose attention was fully captured. From the moment she saw him, her gaze was drawn to him like a magnet.
This feeling… it was strange. Though it was their first meeting, an indescribable sense of familiarity rippled within her, as if she had seen him in some forgotten dream. She was certain she had never seen this face, but why…
"Stelle? Stelle!" March 7th whispered, nudging her.
Stelle snapped back to reality, realizing everyone was looking at her—including the black-haired young man. He merely nodded politely and then averted his eyes.
"Ah? No, nothing." Stelle forced herself to focus.
Dan Heng cleared his throat. "Supreme Guardian, we have traveled a long way for one thing—the 'Stellaron'." He explained its nature as a source of calamity and their desire to help seal it.
After a long pause, Cocolia spoke slowly, her tone laced with suspicion. "There's no such thing as a free lunch. What do you want?"
"Our interests align," Dan Heng replied frankly. "If the Stellaron problem isn't resolved, our train cannot leave. Helping you is helping ourselves."
Cocolia hesitated. Just then, the black-haired young man took a step forward. "Supreme Guardian Cocolia, what they say is true. I believe this is a rare opportunity. Perhaps they truly can help Belobog."
Upon hearing this, Cocolia seemed to trust him greatly. "Very well," she finally decided. "I will arrange your accommodation. To ensure the investigation proceeds smoothly, I will dispatch my most trusted subordinate to assist you."
She turned to the person beside her. "Orion, from now on, you will serve as the liaison for these three visitors."
"Understood," the young man named Orion bowed slightly.
At the very moment Cocolia uttered the name "Orion"—Stelle's pupils suddenly constricted. An indescribable sensation, like an electric current, shot through her body. That elusive sense of familiarity suddenly had a clear anchor. Orion… Orion…
This name stirred ripples in the depths of her consciousness. It should have been the first time she heard it, yet why did she have the distinct illusion of "so it was him"? She looked at him again. Why did this name make her heart race? Why, looking at his profile, did she feel an urge to reach out?
"Then, please follow me." Orion's voice pulled her back to reality.
He had already turned, ready to lead them away. "I will first take you to the hotel to settle in."
March 7th excitedly jumped up. "Yay! We can finally get a good look at this city!"
Only Stelle remained frozen until March 7th pulled her. "…Mm." She followed, her gaze never leaving the figure in front of her.
Along the long corridor, Orion walked at the forefront. Occasionally, he would answer March 7th's chirping questions about the city's history. His answers were concise and clear.
"Young man Orion looks very young!" March 7th tried to liven the mood.
"I started working by the Supreme Guardian's side three years ago," Orion replied indifferently.
"Wow, to become her confidant at such a young age, you must be very impressive!"
"You flatter me."
The conversation continued in this lukewarm manner. Stepping out of Qliphoth Fort, they headed towards the Goethe Hotel in the twilight. Stelle walked at the very end of the group, her gaze fixed on Orion—his posture, the angle of his head, every detail. But aside from the flutter caused by his name, she could find no memories to prove she had ever known him.
But her heart stubbornly told her—this person was very important.
Unconsciously, Stelle quickened her pace, moving from the back of the group to the front, just half a step beside Orion. He turned his head to glance at her. Stelle awkwardly averted her gaze but did not slow down. She didn't know what to say but stubbornly maintained that distance.
Orion said nothing, merely smiled faintly, and then turned his gaze forward again.
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