Check out my new translation!
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In the Observation Carriage of the Astral Express.
On a small table sat an assortment of delicate snacks, along with a pot of steaming hot coffee.
The refreshments included a Mixed Stargazer Pie, Tender-Tree Roots soaked in Butterfly Pea Juice, and Lamb-Lamb Pudding…
All of them were handmade by Himeko, and naturally, the coffee was also one of her proudest creations.
Dan Heng, March 7th, Stelle, Welt Yang, and Pom-Pom sat together, their expressions grim as they stared at the afternoon tea.
Several upward-facing fish heads protruded from the yellow apple pie. Though dead, their wide-open eyes seemed to stare at anyone who dared take a bite.
Stelle swallowed, her grey hair trembling slightly as she thought with solemn weight: This is a trial of a diner's courage.
The Tender-Tree Roots soaked in Butterfly Pea Juice didn't look any better. The deep blue liquid resembled demonic slime, with chunks of tree root floating and drifting inside. Their fine root tendrils proved their tenderness, yet nothing about them suggested they were edible.
March 7th's stomach spasmed in a phantom ache as she thought: Has the Express run out of normal food? Looks like it's time to break out my emergency snacks and fuel everyone up…
The Lamb-Lamb Pudding—a round disk of crystal jelly—held slices of lung, intestine, heart, and kidney suspended inside. Every bit was the "essence" of lamb, making the name tragically fitting.
Dan Heng's phoenix eyes sharpened as he studied it. Aside from the similar shape, it seemed to have no relation to pudding at all. A new classification was strongly recommended.
Clearly, he refused any interaction with Lamb-Lamb Pudding beyond scientific observation.
Passing over the terrifying dishes, the group shifted their gaze to the glass pot of coffee.
Despite being away from any heat source for quite some time, the coffee still bubbled with gurgling motion, a fine white foam steadily forming on top.
Dan Heng, Stelle, March 7th, Welt Yang, and Pom-Pom shivered in unison, simultaneously turning their eyes away.
This one was even more dangerous—completely unacceptable.
March 7th shot Welt a look, her eyes silently saying: Uncle Yang, why didn't you watch Aunt Himeko today? How did she end up making a whole feast!?
Welt Yang shook his head knowingly with a wry smile: I looked away for one second, and she made it all.
Pom-Pom joined the silent exchange: What's done is done, pom! The real issue now is—how do we handle this, pom!?
Everyone shook their heads helplessly.
"Why isn't anyone eating?"
Himeko brushed a lock of red hair behind her ear and smiled gently. "I specially prepared this afternoon tea for everyone. You've all worked so hard lately—so you deserve a reward."
She gestured toward the dishes. "These are my newest creations. Very innovative, and absolutely one-of-a-kind!"
From the Herta Space Station, to Jarilo-VI, and then the Xianzhou Luofu, the Astral Express had encountered one crisis after another.
They never had time to rest before plunging into the next incident.
Now, before heading to Penacony to decipher the invitation's encoded message, she had prepared the perfect afternoon tea for everyone to relax.
"Ahahaha, eat! Why aren't you eating?" Welt Yang pushed up his glasses enthusiastically.
No one had the heart to reject Himeko's kindness. As the navigator of the Astral Express Crew, she always took care of them, solving all sorts of problems—she was the best elder and friend they could ask for.
March 7th, not at all eager to experience esophageal damage, brightened suddenly. "Uncle Yang, don't just say it—have the first bite!"
If someone had to try it, it definitely wouldn't be her.
Only after someone else survived would she gather the courage.
She wasn't dumb—she was clever.
"…"
Welt Yang looked at March, then at the dishes, his hand rising and retreating.
Setting an example for the younger ones was his duty, but this was extremely difficult.
It was his mistake for not avoiding the situation earlier. He normally made sure he was nowhere near when things like this happened.
"I really wish a Blaze Out of Space would burst in right now!"
Stelle stared at the starry void outside the train, blinking her golden eyes.
She would rather swing her bat at the Antimatter Legion in a desperate battle than remain here.
If nothing changed, she wouldn't escape this trial.
Her life as the Galactic Baseballer would end today.
A new title would be born—Despairing Fish-Head Warrior.
"Mm." Dan Heng nodded faintly, surprisingly agreeing with her.
Still, the chances of the Express being suddenly attacked were extremely low.
Just as everyone gloomily stared at the afternoon tea, their spirits fading—
A burst of fireworks exploded in the center of the car. Confetti drifted, and spotlights converged.
A figure appeared—wearing a crisp black-and-white casual suit, clean-cut and sharp-featured, undeniably handsome.
Stelle didn't bother admiring the beauty. She grabbed her bat, leaping up. "You dare trespass on the Astral Express—get him! Charge!"
Oh stars, her wish actually came true!
He was handsome, yes—but she had already committed. Not even Dan Heng could stop her!
Yet Dan Heng already had Cloud-Piercer in hand and made no move to restrain her. Anyone who broke into the Astral Express unannounced was not simple.
Welt Yang extended an arm, stopping both of them, eyeing the newcomer with grave caution.
Tall, composed, carrying an extraordinary presence—anyone who could enter the Astral Express without explanation was no ordinary person.
If he showed hostility, Welt might need to unleash the Star of Eden.
Meanwhile, Sol examined the train—clean, orderly, spotless. A pleasant place.
And the crew before him made one thing clear: Aha had delivered him straight to the Astral Express.
The mask had already disappeared—likely off seeking entertainment elsewhere. But Sol had no doubt: if he stirred trouble, that Aeon of Elation would reappear instantly.
Himeko stepped forward, shielding March and the others subtly. Her expression hardened. "Who are you? What business do you have trespassing onto the Astral Express without permission?"
Sol snapped out of his thoughts, showing not the slightest discomfort for intruding into someone's home. He smiled.
"An outlander. A lost traveler. Hoping to hitch a ride."