In the vastness of space, a sleek white van-shaped spacecraft drifted among countless stars. Inside, Kai, who was piloting, spoke up.
"Rese, where's our next destination?"
Rese replied with a serious expression, though something hidden lingered behind her tone.
"To planet Terra, boss."
Kai glanced at her with mild surprise.
"Boss? Why am I the boss?"
Rese smirked slightly.
"Or should I call you 'master' or 'lord'? I read somewhere that men feel good when addressed like that… hmm, isn't that right?"
Kai froze, his face flushing red, heart racing.
"A-Alright then… let's head to Terra."
Inside, Kai thought to himself, That redhead shouldn't be there anymore… I hope.
He asked aloud, "So, which direction is Terra?"
Rese answered promptly, "Westward, coordinates 1372. Ready to warp at your command, boss."
Kai chuckled.
"Got it, underling."
Deep inside, he was oddly delighted. I've never been called 'boss' before… feels amazing!
He entered the coordinates, pulled the throttle, and tapped a series of buttons with practiced confidence. A calm mechanical voice echoed:
"Warp sequence initiated. Three… two… one…"
The ship warped. In the blink of an eye, a new planet appeared before them—a blue-and-green sphere, slightly smaller than Earth.
Guiding the ship downward, Kai pierced through a thick veil of clouds, revealing floating islands below. Upon these islands stood towns and houses, scattered across the skies like jewels.
Kai landed on a grassy field, surrounded by stalls and buildings, many under repair. Smoke-stained walls and damaged homes stood as silent witnesses of past destruction.
Stepping out, Kai approached a villager carrying timber.
"Hey, brother, what happened here? These buildings look like they were burned."
The villager wiped his brow.
"There was a battle a few days ago. The city was hit hard. I don't know who was responsible, though."
Kai nodded politely.
"Thanks, brother."
But unease settled in his chest. Turning to Rese, he whispered with urgency:
"Let's go. This planet's too dangerous."
Rese stiffened, her eyes avoiding his, fists tightening as if concealing something. Finally, she looked up and declared with determined seriousness:
"But I haven't tried the famous dessert shop here on Terra yet, boss."
Her pleading gaze struck him harder than any weapon. Kai sighed, heart melting.
"Fine… but once we're done eating, we're leaving immediately."
"Yes, sir!" Rese snapped into a crisp salute, her eyes blazing with soldier-like intensity.
They walked through the bustling square until a towering confectionery revealed itself. The massive shop stood at the center, domed with shining glass that caught the sunlight like a gemstone. Inside, crystal chandeliers floated in the air, marble floors gleamed, and the sweet aroma of chocolate and vanilla filled the space.
Rows of dazzling cakes sat within glass displays, some shimmering faintly like stardust.
Kai mused silently, So this is the shop she was so eager about… well, maybe trying cosmic sweets isn't such a bad idea.
Rese's eyes sparkled as she rushed ahead to the counter.
"This one! The vanilla milk blueberry cake… one slice, please!"
The clerk asked, "For here, or to go?"
"For here!" Rese answered eagerly.
Kai had hoped she'd say to go, but her enthusiasm disarmed him. He added,
"I'll have the chocolate cake. For here as well."
The two sat down on plush cloud-like seats, gazing through wide glass panes at the lively city outside—like a scene from a fantasy.
Suddenly, a tall woman, nearly 180 cm, approached. She wore a maid's uniform, her crimson hair and fiery eyes glowing beneath the chandelier light. In her hands was a silver tray holding their orders.
"The two cakes you requested are ready, sir and miss," she said with a bow.