Aventurine spread his arms theatrically.
"Sunday, the most handsome man in Penacony! And the galaxy-famous songstress — Robin!"
Robin laughed softly, though her voice carried a faint oddness to it.
"So you're the 'most handsome man in Penacony'? That's a bold title."
Watching closely, both Welt and Himeko subtly exchanged glances. Something about her seemed… off.
Sunday merely smiled.
"My apologies for the delay, Mr. Aventurine. Shall we step aside for a private word?"
Aventurine nodded and followed him.
Robin then turned to the Astral Express crew, her smile gentle.
"Please, this way. You must be tired — feel free to rest here for a moment."
Curious Trouble Maker
While the others moved away, Steluna's curiosity got the better of her. She wandered over toward Aventurine and Sunday.
Aventurine noticed immediately.
"Hey, friend. No hard feelings about earlier, yeah? Just a joke."
Steluna shrugged casually.
"Relax, I'm not holding a grudge."
Aventurine chuckled and pulled out his phone.
"In that case, accept my apology — ten thousand credits. A little welcome gift."
Steluna's eyes sparkled.
"Well, don't mind if I do."
Her phone was out in half a second.
TRANSFER RECEIVED: 10,000 CREDITS.
Aventurine grinned proudly.
"That's more like it. Between friends, no need to be shy. If you need anything, just say the word."
He bowed lightly.
"Duty calls. I'm sure we'll meet again."
With that, he left alongside Sunday.
March 7th Was Not Amused
"HEY!! STELUNA!!"
March stomped over, pointing accusingly.
"He literally just made things difficult for us and you're already chatting and taking his money??"
Steluna blinked.
"What's the problem? He offered, I accepted. Totally consensual grinding."
"And anyway — he's IPC! Ten thousand credits is pocket change! Honestly, that's kinda stingy."
Aventurine replied in the chat:
"My apologies, friend. Seems my vision was too narrow."
"If fate allows, I'll offer something more… heartfelt next time."
Steluna leaned forward eagerly.
"Next time? Why wait? You can send it now."
"Here's my account number. Show me what real generosity looks like!"
Aventurine: "..."
Meanwhile, in Reality…
"So now she thinks I'm a walking ATM…"
He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"…Fine. No bait, no payoff."
And he transferred the money.
🔔 Interastral Bank Notification:
Account XXXX has received 8,888,888 credits
The entire carriage went silent.
"WHAT?! He actually sent it?!"
Steluna stared at her phone in disbelief.
"I was joking!! He REALLY sent it!!"
March peeked over her shoulder.
"EIGHT MILLION?!"
"IS HE OUT OF HIS MIND?!"
Steluna burst into laughter.
"Hahahaha! What a sincere man!"
"March, this is our golden opportunity! Go ask too!"
"No way!! That's shameless!"
"Shameless?" Steluna scoffed. "Face doesn't pay rent."
Sisterly Support, Steluna Style
Since March wouldn't do it, Steluna typed again.
"Thank you, generous benefactor! May your hair stay perfect forever!"
"But my poor sister barely eats a warm meal each day… could you spare her a little kindness too?"
(Kowtow.jpg)
Aventurine's forehead twitched.
"…She's weaponizing poverty narratives now…"
But after a deep breath, he caved again.
"...Fine."
Another transfer was sent.
🔔 Second Transfer Received
Steluna immediately forwarded it to March.
"Look! I made you rich! How will you thank me?"
March stared at the credits in horror.
"Is his money grown on cosmic trees or what?!"
"You're sure this won't come back to haunt us?? That guy is NOT normal!"
"And you still took it," Steluna smirked.
Philosophical Justification
"Of course I know he's dangerous," Steluna said casually.
"But here's the real question… am I any nicer?"
March froze.
"...What?"
"If we're both bad news, then why should I be scared?"
She grinned.
"At worst, I'll just run away."
"Once the money's mine, it's mine. Fair and square."
March stared at her.
"…You're terrifying."
Debts and Bedtime Stories
"So~ how will you repay my generosity?"
Steluna leaned in expectantly.
"W-What do you want…?"
March grew cautious.
"Don't ask for anything weird!"
Steluna laughed.
"Relax~ Just tell me bedtime stories tonight and tuck me in!"
She jumped forward and hugged March tight.
"Deal!" 🌙
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