『 [ Oh? You can see me too? ]
Upon hearing Acheron's words, Clockie asked, puzzled.
[ I can sense certain elusive entities accompanying you. but it's a shame, I cannot communicate with them as you can. ]
Acheron, guided by her perception, glanced towards Clockie's position, then offered an explanation to Stelle.
[ Perhaps both of us react to Memoria, allowing us to perceive these incredible beings within dreams. You are simply more attuned than I. ]
[ I had initially thought that elegant Memokeeper had left something within your mind. ]
[ Now it seems, there are quite a few existences in this dream as special as she. ]
As Acheron spoke, she suddenly mentioned a Memokeeper.
[ An elegant Memokeeper? ]
Stelle's expression was one of profound bewilderment.
She had never encountered any Memokeeper.
[ Not long after we parted, I inadvertently stumbled into a ball. A lady veiled in black invited me to a dance. ]
[ It was my first time dancing… an unforgettable experience. ]
[ Regrettably, I forgot to ask her name… ]
[ All I know is she hailed from the Garden of Recollection. ]
Recalling that past experience, Acheron felt a hint of nostalgia.
[ The Garden of Recollection… are they the ones who serve the Aeon of Remembrance? ]
Hotaru asked, her voice brimming with curiosity.
[ Indeed. They traverse worlds in the form of memes, appearing only to specific individuals—doesn't that sound remarkably similar to the Clockie you speak of? ]
[ This is, after all, a grand Family celebration; perhaps there are far more invited guests than we could ever imagine. ]
[ In any case, thank you once again for your care. ]
[ I wish you both a pleasant time in the dream. I shall not disturb your… ]
[ …date? ]
Acheron looked at the two, speaking with a slight hesitation.
[ N-no, it's not a date…! ]
Hotaru's lips parted slightly, her pretty face flushing with a blush, as she hastily retorted.
[ Heh heh. ]
Acheron said nothing, simply offered a smile to the two, then departed.
[ …She's gone. So, shall we…? ]
Hotaru looked at Stelle, waiting for her decision.
[ Go on, go on, thank you, my gray friend! ]
[ Truly, thank you so much! As expected, Nameless are incredible people… I hope we meet again! ]
[ Until we meet again, tick-tock! ]
Clockie and Misha realized Stelle and Hotaru still had matters to attend to, so, not wishing to disturb them, after expressing their gratitude, they too departed together. 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Jing Yuan: "Tsk tsk, this grand celebration in Penacony truly is a gathering of powerful factions from all corners!"
Jing Yuan: "It's just a pity that I'm too busy with official duties to join in the festivities."
Jing Yuan: "A truly regrettable missed opportunity in life!"
Fu Xuan: "What's so difficult about that?"
Fu Xuan: "The General merely needs to entrust the Luofu to my temporary management, and then you can attend this grand event."
Jing Yuan: "Ah, well…"
Qingque: "Oh, if you ask me, General, if you don't have time to go, why not let the Diviner Master go in your stead?"
Qingque: "The Diviner Master's divine foresight and impeccable manners will surely bring great prestige to our Xianzhou Luofu in Penacony!"
Fu Xuan: "Heh heh, well said, Qingque. Do you truly think I don't know what schemes you're plotting?"
Fu Xuan: "Do you believe that once I'm gone, no one will be able to control you?"
Qingque: "How could that be, Diviner Master? You're surely wronging me."
Stelle: "Tsk tsk tsk, General Qing, you're getting increasingly sloppy at this!"
Stelle: "I'm still waiting for you to succeed the General's position and promote the Xianzhou across the entire universe!"
Stelle: "But General Qing, you're truly not pulling your weight at all. You disappoint me greatly."
Fu Xuan: "General Qing? Oh ho~ You haven't even mastered your duties at the Divination Commission, and you're already eyeing the General's position, Qingque?!"
Qingque: "Diviner Master, I'm INNOCENT!! This is all Stelle slandering me! I have no ambition to be a General!"
Stelle: "What are you talking about? I didn't slander you. Have you forgotten calling Diviner Master Fu 'Little Xuanzi'? (Mischievous_smile.jpg)"
Qingque: "Th-that was… an ACCIDENT!! I am absolutely loyal to Diviner Master! The sun and moon can bear witness! Diviner Master, you must believe ME!! (Crying_hard.jpg)"
Fu Xuan: "Of course I believe you, Qingque. Come now, pay me a visit. Let's have a good heart-to-heart. (Benevolent_smile.jpg)"
Qingque: "Ah, NO!!!"
Stelle: "Farewell, General Qing! Take care, General Qing!"
Jing Yuan: "Hahaha, this scene truly is amusing."
....
『 [ Come with me. This time, don't get called away by unseen friends again, okay…? ]
Hotaru looked at Stelle, speaking with a playful tone tinged with a hint of jealousy.
Afterward, they began their journey to the secret hideout.
[ Apologies, the place we're going this time requires a Pinball Machine… You go first; I'll follow behind you. ]
Hotaru led Stelle to the Pinball Machine they had used before, a somewhat apologetic expression on her face.
Previously, when Sampo had told Stelle to use the Pinball Machine, Hotaru had objected.
But now, she had no choice but to make Stelle use it.
This made Hotaru feel quite bad.
Stelle, however, was unconcerned, not taking it seriously at all.
Just a measly Pinball Machine.
She was an absolute pro at it!
Stelle entered the Pinball Machine, then skillfully adjusted the flippers, followed by a flurry of "pew-pew-pew!"
The Pinball Machine launched her to the other side.
[ Secret hideout… could it be a café? ]
After Stelle disembarked from the Pinball Machine, she was greeted by the sight of a café.
This made her unable to help but speculate.
[ Over here— ]
[ We've arrived. It's right here. ]
Hotaru called out to Stelle.
[ This is the secret hideout? ]
Stelle asked, pointing at the beautifully decorated café.
[ No, not quite… ]
[ It's… here. ]
Hotaru shook her head.
Then turned to look at a manhole cover.
[ What a beautiful manhole cover. ]
Stelle followed Hotaru's gaze to the manhole cover, then couldn't help but compliment it.
[ Mm, the secret hideout is inside. ]
Hotaru said, pointing at the manhole cover.
[ Uh… people are still watching. ]
Stelle understood Hotaru's meaning, that she wanted her to crawl into the manhole.
But there were many people nearby, and she felt a bit too embarrassed.
[ It's fine! ]
[ Anything can happen in a dream. People fall from the sky all the time—passersby are already used to it. ]
[ I'll show you first—it'll be a bit dark at the beginning, so stick close, okay? ]
Seeing Stelle's hesitation, Hotaru went to the manhole first, then slowly climbed down. 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Navia: "Ugh… I'm getting a sense of déjà vu."
Chevreuse: "It's somewhat similar to entering the Fleuve Cendre."
March 7th: "Speaking of which, is Miss Hotaru's living environment really that harsh?"
March 7th: "To think she's living in the sewers."
Hotaru: "…Uh… well… not really."
Stelle: "If you ask me, you should just join the Astral Express. You wouldn't have to live so hard anymore."
Furina: "Isn't this a beautiful dream? Why would anyone's quality of life be so humble here?"
Aventurine: "Heh heh, a beautiful dream?"
Aventurine: "Ultimately, this is merely a beautiful dream that only the powerful and influential can enjoy."
Aventurine: "As for ordinary people, they don't even have the qualifications to enter!"
Paimon: "Ah, so… there's a high barrier to entering Penacony too?"
Robin: "…That is indeed the case."
Lumine: "That truly is… quite regrettable."
Sunday: "Everyone, there's no need to feel regret. Penacony has already begun to transition."
Sunday: "Perhaps in the future, there will be no restrictions on anyone coming and going."
Sunday: "At that time, even ordinary people will be treated equally in Penacony!"
Arataki Itto: "GOOD!! Brother Sunday, I'll support you wholeheartedly for those words!"
Sunday: "Heh heh, then thank you, Arataki Itto."
....
『 [ Ugh… ]
After Hotaru descended, Stelle stared at the manhole, somewhat dazed.
Then, she glanced around, gritted her teeth, and with a firm resolve, she too crawled inside.
At this moment, the scene shifted, to another setting.
There, a very cute and beautiful twin-tailed girl, was leisurely strolling down the street.
However, suddenly, she seemed to perceive something, and consequently halted her steps.
[ Hey, let me ask you something… ]
[ Is your way of attracting girls' attention to blatantly stalk them? It's been almost half a system-hour now. ]
The girl turned around, and spoke to the man before her.
And this man was none other than Aventurine.
[ To be precise, 45 minutes. Pleasant times always fly by quickly, don't they? ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Furina: "Aventurine, that big villain, has appeared again!"
Furina: "This time, he's actually stalking such a cute girl?"
Furina: "Could Aventurine be a pervert in addition to being a villain?!"
Furina: "That's just too terrifying!"
Seele: "Pah, shameless scoundrel!"
Paimon: "Aventurine isn't actually planning something sinister against this girl, is he?"
Topaz: "Uh… it shouldn't go that far, I hope."
Topaz: "While his methods are questionable, he's not a pervert."
Aventurine: "Oh, to hear a colleague defend me, it truly excites me to no end."
Stelle: "So what is Aventurine trying to do?"
March 7th: "Won't we find out if we keep watching?"
....
『 [ Heh, little peacock… you have beautiful eyes. Are you from Sigonia? ]
The girl showed no fear of Aventurine, instead, a playful smile appeared on her face.
[ Want a further hint? For instance, that I'm an Avgin? ]
Aventurine smiled.
[ Hmm… the quality of my eyes isn't as good as yours, but I'm not blind… ]
[ —Is there anyone in the entire universe who doesn't know about you Sigonia people? ]
[ Natural liars, thieves, socialites… honeyed words and daggers in their hearts, truly living up to your reputation. ]
[ If you ask me, you'd be better off under a manhole cover than in a dream… Ah, there's one right there, go on~ ]
Though the girl appeared utterly adorable, her verbal aggression was incredibly potent!
She pointed to a manhole cover not far away, suggesting Aventurine should go wait there.
Her implication was that Aventurine was a rat only fit for the sewers.
[ No need. Dark corners do not suit my temperament. This beautiful dream is far more fitting for me—frivolous, vain, and superficial… ]
[ …and it never rains! My attire is quite precious, you see; it cannot withstand wind and rain. ]
The girl's aggression was strong, but Aventurine's defense was not for naught. As a Pathstrider of Preservation, the girl's words were clearly insufficient to break his composure. 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Venti: "Who is this girl? So aggressive! You really can't judge a book by its cover!"
Lumine: "She looks a bit like the true form of that twin-tailed girl's phantom from the beginning of the video."
Welt: "That mask on her head… could it be a Masked Fool?"
Himeko: "Could it be…"
Hanabi: "Hai, hai~ That's right, the girl in this video is me."
Hanabi: "Well, are you surprised? Are you delighted?"
Paimon: "Huh?? Miss Hanabi, is this really what you look like?"
Hu Tao: "Just from her appearance, you'd never guess her venomous tongue."
Stelle: "Ooh-la-la, pretty good-looking, little lady. I like her!"
March 7th: "Uh… you like pretty girls when you see them, don't you?"
Stelle: "To yearn for beauty is human nature! Don't you agree, Argenti?"
Argenti: "Indeed, humanity is born to pursue beauty!"
Argenti: "And without a doubt, the beauty of the Aeon of Beauty, Idrila, is enough to make the entire cosmos fall for her!"
Stelle: "Of course, I won't forget how she played me!"
Stelle: "If I ever meet her, I'll spank your butt HARD!! (Cold_expression.jpg)"
Hanabi: "Oh, please, little grey-hair. You think you can spank my butt? I could stand still, and you still wouldn't hit me."
March 7th: "Then we'll help her hit you!"
Hanabi: "Hehehe, then let's wait and see. We'll see who spanks whose butt. Don't cry like a baby if your butt gets swollen, okay?"
....
『 [ Put away your sassy tongue, you slick talker. We are Fools, but we aren't stupid. We aren't interested in playing the friend game with the lapdogs of the IPC.. ]
Hanabi's words grew increasingly venomous.
[ Oh, is that truly so? You've never befriended anyone from the IPC? ]
Aventurine countered.
[ Do you think I haven't read Penacony's history? ]
[ Don't try to drag me into your boring office politics. ]
Hanabi snorted coldly.
[ Fools—from the moment you accepted the invitation to this grand event, you had no choice. Pick a side in time, lest you lose everything. ]
Aventurine's expression remained calm.
[ You sound quite confident~ as if you've already got the Family's chicken-wing boy wrapped around your finger. ]
[ How did you manage that, little peacock? ]
[ Did you strip naked and kneel to him in apology, promising 'wah-wah-wah,' that the IPC would absolutely not covet Penacony? ]
[ Friends… oh, please. You people only treat others as bargaining chips. ]
Hanabi's tone was laced with sarcasm, her aggression further intensifying.
[ Are bargaining chips not good? At the gambling table, only the chips themselves don't lose everything. ]
[ You see, our friends from the Garden of Recollection and the Astral Express understand this principle. They are very clever. ]
Aventurine's expression remained calm, unaffected in the slightest.
His tone was as unruffled as an ancient well.
[ But truly clever people wouldn't enter the game from the start. ]
[ See? Am I not a little cleverer? ]
[ Listen, little peacock. You've been invited by the Tavern before too. ]
[ If you want the Masked Fools to get onboard, you need to figure out what it is The Laughter wants. ]
[ Here's a hint: since you can't convince anyone, why not consider making friends with a mute? At least he won't argue with you, haha. ]
[ So long~ ]
After speaking a few intriguing words to Aventurine, Hanabi strode away.
[ Thank you! Making friends with a mute—I'll keep that in mind! ]
Watching Hanabi's retreating back, Aventurine said with a smile.
[ …. ]
[ Sigh… what a bother. It seems I'll have to meet with the Family again. ]
Aventurine turned around, gazing into the distance. He let out a helpless sigh. 』
『 ....』