Space Station Platform...
Himeko smiled and waved, bidding farewell to everyone at the space station. Standing before her were the station's representatives, including Asta and Herta. Behind her were the members of the Astral Express—Welt, March 7th, Dan Heng, and the others.
"Until we meet again." Himeko shook Herta's hand, feeling the smooth texture of her skin. A flicker of curiosity flashed in her eyes. The person before her wasn't one of Herta's puppets but her actual human body. When had she arrived at the space station?
Moreover, Herta had actually come to see them off in person—this was completely unlike her usual demeanor.
"Mhm, until next time," Herta replied indifferently, her gaze barely lingering on Himeko. Instead, it drifted past her, landing more precisely on the young man behind her who was chatting and laughing with March 7th.
Tch. Herta frowned in displeasure, clearly annoyed by the young man's behavior.
At the same time, as if sensing Herta's gaze, Yun Fan slightly turned his head and gave her a casual wave before immediately turning back to continue his lively conversation with March 7th.
Hmph, men! I took time out of my busy schedule to see you off, and you—
Herta crossed her arms, her right foot tapping rapidly against the floor, making her irritation abundantly clear. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Finally, she turned on her heel and strode off the platform without another glance.
"Uh… Apologies, Ms. Himeko. Ms. Herta isn't usually like this," Asta said, a drop of cold sweat sliding down her cheek as she hurriedly explained to the Express crew.
For her to just leave without a word like that… Isn't this practically slapping the Express crew in the face? She had no idea why her teacher had suddenly become so furious, but this was just…
"Haha, Station Master Asta, there's no need to worry. Herta has always been elusive—her appearing in person to see us off was already beyond our expectations. Please don't dwell on it too much," Himeko said with a gentle smile, giving Asta an easy way out.
"Whew~ Thank you for your understanding, Ms. Himeko." Hearing this, Asta finally relaxed. "Then, on behalf of all the staff at Herta Space Station, I wish you a smooth journey!"
...
"So this is the interior of the Astral Express? The decor really is as simple and elegant as it was in the game." After boarding the Express with Himeko and the others, Yun Fan excitedly wandered around, examining every corner, touching this and that, like a child who had just gotten a new toy.
"Mr. Yun Fan, what are you doing?" Watching him look around curiously, Himeko tucked a strand of her crimson hair behind her ear and asked with some confusion.
"Ah, I'm studying the interior design and structural layout to figure out the best spots to plant bombs," Yun Fan replied absentmindedly as he continued his inspection.
Himeko: ???
Hearing his words, Himeko's expression froze like a mask.
Did I hear that right? He said… he's studying the Express's layout… to plant bombs?!
Snapping out of her daze, Himeko lightly patted her cheeks, forcing her stiff smile to relax.
"M-Mr. Yun Fan… you're joking, right?" She took a deep breath and asked again, her body subtly shifting into a combat-ready stance. Though it was likely he was just teasing her, she had to prepare for the worst.
"Uh, haha, no need to be nervous, Ms. Himeko. I just misspoke. Don't worry about it." Yun Fan awkwardly rubbed his nose.
As he said, he really had just slipped up. While examining the Express, he had suddenly remembered that jester, Aha.
That troublemaker had once disguised himself as an ordinary passenger and spent half a year lurking on the Express just to mess with Akivili. In the end, he took advantage of Akivili's distraction and blew up the Astral Express. Yun Fan had momentarily put himself in Aha's shoes, which was why the words had slipped out.
"Misspoke… Mr. Yun Fan certainly has a unique sense of humor." After a brief silence, Himeko spoke slowly.
"Haha, let's not dwell on that. Ms. Himeko, did you need something from me?" Yun Fan scratched his head, trying to change the subject.
"Yes, actually. Follow me—the conductor has already prepared your room. I'll take you there." Himeko took a deep breath and massaged her temples. She was starting to think that allowing this Emissary of Causality aboard the Express might have been a very unwise decision.
Himeko led Yun Fan into the living quarters. After passing through several cars and checking numerous nameplates, they finally arrived at a room with a blank nameplate.
At that moment, the door was wide open. A fluffy creature wearing a red conductor's cap and sporting two long, floppy ears was diligently sweeping the floor, occasionally letting out little "heave-ho" sounds as it worked.
"Pom-Pom, I've brought our new passenger," Himeko called out to the fluffy figure's back.
"Hm?" Hearing Himeko's voice, the creature named Pom-Pom paused its sweeping and slowly turned around.
"So, this kid's the new passenger?" Pom-Pom planted its tiny hands on its hips, straining to look up at Yun Fan, who stood at a towering 1.8 to 1.9 meters tall. It was clear that Pom-Pom was doing its best to maintain an air of authority.
To Yun Fan, Pom-Pom's efforts were utterly amusing—like a child trying very hard to act like an adult.
"Haha, hello, Conductor Pom-Pom. I'm Yun Fan, a new passenger aboard the Astral Express. Even before boarding, I'd already heard of your esteemed reputation. It's truly an honor to meet you today." Yun Fan bowed slightly, smiling at the mascot-like conductor who only reached his waist.
Hearing this, Himeko fell silent. She could guarantee that Yun Fan had never heard of Pom-Pom before this moment.
This ability to sweet-talk anyone and anything… is truly shameless.