"You want to join the Astral Express?"
Himeko didn't seem surprised, merely looking at Felicity with interest.
"Yes."
Felicity nodded affirmatively.
"Well, I've heard about this from Herta already, but I'd still like to hear it from you directly."
Himeko hummed thoughtfully, not giving an immediate answer but instead posing a question,
"Why do you want to join the Astral Express?"
"Hmm... if I had to say, probably because I'm looking forward to exploring the unknown?"
Felicity thought for a moment before giving a relatively proper answer.
Looking forward to unknown dangers and accidents counts as looking forward to exploring the unknown, right?
Though she could have directly said she wanted to seek death, that would likely make Himeko think she's an idiot... Felicity didn't want to be labeled without good reason.
"A fine answer indeed."
Himeko revealed a satisfied smile as expected - Felicity's response perfectly aligned with the philosophy of the Astral Express.
The meaning of [Trailblazing] was precisely about exploring the unknown.
"Welcome aboard the Astral Express."
"Hooray!"
Though not unexpected, Felicity still cheered enthusiastically.
"Hooray!"
Following her cheer was March 7th, who had been pestering Himeko ever since hearing Felicity would join the Astral Express, only stopping when Felicity finally showed up.
"This is wonderful, March! I've wanted to travel with you all since 2008, no, since I was born!"
Felicity immediately grasped March 7th's hands and continued cheering.
"What kind of calendar are you using?!"
March 7th burst into laughter, appearing completely accustomed to Felicity's way of conversing.
"Haha, young people do bond quickly. You two seem quite familiar already. If you have any questions, you can ask March directly, or..."
Himeko smiled mysteriously and said,
"You can also come find me on the train for a chat. I'll brew you a cup of coffee - my special recipe."
Hearing this, March 7th's expression suddenly turned horrified. She carefully tugged at Felicity's sleeve, trying to discreetly warn her new friend.
But Felicity didn't seem to grasp March's good intentions, smiling as she nodded at Himeko:
"Great, I'd love to taste Himeko's coffee."
"Then let's not delay."
The smile on Himeko's face deepened as she warmly stepped forward and took Felicity's hand.
Whether it was Felicity's imagination or not, she felt Himeko's eyes were sparkling with a peculiar light.
"..."
March 7th stood nearby, hesitating to speak, then wanting to speak but holding back. She watched helplessly as Himeko took Felicity away from her side.
This won't do!
March thought to herself. How could she stand by and watch her friend step into an abyss with no bottom?
Gritting her teeth, she finally made up her mind, instantly pressing her palms together.
Then she closed her eyes.
Rest in peace.
March silently prayed in her heart.
...
Astral Express, passenger car.
Dan Heng and Welt seemed to be discussing something when they both turned their gaze toward the entrance upon hearing someone enter.
"Ms. Felicity, welcome aboard the Express."
Both had clearly heard about Felicity joining the Astral Express beforehand, with Welt being the first to extend his welcome.
"Mm, thank you."
Felicity merely responded with a polite nod before being quickly pulled away by Himeko.
"What are you two...?"
Welt asked with some confusion, rarely seeing Himeko so impatient.
"It's terrible, Uncle Yang—Feli's been invited by Himeko for coffee!"
March 7th, who had been following behind Himeko and Felicity, finally found the courage to complain. She looked at Welt with pleading eyes, hoping this peer of Himeko's could save her friend.
"Ahem..."
Upon hearing this, Welt's expression instantly stiffened. He turned his face away, adjusted his glasses, and awkwardly changed the subject:
"I think spaghetti should be mixed with No. 42 concrete. Dan Heng, what do you think?"
"I beg to differ."
Dan Heng replied expressionlessly.
"..."
At this point, how could Felicity not realize she had fallen into a trap?
An inexplicable chill ran down her spine, and Felicity's smile noticeably stiffened.
Just then, a cheerful voice rang out from in front of the two:
"Yo, isn't this Himeko?"
Felicity instinctively looked down toward the voice and saw a gray rabbit doll wearing a red uniform standing there, waving and calling out,
"You must be the new member of the Astral Express! I've already heard all about it. I'm the conductor here, Pom! If you have any questions, feel free to come to me, Pom!"
A strange rabbit with a cute speech quirk—under normal circumstances, Felicity would definitely take some time to tease the adorable conductor. But right now, she had more important matters to confirm.
"Okay, Conductor. We're about to go drink the coffee Himeko brewed. Would you like to join us, Conductor?"
Felicity extended the invitation.
It was clear that Pom was quite pleased with being addressed as "Conductor," but after Felicity mentioned "drinking Himeko's coffee," its expression suddenly turned peculiar.
"Really, Pom? Pom... Pom won't go, Pom."
Pom averted its gaze.
"..."
Felicity instantly understood.
Himeko's unique craft might not be as wonderful as she had imagined.
Felicity didn't want to sit idly by. Her eyes quickly scanned the carriage, trying to figure out what to do.
Her gaze soon fell upon Stelle not far away, and she immediately waved to her.
"I haven't properly thanked you yet. How about joining us to taste Himeko's special coffee? We can have a good chat."
"Okay."
Stelle didn't hesitate. Maintaining her calm expression, she accepted Felicity's invitation.
Felicity wasn't exactly hoping to drag someone else down with her; she just wanted to see first whether Himeko's coffee was truly as terrifying as others made it out to be.
Himeko didn't mind having one more person taste her coffee. She walked over to the sofa, took out a coffee machine from the nearby cabinet, poured roasted coffee beans into it, and started the machine.
The coffee machine gurgled and churned, then spat out a large pile of grounds. Himeko skillfully retrieved the coffee grounds and—under Felicity's horrified gaze—
added a lethal amount of grounds into the cup.
She poured hot water into the cup, stirred the mixture, and gently shook the cup.
"Done!"
The corners of Himeko's lips curled up even further as she pushed the coffee toward the two, asking with eager anticipation:
"Who wants to go first?"
Looking at the coffee placed before them, the black mass clumped together like overly watered sesame paste.
Felicity and Stelle exchanged glances, then simultaneously pointed at each other and said in unison:
"Her!"