Everyone: Aventurine Is Definitely the Villain!
Lumine spoke first, her tone firm.
"Even if we don't know how such a dangerous Stellaron ended up inside Steluna…"
"She's innocent."
Paimon nodded fiercely.
"Exactly! Miss Steluna is a victim too!"
Zhongli folded his arms.
"Indeed. By the standards of common reason, she does not deserve unjust treatment."
"However… the risks involved cannot be ignored."
Venti chuckled softly.
"Now now, didn't a bunch of bigshots already vouch for her?"
"So I'd say her danger level probably isn't that high, right?"
March 7th chimed in happily.
"Yep yep! We sleep next to her every day — and we're not missing any limbs!"
Steluna immediately lunged over.
"Wuwuwu, March~ cuddle meeee~"
"Get off me! Don't be gross!"
Himeko smiled gently.
"Steluna has lived with the Express crew for quite some time. She's never shown any abnormal behavior."
Welt added calmly:
"We are capable of suppressing the Stellaron within her. There's no need for excessive concern."
Sampo waved dismissively.
"Relax, it's just a Stellaron. What's everyone panicking for?"
"Our little star girl can definitely handle it!"
Steluna blinked.
"Actually… I really can't."
Sampo: "..."
"Hey! I'm trying to help you here!"
"You couldn't even play along for one second?!"
Jing Yuan finally stepped in.
"That's enough. With so many people willing to guarantee her safety, this matter should be considered settled."
Herta smirked.
"Exactly. Don't go scaring my test subject away."
"If anything happens to her, you'll all be compensating my academic losses."
Dr. Ratio sighed.
"If you anger Miss Herta, even selling yourselves into slavery wouldn't pay it off."
"So let's move on, shall we?"
Firefly raised her hand energetically.
"I agree!! Let's talk about something else!"
And just like that, the topic of the Stellaron gradually faded from the conversation.
March 7th glanced sideways at Steluna inside the carriage.
"Wow, you really do have a lot of people backing you."
"Even strangers are defending you."
Steluna puffed up proudly.
"Of course. My charm is simply divine."
"Even the Aeon of Beauty would have to share the spotlight with me."
"You're getting cocky now."
"You dare compare yourself to the Aeon of Beauty?"
March grinned mischievously.
"Should I send that quote to Argenti?"
"Wanna bet he'll cross galaxies just to beat you up?"
"Argenti?"
"Please! He's my soulmate brother-in-arms!"
"If he dares hit me, I'll show him—"
"Rules are made to be broken!"
The Video Continues
March pointed ahead.
"Why are there so many people at the reception desk?"
"Don't tell me we ran into trouble again the moment we got off the train…"
They approached — and the situation grew awkward fast.
"We're terribly sorry, but there's no such name in our system…"
Himeko replied politely,
"But our reservation clearly states rooms were prepared for us. Could you please check again?"
The clerk typed furiously.
"Platinum guest rooms, four total…
Mr. Welt Yang, Miss Himeko, Miss March 7th… and Mr. Dan Heng."
"And that is all."
No Steluna.
Steluna stared in disbelief.
"So… I'm the unnecessary one?"
"Wuwuwu, this family doesn't love me… I'm heartbroken…!"
March blinked.
"W-Wait! It's gotta be a mistake!"
Welt hesitated.
"...It's possible we truly forgot to register her."
Steluna: "???"
"So there really isn't a room for me?!"
"End me. I'm done with life."
In the Video
Steluna boldly stepped forward.
"Yes. I am Mr. Dan Heng."
The receptionist, not amused, remained unconvinced.
Welt then realized the truth.
"Ah… I see. When we submitted our information, she had not yet boarded the Express."
He turned to the clerk.
"Could Dan Heng's reserved room be transferred to her instead? He will not be staying."
Himeko added smoothly,
"She is a new passenger of the Astral Express. We vouch for her identity."
The receptionist hesitated.
"This is rather sudden…"
Steluna then casually pulled out the Architects' Lance.
The poor receptionist nearly jumped.
"N-No! I'm not doubting you! It's just—"
Before she could finish, a refined male voice interrupted.
"With the Harmony Gala approaching, Penacony is more crowded than ever. Security procedures are exceptionally strict."
A stylish man stepped forward with a charming smile.
"Cut her some slack, will you? She's just doing her job."
Welt nodded slightly.
"May I ask who you are, sir?"
The man placed a hand over his chest.
"Aventurine. Strategic Investment Department, IPC.
Specialist in non-performing asset liquidation under Director Diamond."
"And also… someone who's been waiting behind you for quite some time."
He gestured behind him — revealing a line of extremely displeased guests.
Himeko quietly stepped forward.
"Allow me."
With effortless elegance, she addressed him.
"The IPC's reputation precedes itself. May I ask if Mr. Aventurine might do us a small favor?"
Aventurine laughed lightly.
"A favor? Shouldn't I be the one saying that?"
"I've wasted over ten minutes here. Do you know how many credits that costs me?"
His tone was playful — yet unmistakably sharp.
Himeko didn't falter.
"Then allow me to propose a worthwhile investment."
"By vouching for her, you save time — and gain new allies."
Aventurine's eyes glittered.
"And what will these 'allies' bring me?"
"That is a conversation better held seated, wouldn't you agree?"
"We're guests of the same Clockmaker after all."
He considered for a moment, then smiled.
"You're bold. I like that."
"But allow me to clarify — the time saved would be my achievement… not yours."
His gaze softened slightly.
"However… I do appreciate the word 'friend.' And trailblazers make especially interesting ones."
"I look forward to working with you all during our stay in Penacony."
Back in Reality
Steluna sighed with relief.
"So it was just because I boarded late…"
"I really thought you all abandoned me."
March rolled her eyes.
"Drama queen."
Meanwhile, the chat exploded.
"Is that guy from the IPC?"
"Isn't he Topaz's colleague?"
Topaz answered reluctantly:
"Yes… unfortunately, he is."
Aventurine winked.
"My dear colleague, am I truly that unpleasant?"
"You know exactly why people dislike you."
Furina squinted at the screen.
"So you're really not the villain?"
Xiangling groaned.
"You look so shady!"
Hu Tao smirked.
"You basically have 'I'm suspicious' written on your forehead."
Clorinde nodded.
Arlecchino chuckled.
Ningguang raised an interested eyebrow.
From a bathtub far away, Aventurine sighed.
"Ah… already exposed so soon."
"Sunday must definitely be watching now…"
"Guess I'll just lie low."
The Video Resumes
Himeko smiled once more.
"Then, the matter of vouching for her…"
Aventurine turned to the clerk.
"On my name. Let her stay."
"And if needed, Sunday will back this decision."
A voice then drifted smoothly through the lobby.
"Relax, Ellie. The Family would never send guests into a dream with unease."
A refined man approached — accompanied by an exceptionally beautiful girl.
The atmosphere subtly changed.
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