As Argenti's words fell, the train car fell into a deathly silence. March 7th and Stelle stared wide-eyed in disbelief.
Even the typically stoic Dragon Lord Dan Heng couldn't help but glance over, astonished that this Pure Knight… had such peculiar tastes.
Noticing everyone's gazes, Argenti looked puzzled.
"Is something the matter, everyone?"
At that, March 7th and Stelle quickly waved their hands.
"No, no, it's just surprising to see someone drink Himeko's coffee without flinching, that's all," March 7th explained.
"Uh… is there something wrong with the coffee? I think it tastes quite good," Argenti said.
"No, no…"
As the group debated the coffee issue, marveling at Argenti's heroism, Velite's curiosity was piqued by their conversation. He brought the coffee closer to his nose and took a tentative sniff.
In an instant, a stench reminiscent of black gunpowder mixed with fermented tofu and ultra-concentrated bitter melon juice assaulted his senses. Velite's mind reeled, as if he were seeing his long-departed great-grandmother in heaven.
Are these Trailblazers trying to poison me to cover their tracks? Velite thought, his gaze toward Himeko now tinged with fear.
"Hm? Mr. Velite, why aren't you drinking? Is something wrong?"
Seeing Velite's trembling hand as he held the cup, Himeko looked puzzled and approached him with concern.
"I… I…"
Velite stammered, unable to form words. He wanted to refuse the coffee, but he didn't know how to say it.
Just then…
[Female Announcer: That concludes today's Galactic Events. Thank you for tuning in. Male Announcer: Thank you for tuning in. Female Announcer: Next, let's move on to Galactic Tidbits.
Male Announcer: Let's explore some of the interesting events that have occurred across the universe recently.
Female Announcer: The famous galactic singer, Miss Robin, has arrived in Penacony.
Male Announcer: Today, a reporter from the Interstellar Peace Daily captured images suggesting that Miss Robin was on a date with a man.]
A date with a man? Miss Robin?
The news from the Interstellar Peace Daily's tidbits segment caught everyone's attention. Even Velite, still gripped by fear, instinctively turned his gaze to the large screen in the train car.
From a purely human perspective, the love of gossip and drama is an inherent trait, akin to the original sin described in biblical mythology—something innate to all.
[Female Announcer: Let's take a look at this photo.]
As the female announcer's voice fell, a 4K high-definition photo appeared on the large screen.
Under the glow of a sunset, a playful and charming girl was seen wrapping her arms around a young man, her face showing a hint of panic.
The young man, with a gentle smile, lightly patted her shoulder, as if reassuring her not to be nervous.
"This, this, this…"
Looking at the image on the screen, March 7th gasped, covering her mouth in shock. At the same time, a wave of heartache and sorrow welled up within her.
Is that Yun Fan?! Stelle thought, dumbfounded. Buddy, are you really that bold? Just a few days ago, you were flirting with March 7th on the train, and now you've hooked up with a galactic superstar?
A few days earlier, before leaving the Xianzhou Luofu, they had met with Qingque. During their conversation, though Qingque was subtle, she had hinted at a certain fondness for Yun Fan.
Buddy, you're really out here living the dream!
"Why… why is it like this…"
March 7th murmured, her eyes brimming with bitterness and grievance. Soon, tears began to well up in her eyes.
Seeing March 7th's pitiful expression, Himeko couldn't bear it. She stepped over to March 7th's side and gently pulled her into a comforting embrace.
"March, it's just a gossip piece. The truth might not be what it seems. You know how far reporters will go for clicks."
Hearing Himeko's words, March 7th's dim eyes suddenly brightened.
That's right! Himeko's right!
This news came from the Interstellar Peace Corporation, after all. At least nine out of ten things their reporters say are probably fabricated.
With this thought, March 7th lifted her head and looked back at the photo on the train car's screen.
The image was crystal clear, with excellent composition and lighting… ahem, never mind, I can't keep making this up.
In short, though the photo was very clear and could easily be misunderstood at first glance, as long as the parties involved hadn't confirmed anything, it meant…
[Female Announcer: This may sound somewhat absurd, but before publishing this report, our reporters at Interstellar Peace Broadcast sought confirmation from the Family.
Male Announcer: According to the head of Penacony's Family, the 'Dreammaster' Sunday, the Family does indeed intend to betroth Miss Robin to a gentleman named Yun Fan.
Female Announcer: Interestingly, according to the Family's information, this Mr. Yun Fan shares the same name as the Aeon of Causality, the Lord of Samsara.
Male Announcer: At the same time, Mr. Yun Fan is also the first Emissary under the Aeon of Causality…]
March 7th: "...(ಥ_ಥ)" Himeko: "...눈_눈"
— — — —
[Female Announcer: That concludes today's Interstellar Peace Broadcast. Thank you for tuning in.
Male Announcer: Thank you for tuning in.]
Penacony, Daydream Hotel, The Dream…
As the closing words of the Interstellar Peace Broadcast echoed, Mr. Yun Fan's gaze turned complex as he looked at Robin, who sat across from him, her face slightly flushed and her head lowered in shyness.
"Uh… I really had no idea about this. It seems the Family made this decision on their own."
Yun Fan scratched his head awkwardly, a hint of surprise in his heart. He hadn't expected that, given Sunday's protective nature toward his sister, he would agree to the Dreammaster's plan to betroth Robin to him.
This… this… this is a bit hard to turn down…
Truth be told, Yun Fan understood the Family's intentions. Betrothing Robin to him was likely a move to tie him to their cause.
Knowing the plot developments of Penacony, Yun Fan was well aware of Sunday and the Dreammaster's concerns.
Having Robin follow him served two purposes—or rather, it was a contingency for the worst-case scenario for this festival.
If the existence of the Stellaron in Penacony were exposed, the entire Asgardian star system would undoubtedly view it as a threat. Every faction in the galaxy would launch a so-called "just crusade" against it.
If Sunday successfully usurped the incarnation of the Harmony and became the "God Sunday," Yun Fan's identity as the Emissary of Causality would serve as a powerful deterrent. Even if the Stellaron's secret were exposed, the Family would have the strength to stand their ground.
If Sunday's plan ultimately failed, having Robin by Yun Fan's side would ensure no one dared to direct their anger at her.
It was likely with this second point in mind that Sunday agreed to the Dreammaster's plan, wasn't it?