Stelle nodded without hesitation, cheering loudly, "Let's have some serious fun!"
"Yay—let's have some serious fun!" Firefly also cheered along.
So, the two held hands and walked excitedly towards the square. They first arrived at the arcade area, put in a token, and as the machine twisted and turned, their emotions also fluctuated, sometimes nervous, sometimes excited, with laughter echoing throughout the square.
After playing a few more times, they came to the Wheel of Fortune, and once again put in a token. As the wheel slowly stopped spinning, the two stared intently at the number the pointer landed on, hoping for good luck. Whether they won a small prize or continued to challenge, they enjoyed themselves, savoring this wonderful time.
"Hmm..." Firefly hummed softly, furrowing her brow slightly, and looked at Stelle beside her, saying softly, "I want to go sit at the open-air bar over there. Come find me after you've used up your remaining tokens."
Stelle couldn't help but feel a little surprised, but she still nodded obediently. She continued to play the Wheel of Fortune until the last token was used up, then turned and walked towards the open-air bar.
At this moment, Firefly stood quietly beside the bar, her eyes seemingly focused on a certain direction. When Stelle gently patted her shoulder, she came back to her senses as if waking from a dream, turned her head and asked, "Oh... what's wrong? Have you had enough fun? Perfect, I'm a little tired too. Let's sit at the bar for a while."
The two walked side by side to the bar counter and sat down, each ordering a surlada. Firefly picked up her glass, took a small sip, then smiled and asked, "Did you have fun?"
"This Land of Dreams—Penacony—the Golden Hour, is still wonderful, isn't it?"
Stelle keenly sensed something was off and asked, "You sound a little sad... Why?"
"It's not really sadness," Firefly shook her head and explained, "It's just... this dream is too benevolent, too tolerant."
"It is vast and profound. Like an ocean, even unknown nobodies can rest peacefully within it."
"I'm really grateful that you chose to help. And because of that, I can introduce you to this paradise—it is willing to accept me, even though I don't belong here. I love it too, which is why I want to... share it with others."
"Could it be... you're really a stowaway?" Stelle asked in surprise.
"I... I have a legal identity... now," Firefly stammered.
"Stelle, can you come a little closer? —A little closer, I have a question I want to ask you..." Stelle slowly moved her head closer to Firefly's cheek. Firefly also gently turned her head, likewise bringing her face close to Stelle's ear, and then softly asked, "Um... may I ask, did you come to Penacony alone?"
"I did, at least for now."
"I see, I understand," Firefly responded softly, her gentle breath brushing against Stelle's ear like a spring breeze, bringing a tingling sensation:
"You may or may not have realized it, but I've been taking you on a detour, to all sorts of places, because... someone is following you," Firefly said, a hint of alertness in her eyes.
"Don't look back. I'm sure he's targeting you; he hasn't lost us since we said goodbye to Gallagher."
"I thought he might be your friend, but my gut tells me he isn't," Firefly stared intently ahead and continued:
"He's about 1.8 meters tall, with an error margin of two centimeters, well-built, clearly exercised. His stride is long, but his footsteps are inaudible, very light. This kind of footwork won't leave footprints..."
"...It seems he's very good at combat—the covert kind. His palms are wide, but his fingers are slender and flexible. I guess he's used to using knives. Short knives, daggers..."
"Do you know someone like that? Burgundy jacket, green eyes, dark blue hair..."
As she spoke, Firefly's expression suddenly changed: "Ah... he's here."
"Yo, isn't this my loyal big customer—Stelle!"
Hearing the familiar voice coming from behind, Stelle turned sharply and found it was an acquaintance.
"Sampo?"
[Stelle: Sampo? How are you in Penacony?]
[Sampo: Yes. Hiss, why is that? Hahaha, Old Sampo really isn't too sure.]
"Long time no see, my dear," Sampo said, "I didn't expect to meet you here—oh, I'm really lucky!"
"Am I dreaming...?" Stelle sighed.
Sampo laughed and said, "Just kidding, buddy, this is Penacony—you *are* dreaming!"
"Are you surprised to see me? This is all thanks to you—Jarilo-VI is wide open now!"
"Uh, who is this?" Firefly asked hesitantly.
"Oh, March 7th, you don't remember me? I helped you guys so much in Belobog..."
[March 7th: Huh?]
[Sampo: That tone... Miss Sparkle, you're impersonating me again, but you've got the wrong person.]
[Sparkle: Hehe, I'm so sorry, I thought Stelle only had March 7th by her side.]
"...My name is Firefly, an artist from the Iris family," Firefly gently stroked her chest, introducing herself elegantly.
"Oh! So that's it, I was just saying—it hasn't been that long, March 7th has changed too much." Sampo showed a look of sudden realization and said with a smile, "Nice to meet you, nice to meet you! My name is Sampo, Stelle's Old Friend, please take care of me!"
"Nice to meet you, nice to meet you," Stelle repeated.
"Haha, our wavelengths are getting more and more in sync!" Sampo laughed.
"Mr. Sampo... what are you doing in Penacony?" Firefly asked curiously.
"Doing what? Haha, that's an interesting question, young lady, what else can one do in Penacony? Just wander around, daydream... go on vacation." Sampo said, stretching lazily.
"Oh, speaking of which, it's perfect—buddy, it's rare for us to meet in Penacony, how about I take you two on a good tour around here?" He enthusiastically invited them, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"I've been observing you two for a long time. While Miss Firefly certainly understands Penacony, when it comes to 'adult entertainment'... I, Sampo, might still be better."
"Adult entertainment?" Firefly's face showed a hesitant expression, realizing that the situation seemed subtly wrong.