March 7th seemed to feel that welcoming just one wasn't enough; she turned her head and saw the gray-haired girl, Trailblazer (Stelle Version), still gazing toward the remains of the Doomsday Beast.
The gray-haired girl, Sister Caelus, had a dazed expression as if asking, "Who am I? Where am I? What just happened?"
She reached out with her other hand and naturally grabbed Sister Caelus's wrist.
The movement was so fluid it was as if she had practiced it countless times, like pulling along a distracted friend.
"Hey, don't you space out either!"
With one hand pulling Astro, who had just voiced his stance, and the other pulling the bewildered Sister Caelus...
...March 7th brought the two of them toward the center, a bright smile without a trace of gloom on her face as she announced in a clear voice:
"I think you two are both quite a good fit!"
"One can't find home, and the other just woke up and knows nothing. You're a perfect match!"
"Why don't you both just join our Astral Express!"
She looked at the two of them excitedly, as if showing off two novel little animals she had found:
"Anyway, Sister Caelus, you're also quite dazed. Following us to Trailblaze and see the world is better than just standing here in a stupor, right, Sister Dan Heng?"
Suddenly called upon, Dan Heng crossed her arms, her gaze sweeping between Astro and Sister Caelus.
But in the end, she only let out a nearly imperceptible sigh.
It was a silent acquiescence to March's antics.
Or rather, she was aware of Himeko and Welt's tacit approval.
Trailblazer (Stelle Version) was pulled into a sway, finally snapping out of her daze. She blinked and looked at March 7th.
Then she looked at Astro, whose other hand was also being held, seemingly not yet fully grasping the situation.
But influenced by March 7th's infectious smile, she subconsciously nodded and gave a soft "Mm."
"See! She agreed too!"
March 7th immediately announced happily, as if she had won a prize, and even vigorously shook the wrists she was holding.
Astro: "..."
He looked at his wrist, which was being held tightly by the "little sissy" March 7th.
Then he looked at Sister Caelus on the other side, who was also being held and still looked a bit confused.
It felt strange... This onboarding ceremony was way too casual! Was there really a "buy one, get one free" deal like this?
He couldn't help but complain in his heart.
But seeing March 7th's purely joyful smile and the smile on Ms. Welt's lips...
...along with Mr. Himeko's "young people are so energetic" expression...
...he found that he didn't seem... that resistant anymore.
At least, he didn't seem lonely.
He even had a "fellow sufferer" who seemed just as out of the loop.
Ms. Welt Yang stepped forward at this moment. Her gaze lingered on Astro and Sister Caelus for a moment before finally looking at Himeko.
Himeko nodded to her, took a sip of coffee, and spoke in a steady, formal tone:
"Then, in the name of the Astral Express's Navigator, I welcome both of you as temporary passengers."
"Welt will explain the specific regulations and responsibilities to you later."
Just as Himeko's welcome ended, a boyish voice that was completely out of place with the atmosphere...
...suddenly rang out from behind the group:
"I haven't agreed yet."
The voice wasn't loud, but it made everyone freeze.
Astro looked toward the source, and his scalp felt a sudden prickle.
He saw the Herta (Shota Version) puppet, which had been standing quietly by the passage with its eyes closed...
...had walked over at some point.
There was still no expression on the puppet's delicate and beautiful little face...
...but its eyes were now wide open, scanning Astro and Sister Caelus—who were being held by March 7th—without blinking.
Finally, its gaze fell on Himeko and Welt.
"Herta?"
Himeko raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
"Literally, Himeko."
The little shota puppet crossed its arms. Even though it was small, its aura was ten feet tall.