"Do you wish to join the Astral Express?"
Himeko didn't appear shocked—her gaze was merely curious as it landed on Felicity.
"Yes."
Felicity answered with a firm nod.
"I've heard a bit from Herta, but I'd still like to hear your version of things."
Himeko hummed for a moment, not answering immediately but instead posing a question.
"Why do you want to join the Star Train?"
Felicity thought for a moment, then replied seriously.
"Well... if I had to say, I think I'm just looking forward to the unknown."
The thought of seeking out danger, to explore the unknown, didn't sound so bad.
She could've said she was simply tired of life, but Himeko might think she was foolish… and Felicity didn't want to be labeled as such.
"That's a good answer."
Himeko's smile widened, clearly pleased. Felicity's words aligned perfectly with the core of the Astral Express.
Trailblazing meant venturing into the unknown.
"Welcome aboard the Astral Express."
"Yeah!"
It wasn't a shocking statement, but Felicity couldn't help but cheer.
"Yeah!"
March 7th quickly followed with her own cheer. This little one had been pestering Himeko ever since hearing that Felicity would join the Astral Express, only calming down once Felicity arrived.
"That's great, Little March. I've been wanting to travel with you since 2008. No, since I was born!"
Felicity eagerly grabbed March 7th's hand and cheered alongside her.
"What kind of calendar is that?"
March 7th chuckled, clearly used to Felicity's way of speaking.
"Haha, young folks really get along well. Looks like you two are already familiar with each other. If you have any questions, feel free to ask Little March, or..."
Himeko smiled slyly, adding,
"You can come chat with me on the train. I'll even make you a cup of coffee—my special brew."
March 7th's face immediately shifted to one of fear. She tugged on Felicity's sleeve, silently warning her.
But Felicity, unaware of March 7th's concern, smiled at Himeko.
"Alright, I'd love to try your coffee, Himeko."
"Then, without further ado."
Himeko's smile deepened, and she eagerly reached out to take Felicity's hand.
Felicity could've sworn there was a strange glint in Himeko's eyes.
"…"
March 7th stood aside, holding back words. She watched helplessly as Himeko whisked Felicity away.
This won't end well!
March 7th thought, realizing she couldn't just stand by and watch her friend step into the abyss.
Clenching her fists, she closed her eyes, whispering to herself,
"May you rest in peace."
...
Astral Express, carriage.
Dan Heng and Welt were deep in conversation when they noticed someone entering. They both turned to look.
"Ms. Felicity, welcome to the Astral Express."
It was clear the two had known about Felicity's plans to join for some time. Welt was the first to offer a warm welcome.
"Thank you."
Felicity nodded politely, but before she could say more, Himeko eagerly pulled her away.
"What's going on…?"
Welt asked with confusion. It wasn't like him to see Himeko so impatient.
"Oh no, Uncle Yang—Feli's been invited by Himeko for coffee!"
March 7th, who had been trailing behind, finally gathered the courage to speak. She turned pleading eyes toward Welt, hoping he might save Felicity from her fate.
"Ugh..."
Welt froze, adjusting his glasses as he shifted his gaze away, then abruptly changed the subject.
"I think spaghetti should still be mixed with No. 42 concrete, don't you agree, Dan Heng?"
"I beg to differ."
Dan Heng replied flatly.
"…"
At this point, Felicity realized that she'd walked straight into a trap.
A chill ran down her spine, and her smile faltered.
Before she could contemplate further, a cheery voice interrupted from the front.
"Hey, isn't this a new face?"
Felicity instinctively looked down, following the voice, and saw a gray-haired rabbit doll in a red uniform waving enthusiastically.
"This must be the new member of the Astral Express! I've heard all about you. I'm the conductor here, Pom-Pom. If you have any questions, just come to me, Pom-Pom!"
Normally, Felicity would have taken a moment to tease the cute little conductor, but today, she had more pressing matters to address.
"Alright, conductor. We're about to drink Himeko's coffee. Want to join us?"
Felicity asked.
Pom-Pom seemed delighted by the title but hesitated when the words "Himeko's coffee" were mentioned.
"Really, Pom-Pom? Pom-Pom... Pom-Pom is not going, Pom-Pom."
Pom-Pom turned away, visibly uncomfortable.
"..."
Felicity understood immediately.
Himeko's special brew might not be as good as she had imagined.
Determined not to sit there and wait for disaster, Felicity scanned the room for a distraction.
Her eyes landed on Stelle not far away, and she quickly waved.
"I haven't thanked you properly yet. How about joining me for some of Himeko's coffee and a good chat?"
"Okay."
Stelle didn't hesitate, her expression calm as always. She accepted Felicity's invitation.
Felicity wasn't trying to drag anyone into this, but she needed to find out if Himeko's coffee was really as disastrous as it seemed.
Himeko didn't mind the extra guest. She moved to the sofa, retrieved a coffee machine from the nearby cabinet, and poured the roasted beans inside.
The machine gurgled, stirred, and then spat out a hefty pile of powder. Himeko expertly scooped the powder, and to Felicity's growing horror—
A dangerously large amount of powder was dumped into the cup.
She added hot water, stirred it, and, with a small smile, presented the cup to them.
"Done!"
Himeko's grin widened. She placed the coffee in front of them, looking at them with anticipation.
"Who's going first?"
The coffee, now a thick, black mass, looked more like a blob of sesame paste than a drink.
Felicity and Stelle exchanged a glance and, without a word, pointed at each other.
"She can go first!"