Inside the Supre Guardian's office in Qliphoth Fort.
Cocolia sat behind her desk. "Co in."
Gepard pushed the door open, followed by three unfamiliar figures. "Supre Guardian, these visitors from beyond the stars wish to et with you."
Cocolia lifted her gaze, assessing the three—a lively pink-haired girl, a calm young man, and a gray-haired girl with a blank expression. It was then that the Astral Express crew noticed a black-haired young man standing quietly beside her.
March 7th almost gasped. It was a face impossible to forget—almost perfect handsoness. He looked no older than 17 or 18, tall and slender in a dark uniform.
"Wow, that guy is so handso…" March 7th mumbled softly.
Dan Heng lightly coughed, signaling her to mind the occasion. However, it was Stelle whose attention was fully captured. From the mont she saw him, her gaze was drawn to him like a magnet.
This feeling… it was strange. Though it was their first eting, an indescribable sense of familiarity rippled within her, as if she had seen him in so forgotten dream. She was certain she had never seen this face, but why…
"Stelle? Stelle!" March 7th whispered, nudging her. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novᴇl(ꜰ)ire.ɴet
Stelle snapped back to reality, realizing everyone was looking at her—including the black-haired young man. He rely nodded politely and then averted his eyes.
"Ah? No, nothing." Stelle forced herself to focus.
Dan Heng cleared his throat. "Supre Guardian, we have traveled a long way for one thing—the 'Stellaron'." He explained its nature as a source of calamity and their desire to help seal it.
After a long pause, Cocolia spoke slowly, her tone laced with suspicion. "There's no such thing as a free lunch. What do you want?"
"Our interests align," Dan Heng replied frankly. "If the Stellaron problem isn't resolved, our train cannot leave. Helping you is helping ourselves."
Cocolia hesitated. Just then, the black-haired young man took a step forward. "Supre Guardian Cocolia, what they say is true. I believe this is a rare opportunity. Perhaps they truly can help Belobog."
Upon hearing this, Cocolia seed to trust him greatly. "Very well," she finally decided. "I will arrange your accommodation. To ensure the investigation proceeds smoothly, I will dispatch my most trusted subordinate to assist you."
She turned to the person beside her. "Orion, from now on, you will serve as the liaison for these three visitors."
"Understood," the young man nad Orion bowed slightly.
At the very mont Cocolia uttered the na "Orion"—Stelle's pupils suddenly constricted. An indescribable sensation, like an electric current, shot through her body. That elusive sense of familiarity suddenly had a clear anchor. Orion… Orion…
This na stirred ripples in the depths of her consciousness. It should have been the first ti she heard it, yet why did she have the distinct illusion of "so it was him"? She looked at him again. Why did this na make her heart race? Why, looking at his profile, did she feel an urge to reach out?
"Then, please follow ." Orion's voice pulled her back to reality.
He had already turned, ready to lead them away. "I will first take you to the hotel to settle in."
March 7th excitedly jumped up. "Yay! We can finally get a good look at this city!"
Only Stelle remained frozen until March 7th pulled her. "…Mm." She followed, her gaze never leaving the figure in front of her.
Along the long corridor, Orion walked at the forefront. Occasionally, he would answer March 7th's chirping questions about the city's history. His answers were concise and clear.
"Young man Orion looks very young!" March 7th tried to liven the mood.
"I started working by the Supre Guardian's side three years ago," Orion replied indifferently.
"Wow, to beco her confidant at such a young age, you must be very impressive!"
"You flatter ."
The conversation continued in this lukewarm manner. Stepping out of Qliphoth Fort, they headed towards the Goethe Hotel in the twilight. Stelle walked at the very end of the group, her gaze fixed on Orion—his posture, the angle of his head, every detail. But aside from the flutter caused by his na, she could find no mories to prove she had ever known him.
But her heart stubbornly told her—this person was very important.
Unconsciously, Stelle quickened her pace, moving from the back of the group to the front, just half a step beside Orion. He turned his head to glance at her. Stelle awkwardly averted her gaze but did not slow down. She didn't know what to say but stubbornly maintained that distance.
Orion said nothing, rely smiled faintly, and then turned his gaze forward again.
[Inorin Note:
If you wish to support so I can continue to survive and afford proper food, you can join my mbership on Patreon [patreon/InorinTL]. Be sure to check out "The Founding Pillars"—a special, limited-ti tier that offers all the benefits of "The Plot Uncoverer" at a discounted price! Slots are limited, so grab yours before they run out. Besides mbership, you can also donate via Ko-Fi [sko-fi/inorintl].
I hope I am still worthy of your support. My life truly depends on this... haha, I know I'm so shaless.]
Reviews
All reviews (0)