Robin led Stelle and the others to the control room.
"This is the control room. There are two modes for navigation: automatic and manual. For automatic mode, the route needs to be pre-loaded."
Stelle walked up to the control panel with her hands on her hips.
"Automatic mode!"
An artificial intelligence appeared on the display screen of the control panel.
"Automatic mode activated. Please select a route."
Stelle looked through the routes. Currently, only routes within Penacony were available.
That made sense, considering the Glimrstone was an entertainnt-focused ship.
After playing around in the control room for a bit, the group, led by Robin, went out onto the deck.
At that ti, Hiko, Jade, Topaz, and old Oti had finished their eting.
To Hiko's surprise, the Astral Express team was granted 20% of the shares.
Originally, Hiko had estimated they'd get around 10%.
Last night, Topaz, Jadeite, and Hiko had already discussed it briefly—the company was aiming for 30% of the shares.
To maintain control over Penacony, the family needed at least 51%, with 60% being the safest.
Unexpectedly, the family handed out 20% to the Express team.
If the Express and the company were to join forces, their combined 50% would be enough to stand up to the family.
Hiko walked over to Robin.
"Miss Robin, there's sothing I'd like to discuss with you."
Robin, who had been chatting with Furina about music, brought Hiko to a nearby refreshnt area.
"Ms. Hiko, what would you like to talk about?"
Hiko expressed her concern.
"Isn't 20% too much for the family to give away?"
Robin smiled.
"Not at all. Granting the Express 20% was a carefully discussed internal decision.
Honestly, after this incident, the family has been at a disadvantage in its conflict with the company.
Many of the family's industries have suffered suppression from the company.
To bring both sides to an equal footing, we had to bring in a strong ally.
And the Astral Express is our choice.
The Express is renowned throughout the galaxy, and every mber is formidable."
Hiko smiled and asked a critical question.
"Aren't you afraid that the Express might side with the company?"
Robin replied calmly.
"Aren't the Express mbers all heroes at heart? To quote how Stelle described her life lately:
Wandering around the galaxy, occasionally saving a world or two along the way.
The family believes that noble-hearted people like you wouldn't take advantage of us or kick us while we're down."
Hiko smiled and stood up.
"Alright, that clears things up. Thank you for the explanation, Miss Robin."
Robin nodded slightly.
"After the opening ceremony, would it be alright if I visit the train?
I've never seen it before—and I'd love to check out that magical little shop on board."
Hiko agreed.
"Of course. The train never refuses anyone who wants to board."
Shortly after, Hiko and Robin returned to the deck, and the opening ceremony began.
Robin gave a speech, announcing the shareholding partnership between the company and the Astral Express in Penacony.
She also announced that the Glimrstone ship would be gifted to Stelle.
Topaz was a bit surprised when she heard this and nudged Stelle with her elbow.
"Stelle, you've struck gold! The Glimrstone earns over ten million credits a day. How about treating us to a al later?"
Stelle patted her chest heroically.
"No problem! Tonight's expenses are all on —the one and only Galactic Blaze Knight!"
Hearing that, Lumine quietly took out her phone, called Xiangling, and said, right in front of Stelle:
"Hello~ Xiangling? Yes, it's , Lumine. Has tonight's nu been decided yet? No? Perfect! Stelle is treating us to dinner tonight—she's covering all the food expenses.
Yes, yes, you're so smart. I'd like to place an order: one Snowfield Deer, roasted.
And that Millennium Spirit Chicken we didn't buy last ti—yes, one of those, stewed. That's all from . Ask the others too."
After hanging up, Lumine said:
"Stelle the generous! Thanks for treating us to such a feeeast~"
Stelle was instantly speechless.
Snowfield Deer—if she rembered correctly, Bronya's place was out of stock, aning she'd have to buy it herself at Ye Yun's shop.
And that Millennium Spirit Chicken was also a product from Ye Yun's store, advertised as extending lifespan and boosting strength, with a price tag of 3000 starcoins each!
March 7th, seeing Stelle flustered, ca over with a mischievous grin.
"Stelle, I won't place an order—just surprise . But my expectation is at least 300 starcoins per person, alright?"
Hutao stepped in with righteous flair and patted March 7th on the shoulder.
"Standing in front of you is none other than the captain of the Glimrstone, one of Penacony's shareholders, the fifth mber of the Express, the mighty Galactic Fire Hero!
Only 300 starcoins per person? That's an insult! 500 minimum per person, or it's not worthy!"
March 7th realized her mistake and quickly corrected herself.
"Yes, yes, my bad—short-sighted and lacking awareness. Lady Hutao is right."
But that wasn't all. Topaz held up her phone in front of Stelle, showing the flood of ssages in their group chat.
Three Realms' Top Chef:Everyone, Stelle's treating us to dinner tonight. Tell what you want so I can buy the ingredients.
Angry Little Demon:Beef! I want beef!
Wangsheng Hall's #1 Guest Advisor:Anything is fine.
Wangsheng Hall's #2 Guest Advisor:As long as there's wine.
Unbeatable Lord Calestia:Can I get takeout? I don't wanna leave my computer.
Real Na Online:How about so tea eggs? Made with that 500 starcoin-per-gram tea?
Little Dragon Girl:I want braised pork!
Little Sun:Klee wants grilled fish!
Little Zombie:Qiqi wants coconut milk.
Little Immortal:Thank you for the al, Big Sis Stelle~ Yaoyao appreciates it!
Big Hook:Hook wants spicy stir-fried pork!
Little Kitty:Grilled fish!
Stelle, upon seeing all the ssages, practically fainted.
"Xiangling! Why did you post in the group chat and let everyone order?! Oh no, my starcoins!"
Robin walked over and saw the disheartened Stelle.
"What's wrong with Stelle?"
March 7th replied:
"Oh, nothing. She just said she's treating us to dinner."
Robin's interest was piqued.
"Really? Mind if I tag along? I was just telling Ms. Hiko I wanted to visit the train."
Stelle nodded in agreent. Things had already escalated—one more person wouldn't make a difference.
After playing around on the Glimrstone for a bit, everyone returned to the train.
Hiko walked over to Stelle and patted her shoulder.
"Stelle, just do what you can. Everyone was just joking."
Stelle had recovered by now.
"I know. Still, I should treat everyone. After all, I'm now the captain of the Glimrstone and just ca into a huge windfall."
***
Hiko smiled.
"Good, as long as you understand."
After returning to the train, the group saw Xiangling and Jashin-chan handling a Snowfield Deer.
Seeing Stelle return, Xiangling grinned.
"Stelle, I just bought a Snowfield Deer—make sure to reimburse ~"
Stelle nodded.
"Sure, no problem. You handle that first. I'm going to get so groceries.
March, Firefly, co with !"
March 7th asked curiously.
"Where are you going?"
Stelle replied.
"Grocery shopping!"
With that, Stelle led March 7th and Firefly into the realm.
At the pigsty, Stelle looked at the three little Shroomboars, her eyes flashing gold.
"Raising pigs for days, using pigs for a mont—it's your ti to shine!"
The three little Shroomboars were terrified by Stelle's greedy gaze and huddled in a corner, shivering.
Soon, the three each ca out carrying a pig.
Stelle tossed her pig to the ground.
"Xiangling, these three little guys are yours."
March 7th and Firefly placed theirs down as well.
Stelle then waved his hand grandly.
"Let's go, next stop!"
Stelle led March 7th and Firefly through a portal to Suru.
Just as they arrived, Nahida, who was working, tried to greet them—but the three had already dashed out of the Sanctuary of Surasthana.
Stelle led them straight into the rainforest.
More than an hour later—
Stelle carried a large Shroomboars, March 7th had a basket of wild vegetables, and Firefly held a large crate of mushrooms as they returned.
Nahida asked.
"What's all this?"
Stelle replied.
"Nahida, co eat with us later. Dinner's on tonight."
She carried the big pig into the portal.
Another hour passed.
Everyone was seated at a long table, covered with at dishes.
Yes—tonight was an all-at feast.
The nu: three little Shroomboars, one large Shroomboar, and one Frostland Deer.
Stelle waved her hand grandly.
"Eat! Everyone eat! My treat tonight—eat your fill!"
Lumine gave him a thumbs up.
"Nice, you really know how to save money."
Except for the Frostland Deer, everything else cost no credits. Stelle couldn't help but admire his own brilliance.
Hehe~ Look at this huge spread, quality ingredients, all wild-caught. Absolutely delicious.
Robin sat next to Furina, looking a bit reserved—it was soone else's house, after all.
Seeing this, Furina filled her bowl with a generous helping of venison.
"Robin, don't be shy. Around here we go with the flow—whatever's comfortable."
Yunli, mouth full of at, nodded.
"Yeah, totally. Just grab what you want—fighting over food makes it taste better. Paimon! Put down that wrap trotter! Let go! Let go!"
Hiko smiled.
"Miss Robin, no need to be so reserved. Here, try so coffee I brewed myself."
At that mont, everyone who had been happily eating froze and turned toward Hiko with horrified expressions.
Robin felt sothing was off. Why the big reaction? It's just coffee, right?
She smiled and reached for the cup.
Furina panicked—she and Robin had just planned to do a concert together in a few days! If Robin drank that coffee, her voice might not survive...
She rembered how, in her youthful ignorance, one sip of Hiko's coffee had left her hoarse for days!
What to do?!
She steeled herself and lunged for the coffee to drink it herself.
But a hand suddenly reached out from behind.
It was Lancelot. He snatched the cup and drank it in one gulp.
The coffee went down smoothly—but seconds later, Lancelot looked poisoned, face turning purple, hands clutching his throat.
Monts later, he foad at the mouth and collapsed.
Furina cried out in anguish.
"Lancelot! MY LANCELOT!!!"
Bailu rushed over with a pill.
"Quick! A stomach-cleansing pill! Give it to him now!"
Furina fed him the pill.
Over ten minutes later, Lancelot finally stabilized, slumped on the couch, breathing weakly.
Robin shuddered. If she had drunk that coffee... just thinking about it gave her chills.
Hiko awkwardly turned away.
After that, the group resud eating.
After the al, Robin found Ye Yun.
"Mr. Ye Yun, I heard you can get anything a person wants."
Yeyun smiled and nodded.
"Yes. Noelle."
Noelle, who had been washing dishes in the kitchen, ran over.
"Mr. Ye Yun, you called ?"
Ye Yun said,
"Yes, this is Miss Robin. Please help her pick out so items. I need to take Klee and the others to Mondstadt—they want to fly on a dragon and look at the stars."
Noelle bowed slightly.
"Understood, Mr. Yeyun. Don't worry, I'll take good care of her."
Ye Yun had full confidence in Noelle's capabilities.
He looked at Robin.
"Apologies, I've got sothing to do. This is Noelle, one of our best employees. She can help you find what you need."
Robin smiled.
"Alright, go ahead."
Yeyun nodded and called toward the bar.
"Klee, Bailu, are your hands clean yet? We're heading out~"
The six little ones had each just finished a pork trotter, hands greasy.
Hearing Ye Yun's call, they hurried to wash up and ran over to line up.
Ye Yun took Rios, Dodo-co, and the six kids through a portal—heading to find Dvalin.
Ti to take the kids for a flight through the skies to look at the stars.
Noelle turned to Robin.
"Miss Robin, I'll be your guide. Please let know what you're looking for, and I'll help you choose the best items."
Robin replied,
"Thank you, Noelle."
Noelle led her to the bar and briefly explained how to use the touchscreen.
So guests didn't know how to use it, so Noelle always gave a quick tutorial to those she personally assisted.
Robin browsed the items and quickly found one she liked.
Item: Heart-Calming ViolinDescription: Plays music that soothes the soul.Price: 50,000 Star Credits
Robin handed 500 Stellar Jade to Noelle.
"I heard from Xing that one Stellar Jade is worth 100 star credits. This is 500—should be enough for the violin, right, Noelle?"
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