Felicity had finally gotten her hands on a Herta puppet.
Herta, without a second thought, picked one from the 32 spare dolls and handed it to Felicity, offering it as compensation for her broken promise.
After lying on the bed for a while, Felicity began to contemplate Herta's proposal.
The space station was, in name, Herta's domain, and its defenses were top-notch. It was rare for something like the Antimatter Legion's sudden attack to happen. If Felicity stayed here, she'd either continue struggling with her own despair or wait for Herta to come up with a new plan.
The Astral Express, however, journeyed through the vast universe. A universe so boundless, it promised unknowns—both dangerous and delightful.
It didn't take long for Felicity to come to a decision.
Teasing Herta and Asta was fun, but she preferred to experience life's surprises. The crew of the Astral Express seemed intriguing, and the journey promised to be far from dull.
It was time to talk to Himeko about it.
Stretching lazily as she got up from the bed, Felicity suddenly thought of the girl standing before her.
Stelle—she didn't belong to the space station or the star train, her place was still uncertain. The only thing known for sure was that the Stellaron inside her was stable for now, but her future remained unclear.
Though Stelle had disrupted her plans, Felicity didn't feel disheartened. The laser threat to her wasn't severe; it was more of a minor inconvenience than a danger.
And Stelle was genuinely trying to save herself—her intentions were good. One couldn't disregard everything about her just because of a few missteps.
Felicity decided to check on her.
...
Inside the space station's main control module.
Asta leaned back in her chair, her eyes scanning the reports before her. A long sigh escaped her lips.
The Antimatter Legion's attack had temporarily ceased, and Asta finally had a moment to relax.
She had learned from the crew of the Astral Express that Felicity had taken charge of most of the defense, also helping to seal the Stellaron inside Stelle's body.
I really need to find a way to thank Felicity properly.
Asta thought, but then she wondered, what would Felicity like?
She remembered their earlier conversation about their dreams.
"My dream?" Felicity had said, touching the wound on her wrist, still bleeding slightly. She looked up at the ceiling, a faint smile on her lips. "It's simple. I just want to die peacefully, one day. That would be nice."
Asta couldn't understand why someone like Felicity, an Emanator of the Path of Abundance, would dream of death. Nor could she understand why someone so free-spirited and gentle, like Felicity, would ever wish for such a thing. But Asta knew better than to press her on it.
If Felicity wanted to talk about it, she would.
The problem was, Asta had no idea what Felicity liked. Giving her a thank-you gift seemed awkward. What would be the right choice? It felt odd to just walk up to her and say, "Thank you for everything... you're dead!"
The thought made Asta cringe.
Just then, she felt a gentle arm slip around her. She turned in surprise, meeting Felicity's emerald green eyes.
"What's on your mind?" Felicity whispered in her ear, her warm breath making Asta blush immediately.
"Nothing!" Asta straightened up quickly, escaping Felicity's embrace. Rolling her eyes in a mock exasperation, she put her hands on her hips and wagged her finger at Felicity.
"Don't keep scaring me like that."
After a brief pause, Asta smiled mischievously.
"Thanks for helping with the space station. I really appreciate it."
"It's nothing. I just wanted to ask you about that girl, Stelle."
Felicity replied.
"Stelle... Oh, she's resting now, thanks to Miss March 7th. Madam Herta and Miss Himeko are discussing where she should be placed. She should be on the platform now."
"I see."
Felicity nodded thoughtfully. After a moment's thought, she decided it was time to part ways.
"I'm leaving, Asta."
"Huh? Where to?"
Asta blinked, confused by Felicity's words.
"Herta suggested I travel on the Astral Express to search for something I need."
Felicity spoke quietly.
"Follow... the Astral Express? Well, that's a good idea too."
Asta paused for a moment, then smiled brightly. She was genuinely happy for her friend. After all, it was rare for someone to find their passion and have the courage to pursue it. Not everyone was like Asta, who had to return and inherit the family legacy without much excitement.
"I thought you'd be a bit sad."
Felicity said, putting on a sorrowful expression as she clutched her chest dramatically.
"This isn't anime."
Asta laughed, understanding Felicity's antics. She knew Felicity's skills in acting were just as good as her ability to feign death.
"Alright, alright. I just don't like to see girls lose their pearls."
Felicity smiled calmly, pinching Asta's cheek lightly before speaking seriously.
"So, I'm off, alright?"
"Safe travels, and here."
Asta handed her a small hammer, grinning.
"I wasn't sure what to give you, but now I don't need to think anymore."
"This is a sleeping hammer. It's a well-known sleeping aid across the universe. Just one swing, and you'll fall into a deep sleep no matter where you are."
Felicity stared at the small hammer in her hand, bemused. She flicked the ends of it with a finger.
Bang!
The hammer made a soft, metallic sound. It seemed sturdy enough.
Felicity looked at Asta, who wore a mischievous smile.
"...This thing could kill someone, right?"
"It depends on your luck~"
"..."