Robin answered Sunday's question truthfully, without concealing the fact that her 'Voice of Harmony' had already recovered.
"It's already recovered? That's good then."
Sunday fondly ruffled his little sister's hair, showing no surprise on his face.
A few seconds later, Sunday withdrew his hand, placing it behind his back before speaking.
"In that case, the performance segment for the universe's great diva Robin at the 'Charmony Festival' won't be affected in any way."
"Sister, after discussion between me and Teacher Gopher Wood, due to certain factors, the timing of the 'Charmony Festival' has been moved forward."
— — — —
Golden Hour... Aideen Park...
This was an entertainment park invested in and built by the Soda Company, equipped with the most advanced and fun amusement facilities. Guests here could drink fine beverages to their heart's content, temporarily forgetting everything outside the dream.
In one corner of Aideen Park stood a massive golden gacha machine, surrounded by colorful light strips. At both sides of the machine's exit, two 'morning glory' speakers were embedded as if growing there.
From the morning glory speakers played music that was at times soothing and at times intense, with golden musical notes drifting along with the sound.
"The Golden Bond is the iconic structure of Aideen Park. Whether they're the wealthy or the poor dream-chasers, everyone likes to come here and test their luck."
Firefly walked with light steps, explaining to Stelle as she went. A gentle smile graced the girl's face—she looked very happy.
"The golden gacha machine? Let me give it a try too!"
Hearing Firefly's words, Stelle—always fond of excitement and adventure—had her eyes light up. She immediately planned to give it a shallow test of her luck, wondering if she could pull some miraculous grand prize from this golden gacha machine.
Imagining herself hitting the jackpot, Stelle instantly became somewhat excited. She started circling the gacha machine, but unfortunately, after quite a while, the girl still couldn't find the activation button.
In the end, Stelle could only give an awkward smile and scratch her head embarrassedly.
"Pfft!"
Seeing Stelle looking like an adorably clueless child, the gentle Firefly covered her lips and couldn't help but burst into a soft laugh. Then she took a few 'Aideen Tokens' from her pocket and placed them in Stelle's palm.
"Here, I'll teach you. Insert the Aideen Tokens into that peripheral device in front, then turn the..."
Firefly held Stelle's hand and began teaching the gray-haired girl step-by-step how to use the gacha machine in front of them. Firefly was so focused that she didn't even notice her own body slightly pressing against Stelle's.
Of course, even if she had noticed, Firefly probably wouldn't have minded too much—after all, both of them were girls, and a little ordinary physical contact wasn't anything to be shy about.
However... Stelle didn't think the same way. The moment she felt Firefly's soft body draw close, the girl sensed a burst of clear fragrance assault her senses—like the sweet, pure scent of lilies entering her nasal cavity, causing her to momentarily lose focus.
"...and finally, just like this."
As Firefly's words fell, the golden gacha machine in front of them pulsed with flashing fluorescence. Immediately after, the capsules inside collided chaotically under the force of airflow.
Bang—!
With a sharp bang, a capsule the size of several basketballs shot out from the golden gacha machine.
Stepping forward, Firefly opened the capsule. A steaming hot Clockwork Pizza appeared in her hand just like that.
"It's actually a Clockwork Pizza. Pretty good luck, Stelle—this pizza is for you."
Firefly handed the pizza to the somewhat dazed Stelle. The latter blanked for a moment before snapping out of her earlier fantasy.
Looking at the pizza held out to her, Stelle reached out but quickly pulled her hand back. She shook her head. "There's only one slice of pizza. You eat it, Firefly."
"Huh? This... How about we share it then? What do you think?" After hearing Stelle's words and looking at the single slice in her hand, Firefly pondered briefly and came up with a compromise—they could enjoy the pizza together.
"Share it?"
Stelle's eyes suddenly lit up as if she had thought of something. Her gaze unconsciously drifted toward Firefly's vermilion lips, then she lowered her head and let out an indistinct, wicked chuckle.
"S-Stelle, are you okay?" Seeing Stelle acting a bit off, Firefly couldn't help swallowing. She had the feeling that Stelle right now was kind of scary.
"Ah? I'm fine, I'm fine. You eat the pizza first, Firefly—just leave the rest for me." Stelle hurriedly shook her head, then spoke seriously with a straight face.
"But... wouldn't that be a little..." Firefly hesitated. Didn't Stelle's meaning imply she was going to eat her leftovers? How could she possibly...
"It's fine, it's fine. You eat first, Firefly. I'm going to try my luck too!"
Imitating Firefly, Stelle inserted the Aideen Tokens into the gacha machine. As the light strips burst into multicolored fluorescence, several capsules shot out from the golden gacha machine.
"Let me see what good stuff we got." Unable to contain her excitement, Stelle stepped forward and opened the capsules. Then, the girl's face froze.
Because in that first capsule, she had also pulled out a Clockwork Pizza.
"Wow! This side is Clockwork Pizza too!"
Hearing Firefly's surprised exclamation from beside her, Stelle burst into tears. It felt as if the entire world had turned gray.
It bore an uncanny resemblance to that war god from back then who had "lost my beloved, eyes met with desolation."
"That's great, Stelle—now we don't have to share one pizza anymore." Firefly smiled sweetly, her brows relaxing.
No no no! I don't want this! Damn this golden gacha machine—tonight I'm definitely tearing you apart into scrap metal!
"Stelle, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?" Seeing Stelle looking so miserable, Firefly's expression turned worried.
"No... Thank you for your concern, Firefly. I'm just really hungry..." With tears streaming down her face, the girl stuffed the Clockwork Pizza into her mouth and swallowed it in just a few bites.
The bitterness in her heart mixed with the sweetness of the pizza, leaving Stelle feeling utterly conflicted inside.
"Stelle, are you that hungry...? Then if you don't mind, here's half of this pizza for you too." Gazing at Stelle and then glancing at the pizza in her own hand, Firefly cautiously handed it over.
"R-Really?!"
When mountains and rivers seem to block all paths, yet willows darken and flowers brighten—a new village appears. Light returned to Stelle's eyes once more.
Gulp!
Looking at the small bite mark on the pizza, Stelle couldn't help swallowing hard. Then, as if holding a treasure, she slowly brought the pizza to her mouth.
However, just as the girl was about to take a bite, a discordant voice suddenly rang out from nearby.
"Brothers, the wanted criminal is here!"