---o---
"You've got to be kidding me. How is the line this long?"
After disembarking, Fu Zhu and the others arrived at Penacony's dedicated reception area for foreign guests, only to find a long queue already formed. A quick count suggested at least a hundred people.
Xing stood on her tiptoes to peer ahead at the bustling crowd and couldn't help but complain.
"How long is this going to take?"
"Everyone, calm down."
Himeko turned around with a smile to soothe the slightly agitated trio. "We're here by invitation. Naturally, we don't have to wait in such a long line. Follow me."
Himeko led the group to another, nearly empty VIP channel. But even for VIPs, the security check was unavoidable.
March 7th and the others proactively handed over their luggage for inspection. They weren't worried about privacy; The Family's security procedures were well-thought-out, with different personnel assigned to handle different groups of people.
Fu Zhu and Welt were inspected by a male member of the Hound family. Welt had very little luggage with him, and his check was completed in less than two minutes.
But when it was Fu Zhu's turn, the inspector stared at his empty hands, stunned. "Sir, are you not carrying any luggage? Or has it been lost? If it's lost, The Family can help you register it and assist in its recovery."
While some guests did travel light, Penacony was the Planet of Festivities. Most visitors were here for leisure and would surely bring some luggage.
"That's right, I didn't bring any. Why? Is there a rule in Penacony that requires visitors to carry luggage?"
Of course, Fu Zhu had plenty of things with him, but they were all stored in his inventory. Even if he let the inspector check, they wouldn't find anything. Besides, if he were to actually take everything out for a step-by-step inspection, he'd probably be stuck here all day.
"Of course not!"
Fearing a misunderstanding, the inspector quickly skipped the luggage check. He then took out a handheld scanner and swept it over Fu Zhu's body. After a thorough scan confirmed everything was clear, he immediately stepped aside and let Fu Zhu pass.
Welt was relieved to see Fu Zhu get through without any issues.
"Fu Zhu, you have your things with you, right?" Welt asked in a low voice. He couldn't imagine Fu Zhu leaving his miraculous tools behind on the Express; that just wasn't his style.
Fu Zhu gave Welt a subtle nod. His gaze then shifted to the black cane Welt was holding, and he couldn't help but chuckle. "Uncle Yang, you're not so bad yourself, passing through so smoothly. If these people knew you were a walking black hole, they'd probably be scared to death."
Welt gave a wry smile. The way Fu Zhu put it, he sounded like some kind of villain.
The two stood to the side, chatting idly while occasionally glancing over at March 7th and the others at the women's security checkpoint.
"By the way, Fu Zhu," Welt said, his tone turning serious, "there was something important Himeko didn't mention on the Express. You're the most capable among us, and both Himeko and I have the most faith in you, so I'm telling you this in advance."
"Hm? What's so serious?" Fu Zhu noticed the gravity in Welt's voice and immediately perked up his ears to listen intently.
"When Himeko received the invitation, she noticed a hidden distress signal within the letter from the 'Watchmaker,' one that was meant only for the Nameless. This trip to Penacony might not be as simple as it seems. So, I need you to protect little March and the others. Can you do that?"
Fu Zhu would never refuse such a request. He thumped his chest and declared, "Uncle Yang, what are you even saying? Not just March, I'll protect all of you. I won't let anyone harm a single one of you."
If anyone dared to hurt them on Penacony, he swore he would level the entire planet.
Hearing Fu Zhu's words, Welt smiled warmly. He adjusted the glasses on his nose and said confidently, "Your Uncle Yang is still capable of protecting himself. Just focus your strength on protecting Himeko, March, and Xing."
"Alright, leave it to me."
Just as their conversation ended, March 7th came over, dragging her deathly heavy suitcase, with Himeko and Xing in tow.
Seeing this, Fu Zhu immediately went over and took the suitcase from March 7th's hands.
"Thanks!" March 7th flashed Fu Zhu a sweet smile, finally free from the heavy burden.
"If you think it's heavy, you shouldn't have packed so much."
Fu Zhu shook his head in resignation. He casually stuffed March 7th's suitcase into his inventory, saving himself the trouble of dragging it around.
Hearing this, March 7th immediately put her hands on her hips and glared at him, her cheeks puffed out. "What's wrong with a girl bringing a few more pretty outfits! If I dress up nicely for you guys, doesn't that make you look good too? Or do you want me to be like Xing and wear the same outfit all the time?"
Startled by the sudden mention of her name, Xing pointed a finger at her own nose, looking completely baffled. "Me? I... I just think this outfit is convenient!"
Seeing that they were about to start another debate on clothing, Himeko quickly stepped in to interrupt. "Alright, let's save the fashion talk for later. First, let's go register for our rooms."
"Okay~"
Himeko led the group to the front desk and reported their identities to the staff.
"Understood. Please wait a moment while I look up your information."
The staff member operated the system for a moment, then a look of surprise crossed their face.
Himeko noticed the change in expression and frowned slightly. "Is there a problem?"
The staff member replied awkwardly, "I can find all of your information, but... I don't see any room reservation for Miss Xing..."
"No room for Xing? But you found one for Fu Zhu?"
This strange situation puzzled Himeko and the others. Fu Zhu had boarded the Express with Xing. They could guess why Xing didn't have a reservation—perhaps because she hadn't been on the Express when they replied to The Family. But why did Fu Zhu have one?
"Yes, Mr. Fu Zhu has a reservation. In fact... he has three rooms."
"Three rooms?"
Now even Fu Zhu himself was completely lost. The others all turned to look at him.
Xing pouted and grumbled, "Old Bro, you booked rooms behind my back? I don't care! If I don't have a place to sleep tonight, I'm sleeping in your room!"
"How could I have booked them secretly? Something's not right here." Fu Zhu turned to the staff member. "I've never reserved any rooms with you. What's going on?"
"One moment, let me check... Ah, I have the results. Your three rooms were pre-booked by a Mr. Screwllum, a Mr. Aventurine from the Strategic Investment Department, and... a lady by the name of Sparkle."
"Huh?"