"Hey! You there! What are you doing?"
Just as Lumina was casually selecting a Herta Puppet from the Master Control Zone, intending to take it back to her room, a heroic voice rang out.
Unmistakably, the only one who could be called a "hero" was the Galactic Baseballer herself!
"Hmm? What else could I be doing? Taking something that belongs to me, of course." Lumina set down the Herta Puppet, turned with a smile, and faced the source of the voice.
As she'd suspected, it was indeed Stelle, the Galactic Baseballer—a cosmic superstar!
"Put down that girl and let me handle this!" Stelle stood with her hands on her hips, a hint of absurdity in her expression, her face radiating righteous indignation as she "rebuked" Lumina.
"Stelle, isn't March with you?" Lumina chuckled at Stelle's usual antics, paying her no mind. She glanced left and right, but couldn't spot the other adorable pink-haired girl.
"No," Stelle replied. Seeing Lumina ignore her, she chuckled awkwardly before reverting to her usual aloof demeanor. She shook her head, answering Lumina's question.
"I see," Lumina nodded, already having a pretty good idea why March 7th hadn't come to the Space Station.
Maybe she got a little traumatized by the near-misses on Jarilo-VI against Topaz and on the Luofu against Cirrus, Lumina thought. She might be afraid that coming to the Space Station would mean facing another Emanator-level threat... Plus, since there wasn't any real urgency and Herta specifically invited Stelle, she probably decided to stay behind.
Of course, the main reason was likely that Lumina hadn't told March 7th she was at the Space Station.
Lumina shook her head, dismissing the thought. If she's not coming, she's not coming. I won't be staying at the Space Station for long anyway.
"So, does this count as our third meeting?" Stelle asked, gazing at Lumina, who seemed lost in thought. She hadn't forgotten Lumina's earlier mention of three meetings.
Stelle was intensely curious about Lumina's past.
Since no information about Lumina's past exists in the Cosmos, if I learn about it, wouldn't I become one of the people in the entire universe who knows her best?
In her heart, Stelle pondered deeply.
"Of course it counts!" Lumina smiled and nodded in response to Stelle's words. "First at the Space Station, then on the Luofu, and finally back at the Space Station."
How could it not count? If it didn't, how would I ever manage to... How would I ever get you to Version 1.7?~
Though Lumina had deliberately orchestrated these encounters, weren't these three meetings still a kind of fate?
Ha? Deliberately planned encounters aren't coincidences? Get out of here.
As long as the other person doesn't know, it's still a coincidence, right? A fated encounter arranged by the heavens, isn't it? o( ̄▽ ̄*)ブ*
"Then..."
"Sure, just wait until the Space Station matter is resolved."
Before Stelle could finish her sentence, Lumina stepped forward, gently placed her hand on Stelle's head, and stroked it softly while speaking warmly.
"Herta invited you to the Space Station, didn't she? This matter won't take long to resolve."
"There's still some time before the Charmony Festival on Penacony. We can use this time to let you learn more about my past."
Lumina smiled gently, the continuous sensation from above making Stelle close her eyes comfortably, completely immersed in the moment.
"Mmm..."
Stelle hummed softly, savoring Lumina's tender strokes as if she were nestled in her mother's embrace—utterly blissful, utterly warm, utterly comforting.
Mmm... Who is my mother? Stelle wondered. Even I don't know.
But it doesn't matter. For now, I'll just pretend Sister Lumina is my mom...
Stelle thought to herself, reveling in her "mother's" touch.
If Lumina could have seen the numbers floating above Stelle's head at that moment, she would have seen:
Mother +1
"Hey, you head-patting maniac! Can't you restrain yourself a little?"
Just as the atmosphere between Lumina and Stelle began to grow warm and tender, the dormant Herta Puppet behind them stirred to life. Its once-lifeless eyes gradually regained their vitality.
Watching the scene unfold, Herta crossed her arms and coldly remarked, "It's undeniable. You've officially earned the title of 'Head-Patting Maniac' in my book."
March 7th, Asta, Stelle, and now me... Herta thought. And that's just what I've witnessed personally!
Moreover, during the time Lumina and Ruan Mei spent together in the Containment Zone, Lumina had probably even patted Ruan Mei's head...
Although Ruan Mei's personality made the idea of her letting anyone pat her head seem like a fantasy, the fact that it was Lumina made even this impossible scenario seem... somewhat plausible.
And these were just the instances Herta had personally witnessed on the Space Station. Over the past several Amber Eras, how many beautiful girls' heads had Lumina patted? The number was likely beyond counting.
What's more, despite Lumina having patted the heads of so many beautiful girls, not a single rumor had ever surfaced... Even if Lumina's relationships with these girls were purely platonic, devoid of any romantic feelings, Herta couldn't help but suspect: Lumina pats heads and runs!
Completely irresponsible!
With this realization, Herta's impression of Lumina plummeted sharply, and a nameless fury surged within her, making her want to burn Lumina to ashes on the spot.
As for why this anger had erupted, Herta herself admitted she didn't know.
Though she and Lumina were merely partners, Herta found herself utterly unable to suppress the fury boiling within her.
Of course, despite her inner turmoil, Herta maintained a flawless facade of composure.
Hearing Herta's words, Lumina withdrew her hand, gently patted Stelle's shoulder to wake her, and turned to face Herta with a smile.
"Madam Herta, dear," Lumina said, her voice smooth as silk, "didn't you gift the Herta Puppet to me?"
"Isn't a gift mine to possess?"
"Or do you believe you retain the right to log in and control the Herta Puppet at will, even after giving it to me?"
Lumina smiled, slowly stepping forward until she stood directly before Herta, looming over her as she posed three sharp questions.
Herta met Lumina's gaze, her face showing no hint of fear as she tilted her head back to meet Lumina's eyes.
With a cold snort, she retorted, "The puppet was a gift, yes, but the Space Station is mine. As long as you keep it here, the puppet remains under my jurisdiction."
"Even if I give you the puppet, our connection will remain intact. Don't do anything embarrassing, got it?"
Herta's voice was icy as she tilted her head to look up at Lumina, as if issuing a warning.
Judging by Lumina's behavior, she probably wanted the puppet just to keep her hands busy...
"Little Herta, I'm truly heartbroken! Do you really think I'm that kind of person?"
Hearing Herta's words, Lumina feigned distress, dramatically wiping away nonexistent tears from the corners of her eyes with a shaky hand. Her voice trembled with forced sobs.
"If you aren't, then that kind of person doesn't exist in the entire Cosmos," Herta retorted coldly, seeing through Lumina's exaggerated acting at once.
"Ah, I'm truly heartbroken! Little Herta, is this how you really see me?"
Lumina sighed, and a wave of loneliness and helplessness instantly washed over her, as if she had been abandoned by her best friend. The sheer intensity of her act nearly convinced Herta.
Herta crossed her arms, tilted her head back, and coldly stared into Lumina's eyes without saying a word.
"Alright, alright, I surrender, I surrender," Lumina finally relented under Herta's unwavering gaze.
It wasn't that Herta's gaze was particularly intimidating, nor that Herta herself was particularly formidable.
It was simply that Herta's posture—tilting her head back to look up at Lumina—made Lumina struggle to suppress her laughter.
After all... this was just too hilarious!
Hahahahahahahahaha!
"Ahem..." Though she was inwardly howling with laughter, Lumina maintained her composure outwardly. She took a few steps back to create some distance between herself and Herta, afraid she might burst out laughing on the spot.
"Hmph!" Seeing Lumina's reaction, Herta couldn't help but feel a bit smug.
Completely unaware that she had become the object of Lumina's amusement...
"My purpose in acquiring a Herta Puppet is to study it thoroughly," Lumina explained truthfully.
After all, Herta's technology was incredibly convenient.
"This is Madam Herta's research achievement, and I, Lumina, am naturally very curious about it."
"Just you?" Herta's icy expression vanished instantly, replaced by a look of disdain.
Though her puppet research wasn't exactly a groundbreaking achievement, that was merely her perspective.
Little Lumina? Herta scoffed inwardly. A hundred Amber Eras wouldn't be enough for her to grasp the complexities of my puppet techniques.
As a member of the Genius Society and the Emanator of Erudition, Herta might lack Lumina's martial prowess, but when it came to intellect, a hundred Luminas wouldn't stand a chance against her.
It wasn't that Herta looked down on Lumina; it was simply the truth!
Little Lumina? In terms of intellect, she can't even see my shadow!
This thought filled Herta's face with smug satisfaction.
While such a minor achievement wouldn't normally warrant her attention, displaying it before Lumina always brought her an inexplicable sense of joy.
Where did this peculiar pleasure come from?
Herta neither knew nor cared to find out.
All she knew was that showcasing her accomplishments to Lumina and watching the latter struggle with concepts that would take hundreds of Amber Eras to grasp made her indescribably happy.
That would be enough...
"Hmph?" Lumina hummed softly, offering no further comment. After all, she knew her own limits.
Even if Herta laid out all the data before her, even if she had the answers right in front of her, Lumina wouldn't be able to decipher them.
What can you do? That's how academic underachievers are...
"Ah, Stellaron Girl, you've finally arrived," Herta said, shifting her gaze to Stelle. After a thorough once-over, she remarked nonchalantly, "I must say, it's quite impressive. To serve as the vessel for a Stellaron, maintaining its stability within your body while also acting as the Simulated Universe's rookie... and experimental subject? I find you quite intriguing."
"Could I have a Herta Puppet too?" Feeling Herta's gaze land on her and recalling the earlier conversation between Lumina and Herta, Stelle had pieced together most of the situation. She decided to voice her own request to Herta.
After all, having a Genius Society member, the Emanator of Erudition's puppet, by my side would be so cool! Besides, Sister Lumina seems to really like puppets...
That's what the Stellaron Spirit thought to herself.
"Sure, you can help me run more simulations in the Simulated Universe. If I'm in a good mood, I might even give you one," Herta said casually.
Just a puppet. Herta has plenty to spare. One for Lumina, one for Stelle, and enough left over to experiment with myself.
Herta didn't bother asking Stelle what she wanted her puppet for. The girl seemed earnest and much more reliable than Lumina.
"Thank you!" Stelle's face lit up, and she thanked Herta politely.
Sister Lumina seems to really like Herta Puppets. Once I run enough simulations and get one, I'll give it to her!
That's what Stelle thought to herself.
Herta: ?
Though Herta couldn't know Stelle's thoughts at that moment, a sudden chill surged through her soul, sparking an ominous premonition.
She glanced suspiciously at the Stellaron Spirit but dismissed it as lingering discomfort from Lumina's recent scare.
Perfectly normal... Well, perfectly normal, probably.
"Stelle, have you seen Ruan Mei?"
Shaking her head, Herta stopped dwelling on it and turned her gaze to Stelle, asking a question that seemed utterly foolish.
"No," Stelle replied, unaware of how absurd Herta's question was.
Lumina, however, who knew Herta had asked a nonsensical question, shot her a peculiar glance.
Ruan Mei had been with Lumina the entire time, and Stelle had just arrived at the Space Station. How could Herta's brilliant mind ask such a thing?
"I see," Herta said calmly, ignoring Lumina's peculiar gaze. "Ruan Mei should be at the platform now. You can try your luck there."
"Oh, I guess I'll be going then?" Stelle nodded, and seeing that there was nothing else to discuss, she decided to go meet Ruan Mei.
As she left, Stelle glanced at Lumina, as if expecting something.
"Bye-bye!" Lumina smiled, understanding perfectly what Stelle wanted to say, and waved her hand.
"Mm!" Stelle nodded sharply, then turned and hurried away.
"Hmph, don't use my puppets for any strange shenanigans."
Watching Stelle's retreating figure, Herta had nothing more to add. After delivering this final warning, the light in her eyes gradually dimmed, signaling that Herta herself had logged off.
"Me? The pure and flawless Saintess? What mischief could I possibly get into?" Lumina shook her head, chuckled, and picked up the Herta Puppet. Turning, she walked toward her own room...
A pristine young girl in a snow-white dress, holding a lifeless "young girl" in her arms—the scene was undeniably comical...
Fortunately, no one witnessed this peculiar sight...