["Speaking of which, look who's here — Sunday, the most handsome man in Penacony! And the renowned singer of the universe, [Robin]!"]
[The girl in the formal dress behind Sunday smiled slightly and looked at her brother: "He says you're the most handsome person in Penacony. How interesting."]
[Robin invited the members of the Astral Express to rest for a while, while Sunday asked Aventurine to speak with him privately.]
[Before leaving, Aventurine waved at Stelle: "Hey, friend, you doing okay? I was just joking earlier. I hope you don't mind. I apologize for my rudeness. Here, 10,000 credit points — a small meeting gift as my compensation."]
["Thank you, but the gift is not necessary."]
["You've got backbone. I've decided to make you my friend. Here, 20,000 credit points." Aventurine maintained a perfect smile and doubled the meeting gift without changing his expression.]
["Then I won't hold back."]
["That's the spirit!" Aventurine patted Stelle's shoulder. "Friends don't need to be so polite. If you need anything, just say the word. I've got you covered."]
——
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
"Wait, he just casually gave away 20,000 credit points? T-Then I also want to be friends with him…"
"Goddess, first of all, there's no way we would ever meet him, and even if we did, he wouldn't want to be friends with us." Bell smiled helplessly.
"So, Bell! Hurry up and get to know this rich young master who likes throwing money around!" She excitedly shook Bell's shoulders. "Someone with a gambling hobby like that is definitely an elite from a prestigious family. Bell, when you're adventuring in the dungeon, you have to pay special attention to people like him!"
Bell felt dizzy from the shaking but still tried to focus his gaze: "G-Goddess… I think that Mr. Aventurine seems a bit strange…"
"Strange? What's strange about him? That generous spirit of throwing money around, that calm demeanor no matter the situation — Ahhh, if only our Familia had a patron like that…" Hestia had already begun fantasizing on her own.
Bell, however, frowned. His red eyes stared intently at the faint pattern visible at Aventurine's collar: "That mark… I think I've seen something similar in my grandfather's old books…"
Liliruca suddenly appeared in the tavern, carrying a mug of beer as she sat beside Bell: "It's a slave brand."
Hestia's fantasy came to an abrupt halt: "…What?"
"Although it's been partially covered with clothes and accessories." Liliruca pointed at the black code on the side of Aventurine's neck. "For some good-looking slaves, slave owners often brand their necks so they can identify them at a glance without ruining the value of their appearance."
"…Aventurine used to be a slave?"
Although Liliruca's analysis was reasonable, Hestia still found it hard to believe for a moment. Whether it was Aventurine's manner of speaking, his style, or his tone, they all seemed cultivated by the upbringing of a wealthy family. Coupled with his gambling hobby…
"This is just my speculation. Take it with a grain of salt." Liliruca shrugged. "But if he really was a slave before, then his methods are quite noteworthy. Rising from a slave to a P45 high-level executive in the company at such a young age… It's hard to imagine what he must have done in the company all these years."
——
[After Aventurine left for some business, Stelle returned to the Express group and saw that March 7th had completely turned into a fangirl.]
["Um, excuse me, you… I mean, are you perhaps…" In front of her idol, March 7th couldn't even speak properly. "That singer, the superstar from Epsilon… 'If I can stop one heart from breaking' is your work, right?"]
[Robin nodded gently: "I didn't expect such a cute young lady to be one of my fans."]
[Welt asked curiously: "Are you and that gentleman both members of Penacony's Family?"]
["To be honest, I am a guest just like all of you. Penacony is my hometown, but I left after growing up. This time, I was fortunate enough to be invited back to perform a song at the [Harmonious Concert]."]
["The Sunday I mentioned is my brother, one of the local leaders of Penacony and the host of this [Harmonious Concert]. Upon hearing that you encountered trouble, he brought me along to provide assistance."]
[After saying this, Sunday walked over and stated that the issue the Express group faced earlier had been resolved. As the actual administrators of Penacony, they would do their utmost to resolve any difficulties for everyone.]
[After explaining this, Sunday left with Robin.]
[Although there had been twists and turns, they could finally check in normally. Everyone went to the public rest area on the first floor. After watching March 7th and Stelle head to the second floor to put away their luggage, Himeko elegantly sat down at a seat by the bar counter and lightly pushed a glass of orange sparkling water toward Welt.]
["Welt, shall we have a drink first?" Himeko watched the bubbles rising from the bottom of the glass. "Penacony's 'SoulGlad' is quite famous."]
["Mm…" Welt accepted the drink and looked at the reflection of his face in it. "…Go ahead, we're probably thinking about the same thing."]
["Do you remember the [invitation letter] the train received?"]
["Cordially inviting 'honored guests of the Family' to visit Penacony and join other guests in a grand banquet — it was precisely because of this invitation that we are here."]
["You remember correctly — but there is more to this invitation letter." Himeko smiled with pursed lips. "…Behold the impossible within dreams, seek the legacy of Penacony's father, the [Watchmaker], and then answer: Why does life slumber."]
——
One Piece.
Luffy lay sprawled on the deck, looking puzzled as he watched Himeko and Welt's serious discussion.
"Why does life slumber? Huh? Isn't it just because you're tired?"
Robin beside him elegantly closed her book and chuckled lightly: "Of course it's not that simple. This question definitely involves some metaphors. Combined with Penacony's 'dream' theme, it might uncover some secrets behind the Family."
"Tch, boring." Zoro sat cross-legged on the edge of the lookout platform, wiping Wado Ichimonji without looking up. "Whether it slumbers or not, that 'Watchmaker's legacy' is what's most noteworthy, right? Don't you think it sounds a lot like One Piece? It might hide Penacony's most precious treasure, like… ownership of Penacony or something? It might even be related to that [Harmony] Aeon."
Robin helplessly held her forehead: "You two really are…"
She took a sip of coffee. "Ownership or whatever… Thinking about it carefully, that doesn't seem reliable, does it? The Watchmaker, as the father of Penacony, must be the creator of this dreamscape. What if the one who inherits Penacony is the Annihilation Gang? Wouldn't all efforts turn to ashes?"
"Moreover, the nominal owners of Penacony now are the Family of [Harmony]. Although they appear upright, such family forces are the most stubborn. I don't think they would hand Penacony over to anyone."