"Uh, the familiar 'definitely next time' rhetoric again!"
"The Navigator's schedule is really saturated... Looks like it's really just the two of us this time."
"Since it's decided, I'll go to my room to pack my luggage first. Come find me when you're ready. It's not impossible to try persuading Teacher Adrian again."
...
A few minutes later, in the Passenger Car.
Stelle pushed open the door and froze on the spot instantly upon seeing the scene before her.
She saw the intertwining of pale purple and white dress hems, fluttering and elegant. Decorations of snowflakes and ice crystals highlighted the beauty of a winter theme.
"How is it, my new dress? What do you think?"
Stelle's attention focused on those crystal-clear snowflakes and ice crystals. Sewn or inlaid on the tulle, they shone brightly with the flow of light, as if freezing the most beautiful moments of winter on the dress hem.
Pink short hair was March 7th's distinctive mark, perfectly merging with this outfit that combined romance, exquisiteness, and a touch of fantasy ice and snow elements.
"Dressed up for the occasion~"
"It's been in my wardrobe all along, just didn't have a chance to wear it out before. Finally encountered such an occasion, how can I not dress up properly?"
"As for you, you don't really have only this one set of clothes, do you..." An official complaint from March 7th.
Stelle smiled awkwardly. "Because I am a dedicated Stellaron Spirit, I won't change into other clothes unless necessary! This shows my unique characteristics!"
"Forget it, forget it, pretend I didn't say anything! As long as one of us pays attention to appearance, it's enough!"
"Let me see... pajamas, warming pack, and Pom-Pom's doll... All set, ready to go!"
March 7th suddenly turned around. "Speaking of which, how did you pack so quickly? No luggage to bring?"
Stelle pointed to the bat and the hourglass necklace in her hand. "A solitary woman needs no luggage!"
"Hmph~ I don't believe it. Don't try to bluff me! Go pack your luggage quickly!"
"Jarilo-VI... I just glanced at the observation records released by Mr. Yang. Compared to our first Trailblaze trip, the average temperature of that planet has returned to normal, fully meeting habitable conditions!"
"Really happy for Bronya and Seele~ Also have to thank Pontiff Blake properly."
Stelle packed her luggage at lightning speed and dragged over the slacking Adrian.
"Teacher Adrian! You really wanted to come to the celebration after all!"
"No, I'm only responsible for opening the portal."
"Woo~ We're colleagues after all, not giving any face at all..." March 7th slightly closed her eyes. A trace of sorrow slowly climbed onto her face, and subtle sadness quietly enveloped her.
It could be seen that she very much hoped for another travel companion to join her [Trailblaze] squad. Just two people was indeed a bit few.
"March, I acknowledge your acting skills! Let's go, celebrate the festival!"
March 7th instantly changed her attitude: "Yay! Belobog, get ready to welcome this young lady again!"
...
Far beyond the Star Abyss, Sanctuary of Eternity.
"Ah~ Praise My Lord."
Blake closed the Doctrine of Eternity, ending today's morning prayer.
"By the way, how is the search and rescue work for Screwlloyd going?" He looked at the acting Priestess behind him.
"Not yet. You know Deacon Screwlloyd is as elusive as Lady Freesna, likes to come and go alone... and has superb disguise skills. Finding him is no less difficult than Lord Ite returning to the Church."
"But there is also good news. The Knights found Deacon Screwlloyd's phone. Maybe we can reversely deduce his whereabouts."
"The Church or whatever... is no longer important."
Beside him, the acting Priestess who finished reporting the mission had lifeless eyes, having lost her original luster.
"Devout Priestess, why do you say this?"
Blake walked to the enshrined milk tea cup, took out a sponge, and gently wiped it.
"Lord Pontiff, do you know how many documents I signed and how many suggestion letters from the public I replied to in the few days you and Lady Freesna were away..."
"If not eighty thousand, there must be eight thousand. Whoever loves this position of acting Pontiff can have it." The Priestess moved a stool over, looked at her forearms which had developed muscles, and suddenly laughed out loud.
Ah, presumably this is the [Physical Strengthening] Pontiff Blake often talks about. Feels like she can lift a Legion Voidranger with one hand now.
"Raise your head, lost Priestess... This is just the most relaxing daily routine for a Pontiff. A successful Pontiff... no smile can be seen on her face."
"Huh? But I see you smiling quite happily..."
"So I am not a qualified Church Pontiff. I have failed Lord Ite. Oh! I repent!"
"This matter is also recorded in the Doctrine of Eternity. Let me find it, ah... right here in Article 35: If any Church staff (limited to Pontiff and Priestess) shows signs of slackening faith, please leave the Church consciously... and reflect on yourself."
Seeing Blake suddenly kneel on the ground and chant the content of the Doctrine of Eternity incessantly, the acting Priestess felt something was wrong!
What is this ominous premonition? Like an invisible hand suddenly grabbing her heart, unable to break free.
"Mmh! In summary, I decided to temporarily lay down the heavy burden of [Pontiff] and go catch that elf running around everywhere back. During my absence... the Church is entrusted to you! Bye-bye~"
"Wait... Pontiff Blake...!"
As soon as the words fell, Blake disappeared before the Priestess's eyes, leaving only a copy of the Doctrine of Eternity.
Acting Priestess: ...
Lady Freesna was right. Obtained hope briefly... but unexpectedly, what followed was eternal despair.
In the blink of an eye, the heavy burden of the Church returned to her.
Ah, might as well resign.
Meanwhile, a bar of soap was dragging Blake along, performing high-speed movement equivalent to interstellar warp.
"Said it's a vacation, where is good to go... The [Tavern]?"
"No, no. That place just got bombed. If I go as a guest, I might get surrounded and beaten by Masked Fools. Too dangerous."
Blake first passed on the option of going to the [Tavern]... Mmh, better go to Jarilo-VI where the ice and snow are melting. The Supreme Guardian there seemed to have sent him an invitation.
Heard they are holding a festival celebration there, so he, Blake, has to go.
...
The scene changed to Jarilo-VI.
In front of the [Neverwinter] Workshop, Blake stared at Freesna in front of him, not knowing what to say.
Her skin was as white as congealed first snow, delicate almost to transparency.
Those emerald-like eyes were set on a small and exquisite face. The corners of her eyes tilted up slightly, and pointed ears quietly poked out from her silver hair.
It could be seen that she was equally surprised by Blake's appearance.
However, the most surprised one had to be Serval, who just walked out of the workshop.
"Mmh, I feel like this scene happened a long time ago."