No one tried to persuade Stelle to make a different choice. It wasn't about celebration or ceremony—it was about survival. The Space Station was still under threat, and priorities were clear.
Still, Ellie couldn't help but offer a warm welcome in her signature style:
"Welcome aboard the Astral Express, our newest nameless～♪"
Stelle smiled softly. She didn't know why, but standing next to Ellie made her feel safe.
March clapped her hands. "Wow! We haven't had a new passenger in ages. Take care of us, okay～?"
Himeko smiled too. She had hoped Stelle would join, but hadn't expected such a quick decision. It was a pleasant surprise.
Just then, a familiar figure approached—pink-haired like Ellie, but with a more serious air.
"Hi～ Asta, miss me? ♪" Ellie called out cheerfully.
Asta, visibly exhausted, managed a smile. "Hello, Ellie. And thank you, everyone. If it weren't for you, the Legion might've wiped us out. With Lady Herta absent, things have been… tense."
Himeko stepped forward. "The Astral Express has always had a good relationship with the Space Station. Even if we weren't allies, we would still help. That's what the Astral Express do."
Asta nodded gratefully. But before she could respond further, she found herself gently pulled into Ellie's arms.
"Okay, here we are," Ellie whispered, stroking her hair. "Look at those dark circles. You need rest～♪"
Asta froze, her brain short-circuiting. March puffed her cheeks in envy, her jealousy practically visible. Stelle tilted her head, amused by the sudden shift in atmosphere.
Blushing, Asta mumbled, "Ali… let me go. I'll rest after the crisis is over."
Ellie leaned in, her breath warm against Asta's ear. "Promise me～♪"
Asta's ears turned crimson.
March couldn't take it anymore. "Ellie! What are you doing?! Look at poor Asta!"
Ellie broke free from March's grip, tilted her head, and stuck out her tongue. "Ehey～♪"
Asta eventually composed herself, though her blush lingered. Ellie… why can't you just hug me when we're alone? There are so many people watching…
Danheng and Himeko watched quietly, both smiling. Danheng's smile was so subtle, even he didn't notice it.
Stelle ran up to Ellie and mimicked her: "Ehey～"
March gasped. "Ellie! You've corrupted Stelle!"
Ellie beamed. "Stelle's adorable! Just like me～♪"
Stelle placed her hands on her hips and gave March a smug look. I'm unstoppable now.
But the warmth didn't last.
A siren blared.
Asta's expression turned serious as she rushed back to her station. Everyone followed.
Ellie tilted her head. "What's wrong? What's making our lovely Asta frown～♪"
Asta paused—Ellie's words stunned her for a moment—but she quickly regained composure.
"A Doomsday Beast has breached the station perimeter. Everyone from the Astral Express, please evacuate. We'll hold the line until Lady Herta returns."
Ellie opened her mouth, but Himeko stepped in. "Asta, with respect, most of your staff are civilians. If we leave now, the station may fall. Let us help."
Asta hesitated. The Doomsday Beast was powerful, and she didn't want anyone from the Express hurt.
Ellie stepped forward, eyes pleading. "Let's face it together, okay? I don't want you getting hurt either～♪ We're strong. We'll be fine."
Himeko smiled knowingly. Asta wouldn't say no now.
Finally, Asta nodded. "Head to the support module. It's open and better suited for combat. I'll send a guard to lure the beast there."
Ellie waved goodbye. "Be careful, okay? The space station will remember your kindness～♪"
Asta watched them go, warmth blooming in her chest.
The team arrived at the support module. The Doomsday Beast loomed nearby, hammering the defensive wall.
March pointed dramatically. "Hey! Come down!"
To everyone's shock, the beast obeyed.
"…March," Danheng muttered.
"Uh… I didn't think it would actually listen! I've never seen a Doomsday Beast so obedient!"
"Be careful! It's coming!" Himeko shouted.