After her adventure inside the Simulated Universe, Stelle emerged with a head full of questions and a heart still racing. She was on her way back to the Astral Express when she noticed a crowd gathering ahead—excited voices, flashes of cameras, and a buzz that felt almost electric.
Curious and naturally drawn to commotion, Stelle pushed her way to the front with ease. What she saw made her stop in her tracks.
A girl with flowing pink hair, unmistakable elf-like ears, and a maid outfit that shimmered with elegance and charm. Her white stockings hugged her legs like silk, and her presence was so radiant it felt like a fairy had descended from the stars.
It was Ellie.
Stelle stood frozen, captivated.
Ellie, surrounded by fans, smiled politely but declined every photo and autograph request with graceful tact. Stelle watched as one man asked three times, and Ellie gave three different gentle refusals—each more creative than the last.
Then Ellie spotted Stelle.
"Sorry, my friend's here～♪ We'll take our leave now," she said, grabbing Stelle's hand.
"Wait, Ellie—!" someone called out.
Ellie turned, her voice soft but firm. "If you keep this up, Ellie won't visit the Herta Space Station again～♪"
That did the trick. The crowd parted, and Ellie whisked Stelle away.
As they ran, Ellie turned back and waved. "Bye-bye～♪"
The crowd sighed, disappointed but hopeful. Maybe next time.
Behind them, Asta watched the scene unfold, clutching a signed card Ellie had slipped her earlier. "My Ellie…" she whispered, smiling guiltily.
—
Near the Astral Express, Ellie finally stopped. She wasn't even winded. Stelle, on the other hand, was catching her breath.
Ellie adjusted her outfit and smiled. "Good thing you were here, Stelle. Or else I might've been mobbed forever～♪"
Stelle blinked. "Why were they surrounding you?"
Ellie tilted her head thoughtfully. "Maybe… because I'm cute and beautiful? They just couldn't help themselves～♪"
Stelle chuckled. She's not wrong.
Ellie caught her gaze and twirled. "Do you think I look good in this outfit? ♪"
Without hesitation, Stelle replied, "You look good in anything Ellie."
Ellie's smile deepened, but she said nothing.
Just then, March 7 appeared, arms crossed and eyes narrowed.
Stelle stiffened under her gaze.
"March～ You're here!" Ellie greeted cheerfully.
March's voice was tinged with jealousy. "Did I interrupt something?"
Ellie giggled. "Of course not. You're just as cute as me～♪"
March pouted. "You think that'll make me feel better?"
Ellie tilted her head. "Hmm? Are you angry?"
March quickly backpedaled. "I'm not angry! It's just… you two looked like you were on a date!"
Ellie smiled again, amused.
Realizing what she'd said, March flustered and changed the subject. "Anyway, Pom's calling for a meeting. I need to go!"
She dashed off, leaving Stelle staring after her, unsure why her chest felt tight.
Ellie waved from a distance. "Come on, Stelle! Back to the train～♪"
Stelle hesitated. She was just beside me… why does it feel so far now?
Still, her feet moved forward.
"I'm coming," she said softly.