The Astral Express was buzzing with energy. After officially welcoming Stelle to the crew, the team threw a small orientation party—nothing extravagant, but filled with warmth and laughter. Stelle, still adjusting to her new role, found herself surrounded by people who felt like family.
While Himeko and Welt chatted with Stelle about her journey back at the Herta Space Station, Ellie kept her distance, not wanting to interrupt. Instead, she happily unloaded a stream of bizarre gossip to March 7, who listened with wide eyes and a grin.
"I'm telling you, March," Ellie whispered dramatically, "Robins are super clingy."
"What? How would you know that?" March leaned in, intrigued.
"Well… I just do～♪"
Before March could press further, Stelle suddenly appeared beside them, silent as a shadow.
"Ah! You scared me!" March clutched her chest. "Are you secretly a cat or something?"
Stelle scratched her head, sheepish. "Sorry…"
Ellie recovered instantly, flashing a smile. "Anyway～ Next topic!"
Just then, Pom Pom's cheerful voice rang out:
"Passengers, please note: the train is about to move. Please sit down."
Ellie stood up immediately. March followed suit, determined not to be outdone. Stelle hesitated. Didn't Pom Pom say to sit? But seeing the others stand, she joined in.
Himeko and Welt exchanged amused glances as the countdown began.
With a sudden jolt, the train shifted—and both March and Stelle toppled over.
Ellie remained perfectly balanced, pointing at the two with a playful smirk.
"Ah! Why is Sister Ellie always able to stay standing? Did you use some kind of ability?" March grumbled.
Ellie giggled. "If I used a special ability, then March is a puppy～♪"
March blinked. "Huh… I guess that makes sense… Wait! Who are you calling a puppy?!"
Stelle chimed in, deadpan: "If you can't do it, don't envy others. Just train harder."
March turned her glare to Stelle, who suddenly felt a chill.
Himeko clapped her hands. "Alright, enough teasing. Come look—this is Jarilo VI."
The train's viewport revealed a vast, snow-covered planet. Stelle's eyes widened. She'd never seen another world before. It was breathtaking.
March bounced excitedly. "It's so white! I love it!"
Danheng, who had been silent, finally spoke. "This isn't right. Jarilo VI wasn't like this 700 years ago."
Himeko frowned. "Something must've happened…"
Pam appeared, flustered. "Um… bad news. The train's parking time has changed from three days to… unlimited."
"What? Why?" March asked.
Ellie crossed her arms. "It's obviously the stellaron doings～♪"
Welt nodded, confirming her suspicion. "The readings are consistent."
Himeko sighed. "Then it's up to us nameless to investigate."
Welt perked up. "So… who's going?"
Himeko smiled gently. "You'll go next time, Welt. This time, it's the four of them."
Welt nodded, masking his disappointment with grace.
Ellie grabbed March and Stelle's hands and called out, "Danheng! Let's go!"
"Ellie," Himeko called softly.
Ellie turned, curious.
"Be careful out there."
Ellie winked. "I'll be fine～♪"