"Wait a moment." Gepard's calm voice cut through the group's chatter, halting their steps.
Everyone turned. Gepard scanned the group, then asked, "Where is Miss March 7?"
"She went ahead to the Hotel," Ellie replied with a cheerful smile. "Is something wrong, Lord Gepard?～♪"
"Ah… no, not wrong," Gepard said, clearing his throat. "I just came to inform you that the Great Guardian has lifted all restrictions on your movement. As long as you follow the law, you're free to explore the city."
He reached into his coat and pulled out a small cloth pouch. "Also, you'll need these—Winterfell Shields. It's our local currency."
Before Ellie could take it, Stelle snatched the pouch with a curious look. "What are these used for?"
Ellie frowned slightly but said nothing. She wasn't used to thinking about money—Eden had always taken care of things, and her status as a Pure Beauty Knight had earned her favor wherever she went. But Stelle's practicality won out.
Gepard, though mildly annoyed, kept his composure. "They're used for trade. You'll need them to buy food, supplies, or access certain places."
"Thanks," Stelle said, smiling.
A Silvermane Guard approached. "Captain, is it time to go?"
"Not yet," Gepard replied. "I'm still briefing our guests."
The guard nodded and left.
"I'm heading to the front lines soon," Gepard continued. "So I'll keep this brief."
"Wait～♪" Ellie called out again.
Gepard paused, his boots crunching against the snow. "Yes?"
"Can you tell us what's interesting around here? I want to explore later～♪"
Gepard thought for a moment. "The Golden Opera House is worth visiting. The History Museum too, though you'll need a certificate to enter. If you like music, the Perpetual Motion Mechanical House hosts open-air performances. You'll know the performers when you see them."
He hesitated, then added, "Also… be careful. An alley near thE Hotel it has been affected by the Fragmentum. Don't—wait, Miss March 7!"
His face turned pale. He'd just remembered the warning too late.
"Why are you still here?" March's voice rang out from behind.
Gepard turned, stunned. "Miss March 7, what are you doing?"
"I tried to buy something, but they don't accept credit points…" March said, defeated.
Ellie burst out laughing. March lunged at her, tickling her mercilessly.
"Okay! Okay! March! I surrender! Stop—ticklish!"
"That's what you get for laughing at me, Sister Ellie!"
Dan Heng sighed and rubbed his forehead. Stelle watched with amusement.
Gepard, seeing the chaos, gave Dan Heng a nod and quietly returned to his duties.
Eventually, Ellie pushed March away, feigning anger. "You're so mean, March!"
March turned to Stelle, and the two silently counted down: 3… 2… 1…
Ellie spun around, beaming. "I lied～♪ How could I be mad at you?"
March rolled her eyes. "Of course."
But Ellie wasn't done. She pulled out March's camera. "HoHo～♪"
March's eyes widened. "No—!"
Snap. The camera shattered against the ground.
March stared in horror. "Why would you—ouch!"
Ellie quickly pulled out the real camera. "I lied again～♪ This one's a fake. I made it with my ability. Don't cry～♪"
March snatched it back, checking the photos. Everything was intact. She glanced at the shattered pink crystal on the ground and finally believed her.
Still, she turned away, pouting.
Ellie hugged her arm. "Don't be mad～♪"
"Hmph."
Ellie hugged tighter. "Forgive me, okay? March～♪"
"You need to show sincerity."
Ellie nodded. "How about I design a dress for you?"
March's eyes lit up. "Seriously?"
"Seriously～♪"
"Then I forgive you."
Ellie turned to Stelle. "Stelle, want me to design one for you too?"
Stelle blinked. "Me?"
"Yes～♪"
Stelle hesitated. March nudged her. "Come on. Ellie's designs are one-of-a-kind."
Finally, Stelle nodded. "Alright."
Ellie looked at Dan Heng, but he waved her off. "I still haven't worn the last one you made."
Ellie pouted. "Fine～♪"
Then she leaned in and whispered to March, "Let's talk about our route next…"