The [Perpetual Motion] Mechanical House—Gepard had mentioned it might host open-air performances, so the crew of the Astral Express arrived with snacks in hand, hoping for a show to accompany their dinner.
But luck wasn't on their side.
"No open-air performance today…" March sighed, her voice tinged with disappointment.
Ellie blinked, lost in thought. Stelle, meanwhile, was more interested in the nearby trash can than any performance. She didn't dare approach it, though—not with Ellie around.
Ellie clapped her hands. "March～ It's still early. Let's check out the mechanical house! Even without a show, we can explore Jarilo's tech～♪"
March perked up. "Yeah! Let's see what kind of high-tech stuff they've got!"
Their spirits lifted—except for Dan Heng, who remained quietly observant.
As they knocked on the mechanical house's door, none of them noticed the distant gaze of Cocolia, watching from her residence. Ellie glanced back briefly, a flicker of emotion in her eyes, but said nothing.
Dan Heng leaned in. "Ely… did you feel that too?"
Ellie nodded, then whispered near his ear, "Let March enjoy herself first～♪"
Dan Heng's heart skipped. The warmth of her breath lingered, but before he could respond, March called out, "Sister Ellie! Come on!"
Ellie twirled. "Coming～♪"
Dan Heng exhaled. I hope we're wrong…
—
Inside the mechanical house, Serval—a woman with blonde hair streaked in blue—was hunched over her workbench, adjusting a pocket watch.
"Enter," she said without looking up.
The door creaked open.
"Buying or repairing?" she asked, still focused.
"Uh… visiting," March replied, scratching her head.
Serval looked up, surprised. "Well, alright. Just don't break anything. I'm Serval, owner of this place."
March began introductions, but Ellie jumped in with a wink. "Hi～ I'm Elysia, a beautiful girl from beyond the stars～♪"
Serval chuckled. "Got it. Come by anytime. There are not many visitors here."
While the others explored, Ellie watched Serval work. "I won't disturb you～♪"
Serval nodded, smiling.
Then March shouted, "Wow! It's the same heater as outside!"
Everyone turned. Serval paused and looked over. "That? It's just a marrow heater. You see them everywhere."
Stelle replied, "Not strange to locals. But we're new here."
Serval blinked. "Wait… you guys are the outsiders who met the Great Guardian?"
Her demeanor shifted—warm, curious. She walked over and explained the heater's function, then answered questions about Belobog's systems and history.
Ellie, moved by her kindness, synthesized a delicate crystal hairpin and offered it to her.
"Whoa! That's gorgeous! Can you teach me how to make stuff like this?" Serval beamed.
Ellie grinned. "It's a gift～♪ From a friend. You can't refuse, or I'll cry～♪"
She made a mock-crying face. Serval laughed and accepted it.
As evening fell, Serval apologized. "Sorry, I've got work to finish. You're welcome anytime—especially if you're spending money."
The group said goodbye. Ellie tried to hug Serval, but March and Stelle held her back. Eventually, she succeeded.
—
On the way back to the hotel, they saw two Silvermane Guards restraining a man trying to enter the Fragmentum.
The erosion was worsening. The urgency to seal the stellaron was growing.
Back at the hotel, Dan Heng gathered everyone. "Something felt off when we met the Great Guardian."
Everyone nodded, uneasy.
Ellie, ever carefree, giggled. "Dan Heng～ You're amazing. I didn't notice a thing～♪"
They laughed, chatted, and eventually retired to their rooms.
Ellie closed her door, walked to the window, and gazed at Cocolia's residence.
Her voice was soft, but resolute.
"I won't leave any regrets this time～♪"