Her head resting against Sylvia's shoulder, Acheron opened her mouth and bit down firmly on the soft flesh.
"Nnnn..."
The sudden sting made Sylvia inhale sharply.
"Another one?"
Last time, Acheron had done the same, claiming she needed to cover up Robin's scent.
Who would have thought she'd suddenly, out of nowhere, get bitten again?
"It's different."
Acheron lifted her head.
This time, there was no blood on her lips. She had only left another mark on Sylvia's shoulder.
"This time is different..."
Mei murmured softly, her gaze locked tightly onto Sylvia, as if afraid that in the next second, Sylvia might vanish from before her eyes.
It was the first time Sylvia had seen Mei wear such an expression.
Like a corner of the mask she always wore had been peeled back.
Sylvia gently lowered her forehead, resting it against Mei's.
"Mm, I know."
She took Mei's hand and guided her fingers to the bite mark on her own shoulder.
Mei's touch was firm.
So firm it almost hurt Sylvia.
For the first time, she realized that Mei, too, could feel fear.
And that...
Her own actions could worry Mei this much.
It was all there in her eyes, in her expression.
Though she offered no explanation, Sylvia could understand Mei's feelings.
Could understand what Mei was worried about, what she was afraid of.
So this was how much she already meant to Mei.
When the thought crossed Sylvia's mind.
Her heartbeat involuntarily quickened.
Was it joy?
Was it surprise?
She didn't know.
Mei's breathing echoed softly in her ears.
The pounding in her own chest clamored for attention, like some overbearing, lousy accompaniment trying to steal the show.
Her unseen cheeks grew warmer and warmer.
Sylvia gazed towards the horizon, trying to steady herself, but her heart showed no signs of calming down.
At some point, a hand slowly crept up and pressed against Sylvia's chest.
"Your heart's beating so hard."
Acheron seemed to have finally snapped out of her earlier state.
She stroked Sylvia's chest, feeling the vibrant pulse beneath.
Then, with a gentle push, she laid Sylvia down on the soft sand.
"Your face is really red too."
"..."
Lying on her back, Sylvia raised a hand to touch her own cheek.
Maybe it really was that red.
For some reason, just seeing Acheron's smile made Sylvia want to run away, to look away.
In a daze, Sylvia thought she saw a faint blush on Mei's face as well.
--+--
A long time passed.
Sylvia, having long lost track of time, lay with Mei on the deserted beach, both dressed in light, simple clothes, exchanging idle chatter.
Watching Bella soar back and forth across the distant sky.
"...The Interastral Peace Corporation approached you about this planet?"
Upon hearing Sylvia mention Topaz, Mei's expression shifted. She turned her head sharply and asked:
"Why are you only telling me about something this big now?"
"Uh... because I only heard about it from Topaz myself."
Sylvia scratched her cheek sheepishly, continuing her explanation:
"Our last conversation got cut short because of that Memory Zone Meme, and we haven't been in touch since. I figured nothing would come of it anytime soon. Besides—"
"Besides?"
Mei was curious if Sylvia actually wanted the planet, even though it was practically ravaged by the Stellaron.
With the Corporation's planetary restoration projects, it wouldn't take long to recover.
As for the exorbitant price, that wasn't really an issue, not after traveling the cosmos for so long.
Mei could recognize the planet's potential value; with proper management, turning a profit wouldn't be a problem.
"I'm pretty torn about whether I even want it. I don't know the first thing about management or contracts. I'd be walking in blind, and the Corporation would pick me clean."
In the original game's story, going by the hints in her dialogue, Topaz was probably one of the more conscientious ones in the Corporation.
If any other sales rep had handled the Jarilo-VI situation, they'd likely have bled the planet dry.
But that doesn't mean Topaz wouldn't pull a fast one on you.
When no interests are at stake, Sylvia doesn't find Topaz particularly unlikeable.
But if actual business gets involved, Sylvia trusts neither the Corporation nor her own abilities.
"Mm... that is a valid concern."
Mei nodded thoughtfully.
Sylvia's worry was very real.
Mei had some experience, but she wasn't good at this either. After thinking for a moment, she suddenly suggested:
"Why not try asking that Foxian girl from the Luofu?"
"You mean Tingyun? That's a good idea... I could consult with her."
Tingyun managed an entire Merchant Guild and was even being groomed by Yukong as the next Sky-Faring Commission Helm Master.
Sylvia figured that even if Tingyun hadn't personally handled this type of deal, she'd certainly have seen plenty.
It just hadn't clicked for Sylvia right away.
Mentioning it now, she remembered she did know someone good at business.
"Besides, you have good relations with the Xianzhou Luofu and the Astral Express. If you ever decide to do something, it'd be convenient."
Mei seemed to be seriously considering the possibilities.
Sylvia just laughed and said:
"Don't count your chickens before they hatch. No need to think that far ahead."
But Mei thought differently.
"You're going to be dealing with the IPC in Penacony anyway. It's better to be mentally prepared."
Too many factions were involved in the Penacony scene, and what happened to Sylvia happened right as she was negotiating with Topaz.
For all she knew, when the IPC personnel arrive in Penacony, they might come looking for her.
Or rather, knowing the IPC's style, they'd definitely seek her out for cooperation.
Navigating this galaxy, unless you completely disconnect from society.
You're bound to cross paths with the Corporation eventually.
For better or worse.
Mei gave her a few more earnest reminders.
Sylvai could only nod in agreement.
--+--
For the rest of that day, neither Sylvia nor Mei left the planet.
They built a campfire, set up a tent.
Ate their fill using the dishes Mei had brought along.
And spent the day camping near the shore, just the two of them with the fire.
Thanks to Bella being around, any monsters within dozens of kilometers were too cowed to even lift their heads.
None were foolish enough to disturb their rest.
The next day.
Before leaving, Mei repeated her warnings several times.
Telling Sylvia never to do something so dangerous again, like mimicking her blade.
It might be different for others, but Sylvia had been touched by IX's presence too many times.
For her to attempt that imitation was truly perilous.
And it was the first time Sylvia had seen this mother-hen side of Mei.
She felt that this whole incident had really shaken Mei, yet paradoxically, it made her personality feel more vivid, more real.
Even so, Sylvia wouldn't dare do anything reckless just to provoke a reaction.
This one time was enough to show her just how deeply Mei's feelings ran in certain aspects.
She really didn't want to make them run any deeper.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.