Sylvia had no idea exactly how many photos March 7th had snapped of her.
Even after Welt had cautioned the two of them to keep it down, March likely spent at least another two system hours clicking away.
"Hmm... I took so many. I've gotta pick the absolute best one to hang on the photo wall."
March 7th was currently perched in front of the computer in her room, scrolling through the day's photographic haul. Beside her, sitting on the edge of the bed, Sylvia was cradling a cup of instant coffee.
By now, Sylvia had reverted to her original appearance.
Holding the mug, she asked with a hint of curiosity, "By the way, you're actually drinking instant coffee while on the Express? Won't Himeko be sad if she finds out?"
"Uh... what are you talking about! Why would Himeko get sad over something so small? Besides, I can't exactly go bothering her every single time I want a cup of coffee."
March 7th shot Sylvia a self-righteous glare, sternly correcting the error in her logic.
"Right, right. Whatever you say."
Sylvia stared at March with a playful smile, taking a slow sip of the instant brew. I'll just take your word for it.
"Whoa—you don't believe me, do you!?"
"Who said I didn't?"
"Your tone just now! You were totally teasing me! You're driving me crazy!"
March 7th huffed, glaring at Sylvia. Then, her eyes narrowed with a mischievous glint as she began to look Sylvia up and down, as if deep in thought.
"...What's with that look?"
"Hmph. Didn't you say you wanted Himeko's coffee? I'll go ask her right now if she's still awake."
"..."
Sylvia fell silent for a moment, but then a look of genuine anticipation crossed her face.
It caught March 7th completely off guard.
Rather than being intimidated, Sylvia was actually curious about what Himeko's coffee tasted like—the kind of brew that could scare the rest of the crew to such an extent.
She really wanted to try one of those "legendary" skills you only hear about in stories.
"...You—you better not regret this!"
March 7th's eyes widened, even as a devious grin tugged at the corners of her mouth.
She was already tapping away on her phone, messaging Himeko. Even if it didn't happen tonight, she'd make sure Sylvia had a cup waiting for her first thing in the morning.
The last person who didn't believe the warnings was Stelle. As for what happened after... best not to mention it.
"Heh~"
Sylvia shot March a provocative look. It was the final straw that snuffed out March's last flicker of "mercy," leaving nothing but a dark desire for mischief.
Just then, Himeko's reply came through. She seemed quite delighted by the request that Sylvia wanted to try her coffee.
A short while later, there was a knock on March's door.
Himeko stood at the entrance, her vibrant red hair cascading over her shoulders, looking elegant in her formal gown.
"Little March, you caught me just in time. I was just about to head to bed."
Himeko gave Sylvia a warm nod before greeting March. However, she caught a scent in the air and noticed the mug in Sylvia's hand.
"Is that... instant coffee?"
March 7th stood up awkwardly, rushing to explain.
"Ah, haha... yeah. Since it was so late, Sylvia wanted some coffee, and I thought she could just make do with instant. But turns out she's not a fan, so I had to bother you, Himeko."
"I see. Well, why don't you two wait outside for a bit? The coffee will be ready shortly."
Himeko gave the two girls a gentle smile before turning back toward the car where the espresso machine was kept.
Watching her leave, March waved, then suddenly froze as her brain caught up.
"Wait, hold on... did Himeko just say 'you two'?"
She stared at Sylvia with a look of pure dread, hoping for a different answer.
Sylvia couldn't help but burst out laughing. "Yep, she said 'you two.' Sounds like you're getting a serving, too."
"But why—?!"
March 7th looked like she'd been struck by lightning. She couldn't fathom why she was being dragged down with her.
Sylvia grabbed March's arm with a beaming smile. "We're friends, aren't we? Of course we should enjoy it together."
With that, Sylvia began pulling March toward the door. March tried to resist, but she stood no chance against Sylvia's strength.
"Wait, wait, wait! You're the one who wanted to drink it, don't bring me into this! Let me go get ready for bed, I need a shower! Don't pull, hey, don't grab me!"
"Hehe~ You can shower after we drink."
"Who says it won't be too late by then! Dammit, you're literally laughing out loud! Sylvia, you really know how to pay back a favor with a grudge!"
As March 7th struggled in vain and cried out, Sylvia paused, looking a bit puzzled.
"Where did you learn that idiom? You used it completely wrong..."
"Huh? I did?"
March blinked and scratched her head sheepishly.
"I think you meant 'biting the hand that feeds you'..."
Sylvia was a bit speechless, but she took advantage of March's lowered guard to whisk her into the parlor.
By the time March realized what was happening, Sylvia had already pressed her into a seat at the table.
"..."
March 7th puffed out her cheeks and glared. This girl! She really was a troublemaker!
Before long, Himeko emerged carrying a coffee carafe. Seeing March there as well, Himeko's smile brightened. She enthusiastically set out three cups and poured a steaming serving for everyone present.
"Add sugar and milk as you like, though I personally recommend it black."
Himeko pushed a small pitcher of milk and some sugar cubes toward Sylvia and March.
Sylvia, without hesitation, poured in a generous amount of both. She loved the aroma of coffee, but she wasn't exactly a fan of the bitterness of a black brew.
Watching Sylvia add what looked like a lethal dose of sugar and cream, Himeko's eyelid twitched twice.
Does this child... actually like coffee?
As for March 7th's hesitating and dawdling, Himeko didn't pay it much mind.
"I take great pleasure in blending various beans to create unique flavors. This cup, for instance, is a special blend I crafted using varieties from seven different star systems."
Himeko grew visibly passionate the moment the topic turned to coffee. Sylvia picked up her cup and took a deep sniff.
The aroma itself wasn't bad, even if there were some rather... "interesting" notes buried in the blend. But considering it was a mix from seven different planets, she couldn't exactly judge it by her old standards.
Beside her, March 7th was already watching her with the look one gives a condemned hero. As Sylvia leaned down to take a sip, March even covered her mouth with her hands.
Amused by the reaction, Sylvia blew on the steam a few times before taking a small sip.
"Mmm... hmm..."
For a cup of coffee, it possessed a flavor that transcended the bean itself, spreading across her palate in complex, rhythmic layers. It was certainly... unique.
Honestly, Sylvia felt like this had nothing in common with the coffee she remembered. But surprisingly, it was actually tolerable. She rubbed her chin and took another sip. While the flavor was complex and strange, with the milk and sugar, it was actually okay.
"It's... not bad."
"What?!"
March 7th was so shocked by the verdict that she nearly jumped out of her seat. This earned her a reproachful look from Himeko, as if to say, Why have you been slandering my coffee?
"Uh, I mean... I just didn't expect Sylvia to be such a connoisseur! Ahahaha..."
While breaking out in a cold sweat, March 7th silently moved Sylvia into the same category of "eccentrics" as Dan Heng.
--+--
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.