(The Xianzhou Arc officially begins. Before we start, let me say a few words.)
(Clara-sama is the strongest combatant below the Aeons, and her power surpasses others by anoverwhelming margin.)
(So, on the Xianzhou, you will witness, including but not limited to: Jing Yuan, even with the Divine General's power, getting utterly schooled; the Emanator of Destruction, Phantylia, wielder of Abundance's power, being obliterated in one slap; the Divine Diviner Lady using the Matrix of Prescience failing to pry out a single truthful word, etc…)
(If any of the above occurs, it is purely coincidental. Please do not blame Clara-sama.)
(Signed: The Universe's #1 Cutest, Clara-sama.)
Xianzhou Luofu, Starskiff Haven, Xuanye Avenue.
"Um… Firefly… we are now… we should be… lovers, right?"
On the bustling street, Firefly led Clara by her small hand, walking quietly amidst the crowd.
Feeling Firefly's presence beside her and recalling what had happened that morning, Clara asked Firefly nervously.
Hearing Clara's words, Firefly was momentarily stunned, but quickly came back to herself, gracing Clara with a smile.
"Of course."
"We are lovers now."
The hand holding Clara's tightened a little more.
"Mhm." Hearing this, Clara also broke into a smile. Then, as if spotting something, her eyes suddenly lit up.
Pointing excitedly in a direction, she said,
"Firefly, Firefly, I want to eat that, I want to eat that."
Firefly followed Clara's pointing finger and saw a Xianzhou native. In their hand was a bamboo stick, atop which rested a wooden disk supporting a semi-circular frame made of bent bamboo strips. Many small holes held numerous snacks—bright red fruits skewered on sticks.
Firefly didn't recognize what it was, but from its appearance, it seemed like some kind of candy?
But that wasn't important. If Clara wanted to eat it, then they'd buy it!
"Then let's go buy some~" Firefly held Clara's small hand tightly, as if afraid she might get lost. After confirming she was right beside her, she led her toward the Xianzhou candy seller.
…
"Boss, how much for this?" Looking at the candy before her, Firefly asked the vendor.
"Well now, rare customers." The vendor looked at Clara and Firefly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, then warmly introduced to the two:
"You two aren't from the Xianzhou, are you?"
"This is a traditional Xianzhou snack, Bingtanghulu—candied hawthorn sticks. They're very tasty. Would you like two?"
Smiling broadly, the vendor plucked two candied hawthorn sticks from the holes and handed them over.
'When friends come from afar, these two sticks will just be one Strale.'
(One Strale = one hundred Credits = one Chinese Yuan.)(This is the credit conversion rate for this story, please don't overthink it~)
(Pretty please!)
"Uh… Strale…" Hearing this unfamiliar currency name, Firefly felt a bit at a loss.
"Um… can we use Credits?"
"Ah…" Hearing Firefly's words, the vendor showed a somewhat troubled expression.
"Credits can be used on the Xianzhou, yes, but it depends on where."
"I'm sorry, but the main currency on the Xianzhou is still the Strale. I don't accept Credit payments here." The vendor shook his head.
"For someone like me who's lived my whole life on the Xianzhou Luofu, Credits are far less useful than Strale…"
"While you could go to a bank to exchange currency, it's a bit of a hassle, and nobody likes hassle."
"So, on the Xianzhou, most vendors default to only accepting Strale."
The vendor seemed worried that Firefly and Clara might misunderstand and lower their opinion of the Xianzhou, hurriedly explaining.
Firefly: …
No one told me Credits couldn't be used on the Xianzhou!
Firefly couldn't help but wail internally.
"Then forget it. Let's go exchange some Strale first and come back for them later." Seeing this, Clara could only shake her head.
Though the Stellaron Hunters, incited by the Interastral Peace Corporation, had become a notorious villainous organization,
In reality, none of them went in for things like arson, murder, or robbery.
Most of the time, they were law-abiding, upstanding citizens of the cosmos.
As for that small portion of the time…
Clara didn't spell it out, but those who get it, get it.
"Alright…" Though disappointment flickered in Firefly's eyes, she still nodded.
The agony of being broke… who understands?
Firefly mourned silently in her heart, then prepared to leave with Clara.
"Hmm… wait, wait."
Looking at Clara and Firefly, the vendor thought for a moment, then called them back.
"?"
The vendor handed the two candied hawthorn sticks over, then spoke slowly under their puzzled gazes:
"You two have come from afar to the Xianzhou Luofu. As guests, how could I not show some hospitality?"
"These two candied hawthorn sticks aren't any precious gift, but they best express my feelings."
"Please take them. They're very tasty."
The vendor gave a kindly smile, like an elder seeing younger generations, the affection evident.
Most Xianzhou natives were long-life species. Though this vendor looked to be in his twenties, his mental age likely belonged to an older generation…
"Heh, how about this: if you find them tasty after eating,"
"Remember to patronize my stall during your time touring the Xianzhou." The vendor chuckled, discerning their hesitation.
"Then we'll gratefully accept~" Clara glanced at Firefly, then unceremoniously took them.
Though getting something for nothing wasn't great, Clara really, really wanted to try the candied hawthorn sticks.
Clara tore off the outer wrapper of the candied hawthorn stick, eagerly licked it with her tongue, then took a big bite.
"Mmm~ Delicious!" Clara's eyes instantly sparkled.
"Haha, glad you like them, glad you like them." Seeing Clara's adorable expression, the vendor's heart softened.
"Firefly, you try some too." Clara held her candied hawthorn stick out to Firefly's mouth.
After confirming their relationship as lovers, Clara had shed her previous shyness.
Seeing the offered treat, Firefly didn't hesitate at all, biting right where Clara had bitten before.
"Mhm… tasty, sweet and sour." Firefly ate the piece, savoring it carefully.
Whether it was the food itself or because it carried a trace of Clara's saliva, Firefly found it exceptionally delicious.
"I'm glad you like it." Seeing Firefly also enjoyed the flavor, Clara gave a sweet smile.
Then she took a bite right where Firefly had bitten.
"…"
The vendor watched their interaction, unable to suppress a knowing, affectionate smile.
The pure friendship between two girls…
How lovely.
…
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