(This storyline may feature frequent scene cuts. Those prone to motion sickness, proceed with caution!)
At noon on the day of the ball, Schiller did not go to the dining hall. Instead, he had the waiter bring food to his room. He ordered an extra meal for Rocket Raccoon, who sat on the table, tearing chicken from a drumstick with his little claws.
Suddenly, he saw a glass full of water being held out before him. Rocket Raccoon looked up at Schiller, who had offered it, with a puzzled expression. Schiller stared back at him and asked, "Aren't you going to wash up?"
"I'm not a raccoon!!!"
Schiller smiled. Rocket Raccoon sighed, then said somewhat wistfully, "Never thought you'd let me eat on the table. You hairless freaks always treat me like some little pet. You act like not putting a leash around my neck is already an act of great mercy."
"I treat all intelligent life equally. Compared to their various appearances, I care more about their minds. I can tell you're a little anxious right now. What are you worried about?"
Rocket Raccoon raised his head and blinked, then tilted it slightly, as though wondering how Schiller could see through his thoughts. But soon, he frowned and said, "Don't you think all this is too much of a coincidence? I mean everything surrounding the M'Kraan Crystal."
"First, I came here, and my core protocols contained information about the M'Kraan Crystal. Then the Shi'ar Queen came to the banquet because she was troubled by the M'Kraan Crystal and wanted to find help. Right after that, the bald guy started eyeing the M'Kraan Crystal too."
Rocket Raccoon's brows knotted deeply. His tail slapped irritably against the table, and his hands stopped moving. He said, "It feels like there's an invisible