67. Publication Announcement / 68. Bro, You Made a Profit...

"Ah!"

Robin cried out and pulled herself out of the dream. Since the dream had only lasted a few seconds, she could not see anything more. Flustered, she hung up the phone and looked at Caelus with embarrassed eyes.

"Robin, what's wrong? Your face is all red."

Caelus looked at Robin in confusion. He did not actually know what the Dream Telephone Booth did. He had only seen Robin pick up the receiver and freeze for a few seconds before her face turned as red as an apple.

"Y-You, go away!"

The wings hidden behind Robin's ears suddenly spread out, then slapped Caelus across the face like arms. While he was still stunned, Robin hurriedly fled the telephone booth.

Robin covered her face as she jogged down the street. She did not know how to face Caelus anymore. She had never even dated before, yet she had seen her first kiss being taken. Although that had been Caelus's dream, was she not in a dream right now? One thing led to another, and it was practically the same as Caelus having kissed her.

Robin found it hard to imagine how Caelus had managed to manifest her in a dream, and make her so lifelike that even her reactions were exactly the same. Just how much did he have to like her to accomplish something like that?

When it came down to it, Caelus could not really be blamed. He had only been dreaming. No one said that one could not kiss the girl they liked in a dream. It also proved that he sincerely liked Robin. At that thought, the little bird's face reddened even further, and she failed to notice that she had already wandered onto the roadway.

When a speeding hovercar blared its horn as it rushed toward Robin, she could no longer react in time to avoid it. Just as she was about to be hit, Caelus dove forward and wrapped his arms around her, rolling with her off the roadway and back onto the sidewalk.

Both of them lay on the ground. When Robin came to her senses, she realized that Caelus was still shielding her with his arm, holding her tightly against his chest.

"Caelus, are you all right?"

Though Robin knew people could not be injured in the dream world, she was still worried about Caelus. It looked like he had been hit by the car while saving her.

"I'm fine. The car just grazed me."

Caelus adjusted his posture and sat up with Robin, then looked at her with concern.

"Little bird, how could you run around like that? Even if getting hit in the dream world won't injure you, it still hurts. I'd be heartbroken."

"Mm, I'm sorry."

Robin readily apologized. This had indeed been her fault. Her mind had been too greatly shaken, so she had lost her composure. After all, that had been her first kiss.

"What happened just now? Why did you suddenly get so worked up?"

Caelus asked in confusion. Robin looked at him with a complicated expression, but he could not figure out what he had done wrong.

"I-I remembered that I forgot to turn off the gas at home."

Robin casually came up with an excuse. She could not tell him what she had seen. If she had known this would happen, not even ten thousand reasons could have convinced her to look into Caelus's dream. The random number generator was simply too unfriendly.

"This... is kind of a big deal. I'll take you home, then."

Caelus chuckled and teased her, then pulled Robin up from the ground. Seeing that she was not in good spirits, he could only end their date early. Caelus understood that one could not bite off more than one could chew. He was already content that their relationship had progressed this far.

Caelus soon brought Robin to the entrance of the Family Theater. This was one of the Family's footholds, and few people knew Robin lived here. Much of the preparation for the Grand Gala was carried out here as well.

"Do you... want to come in and sit for a while?"

Robin spoke the customary words before parting. The more she interacted with Caelus, the more complicated her thoughts became. Robin had not wanted to get too deeply involved with him, but who could have expected her to see something like that? Once she started wondering whether Caelus would do even more excessive things to her in his dreams from now on, she was mortified.

"Sure. We bought so much merchandise this time—I'll help you decorate your room."

Caelus immediately took the opening. Robin glared at him indignantly. She should never have said it. Besides, she had not invited Caelus into her room. She had only said he could come sit in the Family's residence.

Robin still could not refuse Caelus's shamelessness, so she brought him to the room where she lived. Unlike the lounge from before, this could be called her most private space. However, it was not a bedroom, but a fully furnished suite. Past the entrance was a spacious living room, while the bedroom lay farther inside.

Only after returning to her own room did Robin finally let out a sigh of relief. At last, she could take off her sunglasses and mask. Wearing them for too long felt terribly stuffy—one of the inconveniences of being a huge star. She also took off Caelus's clothes and returned them to him.

Caelus caught his clothes and was almost reluctant to put them back on. He wanted to store them in the Dream Manual as a collectible, then take them out and breathe in their scent whenever he missed Robin. The little bird had clearly anticipated what he intended to do and shot him a warning look, telling him to put them on quickly and not do anything unnecessary.

Caelus had no choice but to change back into his own clothes. At least they still carried some of Robin's warmth.

Only then did Robin take out the Clock Boy merchandise they had bought one piece at a time. Caelus helped arrange it neatly beside her. Soon, the living room carpet was covered in merchandise. More than half consisted of badges and acrylic stands, over a hundred pieces in total. Arranged together, they were quite a sight.

There were over a dozen Clock Boy figures in all kinds of styles, as well as a Clock Boy statue around thirty centimeters tall. It was a limited-edition product that Caelus had nearly broken his head fighting to obtain.

"Just looking at these makes me feel better."

Robin looked at the merchandise on the floor, an unconscious smile appearing on her face. Rather than sit on the couch, she simply folded her legs and sat down, murmuring to herself.

"When I was very little, Clock Boy's cartoon would play on television, and Mother would hold my brother and me while we watched it together. Those days feel like yesterday, until... the day the Stellaron fell."

Robin recalled the past and explained why she liked Clock Boy. Perhaps she could not let go of the past, and wanted to use it to remember the happy days her family had shared.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know about that."

Caelus should have been happy. Robin being willing to talk about her past meant that he mattered to her. But hearing that another Stellaron disaster had destroyed her family made him want to stab his old man. If Robin learned that he was a Stellaron, her favorability toward him would probably drop straight to zero, and he would be tossed out like garbage.

"Why are you apologizing? It wasn't your fault."

Robin smiled and shook her head. She did not know as much as Sunday, but she could more or less guess that Caelus's identity was unusual. Otherwise, he would never have been allowed onto the Family's stage. She did not care about those schemes and intrigues. As long as Caelus did not deceive her in matters of the heart and treated her sincerely, that was enough.

P.S. Please bookmark, recommend, and send monthly tickets.

Release Announcement

Yes, kids, I'm back.

I was suddenly struck by terrible news before. I stumbled my way to where I am now, and I considered giving up, but I still persevered. The second season has reached the time for release as well. Thank you all for supporting Lu Xiaobi all this way.

There have been far too many things going on lately. After release, I'll try to update earlier and stop making you wait so late. (:∠)

Brother, You've Struck Gold

"Robin, let's take a picture together."

Caelus took out his phone and spoke to Robin, leaving her puzzled. The topic had changed too quickly for her to keep up.

"Huh? So suddenly?"

"It's for a keepsake. If I set our photo as my wallpaper, I can see you every day. Remember to smile happily."

Caelus said with a grin. He moved close to Robin, raised his phone, and prepared to take the picture from above.

"I haven't agreed yet."

Robin complained softly, but when she faced the camera, she still instinctively smiled. She raised her hand in a V-sign, freezing together with Caelus in the photo.

"You still have things to do, right? I won't disturb you any longer."

During the date, Caelus had wanted nothing more than to stick to Robin, but when it was time to leave, he was quite carefree. After taking the picture, he prepared to depart. He had done everything he needed to do and was already satisfied.

"Thank you. I had a lot of fun today."

Robin walked Caelus to the room's entrance, and she was in a good mood as well. When Caelus had first invited her out, she had thought something might happen to her. Yet from beginning to end, she had actually enjoyed herself. She had also seen the words "shamelessly thick-skinned" written all over Caelus.

"Thick-skinned, ruthless, and underhanded—I've done it all."

Caelus waved at Robin and said smugly. Robin froze for a moment. Only after lowering her head to look at her palm did she remember how Caelus had held her hand and dragged her around all day. They had still completed the intimate act of holding hands.

Robin shot Caelus a reproachful glare, but their experience of fleeing together through the streets had indeed been rare. She did not think he had deliberately taken advantage of her. It had merely been contact born of urgency.

"If a bird is born with no chains, then what binds my fate~"

After bidding Robin farewell, Caelus hummed as he walked away. Robin naturally heard what he was singing—it was her famous song, If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking. Caelus had heard it so often at Firefly's secret hideout that he had learned to hum it.

As Caelus rounded a corner, he suddenly sensed killing intent. He immediately drew the Architect's Lance and warily looked at the man approaching him.

"You came out of Robin's room?"

Sunday's expression was extremely gloomy, as though he had stepped in dog shit after leaving home, lost his wallet, and then been followed by a pervert. Malice radiated from every inch of him, all directed at Caelus.

"Y-Yes."

Caelus shivered slightly, hugging the lance to his chest. He felt that Sunday's aura was far more terrifying than a Stellaron's. Even a Great Extinguisher was nothing compared to him.

"What did you do?"

The little reason Sunday had left told him to stay calm and not fight Caelus to the death right now. But that reason would only last until Caelus said what he had done.

"Of course, we discussed our future. I'm going to marry little bird!"

Caelus declared firmly. Even if he died today, even if he died right here, he would shout it out loud—he wanted to become Robin's husband.

"First..."

Sunday's expression seemed to darken completely. He muttered something under his breath. Caelus could not hear it clearly, only barely catching a few words.

"First? Sunday, don't be in such a hurry. I know you want to say we should pick an auspicious day, but I'm not familiar with Penacony's calendar. Which day do you think would be suitable for the wedding?"

Caelus scratched his head and asked Sunday curiously, continuing to frantically test the limits of Sunday's patience. However, those words did bring Sunday back to his senses somewhat.

"I said, get lost!" Sunday roared.

"Hey, why are you getting worked up, bro? Could a man as outstanding as me possibly not be good enough for Robin? Let me tell you, little bird won't marry anyone but me. If you don't believe me, ask her later whether she has any intention of getting married."

Caelus leaped backward to dodge Sunday's roar. He earnestly explained his relationship with Robin to his future Uncle. It was obviously all fabricated, yet seeing his serious expression, even Sunday was beginning to believe it.

"Uncle, not that I'm saying it, but your little sister has grown up. Sooner or later, she has to leave her brother. You can't keep her locked in a cage forever, right? Don't you want to hold your grandnephew? Your sister may have gained a husband, but you've gained a grandnephew too."

"Bro, why are you glowing gold? Bro, I forgot to turn off the gas at home, so I'll be going now."

Caelus politely smiled at Sunday, then smashed through the window beside him, flipped outside, and rolled onto the street. In a second, he had vanished without a trace. Sunday could not even chase him and could only rage helplessly where he stood.

Having just escaped Uncle's pursuit, Caelus immediately took out his phone to show off. He sent his photo with Robin to the Star Rail Express family group chat.

Ice Girl: Damn you, Caelus. You're out there ruining people again. Watching you flirt hurts more than a breakup.

Galaxy Youth: You've never even dated. How do you know how painful a breakup is?

Ice Girl: If I ever get dumped, I'll punch Caelus twice to vent.

Galaxy Youth: What does that have to do with me? It's not like I made you break up.

Himeko: All right, stop arguing. Did you enjoy yourselves in the dream world?

Galaxy Youth: Extremely.

Ice Girl: It would've been pretty fun if Caelus hadn't kept getting in my face, but I can't shake the feeling that something's off.

Welt: I made some unpleasant discoveries as well. The situation is complicated. It would be best to discuss it in person.

Himeko: Me too. It seems it's time to return to reality. Gather in my room.

Caelus looked at the messages on his phone in confusion. He had thought everyone had come here on vacation, but it seemed Welt and Himeko had been investigating the dream world behind the scenes. Since the elders had said so, he could only leave the dream.

"Come to think of it, how do I get back?"

Caelus stood there blankly. He had fallen from the sky. Did he have to go back up into the sky?

"Caelus!"

A voice interrupted Caelus's thoughts. He looked at the silver-haired girl running toward him in surprise. Wasn't that Firefly?

"Stop right there. Are you really Firefly?"

Caelus raised his hand to stop Firefly from coming any closer. He examined the girl before him from head to toe and asked doubtfully.

"What are you talking about? Aren't I?"

Firefly paused, looking at Caelus with an equally confused expression. Her instincts told her that something must have happened while she was gone.

"A Masked Fool impersonated you before and tried to trip me up, so I need to test you before I can trust you."

Caelus explained. Firefly's brows furrowed slightly. She was not worried about Caelus being tricked; she was worried that the Masked Fool might use her appearance to do something strange.

"All right. How do you want to test me?"

Firefly nodded.

Do You Like Me?

"Do you like me?"

Caelus asked directly. Firefly stood rooted to the spot, her eyes gradually losing focus as though a storm were brewing in her mind.

"Th-That, um, n-no, that's not..."

Firefly raised both hands and shook her head repeatedly. How could she say something like liking Caelus? Even if she had such private feelings, she could not say them aloud. Yet she did not want to say that she did not like Caelus either. He was the first person to say he would help treat her Entropy Syndrome, and he had not distanced himself from her because of her terminal illness. How could Firefly not like him?

"All right, you're the real one. A Masked Fool has never dated before, so they couldn't make such an innocent young girl's expression. A-Ying, you're so cute."

Caelus stepped forward, took Firefly's hand, and smiled. Firefly's expression just now could have been included in a textbook on the many expressions of young maidens. That bashful look of facing someone she liked but being too embarrassed to say it nearly melted his heart.

"You're awful!"

Firefly realized that Caelus had tricked her. He had only wanted to see her expression, not hear her answer. Embarrassed and annoyed, she raised her hand to hit him, but with barely any strength, more like she was acting spoiled.

"You damned Stellaron, did I dig up your ancestors' graves or something? You're still dragging me into this at a time like this."

A voice intruded on the pair at the worst possible moment. Caelus and Firefly turned to look, only to see blue-haired Sampo appear out of nowhere, his expression extremely displeased. Since when was never having dated a crime against Caelus?

"Look, it's fake Sampo. You really love dressing up as a man, huh?"

Caelus mocked her. He had not expected the Masked Fool to appear the moment they mentioned her. She was truly impossible to get rid of.

"Looks like you didn't take my warning to heart at all... What a pity. Does that girl really fascinate you that much?"