The corner of Cocolia's mouth twitched as she looked at the exceedingly clever Theresa, but the voice of the Stellar Core rang out in her mind.
No way, no way, Cocolia. You actually believed her?
My child, you've lost yourself in appearances.
The Stellar Core's androgynous voice echoed within Cocolia's consciousness, but Cocolia did not respond.
"Uh, Supreme Guardian, you don't need to pay attention to her. She sometimes has bouts of stupidity."
Dan Heng gestured for March 7th and Stelle to stand in front of Theresa as he spoke.
March 7th and Stelle awkwardly smiled as they blocked the foolish Theresa from view.
Cocolia thought for a moment.
"Very well, I believe you. If the current situation truly has something to do with this Stellar Core, then your arrival will be the hope Belobog has awaited for nearly seven hundred years. I am willing to provide every possible assistance to help you find the Stellar Core."
"It is getting late, and you must all be tired. I can arrange for you to stay at the most comfortable hotel in the city and get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow at noon, I will send someone to invite {capture} you all, and then we can properly discuss this matter."
Cocolia spoke with a meaningful expression. Upon hearing her, everyone smiled happily, failing to notice the strange look on Cocolia's face.
"Thank you very much, Supreme Guardian."
Dan Heng politely accepted. He vaguely felt that something was off about Cocolia. After March 7th, Stelle, and Theresa had interrupted things like that, Cocolia had become this agreeable?
"It should be I who thanks you, travelers from beyond the heavens."
Cocolia said with a smile.
"No! We are Trailblazers!"
"I didn't play Genshin~"
Theresa??? grinned wisely as she teased Cocolia.
"..."
"Ahem, I'm sorry. She does have some problems sometimes."
Dan Heng said embarrassedly, having March 7th or Stelle carry the foolish Theresa.
"Mm, take care. I won't see you off."
Cocolia bade the Stellaron Hunters farewell with a fake smile. Dan Heng nodded awkwardly and had March 7th carry Theresa away. The Silvermane Guards opened the gates, and Cocolia watched the departing Stellaron Hunters with relief.
Just then, Theresa suddenly turned around??? and stared at Cocolia, startling the already somewhat guilty Cocolia. By the time she recovered, the Stellaron Hunters had already gone far away.
Cocolia, surely you weren't frightened by a silly little girl?
{Shut up. You nag endlessly in my head all day long. Are you some kind of chatterbox Stellar Core? And after turning me into this, do you know how afraid I am of being exposed?}
Cocolia shouted angrily in her heart. As her emotions fluctuated, ice-crystal-like growths beneath her uniform emerged across her body and limbs, faintly glowing.
Cocolia, have you forgotten our bargain? I promised you a brand-new world, and I need freedom~
The Stellar Core's voice whispered within Cocolia's consciousness.
{I was merely deceiving them. What are you so anxious about?}
Cocolia replied inwardly to the Stellar Core.
It had better be so.
The Stellar Core's whisper vanished. Cocolia held her head and let out a breath. She gazed out the window, her expression unreadable. At last, she finally made up her mind.
Outside, the Stellaron Hunters had just left Fortress City when they saw Gepard. His stern expression had eased considerably.
"The Supreme Guardian seems to hold you in high regard. I have received new orders. There is no longer any need to restrict your movements."
Gepard said to everyone with a smile. Theresa's expression had returned to normal by then, and Dan Heng secretly sighed in relief.
"After all, she's the ruler of an entire city. What an imposing leader, so impressive!"
March 7th said enviously.
"Heh, I still have official duties to attend to and must return to my post at once. I hope you enjoy your time in Belobog."
Gepard said, preparing to leave.
"Wait, could you recommend some places for us to visit? It's still early, and we'd like to look around."
March 7th asked Gepard expectantly.
"If you want somewhere worth seeing, there is the Golden Theater and the Belobog History Museum. However, the museum requires identification and permission to enter."
"I suggest you first visit the Eternal Winter Monument. It is Belobog's most symbolic landmark."
"If you're interested in music, you can visit the Everlasting Mechanical House. They occasionally hold open-air performances there. As for the performers... you'll understand once you see them."
"And if you plan to stay at the Goethe Hotel, be sure to avoid the alley beside it where the Silvermane Guards are stationed. It has recently been affected by Fragmentum erosion and has been sealed off."
Gepard spoke to everyone earnestly.
"Has Fragmentum erosion already become this severe? The situation must be dire."
Dan Heng said to Gepard in surprise.
"Yes, we are fighting against it. I should take my leave now. I wish you all the best."
Gepard said with a bitter smile. As soon as he finished speaking, he was about to leave.
"Wait, Gepard."
Theresa said calmly. Dan Heng's heart immediately tightened. He had no idea what Theresa was planning this time. After all, everyone across the galaxy knew that Masked Fools were most accustomed to causing trouble.
"What is it, Lady Theresa?"
Gepard's expression stiffened as he turned to look at the cute and beautiful Theresa.
"I am merely curious about one thing. The Supreme Guardian said she would send Silvermane Guards to receive us tomorrow, correct?"
Theresa asked Gepard with a meaningful look.
"Naturally. You are honored guests."
Gepard answered seriously.
"Then let me ask, hypothetically, if she ordered your men to capture us instead, what would you do?"
Theresa asked with a smile as she looked at the stunned Gepard. March 7th, Dan Heng, and Stelle all tensed up as well.
"That is impossible! If she intended to arrest you, there would be no need for her to treat you with courtesy."
Gepard answered Theresa seriously, yet warily.
"But what if it were true?"
Theresa smiled meaningfully. Her adorable smile made Gepard's heart tighten.
"If such a situation were to arise, I would make my own judgment."
"Enough. You need not worry unnecessarily. If the Supreme Guardian truly had such intentions, you would already be surrounded and attacked by the Silvermane Guards."
"I shall take my leave."
After coldly saying this, Gepard quickly departed.
"Theresa, did you notice something?"
Dan Heng asked Theresa, who wore a deeply meaningful smile.
March 7th and Stelle also looked at Theresa curiously.
"To the southeast, southwest, north, and south... aren't there Silvermane Guards there?"
Theresa said discreetly with a smile. Following Theresa's hints, the others indeed spotted Silvermane Guards patrolling nearby. March 7th and Stelle looked at Theresa in confusion, while Dan Heng had already understood.
"We're being watched."
"Don't look over there so openly. Act like you don't know!"
Dan Heng now understood that Theresa's strange behavior had been an act. After all, who would be wary of someone acting foolish? Theresa had already noticed something strange about Cocolia.
Cecilia, who developed murderous intent while posting daily pictures.
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