Coffee

Zhang Qi's gaze fell on the furry creature.

It was probably only knee-high, with long ears and an overly formal conductor's cap. Its two black bean-like eyes stared straight at him.

This was Pom-Pom, the conductor of the Astral Express.

According to Welt's introduction, Pom-Pom was one with the train itself, a creation of Akivili, the Aeon of "Trailblaze."

"What are you looking at, pom?"

Pom-Pom tilted its head, sending its hat tilting to one side as well. Its long ears twitched.

"Nothing."

Zhang Qi crouched down until he was eye level with the little creature.

"I've just never seen a creature as cute as you."

The moment those words left his mouth, Pom-Pom seemed to have had some kind of switch flipped. Its entire body froze.

Two suspiciously red blushes appeared on its furry cheeks. Its paws rose unconsciously to scratch the back of its head. "N-Not at all, pom! Pom-Pom is a great train conductor! Don't call me cute, pom!"

Himeko watched from the side with a smile at the corner of her lips. Holding a steaming cup of black coffee, she gestured for Zhang Qi to enter. "Come in first. Your room is ready."

Zhang Qi rose to his feet and followed Himeko into the observation car.

Then he froze.

A crooked banner hung inside the car, written in handwriting that looked like someone had only just learned how to write:

"Warmly Welcome Mr. Zhang Qi Aboard Our Train!"

After the word "aboard," someone had unnecessarily added a tiny heart.

A long table was piled high with all kinds of snacks: pastries from Immortal's Delight Tea, SoulGlad soda, and several plates of colorful jelly-like things whose names he could not identify.

"Uncle Qi, welcome aboard!"

March 7th and Star stood on either side behind the table, wearing