The bookshelf against the wall was packed with books and scattered souvenirs. A cup of coffee still steaming sat on the small table by the window.
"You're here." Himeko smiled faintly at the two of them as they entered.
"So, are you giving us some kind of mission?" March 7th asked, bouncing into the room and looking around curiously.
"It's a long story." Himeko's expression turned serious.
"What if I told you there was a game in some corner of the galaxy..."
She paused and looked straight at them.
"And that the winner might become an Aeon? Would you be interested?"
"?" Yan Huan raised a brow, his eyes widening slightly. "This feels awfully familiar."
"This is that [Phantom Moon Game] Aha started?"
"Mm." Himeko nodded.
"You saw that unusual moon in the sky too, didn't you?"
"It is a painting."
Himeko's voice was gentle.
"Here, whenever the phantom moon reaches its full phase, a divinely bestowed ritual known as the Phantom Moon Game begins."
"It is the game I mentioned, the one that allows its winner to become an Aeon."
March 7th suddenly understood.
"Pearl mentioned that name too. Is it really that miraculous?"
Himeko explained to them.
"Historically, the origins of the Phantom Moon Game were connected to a group of Mournful Actors."
"Legend says they offered moving stories to the moon in hopes of earning a chance to meet an Aeon."
"Is meeting an Aeon that rare?" Yan Huan asked, dropping onto the chair beside Himeko's bed and crossing one leg over the other.
During the Star Rail Express's journey, he had already encountered many Aeons.
"Not really." Himeko shook her head, a few strands of hair swaying gently with the motion.
"As far as I know, many factions have ways to seek an audience with them."