"I just noticed... you're a Nameless, aren't you? Is this your first time in Penacony?"
Ye Qiong feigned surprise. "How did you know?"
"Because you have an Astral Express badge pinned to you. I've seen it on the big screens!"
Firefly's tone grew livelier, her eyes sparkling.
"I also know that you travel all across the galaxy... You were invited by the Family, right? I... I can be your guide!"
Halfway through, she seemed to remember something and added a little sheepishly:
"Though the Hound Family mistook me for a stowaway, I'm actually a local. I'm Firefly, an artist of the Iris Family! Even if I'm only a temporary performer..."
Ye Qiong smiled and praised her sincerely.
"Your name is beautiful. I'll remember it."
After saying that, Ye Qiong noticed a faint blush flash across Firefly's lowered face.
The neon lights of the shopping complex were dreamlike and fantastical.
Firefly told Ye Qiong about things in the dreamscape, then suddenly let her gaze drift toward the plaza outside the mall.
She seemed to recall something at once, turning to Ye Qiong as they walked side by side.
"The plaza is just outside the shopping center. Come on... I'll treat you to something tasty~"
With that, she took the lead and ran over lightly.
Being able to run freely in the dreamscape was clearly something that made this girl, who could only remain in a medical pod in reality, very happy.
Ye Qiong followed her through the crowd and stopped before a restaurant decorated with playing-card suits.
"This is the place."
Firefly turned back, warm golden light reflected in her eyes.
"Have you heard this saying? In dreams, hunger is the most precious seasoning."
She pointed at the brightly lit storefront, her tone brimming with a small, proud delight.
"This