Belobog—Goethe Hotel
An excited Bronya said goodbye to everyone. She still had a lot to take care of, including the succession of the Supreme Guardian and the sudden arrival of spring. These were all matters Bronya would need time to handle.
While everyone rested in their rooms at the Goethe Hotel, they received messages from Himeko and Mr. Welt aboard the train.
(Welt): The instruments aboard the train detected changes on Jarilo-VI. It seems you accomplished something incredible during this Trailblaze expedition.
(Himeko): Remember to stay safe while you're out Trailblazing. When you get back, tell us all about your journey.
(March 7th): Don't worry, Himeko. We'll definitely be careful. Besides, with Xiao Xi around, there won't be much danger.
(Stelle): (Pom-Pom nods.) Himeko, you should've seen it. It didn't take long after Xiao Xi sprang into action for all the snow and ice on the entire planet to melt. It was quite a sight.
(Dan Heng): We can't rely on Xiao Xi for everything. Improving our own abilities is important, too.
(March 7th): Hehe, got it.
(Stelle): Mm-hmm.
(Stelle): (Pom-Pom nods.)
(Himeko): Then I hope you all have fun. Welt and I will be waiting for you on the train.
(March 7th): OK.
(Stelle): Sure.
(Xiao Xi): (Pom-Pom makes a finger heart.)
"Knock, knock." A rap sounded at the door, and March 7th was the first to knock on everyone's doors.
"Come on, let's go! We still have some time, so let's go explore. After Bronya's succession ceremony, we'll be setting off for our next Trailblaze destination."
"Sounds good. We've been having fun for ages, so it's about time we relaxed a bit," Stelle agreed.
Belobog—Administrative District
As they walked along, everyone noticed that the people on the streets seemed much more spirited than before. They seemed less weighed down and more hopeful about the future.
As March 7th searched for a good place to take photos, a warm greeting rang out. "You must be the visitors from beyond the stars who helped Belobog through its crisis. How about stopping by my shop for a while?"
"Wow, we're famous! People recognize me even when I'm out walking?" March 7th exclaimed in surprise.
After everyone took their seats in the Neverwinter Workshop, Serval poured them some warm tea.
"You're probably wondering how I recognized you."
As Serval spoke, a long-buried story slowly came to light. "I was actually one of the researchers studying the Stellaron in the previous generation."
"More than ten years ago, Supreme Guardian Cocolia's temperament changed drastically, and all research related to the Stellaron was halted. I was lucky not to get caught up in it too much."
"Finding a solution to the Stellaron has always been a dream of mine—and of so many others. I thought I'd never get the chance to see that dream come true..."
"Heh." Serval gave a relieved laugh. "I really have to thank you. My youthful ideal and my dear friend from those days—after all these years, when everything has changed, I can hardly believe they've both found their way back to me."
Noticing that everyone looked a little downcast, Serval smiled and changed the subject. "Ah, my mistake. This is such a happy occasion. Why bring up all that old history?"
Stelle seemed to want to say something, but as she looked at Serval's smile, she parted her lips slightly and then stayed silent.