Sampo: What Are You Doing, Family?

Why did it feel like she was about to take advantage of Old Sampo?!

Stelle frowned and pressed a hand to her forehead, then strode over and grabbed the blanket. Under the man's pitiful, tear-filled gaze (fake), she carefully pulled the covers over him.

"What could I possibly do to you?"

As an internet-savvy expert who was online around the clock across twenty-five systems, Stelle dared to say that if she claimed to understand how to win people over better than anyone in the entire galaxy, no one would dare call themselves number one.

Winning someone over was like playing a game—just slowly raise their affection level.

Thinking that, Stelle flashed Sampo a confident, determined smile and reached out to touch his forehead. It wasn't hot. That was good.

She turned to leave, reminding Sampo before she went, "The room is pretty warm. Get some rest. I'm going out for a bit."

"Family, what are you going to do?"

"Do you want some Mulled Wine? A little alcohol might help ward off the cold."

With Sampo smiling and nodding at her, Stelle turned and left the room.

Before leaving, she thoughtfully drew the curtains for Sampo, who was still lying in bed and had yet to warm up. With a creak as the door shut, the last trace of corridor light was completely blocked out.

In the darkness, Sampo closed his eyes tiredly. But only for a moment. When he opened them again, they were bright and alert, with none of that half-dead look from before.

All he could think about was the sight of Stelle standing at the foot of the bed, looking like she was about to pounce on him.

He had clearly prepared himself mentally, yet that Haji-Stelle hadn't actually pounced on him. All that excitement for nothing!

Sampo buried his head in the blanket and turned over in disappointment. The air seemed to carry a faint scent of the Trailblazer's laundry detergent.

As that scent filled his nose, he felt incredibly at ease, as though the Trailblazer were still by his side.

Sampo gently closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

After arriving in the Administrative District, Stelle looked around.

The breeze brushed against her skin, making the slit hem of her skirt flutter and exposing her pale thighs. Only then did Stelle realize that she felt a little cold.

That made sense. Back when she had been a game character running bare-legged through icy wastelands, the underlying logic of her code hadn't included the concept of "cold." Now that she was a living, breathing person, she could naturally feel the importance of changes in temperature.

She kind of wanted to go back to the train. The climate-controlled cars were so comfortable...

Stelle breathed warm air into her palms. White mist drifted away before her eyes as she rubbed the tip of her reddened nose and looked into the distance.

There were usually plenty of street vendors around. When she had come to Belobog with Dan Heng and March 7th before, stalls selling Mulled Wine had been everywhere. The scents of fruit and spices mixed with the steaming aroma of wine and rushed into her nose, making her want to buy a cup just from the smell.

Who knew what was going on today? She had nearly walked all over the Administrative District without seeing a single vendor.

Stelle rubbed her hands together. Belobog was cold—really cold. Warming Sampo up was only secondary; she actually wanted a drink herself too.

Back on the train, even March 7th had said she was just a kid and forbidden her from drinking alcohol.

Now that she wasn't on the train, she could drink as much as she wanted.

With that thought, Stelle seemed to gain even more motivation as she hurried onward.

Unfortunately, it really seemed that no vendors selling Mulled Wine had set up shop today. Stelle circled the area several times, sweating all over, but didn't spot a single one. She could only turn back toward the hotel in disappointment.

Just then, she suddenly saw a familiar blue-and-white figure around the corner.

The man had dazzling short blond hair, and his blue eyes were as clear as water, as pure as the sky when winter snowflakes drifted down.

It was none other than Silvermane Guard Gepard. He had just stepped out of Clippertown, apparently having finished discussing important matters with Supreme Guardian Bronya.

Before Stelle could greet him, Gepard seemed to sense her presence and mysteriously lifted his head to look in her direction.

Their eyes met, and Stelle's figure was reflected in the man's pupils.

Gepard crossed the distance in a few hurried strides, bringing a burst of biting frost with him. Yet by the time he reached Stelle, all the chill had already melted away.

"Gepard, what a coincidence. I didn't expect to run into you in the Upper District."

Stelle smiled. Because of their height difference, she could only tilt her head up to look at him.

Gepard steadied his slightly uneven breathing, surprise shining in his eyes.

"Stelle, I haven't seen you in Belobog for a long time. Have you been well lately?"

Hearing that, Stelle scratched her head and blanked out in thought.

Had she been doing well lately?

Well... if she had to say.

Ever since setting out on the Trailblazing journey, every day had been both painful and joyful.

The Trailblazing journeys on Jarilo and the Xianzhou Luofu could still be called beginner villages, little skirmishes that could be brushed over. She had endured the intoxicating, dreamlike days on the Planet of Festivities, Penacony, no matter how hard they were or how long the plot dragged on—

But the Amphoreus she was about to explore was the true nine-deaths-and-one-life ordeal!

Thinking that, Stelle forced a somewhat strained smile. She hid it well, doing her best not to let anyone see through her fragile yet stubborn facade.

"Yeah, I'm doing well. Thank you, Gepard."

"Are you here to visit Belobog? I just started my vacation. Want me to show you around?"

"Um... I think I'd better..." Forget it. Thanks for the offer.

Just as Stelle was about to refuse, Aha's voice suddenly rang out in her mind.

Aha: Didn't you used to really want to get close to Gepard? Seize this chance. Go for it.

Stelle: ...Why should I listen to you? I haven't finished winning Sampo over yet...

Aha: If Gepard's affection for you increases, maybe you'll be able to get my script too?

Stelle: Fine, I get it. Stop talking in that punchable tone.

Changing her tune, Stelle broke into a brilliant smile.

"I think you're right, Gepard. Then I'll have to trouble you to be my guide."

Gepard waved a hand and walked shoulder to shoulder with Stelle along the Upper District streets. As Stelle lowered her head and silently watched the road, she failed to notice how long Gepard's gaze lingered on her face.

"What trouble? Saying that makes us sound like strangers."

The man laughed heartily and pointed toward what appeared to be a newly opened alley. "Let's have lunch together. My treat. These days, none of Belobog's vendors are allowed to set up mobile stalls anymore. They all operate in this alley now. A few of them taste especially good. I'm not sure whether you'll like them."

Oh, so that was why.

Stelle nodded and agreed to Gepard's suggestion without a second thought.

How nice. She had come back to Belobog for a visit, had lunch taken care of, and could even bring two cups of Mulled Wine back to the hotel later to drink with Sampo. It was completely like a vacation.

How wonderful would it be if she could live like this forever? She really didn't want to risk her life on Amphoreus...

If it really came down to it, how about suggesting to Himeko, Old Yang, and Pom-Pom that they change the next warp destination to Car Wash Planet?