By the old rule, whoever left last paid the bill.
This time, Bai Heng left first, so Topaz was left with the bill for two cups of kvass and several plates of snacks.
When he left the tavern tucked away in the alley, Belobog had just welcomed dusk.
However, Bai Heng had no time to enjoy the fragrant evening breeze. He had arranged with Himeko to board the Astral Express tonight and let her play the host.
That night.
After the star cruiser docked with the Astral Express.
Bai Heng successfully boarded the Astral Express. At first glance, its decor was somewhat retro and elegant, unlike the cold feel of the Interastral Peace Corporation's transport ships.
The Astral Express, which carried the Nameless, was bathed in warm tones throughout.
Perhaps only such a design could give those Nameless who roamed the star sea a place that felt like home.
The one who boarded the Astral Express with him and was responsible for receiving him was its navigator, Himeko.
Of course, Bai Heng had not come empty-handed.
He had asked around beforehand about the personal preferences of the Nameless aboard the train and prepared some gifts.
For example, premium coffee beans produced across various star systems and available through the Corporation's trade network for Himeko; several formal dresses for March 7th; a trash-can-shaped pillow custom-made especially for Miss Stelle; and gifts chosen for the other passengers as well.
As for why it was a trash can, Bai Heng did not know. He had merely asked the young Great Guardian about it.
"Stelle? She... seemed to have a habit of rummaging through trash cans everywhere when she was in Belobog," Bronya Rand had said.
Bai Heng did not understand, but he respected personal preferences.
After receiving the coffee beans Bai Heng