Dan Heng and Welt Yang were sorting through the current situation in Penacony.
Meanwhile, Stelle joined them, participating in the discussion.
The topic remained focused on the mess Sunday had caused and the negotiations between the Family and the IPC.
A key piece of information was that Himeko, as the Astral Express's representative, had already gone ahead to negotiate with the Family.
Suddenly, a voice from the bar counter interrupted the Express crew. "After all, you can't tell who's awake and who's pretending to sleep. They'll open their eyes when they're cornered, but once the danger passes, they dive back into the dream's embrace. Three glasses of 'Trailblaze's Radiance,' in honor of you all."
Stelle, as always, blurted out something surprising. "Why are you here too?"
"What are you talking about? This is my bar."
The speaker was Siobhan, the bar's owner.
"I'm glad to see you all again. But after this reunion, it might be time to say goodbye. When does the Astral Express plan to leave Penacony?"
Welt Yang replied politely, "We'll stay a bit longer, but not too long."
"So this is our last meeting? If it's a farewell, it feels like something's missing.
Music? Ambiance? Ah, perhaps a special drink, dedicated to those who aren't here.
Let me think… This drink should be solemn, dignified, and one-of-a-kind, because we're using it to honor those heroes…"
A touch of melancholy crossed Siobhan's expression. "To the Nameless who rest beneath the earth… and to Gallagher."
Afterward, Stelle's casual chats with the others filled in more details about Penacony.
During a conversation with March 7th, Stelle learned that March had somehow been handed a strange gift—a device with the claim, "Press it, and all of Penacony will blow sky-high."
Classic March 7th style.
Soon after, Himeko sent a message in the Express crew's group chat, instructing everyone to gather at the Radiant Feldspar.
— —
The scene shifted to Jade and Topaz's perspective.
They hadn't anticipated that the other side was planning Penacony's corporate listing.
They needed to strike at Old Oti's weak points in the second half of the negotiations to ensure the IPC's plan to take over Penacony was foolproof.
Soon, the new round of talks began.
This time, Jade went all out, using a mix of intimidation and incentives, forcing Old Oti to accept her terms.
First, Jade had already uncovered Penacony's secrets.
More importantly, the IPC's power was something even the entirety of Penacony couldn't match.
From the moment Aventurine created an opening, Penacony was already in the IPC's grasp.
Moreover, Jade brought in the Astral Express to add an extra layer of assurance to the outcome.
Old Oti had no angle to refuse.
In the end, Himeko, as the Astral Express's representative, received a 5% share gifted by the IPC.
[5%? The Astral Express is rich now!]
[Why did the IPC pull the Express into this?]
[First, the Express crew are the heroes who saved Penacony. Second, the Astral Express has a great reputation across the cosmos. Third, the IPC wants to cozy up to them.]
[Exactly. The IPC doesn't care about that small sum—might as well do a favor. As shareholders, they're no longer outsiders.]
[The Express crew are all rich now! So jealous!]
— —
After the negotiations concluded, Topaz and Jade met in a room.
With the major matters settled, the two had their own plans for enjoying their time aboard the Radiant Feldspar.
Jade seized the moment to move the "Jadeite Pawnshop" onto the airship.
At this point, Topaz asked, "Lady Jade, I have one more question."
"Hm? Go ahead."
"That dose of 'Skydance Venom'—I'm curious, where did you get the information?"
"It wasn't me finding the information; the information found me. It came from… a girl deeply concerned about the future of 'Harmony.'
In exchange, I have to help her with something, but that's a story for later. It can wait until we leave Penacony.
See, this is 'investment.' The seeds of opportunity are sown in the soil, needing only a bit of nourishment to take root and sprout. All we have to do is wait patiently.
Like now, the final 'honored guest' I've been waiting for… should be boarding this ship soon."
The screen slowly faded to black.
In the center, four large words appeared: [High-Energy Moment Ahead!]
— —
At that moment, a lithe "stowaway" boarded the Radiant Feldspar.
Firefly stood by the airship's poolside.
"Sneaking in was easier than I expected. The Family's security is as lax as ever.
So this is the Radiant Feldspar… So luxurious.
A pawnshop where wishes can be granted through 'pawns'—does such a place really exist on this ship?
Whether the rumors are true or not, I have to find out for myself."
Firefly entered the main hall and immediately spotted Stelle. "That's… her?
She disappeared in a flash. So the Astral Express is here too."
But Stelle quickly vanished around a staircase corner.
For now, business came first.
Firefly asked a Family attendant about the pawnshop's location, thanked them, and left.
By chance, while searching, Firefly arrived at the second floor of the main banquet hall.
The scene shifted, and Stelle appeared nearby, with Firefly quietly standing behind her.
Stelle's lips curled into a slight smirk. "If I win… your treasure chest is mine!"
The automatron man was full of question marks. "Who said I was betting with you?"
Stelle put her hands on her hips. "I did!"
Firefly gave a soft smile. "So spirited, just like before."
[Hahaha, that got a chuckle out of me.]
[Couldn't hold it together with that line.]
[Is this what they call 'love is blind'?]
[Random passerby: So godly. Firefly: So spirited!]
[Laughing my head off.]
[Hahaha, classic. Women are such romantics.]
[Seriously, bro, are they all this unhinged?]
[Guess Firefly's got it bad for the Trailblazer.]
— —
Firefly had important matters to attend to and felt the timing wasn't right.
Eventually, she found the pawnshop's location.
Jade looked at Firefly as she pushed open the door, smiling faintly.
Clearly, she was playing dumb. "Welcome to the Jadeite Pawnshop, Radiant Feldspar branch. How may I address you, miss?"
Firefly nodded. "Just call me 'Sam.'"
"Sam, a fine name. So, Miss Sam, what do you want? And what are you willing to offer for it?"
"I want to live. For this wish, I'm willing to pawn everything I have."
"Everything you have?"
"Yes, everything."
Jade shook her head, showing a hint of disappointment. "Miss Sam, I'm afraid you must leave. It seems you don't fully understand the concept of 'pawning.'"
Firefly's face fell, resembling a sulky kitten. "What do you mean?"
"Exactly what I said. I can feel your intense desire to live—it burns like a flame. But in contrast, you have nothing of equal value to offer as a pawn."
"Heh… is that so?" Firefly let out a small, bitter laugh. "So the whole 'pawnshop that grants wishes through pawning' thing… it's just a fancy trick."
Jade responded with a smile. "That's a harsh accusation. It's understandable that you don't get it. But don't worry, I'll help you see clearly.
Go find these people—they've all visited my pawnshop. Witness with your own eyes whether their wishes were granted.
Then, come back to me. I'll make you understand what 'pawning' truly means and what you're still lacking."
The deal stalled, with both sides standing firm, lacking the drive to move forward.
Firefly left the door, somewhat dejected. "Rather than a pawnshop owner, Lady Jade's aura… feels more like a loan shark.
Since I've got nothing else to do for now, I'll just follow her advice and look around."
She glanced back and saw Stelle and Dan Heng standing among a pile of balloons.