"Us?"
"Yes, you two."
"..."
Hearing Lumina's proposed "reward," Topaz and Jade exchanged puzzled glances, each seeing the other's confusion reflected in their eyes.
"..."
"Forgive us, Miss Lumina, but we're not quite understanding what you mean."
After a moment of hesitation, the pair voiced their confusion.
While directly asking might damage Lumina's impression of them, it was far better than feigning understanding, sending the wrong gifts, incurring her wrath, and ultimately offending her.
"It's simple," Lumina said, her smile unwavering. She pointed a finger at Topaz, then Jade. "If you agree, from this moment on, you two will belong to me."
Lumina's entire being radiated a smile as she delivered this strikingly blunt declaration.
Since they were still within Ena's Dream, Lumina could simply shift the blame onto Ena's Dream if they ever questioned her later.
After all, given her reputation and status in the Cosmos, who would ever believe she would utter such words?
"Uh..." Just as Lumina was basking in her smug satisfaction, Topaz and Jade exchanged another glance upon hearing her explanation. The confusion in their eyes had only deepened.
From now on, you two are mine... This couldn't possibly mean what they initially thought. Miss Lumina must have a deeper meaning in mind.
But what exactly was that meaning?
Topaz and Jade communicated through glances, yet even after their silent exchange, they remained unable to decipher Lumina's true intentions.
Could it really be that she wants me and Topaz (Jade) to become her subordinates?
No matter how many times Jade and Topaz pondered the matter, they always arrived at the same conclusion...
The two nodded to each other, their gazes settling on Lumina. Jade spoke first, saying, "Miss Lumina, we're afraid we can't make a decision on this matter alone..."
"As members of the Ten Stonehearts, appointed by Lord Diamond, our fates are intertwined. We must consult with the Interastral Peace Corporation headquarters for a thorough discussion."
Jade and Topaz genuinely lacked the authority to make such a decision. After all, they were part of a unified entity, their power granted by Lord Diamond as Emanator powers.
While the IPC might ultimately agree to let them become Lumina's subordinates, they would never rush into such a decision. A series of thorough deliberations would be necessary.
Lumina: ?
"This kind of thing requires approval from both Diamond and the Interastral Peace Corporation?" Lumina blinked, her face radiating pure confusion.
She could somewhat understand needing Diamond's approval—after all, he was like the father who had taken care of her needs for years. No problem there.
But why do we need the Interastral Peace Corporation's approval?
Are you two idols or something? Is the Interastral Peace Corporation some kind of idol entertainment agency? Would doing this plunge you into a media firestorm?
Lumina mentally sighed, her heart brimming with exasperated complaints.
"There's nothing we can do, Miss Lumina. It's company policy," Jade said helplessly.
If it were any other matter—anything Jade and Topaz had the authority to decide—they would have agreed without hesitation.
But on this issue, they simply lacked the power to make a decision... A truly frustrating situation.
"Alright~ alright~" Lumina shrugged, letting out a resigned sigh.
Go out of Ena's Dream and talk to the Interastral Peace Corporation about this? How could I possibly do that? I still have some dignity, you know.
But the fact that the Interastral Peace Corporation even has such a rule... Isn't it incredibly unfair to employees seeking love within the company?
Lumina thought silently, her impression of the Interastral Peace Corporation plummeting further.
"Since this reward won't work, let's find another one," Lumina said. Although Jade and Topaz didn't have the authority to make such decisions, Lumina had no intention of letting them off the hook.
"Please tell us what you have in mind, Miss Lumina," Topaz assured her. "If it's within our power, we'll agree."
"In that case..." Lumina's face suddenly lit up with a meaningful smile.
"Lean in closer... let me..."
"Hey, Little Lumina! The great heroes are back!"
Just as Lumina was about to coax Jade and Topaz to lean in for gentle head pats—one with each hand—Little Herta suddenly appeared nearby, shouting loudly and drawing everyone's attention.
The Astral Express crew gradually entered the hall.
Lumina: ...
Damn that Little Herta! Didn't I tell her to stay put?!
Glaring fiercely at Little Herta, who stood calmly nearby, grinding her teeth, Lumina gritted her teeth. Little Herta simply returned a guileless smile.