Sylvia didn't turn down Robin's invitation.
The Charmony Festival was still a ways off, and the start of the game's storyline was even further away.
But Sylvia didn't need to rush her arrival either—she could head to Penacony ahead of time, take a look around, and do a little investigating while she was at it.
After all, with fast travel available, coming and going was easy. Might as well think of it as unlocking the map early.
Once she'd finished speaking with Robin, Sylvia reached out to Acheron.
Acheron seemed busy, and today she didn't appear to have any intention of returning to rest.
Luckily though, wherever she was now, it hadn't drifted outside the coverage of the Interastral Network.
Since Acheron's destination was Penacony as well, Sylvia brought up Robin's invitation.
[Sylvia: ...So that's pretty much the situation. Robin brought me an invitation. If I go with her, I should be able to check in directly. Want to come along?]
[Acheron: Never thought you'd beat me to Penacony.]
[Acheron: But I won't be tagging along. You go ahead. Penacony's Sweet Dreams are famous far and wide—hope you have a good time.]
Looking at Sylvia's invitation on her phone, Acheron smiled warmly.
If she wanted to stay in Penacony, she'd need to do so under the name of a Galaxy Ranger.
Otherwise, she probably wouldn't attract the real Rangers.
If she went with Sylvia, she'd likely be registered under Sylvia's name as part of her entourage—and as a companion, she'd hardly draw any attention.
Besides.
From what Sylvia said, she'd been invited by Robin to investigate the traitor in Penacony.
That would inevitably involve dealing with members of The Family—at the very least, Robin's older brother, Sunday, the head of the Oak Family.
Right now, with so many factions eyeing Penacony over the Watchmaker's Legacy, the best approach was not to put all their eggs in one basket.
Not that either Sylvia or Acheron had any particular interest in that legacy.
But as Robin's guest, Sylvia was bound to attract some attention.
Having Acheron operate from the shadows would serve as a kind of insurance.
[Sylvia: Hope so, though I have a feeling it won't exactly be a relaxing trip…]
Sylvia certainly had some anticipation for the Penacony visit, but she didn't expect it to be easy.
Better not get stabbed in a dream the moment she stepped off the ship.
[Acheron: Not necessarily. The Charmony Festival is still a while off, and many players haven't made their move yet—including the most important one, the Astral Express. Didn't you say it just left Herta Space Station?]
[Acheron: I imagine there won't be any major conflicts before the Astral Express arrives.]
[Sylvia: How do you gauge the Astral Express's importance?]
[Acheron: Just a guess. Didn't you tell me Nameless were involved in Penacony's history?]
Sylvia hadn't directly mentioned the invitation to Acheron; she still had professional integrity.
But she did know a bit about Penacony's history and had shared some with Acheron.
Even so, Acheron had been able to infer that undercurrents were already stirring in Penacony.
After all, if that weren't the case, why would Robin invite an outsider like Sylvia to help?
Even if Robin wasn't formally part of The Family, with her brother's position, she could easily get personnel if she needed them.
If Penacony's history was tied to the Nameless who stepped off the Astral Express, and if the birth of the Planet of Festivities relied on the Nameless' efforts, then the Watchmaker—a key figure in that history—was likely also connected to the Nameless.
Meanwhile, the Interastral Peace Corporation had long wanted to extend its reach into Penacony and reclaim lost ground.
Though there was no solid evidence, Acheron's instincts told her that whatever was about to unfold in Penacony would likely involve the Astral Express and the Nameless.
Reading Acheron's message, Sylvia naturally couldn't know what Acheron was thinking. Amused and a little curious, she wondered, 'Is this what they call a veteran's intuition?'
[Sylvia: Whatever, no rush. I'll go scout things out first.]
[Acheron: Then take care.]
[Sylvia: I will. Oh, by the way, Acheron—do you like the ocean?]
[Acheron: It's fine. Why?]
[Sylvia: In a few days, I'll probably go with Firefly to a resort planet famous for its seas. Interested? I've never seen you in a swimsuit.]
After sending that, Sylvia's cheeks warmed slightly as she pictured Acheron in swimwear.
Granted, given Acheron's usual style of dress, taking off her coat would already reveal her midriff and shoulders.
But swimwear just felt different.
[Acheron: A vacation, huh? Not a bad idea. And I'm rather interested in seeing your swimsuit too.]
[Acheron: [Acheron_nomming_peach]]
Seeing this chibi-style emoji, Sylvia grinned.
[Sylvia: Where'd you get this? Did you make it yourself? Got any more?]
[Acheron: Made it myself. It's a service from the Interastral Peace Corporation—just a few credits to create your own emojis. You can design a character or use your own. I actually made some of you too.]
Looking at Acheron's reply, Sylvia saved the emoji.
[Sylvia: Pretty cute. Though you're not nearly this adorable when you're actually eating a peach, you know.]
On the other end of the line, Acheron chuckled at Sylvia's response.
That wasn't wrong—she could never make such an adorable expression herself.
Only an AI could create a 'cute Acheron.'
Originally, Acheron had planned to make just a few Sylvia emojis for fun.
But she figured if she only made ones of Sylvia and none of herself, she'd probably get an earful once Sylvia found out.
So she went ahead and made a set of her own as well.
It wasn't expensive anyway—all in good fun.
[Acheron: True enough. Though I think the real you is a bit cuter than the emoji.]
[Acheron: [Sylvia_sniffling]]
[Sylvia: ?]
[Sylvia: ??]
Seeing this emoji of herself, Sylvia immediately felt a twinge of irritation.
She had a sneaking suspicion Acheron was teasing her.
What did she mean, the real her was cuter than the emoji?
Sending a crying emoji and then saying that?
Ugh, her fists were tightening.
When had she ever cried?!
[Acheron: What, not cute?]
[Sylvia: Oh, I see how it is—throwing shade, are you?]
[Sylvia: [( ｡ •̀ ᴖ •́ ｡)💢]]
Seeing Sylvia's reaction, Acheron's mood lifted even more. If she guessed right, Sylvia was probably blushing again.
Though that wasn't actually what she'd meant.
But watching Sylvia's response, Acheron felt a little reluctant to explain.
After all, this was pretty cute too.
Just as Acheron was pondering how to smooth things over, Sylvia sent two new emojis in quick succession:
[Sylvia: [Acheron_spacing_out]]
[Sylvia: [Acheron_pouting]]
[Sylvia: That's you!!]
"Pfft—"
Acheron couldn't help but laugh out loud for the first time.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.