Sylvia was at a complete loss for words.
Seeing a little something during a bath and seeing her in this state—how could those possibly be the same thing?
"I think it's fine."
But clearly, Acheron was being a bit unreasonable right now.
And perhaps because she found Sylvia's muttering far too tedious, she leaned down and directly silenced Sylvia's lips.
"Mmph—!!"
And then, Sylvia was swallowed by the void.
Only Acheron's pair of crimson eyes remained in her vision, and she could no longer speak.
--+--
A long while later.
Thoroughly worn out from Acheron's Nihility, Sylvia dragged her exhausted body through her ablutions.
She changed into simple sleepwear.
That woman had really upped the intensity today, though it still hovered just at the edge of Sylvia's limits.
But no matter how she looked at it, it felt deliberate, like Acheron was trying to wear her out.
Sylvia glanced over at Acheron, who had also changed into sleepwear and seemed to be passing the time listening to music.
After saying a word to Acheron, Sylvia opened the video call with Robin at the agreed-upon time.
She wasn't using a full holographic projection, but with the excellent video equipment, Sylvia could still see Robin's lovely appearance clearly.
Robin was dressed in exquisite loungewear as always; even simple, casual clothes carried an air of elegance on her.
"Good evening, Sylvia. You look a bit tired?"
"Good evening. Yes, a little."
The moment Sylvia spoke, Robin was startled.
"Your voice sounds so weak! Should we just cover some theoretical knowledge today?"
"Hmm, that's fine too."
Sylvia didn't push herself and nodded, agreeing to Robin's suggestion.
After studying for about half a system hour, during the break, Robin brought up the topic of going to Penacony.
"By the way, Sylvia, where are you now? Still on the Xianzhou? I'm setting off tomorrow. I can adjust the ship's route to pick you up."
She peered at the background behind Sylvia. Honestly, the interior decor didn't look much like the style of the Xianzhou Luofu.
Sylvia shook her head:
"I'm on The Blue."
"The Blue? That's not far at all. The ship can get there in 20 system hours."
As she spoke, Robin suddenly smiled:
"We're going to meet again soon. Once we're in Penacony, I'll take you around properly."
Hearing this, Sylvia chuckled: "I thought you were hiring me to help with an investigation? How did it turn into you giving me a tour of Penacony?"
"Hehe~ Well, of course. You should get to enjoy the Charmony Festival too."
Robin's lips parted slightly as she laughed cheerfully.
Aside from the investigation, as a friend, Robin naturally hoped Sylvia could also properly experience the sweet dreams of Penacony.
"Oh, speaking of The Blue, I heard the Herta Space Station was attacked by the Antimatter Legion not long ago. Are you alright?"
Had news of the Herta Space Station incident spread that far already?
Sylvia blinked. It seemed the news department of the Interastral Peace Corporation was truly efficient.
"I'm fine. It was just a small force, no powerful enemies among them."
Robin patted her chest, relieved.
"Phew… That's good. When you said you were on The Blue, I didn't connect it at first—wasn't it just attacked? I was worried it might be some retaliation for the previous incident."
"That's unlikely. Phantylia's focus is still on the Xianzhou right now. She has no time to bother with me."
Besides, who even knows whose underlings that small force belonged to.
They chatted a while longer, studied a bit more.
As they were about to wrap up the call for the night, Robin brought up another matter.
The small wing behind her head quivered slightly as she spoke, sounding a bit embarrassed: "Oh, that… After we get to Penacony, my brother would like to meet you."
Sylvia blinked. Robin's brother—that would be Sunday, the prime suspect as the traitor. What did he want to see her for?
Could it be he'd heard about her purpose and planned to make a move directly?
"Your brother? The head of the Oak Family? What does he want with me?"
"Don't worry, it's just a private meeting. My brother heard about what happened to me on the Xianzhou Luofu and wants to thank you for your help."
Robin's tone was gentle, but Sylvia's expression turned a bit subtle.
"...Are you sure it's thanks? And not about settling a score? Blaming me for dragging you into an Emanator-level fight?"
Hearing this, Robin laughed and waved her hands dismissively.
While Sylvia's suspicion was understandable, Robin felt she had to defend her brother's reputation a little.
"He wouldn't! My brother is very kind and reasonable. He just has a bit of an overprotective streak towards me, so… He won't take it out on you. Probably not?"
But as she spoke, even Robin's own confidence began to waver.
Sunday did have that overprotective tendency, always wanting her to return to Penacony and stop running off to dangerous places.
Thinking about it, the place she'd gone to this time was about as dangerous as it gets.
Knowing her brother, he'd probably been worried sick when he found out.
"...Now you're making me even more nervous."
Seeing Robin's own subtle expression, Sylvia felt like laughing.
Who talks someone into a potential trap like that?
Could it be this superstar had a bit of a clueless side sometimes?
--+--
The next day.
Sylvia boarded the luxurious ship carrying Robin from the starport.
Surprisingly, this small vessel, about a hundred meters long, only had Robin on board. Not even her assistants or managers were accompanying her.
The moment they met, Robin walked over, took Sylvia's hand, and said earnestly:
"Don't worry! When we meet with the head of the Oak Family, I'll be with you the entire time, Sylvia. I absolutely won't give him a chance to pressure you!"
Sylvia was speechless. Had this superstar really been pondering this issue seriously all day?
"Alright, alright. Then I'll be counting on you to protect me, Miss Robin."
Robin could hear the teasing in Sylvia's tone. She knew Sylvia was very capable and probably wasn't too worried about it.
But Sylvia was a guest Robin had invited, and she felt responsible for her safety.
So, even though Sylvia's tone was playful, Robin continued to treat the matter with utmost seriousness.
"Now, come inside and rest. It won't take too long to get from The Blue to Penacony, just a few dozen system hours."
Robin led Sylvia by the hand into the living quarters.
The cabin was lavishly and comfortably appointed, with drinks, entertainment, relaxation areas—everything one could want.
One entire wall was specially designed to be adjustable, allowing a direct view of the scenery outside the ship when desired.
Barefoot on the cabin's carpet, Robin picked up a music box from the table and placed it in Sylvia's hands.
"This is the invitation to the Charmony Festival on Penacony. It's only registered under your name for now. If you have any friends you'd like to invite, you can always let me know."
--+--
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.