『 After soothing the Pepeshi, (Robin?) walked over to the next guest, who was an Intellitron.
At that moment, he was telling his companion about what he had seen.
"The Family promised they would guarantee the safety of the guests in the dreamscape. But I saw with my own eyes a group of organic lifeforms heading towards the Theme Park. Not long after, the sky was torn open, and black rain seeped out from the void."
"The Family needs to give a reasonable explanation; otherwise I will take my lover and return to reality immediately. If the dreamscape is no longer a paradise, there is no point in staying here."
After listening, (Robin?) smiled and said to the Intellitron, "It seems this gentleman is a big shot who has seen many grand scenes. Uninvited guests have indeed sneaked into the dreamscape."
"But their target was not the ordinary guests, but the IPC's envoy. The Family will certainly place the safety of our guests as our top priority." 』
『 ....』
〘Aventurine〙: As expected, sometimes dead people are more useful than the living. After all, I've become 'mute' now too.
....
『 The Intellitron was not surprised to see Robin. It seemed that, just as she said, this Intellitron was indeed a big shot who had seen many grand scenes.
The Intellitron sighed, "Sigh, Miss Robin. I know the Hound Family has cordoned off the Theme Park, and I believe the Family can properly control the situation, but that doesn't help."
"The Family can do whatever it takes to maintain its reputation, but as a guest, I also don't want to wager my own life."
"But as you can see, sir, no innocent people were affected in this accident."
(Robin?) shook her head and continued, "The dreamscape may not be as beautiful as promised, but there is no place safer than the sweet dream under the Family's governance. I believe you know this better than I do. Ask yourself, if such an accident happened in reality, how many people would be able to escape unscathed?" 』
『 ....』
〘Stelle〙: I bet Hanabi is absolutely holding back her laughter right now.
〘Hanabi〙: Cough, cough… Hahaha… You win.
....
『 The Intellitron was left speechless by this statement. He then crossed his arms and said, "I can stay here. But please remember, guests come to Penacony to enjoy the dreamscape. They don't want to be dragged into the disputes between the Family and the IPC. Don't let anything else happen."
(Robin?) nodded, then handed the button to the Intellitron.
"Of course. The Charmony Festival is about to open, and we will do our best to prepare. Please rest assured. As an apology, the Family has prepared this gift for the guests. Thank you all for your understanding."
Seeing the Intellitron accept it, (Robin?) walked away using the same excuse as before.
Before long, she saw two Hounds. She walked up and asked, "Hello, may I ask what happened here?"
"Ah, nothing major. Just a rehearsal accident at the Clock Studios Theme Park. Please stay calm, guests…" The newly recruited female Hound replied with a formulaic response upon hearing the inquiry.
The experienced male Hound beside her patted his head helplessly, looked at the female Hound, and warned, "Hey! Are you stupid? You didn't even recognize Miss Robin! Who do you think you're talking to?"
"Huh? S-S-S-Sorry! I just transferred to the Hound Family a few days ago, and I'm not used to working on the streets yet. I didn't notice it was you… I am so sorry!" The female Hound hurriedly bowed and apologized to Robin.
"No need to be nervous. Thank you for your hard work on patrol. How is the situation now?" (Robin?) asked the two of them with a gentle tone. 』
『 ....』
〘Stelle〙: Your voice is getting so high-pitched it's hitting the stratosphere. Even the real Robin doesn't put on a voice like that.
〘Hanabi〙: Don't sweat the details. It's already good enough that I'm helping the Family stabilize these people's emotions. What else do you want from me?
....
『 The female Hound replied solemnly, "Report! We have cordoned off the Theme Park. Most of the guests are used to the strange sights in the dream, and no hidden dangers have been found yet. It is expected that order will be restored soon."
The male Hound nodded and assured Robin, "Please rest assured, Miss Robin. We will strengthen patrols to ensure nothing goes wrong."
"I believe in you. But regarding what happened at the Theme Park, what do you Hounds think? It's fine, speak your true thoughts."
The male Hound scratched his head, "Uh… this…"
"Actually, I was at the scene not long before it happened… The IPC envoy came with ill intent, is that true? And that Galaxy Ranger, she sliced the sky open so easily…" the female Hound replied.
Seeing that the female Hound had spoken up, the male Hound didn't beat around the bush either. He sighed and said, "Sigh, Miss Robin, to tell you the truth, everyone is feeling uneasy. Having so many factions gathered in Penacony was already unsettling enough…"
"Thank you for your loyalty to the Family. The Planet of Festivities is indeed in trouble. That IPC representative… tried to reclaim ownership of Penacony and was even prepared to use force." (Robin?) comforted the two after hearing this.
"Of course, the Family did not agree. The result of the breakdown in negotiations… is what you saw."
The male Hound showed an expression of sudden realization, "Oh~ No wonder! I heard that IPC employees are banned from entering the dreamscape. So that was the main reason. Hey, has that troublemaking bastard been caught?" 』
『 ....』
〘Aventurine〙: Thanks for the invite. Currently in Penacony, just got slashed into the void by Acheron.
〘Topaz〙: You actually have quite a sense of humor.
....
『 "Rest assured, Mr. Sunday is currently tracking his whereabouts, and we expect results soon. But now that things have come to this, the IPC will definitely not let it go. So, the order and stability of the dreamscape will depend on you." 』
『 ....』
〘March 7th〙: I feel like there's something off about this sentence… but I can't quite put my finger on it.
〘Stelle〙: Now that you mention it, I get that feeling too.
....
『 The female Hound nodded in response, "Rest assured, Miss Robin! We will definitely execute our orders diligently and never let those IPC guys get their way!"
Her eyes were as clear as a college student who had just entered society, without any trace of being beaten down by life. 』
『 ....』
〘Cocolia〙: How nice, that drive of someone who has just entered society…
....
『 "Thank you for your hard work. If any other members feel uneasy, you can pass on my words. Protecting the dreamscape requires everyone's joint efforts."
With that, she took out a button and handed it to the two of them.
"This is a gift prepared by the Iris Family for the guests. Here is one for you too. Open it at the Charmony Festival, and there will be a surprise."
The female Hound took the button and exclaimed with excitement, "To actually receive a gift from Miss Robin… It's like a dream! Wait, aren't I already in a dream?"
"If anyone really comes to make trouble, we aren't afraid of going to the battlefield. Please rest assured, the peace and stability of the dreamscape will be protected by the Hounds!" the male Hound replied firmly.
After bidding farewell to the two Hounds, (Robin?) arrived at the plaza where the Clockie statue stood. Just as she arrived, a guest who saw her became excited.
"Miss… Robin? It's the universe-famous superstar—Miss Robin!"
"I didn't expect to meet a fan here. I'm honored. Welcome to Penacony, a world overflowing with sweet dreams." (Robin?) stopped her pace and replied to the excited fan. 』
『 ....』
〘Stelle〙: Welcome to Penacony—a world full of schemes.
〘Belle〙: Welcome to New Eridu—a world full of tragedies.
〘Kiana Kaslana〙: Welcome to St. Freya—an academy full of Herrschers.
....
『 "I didn't expect to meet you in person… Shouldn't you be preparing for the opening of the Charmony Festival right now?" the guest asked in confusion.
"Stage preparation is indeed important, but holding the ceremony is meant to convey the Harmony of the Aeon to everyone. If there is an opportunity to sing with everyone, I naturally shouldn't refuse."
"The accident just now brought a bad experience to some of the guests. As a member of the Family, I ought to come and apologize to everyone." (Robin?) bowed her head slightly in apology.
After listening, the guest scratched his head, his tone full of suspicion, "But… was that really an accident? We all saw the chips falling like rain and the red light slicing the sky. To say it was special effects is a bit too realistic, isn't it?"
"I also met that generous gentleman. He looked very off, talking to himself the whole time. Could that also be part of the script's set design?" 』
『 ....』
〘Stelle〙: Wow, this guy is a real Penacony veteran. He took Aventurine's gems, and now he's taking Hanabi's button.
....
『 The crowd around the plaza nodded in agreement after hearing this.
"Please do not panic, everyone. Believe that the Family can give you all a satisfactory answer." (Robin?) stabilized the crowd.
"But even if Miss Robin says so… it's hard to believe…"
Looking at the guest who refused to listen to reason, (Robin?) sighed helplessly and pressed her forehead.
"Sigh, there really are people who just won't listen no matter what. It's never-ending… Even I get tired." (Robin?) stopped pretending and complained using Hanabi's unique speaking habit.
"Miss… Robin?" His tone was filled with confusion.
"Still, I suppose I should keep on helping everyone; I am the epitome of 'joy, kindness, and goodness,' after all."
As her words fell, the guest clutched his head, suddenly feeling very drowsy. He closed his eyes and quickly opened them again, asking in confusion.
"Huh? What was I doing just now? And who are you, miss…"
Hanabi, who had changed back to her original form, took out a button and handed it to the guest.
"Accept this gift, little guest. This is a gift specially prepared for you by the Family."
"Make sure to hold onto it tightly. Wait until the Charmony Festival opens, and then—at the climax of the play, press this button together with the people around you…"
"Who knows… maybe something very interesting will happen?"
The scene ended with Hanabi's meaningful smile. 』
『 ....』
{The Fool Always Rings Twice—End}
〘Stelle〙: I underestimated it. He was even hit by Hanabi's illusion.
〘Hanabi〙: Hmph, refusing to do things the easy way.
〘Aurum Alley Diner〙: If it's him, maybe he really could drink that cup of Mung Bean Soda.
....