Then Arthur remembered something and turned to look beside him.
"Huh? Where's Castorice?"
She'd been right next to him just a moment ago. How had she disappeared the instant he looked away?
Cyrene smiled and pointed in a certain direction.
"Isn't that her?"
Arthur followed her finger.
Castorice was making her way out of the crowd, accompanied by another girl.
The girl bore some resemblance to Castorice, yet the two of them felt completely different.
If Castorice was shy and gentle, like a little rabbit ready to hide at any moment, then this girl was calm-eyed and composed, her steps steady and unhurried.
The two came to a stop in front of Arthur.
Castorice's cheeks turned slightly red.
"Arthur," she said, her voice as soft as ever.
"Th-this is my younger sister."
"Sis, I'll do it."
The girl cut Castorice off before she could continue. She stepped forward and looked Arthur straight in the eye.
"My name is Polyxia."
Arthur stared at her, momentarily taken aback.
Polyxia.
Castorice's younger sister?
How come Castorice had never mentioned her before?
"N-nice to meet you." For once, Arthur found himself at a loss for words.
"I've heard about you."
Arthur blinked.
"You have?"
"Mm. My sister talks about you all the time."
Castorice's face instantly turned bright red.
"Polyxia!" she called softly.
"D-don't make things up."
Polyxia glanced back at Castorice.
Her look clearly said, Sis, when did I make anything up?
Castorice's face grew even redder.
Arthur couldn't help laughing at the two sisters.
"What does she say about me?"
Polyxia looked back at Arthur.
"She talks about how you used to read her drafts in college and give her advice, and about how amazing you are."
"Polyxia!"
Castorice finally couldn't take it anymore. She grabbed her sister's hand, a hint of pleading in her voice.
Polyxia looked at Castorice and fell silent for two seconds.
Then she let out a soft sigh.
"Fine. I won't say any more."
She turned back to Arthur.
"Anyway, I already know who you are, even if this is the first time we've met."
"Nice to meet you." Arthur held out his hand.
Polyxia looked at his outstretched hand, then took it.
"Likewise."
They released their hands, and Castorice quietly breathed a sigh of relief beside them.
"Um..." she said softly. "Why don't we go sit over there?"
Polyxia glanced at Castorice.
"Sis."
"Mm?"
"Why are you blushing?"
Castorice: "..."
Arthur burst out laughing.
Polyxia glanced at him, and the corners of her lips curved into a smile as well.
There was a certain helplessness in that smile, as if to say, See? This is just how my sister is.
But there was also affection in it, as if to say, And that's exactly what makes her my sister.
"Come on, Sis. Let's go sit over there."
She turned first and headed toward the empty seats.
Castorice glanced at Arthur, her cheeks still red, and whispered, "Um, my sister... she's just like that. Don't mind her."
Arthur shook his head.
"I don't. Your sister's pretty interesting."
Castorice paused, then smiled softly.
Just then, Phainon's voice rang out from the kitchen doorway, brimming with pride and impatience.
"Food's ready! Time to eat!"
The moment he said it, the atmosphere in the hall exploded with excitement.
"Finally! I'm starving!"
Stelle was the first to jump to her feet, her eyes locked firmly on the kitchen.
March 7th stood up right after her and tugged Nattia along. "Nattia, come on, come on! Let's grab a good spot!"
Nattia, expressionless as ever, simply let her older sister drag her along.
Mydei emerged carrying an enormous tray piled high with steaming dishes.
Every dish looked and smelled incredible.
He set the tray steadily on the long table, then swept an expressionless glance over everyone crowding around him.
"What's the rush? It's not like anyone's going to steal it from you."
Despite his words, there was an unmistakable hint of pride in Mydei's eyes.
Hyacine followed close behind, carrying a wine jug in one hand and a teapot in the other as she moved between the tables.
"Come on, come on! Drinks all around!"
Grinning, she filled everyone's cups. "Today's a special day. Nobody leaves sober!"
Anaxa frowned as he held his cup.
"I still have to drive."
"Professor Anaxa, just call a designated driver!" Hyacine declared as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Anaxa: "..."
Aglaea burst out laughing beside him.
Everyone gradually took their seats.
The long table was covered with food, while laughter drifted gently through the air.
Herta had already picked up a bite and put it into her mouth.
She chewed.
Her eyes brightened slightly.
She picked up another piece.
Chewed again.
Then she set down her chopsticks and nodded thoughtfully.
"Not bad."
It was rare praise coming from her.
Screwllum sat beside her and looked over.
"I'm glad you're satisfied, Madam Herta."
Herta didn't respond. She simply looked over the dishes on the table as thoughts began turning in her mind.
That woman Ruan Mei spent all day holed up in her laboratory. It was about time she came out for some fresh air.
She'd probably like the food here.
And then there was Stephen, that socially anxious little boy who spent all day hiding at home because he was afraid to meet people.
If they brought him somewhere this lively, he'd probably be scared enough to curl into a ball.
Still, the faintest curve appeared at the corner of Herta's lips.
The more afraid he was, the more reason there was to drag him outside. He couldn't hide in his shell forever.
She turned toward Screwllum.
"Screwllum."
"Yes?"
"In a couple of days, let's find some time to come here and discuss the Simulated Universe."
Screwllum paused.
"The Simulated Universe? Herta, you mean..."
"Mm. I have a project in mind. It won't be any worse than that astral computer of Zandar's."
Screwllum was silent for several seconds.
Then he gave a slight nod.
"Understood. I'll make time."
Herta's gaze traveled past the crowd and settled on Zandar, who was chatting with Tribios not far away.
The man who had once transformed the academic world was speaking softly, a gentle smile on his face.
Strive through an era and lead an era.
That was the path of those who came before.
Herta lowered her gaze back to the dishes in front of her.
Those who came after had to produce something worthwhile too.
At the very least, they had to surpass their predecessors.
"Phainon."
Herta suddenly called out.
Phainon poked his head out. "Huh? Professor Herta?"
"I'll be coming to this restaurant often from now on."
Phainon froze for a second, then grinned.
"Sure! You're welcome anytime!"
Stelle leaned over from the side.
"Teacher, you're going to come here often?"
"Mm."
"Then can I tag along and mooch some free meals?"
Herta glanced at Stelle.
Her eyes clearly said, What do you think?
Stelle shrank back slightly and chuckled sheepishly.
Screwllum watched the exchange with a soft smile. He lifted his teacup and took a sip.
Then his gaze also settled on Zandar.
Herta, this young genius, was chasing after him in her own way, preparing to surpass him.
"Herta."
"Mm?"
"I'll do everything in my power to help you."
"I know."
A little later, Phainon came over carrying a plate of freshly baked pastries and stopped beside Arthur.
"Buddy, there's another surprise coming later."
"What surprise?"
"Professor Tribios brought it. Guess what it is."
Arthur was silent for two seconds.
He looked at Phainon's face as the man desperately tried to appear mysterious. Phainon clearly couldn't keep a secret to save his life, yet he was still doing his best to put on an I-know-something-you-don't expression.
Arthur couldn't help sighing.
"Phainon."
"Yeah?"
"When did you turn into the Riddler?"
Phainon blinked.
"Huh?"
"A Riddler. Someone who only tells you half of something and makes you keep guessing the rest.
"I don't remember you being like this before. You used to say whatever was on your mind. You never beat around the bush."
Phainon's expression became a little awkward.
"I'm just trying to surprise everyone."
"You can tell us what the surprise is."
"Then it wouldn't be a surprise!"
"Fine. You want me to guess, so give me a hint."
Phainon thought for a moment.
"Professor Tribios brought it, and it has something to do with what she's been researching lately."
Arthur thought about it.
Professor Tribios's research...
Classical literature? Mythology?
He ventured a guess.
"Don't tell me it's some of those ancient texts from her collection?"