Chapter 123

【If this news were to leak to the outside, regardless of whether the guests' actual safety is ensured, the reputation of the Penacony Grand Festival would surely be affected!】

【With the Harmony Festival approaching, they had no choice but to keep this matter hidden.】

Welt suddenly understood the truth behind it all.

【The guests' safety — perhaps even that cannot be guaranteed, you know...】

【Isn't the monster she encountered the best proof of that?】

【Shall I give you another hint?】

【It is... a Mnemosyne of the Memory Zone...】

【How could a meme symbolizing death and murder appear in a dream the family claims to be absolutely safe...】

【In Penacony, everyone might be lying — perhaps even the family themselves, you know?】

Black Swan said in a soft, haunting tone.

【Miss Black Swan, we have a full grasp of the current situation.】

【Returning to your initial proposal...】

【May I ask for what reason the Memory Zone Memosphere has chosen to cooperate with the Astral Express?】

Himeko had already learned the entire beginning and end of the matter,

so she decided to probe Black Swan's attitude.

【Mm, please allow me to correct that...】

【This is my personal request; it does not represent the Memosphere.】

【The answer is simple, Miss Himeko — I only wish to make an exchange... an exchange of memories.】

【Beyond my duties, I also have certain... personal aesthetic pursuits.】

【I am a Mnemosyne, and also a collector; I wish to witness those crystalline, resplendent, precious memories as well.】

【This sentiment is easy to understand, isn't it?】

【And you, the nameless guests of the Astral Express, practitioners of the Path of Trailblaze...】

【I believe in your potential, and I believe in the... unique brilliance you will bloom on this stage.】

【This is why I wish to be friends with all of you.】

【The confluence of nightmares and sweet dreams... as a cradle of memories, it could not be more fitting.】

Black Swan's tone was gentle and soothing,

and her eyes seemed to carry sincerity.

【... I understand. But before giving you my answer, we still need to discuss a few things.】

Himeko pondered for a moment,

and decided not to give Black Swan an answer for the time being.

【Of course, please, be my guest.】

Black Swan nodded, not minding at all..