Chapter 165

Stelle shifted to another possibility.

【His target must be the family, but his methods remain unknown.】

【The Family's influence has grown in Penacony, making it very difficult to confront them head-on.】

【The Company dispatching Topaz here also shows they don't intend to rely on normal means.】

Himeko explained.

【Does that have something to do with Huang Quan?】

Stelle thought of Huang Quan, whom Topaz was very concerned about.

She felt this might serve as Topaz's entry point.

【Topaz has devoted considerable attention to her.】

【But as for this Astral Express hunter.....】

【We currently know very little and cannot make any judgment.】

Huang Quan was very unfamiliar to Himeko,

and she simply couldn't think of any useful information.

【Then that leaves only us, the Astral Express.】

Stelle said helplessly.

【....】

【I'm also considering this possibility, especially....】

【He holds you in special regard, deliberately approaching you again and again.】

【Perhaps he also doesn't know your true strength, and is still testing you repeatedly.】

Himeko said, frowning.

【There are still too few clues; it's hard to reach any conclusion.】

Stelle scratched her head,

and sighed.

【... Right now I'm just thinking out loud.】

【Regardless, when dealing with Topaz, you must stay vigilant. He's very skilled at reading people and knows when to make a move.】

【And.....】

【He's clearly a born gambler, willing to stake everything for victory.】

【Alright, go chat with Welt.】

【He might have more insights.】

Himeko pointed at Welt, who was standing not far away in thought, and said to Stelle.

【Okay.】

Stelle nodded, then walked up to Welt,

and informed Welt of Topaz's recent reply.

【There's one more thing in Topaz's words that concerns me.】

【Without any evidence, he directly accused that Astral Express hunter of being the suspect who killed Robin.】

【But regarding her connection to the Memory Zone Meme, and why she was lurking by your side, he didn't mention a word.】

【This kind of obviously untenable reasoning... does nothing to earn your trust; it only makes him seem more suspicious.】

After hearing Stelle's news,

Welt began to frown as he spoke.

【Does Topaz have other plans?】

Stelle asked curiously.

【Perhaps Topaz's goal from the very start wasn't to win trust, but to make you harbor resentment toward Huang Quan.】

【That would make the situation even more chaotic—a result he'd be happy to see.】

【However, regarding the Minmie Gang members who came to the appointment going silent, I confirmed it with Brother Dan Heng, who stayed behind on the train...】

【It wasn't something Topaz made up out of thin air.】

【After meeting her so many times, what's your impression of Young Lady Huang Quan?】

Welt suddenly asked Stelle this question.

【.... A very mysterious person?】

【Huh... that's strange.... I don't think I can remember clearly.】

Stelle was just about to answer,

but suddenly realized she couldn't recall any of Huang Quan's characteristics no matter how hard she tried.

137【....】

【It does fit the stereotype those Astral Express hunters give off.】

【These people... are bizarre, unfathomable, and prefer to act alone.】

【Sigh, no wonder they're suspected.】

Seeing Stelle's state,

Welt shook his head helplessly.

After that, he fell silent.

He began to ponder alone.

Seeing this, Stelle turned to find March 7th.

【"I don't know if it's too sudden, but I just feel... that Young Lady Robin hasn't died, and is still living somewhere, safe and sound."】

【"That it was all just... a prank..."】

【"Because... isn't this a dream?"】

【"How could anyone die in Sweetdream Paradise? Only good things should happen here... right?"】

【"Sigh... seeing that grand theater, I just can't help letting my thoughts run wild..."】

March 7th, gazing at the grand theater from the observation deck,

spotted Stelle coming to her side,

and couldn't help pouring out a few words.

【"You suspect the Family?"】

Stelle felt there seemed to be something unspoken behind March 7th's words.

【"No, no, no, not at all!"】

【"After all, it's because of them that we have the Sweetdream that brings smiles to everyone today."】

【"It's just that I feel like I'm starting to have trouble seeing through them..."】

【"The people on the streets are still so happy, no one knows what happened..."】

【"It feels so unreal, as if Firefly and Young Lady Robin, and us... are people from another world."】

【"Ah... so annoying!"】

【"I really want some ice-cold soda to cool down..."】

【"But wouldn't that make me just like the people on the streets...? Hmm..."】

March 7th began clutching her head,

and the complicated situation at this stage left her expression somewhat troubled.

Stelle: "Damn it! Look at what they've done to my dear March!"

Stelle: "Who the hell started this damned conspiracy!"

Stelle: "If I ever catch them, they won't get off easy!!"

March 7th: "Good, that's the spirit!"

March 7th: "But unfortunately, it seems we're still a long way from catching the culprit."

Furina: "Too chaotic, truly far too chaotic."

Furina: "Up to this point, it remains shrouded in layers of mystery, impossible to make heads or tails of."】

Diviner Fu Xuan: "A perfectly good Sweetdream Paradise stirred up into this state — the Family bears an inescapable responsibility."

Sister Yukong: "Indeed, since such incidents have occurred before, the Family should not have been idle."

Sister Yukong: "As those blessed by the Harmony, you ought to be able to handle this matter."