Chapter 23

Himeko: "Mr. Aventurine, I can tell you are a smart person; I hope you do not dig your own grave!"

Welt: "The Express crew will not let you touch a single hair on Stelle's head!"

Stelle: "Wuwuwu, you guys are so good to me, I'm crying to death!!"

This scene in the video

stirs up the indignation of the entire Express crew,

and they all begin to speak up, backing Stelle!

"Is this the Express crew?"

"The bond between them is truly incredibly united!"

Albedo, who is currently in the snowy mountains,

after seeing this scene,

feels deeply moved.

The blood in his body even becomes slightly hot.

"Wow, the bond between them is really, really good!"

"If one companion is wronged, a whole group of companions will stand up without hesitation to vent their anger for her!"

"This feeling is just too wonderful!"

"Paimon is moved to tears!"

"Lumine, after you find your brother, shall we find a way to join the Astral Express?"

"That way, we can also become companions like family to them."

"In the future, when we go out, we won't have to worry about fighting alone and being bullied!"

"How wonderful that would be..."

Paimon is infected by the Express crew's protective camaraderie,

and at this moment, she really wants to become a member of the Express crew!

"Join the Astral Express?"

"If there really is such an opportunity... I won't give it up!"

Paimon’s suggestion

makes Lumine feel moved as well.

Honestly, she is also a bit envious of the atmosphere on the train now.

"Heh, stupid gambler, it seems you’ve messed everything up."

"Let's see how you clean up this mess."

In a room somewhere in Penacony,

Dr. Ratio watches this scene and cannot help but sneer.

He has always looked down on Aventurine’s style,

so being able to see him suffer now is quite satisfying.

In the video.

[Stelle: How do you know?]

Stelle is extremely shocked,

and cannot help but blurt it out.

[Aventurine: I know now.] Aventurine’s answer leaves Stelle stunned.

Hu Tao: "???"

Hu Tao: "You were actually bluffing Miss Stelle the whole time?"

Hu Tao: "That is too sinister, isn't it?!"

Arataki Itto: "Ahhh, using such despicable means!! Aventurine, are you even a man!"

Arataki Itto: "This great one looks down on you!"

Kamisato Ayato: "Heh, Mr. Aventurine seems very skilled at scheming and manipulating people's hearts!"

Kamisato Ayaka: "As expected of an elite individual within the behemoth that is the Interastral Peace Corporation, these methods are indeed extraordinary."

Scaramouche: "Heh, just a despicable person who is good at using underhanded tactics."

Paimon: "Uh... you, a Fatui Harbinger, aren't you ashamed to say such things?"

Childe: "Exactly, if you aren't ashamed, I'm ashamed for you!"

Childe: "Do you really think you perverts are all as open and aboveboard as I am?"

Lumine: "Childe... you aren't much better, are you?"

Childe: "Hey, partner, at least I’m straightforward. Isn't that right?"

Childe: "Unlike them, who have hundreds of schemes in their heads, thinking every day about plotting against this person or that person."

Dottore: "Tartaglia, you brute, do you really think we are all as stupid as you?"

Dottore: "Do you know why you can only be ranked at the bottom of the Fatui? It's because you are hopelessly stupid."

Sparkle: "Oh~ is this internal strife within the same organization! Hehehe, I love watching this!"

Sparkle: "Fight~ kill each other~ I want to see blood flow like a river~ (Evil grin.jpg)"

Arlecchino: "Enough, you idiots! Do you think you haven't been rude enough?"

Scaramouche: "You crazy woman, stop putting on an act here. What right do you have to scold us?"

Boothill: "Hahaha, damn it, my stomach is hurting from laughing."

Boothill: "I’m asking you, what kind of weird organization is your Fatui? You attack your own people?"

Seele: "It’s an eye-opener."

Sampo: "I say, everyone, stop arguing, okay? Harmony is the most precious thing!"

Stelle: "Shut up, all of you! Don't disturb me from watching the video!!!"

Stelle scolds them in the live chat,

and whether it was a coincidence or what,

in any case, after this sentence, everyone stops arguing.

In the video.

[Aventurine: You don't have to give me an answer now; thinking also takes time. When the time is ripe, I will naturally come to find you.]

[Of course, you can also discuss it with your companions, or even turn around and use me; I welcome that—because that is also showing me your value.]

[I never do losing business; I hope you "friends"... don't let me down.]

Aventurine’s tone is very arrogant, as if he doesn't take Stelle seriously at all.

[Stelle: I cannot make decisions on my own!] Stelle shakes her head firmly!

[Aventurine: I said, no need to rush for an answer, because no matter what... the result will not change!] Aventurine’s expression is playful, and he says this in a certain tone.

Subsequently, he begins to walk toward the door,

as if intending to leave.

However, when he reaches the door,

he stops his footsteps again.

[Aventurine: Oh right, before I leave, let's play another game. It's very simple, guess which hand the chip is in—just to get to know each other, so you can better understand my personality and my way of doing things...]

Aventurine turns around,

and a powerful aura spreads out.

The atmosphere suddenly becomes heavy!

A chip is tossed into the air by him and disappears in the blink of an eye, replaced by... two tightly clenched hands!

He holds his two clenched hands horizontally in front,

demanding an answer from Stelle.

The pressure gradually intensifies,

and cold sweat begins to seep from Stelle’s forehead.

[Aventurine: Left or right? Get ready—I’m about to reveal the answer.]

Aventurine’s tone is still as cynical as ever, making Stelle increasingly nervous.

At this moment, she has completely fallen into Aventurine’s rhythm,

and can only be led by the nose.

She looks at Aventurine’s two fists,

and a feeling that if she chooses wrong, she will be doomed, inexplicably wells up in her heart.

This leaves her somewhat hesitant and uncertain, not knowing which one to choose.

But after a moment, she grits her teeth and makes her final choice.

However, what greets her is...

[Aventurine: ...Oh, it seems I haven't asked you which side you choose yet. But it doesn't matter, because—]

Aventurine’s smile becomes increasingly unbridled,

and he begins to press toward Stelle step by step.

His tightly clenched hands also gradually open.

[Aventurine: Friend, the game has already begun. Make a deal with me.]

[You cannot refuse... there is no reason...]

Aventurine says this, and his hands are already completely open.

However, both of his hands are actually empty!

[Stelle: Huh?!!] Stelle suddenly realizes something is wrong!

Subconsciously, she looks at her own hand.

As it turns out, that chip is currently clutched tightly in her own palm!

[Aventurine: Heh... and there is no room for negotiation!!!]

Stelle’s scalp tingles, and she cannot help but look up,

only to meet Aventurine’s somewhat eerie eyes.

Stelle’s inner defenses begin to crumble, and the situation seems to be becoming critical!

However, at this moment,

only a loud bang is heard!

The room door is rudely pushed open!

A woman with a cold and arrogant temperament walks in, somewhat angrily!

[What are you... doing in my room?!!]

The woman’s aura is extremely powerful; as soon as she enters, she disperses the pressure brought by Aventurine.

She walks up to Aventurine and begins to question him coldly,

making Stelle’s heart tremble!