Chapter 39

【Himeko: This child is a new passenger on our Star Rail; we can vouch for her identity.】

Welt and Himeko tried to negotiate with the other party, wanting to change the room reserved for Dan Heng into one for Stelle.

【Waitress: This... you suddenly say this, I'm afraid...】 the waitress hesitated.

Seeing this, Stelle immediately pulled out the Spear of the City Builder!

This startled the waitress,

who quickly waved her hands and said:

【No! I'm not doubting your identity, it's just...】

Before the waitress could finish speaking,

she was interrupted by a stranger walking up to them.

【It's just that the "Harmony Festival" is imminent—the most important moment in Penacony's every cycle. Add to that the family's invitations, and the entire galaxy's guests have crammed this place to bursting...】

【Hotel security is under even greater strain, allowing not the slightest slip. For something like this to happen suddenly, it's not something this young lady can decide—Star Rail companions, don't make things hard for her.】

The stranger stepped beside them, smiling as he gently defended the waitress.

【Welt: We encountered some issues during check-in, and we deeply apologize for the inconvenience. May I ask who this gentleman is?】 After exchanging a glance with Himeko, Welt asked the stranger.

【I am Sandgold, of the Company's Strategic Investment Division, chief of asset liquidation under "Diamond." I came here at the invitation of "The Clockmaker"...】 the stranger revealed his identity.

【Sandgold: Also, I'm a tourist who's been waiting behind you for quite some time.】 As Sandgold stepped aside, everyone saw the many pairs of discontented eyes behind him.

【Himeko: I'll handle this.】 Himeko sensed the aura radiating from Sandgold, so she quietly pulled Welt aside and stepped forward to negotiate herself.

【Himeko: I've heard the Interstellar Peace Corporation also received an invitation to Penacony; you must be their representative. The Company's elite truly possess an extraordinary bearing—such a distinguished figure, could you perhaps grant us a small favor?】

Himeko opened with high-emotional-intelligence words,

elevating Sandgold to the highest pedestal.

【Sandgold: Did I hear that right—grant a favor? Shouldn't that be me asking you?】

【I've been waiting here for over ten minutes. Do you know how many credit points ten minutes means to me?】

As a Company elite, Sandgold was unmoved by flattery.

In just a few words, he reclaimed the initiative and regained the upper hand.

【Himeko: It must be an astronomical sum—so now, Mr. Sandgold, I have an investment you simply cannot afford to miss.】

【The Company's influence spans the cosmos; your word carries great weight. We hope to borrow your status—to vouch for her.】

【In doing so, you'll not only save much precious time, but also gain a new circle of friends.】

Himeko sensed Sandgold's stubbornness and decided to speak plainly.

【Sandgold: That's interesting. What can these friends offer me?】 Sandgold showed a flicker of interest.

【Himeko: That's a topic worth discussing further. As guests of "The Clockmaker," why don't we first settle in at Penacony, then take our time learning about each other?】 Himeko saw Sandgold's hesitation and pressed forward.

【Sandgold: Very well, very well. But, Miss Navigator, I must point out—】

【If I act, the time I save must be earned by me—not gifted to me by you.】 Sandgold grew more aggressive, pressing further on Himeko.

【Himeko:...】 Himeko fell silent, finding his arrogance nearly impossible to engage with.

【Sandgold:... But I particularly liked your second half. Friends—yes, nothing is more precious than friends, especially pioneers as open and upright as the Nameless Travelers.】

【During my journey through Penacony, I'll rely on you, my "Pioneers," for much care. I hope we all get along well.】 Sandgold saw Himeko's expression and realized excessive pressure would backfire.

Thus, he shifted tone, slightly lowering his stance and beginning to befriend the train crew.

Stelle: "So it's because I boarded late that there's no room?"

Stelle: "I was terrified—I thought you didn't love me anymore. Now I feel better. (Happy. jpg)"

Seeing Welt's explanation, Stelle's furrowed brows instantly relaxed.

March 7th: "By the way, is Mr. Sandgold really an employee of the Company?"

March 7th: "Or a colleague of Miss Topaz?"

Topaz: "Though I hate to admit it, I am indeed his colleague."

Sandgold: "My dear colleague, am I really that unlikable to you?"

Topaz: "You tell me."

Sandgold: "Fine, I brought this on myself."

Furina: "By the way, Mr. Sandgold, are you really not a villain?"

Sandgold: "Why ask this again?"

Xiangling: "Because in your video, you looked so aloof and condescending—it's really annoying!"

At Wanmin Hall, Xiangling stirred her wok while watching Sandgold's video, gritting her teeth in irritation.

This Company employee named Sandgold,

throughout his conversation with the train crew, carried an air of arrogance and haughtiness that made her deeply uncomfortable.

Sandgold: "Heh, I think you've misunderstood—I'm not being disrespectful in this manner."

Sandgold: "In fact, the Star Rail's reputation is renowned far and wide; I hold great respect for all of you on the Star Rail."

Hu Tao: "Uh... you're kidding me, right?"

Hu Tao: "In your video, you might as well have written 'I have ulterior motives' across your face."

Xingqiu: "It seems Miss Furina was right—you really are a villain."

Clorinde: "Agreed."

Servant: "Heh, this Mr. Sandgold is intriguing—he controls aura far better than most. I'd very much like to test him."

Miss Ningguang: "Indeed. If Ruoyouji Society has the chance, I hope to hold a friendly negotiation with Mr. Sandgold."

"Sigh, this is such a headache."

"Didn't expect to be exposed this quickly."

"The future me... is meeting the Astral Express crew under these circumstances?"

"What a shame. It would've been better if I'd kept a lower profile."

"Now they all see me as a villain, and Sunday must have noticed it too."

"Could it be that the current me... is already surrounded by informants?"

"Sigh, forget it. I'll just watch and wait for now."

This scene in the video gave Topaz quite a headache.

The video continued to play.

【Himeko: I'm glad you can say that. Then about the guarantee...】 Seeing Topaz's attitude soften, a gentle smile reappeared on Himeko's face.

【Topaz: Young Lady, you've seen everything. For my sake, let this lady check in.】

【I have an appointment with the family's Mr. "Sunday," and I'll ask him to step in and handle this matter later. Don't worry, I won't cause you any trouble.】

Topaz turned to look at the waitress,

signaling her to do him a favor.

【Waitress: This, but....】 The waitress was in a difficult position, unsure what to do.

【Ellie, calm down. The family cannot let our guests go to sleep with burdens on their minds.】

Just then,

a man of elegant bearing suddenly walked up to the group and took the matter into his own hands.

Beside him was a very beautiful and captivating girl.