Chapter 48: Stelle: You guys handle the fun stuff! I

In the video.

After everyone dispersed,

only Stelle wandered aimlessly.

She glanced around and spotted Welt beside the bar; after a moment's thought, she prepared to go over and ask a few questions.

【Welt: The decor here is rather... noisy. Is this what life among the galactic elite is like..】 Seeing Stelle approach, Welt muttered offhandedly.

【Stelle: Uncle Yang, I'd like to ask about the Clockmaker's story.】 Stelle knew Welt was well-traveled, so she opened with the Clockmaker's tale.

【Welt: The "Clockmaker" is said to be a historical figure of Penacony; his legendary exploits have been passed down orally, inspiring people to come to the Festival Star in pursuit of dreams. Such an intriguing person would surely leave behind a highly appealing legacy.】

【But why would he be linked to the invitation letter, and why does he appear in the cryptic message allegedly sent by the Nameless Guest... I have no clue for now.】 Welt pondered, then spoke to Stelle.

【Stelle: What about the Family? What's their origin?】 Stelle now inquired about the Family.

【Welt: The Family reveres "Concord"; their acts of rescuing the suffering and aiding the weak are renowned across the stars, and Penacony's stability and prosperity are intimately tied to them.】

【But some factions have always kept watchful eyes on the Family, believing their gentle words conceal other intentions... Yet given the Family's consistently friendly attitude toward visitors, we need not overly worry for now.】 Welt shared with Stelle what he knew about the Family.

【Stelle: Is that so? Then I'm reassured. By the way, Uncle Yang, where do you plan to go after entering the dream?】 After learning about the Family, Stelle changed the subject, curiously asking.

【Welt: Penacony in the dream is divided into twelve moments; personally, I'm very interested in the "Moment of the Sun," a viewing dreamscape that holds Penacony's history and culture.】

【The Penacony Grand Museum, the First Awakening Library, the Origami University... these places may all hold the past we seek to uncover.】 Welt smiled, revealing his pre-planned itinerary.

【Stelle: So you've already planned everything, huh? Alright then, I won't bother you—I'll go check out other places.】 Stelle felt the conversation had run its course and prepared to leave.

【Welt: You can reach "true Penacony" through the dream pool in your room. When you're ready, set off. Have a pleasant dream.】

Seeing Stelle's intent to depart, Welt added one final warning.

March 7th: "Haha, I rarely see Uncle Yang look so flustered. Is Uncle Yang just not used to such luxurious places?"

Stelle: "I think Uncle Yang's just used to hard times! Uncle Yang, come on—we've finally stayed in such a luxurious hotel, so don't be shy! Eat, drink, and take what you want!"

Stelle: "We've worked this hard—can't we enjoy ourselves a little?!"

Stelle: "Don't feel guilty about it, okay?"

Himeko: "They're right. Welt, when it's time to relax, relax properly."

Dan Heng: "Balance between work and rest is necessary."

Welt: "... Fine, I'll listen to you all. Once we're at the hotel, I'll truly unwind."

Seeing everyone urging him to enjoy himself,

Welt could only agree.

Gan Yu: "From Welt Mr.'s words in the video, Penacony in the dream seems like a wondrous place."

Yao Yao: "Sister Gan Yu, Yao Yao thinks so too."

Mo Na: "A patch of dreamscape, yet independently divided into twelve moments—how is that even possible?"

Teyvat: "Welt Mr. said at the end that we can enter true Penacony through the dream pool."

Teyvat: "That means Penacony's reputation as the Festival Star, the universe's finest amusement park, rests entirely on dreams?"

Truth Doctor: "Correct, that's exactly it."

Qin: "To build such a grand reputation on dreams alone... it's hard to believe."

In the video.

Stelle nodded obediently at Welt, then walked away.

After walking a few steps, she saw Himeko seated on a sofa nearby.

She walked straight over.

【Himeko: What's wrong? Not ready to sleep yet? Can't find your room, or do you have something on your mind you want to talk about?】 Seeing Stelle approach, Himeko smiled and asked.

【Stelle: Sister Himeko, I'm bored and want to ask you about the Clockmaker's story.】 Stelle wanted to hear Himeko's opinion on the Clockmaker.

【Himeko: When speaking of the Festival Star, one cannot avoid mentioning the "Clockmaker," Penacony's household tycoon. Wealth, fame, status—he built with his own hands the career everyone dreams of, becoming a symbol of aspiration.】

【But how much of these stories are true... remains untraceable. The Clockmaker's origins and past are hotly debated; some even suspect he is merely a fabricated image of the Family.】

【For now, I don't believe this invitation letter is truly connected to the Clockmaker—his legacy... seems more like a distraction.】 Himeko knew Stelle was asking because of the invitation's content, so she spoke bluntly with her own opinion.

【Stelle: Then what do you think of Goldsand?】 Stelle shifted the question to Goldsand, whom she had met earlier.

【Himeko: A company envoy with ulterior motives, a smooth-talking shrewd merchant, a flamboyant Young Master... perhaps all of those. My instinct tells me he has hidden depths.】

【Before the situation becomes clear, we should maintain good relations with all sides—but remain vigilant.】 Goldsand left Himeko with an unfavorable impression, so she believed caution was needed.

【Stelle: I understand. Let's drop that for now—Sister Himeko, after entering the dream, is there anywhere you want to go?】 Stelle was also curious about Himeko's plans.

【Himeko: Penacony in the dream is divided into twelve independent patches of dreamscape. I've heard that upon first entering, different people end up in different destinations.】

【As for me... I'm looking forward to the "Moment of the Hot Sands," where the wild winds, taverns, and Festival auditions carry the pioneering spirit of the Nameless Guest. The "Moment of Morning Dew" is also a good choice—it offers a chance to visit the Family.】 Himeko, like Welt,

had already planned her destination on the train.

【Stelle: So you've all already planned where you're going? Is it just me who has no idea? Fine, I'll go ask March 7th.】

Learning Himeko's detailed plans, Stelle felt a sudden clarity.

She bid Himeko farewell and set out to find March 7th, wanting to ask where she planned to go after entering the dream.

【March 7th: Wow! What a huge bathtub...】

As Stelle just reached March 7th's room door, before opening it, she heard March 7th's exclamation.

She pushed the door open without hesitation.

【March 7th: Wow, you're also too excited to sleep! I can't wait to see the dream world!】 Seeing Stelle arrive, March 7th assumed she was just as restless and excited, hence wandering around.

【Stelle: "I'm just curious—where do you plan to go after entering the dream?"】

【March 7th: Definitely the "Moment of Dusk"! How can you come to a resort without visiting a shopping paradise! I've already packed bags ready to fill!】

【Hmm... after shopping, I'll change into a gorgeous evening gown and head to the Penacony Grand Theater to enjoy Miss Robin's singing!】 As expected, March 7th had also planned her itinerary.

This left Stelle utterly exasperated.

【March 7th: It's a bit concerning—Uncle Yang seems to have noticed too; Young Lady Robin's voice sounds tired... I can't quite describe it, but it's just not like her usual self?】

【Maybe she got exhausted from the previous Galaxy Tour Concert? To keep performing despite this, Young Lady Robin is truly a model artist!】 Speaking of Young Lady Robin, March 7th recalled a scene she had seen before and felt puzzled.

Still, she didn't dwell on it, assuming Young Lady Robin was simply tired, which explained her condition.

【Stelle: By the way, March, what do you think of this so-called "grand event"?】 Stelle suddenly asked.

【March 7th: At first I thought we were really here for a vacation, but now... I feel this "grand event" is definitely extraordinary! All factions are deciphering riddles and fighting over the inheritance—it's just like a detective novel!】

【Maybe there'll even be classic tropes—family turning against each other, homes destroyed, life and death separated, rivers of blood... That would be so thrilling...】

【Stelle: What! So exciting?!】

【Stelle: I want to see rivers of blood!!】

Hearing March 7th's later speculation, Stelle immediately perked up!

【March 7th: I was just joking—how could that possibly happen?】

Stelle's look of eager anticipation made March 7th laugh.

She shook her head, indicating she had only been teasing.

【Don't worry—after all, if the sky falls, Uncle Yang and Himeko will hold it up. Let's enjoy this rare vacation!】

Thinking of Uncle Yang and Himeko as reliable elders,

March 7th felt they had no reason to worry here.

【Stelle: That's true.】

【Stelle: Alright then, I'm done. Get some rest. I'm going to find my room.】

After wandering so long, Stelle felt tired, so she bid March 7th farewell and headed back to her room.

Stelle: "I didn't expect you'd already planned where to go right on the train."

Stelle: "I'm the only one who didn't know anything about Pinoconny, so I prepared nothing."