It was impossible to keep the news quiet—the Astral Express was heading back out into the vast universe.
Even while Himeko had been working on the repairs, quite a few people on this planet already had an inkling of what was happening. Now that the Express was fully restored and ready to launch today, the whole world was buzzing.
Yesterday, they had moved the train from Himeko's underground dock up to the surface.
The moment this legendary train reappeared in public, crowds gathered just to catch a glimpse of it.
And now that Himeko was officially the Navigator, set to pilot the Express across the cosmos, her old scientist colleagues and even some of the planetary higher-ups had come to see her off.
When Yuki stepped into the Parlor Car with March 7th and Himeko, he noticed people packed outside both sides of the train windows.
"Quite the crowd," Yuki murmured, glancing around.
"Well, this is the Astral Express—famous all over the universe. Anyone who knows even a bit of its legend would want to come pay their respects."
Himeko's mature, elegant face lit up with a soft smile, her golden eyes sparkling with anticipation. You could feel it—she was excited. The dream she had held onto for so long was finally about to come true.
"Aren't you going to say goodbye to them? This trip means leaving your home planet. Who knows when you'll be back?"
Yuki could see how worked up she was, but he gently reminded her anyway. His words grounded her, calming the overwhelming excitement just a little.
"You're right. I really should say a proper farewell."
She nodded in agreement, then stepped off the train in her heels. Yuki and March 7th followed close behind.
Outside, Himeko mingled with her friends and colleagues, catching up and saying her goodbyes. They were sad to see her go, but anyone who truly knew her understood this had always been her dream. Now that she had the chance to make it real, how could they stand in her way?
So instead, they cheered her on, wishing her well as she ventured further down the Path of Trailblaze. Himeko was genuinely moved by their support.
Watching from the sidelines, March 7th's expression softened into one of quiet envy.
"That's so nice... If I had friends, I bet it'd be just like this for me too," she mumbled under her breath.
Yuki reached over and gently ruffled her pink hair.
"Jealous, March?"
"Don't worry you'll make plenty of friends along the way. Besides, you've already got a bunch now, don't you?" Yuki smiled warmly at her.
Hearing that, March 7th nodded slightly. He had a point.
But then she turned to him with a teasing pout. "Okay, but why'd you have to mess up my hair?" she complained playfully.
Yuki's hand froze mid-pat.
"Has anyone ever told you that you completely ruin the mood?" He shook his head with a sigh and let go.
March 7th just blinked, confused. "What's that supposed to mean?"
She looked at him with that classic expression of hers—like she was trying to figure out a puzzle but coming up entirely blank.
Yuki's mouth twitched. He gave her a look like she was missing a few brain cells. Calling March 7th a lovable airhead? Yeah, that fit perfectly. Sometimes she was sharp as a tack, other times... not so much.
"Hey! What's with that look?! You think I'm stupid or something?!" She caught his expression and immediately got defensive, her voice rising.
But Yuki ignored her, his gaze shifting elsewhere.
A few men in formal suits hurried over, looking incredibly nervous as they approached Yuki and March 7th. From their pristine outfits, it was clear they were some of the planet's elite higher-ups.
"Hello, sir. We meet again."
One of them stepped forward with a forced, trembling smile, greeting Yuki.
These were the same people who had been in that surveillance room when Yuki first arrived on the planet. They had known for a while now that he was staying with Himeko, their resident scientist, but sheer terror of his otherworldly power had kept them far away.
They had waited until now—right before the Express was about to depart—to finally muster the courage to approach him.
"What do you want?" Yuki glanced at them flatly, his voice devoid of emotion.
"Just one small matter, nothing major." Seeing that he was willing to talk, they quickly put on their most ingratiating expressions.
"Those who offended you back then they have already faced punishment. But you haven't received any proper compensation."
"So we've spent the past few days liquidating all their assets into IPC credits. We'd like to offer them to you."
"Yes, exactly. As you're about to travel across the stars, credits will be indispensable."
Yuki's expression didn't change much at their words. Basically, they had taken the property of the corrupt officials he had dusted and turned it into tribute for him.
"What?!"
"Wait, they're here to give you money?!" March 7th's jaw dropped.
She never imagined people on this planet would just show up to hand over credits. How come she never got lucky like that?
But free money was free money, no reason to turn it down. So Yuki accepted.
"Alright, I'll take it."
The moment he agreed, they whipped out their phones and frantically started the transfer. Yuki pulled out his own phone and opened the account he'd set up a few days ago.
The transfer notification popped up.
Over fifty billion credits.
March 7th stared, utterly dumbfounded.
"Th-that much?!"
"Holy crap!" She rubbed her eyes, swallowed hard, sure she must be seeing things. But nope. A second look confirmed it—that many zeroes. She wasn't imagining it.
After handing over the massive fortune, the group quickly bowed and stepped back, not wanting to overstay their welcome and risk his wrath.
Meanwhile, Himeko had finished her goodbyes. The three of them headed back into the train.
Once inside, Pom-Pom's voice crackled over the intercom, announcing their departure.
"Attention all passengers! The Astral Express is about to depart! Please stay seated and hold on tight so you don't fall over!"
"Yes! We're finally off!"
March 7th bounced with excitement, immediately pressing her face against the window glass, like she wanted to soak in every single detail of the moment the train launched.
Yuki and Himeko, on the other hand, settled onto the plush sofa nearby.
"March, why don't you come sit down? You wouldn't want to fall," Himeko warned her gently.
But March 7th just shook her head, refusing to budge.
"Forget it. Let her take a tumble maybe she'll learn." Yuki shrugged, signaling Himeko not to bother with the stubborn girl.
Seeing that, Himeko sighed softly and let March be.
"Finally... the day's here."
Himeko's voice trembled with excitement. Even sitting beside her, Yuki could feel her shaking.
Without a word, he reached over and took her slender hand in his. Her smooth, delicate fingers disappeared into his warm palm.
Himeko blinked, momentarily surprised. But the warmth from his hand quickly soothed her, calming the storm of emotions inside.
A soft smile curved her lips as she squeezed his hand in return.
Their eyes met. Neither spoke. In comfortable silence, they waited for the train to move.
Pom-Pom counted down.
And then the legendary Astral Express launched once more, leaving the atmosphere behind and soaring into the endless, starry depths of space.