From Sylvia's perspective, nothing particularly noteworthy could possibly be happening on that starship.
Acheron seeking her out probably wasn't for anything important—more than likely, she just wanted to chat or something along those lines.
After escaping the ruins, they'd found themselves in a stable environment, and Sylvia had been so exhilarated by the change that she'd ended up neglecting Acheron.
Or perhaps it was because her initial impression of Acheron had nearly made her forget: over the past half-month, the woman's changes, while subtle, were still quite noticeable.
Whether it was her once slightly wooden demeanor or her habit of speaking very little, both had improved to some degree.
"If you want to find me in the future, you can just wake me up. Even if we're temporarily apart, you can always send me a message. When it comes to you, Acheron, I'll always respond right away."
"Mm."
Acheron gave a nod, uttered that single sound of acknowledgment, and then fell silent again.
Just then, Tingyun, having finished her discussion with the guards, returned. Wearing that effortlessly likable smile of hers, she announced some good news.
"A bit of welcome news—this time, all expenses within the city for the Whistling Flames Merchant Guild are being waived. So if either of you benefactors have anything you'd like to enjoy or purchase, this humble one is at your service anytime."
Fan in hand, Miss Tingyun regarded the two with her usual spring-breeze warmth, smiling all the while.
Truth be told, for the Whistling Flames Merchant Guild, this could hardly be called good news. Most of their goods had been destroyed—they'd lost so much it was downright painful.
What good was a little complimentary treatment here? Many of their products weren't even sold in this place.
The real issue was the gap left with their trading partners; they'd have to contact the Xianzhou swiftly to help fill it.
Naturally, Tingyun wouldn't breathe a word of this to Sylvia or Acheron.
Yet, behind her smile, she allowed a faint furrow to form between her brows, letting a touch of pitiable vulnerability show, mingled with a hint of distress.
In this rather artful way, she managed to convey that the Whistling Flames Merchant Guild was facing difficulties. Anyone with a keen eye could read between the lines and grasp their predicament.
It wasn't that she expected Sylvia or Acheron to be of any particular help.
After all, the Galaxy Rangers were skilled in a fight, but when it came to business… not so much.
Her goal was simply to leave a deeper impression on the two benefactors, to make them think of Tingyun a little more often, and if it meant they stayed a few extra days, then her objective would be met.
Sylvia's eyes flickered, and she smiled back at Tingyun.
Internally, she made a mental note: When I get the chance, I'm going to give that big fluffy tail a good, thorough ruffling!
"Thank you for your kindness, Miss Tingyun. As it happens, we were just thinking of staying a few days."
"How wonderful. Might this humble one be permitted to accompany you both?"
Right then, Acheron suddenly spoke up:
"Sylvia was the one who saved you. There's no need to call me 'benefactor.' Just 'Acheron' is fine."
Tingyun didn't argue. She quickly nodded in agreement, the smile on her face growing even brighter. Though they'd lost a shipment of goods, they'd also gained two powerful friends.
As the saying goes, fortune and misfortune are intertwined—perhaps this was just such a case.
--+--
After the matter was resolved, the attitude of Port Star's people improved dramatically.
Not only did they assign a dedicated aircraft to take everyone into the city, but they also took responsibility for recovering the wrecked starskiffs and storing them in a nearby warehouse, awaiting handover to the Xianzhou representatives.
They even provided a dedicated guide, instructing the group to direct any requests to him.
Sylvia and Acheron's act of abandoning ship and leaping from the vehicle was, of course, glossed over without further mention.
Soon, Sylvia set foot inside the massive steel metropolis.
A thin, transparent protective barrier enveloped the entire city. When the sunlight hit it from just the right angle, it produced a brilliantly colored halo.
Meanwhile, mounted along the city walls and across the ground, numerous peculiarly shaped air purifiers were operating nonstop, working at a frantic pace.
They supplied the city's inhabitants with ample, clean air.
Of course, not every species required the same atmospheric composition. In fact, many cities on this planet were subdivided into distinct zones, each catering to different species.
Compared to the desolation outside its walls, the city's interior was bustling and vibrant.
Lush vegetation was visible everywhere, along with pedestrians coming and going, and small aircraft weaving through the skies above.
Buildings of clashing architectural styles stood jumbled together throughout the city, creating a kind of chaotic, mixed aesthetic.
A broad, straight road stretched from the city gate all the way into the distant, hazy horizon.
"Benefactor, Miss Acheron, please follow me."
Having delegated the guild's affairs to others, Tingyun took it upon herself to personally attend to Sylvia and Acheron.
Of course, while she called it attending to them, Tingyun maintained a perfect sense of boundaries.
After arranging accommodations for the two at the most luxurious hotel under the Whistling Flames Merchant Guild's name, she prepared to take her leave.
"Benefactor, this is my contact information. Should you require anything, you may reach out to this humble one at any time."
Her fair, slender fingers held a Jade Abacus as she presented a QR code to Sylvia.
Having observed them during the journey, Tingyun had gathered that most matters could be discussed directly with Sylvia. Acheron didn't seem to care in the slightest what they did or where they went.
After successfully adding Tingyun to her contacts, Sylvia smiled and said:
"Then I'll thank you in advance for your generosity, Miss Tingyun."
But Tingyun, clutching her phone, adopted a slightly wounded expression.
"You jest, Benefactor. It is I who am indebted to you. How could I possibly accept your thanks? And 'Miss' feels far too distant. If you do not mind, Benefactor, simply call me Tingyun."
Sylvia had never really interacted with this type of girl before.
And perhaps because she'd sensed Sylvia's good-natured temper, Tingyun's speech had grown increasingly bold and coquettish.
It was all a bit too much for Sylvia to handle.
"…Alright then, as you wish."
Seeing Sylvia's somewhat flustered reaction, the smile in Tingyun's eyes deepened, and her gaze grew so warm it seemed to spin silken threads.
"The Benefactor is truly utterly adorable. One would never guess you were the same person who fought so fiercely earlier. If it were appropriate, this humble one would dearly love to take you home with her."
Worried that if she let this little fox continue, she might say heaven knows what else, Sylvia quickly interjected:
"The Merchant Guild must still have plenty of matters awaiting you, right? Why don't you go attend to them, Tingyun? If I need anything, I'll contact you."
"Mmm~"
Retrieving her folding fan, Tingyun hid her smile behind it. Though she would have liked to tease a little longer, the Merchant Guild did indeed have many matters requiring her attention. She couldn't linger here indefinitely.
"The Benefactor is truly considerate. This humble one has already instructed the staff—if you need anything, simply ask."
"I will not disturb you and Miss Acheron any further. Please rest well. I take my leave."
Tingyun closed her fan, bid Sylvia farewell, and departed alone. Her steps were hurried, belying the ease she had displayed moments before.
On one hand, she needed to report to the Xianzhou as soon as possible regarding the matter of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. The fact that the Disciples had mentioned an Emanator was extremely serious. If an Emanator of Abundance had set their sights on the Xianzhou Luofu, it could spell disaster.
On the other hand, she also had to quickly sort out the affairs of the clients involved in this trade expedition.
Both matters would keep her plenty busy.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.