Stellar Train: I Open a Small Shop on the Train-Chapter 131

In Liyue Harbor.

While browsing the internet, Childe suddenly heard a voice near his ear—it seemed to be calling him.

He took off his headphones and looked around.

Everything around him appeared normal; nothing seemed out of place.

But the voice grew louder, and the feeling within him became stronger.

A hint of worry appeared between his brows, and gradually, he heard two words.

"Fontaine!"

Childe shut down his computer and prepared to make a trip to Fontaine.

Three days later.

In Sumeru City.

"Klee, slow down!"

Ye Yun was playing around the city with six little ones, who were chasing and laughing through the streets.

Today was the Festival of the Blooming God in Sumeru. Ye Yun and the others had come at Nahida's invitation.

The whole city was filled with laughter and joy as people celebrated the grand occasion.

In the past, due to Azar's rule, the Blooming God's festival had never been properly held.

At most, some people organized private celebrations without official support.

This time was different—it was backed by the authorities, making it grander than ever before.

Stelle, March 7th, Firefly, Amber, Eula, and others strolled through the streets.

They came across a small stall displaying various flower crowns.

Firefly picked up a pink one, clearly enchanted by it.

Seeing this, Stelle pulled out some Mora to buy it for her.

"Boss, how much is this?"

"2,000 Mora each."

Stelle counted out 2,000 Mora and handed it to the vendor, who grinned with satisfaction.

Firefly looked at Stelle.

"Thank you, Stelle."

Stelle replied, "Don't mention it. Didn't you treat me to oak cake rolls back in Penacony?"

Firefly put the flower crown on. A gentle breeze blew past, and sunlight shone down on her, magnifying her beauty.

March 7th, Amber, and the others also each bought a flower crown and placed it on their heads.

Stelle couldn't quite understand—why were March 7th and Firefly so into flowers?

Personally, she still thought mechas were cooler.

Thinking of this, she turned to Hutao.

"Hutao, did you bring Zhongli's Emperor Knight transformation device?"

Hutao pulled it out with a grin.

"The guest consul gave it to me directly. He said he doesn't need it. Hehe~"

Stelle rubbed her hands together.

"Can I play with it for a bit?"

Hutao handed over the transformation device.

Stelle took it and held it high.

"Ohhh! I can finally play with a giant mecha!"

She placed the device on her waist and struck a transformation pose, stretching out her right hand and spinning in a circle.

"Emperor Knight! Combine!"

The device immediately emitted a digital voice:

"Emperor Armor! Combine!"

A phantom of armor appeared around Stelle, then suddenly materialized and clamped onto her body like magnetic pieces.

Transformation complete, Stelle excitedly ran to a nearby pool to check her reflection.

"Whoa! This armor is amazing! Why wasn't I the one who won this? If I had known, I would've bought more lottery tickets... sob..."

She struck a few cool poses, clearly enamored with the Emperor Knight armor and reluctant to return it.

After some time touring the city, everyone gathered at the gates of the Sanctuary of Surasthana.

Nahida stood at the entrance, looking into the distance, waiting to see if her flower carriage had arrived.

Himeko, seeing this, knelt down to help Nahida straighten her collar.

"Don't worry."

Nahida smiled and nodded. She had waited so long for this moment—until now, it had only happened in dreams she crafted herself.

This time, she was finally riding the flower carriage in the real world.

Seeing this, Ye Yun couldn't help but recall a song:

The flower carriage rocks and sways~ Nahida opened her eyes~ She said, her birthday is today~

Ye Yun remembered that song vividly. It began so beautifully, but by the third verse, the tone grew grim: Nahida was dragged away roughly by the Grand Sage and imprisoned in the Sanctuary.

Soon, a flower-covered carriage arrived. Aether, dressed as the Flower Attendant, gave a slight bow.

"Lesser Lord Kusanali, it's time to depart."

To select the Flower Attendant, Alhaitham even conducted a citywide poll in Sumeru.

Surprisingly, Aether won by a landslide.

Though it was unexpected, it also made perfect sense—he had contributed greatly to Nahida's return.

Clearing the Withering Zones, helping Nahida earn trust, leading the Desert Mercenaries... All these achievements led to his election.

Nahida joyfully boarded the flower carriage, which slowly headed toward the Grand Bazaar.

On both sides of the street, the people of Sumeru erupted in cheers the moment they saw her.

"Lesser Lord Kusanali! I finally get to see you!"

"She's so adorable! Azar's a monster—for imprisoning someone this cute!"

"Exactly! She's the rightful ruler!"

"Lesser Lord Kusanali! I'm your loyal dog!"

Nahida smiled and waved to the crowd.

She sat inside the carriage, filled with joy.

It seemed the people of Sumeru truly welcomed her. She had worried they might not.

Ye Yun, Stelle, Himeko, Zhongli, Venti, Calestia followed behind the carriage.

As it reached the entrance of the Akademiya, loud bangs suddenly echoed from the square.

Petals filled the sky, igniting excitement among the waiting crowd, who cheered nonstop.

Qiqi, carrying a small basket, bent down to collect the fallen petals.

Klee asked, "Qiqi~ why are you picking up all these flowers?"

Qiqi replied calmly, "They're pretty. Qiqi likes them."

Klee beamed. "Klee will help you!"

The flower carriage continued forward and soon reached the Grand Bazaar.

Under everyone's gaze, Nahida stepped onto the stage.

Below, Nilou bowed slightly.

"Lesser Lord Kusanali, please enjoy the dance I've prepared for you."

Nilou began dancing gracefully, her elegant moves drawing cheers from the crowd.

Gradually, the citizens of Sumeru joined in, mimicking her steps.

Even a few desert mercenaries clumsily waved their limbs, awkward but happy.

Venti couldn't hold back any longer. He grabbed his lyre, flew to Nilou's side, and began playing a joyful tune.

Seeing this, Stelle exclaimed, "Let's go, girls! Time to party!"

Stelle, Hu Tao, March 7th, Firefly, Amber, and Eula joined the dancing crowd.

Everyone held hands and circled around Nahida, celebrating her birthday.

Even Nahida, swept up by the mood, happily danced along.

The flower carriage rocks and sways~ Nahida opened her eyes~ Nahida, happy birthday. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

***

Furina dashed out from the crowd, grabbed Nahida's hand, and spun around.

Nahida and Furina danced joyfully in the center, while the Lancelot knights stood guard on nearby rooftops, protecting Furina's safety.

Zhongli and Welt sat at a nearby café.

Welt looked out at the lively scene, a slight smile appearing on his lips.

Under the table, his foot unconsciously tapped along with the rhythm of the music.

Seeing this, Zhongli smiled and teased:

"Mr. Welt, there's no need to stay with me. If you want to go dance, feel free."

Welt snapped out of it and chuckled.

"Better not. I'm too old to be dancing now."

The two gently clinked their teacups, took a sip, and continued to quietly watch the bustling scene.

Inside a restaurant in the Grand Bazaar, Ye Yun and the others were having their meal.

This restaurant was reserved solely for them, specially arranged to host their group.

Though the peak of the festivities had passed, people on the streets were still singing and dancing joyfully.

Asmodeus sat next to Nahida and remarked:

"Nahida, your beautiful dream of so many years has finally come true~"

Nahida smiled gently.

"Yes, it feels wonderful."

March 7th felt a chill just thinking about Nahida being locked up for 500 years.

If it were her, she'd probably go mad being trapped in a small room for so long.

"Nahida, how did you survive those 500 years?"

Nahida thought for a moment and replied seriously:

"I kept dreaming. Sometimes, I would possess small animals to see the outside world through their eyes."

Hearing this, March 7th felt even worse for Nahida.

Nahida then looked at Calestia.

"Your Grace Asmodeus, when exactly are we migrating? The first wave of migrants on my end is already prepared."

Calestia turned to Zhongli.

"Morax, bring out the map."

Zhongli waved his hand, and a map appeared in the center of the court.

It was a topographic map of the planet they were about to migrate to.

Furina studied the map carefully and noticed a problem.

"Uh... what are we calling our new land?"

Calestia replied:

"We haven't named it yet. How about we come up with one now and settle this?"

Zhongli suggested:

"How about 'New Teyvat'?"

Venti shook his head.

"Old man, let's not. You're just slapping a 'New' in front of Teyvat. That's way too lazy."

Nahida, however, thought it was fine.

"I think there's nothing wrong with that name. Even if we migrate, this world is still where we were born.

Naming it New Teyvat will remind future generations that our roots came from a world called Teyvat."

Furina gave her own opinion:

"But aren't we bringing all the land over? We can still live on it!

I say, let's call it 'Planet of Justice'! Heehee! That way, people from other planets will know we're righteous just by hearing our name!"

Tsaritsa was a little dumbfounded.

Uh... maybe not.

Meanwhile, Ei was on the side eating a freshly baked flower pastry, completely uninterested in the discussion.

Yae Miko, seeing this, sighed and shook her head.

Her dear Ei really doesn't care about anything anymore unless it's related to Primogems.

Poor little fox herself had to go negotiate with that little priestess on Watatsumi Island and deal with all the political chaos in Inazuma. Sigh~

Yae Miko now just hoped to win the lottery in the next draw, and once her big sister revived, she could go back to her laid-back life.

She really envied Stelle and the others, who could play without worries every day and occasionally save the world like heroes.

The Five Archons and Calestia continued discussing the name of the new planet.

Stelle, lying on the carpet after eating her fill, was feeling a little bored.

March 7th and the others felt the same way.

"March, want to go for a walk?"

March 7th responded:

"Sure, let's go take a stroll."

Stelle, March 7th, Firefly, and the others left the restaurant and wandered the streets of Sumeru City.

They were just aimlessly walking, chatting occasionally.

But Stelle still felt a bit bored.

Life was getting a bit too dull, and the Astral Express wouldn't be heading to the next planet for a while. She needed to find some fun.

Fun... fun... that's it! The Theater of Joy!

"March, Firefly, want to go find Sparkle?"

March 7th raised an eyebrow.

"Find her? Aren't you afraid she'll mess with you?"

Stelle replied:

"I mean go to her Joyful Theater. We haven't been there yet."

Lumine was immediately interested.

"Sounds good! I've never seen a prison-style theater before."

Amber and Eula had been away from the shop for a while, so they didn't know Sparkle had opened a Joyful Theater.

"What are you talking about? Are we going to a show?" Amber asked.

Stelle nodded.

"Something like that. Let's go ask Ye Yun to open a portal."

They returned to the restaurant and found Ye Yun, asking him to open a teleportation gate back to the Astral Express.

Stelle, Amber, Hu Tao, Firefly—these young girls stepped through the portal and returned to the train.

Back on the train, March 7th raised a question:

"One thing—how do we get there? Do you know where the Joyful Theater is?"

Stelle patted her chest confidently.

"Easy. Just one phone call."

She pulled out her phone and called Sparkle.

Soon, Sparkle's voice came through:

"Hello? Little Gray-Hair, what's up?"

Stelle said:

"We want to go hang out and check out your Joyful Theater. Is that cool?"

Sparkle didn't even hesitate to agree.

"Of course! I'll send Aha to pick you up.

Aha!!!

I'm here, Lady Sparkle~

Go fetch Stelle and the others! Our first guests are coming to visit!

Got it! Aha is on it!"

"Little Gray-Hair, Aha's on the way. See you soon~"

Sparkle hung up.

Just as Stelle put her phone away, a portal opened in front of them, and Aha jumped out.

"Dear audience, Aha has come to escort you to the theater~"

Stelle and the others stepped into the portal and arrived at the Joyful Theater.

Their vision briefly went black, and once it cleared, they found themselves on a beautiful plain.

Next to a river stood a grand theater.

Around it were many shipping containers with company logos, and lots of staff were busy unloading goods.