Kafka clearly understood the principle of 'hit and run'. After dropping her bombshell, she left directly without hesitation, leaving the silent Express crew members exchanging glances.
"The situation on the Xianzhou seems really serious..." March 7th's expression became hesitant. "Should we still go there? The Stellaron Hunter deliberately wants us to go; there must be some conspiracy to use us as pawns..."
March 7th felt quite conflicted now. She really didn't want to listen to those Stellaron Hunters.
That Firefly girl looked harmless at first glance, but ended up causing a major crisis in Twilight and Caelus's relationship. Now this Kafka woman looked like a bad seed from the start, who knew what she wanted to use them for? If they really listened to her, who knew what might happen?
But if they didn't go, and the Xianzhou residents were truly in danger...
Normally, March 7th would agonize for a bit but still brave the danger and head to the Xianzhou. But now, she was a little scared. If something happened to Twilight on the Xianzhou because of this, then...
"The Xianzhou Alliance is powerful. A mere Stellaron trying to topple the Luofu Xianzhou, which is protected by the Aeon of The Hunt, is likely wishful thinking," Welt frowned.
If he were alone, he would probably head to the Xianzhou just in case. But now, as an elder figure, he had to prioritize the safety of those around him.
"Either the Stellaron Hunter is lying, and they've set some trap on the Luofu... or there's a hidden threat on the Luofu we don't know about. Although we don't know what they want, a person of means shouldn't court danger needlessly. Even if there is real danger, the Xianzhou Alliance itself is capable of handling it. Rushing in recklessly might just make us fall into the Stellaron Hunter's ploy. I suggest we hold back for now and make a decision after investigating the situation on the Xianzhou."
He could go scout the Xianzhou himself during the break, to prevent Twilight from encountering danger. Although the current Twilight, if she truly fought, should still be stronger than him, her condition was like a flickering candle flame. If she faced another battle like the one against Sunday, he feared he might have to bid farewell to this child prematurely.
"Then let's put it to a vote. Those who agree to go to the Xianzhou Luofu, raise your hand. Those who disagree, keep your hand down," After a brief silence, Himeko made this decision.
If the vote resulted in not going to the Xianzhou, then she would go privately... Regardless, she had to make a trip to the Luofu Xianzhou. She had previously contacted the Luofu's Alchemy Commission, hoping to commission them to find a cure for Twilight, but hadn't received a reply. Since that was the case, she would go inquire in person.
Moreover, the Ambrosial Arbor that granted the Xianzhou people long life was also located on the Xianzhou. If even the Xianzhou Alchemy Commission couldn't help, then her only option was to seek the blessing of Abundance... Admittedly, the followers of Abundance had notorious reputations, and pursuing longevity was a grave crime on the Xianzhou. If she further meddled with the Ambrosial Arbor, it would likely attract the direct pursuit of the Cloud Knights.
...But what else could she do?!
Twilight was like her daughter; how could she possibly watch her die! If it truly came down to it, since the Xianzhou people could have long life, why couldn't Twilight?
No matter what, she had to find a way to keep Twilight alive...
"Then let's begin the vote. Three, two, one—"
The next moment, four hands shot up simultaneously. Besides March 7th and Welt, the others all raised their hands.
March 7th looked at the raised hands, feeling anxious. How could they not consider the consequences if Little Twilight encountered danger given her physical condition?
But this could only be blamed on her and Welt being too pure-hearted. Among the six voting, besides her and Welt who genuinely worried about Twilight and the Xianzhou, the other four were all scheming something behind the scenes.
Himeko planned to seek medicine from the Alchemy Commission, even searching for Abundance relics left on the Xianzhou if necessary, already prepared to become an outlaw.
Dan Heng was just a tiny bit more extreme; he merely planned to contact those Preceptors on the Xianzhou Luofu, gain their support, and obtain the materials and site needed for the Transmutation Arcanum. Of course, he hadn't decided whether to do it yet, but [not using] and [not having the option to use] were different matters.
Caelus was just a smidge more extreme. He remembered the texts he saw back in Penacony. Since other methods had failed, seeking the blessing of the Aeon of Abundance seemed like the only option left.
Aeons were hard to find, but Firefly had once told him the Xianzhou Luofu had a Ambrosial Arbor that could grant longevity to short-lived species.
Although that tree seemed withered now, if he could somehow revive it... Besides, he had a strange feeling, as if he had to make a trip to the Luofu, like someone was guiding him.
Twilight's reason was much simpler—how could she possibly not go to the crematorium she herself had chosen!
"Four to two... Then the motion to go to the Xianzhou passes by majority vote."
Hearing the result, March 7th opened her mouth but couldn't say anything.
Finally, she could only say dejectedly, "Okay, then it's decided. I... I'll go rest for a bit first."
Under the complicated gazes of the others, March 7th turned and quickly fled back to her room.
...
In the bright room, March 7th sat alone against the wall, feeling worse the more she thought.
True, if the Stellaron Hunter wasn't lying, then not going to the Xianzhou would result in many innocent people being harmed. It certainly wasn't the time to be selfish. So many lives couldn't be risked; they naturally had to go save them.
But what about Twilight? If something happened to her on the way... Was her single life somehow less valuable than theirs?
Making this choice, were they only thinking about doing the 'right' thing... and being a bit too cold towards those closest to them?
Remembering Twilight, who seemed completely unconcerned about the potential dangers ahead and was actually happy about continuing to the Xianzhou with everyone and saving people, made March 7th feel even worse.
But it was even more impossible for her to stay behind. Since Twilight was going, of course, she had to follow along...
"March, can I come in?"
Twilight's soft voice sounded from outside the door, surprising March 7th. She quickly rubbed her slightly sore eyes and hurried over. Opening the door revealed Twilight, sitting in her wheelchair, smiling at her.
"What's wrong? Why didn't Caelus and the others push you?"
"Because it seemed like March was a bit sad just now, and I can push myself around on the train now, so I didn't want to bother them..." Twilight pushed her wheelchair into March 7th's room with a smile, looking at her with concern. "What was it about? Is there anything I can help March with?"
March 7th found it hard to speak. How could she tell Twilight about this? She wasn't stupid; she could clearly see Twilight had been feeling guilty lately for causing trouble due to her illness. If she voiced her worries now, it would probably make Twilight feel even worse.
Seeing the silent March 7th, Twilight smiled helplessly, lowering her head with a touch of sadness. "Actually, even if you don't say it, I know. It must be because of me that March is worried..."
"That's not it, Twilight! I just—" March 7th instinctively tried to deny it but couldn't think of a suitable reason, starting to fret anxiously.
"Sorry, March, for making you worry so much... Lately, because of my illness, everyone has been tired and unhappy every day..."
Twilight nervously gripped the armrests of her wheelchair, then took a deep breath as if having made a decision, looking nervously at March 7th. "Um, March, can I trouble you with one more thing? Just this last time, really... I hope you can help me fulfill a dream..."
"A wish?" March 7th paused, but seeing the notebook Twilight pulled out from behind her back, she immediately understood and patted her chest, promising, "Of course! Little Twilight, just say it! As long as I can do it—no, I can do everything, so just tell me!"
This notebook, which had accompanied Twilight for most of her life, was already filled. The dreams within were mostly realized, but most of them were wishes Twilight helped March 7th fulfill. Now that Twilight had a wish needing her help, how could March 7th possibly refuse?
March 7th watched Twilight flip the notebook to the very end, asking curiously, "Huh? Wasn't there still one dream on the previous page that wasn't fulfilled?"
"Mm, I wanted to take a picture with Caelus at dawn in Penacony before, but didn't get the chance..." Twilight shook her head. After making that wish, she had mostly been confined to the sickroom, with no opportunity to go out or take photos.
"...It's okay. There will definitely be another chance later."
March 7th's eyes dimmed. Would Twilight really have another chance to return to Penacony and take a photo with Caelus? Although she said there would be a chance...
But Twilight, seemingly unaffected by the sadness, silently began drawing in the notebook.
It was a very simple picture. Everyone from the Express crew was happily doing their own thing, looking just like a normal day in the train carriage. Dan Heng was maintaining his spear, Caelus and March 7th were bickering, Himeko was sipping coffee and playing chess with Welt... Everyone looked as relaxed and carefree as they did early in their journey.
Looking at the drawing, March 7th suddenly noticed something was wrong. "Little Twilight, did you forget to draw yourself?"
"I... am in my room, sleeping," Twilight shook her head.
"Then what exactly is this dream..."
"I hope everyone can stop worrying about my affairs and just do what they want to do," Twilight looked up peacefully, smiling, a stark contrast to March 7th's thunderstruck expression.
"Twilight, what are you saying—"
"Lately, nobody smiles anymore... I know it's because of me that things became like this, but that's not right. Everyone should be doing things they like, not constantly wasting time because of me..." Twilight looked quietly at March 7th, her eyes filled with unwavering determination.
"March, I know everyone doesn't want me to die—but everyone dies eventually. I'm not afraid of dying either, so there's no need for everyone to worry about such things."
"So... can you please do me this favor, March? Stop thinking about helping me all day, everyone just be a little happier..."