Nix had already finished making breakfast.
After eating, Rory handed her dishes to the household android to clean up, then went to check on the little pink fish.
The fish had clearly recovered. It swam happily in its small tank, blowing bubbles in lazy little bursts.
Rory didn’t give it another leaf this ti.
Instead, she added a few drops of healing solution to the water, tossed in so fish food, and programd the androids to change the water and feed the fish on schedule.
That way, even if no one was ho, the fish would be cared for.
The little pink fish glanced at the pellets drifting toward its mouth and blew a bubble in disdain, nudging them aside.
Its gaze kept drifting toward the larger tank nearby, where the other pink fish swam.
So fragrant...
"Rory." Vincent walked over and wrapped his arms around her. "I’m sorry I can’t accompany you to A3."
"It’s fine," she said with a smile. "You and Yuel focus on your work. If the Empire is secure, then I’ll be safe on A3."
Vincent nodded solemnly. "I’ll guard Astrium. And I’ll guard you."
The seriousness in his eyes made her heart flutter. She rose onto her toes and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of his lips.
"I believe you."
He was reluctant to let her go. "Once the eting is over, if I have ti, I’ll co to A3 to find you."
Three days, at minimum.
It felt like three years.
When Vincent finally stepped back, Yuel imdiately moved in and handed Rory a spatial ring.
"I packed so outdoor supplies for you," he said. "When you reach A3, if you’re missing anything, send a ssage. I’ll have my people there deliver it imdiately."
Yuel knew Nix would never think of all the details. Xarion certainly wouldn’t bother. Jasper would prepare things—but not as thoroughly as he would.
He had stayed up half the night researching, preparing everything Rory might need.
The supplies had arrived at dawn.
"Thank you, Yuel." She checked the contents and was genuinely impressed. She couldn’t have prepared so ticulously herself.
Standing nearby, Vincent felt a pang of regret. How had he not thought to prepare these things for her? He made a ntal note to record it in his communicator.
Next ti Rory left, he would rember.
Yuel added, "Jasper’s application for your private star rail has been approved. From now on, wherever you go, you can use your own."
"So quickly?" Rory was surprised. She had expected at least a month’s wait.
"Then we’ll take mine this ti."
She imdiately ssaged Lola Brandon.
Rory: [I’ve got my own star rail now. Let’s take mine to A3.]
Lola replied almost instantly.
Lola Brandon: [Yes! Yes!]
She was deeply envious.
She had once had her own star rail—but after nearly causing trouble, the Empress Matriarch had confiscated it.
It still hadn’t been returned.
***
Since Yuel and Vincent had an important eting that morning, they couldn’t escort Rory.
After seeing them off, Rory returned upstairs to call Jasper and pack her things.
anwhile, Nix finished checking the supplies he had purchased and went to fetch Xarion.
"Xarion, get up. Everything for your room is here. We can start now."
Xarion climbed out of his ice crystal coffin at the sound of his voice, then stored the coffin inside his spatial ring.
"What do you need to do?" he asked calmly.
"Just wait outside," Nix said. "I don’t need help. I prepared the spatial stones last night."
"I’ll wait."
Xarion walked out without hesitation, fully entrusting his room to Nix.
Once he left, Nix got to work confidently. He labored inside for quite a while.
Until soone ca to call him.
"Nix, the Female Master says it’s ti to depart."
"Coming!" He set down the final decorative item, nodded in satisfaction, and hurried out.
"Is it finished?" Xarion asked.
"Completely. Guaranteed you’ll love it."
Xarion didn’t step inside. "I’ll see it after we return. We shouldn’t delay the Female Master."
When Nix and Xarion arrived at the entrance, Rory and Jasper were already waiting.
"How’s Xarion’s room?" Rory asked.
"All done," Nix replied proudly. "He’ll definitely be satisfied."
"I will be," Xarion echoed calmly.
He might not fully trust Nix—but he trusted Yuel’s advice.
Rory nodded and didn’t question further.
***
The four of them boarded a shuttle to the star rail terminal.
Rory and Lola had agreed to et there. Inside the terminal, Rory spotted Lola imdiately.
She sat in the lounge area, accompanied by three males—two Rank Nine and one Rank Ten.
Lola waved enthusiastically. "Hey, Big Sis! Over here!"
Rory hurried over and sat beside her. "Have you been waiting long?"
"I just arrived too."
Lola leaned close and whispered excitedly, "Did you see my new partner? From the Fire Domain, Fire Unicorn lineage. His na’s Cyrus. Rank Ten. Strong and handso."
Rory had noticed.
"Congratulations. When we return from A3, I’ll give you a wedding gift."
Lola’s eyes sparkled. "Can I choose it? I want the cake you made for the Empress Matriarch last ti."
She had been thinking about that birthday cake ever since.
"Of course," Rory laughed. "I’ll make you two. And so pastries."
"Big Sis, you’re the best!" Lola hugged her arm playfully. "You’re my real sister from now on. I’ll be your most loyal and obedient little sister."
At that mont, Jasper finished processing their departure clearance and sent Nix to notify Rory.
They could board.
***
anwhile, Aren finally arrived at the Central District after days of relentless travel.
He learned that his Female Master, Rory, had departed an hour earlier on her private star rail for A3 to hunt beasts.
"Master... what do we do now?" his subordinate asked cautiously.
Aren had rushed back without rest, dark circles under his eyes.
And still—he had missed her. He bit his dry lips, his expression shifting.
For two days, he had been sending ssages. She rarely replied. And when she did, it was only: Understood.
She was angry.
Because of that bastard Aris.
If he appeared before her rashly, she might reject him outright.
He needed a plan.
"Set course for A3."
But first, he needed to see her.
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