Drained by the Nihility of Acheron, Lin Shuang washed up with a body worn thin by fatigue.
She changed into plain pajamas.
Even today, that person had pushed her output further. Though still within Lin Shuang's limits, it was beginning to blur the line.
To any observer, it would seem like self-inflicted torment.
She cast a glance toward Acheron, who had also changed and was now calmly listening to music, acting as if nothing had happened.
After quietly bidding her goodnight—
She connected to Robin at the prearranged time through a video call.
Though there was no holographic projection, the high-grade equipment made it easy to see Robin's elegant features in detail.
Robin wore finely made loungewear. Even the most relaxed outfit looked noble when worn by her.
"Good evening, Lin Shuang. You look a little tired?"
"Good evening. A little, yes."
The moment Lin Shuang spoke, Robin's brows drew together in concern.
"Your voice sounds so weak. How about we go over theory today instead?"
"Sure, that sounds fine."
Without pushing herself, Lin Shuang gave a small nod in agreement.
They studied about half the system together.
During their break,
Robin shifted the topic to Penacony.
"By the way, Lin Shuang, where are you now? Still on the Xianzhou Luofu? I'll leave tomorrow—if you tell me your location, I'll change course and swing by."
Her eyes wandered to Lin Shuang's background. It didn't quite match the interior of the Xianzhou Luofu.
Lin Shuang shook her head.
"I'm on The Blue right now."
"The Blue? That's nearby. I can be there in twenty system hours."
Then Robin chuckled softly.
"Looks like we'll see each other soon. Once we reach Penacony, I'll give you a proper tour."
Lin Shuang smiled back, amused.
"I thought I was there to help you investigate. Since when did this become a guided tour?"
"Haha~ Of course you are. But I want you to enjoy the Charmony Festival too."
Robin laughed lightly, lips parting in an airy smile.
Though there was work to be done, as her friend, Robin sincerely hoped Lin Shuang could enjoy the dreamscape of Penacony.
"Oh right, speaking of The Blue, I heard the Herta Space Station was recently attacked by the Antimatter Legion. Are you alright?"
Had news of the incident spread that quickly?
Lin Shuang blinked, impressed by the Interastral Peace Corporation's information network.
"It's fine. Just a small unit. Nothing too dangerous."
Robin patted her chest in relief.
"Whew… That's good. When you said you were on The Blue, I froze for a second. Wasn't that one of the targets? I thought maybe it was retaliation."
"That's not it. Phantylia still has her sights on Xianzhou Luofu. I doubt she even remembers me."
And who knew who was behind that minor attack anyway.
They kept chatting, studied some more.
Just when they were about to wrap up the call for the night,
Robin brought up another topic.
Her small wings fluttered faintly as she hesitated, slightly embarrassed.
"By the way, um… once we're in Penacony, my brother wants to meet you."
Lin Shuang blinked. Robin's brother—wasn't that Sunday? Why would the number one suspect want to see her?
Did he know her reason for coming and plan to move first?
"Your brother? The Oak family head? Why does he want to see me?"
"Don't worry. It's nothing official. He heard about what happened on the Luofu and wanted to thank you personally."
Robin's voice was soft and warm, but Lin Shuang's expression turned unreadable.
"…Are you sure it's gratitude and not blame? Maybe he thinks I dragged you into the Order's mess."
Robin laughed and waved her hands at the comment.
Though Lin Shuang's concern was valid, Robin still wanted to defend her brother.
"No, my brother's reasonable—just really overprotective. He won't take it out on you, really…"
But even as she spoke, Robin's voice lost conviction.
Sunday was a little intense when it came to her safety. He had always pushed her to return to Penacony and avoid danger.
Thinking about it now, this upcoming trip might be the riskiest yet.
Given how well Robin knew her brother, he was probably losing his mind over it.
"…Now you've made me nervous."
Lin Shuang looked at Robin's guilty expression and chuckled inwardly.
Who says things like that to reassure someone?
Sometimes this superstar felt a bit too sincere.
…
The next day.
Lin Shuang boarded Robin's personal spacecraft at the starport.
What stood out was that despite the ship's 100-meter length, Robin was its only passenger—no assistant, no agent in sight.
The moment they met, Robin hurried over, grasped Lin Shuang's hand, and said with surprising intensity:
"Don't worry! I'll be right there with you when you meet the Oak Family Head. I won't let him pressure you!"
Lin Shuang was momentarily speechless. Had this famous singer really been thinking about this the entire day?
"Alright then. I'll count on you, Miss Robin, to protect me."
Catching Lin Shuang's teasing tone, Robin smiled. She knew Lin Shuang was strong, and didn't take this too seriously.
But Lin Shuang was someone she had personally invited. Protecting her was part of Robin's duty.
So even if Lin Shuang joked, Robin remained firm.
"Come in and rest. From the Azure Star to Penacony isn't far. We'll be there in a few dozen system hours."
Robin led Lin Shuang into the lounge area.
The cabin was luxurious and serene, offering everything—drinks, entertainment, a proper place to relax.
One wall could even be shifted to reveal the full view outside the ship.
Robin walked barefoot across the soft carpet and picked up a music box from the table, handing it to Lin Shuang.
"This is your Charmony Festival invitation. For now, only your name is listed. If you want to bring anyone else, just let me know."