Felicity didn't linger. After March 7th forced her into a commemorative photo—her signature cheerful persistence impossible to refuse—Felicity quietly took her leave, walking alone into the fading light.
There was something she had to confirm. Something only she could verify.
Even the destructive power of the Stellaron had once pushed Jarilo-VI to the brink of annihilation. She, as an Emanator of Abundance, carried a power just as foreign, just as overwhelming. If left unchecked, it might leave behind strange, unintended side effects.
—What if the planet's vegetation bloomed too wildly, so rich and rampant that it fought humanity for oxygen?
An absurd thought, perhaps. But not impossible.
Felicity shook her head at the idea and walked on, each step falling effortlessly onto land that still bore the scars of the Rift's corrosion.
The foul stench of Rift Creatures had long vanished from this place. Her power had scoured the corruption away. Though traces of the Rift's influence remained, her purification had brought the balance back within reach.
And to ensure her power would not overstep its bounds, Felicity reabsorbed every remaining thread of her Abundance—drawing it back into herself, leaving behind only snow, ice, and the fading imprint of the Rift for Belobog to manage on its own.
She wanted Belobog to stand longer, to remain upright on its own. That way, her blessing would take root properly.
Let me obtain a star-piercing arrow, if that's what I truly want.
Keep moving forward.
As she reached the outskirts of Belobog's reach, the landscape finally opened in full. Winter's season had passed, yet the thick snow remained, draping the world in a pale, unwavering veil.
Even after seven centuries of biting winds and relentless frost, lines of lifeless trees still stood in solemn silence just beyond the city. Her gift had made the soil fertile, yes—but life itself required more than richness. It required will. Time. Resilience.
"It doesn't seem like there's anything wrong..."
Felicity gently held her chin, pondering aloud. It was, after all, her first attempt at saving an entire world. It was only natural to feel a measure of unease.
Then her gaze swept across the snowfield—not far from where she stood. There, hidden beneath thick layers of snow, she sensed flickers of life. Subtle, yet unmistakable. Wild creatures, perhaps—beasts shaped by seven hundred years of endless cold, carving out survival with every breath.
As if in response to her attention, several snow-white forms suddenly burst forth from the snowbanks, rushing toward her at a speed far beyond human reflex.
And then—flop.
They lay down before her, tails wagging enthusiastically like trained hounds. Their pristine fur blended seamlessly with the snow.
"Awoo! Awoo!"
Their excited cries were almost comical.
Felicity hadn't bothered to suppress her aura. The rich essence of Abundance would naturally draw such creatures near. To any other observer, this scene would surely resemble a miracle.
Unbeknownst to her, a tuft of golden hair peeked cautiously from the other side of a snowbank. Eyes as blue and vast as the sky shimmered with awe, locked onto her figure with quiet longing.
Felicity dismissed the presence as nothing more than a shy beast, unwilling to reveal itself. After spending a few more moments affectionately petting the wolves, she turned and resumed her walk, satisfied.
To melt all the snow at once… no. The sudden change would doom these creatures who had adapted to endless frost. They deserved better.
Let Belobog decide for itself. The fate of Jarilo-VI must be entrusted to its own people.
Astral Express.
After triple-checking that March 7th and the others had returned unharmed, Himeko finally allowed herself to exhale, tension melting from her shoulders like steam from a cup of hot tea.
The cosmic disturbance Felicity had caused had been so immense that it left Himeko uneasy for days. Even Welt's personal descent to the planet hadn't been enough to calm her.
"The Stellaron's influence on Jarilo-VI has mostly dissipated," Welt reported, scanning the latest test results. "But Felicity… left behind a residual trace of her power. I'm unsure if it was deliberate."
"Maybe," Himeko murmured, her gaze drifting to the snow-draped planet through the observation car's glass, "she meant it as a reminder—this kind of beauty doesn't come freely."
The image of Felicity, always wearing that serene, unfathomable smile, floated into her thoughts. A fond smile curled Himeko's lips in turn.
"I'm grateful she's on our side."
Welt nodded slowly, his sigh mirroring hers.
"By the way, where's Sister Felicity? She didn't come back with you?"
March 7th, having finally escaped Himeko's watchful gaze, scanned the train impatiently. But Felicity was nowhere to be seen.
"She returned to her quarters right after we arrived," Himeko said, voice laced with rare gentleness. "She must be exhausted. Don't disturb her for now."
"Oh… alright."
March 7th's voice betrayed a hint of disappointment. She'd been eager to drag Felicity off for a long, animated chat about their thrilling escapade.
—Even if… they hadn't really done anything exciting?
Felicity's Room.
Felicity sat on the edge of her bed, staring with suspicion at the large Herta puppet stationed nearby. Something about it felt... different.
Had the angle of its pose changed?
Curious, she reached out and pinched the doll's cheek, tugging both sides gently—
Snap!
The puppet smacked her hand away with a swift, precise motion. Then it stood upright, hands on its hips, glaring at her with evident irritation.
"Herta? When did you sneak in? Fine, fine—I love you too."
Felicity's eyes sparkled with delight as she suddenly embraced the doll, rubbing her cheek affectionately against its soft surface.
She hadn't realized this puppet—gifted by Herta herself—was more than a mere oversized figure. She hadn't expected it to actually serve as a conduit for the real Herta.
"Don't get carried away," Herta grumbled, pushing Felicity away with a look of barely concealed disdain.
"The Simulated Universe has been updated. Screwllum's involved this time. Go bring that little Stellaron girl. It's time to run tests."
Felicity blinked.
The Jarilo-VI mission had barely ended, and now this? She wasn't about to agree without compensation.
"Then hug me again, and I'll test it."
"Didn't you just hug me?"
"Voluntary hugs feel different!"
Felicity's retort came with such confidence that even the genius Herta was momentarily speechless.
After a short pause, Herta relented—if only to get it over with. She spread her arms and gave Felicity a brief hug. Then, just as swiftly, she released her.
Expression unreadable, Herta turned to leave with a parting reminder: "Don't forget the test."
"Hey! I didn't even get to savor it!"
Felicity's voice rang with mock regret. Opportunities for Herta-initiated hugs were rare, almost mythical. She even wanted a photo—to tease her with later at the space station.
Maybe she could show it off to Asta too.
With a casual shrug, Felicity stepped out of her room, ready to find Welt and the others.
Time to discuss the return trip.
--+--
T/N: What a tsundere. Reminds me of mobius and elysia