Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [189]

“By the way, why does Miss Tingyun seem so low-spirited today? Just yesterday, you were full of energy. Should we call the medics temporarily stationed at the Divination Division to take a look? After the incident in the Alchemy Commission’s domain, quite a few doctors and alchemists have been stationed here under Lady Fu’s supervision, so there’s no risk of them being traitors. It’s safe.”

On their way through the Divination Division, Qingque noticed Tingyun spacing out more than once, pausing in place for a few seconds. It wasn’t the first time—she’d noticed Tingyun acting distracted as early as sunrise.

At the time, everyone had been enjoying street food and sharing stories, so Qingque didn’t want to spoil the mood. But seeing Tingyun stop in her tracks again, looking dazed, she couldn’t help but ask out of concern.

“Ah.”

Phantylia’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t expected Qingque to notice the aftereffects of her separated essence. Despite her best efforts to maintain composure, someone still caught on. “Thank you for your concern, Miss Qingque. I’ve just been overworked lately and haven’t rested well. It’s nothing like an illness. Even if I saw one of those medics, they’d just tell me to get more rest. Nothing else can really help.”

“Ah, that makes sense. Rest really is the only solution for exhaustion. I remember visiting Lady Long to treat my own symptoms, and she told me the same thing: work never ends, so it’s important to take care of yourself. I’ve been following her advice ever since.”

Qingque nodded knowingly, her tone almost nostalgic.

She had firsthand experience with overwork-induced fatigue. Back when she first started at the Divination Division, the high intensity of the workload had nearly driven her to see a doctor.

Thankfully, she realized early on that her superiors always had more tasks waiting for her. So, she dramatically slowed her pace—just enough work to look busy, no more, no less. Over time, she found a comfortable balance, flying under the radar.

“Miss Qingque, when exactly did you see Lady Long for treatment?” Phantylia asked.

“Hmm… about a decade ago,” Qingque replied after a brief pause.

Phantylia: “…”

Seriously? A decade-old diagnosis, and you’re still riding the ‘take it easy’ wave? It’s clear you care less about health and more about using that advice to justify slacking off.

Phantylia couldn’t help but smirk. Imagining Fu Xuan saddled with a subordinate like Qingque almost made her feel better about her own plight.

So even the little scion of the Fu family has to deal with headaches. How delightful.

Her sour mood lifted considerably, she chimed in, “Why don’t we rest for a bit? The Divination Division’s architecture is quite similar everywhere. No need to exhaust ourselves seeing the same scenery. Besides, the lounge in the Sky Pavilion offers a better view. What do you all think?”

Qingque seized the opportunity eagerly. “Exactly! Why tire ourselves out for repetitive sights? Miss Tingyun, we can’t have you overworked—if the Sky-Faring Commission were to complain, it could strain inter-department relations. The Sky Pavilion lounge offers a fantastic vantage point for sightseeing. Let’s head there instead.”

“Rest is important. I think it’s a great idea,” Welt agreed. He had no particular interest in architecture after years of traveling across countless worlds. His visit to the Divination Division was mostly for appearances—a token gesture to say he’d been there.

“We can’t let Miss Tingyun get too tired. I didn’t realize the Sky-Faring Commission workload was so intense!” March 7 added, her face full of concern.

“Right? When I applied to the Divination Division, my family kept saying it was a cushy government job, a guaranteed iron rice bowl. But once you’re in, you realize it’s more like an iron hammer—and eating from this bowl is no easy task.”

Qingque’s lament continued as they made their way toward the Sky Pavilion.

In the lounge, the group settled into comfortable chairs. Qingque passed around chilled drinks and snacks, setting the mood for relaxation.

“If anyone wants to nap, those reclining chairs can be turned into beds. Miss Tingyun, the third chair from the left is the comfiest,” Qingque offered. “Otherwise, I could teach everyone how to play Empire Jade Gleam. It’s a great way to unwind.”

March 7 waved her hands. “I’m terrible at these games. You all play—I’ll just watch.”

“Don’t worry. Empire Jade Gleam works with as few as two players, and I’m thinking of creating new variations to accommodate more players. One day, maybe we’ll have a version for big groups!”

The afternoon passed peacefully as they played. By the time the sun hung low in the sky, the lounge echoed with laughter and the clatter of game pieces.

Suddenly, a commotion from the street below drew their attention. Qingque abandoned her game to peer out the window.

“Huh? What’s with the big crowd down there? Oh, is that… the Stellaron Hunter? Why does she look so different from her wanted poster?”

Phantylia moved closer, her expression turning serious. “That’s her. Kafka—a wanted criminal responsible for over a dozen major incidents. Her ability to ‘charm and manipulate’ makes her a terrifying threat no matter where she goes. She’s one of those the Corporation will hunt down dead or alive.”

Qingque furrowed her brow. “Funny, she doesn’t look like someone who just walked out of the Shackling Prison. Rumor has it no one leaves that place alive… Did she get better meals than the rest of us while in there?”

Phantylia: “…”

Perhaps the food in Shackling Prison truly is better than here. That would explain a lot.

Welt glanced up from his Empire Jade Gleam set and asked, “The prisoner’s been brought in. Does that mean the interrogation is about to begin?”

Qingque checked her phone.

“Nothing from Lady Fu yet… oh, wait! Got it!”

After quickly skimming the message, she gathered her customized Empire Jade Gleam pieces and folded the card table.

“We need to head to the Matrix of Prescience. Lady Fu says everything is ready. Also…”

She lowered her voice, adding conspiratorially, “These snacks are really good. Take as much as you want; it’s all on the Divination Division’s dime. No need to hold back. Once I’ve escorted you all, I’ll probably have to return to my post. Miss Tingyun, I hope we can chat more in the future—it’s rare to find someone else interested in Xianzhou historical studies these days.”

Phantylia smiled faintly. “Of course.”

While Phantylia found Qingque’s ability to slack off impressive—something she considered learning herself—there was an unspoken truth she didn’t share.

We probably won’t get another chance to talk.

The Matrix of Prescience was located in the Divination Division’s core district. Ordinarily, access was highly restricted—even Qingque couldn’t approach it casually. Only for major divinations, like the weekly and monthly readings, would select personnel, led by supervising officials, input data into the array to calculate outcomes and devise responses to potential calamities.

However, after the Stellaron’s interference disrupted the array, repairing it required a significant workforce. Not only were members of the Divination Division working near the array, but technicians from the Artisan Commission were also on-site to inspect and calibrate the embedded formations, ensuring the chaotic mechanisms returned to order.

When the group arrived, they spotted Fu Xuan and Chen Lin standing on a raised platform near the array. Beside them was a tall holographic projection of Jing Yuan, the three seemingly deep in discussion. Fu Xuan’s expression was troubled.

“You wouldn’t hand over military command before, but now you’re suddenly willing? General, you’re even more fickle than my divinations.”

“Isn’t that to your benefit, Lady Fu?” Jing Yuan chuckled, shifting his gaze to Chen Lin. “Your younger brother is well-versed in military tactics. I’ve heard nothing but praise from the officers at the Changle Heavenly Barracks about his ability to inspire troops. With him here, what do you have to worry about?”

Fu Xuan folded her arms, her face stern. “I am not someone who hesitates or fears responsibility, General. But why won’t you personally lead the troops this time?”

“I have more pressing matters to attend to—ones that could determine the success or failure of this entire endeavor. I simply cannot spare the time.”

Jing Yuan’s tone softened as he added, “Besides, Lady Fu, should you successfully quell the insurrection, it would be a monumental achievement. Recommending you for promotion to General after the campaign would be all the more justified.”

“Spare me your flattery.” Fu Xuan’s expression turned cold, though there was a hint of irritation. “You’ve been dangling that promotion for years, General—always ten years away, then ten more. And now you want me to use the freshly restored Matrix of Prescience to divine the outcome of this campaign, don’t you? Well, I’ve already done so before your arrival. The Luofu’s trials will see turbulence, but the outcome will be favorable. Rest assured.”

---

This is a fan translation of 在星穹铁道点群星科技树真的没问题吗? by 杏雨诗韵 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!