Chapter 29: Pela: Please, some adults shouldn't try to talk like children.

Theresa and Dan Heng quietly informed March 7th and Stelle that they were under surveillance by the Silvermane Guards. March 7th and Stelle were visibly shocked. They had never imagined that Cocolia, who had been so friendly and chatty with everyone, would betray them like this.

"From now on, everyone needs to be extremely careful," Theresa warned. "Don't do anything that might arouse the Guards' suspicion. We should proceed with our tour of the city as planned."

"We need to lull the Silvermane Guards into a false sense of security," Dan Heng added. "March 7th and Stelle, please refrain from any attention-grabbing or misleading actions."

Theresa nodded solemnly.

"Um... isn't Theresa the one most likely to stir up trouble here?" Dan Heng remarked dryly, glancing at Theresa, who chuckled awkwardly and blushed slightly. After all, she had been feigning foolishness earlier to lower Cocolia's guard. Who would suspect someone acting like an idiot?

"In any case, everyone should try to maintain their usual demeanor," Dan Heng continued. "Don't overthink it. Being overly cautious might backfire."

The group nodded in agreement.

Next, the group began exploring Belobog, spotting a massive blue ice sculpture not far from Qlipoth Fort—the Everwinter Monument, a landmark Gepard had mentioned.

Everwinter Monument

Around the monument, locals chatted and played. A Silvermane Guardswoman with glasses was explaining something to a group of chattering children nearby.

"This huge ice sculpture called the Everwinter Monument somehow fits perfectly with the city," March 7th exclaimed in astonishment.

"Whatever it's made of, it definitely isn't ice. Otherwise, it would have melted long ago in Belobog's relatively mild climate," Dan Heng calmly explained.

"You're right, it's actually quite warm here. Hey, there's a crowd of children over there, and a Silvermane Guardswoman. Should we go check it out?" March 7th asked, turning to Dan Heng and Theresa.

"I think we should," Theresa replied. "We're still considered honored guests in this city, and there are Silvermane Guards watching us from a distance. If they see us constantly avoiding them, they might suspect we're hiding something."

Theresa quietly explained the situation to March 7th, and the others nodded in understanding.

"Then let's approach cautiously," she said. "And be careful not to say anything inappropriate that might arouse suspicion."

Dan Heng glanced at March 7th and Theresa. March 7th could be a bit naive, and he couldn't be sure Theresa wouldn't suddenly be affected by the Power of Elation and start acting foolishly.

As the group approached, Pela continued recounting Belobog's history and the origins of the Everwinter Monument to the children. After about ten minutes, she paused, noticing the arrival of Dan Heng, March 7th, Stelle, and Theresa.

"Alright, that's all for today, children. Goodbye!" Pela said with a smile.

"Bye, Miss Pela!" the children and Stelle called out in unison. March 7th and Dan Heng exchanged exasperated glances as Stelle inexplicably joined the children's farewell.

"Please refrain from mimicking children's speech, adults," Dan Heng muttered.

"Alright, kids, let's head back now." Pela dismissed the children.

"Hello, I'm Pelageya Sergeyevna, Intelligence Officer of the Silvermane Guards. You can call me Pela."

After Pela dismissed the children, she raised her head and addressed the group, her expression tinged with caution toward the newcomers.

"Hello, Pela. We're the Nameless travelers who just arrived in Belobog. I'm March 7th," March 7th greeted her with a bright smile, her natural warmth and genuine enthusiasm shining through.

"I'm Stelle, also a member of the Nameless, Miss Pela," Stelle said nervously, looking at Pela. Pela dismissed her apprehension, assuming she was simply shy.

"Greetings, Miss Pela. I'm Dan Heng, another member of the Nameless," Dan Heng said calmly.

"Hello, Miss Pela. I'm Theresa, also a member of the Nameless," Theresa greeted her with a gentle smile.

"Welcome. Is it true you came from beyond the stars?" Pela asked, her curiosity piqued. "You might not know this, but the Silvermane Guards have been discussing your exploits. I heard them say that our entire planet, save for Belobog, has been blanketed in ice and snow."

"That's correct," March 7th replied. "The Eternal Freeze has covered every region outside Belobog in ice and snow. Here, Miss Pela, take this photo as proof." March 7th offered her a picture of the ice-covered planet.

March 7th smiled and handed Pela a photo of Jarilo-VI she had taken from the Astral Express. "Here you go!" she said.

Pela took the photo and stared in astonishment at the image: a massive planet completely covered in ice and snow.

"So that's what our world really looks like," she murmured, her voice tinged with both excitement and a hint of sadness. "Can I really keep this?" She was thrilled to finally see her home planet, but saddened by its frozen state.

"Of course! I have plenty more," March 7th replied casually with a dismissive wave.

Pela nodded gratefully and carefully tucked the photo away, planning to share it with her close friend Lynx, Gepard's younger sister and a renowned snowfield explorer.

"Thank you so much for this gift," Pela said, her earlier apprehension fading. "Would you like me to be your guide while you explore Belobog?" Her impression of the Astral Express Crew had improved significantly.

"We appreciate your offer, Miss Pela, but we just plan to take a quick look around. We've had a long day and are quite tired. After a short stroll, we'll head back to the Goethe Hotel to rest," Theresa said with a smile.

Pela nodded in understanding. "Alright then. I'll be stationed at the plaza all day. Feel free to ask me if you need anything."

"Goodbye, everyone," Pela said with a smile as she waved. The group waved back, watching her slowly walk back to the plaza.

"Phew, she actually wanted to tag along! We're already being so cautious," March 7th grumbled in relief once Pela was out of earshot.

"There's no need to be so wary. We haven't done anything wrong. We're just being cautious of that Supreme Guardian who seems a bit off," Dan Heng explained. March 7th nodded. She knew they hadn't done anything wrong, but she couldn't shake her lingering apprehension. Their previous Trailblaze journeys hadn't started smoothly, leaving the young girl feeling anxious.