Chapter 28: Cocolia, Preparing to Backstab

Cocolia's lips twitched as she observed the remarkably wise Theresa, but the Stellaron's voice echoed in her mind:

["No way, Cocolia, you actually believe them?"]

["Child, you're being deceived."]

The Stellaron's androgynous voice resonated within Cocolia's consciousness, but she remained silent.

"Um, Supreme Guardian, please disregard her," Dan Heng said, gesturing for March 7th and Stelle to position themselves between Theresa and Cocolia. "She has occasional lapses into foolishness."

March 7th and Stelle exchanged awkward smiles as they shielded the "foolish" Theresa.

Cocolia paused, considering her words. "Very well, I believe you. If the current crisis is indeed linked to this Stellaron, your arrival represents the hope Belobog has awaited for nearly seven centuries. I pledge to provide all possible assistance in locating it."

"It's getting late, and you must all be exhausted. I'll arrange for you to stay at the city's most comfortable hotel and get a good night's rest. Tomorrow at noon, I'll send someone to invite you back for further discussions."

Cocolia spoke with deliberate weight, her words eliciting joyful smiles from the group. None of them noticed the peculiar glint in her eyes.

"Thank you very much, Supreme Guardian," Dan Heng said politely. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about Cocolia. After March 7th, Stelle, and Theresa had interrupted, how could she be so agreeable?

"No, I should be thanking you, Travelers from afar," Cocolia replied with a forced smile.

"Hey! We're Trailblazers!" Theresa retorted.

"And I don't play Genshin Impact Support Combo~" Theresa added with a mischievous grin, teasing Cocolia.

"..."

"Ahem, my apologies. She can be a bit... eccentric at times," Dan Heng said, his face reddening as he signaled March 7th or Stelle to pick up the silly Theresa.

"Very well. Safe travels, and I won't see you out," Cocolia said with a forced smile as she bid farewell to the Nameless. Dan Heng nodded awkwardly, and March 7th hoisted Theresa into her arms as they began to leave. The Silvermane Guards swung open the gates, and Cocolia watched the departing figures with a sigh of relief.

Suddenly, Theresa turned her head, her eyes locking onto Cocolia with a wide-eyed grin. The unexpected glare startled the already nervous Cocolia. By the time she regained her composure, the Nameless had already vanished into the distance.

[Cocolia, you couldn't possibly have been frightened by that silly little girl, could you?]

"Shut up! You're constantly nagging in my head. Are you some kind of Stellaron chatterbox? And after what you've done to me, do you even realize how terrified I am of being exposed?" Cocolia raged inwardly, her turbulent emotions causing faint, ice crystal-like formations to shimmer beneath her uniform, radiating a soft, ethereal glow.

[Cocolia, have you forgotten our bargain? I promised you a new world in exchange for my freedom.]

The Stellaron's voice whispered within her consciousness.

I was just bluffing them. What's the hurry? Cocolia retorted mentally.

[Better be.]

The Stellaron's murmur faded away. Cocolia clutched her head, sighing in relief. Staring out the window, her expression unreadable, she finally steeled her resolve.

Outside Qlipoth Fort, the Nameless encountered Gepard. His usually stern demeanor had softened considerably.

"The Supreme Guardian seems to have taken a liking to you," Gepard said with a smile. "I've received new orders—you're no longer restricted in your movements."

Theresa's expression had returned to normal, and Dan Heng surreptitiously exhaled in relief.

"After all, she's the city's leader," March 7th said admiringly. "She certainly carries herself with authority and presence—so impressive!"

"Well, I have official duties to attend to and must return to my garrison shortly. I hope you enjoy your time in Belobog," Gepard said, preparing to leave.

"Wait! Could you recommend some sights? It's still early, and we'd like to explore a bit," March 7th asked eagerly, looking at Gepard expectantly.

"The Golden Theater and the Belobog Historical Museum are definitely worth seeing. However, you'll need special permits to enter the museum."

"I suggest starting with the Everwinter Monument—it's Belobog's most iconic landmark."

"If you're interested in music, you could visit the Neverwinter Workshop. They occasionally host open-air performances. As for the performers... you'll have to see for yourselves."

"Also, if you're staying at the Goethe Hotel, be sure to avoid the alley where the Silvermane Guards are stationed nearby. It's been sealed off due to recent Fragmentum Erosion," Gepard warned earnestly.

"Has Fragmentum Erosion become this severe? The situation must be dire," Dan Heng remarked, surprised.

"Well, we're currently dealing with that. I should take my leave now. I wish you all the best," Gepard said with a wry smile, eager to leave as soon as the words were out of his mouth.

"Wait, Gepard," Theresa said calmly. Dan Heng's heart tightened; he never knew what kind of trouble Theresa, the infamous Masked Fool of The Elation, might stir up. After all, it was common knowledge throughout the galaxy that Masked Fools were notorious for causing mischief.

"What is it, Madam Theresa?" Gepard asked, his face stiffening as he turned back to face the charming woman.

"Just a curious question," Theresa said, her gaze meaningful. "The Supreme Guardian mentioned sending Silvermane Guards to escort us tomorrow, right?"

"Naturally," Gepard replied earnestly. "You are our honored guests."

"Then let's say—hypothetically—she ordered them to arrest us instead. What would you do?" Theresa asked with a smile, her eyes fixed on Gepard's bewildered face. March 7th, Dan Heng, and Stelle also tensed, their expressions darkening.

"That's impossible! If she intended to arrest you, she wouldn't be treating you with such courtesy," Gepard insisted, his gaze sharp and wary.

"But what if it were true?" Theresa pressed.

Theresa smiled knowingly, her adorable expression sending a chill down Gepard's spine.

"If such a situation were to arise, I would trust my own judgment," she said.

"Alright, no need to worry unnecessarily," she continued. "If the Supreme Guardian truly harbored such thoughts, you would have been surrounded by the Silvermane Guards long ago."

"I take my leave," Gepard said coldly, striding away.

"Theresa, did you notice anything?" Dan Heng asked, observing her enigmatic smile.

March 7th and Stelle also looked at Theresa curiously.

"Southeast, southwest wind, north, south... Do you see Silvermane Guards stationed there?" Theresa murmured with a discreet smile, subtly guiding their attention. Following her cues, the group spotted guards patrolling. March 7th and Stelle exchanged puzzled glances, while Dan Heng's expression turned serious.

"We're being watched," he said.

"Don't look directly at them! Act like you don't notice!" Theresa warned.

Dan Heng now realized Theresa's seemingly clueless demeanor was an act. After all, who would suspect someone playing the fool? She had already sensed Cocolia's suspicious behavior.