*Chapter 17: What's It Like to Sleep in the Same Bed as a Beautiful Girl?*

Pom-Pom trotted over to the group on its short legs, its gaze immediately landing on the equally fluffy Higokumaru nestled in March 7th's arms.

It had originally seen Welt looking downcast and went to brew him some black tea to lift his spirits. Unexpectedly, upon returning with the tea, it was greeted by a sight that made its blood pressure soar.

Seeing March 7th holding something, it had a bad feeling.

Surely someone hadn't just picked up a stray pet, right?

It initially thought it was just a bad feeling, perhaps paranoia, but its premonition had come true.

The existence of the mascot, the discipline of the Astral Express, and Pom-Pom's dignity—all down the drain !

It carefully placed the tray on a nearby low table, put its paws on its hips, adopting the stance of the Conductor, and glared at Higokumaru with its round eyes. "Bringing random things of unknown origin onto the train is forbidden, Pom ! It's the rules !"

"Why do I smell something sour?"

Stelle watched from the side with great interest, her eyes darting back and forth between the fuming Pom-Pom and the innocent-looking Higokumaru.

Normally, she would have jumped in to stir things up, but since no one could see her now, she could just enjoy the show from the sidelines.

"She's not a mascot or a pet ! Her name is Higokumaru."

March 7th felt a little guilty. She held Higokumaru up to the Conductor, the little fox's tail tracing a pink arc in the air. "Can she stay on the train, please? Look how well-behaved she is ! She eats very little, and she grooms herself. I promise she'll be good !"

"Hmph !" Pom-Pom snorted heavily, stamping its front paw on the floor with a soft thud, trying to assert its Conductor's authority. Its voice rose an octave.

"Passenger March 7th's promises carry no weight ! You also said you'd bring the Conductor a souvenir this time. Is this the souvenir?"

"Ah... this..."

March 7th averted her gaze. Every time she returned from an adventure, she brought something back for Pom-Pom, who stayed on the train. But this time, things were too rushed, and she came back empty-handed. Never mind a souvenir, she just brought back another mouth to feed.

One can't be too critical when accepting gifts or favors. Himeko might be the Navigator, but Pom-Pom is the Conductor !

She looked pleadingly at Jiang Liang, blinking hard. Seeing no reaction, she nudged him firmly with her right elbow.

What could he say? How many times had he been elbowed already?

Jiang Liang's eyes drifted. Although he didn't possess the special ability to instantly perform reading comprehension on the information contained within March 7th's gaze, he still knew what she wanted him to do.

"Let me be fair," Jiang Liang started, "March 7th is indeed a bit out of line here. It's only natural for the Conductor to feel jealous."

"I-I'm not jealous, Pom !"

Pom-Pom immediately retorted, but its twitching, drooping ears betrayed its guilt. "I'm just fulfilling my duties as the Conductor ! Yes, duties ! Maintaining order on the train and ensuring every passenger has the most comfortable experience !"

It tried to regain control of the situation, but its voice lacked confidence.

March 7th finally caught on belatedly and burst out laughing with a "pfft."

She had originally thought Pom-Pom was strictly enforcing the train's rules, but now it seemed that wasn't quite the case.

"If it's just jealousy, then there's room for negotiation !"

"Alright, Pom-Pom, don't be angry."

March 7th hugged Higokumaru tighter. "Don't worry ! Pom-Pom will always be the most reliable Conductor on the train !"

Seeing Pom-Pom remain silent, Jiang Liang struck while the iron was hot, adding soothingly, "March 7th will take good care of Higokumaru. She won't cause you any trouble."

"Also, let me remind you," Jiang Liang continued, "Higokumaru isn't a mascot or a pet, nor is she some doll bought from outside. She has normal intelligence; she's a person, just... a bit small. She can help clean the train, prepare ingredients, and even protect the Express."

"Boss is right ! I'm a person, not a pet or a doll !" Higokumaru nodded vigorously.

She seemed ready to agree with whatever her 'Boss' said.

"A person?"

Pom-Pom eyed Higokumaru doubtfully.

If she was a passenger, not a pet or mascot, then allowing her onboard would indeed be reasonable and wouldn't violate its principles.

Pom-Pom glanced at March 7th's expectant expression, then at Stelle's nearby 'enjoying-the-drama-and-not-caring-about-the-trouble' look. Finally, its gaze returned to Higokumaru. Its tense expression finally softened. It cleared its throat and puffed out its chest. "Alright ! Since you both guarantee it, Pom will temporarily allow her to stay on the train under observation ! But she must abide by the train regulations: no relieving herself anywhere she pleases, no damaging public property, and no stealing Pom-Pom's snacks !"

"Yay ! Pom-Pom is the best !" March 7th cheered, spinning around in place while holding Higokumaru. She chuckled mischievously. "But I have a feeling the most important rule is probably: Don't be more popular than the Conductor !"

"Passenger March 7th !" Pom-Pom bristled again.

Watching the playful banter before him, Welt found his spirits lifting unconsciously.

"Speaking of which, the Express is about to make a space jump back to Herta Space Station. You should all get some rest soon, too. Recharge your energy," he said gently.

"Back to Herta Space Station? Speaking of which, didn't Pom-Pom mention that too?" March 7th asked.

"Yes. We won't continue trailblazing for now; we're returning to Herta Space Station first." Welt nodded, setting down his teacup. "Stelle's condition still needs to be addressed. Even if I have some speculations about her situation, I can't make a judgment based solely on visual observation. Conveniently, Herta is still at the space station. She should be very interested in this situation."

He knew who Stelle had turned into, but that didn't mean the situation was without danger.

He didn't know the cause, nor was he particularly familiar with Kevin Kaslana. Therefore, it was best to let Herta examine her first.

How should he put it...

It was fortunate she hadn't turned into Otto Apocalypse.

Welt had a feeling Stelle might pull some major stunt on him.

March 7th stretched lazily, loosening her limbs. "Since that's decided, we'll head back and get some proper rest ! Bye-bye, Uncle Welt !"

She waved at Welt, then nudged Jiang Liang beside her with her elbow. "Let's go ! Higokumaru will stay in my room. See you tomorrow !"

"Yeah, see you tomorrow," Jiang Liang replied.

Higokumaru poked her head out from March 7th's arms and called out softly to Jiang Liang's retreating back, "Goodbye, Boss !"

The two quickly returned to their room. Stelle flopped onto the bed, motionless.

"You can't feel the softness of the bed in this state?" Jiang Liang asked Stelle. "Is this how you usually are? It's bedtime now... how are we going to sleep?"

"I want the bed," Stelle (as the ghost) stated flatly.

"Me too," Jiang Liang replied.

"Actually, I'm used to sleeping naked," Stelle added.

"Trying to make me back down with that excuse? Hah, Stelle, I can sleep naked too," Jiang Liang retorted.

Stelle slowly turned her head. Jiang Liang was also lying on the bed, and their eyes met.

They could share the bed, but only one body could enjoy its softness.

The two lay on the single bed, looking at each other wordlessly.