I opened a shop on the Astral Train

Chapter 90 - 90

Ten minutes later.

Theresa and Himeko sat at the dining table, tasting the instant noodles Kiana brought back from the other world.

It was no wonder Theresa found them delicious—instant noodles from another world had a distinct charm to them.

Theresa swallowed a mouthful and asked, "Kiana, what kind of Stellar Jade are you talking about?"

Kiana pulled out more than 2,500 Stellar Jade and held them up. "This is Stellar Jade, Dean."

Theresa sighed in frustration. "Kiana! Call me 'Dean,' not 'Aunt'!"

Kiana playfully saluted. "Okay, Aunt! Understood, Aunt!"

Theresa's eye twitched. "Kiana, you idiot!"

Kiana wagged a finger. "I'm not an idiot! I won first place today and stood on the podium!"

Theresa let out a tired sigh. Forget it. Arguing with Kiana was pointless.

"Can we use your portal?"

Kiana scratched her head, deep in thought, before shrugging. "I don't know~"

Theresa sighed again. She walked over to the portal and opened it. Instead of revealing another world, it was just a pitch-black void—completely different from what Kiana described.

Kiana stepped forward. "How about I try?"

Theresa stepped aside, allowing Kiana to take over. As Kiana opened the portal, the darkness disappeared, revealing an elegantly decorated room. However, no one was inside. It was likely that they had already gone to bed.

Theresa reached out, attempting to step through, but an invisible wall blocked her way.

Kiana, curious, reached out her hand—and passed through effortlessly.

Theresa furrowed her brows. "It seems like only Kiana can use this door. Kiana, ask them tomorrow if there's a way for us to enter as well."

Kiana flashed a thumbs-up. "Got it! I'll ask tomorrow. Now, come eat your instant noodles, Auntie! They won't taste good if they get cold~"

Inside Fontaine...

Furina and Clorinde had just returned with the Cloud Knights of Lancelot.

As they walked through the streets, residents took notice.

"Isn't that Lady Furina? Who are these knights with her? They look formidable."

"I don't know. I've never seen them before."

"They must be Lady Furina's guards. Look how closely they're protecting her and her companions."

Furina led the Cloud Knights of Lancelot back to the Momang Palace.

Neuvillette stood at the gates, waiting. He had already received word of Furina's return when she entered the city.

As she approached, Neuvillette greeted her. "Welcome back."

Furina spotted him and waved. One of the Cloud Knights stepped forward, carrying a large bag.

Furina rummaged through it and pulled out a bottle of water, handing it to Neuvillette. "Here, Violet. I brought you a gift. Try it."

Neuvillette took the water and carefully placed it aside. "Thank you."

His gaze shifted to the Cloud Knights standing by Furina's side. "Lady Furina, who are these people?"

Furina smiled. "These are my loyal knights. From now on, they will be responsible for my safety."

Neuvillette's expression darkened slightly. "Lady Furina, I believe Clorinde would be a more suitable guardian. She understands Fontaine and its people far better than outsiders."

Furina waved a hand dismissively. "No need to worry. My knights are absolutely loyal to me. Trust me."

She stretched and yawned. "Enough talk. I'm exhausted from the journey. I need some rest."

With that, she led the Cloud Knights of Lancelot into the palace.

Four knights remained stationed outside, gripping their swords and shields. Their presence alone radiated an intimidating strength.

Neuvillette observed them for a moment before turning and walking back inside.

Once in his office, he called for his secretary.

A small Melusine hopped inside. "Lord Neuvillette, how can I assist you?"

Neuvillette leaned back. "Summon Clorinde."

The Melusine nodded eagerly and hurried off. For Melusines, being entrusted with work was a joy.

Soon, Clorinde arrived.

"You called for me?"

Neuvillette wasted no time. "What is the origin of those knights?"

Clorinde met his gaze. "Are you worried they pose a threat to Lady Furina?"

Neuvillette nodded. "Yes. Their origins are a mystery, and their strength is undeniable. If they wished to act against Fontaine, it would be a simple matter for them."

Clorinde remained composed. "You need not worry. They are the Cloud Knights of Lancelot. Their loyalty to Lady Furina is absolute."

Neuvillette frowned slightly. "And how can you be so sure?"

Clorinde hesitated, recalling Furina's instructions. His Majesty Asmodeus had personally sent her there, with clear orders to remain discreet upon return.

Any mention of Yuri, even in passing, could stir unnecessary complications. If word got out, people's greed might lead them to covet what they could not understand. Worse, if Yuri were provoked, Asmodeus himself might step in—and his wrath was not something Fontaine could afford to bear.

Clorinde chose her words carefully. "I am certain. You need not concern yourself. These knights will not harm Fontaine. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to."

With that, she turned and left.

Neuvillette watched her go, his curiosity only deepening.

Through his office window, he observed the Cloud Knights of Lancelot patrolling in pairs around the palace.

"Where did these people come from?"

Furina lay in the back garden of her chambers, freshly bathed and relaxed.

She picked up a delicate flower cake and took a bite. "Mmm~ This is delicious. I'll have someone buy more from Qingce Manor once we run out."

Two Cloud Knights stood nearby, their gazes sharp and vigilant.

One of them suddenly tensed, eyes locked on a shadowy area in the distance.

Without a word, he exchanged a glance with his companion before stepping forward to investigate.

Furina, oblivious to the tension, continued savoring her flower cake, lost in the moment of peace.

A few minutes later, a Cloud Knight of Lancelot silently returned to stand guard behind Furina.

Furina nibbled on some flower cakes, rested on a reclining chair for a while, then rose and headed back inside to sleep.

In the shadowy corner where the knight had gone, two Fatui bodies lay lifeless in a pool of blood.

The next morning, Kiana woke up full of energy, leaping out of bed with excitement.

"No classes today! This is the best!" she cheered, thrilled about her task for the day—visiting the train to ask how Theresa and the others could pass through the portal.

To her delight, Theresa had granted her the day off to take care of it.

After getting dressed, Kiana entered the living room, where Mei had already prepared breakfast, waiting for her.

Kiana inhaled deeply, savoring the aroma before rushing to the table. She lowered her head, taking in the delicious scent of the food.

"Mmm~ Mei, you're the best!"

Mei chuckled softly. "Eat up. You still have things to do after breakfast."

Kiana happily took her seat, grabbing her chopsticks and digging in.

"I wonder what today's dungeon will be like?" she mused between bites, excitement building.

She had been told yesterday that the dungeon changes daily—some days offering great rewards, others not as much. On less rewarding days, most people focused on their own business.

Mei looked at her with interest. "I want to try all the things you mentioned yesterday. They sound fascinating."

Kiana's face lit up. "Mei! You wanna come too? That's awesome! I swear, it's super fun! Tons of people play together, and it's just so exciting! We should totally team up!"

Mei smiled. "Alright, alright. Let's eat first."

Kiana eagerly nodded, stuffing her mouth with food. "Mei's cooking is the best~"

After finishing breakfast, Kiana stood before the mirror, checking her reflection. Spotting a stray grain of rice on the corner of her mouth, she quickly licked it off. After tidying her clothes, she called out, "Mei, I'm heading out!"

Without waiting for a response, she dashed through the portal.

Upon arriving on the train, Kiana looked around, quickly spotting March 7th and the others engaged in a train meeting.

She waved. "Morning, everyone!"

March 7th turned to see her. "Kiana? You're early today."

Kiana grinned. "I'm here to find Yuri. Where is he?"

March 7th pointed toward the reception room. "Yuri and Zhongli are playing chess."

Kiana nodded, then noticed the group standing together. "What are you guys up to?"

March 7th brought up with a smile. "We're having a meeting. The train is departing for the next stop soon."

The word "meeting" made Kiana instinctively want to flee.

"Oh~ Well, you guys go ahead! I'm off to find Yuri!"

She ran into the reception room, eager to ask Yuri about bringing Mei and the others through the portal.

Meanwhile, the train crew wrapped up their meeting and found seats in Yuri's store. Soon after, Pom's voice rang out over the train's radio.

"Everyone, brace yourselves! The train is about to jump. Please find a seat to avoid falling."

March 7th, ever the rebellious spirit, stood defiantly in an open space, determined.

"This time, I'll succeed!"

Kiana, stepping out of the reception room, saw her stance. "March, what are you doing?"

March 7th declared, "Standing firm during the jump is nearly impossible. I'm challenging myself to do it!"

Kiana's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That sounds fun! I wanna try too!"

She mimicked March 7th's stance, fists clenched, body tensed in preparation.

The radio voice counted down.

"The train is about to jump!

3

2

1!"

The train accelerated wildly, making it difficult to stay upright. Kiana wobbled, struggling against the force.

So fun! So fun! I have to win this challenge!

As the train reached its critical speed, a brilliant light enveloped everything. Kiana lost her balance and tumbled to the ground.

When her vision cleared, the train had completed the jump and was slowing down.

Rubbing her bruised backside, she winced. "Owww! That hurt!"

March 7th groaned beside her, her knees having taken the brunt of the fall. "Ugh~ My knees... I failed again!"

Himeko laughed. "Alright, alright. Get up and rest on the sofa. We'll be arriving soon."

Helping each other up, Kiana and March 7th gazed out the window.

Kiana's excitement reignited. "Wow~ The scenery changed!"

March 7th smirked. "Of course! We jumped to a new location."

Kiana blinked. "Oh, yeah! But wow, that was fast! We got here in no time."

March 7th puffed up proudly. "Naturally"

At that moment, Yuri and Zhongli emerged from the reception room. Zhongli stepped into a portal leading to Liyue Port.

Minutes later, he returned, bringing a large group with him—including Xiangling.

Having heard about the number of Stellar Jade in Penacony, Zhongli had spent the previous night gathering a team.

Leading the group were Liuyun, Xieyue, Xiao, Xiangling, Hu Tao, Yelan, Keqing, Ningguang, Ganyu, Shenhe, among a few other's.

Zhongli planned to personally lead this expedition to Penacony.

Yuri crossed his arms, smirking. "Zhongli, have you considered something? You can't enter Penacony."

Zhongli raised a brow. "What do you mean?"

Yuri explained, "This is the Family Harmony Festival period. Security is tight. Passengers are being thoroughly screened. You don't even have a valid identity in this world. How do you plan on getting in?"

Zhongli fell silent, realization dawning.

What now?

Topaz, who had stepped out of the reception room to grab juice from the bar, spoke up.

"I have a way to get you in. But keep in mind, my company and the families in Penacony are enemies. If you go in under our identity, you'll be under heavy surveillance."

From the sofa, Silver Wolf, curled up with a handheld console, suddenly grinned.

"This is a job for the great Silver Wolf!"

With a snap of her fingers, a virtual keyboard materialized in front of her. She quickly began typing, her fingers dancing across the keys.

Moments later, a holographic billboard appeared.

[Identity Agency – 100 Stellar Jade per person! After-sales service guaranteed! Apply for a fake (crossed out) real identity—only with Lord Silver Wolf!]

Yuri smirked.

"Silver Wolf can handle it."