Star Rail: Starting with a Lyre, Living off Busking

After leaving the solemn majesty of Qlipoth Fort, the group found Pela waiting for them outside.

She greeted them with a nod. "It seems Lady Bronya holds you in high regard. I've been instructed to give you unrestricted access around the city, and I'll be helping you complete your meteorological research."

Collecting atmospheric data was already a part of Pela's duties. Before the cold had retreated, her department would run these observations to develop combat strategies, minimizing the need for soldiers to operate in harsh weather conditions.

Yet, more often than not, those painstakingly prepared reports had ended up gathering dust in office drawers, or, worse, becoming fodder for city weather forecasts.

"Hehe. Lady Bronya—she's got such a commanding presence, but she's also really reasonable! You totally helped us prepare for that talk, Pela!"

March 7 stroked her chin thoughtfully.

"Huh? Did I really help?" Pela adjusted her round glasses, surprised.

"Well, you did describe the Guardian's personality. Judging by how the conversation went, I'd say both parties are satisfied." Welt nodded approvingly.

"Then... perhaps I should adjust my approach when welcoming new guests."

She lowered her head, muttering to herself, the look of contemplation on her face prompting March 7 to want to give her a hug.

But before she could, Dan Heng stepped in, holding back the overly-friendly pink-haired girl.

"Don't interrupt her thoughts, March."

Pela noticed the small exchange, smiling apologetically.

"Ah, I apologize. When I'm thinking, I tend to say my thoughts aloud without meaning to. I hope I didn't offend you—"

"Oh, no, not at all!"

March 7, who could forgive anything cute, responded breezily.

"Thank you for your kindness. Now, would you like to rest at your inn first, or explore more of the city?"

"Hmm… it's getting a little late, but from the looks of it, the city's nightlife is just beginning, right?"

"Indeed. Since the cold receded, it's no longer as frigid at night, and with the Commercial District back in business, many shops now stay open late."

Pela answered with a professional tone.

"In that case, any recommendations, Miss Pela? I'd hate to miss out on a city highlight while we're here."

Welt, ever the inquisitive traveler, was keen to get a feel for the city.

A former animator for eight years, he had always wanted to give others a glimpse of their dreams. Belobog, with its rebirth, was full of people with renewed hope.

If possible, he thought he'd set this city as the first stop for the Astral Express's upcoming animation project.

The main character, the story's arc, and its ending—whether a heroic triumph or a bittersweet parting—were all still up in the air, but he'd figure that out later.

For now, a bustling part of the city, where they could experience its character firsthand, would be ideal.

"If we're talking landmarks, then before, I would have recommended the Golden Theater or the History Museum. But right now, Golden Theater tickets are likely sold out, and the museum is under restoration after a recent theft."

"Wait—a theft?"

"Yes, it's rather unfortunate. With the city still recovering, we don't have enough personnel, which led to a string of thieves targeting the museum's collection."

Pela sighed, looking frustrated.

"Take the guy who came back with you, Sampo. He went by the alias 'Coldleg Uncle' and worked with a young noble to steal museum artifacts and fence them through his connections, splitting the profits."

"Unbelievable!" March 7 gasped in outrage. "He told us he just wanted some fresh air and was collecting scraps! He even said if he didn't claim land now, it would all be taken by the Silvermane Guards…"

"Claim land? Claiming territory outside the city is forbidden. He likely guessed you weren't locals, so he made up whatever came to mind. Be careful—he's a known fraudster and con artist."

Pela pinched the bridge of her nose, clearly exasperated by Sampo's antics.

You'd think a friend of Venti's would have learned better, she thought. How was he so different from people like Seele and Clara?

"No worries. We suspected he wasn't entirely truthful, so we handed him over to the Silvermane Guards. I'm sure he'll be tried fairly."

It turned out that tying up Sampo earlier had been the right choice.

Otherwise, if he'd managed to escape, they might have ended up as unwitting accomplices, with the city guards hot on their trail.

"Oh, right. I think I heard Miss Seele mention he stole a sacred item used by Lord Barbatos?"

March 7 looked curious.

"Well, though it's normally confidential information, I don't think Lady Bronya would object. But we can discuss it somewhere more private."

She led them away from the Qlipoth Fort square, pointing out several of the city's other landmarks.

"First, if there's one iconic landmark in Belobog, it's the Eternal Winter Monument in Central Square. Lord Barbatos often performed there, drawing huge crowds."

"Huh? So Lord Barbatos is quite the entertainer?"

"Rather than a hobby, it's his calling. Before he revealed his divine powers, he was just a humble bard."

Pela smiled, seemingly lost in fond memories.

"Though, 'humble' might be an understatement. His performances were so mesmerizing that the Golden Theater tried several times to hire him, but he always refused. You hear it once, and you're hooked—his skill is truly beyond words."

"Wow! I'd love to hear it~!"

"If you're interested, Miss March, I do have a few recordings of his live performances. I could share them with you."

"You're the best, Pela!" March 7 hugged her, nearly knocking her glasses askew.

Pela looked somewhat flustered as she fixed her glasses, while March 7 chuckled sheepishly.

"Well then—if music's your thing, aside from the theater, there's another place. Near the Neverwinter Workshop, there are sometimes open-air performances. As for the performer… well, you'll see."

Freed from March's overly friendly embrace, Pela adjusted her round hat with extra care, attaching a white cecilia flower to it as if it were a precious gift.

Their attention turned to the flower. Though simple, the white bloom had a strange allure.

"This flower?"

"Oh, this? It's something he gave me… He tends to say embarrassing things like, 'You need it more than I do now,' and won't even explain its meaning. It's really annoying!"

"It sounds like you're quite fond of your 'friend,' Miss Pela." Welt observed with a gentle smile.

"Wh—what?! No! We're not… not at all! We're just fellow book lovers! Yes, that's it! And please, please don't tell Lady Bronya!"

As Pela stammered, her face flushed, March 7 looked amused.

"Oh, 'not yet,' huh? So there's hope for the future?"

"Ugh… I'll do my best. Just please don't tease me anymore," Pela pleaded.

Satisfied, Welt calmed March 7 down, and it took a moment before Pela composed herself.

She was normally calm and composed, but when it came to Venti, her mind just didn't work right!

Blaming her disarray on a certain slumbering bard, Pela finally resumed guiding the group.

Upon reaching the Neverwinter Workshop, she regained her usual poise.

"—Everyone, this is the Neverwinter Workshop."

"Huh? Didn't you say there'd be a show here?"

"Her exact words were 'occasionally a performance.' You seem to have ignored the critical word." Dan Heng noted.

March 7 pouted, disappointed.

"Aw, I was looking forward to it…"

"If you're that interested, you might have to wait until tomorrow. The shop owner was up all night yesterday, so even being open today is a feat."

Pela's tone had a playful edge, and March 7 soon forgot her disappointment, focusing on a question she'd been curious about.

"Oh, right! I wanted to ask—Belobog may be coming out of a long winter, but do you really need heaters outside? Shouldn't heating be kept indoors?"

"With the climate improving, those heaters aren't as necessary now. Instead of letting them gather dust, we'll reprocess them into more useful items, reducing waste." Dan Heng explained, while March 7 tilted her head.

"Even so, isn't it a bit… excessive?"

As they discussed it, a striking woman emerged from the shop with a broken heater.

"You're overthinking it. Those heaters are just old scrap. If you want to see something impressive, you should focus on me instead."

"Whoa, such a cool big sister!" March 7 exclaimed.

Flattered, the woman flashed a mischievous smile.

"And you're pretty cute yourself, little star girl. I heard that the guards brought in some outsiders—didn't expect to run into you already. If you're not busy, why don't you come into my shop? Plenty of space, fun things to see, and you can even rest here if you'd like."

"Enough, Serval! Don't use your charms on the Supreme Guardian's guests." Pela intervened without hesitation.

"Aw, don't be mad. I bought you breakfast this morning, didn't I?"

"Stop saying things that could cause misunderstandings—it was just breakfast!"

Watching them banter, Welt felt a pang of nostalgia. Once upon a time, Dan Heng and March 7 had been just like that.

Though nowadays, it was safe to say that Pela had the upper hand. Serval, despite her flirtations, was the one backing down.

Eventually, Pela said her goodbyes, leading them away from the shop. Serval waved as they departed, encouraging them to visit again.

The group moved on to the Eternal Winter Monument, a popular gathering spot. Here, Pela finally resumed the earlier conversation.

"The so-called 'sacred relic' Lord Barbatos used is nothing more than a wine goblet. The object itself is ordinary, yet people's reverence has elevated it to sacred status."

The casual way Pela spoke about it surprised them. She even shared Barbatos's quirks: lazing around, sneaking naps, and sunbathing whenever he could.

To the trio, it was astonishing yet… charming.

Though revered as a god, he sounded like just another human who, for all his quirks, deeply loved his people.

(A god worth knowing.)

The Astral Express team made a mental note of the bard.

By the time Pela finished showing them around, they felt thoroughly acquainted with Belobog. Only an official citizenship ceremony at City Hall seemed to be missing.

With nightfall, they headed to rest at the converted Goethe Hotel, now Westwind Church, a cathedral in honor of Lord Barbatos. Despite its change in purpose, the accommodations were nothing short of luxurious.

"Hah… I'm beat. All I want is to crash into bed…" March 7 yawned, stretching.

"This journey feels more like a vacation than our usual expeditions. Don't you think, Dan Heng?"

"Only because you're brimming with energy." Dan Heng replied dryly.

"Alright, everyone, rest well. Tomorrow, Pela will take us to ideal spots for the beacons. Let's make sure we're well-rested." Welt concluded, sending everyone to their rooms.

And so, after a day of exploring, the Express crew retired.

That night, the city hummed with a peaceful melody as a gentle tune filled the air. All over Belobog, its citizens drifted into a deep sleep, and even the Astral Express team couldn't help but succumb to it.

Bronya, hard at work in Qlipoth Fort, recognized the familiar melody, letting herself relax for a moment. Just as she moved to investigate, Seele burst into the room.

"Bronya! That bard has fled!"

"What?!"

Meanwhile, under the moonlit sky, a lone bard sang softly as he played his lyre.

"The tale I tell begins with a new era…"

---

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