Train of Conversation – Amusement 

Right when Solanne and Yael heard that, they couldn't help but stare at the back of the man leading them to the café. They both fell silent. As they don't know what word to say.

However, in Solanne's mind, there were many things that she was trying to think and consider. 

As a writer, many thoughts and ideas were flowing inside her brain as they spoke. She wanted to ask more. She wanted to know more. This felt like a dream for her; she could use these experiences to create a story beyond her wildest dreams. 

Although she feels a bit sad for the train conductor, she can't help but consider this an opportunity. 

Right at the heels of that, they entered the café. 

"Between Realms café," Solanne read the sign that was placed on top. As they entered inside, they were greeted by the sweet scent of sweets, coffee, and milk, followed by the soft glow of an ambient warm light and soothing melodies. 

Solanne's eyes roam around the place, taking every information and pictures she could ever get. As soon as the view landed and reflected in her eyes, she couldn't help but feel in awe as the walls were adorned with different celestial works depicting distant places, worlds, galaxies, and twinkling stars, creating a sense of excitement and wonder. 

The café was not that full. There were at least 3 tables taken. Each tables have two people occupying them. They were drinking coffee and talking, just like how the humans were. She can't help but feel amused. 

Did they get such a tradition mimicking humans? Or was it them who had mimicked them from the start? It's a wonder; if she has the opportunity, she'll want to explore it. 

As they walked, the three of them found a seat as far from the travelers and customers of the café as possible. When they had taken their seats, a waiter handed them the menu. Solanne grabbed it and opened it as she casually peeked at the waiter, who looked like a human, yet she had cat ears and tails. The lady reminded Solanne of the two cats they had at the cabin. 

With a smile on her face, she read the menu. She was smiling like a child scanning the menu when she felt a gaze fall on her. As she looked up, she saw Yael looking at her. "Is there something?" She asked. 

He shook his head. "Nothing." 

Solanne didn't press further as she went back and read the menu. Looking at the menu was mixed with the things she knew and delicacies from different worlds. Of course, although she wanted to try some, she didn't want to waste the money, and if she ordered those things, she was not sure. It might not fit her taste, and ultimately, it would be a waste. 

"One americano and some macaroons for me," The train conductor ordered. And slide the menu back to the waiter. He added, "Rest assured, as I will pay for both of you." 

Yael eyed him, still suspicious of his actions. "Why the sudden kindness?" He asked. 

The conductor smiled. His eyes seemed to be different today. Still, his emotions were not that visible to both of them. "I'm always kind. It's just that both of you were afraid of me before." 

"…." 

Solanne smiled at the conductor. " You seemed used to it." 

"That's right. I've seen many people and creatures board the train. I've been working for almost 3 centuries now. It's something that had become normal for me." 

Solanne and Yael fell silent once again as they ordered. Solanne ordered a latte and a piece of cake, while Yael ordered an iced coffee and some fruit. 

The waiter dismissed herself, and the train conductor captured their attention again as he asked, "Anyways, now that we have done ordering, are there any questions you wanted to ask? I'll answer based on the rules of this world. As you see, many things are prohibited." 

Both of them were seated there, Yael did have a few questions, but he was still thinking about what to say while Solanne had already picked some. 

"Can you tell us about them?" Solanne's words drifted. She smiled. "Those prohibited things to do." 

The conductor stared at her briefly before answering, "Well, I can't possibly tell you all the prohibited things in the different worlds as they vary. I can tell you, though, that those rules were made to protect travelers like you. Back in the primordial era, only deities can visit each place. Yet, as centuries passed, the gods made way for us to visit each other. This station was one of them, and they have compiled different rules on each pamphlet you have before."

"This station called portal between worlds has only three rules. The first one was, do not commit any crime. The second was to learn to mind yourself and not disturb those who are working. And the last was, do not get lost." 

Yael and Solanne looked at each other. Although the first rule seemed right, they couldn't help but feel that the second and third rules had more explanations and meanings. 

Just like what they had expected and thought, the train conductor continued. "The reasons for the second and third rule were, just like what I told you before, most of the people working in this station were once criminals. Although they have their sentences and arrangements, we do not know what was on their minds. Furthermore, we also do not know what crime they had committed. And lastly, once lost in the realms of worlds, you will never be found again. Take this seriously, as many travelers had already been lost and never been found." 

Solanne swallowed. Just in time, their orders arrived, uplifting the mood. 

Yael then continued asking as Solanne was busy devouring the cake she ordered. A faint smile appeared on his lips before it disappeared as he asked the question. 

"Why did the deities make such places and rules?" 

As he said, the train conductor smiled at them without any hesitation. "Amusement. Well, that's just my thoughts." 

Both Yael and Solanne looked at the conductor. Their expression was wanting to know more, and they seemed conflicted. 

The conductor sipped his coffee before adding, "They are beings that exist before everything; they can't help but be bored. They have traveled on the vast cosmos and have seen everything. We do not know what was on their minds when they created this. However, this also became a place full of opportunities for every creature of the universe and travelers. This station unfolded many mysteries at the same time, and it introduced many travelers to danger. That's why we have taken so many precautions." 

As the train conductor finished speaking, the three fell silent as they ate their orders. Time passed by, Solanne added another question. 

"Then, do you know the reason why we are here?" 

A paused. Yael looked up, and his gaze landed on Solanne. This question was also in his mind when the train conductor specifically introduced the station. Yet, he can't find the courage to ask, afraid of the answer.

Both of them patiently waited for the answer. 

The train conductor smiled faintly as he said, "It's just a theory," he honestly said, "Humans, your world is different from the worlds, and portals here have limited access to this station. In my time as a train conductor, there were only 5 pairs of humans who were able to access this place. Most of them have different goals in accessing the world. However, there was one thing they had in common. They were here because a being, considered a deity, had allowed them to be here. Hence, I have concluded that both of you were favored and blessed." 

"How—" Solanne frowned. "What's the reason we are here then? We are not like the others. We do not have the goal of exploring this place, and we do not even know what we are searching for here."

The train conductor leaned; he was smiling like always. However, there was something in how his eyes mysteriously flickered as he said with amusement, "It's up to you to find it then. There are no coincidences. Most of the time, you think that the reason for being here has to be something serious. However, such reasons are not required. Sometimes, the reason may be that the gods find both of you amusing and interesting. Or maybe," the train conductor shrugged. "They're just bored." 

Both of them fell silent. If someone had heard such a reason, they might feel anger as they might conclude that the gods were playing with them, but Solanne has a different mindset about this. 

She finds it amusing and interesting. 

The gods- deities are moving because of their thoughts and emotions, much more like how humans would have. 

Solanne considered that something might be wrong with her for a moment, but she laughed it off. 

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