Chapter 28: Really? Jepard?

The group left Clip Town and arrived at the square.

Golden sunlight poured down, warming their bodies and lifting their spirits.

"This is nice. Despite being built in the snow, this city is quite warm," March 7th said leisurely, stretching.

Dan Heng looked around, "To have stood for hundreds of years in this environment, they must have developed some advanced heating technology."

"Yes, those researchers are much more impressive than a mere soldier like me," Jepard said as he walked over.

His expression was no longer so stern and rigid; it appeared much softer. "The Supreme Guardian seems to favor you. I've received orders not to restrict your movements anymore."

"That lady is so imposing," Stelle remarked to him.

"After all, she's the ruler of a city! She has the bearing of a true leader! So cool," March 7th nodded approvingly.

Probably imagining herself as a mature and imposing March 7th.

"Haha, I still have official duties and need to return to my post. I hope you enjoy your time in Belobog," Jepard laughed lightly and said to the group.

March 7th quickly asked, "Wait, can you recommend some sights for us? It's still early, and we want to explore more."

Dan Heng turned to her, "I knew you wouldn't be nervous."

"That was then, this is now," March 7th responded righteously.

"I think it's a good idea. We can also buy some gifts for Himeko and the others," Gu Tang recalled that Pom-Pom had mentioned not being able to leave the train and hoped they could bring some local specialties.

"Local specialties... Sambol!" Stelle thought of a good local specialty.

"The conductor said no pets are allowed on the train... and I don't want to keep such a thing!" March 7th said with a face full of disgust.

"...Isn't Pom-Pom a pet himself?" Stelle tilted her head in confusion.

"As for places worth visiting, the Golden Theater and the History Museum are good options. However, I recommend you visit the Eternal Winter Monument first. It is the most symbolic landmark of Belobog." Jepard pointed to a blue monument in the distance.

Then he pointed in another direction, "If you're interested in music, you can go to the Perpetual Motion Mechanical House. They occasionally have outdoor performances there."

Gu Tang clutched his chest, "My rock soul is stirring. There must be rock musicians nearby."

Jepard continued, "If you get tired, you can rest at the Goethe Hotel. They offer many local delicacies of Belobog that you can enjoy."

March 7th clutched her chest, "My foodie soul is stirring. There must be good food nearby."

"You're holding the wrong place, March 7th," Stelle grabbed March 7th's hand and placed it on her stomach, "Here, here is where you're stirring."

"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now. I wish you all the best," Jepard nodded and left.

"He's really a busy person. It seems the frontlines aren't doing well," Gu Tang said, watching Jepard's back.

Dan Heng nodded, "Without sealing the Stellaron, the Fragmentum erosion will only get worse. It's a miracle they've held out this long, but..."

"Alright, alright, you two stop frowning," March 7th grabbed Gu Tang's hand and pulled him forward.

"Let's go, let's go! It's rare to come to this city; it would be a waste not to have a good time." March 7th's smile shone like the warm sun in front of Gu Tang.

---

Following Jepard's advice, the group first visited the Eternal Winter Monument.

The monument had a peculiar shape, made of large blue crystals mixed with various mechanical parts.

"Look, the shape of that ice sculpture is so strange! It somehow matches the city," March 7th exclaimed in surprise.

"No matter what it's made of, it's definitely not ice. Unless this city found another March 7th," Dan Heng said calmly.

March 7th scratched her head, "Indeed, this city is so warm. If it were ice, it would melt immediately."

When March 7th was rescued by the train, she was wrapped in a peculiar substance called Hexa Ice, which couldn't be melted by ordinary means, so Dan Heng said that.

"Hmm... If I were to modify it, it would be more mechanically beautiful..." Gu Tang looked at the monument with great interest.

March 7th quickly stopped him, "No, no, no, if someone else's monument flies off at the speed of the seventh universe, we'd really go to jail."

"I wonder how that potted plant is doing..." Stelle looked into the sky, reminiscing about the potted plant.

"Don't worry, only the Aeons can catch something that fast, but why would the Aeons care about a mere potted plant?" Dan Heng reassured her confidently.

"Why are you guys missing a potted plant... Look over there, someone's giving a lecture," March 7th pointed to the other side of the monument.

There was a petite girl with round glasses, wearing a white uniform, explaining the history to a circle of children.

"Let me introduce myself. I'm Pelageya Sergeyevna, an intelligence officer of the Silvermane Guards and a temporary guide for the Belobog Historical Tour. Just call me Pela," she said to the children.

"Pela~~ Sis~~" the children dragged out the syllables.

Including Stelle, who had blended in.

"...Some adults should not pretend to be children," Pela said helplessly.

Unlike March 7th, Pela looked well-read and had the demeanor of a literary girl.

But Gu Tang keenly noticed that beneath the exterior of a literary girl, she had the same battlefield aura as Jepard, indicating she was also a member of the Guards.

And Dan Heng keenly noticed too.

Pela... was also wearing black stockings!

Cocolia, Bronya, and now Pela.

"Indeed, black stockings are a specialty here," Dan Heng concluded.

Then he remembered what he had said earlier.

'To have stood for hundreds of years in this environment, they must have developed some advanced heating technology.'

So that's it, everything connected. The black stockings had Belobog's heating technology.

At that moment, an image of Jepard tightly wrapped in his uniform appeared in his mind.

"Could it be that Jepard is also wearing them under his uniform? You can't judge a book by its cover..." Dan Heng sighed.

"Achoo!" In the distance, Jepard sneezed.

He touched his nose in confusion, "Strange, did I catch a cold?"

The nearby Guards laughed, "Hahaha! How could that be, Captain Jepard? Even the rocks outside wouldn't catch a cold before you do."

Jepard glared at them, "We lost a battle today, and you're still so relaxed... When we return, everyone will run fifty extra laps! No dinner for those who can't finish!"

"Eh—! Mercy, Captain!"