Chapter 118 – What a Remarkably Adorable Creature, Is It Not

Seldia's general residential Sector 3 -- a quiet, calm little side street tucked between the high-rise buildings, where two girls could be found.

Steshia, her bright golden short hair swaying, dressed in a cute pale-yellow frilled blouse paired with a small floral-print flared skirt.

And Letaria, her hat pulled down low, dressed in an easy-to-move-in outfit -- a calm navy hooded parka paired with smart, tailored pants.

"This is the place, Letaria-san!"

Pulled along by Steshia's eager hand, the two of them passed through the door of a certain shop.

The name displayed above the wood-grain entrance read -- "Love de Pomme."

The moment the door opened, a whole crowd of small, colorful, fluffy-coated little creatures, each about the size of two cupped hands, leapt straight into view. Round, rabbit-or-ferret-like silhouettes, with big, adorable round eyes -- unmistakably friendly, sociable little things.

"Waaah, so cute~!!"

Steshia let out an instinctive cheer.

"My... could this be some manner of 'phantom beast' native to this world? What a remarkably adorable creature, is it not..."

At the sheer overwhelming cuteness, Letaria's own expression softened in an instant, her cheeks relaxing into a smile.

"Welcome! Welcome to Love de Pomme. Is this your first time visiting us, you two?"

A staff member wearing a fluffy pair of animal-ear headband cheerfully called out to them.

"Yes! I've been looking forward to this for so long!"

Steshia answered energetically.

◆◆◆

Love de Pomme.

A currently trending pet café where guests can enjoy tea while interacting with space lifeforms known as "Pomme."

Pomme were originally a species of native organism first discovered in an asteroid belt out in space. Feeding primarily on fine cosmic dust, the "Stardust Pomme" proved to be entirely harmless to humans and remarkably docile by nature, and over time became woven into human life, eventually settling in as household pets. A variety of subspecies, such as the "Spacia Pomme," have since become widely beloved as well.

Able to survive comfortably whether in the vacuum of space or an air-filled room, sterile and odorless, and highly intelligent, they take readily to humans. Since they can be raised with nothing more than specialized nutrient gel, they've become a source of comfort cherished by residents across countless stations in every nation.

◆◆◆

No sooner had Steshia and Letaria been shown to their table than several Pomme came trotting eagerly over to meet them.

Utterly without a hint of caution, a pink Pomme had already settled comfortably into Steshia's lap.

"Ahhh... so cute... I'm melting completely...!"

Steshia's face went slack with delight as she stroked it gently.

Meanwhile, around Letaria, a total of four fluffy Pomme -- two on each side -- had nestled up close against her. Letaria gently stroked their fur with her fingertips.

"So very... very adorable..."

Letaria murmured, her expression utterly, thoroughly melted. Steshia nodded deeply in agreement.

"I've wanted to come here for so long! Pomme cafés are still pretty rare in Seldia, so it's really hard to get a reservation."

Steshia scooped up some of the specialty nutrient gel she'd purchased with a small spoon, feeding it little by little to the Pomme in her lap.

"Truly... it feels as though my very soul is being cleansed... All the fatigue of these past days seems to be melting away all at once..."

The two of them spent their time doting on the Pomme, savoring delicious herbal tea and cake -- and then, it happened.

The café's front door opened.

With a handful of other customers already scattered about on this holiday afternoon, a new customer walking in was, on its own, nothing remarkable at all.

...But.

(Th-that person is...!?)

Letaria's eyes, glancing over out of idle curiosity, went wide with shock.

Standing there at the café's entrance -- dressed in civilian clothes -- was none other than the corps' vice-captain himself, Ethan Broe.