Starry Sky Railway: Twin Origins

Chapter 23 Cocolia Rand

Belleburg, administrative district.

Led by Jepard, Lin Qiong and the others arrived in the city of Beloborg.

Unlike when he was outside the city, once inside the city, Lin Qiong could clearly feel that the surrounding environment had become much warmer.

Perhaps because the temperature inside the city is relatively high, it is difficult to even see snow here.

"It's so warm here!"

Xing breathed on his hand, feeling the warmth from it, and slowly spoke.

"Yes, I thought the city was just as snowy and icy as outside."

March 7th chimed in from the side.

"And it's completely different from what that guy Sambo said."

"It's not as bad here as he described."

March 7th was furious at the thought of Sangbo. That guy who talks a lot of nonsense, not only did he lie, but he also made her the scapegoat.

The city was bustling with people, the traffic was orderly, and a vibrant atmosphere permeated every corner of the city.

Everyone was dressed in gorgeous, bright and shiny clothes, and their faces were filled with happy smiles.

Children played carefree by the roadside, while Silvermane Iron Guards patrolled the area.

How could the widespread suffering described by Sambo possibly occur in such an environment?

At this moment, Jepard, who was walking ahead, heard their conversation and suddenly turned around and said:

"Because Beloberg is a city protected by the star god Kripper, the 'Guardian,' and humanity's last bastion."

"Thanks to the efforts of the 'builders,' this place remains warm despite being constantly battered by wind and snow."

Afterwards, Jepard briefly recounted a history of Belleburg to Lin Qiong and the others.

About seven hundred years ago, an enemy from outer space invaded this world.

At the critical moment of life and death, a cold wave suddenly swept across the entire planet, and the invaders were buried by a blizzard.

Of all the cities that survived that cold snap, only this one remained, and it has since developed into the present-day Belgrade.

"It seems we've been talking too much."

"Come with me, I'll take you to see the 'Great Guardian' first."

Jepard gestured for Lin Qiong and the others to follow, and then led them toward the location of the "Great Guardian".

On the way, March 7th nudged Lin Qiong with his elbow and asked in a low voice:

("Speaking of which, Qiong, how did you know the name of that 'Great Guardian'?")

("Uh...would you believe me if I said I just guessed?")

In fact, Lin Qiong didn't know how to explain it either. He originally wanted to say that it was a divination technique from the Immortal Ship.

But considering that Danheng was right next to her, she decided against it.

("Hmph! I don't believe it. When you said that name, those Silvermane Iron Guards were clearly stunned for a moment.")

Just as March 7th was about to continue questioning Lin Qiong, Jepard led them to the bottom of a very long staircase.

Looking up the stairs from the bottom, you can see two Silvermane Iron Guards standing guard on each side of the stairs, weapons in hand.

At this moment, Jepard turned around and introduced himself to Lin Qiong and the others:

"We've arrived. This is the heart of Beloborg, the headquarters of the builders—Clipper Castle."

"The current 'Grand Guardian,' Lady Cocolia Land, is usually here; all major decisions within the city are made by her."

Just as Jepard was introducing Cocolia, the other three members of the train crew all glanced at Lin Qiong.

Lin Qiong had previously mentioned this name, which earned him the trust of the Silver Mane Iron Guards and Jepard.

"Now I will take you up to meet Lady Cocolia. You may prepare your words beforehand."

“I have already sent a messenger to inform Lord Cocolia that you are of your origin.”

"If you're ready, come with me."

After saying that, Jepard lifted his leg and walked up the stairs.

Seeing this, Lin Qiong and the others followed suit.

Inside Cripper Fort.

Jepard led Lin Qiong and the others to a gate, then turned around and said:

"Lady Cocolia is inside. Please follow me in."

Then, as Jepard pushed open the door, the scene inside was revealed to everyone.

Tall bookshelves, embedded in the walls on both sides, are filled with all kinds of heavy books.

Some books, perhaps because they had just been read and hadn't had time to be put back, were simply piled up on the ground nearby.

Several desks were placed in front of the bookshelves, but for some reason no one was working at them, resulting in piles of papers and documents next to them.

On a raised platform directly in front of them was a large, semi-circular desk, and a beautiful, mature blonde woman was standing on it.

Below the platform, there was a beautiful silver-haired woman with three spiral curls in her hair, and they seemed to be discussing something.

"...But such a sacrifice is meaningless, you can't—"

When Jepard led Lin Qiong and the others to the foot of the platform, they were able to hear what the silver-haired woman was saying.

The blonde woman on the platform glanced at Lin Qiong and the others, then interrupted the silver-haired woman, saying:

"You may leave now, Bronya. A visitor has arrived."

At this moment, the silver-haired woman named Bronya glanced at Lin Qiong and the others with a hint of anger.

The look in his eyes as he glanced at Lin Qiong and the others seemed to be blaming them for choosing this moment to come in and interrupt his conversation with the blonde woman.

But in the end, the silver-haired woman could only respond to the blonde woman with resentment.

"...Yes, Mother."

As we learned from the previous conversation, the silver-haired woman whom the blonde woman called Bronya was her daughter.

As Bronya left, Jepard saluted the blonde woman on the platform.

After the blonde woman nodded, Jepard continued:

"Guardian—I have come to pay my respects with four 'outsiders'."

“The messenger has already informed me of the situation; you have done well.”

“Now, Garrison Commander Jepard, you may step down.”

Upon hearing this, Jepard nodded, saluted the blonde woman again, and then turned and walked towards the door.

As the door closed, only the blonde woman and Lin Qiong remained inside Kripper Castle. At that moment, the blonde woman slowly spoke:

"Welcome, everyone, from beyond the cold disaster... oh, I should say from beyond the heavens."

“I am the current guardian of this city—Cocolia Rand.”

"The messenger has given me the general situation, but now I have a question that I hope you can answer for me..."

The blonde woman, who called herself Cocolia, crossed her arms, narrowed her eyes slightly, and continued:

"Where did you learn my name, and when did you receive my message asking you to come and solve the cold disaster?"