Universal Traveler (Honkai Star Rail Male Reader Insert)

Chapter 4

Back in reality, Y/N and the Astral Express crew went to the receptionist to ask about the records detailing who has been in the dreamscape. Unfortunately, they weren't able to access them, as they were being kept by the Bloodhound Family. Himeko questioned the receptionist about Robin and how she was doing, though the receptionist just seemed confused and said that Robin was still preparing for the Charmony Festival. That confirmed that her 'death' wasn't made public and was being kept a secret.

With that in mind, they gathered around with each other and tried to discuss what they could do from here. During their talks, people from the IPC made their presence known. They were making quite the scene. Apparently, March and Stelle knew these members from when they were on Belobog not too long ago. Members from that group of the IPC were drinking, which didn't make for a good look. Especially, not with their boss so close by.

"I'll request a beating for you lot! You've been told not to drink during work hours!" Yelled an angry voice as they stepped in to intervene.

This was none other than a member of the Ten Stonehearts— Topaz.

"Take him back to the hotel room!" The white-haired woman ordered to another member. "I'll organize a meeting later to properly go over how this incident report should be written!" She sighs, annoyed at how her subordinates were already starting to act after they've just arrived.

The Express crew approached her. It appeared that they were in good terms with each other from what Y/N could tell.

March waves at her to get her attention. "Miss Topaz! I never thought I'd run into you on Penacony." She greeted.

Topaz notices the familiar faces she saw and smiles at them. At least they wouldn't get on her nerves. "Long time no see, Astral Express crew. Aventurine has told me a lot about your happenings... Hmm?" She had a call coming through her ear piece. "...It's fine. Do as they ask, and try to avoid any conflicts with The Family... Report to me before taking any action. Mhm. Yes, alright."

She finishes her talk, now able to turn her attention back to them. "...As you see — the IPC isn't very popular here on Penacony. Cordiality from The Family is a mere facade. The former frontier prison has turned around and cuffed its shackles on the IPC staff now. Only Aventurine, who carries an invitation is allowed to attend the banquet. An entourage like us... We can only sit around in the reality Hotel, unauthorized to even enter dreams." She explains, seemingly frustrated about dealing with this.

Himeko chuckles as she now understood the position of everyone in the IPC here. "No wonder Aventurine's scrambling to partner up with someone — the IPC can't back him up in the Dreamscape."

Topaz nods. "His situation isn't optimistic, I hear. You're all helping to investigate some... dirt on The Family, are you not? Let me know if you need anything outside the Dreamscape. The IPC always treats its partners well." She was more than willing to help the Express with what they needed.

Himeko smiles at the offer. "Thank you, Miss Topaz. We're on our way to the Hounds to verify some intel. Perhaps you've had dealings with them?" She muses.

Topaz nods her head over her shoulder. "Yep, they're tailing us right now. Why not go and talk to them... it'll take the spotlight off me, being constantly stared at is really uncomfortable." She knew she was going to be watched here, but it was still too much for her liking.

Himeko and the others went to talk with the Hounds to try to learn some new details. Y/N stays back while they do their thing so he can talk to Topaz.

"Quite the greeting you gave me just now, Miss Topaz. Didn't realize I was a member of the Astral Express crew." Y/N jests as he smiles at her. "I'm a little hurt you didn't see me here sooner." He feigns betrayal and places a hand to his heart, along with a frown.