Star Rail: Starting with a Lyre, Living off Busking

After Stelle treated Zaryus, his pain subsided significantly. Although his remaining time was short, the lizardman, who had long come to terms with mortality, seemed content. For him, what mattered now was witnessing the birth of new legends from those around him.

Fina's eye injury was also partially healed but required time to recover fully. She chose to stay behind to care for Zaryus and await further developments. Her weakened state left her unable to assist on the frontlines, and the lingering trauma from nearly dying had dulled the effectiveness of her healing miracles.

Stelle's sudden display of advanced healing techniques surprised everyone. Her usual brutish combat style had given no indication of such skills. When asked where she had learned this, Stelle scratched her gray hair sheepishly.

"I knew a little before, but I didn't use it much… I kind of forgot about it."

Her abilities had been revitalized in the Golden Forest after being blessed by the World Tree, making her control over this power more intuitive. She could now heal injuries as severe as severed limbs if she acted quickly. This newfound strength allowed her to restore Fina's vision.

March 7th, inspired by Stelle, tried to tap into her own powers, but to no avail. Neither her defensive barriers nor her gradual healing showed any noticeable improvement.

"It's like the world's blessings just skipped me altogether," March sulked, but seeing Dan Heng in a similar predicament reassured her. He, too, seemed unchanged after their time in the forest.

Shrugging off her disappointment, March celebrated Stelle's success with genuine enthusiasm.

---

The Next Day – Second Floor of the Adventurer's Guild

"So, Mr. Tope, you're requesting that we transport these supplies to the western front?"

Mimiya eyed the thin, tired-looking branch manager of the Border Merchant Association. Though he still maintained a dignified appearance, the exhaustion in his eyes and the hopeful undertones in his voice betrayed his struggles.

The recent surge in the Demon King's army's activities had severely disrupted trade routes. Merchant caravans faced constant danger, with cargo losses, partial recoveries, and compensation demands piling up.

Tope nodded gravely at her question.

"That's correct. Though this request comes suddenly, I must implore you to bring it to Her Highness's attention. I hope she will agree to take on this urgent mission."

"Why? This doesn't seem like the right time for the Merchant Association to play politics," Mimiya replied with a sharp edge to her tone.

She knew Tope to be a shrewd businessman, unlikely to waste time on petty power plays. Still, she wanted to ensure the request was genuine. Transporting supplies would slow them down, and without a solid reason, Mimiya was ready to politely decline.

The current political climate demanded careful navigation. Nahida's reputation as the Elven Princess preceded her, and word of her heroic deeds in the King's Forest had spread throughout the kingdom. The slightest misstep could spark unnecessary tension between the elves and the human kingdom.

Tope sighed heavily, a mixture of guilt and frustration crossing his face.

"I won't deny it's a shameful request," he admitted. "But you must be aware of the recent escalations from the Demon King's army?"

Though he addressed the group, his gaze repeatedly darted toward the minstrel at the edge of the room—Venti.

Unlike others who might bow before a wealthy merchant, Venti reclined in his chair, legs crossed, a casual smirk on his face.

Tope, however, seemed almost reverent in his demeanor toward the bard. An earlier mishap during their first meeting—where a sudden gust of wind caused Tope to trip, break his monocle, and lose his wallet—had left him convinced that Venti was no ordinary figure.

"Yes, we've heard that the Demon King's forces have been targeting supply lines," Mimiya replied, steering the conversation away from Venti. "Are your escorts unable to defend against the attacks?"

Tope nodded grimly. "Not only are they unable to defend, but it's become outright slaughter. The monsters deployed now far exceed the capabilities of most adventurers. And Silver-rank fighters? The Association headquarters can't spare any."

"Surely the local lords have sent soldiers to patrol the roads?" March interjected.

"They've tried," Tope admitted. "But it's not enough. The western front is stretched too thin, and the monsters—relentless, unyielding—have turned the supply lines into a bloodbath.

"During the first month, knights could provide reinforcements, even drive off the monsters. But by the second month, crystalline-armored beasts began appearing, and losses skyrocketed.

"Now, in the third month, with the border town of Gretlow as the dividing line, eight out of ten supply caravans never reach their destination."

"That's terrible…" March gasped, her face pale.

Tope continued, his voice heavy with despair.

"The lack of supplies is crippling the frontlines. Soldiers are holding out with what little they have left, but without reinforcements, they won't last. Based on current stockpiles, I'd say the western front has no more than two months before it collapses entirely."

The room fell silent.

Though everyone knew the western front was in dire straits, Tope's stark explanation laid bare the grim reality: a full-scale disaster was imminent.

"You're asking us to transport the supplies and assist the town?" Mimiya summarized.

"Yes. But truthfully… no amount of persuasion can hide how desperate the situation has become," Tope admitted, bowing his head. "I beg of you, lend us your strength. The western front depends on it. The reward is yours to name."

Though Tope refrained from elaborating, everyone knew the unspoken truth: the elves had sent their Princess to aid humanity. To reject this request might cast doubt on their commitment to the alliance.

Mimiya glanced at her companions. Dan Heng nodded silently, and March immediately stood up.

"When do we leave?" she asked, determination burning in her eyes.

Stelle turned to Venti, elbowing him lightly.

"What about you?"

"Ah~ whenever you're ready," Venti replied lazily, rubbing his eyes. Since leaving the Golden Forest, the vitality from the World Tree had begun to stir within him, requiring significant effort to suppress. Still, it wasn't all bad—it deepened his understanding of his powers.

Tope's relieved smile returned. "Thank you, all of you. The Merchant Association will prepare the carriages and supplies immediately. Everything should be ready by this afternoon."

Tope rose from his seat, carefully placing his hat over his chest before stepping toward the door.

"Himeko, the rest is in your hands," he said with a respectful nod.

Before he could finish speaking, everyone turned their attention to the entrance. A graceful figure stepped into the room—a woman in an immaculate white gown, her fiery red hair cascading like molten lava. Her commanding presence made her seem less like a merchant and more like a noblewoman attending a grand ball.

Her delicate features and calm demeanor carried an air of refinement that demanded attention, effortlessly silencing even the most restless hearts.

"H-Himeko?!" March 7th's incredulous shout broke the stunned silence.

"Oh? March, you know Miss Himeko?" Tope asked, genuinely surprised.

He hadn't expected the two to be acquainted. Though, considering the imposing presence Himeko exuded, it wasn't entirely implausible.

If he were a younger man, Tope might have pursued her, even at the risk of spending his life savings. But with age came wisdom—and weariness. The constant threat of the Demon King's army and the responsibilities of managing the Merchant Association left little room for romantic ambitions.

Himeko had only arrived in the town two days ago, yet in that short time, she had left an impression. Her articulate speech, encyclopedic knowledge, and mastery of "magitech" made her invaluable. While some argued she should be sent to a safer location to safeguard her brilliance, Himeko herself had insisted on staying, citing her desire to monitor the Trailblazers.

"Long time no see, March," Himeko said warmly, a gentle smile softening her features. "You look well—taking good care of yourself, I hope?"

Her gaze swept across the room, landing finally on Venti.

"I'm relieved to see all of you safe," she said, her words carrying a genuine sense of warmth.

Himeko's calm and composed greeting diffused the initial surprise. She suggested they catch up before discussing any serious matters, and Tope, ever the astute observer, excused himself with a polite bow, leaving the room to the adventurers.

"Why would you join the Border Merchant Association, though?" March asked, still bewildered.

"Well," Himeko began, sipping the tea brought by the guild's receptionist. "While you've been hard at work here, we couldn't just remain idle. The world's changes often occur subtly, almost imperceptibly.

"Whether it's the Demon King's army or creatures born of dimensional rifts, ignoring them only accelerates our collective downfall.

"Still, observing the world from afar—like gods looking down from the heavens—can lead to dangerous overconfidence. That's why I decided to descend and join the Merchant Association, gathering intelligence and waiting for your return."

"So… does this mean you'll join us for our next adventure?" March asked excitedly, practically leaping into Himeko's arms.

Himeko chuckled softly, affectionately ruffling March's hair. "That's the plan."

The sight of March nestled in Himeko's embrace, looking every bit like a child seeking comfort from her mother, drew smiles from everyone.

Mimiya watched the exchange with an amused glint in her eye. Even the usually stoic Dan Heng allowed himself a rare, faint smile.

Having a seasoned ally like Himeko on board was an undeniable advantage. After brief introductions and explanations, she seamlessly integrated into the team.

---

That Afternoon

The Merchant Association worked quickly, preparing carriages and supplies for the group's journey. By early afternoon, everything was ready, and they set off.

The initial leg of the trip was uneventful, the carriages rumbling steadily along the dirt road. Yet, as they approached the borders of the western front, an oppressive tension began to settle over the landscape.

The uneasy peace wouldn't last much longer.

---

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