Honkai Star Rail: I must live a peaceful life

The path wasn't particularly long. Milo departed from the gradually swelling crowd and entered a lively district, where popular shops had queues stretching all the way to the street's end.

...The distance wasn't great either, as Ralph stepped out of his silent luxury vehicle onto a deserted street. The private museum center always maintained this appearance—a sanctuary serving collectors exclusively.

A love for cuisine is inherent to human nature. Though Milo knew little of Madam Corona's confectionery's delicacies, he could see pure anticipation in the eyes of those waiting—reminding him of that saying: in life, only love and fine food are worthy of one's time.

...Humans inherently possess a desire for exclusivity—it's the nature of greed. Mr. Colo embodied this trait perfectly. The museum stood vacant and hushed. If not for the advanced technology, Ralph had no doubt these precious artifacts would be shrouded in dust.

...Contemplating Mr. Colo's history, Ralph couldn't help but recall that cynical jest: "Lose money? You can earn it back. Lose your conscience? You can earn even more."

The wait stretched on, but Milo could only join the queue. Fortunately, his patience held firm as the line ahead gradually shortened—not so long that he'd leave empty-handed.

...Ralph proceeded at an unhurried pace. Mr. Colo's museum sprawled across vast grounds, its interior bristling with security measures due to his refusal to allow accompaniment.

...Mr. Colo cherished these collections with such intensity that his possessiveness prevented him from sharing them with anyone. Yet, he valued his own existence above all else. If forced to choose between his life and his collections, Mr. Colo would undoubtedly choose self-preservation, even willing to pay a steeper price to spare his would-be assassin's life.

...Thus, the museum's security measures hadn't been compromised or designed with intentional weaknesses to protect the collections. Each step forward proved challenging, yet Ralph advanced steadily, one step at a time.

...Dismantling the security was a painstaking process, but since old Mr. Colo would remain here for quite some time, Ralph had ample opportunity.

Finally reaching the front of the queue, Milo found himself in the cool shadow cast by buildings blocking the sunlight at the entrance. Madam Corona, a gentle-natured, smiling middle-aged woman, was known to offer spontaneous discounts to attractive customers—a treatment Milo naturally received.

Her memory proved exceptional. Upon hearing Milo's shopping list, she made a connection and inquired, "Where's Jessica? Unable to make it today?"

"She spent last night gaming with Eureka and specifically asked me to handle the shopping before leaving," Milo recounted truthfully. "By normal logic, those two probably haven't even stirred from their beds yet."

"This new friend must be quite special, hmm?" Madam Corona regarded Milo with a warm smile, thankfully refraining from any elderly matchmaking attempts—otherwise, Milo truly wouldn't have known how to respond.

After all, he—this certain Milo—had been freeloading meals at Miss Jessica's place since their first meeting, technically 'sampling' but practically being 'fed.'

"We weren't planning on new items today, but inspiration has just struck. Why don't you wait over there for a bit?" Madam Corona smiled, indicating an unobtrusive corner of the shop. "But remember to tell Jessica she needs to come herself next time."

"Yes, I will," Milo nodded in agreement.

...Ralph had finally cleared away all security measures. Sunlight streamed through the glass from the museum's central atrium, creating an effect of crystalline brilliance that even seemed to dispel the twilight aura surrounding the elderly figure standing at its heart.

"Sir, perhaps you'd care to show yourself now?" The old man's soft chuckle carried the calm certainty of one who had anticipated everything. "Or would you prefer to appreciate these collections alongside me?"

"Tap, tap, tap."

Measured footsteps echoed from behind the old man. Ralph descended the stairs, one hand on the gallery's outer railing as he addressed the elder below: "Though I know this may sound trite, I must ask..."

"About how I detected your presence?" The old man smiled gently. "It's rather simple, really. Your concealment technique was flawless—you were merely too cautious."

"Ha, *cough, cough, cough*." The gaunt elder coughed several times before explaining with a hint of pride how he had detected his visitor. "You're not a mystic scholar, are you? Indeed, their methods often prove too arcane for outsiders."

"Though I'm but an ordinary person without talent, I still possess some modest wealth worthy of mention, enough to exchange for the friendship and support of the powerful," the old man spoke candidly, his back still turned to his visitor as he reached out to caress the collection through its glass enclosure. "Or perhaps to beseech a grace that might extend one's life."

These humble words emerged with perfect composure as the old man raised his hand as if to grasp the streaming sunlight before him. "After all, life remains the most precious commodity."

Ralph maintained his silent vigil behind him, showing no inclination to interrupt or hasten matters. Perhaps it was a professional habit—he always extended patience to those near death.

After all, the right to final confession should be universal, just as death follows all without discrimination.

The old man shook his head. "Truth be told, I never particularly cared for these collections, yet I built this museum regardless, knowing that in most people's eyes, museums exist to preserve that which is ancient and weathered."

"This entire museum is, in essence, a grand mystical ritual," Mr. Colo's gaze fixed upon the dome above, where light remained pure but had lost all warmth. "With countless enduring collections as cornerstones, preservation and collection as core concepts, what manifests is this pure celestial light. Those bathed in light remain eternal and ever-new."

"Most unfortunately, you've thoroughly dismantled the protective measures that served as ritual mediums throughout the museum," the old man's smile carried both the pride of successful scheming and profound bitterness. "When I noticed these sunbeams no longer carried warmth, I knew of your arrival."

"So..." Colo turned to face his visitor, his gaze—though weakened—remained as resolute as an aging wolf king's. "I must ask once more: why exactly have you come seeking me?"

End of Chapter