Star Rail: Starting with a Lyre, Living off Busking

Herta circled around Stelle, her sharp gaze scanning her from head to toe. Occasionally, she nodded, her face alight with satisfaction.

"Hmm-hmm, remarkable. To restrain an inactive stellaron and spare the Azure Star from disaster, I built an entire space station..."

"But someone managed to do it using nothing more than this little one's body—how is that even possible?"

Her tone was laden with curiosity, but her piercing, clinical stare made Stelle uneasy. It was the look one would give an object, not a person.

Himeko, also a researcher familiar with stellarons, found the phenomenon equally fascinating.

"Not only is the stellaron stable within her, but it seems as though her body and the core have achieved perfect harmony, as if her soul has found its ideal vessel."

Feeling increasingly uncomfortable under their scrutiny, Stelle frowned at the two of them.

Sensing her distress, Venti stepped in, shifting the attention to himself.

"Ahem. Ladies, isn't it a little rude to leave the universe's greatest bard out of the conversation? Discussing others while ignoring me doesn't seem worth applauding."

"You can leave if you want," Herta retorted bluntly, not even looking his way. "I'm discussing science with… what's your name again? Stelle? Science is objective, so there's no point in sugarcoating it."

Herta's lack of tact was legendary. Asta once quipped that anyone hoping to emulate her brilliance should first consider whether they possessed her unparalleled genius.

That genius afforded her an arrogance that felt oddly grounded. Even her rudeness came off as almost endearing—because when she did get serious, it wasn't mere words.

"Hehe, then I suppose I'll take Stelle with me," Venti teased, gently grabbing Stelle's arm and tugging her away.

Before they had taken two steps, Herta's voice cut through.

"Given her situation, I think it's better if you stick around to listen. I've got a lot of plans involving her. Besides, the stellaron inside her technically counts as my property. Isn't it only fair that I decide how to handle my belongings? Perhaps I should conduct some research—"

Though her tone remained brisk, there was a hint of softness, as if she was seeking approval.

Herta turned to Himeko for confirmation.

"Himeko, what do you think?"

"I can't decide for her," Himeko said, her gentle smile unchanged. "You'll need to ask Stelle's opinion. Besides… weren't you interested in researching Venti as well? He's right here, so you can ask him directly."

Though her tone was light, Himeko's gaze betrayed a twinge of guilt, as if silently apologizing for her earlier comments about Stelle. Seeing this, Stelle quietly forgave her.

As for Herta? Straight to the blacklist.

"Hmm… researching me, huh? I don't mind, but let's talk compensation."

Venti's seemingly casual response had an ulterior motive. He wasn't one to sell himself for mere coin, but he saw value in gaining something for Belobog.

Even a minor favor from Herta could establish Belobog as a serious player in intergalactic relations. That, coupled with its rich resources, could prevent the planet's people from being dismissed as backwater provincials in his absence.

More than that, Venti was curious. How did someone like Herta perceive him? If her research could shed light on his current existence, it might guide his future choices.

"Well, aren't you a sharp one?" Herta smirked, her interest piqued. "What's your price? I'm feeling generous today—anything within reason is negotiable.

"After all, if I'm not mistaken, you seem to have a stellaron—or at least had one at some point. Fascinating. Can those things really be removed and reused, like batteries?"

"Perhaps," Venti said with a sly grin, offering no further explanation.

Herta's eyes gleamed. She didn't need answers handed to her. Science, after all, was about discovery through experimentation, not copying someone else's results.

"Fine. Head to my office now. I have some ideas I want to test on you. As for Himeko and Stelle—"

Herta glanced at Stelle, who was glaring at her protectively, and waved dismissively.

"You two can do whatever you want. Once I'm done, I'll send him back. Or, if I get bored halfway, I'll let him leave early."

"And after that?" Stelle asked pointedly.

"After that? Not my problem," Herta said nonchalantly, crossing her arms.

Himeko sighed softly, a wry smile tugging at her lips. She was well-acquainted with Herta's personality by now.

Stelle, on the other hand, couldn't hide her frustration.

"You're the most arrogant person I've ever met," she said bluntly.

Herta chuckled, entirely unfazed.

"Then you've clearly never met the rest of the Genius Society. Some of them would sell you and make you thank them for the favor. At least I say what I think and don't force anyone into anything."

With a dismissive wave, she added, "If you change your mind, feel free to book an appointment through Asta or Alan. I'll clear my schedule for you."

"Take your time, Stelle," Himeko said gently. "As for you, Venti, let us know if you'd like to rejoin the train at any point."

"Hmm? Who said I'd stick around here 24/7 for her research?"

Venti's grin mirrored Herta's mischievousness.

"If she wants my help, she'll have to work around my schedule."

Herta scoffed, placing her hands on her hips.

"You're making me wait? Me? Herta? For a wandering minstrel?"

Despite her indignation, her petite frame and doll-like face made her attempts at intimidation comical. Even Stelle struggled to keep a straight face.

"Venti's right. You're the one asking for his help, not the other way around," Stelle added with a smirk.

"Ugh!" Herta clenched her fists, visibly fuming.

While Herta's pride took a hit, her logical mind quickly overruled her anger. If she wanted answers, she'd have to play along, even if it irked her.

"Fine. Head to my office already," she muttered, her expression a mix of irritation and resignation.

As Venti prepared to leave, Stelle hesitated. She decided to stay behind, just in case. If she heard the sound of glass breaking, she'd storm in and whack Herta's doll with her bat.

No one suspected her thoughts as Venti waved her goodbye and followed Herta.

Before long, Asta appeared to greet Stelle.

"Hello, I'm Asta, the station's manager. Sorry for leaving earlier without introducing myself properly."

Asta's pink hair and polite demeanor exuded a natural warmth, a stark contrast to her unpredictable boss.

"It's fine. With a boss like yours, you've got your hands full," Stelle said, shaking her head.

Asta giggled softly.

"You're the first person to say that to me directly. Very bold of you."

"Careful," Venti teased. "What if she reports you to Herta?"

Stelle didn't flinch. She had learned something important from these interactions: there was no need to feel ashamed of speaking the truth.

As the heroes of the station, they owed no one an apology.

Asta seemed to agree, smiling as she nodded.

"Don't worry. Herta's too busy to care about something like that. Even if I told her, she'd probably just say, 'Oh, that's nice. Don't bother me with this again.'"

"Fair enough," Stelle replied. "Was there something you needed from us?"

"No, nothing urgent. I just wanted to thank you both again. Without you, the station would have been in chaos, and I'd be pulling my hair out. Instead, everyone's been saying how you saved us."

Asta's gaze softened as she looked at Venti.

"They're calling you the 'Windborne Bard' and her the 'Gray-Haired Golden-Eyed Hero.' The crew says even the Aeon of Destruction would retreat in shame if you two stood in its way."

"...Sounds like I was just an afterthought," Stelle muttered, feeling a twinge of awkwardness.

"Hehe, maybe we'll get discounts or free meals thanks to all the goodwill!" Venti quipped cheerfully.

"If that's the case, let me treat you to the first meal. Consider it my thanks for your help," Asta offered brightly.

As Asta left, Stelle glanced at Venti, a subtle sense of unease rising within her.

Why does it feel like I'll have to keep an eye on him? This guy sure knows his way around girls...

---

Oh, hey there, Traveler! 🍃 My friend here is the one bringing these stories to you—quite the talent, wouldn't you agree? If anything feels off, just give them a nudge—they're always happy to make things even better.

Now, don't forget to take a moment to rest! Grab a drink (perhaps something as refreshing as Mondstadt's finest), and let the stories whisk you away.

Oh, and if you're feeling generous, you could check out [patreon.com/WiseTL]. Supporting them is like throwing a coin to your favorite bard—it keeps the magic flowing!

Here's to more adventures and endless inspiration~ 🎵