Illusionary Feather found himself under the collective gaze of every girl present. The very trait he usually relied on to fade into the background had utterly failed him. All he could do was endure the suffocating atmosphere.

Thankfully, departure time was near. Just then, the administrator’s voice cut through the tension from outside: "Time to set off." The air instantly lightened.

Everyone moved to their stations. Avira, the Dragon Engineer, headed to the control room to pilot the ship. Illusionary Feather, Koya, and Blazing Heart checked the Mech Bay. Others began planning ahead. The administrator opened the warehouse’s massive hatch. Engines powered up, and the ship rose smoothly. After confirming the Mech Bay was stable, the trio joined Avira in the control room.

Operating magical-mechanical artifacts was mandatory for Mechanical Campus students. Even if you couldn’t build them, you had to know how to use them—most machinery was standardized anyway.

With Illusionary Feather and Koya assisting, the ship ascended to five or six hundred meters and began forward flight. Avira switched to autopilot, allowing the trio a brief rest. Lunchtime approached. Illusionary Feather had planned to handle the kitchen, but to his surprise, Avira was already busy inside, preparing their meal.

Her usual icy intensity had vanished, replaced by a gentle warmth. Watching her now, Illusionary Feather thought she might actually be marriageable. Her typical aura would scare most guys off. Right now, she radiated the charm of a beloved young wife.

As if sensing his thoughts, Avira’s demeanor shifted abruptly. She fixed him with a frosty glare. "What *exactly* were you just imagining?"

Illusionary Feather shook his head firmly and moved to help chop vegetables. Silence settled between them.

Yet they worked efficiently. In just ten minutes, lunch was ready for everyone. Their seamless coordination—taking turns serving dishes—gave off newlywed vibes. The others noticed but stayed quiet, wary of provoking either of them.

After lunch, free time began.

The empty dining hall prompted Illusionary Feather to visit the archives. As he left, he spotted the command room door slightly ajar. Curious, he pushed it open. A figure lounged lazily in the central seat.

Sensing the intrusion, the person turned. It was Belka, smiling faintly at Illusionary Feather and Blazing Heart. "Little Yu-di," she drawled, "bored already?"

Illusionary Feather hesitated. Only when Belka stood did he reply, "I was heading to the archives. You look tired, Belka-jiejie. Should you rest?"

Belka stepped close, tilting her head up to ruffle his hair. "Such a gentle boy, my Yu-di."

Startled by the sudden gesture, Illusionary Feather froze. By the time he regained his composure, Belka was already at the doorway. She glanced back. "I’ll be resting in my cabin. Call if anything comes up."

Watching her retreating figure—a rare fragility in her step—stirred something unfamiliar in his chest. The feeling faded as she disappeared.

He scanned the command room: a raised captain’s chair centered the space, flanked by two level副手 seats. Movable chairs lined the walls. Simple iron decorations adorned the walls; four long tables occupied the corners for strategy sessions.

Shaking off the lingering mood, Illusionary Feather decided to visit the archives. Only then did he notice Blazing Heart asleep in his arms. Tenderly, he lifted her in a princess carry.

As he reached the corridor outside the dining hall, Lily appeared from the stairwell entrance, arms full of documents—fresh from the archives. Her gaze was calm until she saw Blazing Heart in his arms. Her eyes instantly hardened.

"It’s fine," Illusionary Feather murmured. "She fell asleep. Dragging her might wake her."

Lily knew this. Months of observation confirmed he protected Blazing Heart fiercely. Yet seeing them like this ignited irrational fury. She took a slow breath, stepped forward, and stowed the documents into her Contract Seal. Then she held out her arms for Blazing Heart.

After a brief internal struggle, Illusionary Feather handed her over. "I’ll take her to my cabin," Lily said flatly. "You do what you need."

He watched her leave, then shook his head with a quiet smile and headed down the corridor.

Past the turn, a hatch led below deck. Two corridors branched left and right. He took the left, finding the archives door shortly after. Inside, row upon row of shelves held books and documents.

Kerdelin sat rigidly at a small table, engrossed in a thick volume. Illusionary Feather tiptoed past, barely disturbing the air. After gathering his materials, Kerdelin’s voice startled him: "Huan Yu, could you help? I’m stuck on this section."

Impressed by her awareness—he hadn’t masked his presence—he approached. The mechanical concept was simple, though often tricky for beginners. His clear explanation made her eyes light up. "Thank you! You really know your stuff."

He merely smiled. "Keep studying. I have to go."

"Bye, Huan Yu!"

"See you."

Next, he checked the armory. Pushing the door open, a massive Mech blocked his path. "Yo, Black Rock. So that means—" He squeezed past the machine to find its petite, crimson-haired pilot, Misha, tinkering with a dark, spherical device.

*She beat me here?*

Black Rock shifted aside obligingly. The moment Illusionary Feather entered, it slid back, sealing the door. *What orders did she give it?*

Misha was examining a black cannonball-like object, hesitant to touch it. Grinning mischievously, Illusionary Feather crept up and tapped her shoulder.

She shrieked, whirling around. Instinctively, he clamped a hand over her mouth. "Shh! You’ll wake the whole ship!"

Recognizing him, she snatched the cannonball and hurled it. "You jerk! How dare you scare me? Die!"

He caught it effortlessly. A soft *pop* echoed as it vanished into his spatial storage—harmless.

Misha’s anger faltered, relief flashing across her face before she scowled again. "Hmph. Why didn’t that blow you up?"

He ignored the jab. "Just inspecting weapons?"

"Yeah. They’re... interesting." Her voice softened unexpectedly. *Why did I calm down the moment he asked?*

"Let’s look together." He began examining the racks. Misha followed silently.

Minutes later, he excused himself. "Gotta go."

"Oh."

As he turned, Black Rock stared intently at the door, then back at him. Illusionary Feather sighed. "What’s his deal?" he whispered to Misha.

"Oh, he loves opening and closing doors. But I only let him do it when someone’s entering or leaving. Otherwise, I ignore him."

Illusionary Feather stepped out. Black Rock eagerly opened the door—then slammed it shut the instant he cleared the threshold.

Passing the Mech Bay, he heard faint tapping. Inside, a green-clad figure—Sophia—darted between machines, tapping precise points with a small hammer. Each gentle strike coaxed stiffness from dormant mechanisms. *No wonder she wasn’t at lunch. This old ship needs her touch.*

Illusionary Feather stepped in, grabbed his iron hammer, and joined the "tap-tap" game. Seeing him suddenly appear, Koya's smile brightened just a little.

They stayed silent, Illusionary Feather and Koya, until he felt it was time to leave. "Dinner's soon, Koya. Don't forget," he said, not waiting for her reply before walking off.

Wandering aimlessly again, Illusionary Feather reached the upper deck. At the bow stood a lively figure—Misa—her cat-ear-like hair quivering happily. He moved beside her. "Watching the sunset, senior?"

"Yeah! Haven't you noticed, junior? Even as it sets, the sun's still bursting with energy!" Misa turned, eyes sparkling with excitement.

"True. It still shines so brilliantly," Illusionary Feather replied, his own spirits lifted by her energy.

They stood together under the golden sunset, a beautiful sight.

Soon, Misa dashed inside, shouting, "Oh no! I promised to wake Belka! If she wakes up alone at this hour, I'm doomed!" At the door, she spun back. "Junior, if I'm not back in ten minutes, come save me!" Then she vanished.

Illusionary Feather hadn't realized Belka was that terrifying—Misa's fear surprised him.

Feeling it was time to head in, he bid the sunset goodbye and went straight to the kitchen. Avira was already preparing dinner. He froze; he'd thought she'd only cook lunch, leaving future meals to him. Yet here she was again.

He considered slipping away quietly.

But Avira's cold voice cut through: "Get over here and help! Do you think feeding everyone is easy?"

Illusionary Feather nearly snapped "Yes!" He suppressed the urge, tied on an apron, and started chopping veggies and fetching plates to assist her.

Thanks to their efforts, dinner was ready on time. The dining room was nearly full—only Blazing Heart, Koya, and Sophia were missing.

Illusionary Feather removed his apron and headed to the cockpit. Sophia was piloting the ship. Auto-mode was on, but occasional adjustments were needed. She handled it smoothly, then noticed him and smiled gently. "Here to call me for dinner?"

He nodded. "Yeah. I didn't expect you to be so skilled with the ship."

"Go ahead. I'll join you soon," Sophia said kindly, returning to her controls.

Illusionary Feather lingered quietly. Sophia glanced at him, her smile softening. She expertly steered the ship, re-engaged auto-mode, and walked over.

Back in the dining room, everyone but Blazing Heart had arrived. Koya sat at the edge, barely noticeable. Illusionary Feather didn't understand but respected her choice.

After a noisy dinner and a long discussion, the meeting finally ended.

Late that night, Illusionary Feather stood alone on the deck. A small figure appeared at the door. Sensing someone behind him, he turned—it was Blazing Heart, who'd slept through dinner per Lily's report.

He waved. Blazing Heart scampered over, then leaped into his arms just before reaching him. He stepped forward, catching her, and stroked her hair.

"Master... I'm so hungry~" she whispered in his ear.

Without a word, Illusionary Feather lifted her in a princess carry and headed to the kitchen. "Alright, Master will feed you now," he soothed, his voice dripping with doting affection.

In the kitchen, he reheated some food. They ate at the table, but Blazing Heart insisted on sitting on his lap, legs straddled, facing him. Her expression screamed, "If you refuse, I'll never speak to you again!"

He gave in, even feeding her. Her anger faded—she'd been upset he left her with Lily, waking to find him gone and feeling insecure.

After a long, face-to-face meal, Illusionary Feather cleaned up. They returned to his room, cuddling to sleep. Not long after, another figure slipped in, curling behind him and wrapping her arms around him.

The next morning, past sunrise, the other girls gathered to wake Illusionary Feather. Noticing Blazing Heart and a vaguely familiar girl missing, they headed to his room.

Opening the door, they saw clothes strewn everywhere and Illusionary Feather sleeping soundly with two adorable little girls. Purple mist began swirling around the girls—a legendary aura of resentment.

Illusionary Feather had successfully triggered harem mode. Now, let the chaos begin.