Story Reader / Main Story / 34 Dream till the Timeless End / Story
People cherish beautiful moments because they are fleeting, unlike the trivial events of daily life.
As the sun rises on the horizon, this journey approaches its end.
Jotunn City
City Outskirts
17:30
Line Spacing: 2
Standing on the hillside with binoculars, you see a city that looks more like a town on the edge of Bane in the distance.
Shouldn't we rest for the night?
I think F.O.S. is worried about Enora Lueya making a move first.
Jotunn City is almost a day's drive from the capital... Would she set up an ambush there?
...The possibility stands.
Enora Lueya doesn't know which route we'll take to Bane, so she might send scouts to all the border cities.
...That's a lot of effort. I've really reached the top of her hit list.
Anyway... we should keep our visit short.
Let's hit the road as soon as we get our supplies... I'm afraid we'll all have to stay another night in the wilderness.
Jotunn City
City Streets
18:45
Having finished gathering the supplies and picking up some extra desserts, you leave the market and head back to the car.
Just when you're about to call Iris over to try some treats, you freeze with your hand in the air as you approach the window, the words stuck in your throat.
In the amber glow of dusk and tree shadows dancing, she lies "asleep" in the driver's seat.
Her left hand is in an unnatural position, and her slightly furrowed brows give a hint of distress.
You can't hear her breathing through the window, but the irregular rise and fall of her chest shows her distress.
After "she doesn't seem like someone who'd choose the fastest and most effective way," we have now added, "she probably doesn't know how to drive"?
I'm a Construct. Operating continuously for days isn't a problem when it's just driving. Plus, we'll be taking breaks.
If we're just driving... why don't you stay on guard instead?
Is she... tired from driving for four days straight? The absurd thought surfaces in your mind, only to be quickly dismissed.
She's a Construct. With regular rests, she could drive continuously for forty days without showing any signs of fatigue.
No... it's, I'm just... thinking about how to explain it.
I belong to... to the Union Government of another time, Unit... Number 654, Operation Codename... Iris.
We were the first to discover Enora Lueya's existence, and we've been fighting for a long time to stop her from disrupting history.
What is making Iris doze off is probably the countless four-day stretches she's endured day and night, beyond your knowledge.
With a sigh, you set down the supplies and use the phone you got in Fast to send Jonathan a message.
You press your hand against the car window and, after hesitating, take out the keys.
You open the door with the least possible movement, unfasten the seatbelt, and lift Iris from the driver's seat.
Hm...
Iris's reaction makes you think she woke up, because a Construct's senses are far beyond that of humans.
You can't tell whether Iris is truly exhausted or if it's something else, but to your surprise, she stays unusually calm in your arms, even her furrowed brow noticeably relaxing.
You carefully place her in the back seat, then lean against the closed door, gazing at the evening glow on the horizon.
Time flows amidst whispers and sighs. Soon, Jonathan and Dandelion come out from the supermarket and approach the car.
You signal for the two to be quiet. Jonathan and Dandelion are confused, but they lighten their footsteps. Jonathan opens the bag in his hand and lowers his voice.
<size=30>I got the earmuffs you wanted, here.</size>
You take out the earmuffs, carefully open the car door and put them on Iris. Jonathan and Dandelion see the sleeping Iris and move more quietly.
Dandelion sneaks into the back seat while Jonathan gently opens the passenger door...
You take the driver's seat and, after a short pause, pour a cup of warm water and pass it to Dandelion.
<size=30>Okay.</size>
You adjust the sun visor and rearrange the shopping bags in the car to shield the sleeping Iris from the last traces of sunset, then start the engine.
The car drives into the sunset. Soon, both Jonathan and Dandelion fall asleep, leaving only the gentle vibration of the vehicle in your senses.
You drive for a while, until the candy in your mouth dissolves. Just as you're about to get another, an unwrapped candy appears on your lips.
...
A pair of arms wraps around your neck from behind as Iris's voice appears at your side.
Who carried me to the back seat?
Her voice still sounds drowsy. Iris leans forward, resting her head on your shoulder, her eyelids half-drawn.
I should have woken up ages ago.
Dandelion might look gentle, but she has always been rather rough.
She blows softly against your earlobe playfully, her breath gentle and warm. Iris keeps leaning against you, swaying her head while humming an unfamiliar tone.
Drowsiness creeps up with her melody, and she lets out a yawn.
Pull over...
Pull over. I want to get out and stretch my legs.
Iris buries her head back between her arms, making her voice sound muffled.
It's getting dark.
After parking the car by the road, you get out. Iris stretches, notices you watching her, and smiles with a playful wink.
After setting up the security devices, you walk with Iris toward a nearby hill blooming with flowers.
Nights are short during summer. Let's meet before night if we can't make it at dawn.
Iris gathers some iris flowers, gently breathing in their scent.
Do you like the sunset?
I like it too. Sunset always gives rise to a tapestry of emotions.
Many of my inspirations... and reminiscences happen at this time.
Iris tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.
It's like slowly approaching a destined end—one we can only welcome, and never escape.
Maybe it's because you've always been so resolute. External factors can't easily sway your thoughts.
But I know better...
Iris tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.
You're not what you appear to be right now.
F.O.S... do you miss home?
...Mm, I know you will.
Iris breaks into a gentle smile. She straightens up slightly and intertwines her fingers.
You immediately understand and sit beside her on the grass. Together, you watch as the sunset fades in the distance.
Suddenly, you feel a weight on your shoulder. Iris is leaning against you, her breathing soft and steady.
She has fallen asleep in the end.
You reach out to smooth her windswept hair, your fingertips lingering on her cheek.
You watch as the sunlight slowly recede from her face.
