Story Reader / Affection / Bridget: / Story
Cotton candy, fluffy crepes, silky creme brulee—
All your favorite snacks, we've got them! Come and take a look!
You enter the festival and notice that the entire Education District looks different. The streets are decorated like school festivals of the Golden Age, vibrant and bustling.
The sidewalks are packed with students and their stalls, along with parents who've taken time off work to attend their child's graduation ceremony.
You look carefully and see many familiar faces from various departments in the crowd. This festival is indeed quite popular.
Cotton candy! Fluffy and yummy cotton candy! Come get your cotton candy!
Barely two steps in and you're drowning in vendors' calls.
Oh, it's cotton candy!
It brings back memories... I haven't had this in years.
There's a hint of nostalgia in her voice. Bridget suddenly turns to look at you.
[player name], have you ever had cotton candy?
Since we're here, let's get some! Sweets will lift your spirits, and we're gonna have a good day!
Then you definitely have to try it!
I'll take one.
Thank you for your purchase!
I'm a Construct... I don't really need to eat.
That is such a lame excuse, and Bridget's unnatural tone is giving her away.
Coming right up!
[player name]...
Well, thank you!
The student skillfully packs up two balls of cotton candy.
This fluffy candy looks like a toy, smells sweet, and is only found at festivals. The moment you grab it, you're in a festive mood.
Bridget carefully takes a tiny bite of her cotton candy.
Mm... It tastes just like I remember.
When I was little, I got one of this, and I didn't want to finish it too quickly, so I nibbled on it as I walked around town all afternoon, and...
I didn't even notice when all the fluff had melted away.
That's when I regretted not eating it faster.
Bridget tells embarrassing stories from her childhood as you take small bites out of the white, sugary fluff.
The fine sugary strands melt in her mouth, filling it with blissful delight.
This is the pure taste of 100% sugar—a caloric explosion without any embellishments.
It's...?
Haha, I knew you weren't used to something this sweet!
Haha, who would've thought the Gray Raven Commandant had such childlike tastes!
But eating too much cotton candy will make you thirsty.
Wait here for a bit, I'll go get you some water...
—Ah!
Her smile suddenly freezes after turning around.
She inches back toward you in stiff movements and whispers something to you.
Right there, three of my squad members.
By the ice cream stand—it's "High Wall", "Sand Fox", and "Lizard".
Hold this position, pretend you're eating, cover your face, and fall back towards your 8 o'clock.
Move!
Hold on a bit longer! I'll buy you as many drinks as you want once we're safe!
...
Now follow my order: start with your right foot and proceed toward the fountain.
But as fate would have it, you are quickly noticed by the very people you are trying to avoid.
Ah! Gray Raven Commandant! You're here for the festival, too?
"High Wall" lives up to his name, towering in height with a booming voice to match.
There's no pretending you didn't notice them at this point.
"High Wall" comes charging over with an ice cream in one hand and a small flag in the other. The flag says "sweet" on it.
From the corner of your eye, you see Bridget quickly zipping behind you with her back toward them.
Is that... cotton candy?!
Could you tell me where you got that from?
Thanks! Who would've thought the Gray Raven Commandant likes sweets...
Before "High Wall" can finish speaking, "Sand Fox" cuts them off.
Hey, that's so rude! Don't go labeling people like that. Besides, maybe [player name] is on Team Salty!
Next to "High Wall" is "Sand Fox", who is holding some fries with salt in one hand and waving a small flag in the other. The flag says "salt".
Look who's talking. Most people eat both sweet and salty stuff. You two are both extremists.
"Lizard" proceeds to take a bite of the hot dog they're holding—after dipping it in the ice cream in their other hand.
"High Wall" and "Sand Fox" take a clear step back, their faces twisting in disgust.
Most people don't eat hot dogs like that, either!
No, we don't!
You two definitely get along great.
Huh?
You can tell that Bridget's body tensed up for a moment without looking back.
[player name], that person behind you, isn't that...
!!!
"Sand Fox" is faster and immediately covers "High Wall's" mouth.
You notice beads of cold sweat on "Sand Fox's" face.
There's nothing behind [player name]! Nothing at all!
Hey "High Wall", didn't you want some marshmallows? Let's hurry and get some.
The two of them quickly usher "High Wall" away.
Bridget turns around only after the three have completely disappeared into the crowd.
Oh, great. They definitely recognized me.
It's because of you, duh.
Some rumors are going around...
If someone sees us together again, and starts another rumor...
I don't want people to hear more rumors about you. I'd feel awful if your reputation as a commandant was damaged because of me.
It's decided! Tomorrow I'll personally put them through some extra training!
