Story Reader / Affection / Bridget: / Story
Time flies as you and Bridget play games at the festival together. Before you know it, the sun is getting low.
A startled voice comes from behind.
No way! Boss! Is that really you?
She is staring at Bridget with wide eyes. A middle-aged man is holding her hand.
Is that... Charles?
Boss! It's so good to see you.
It's been over a year? How are you?
Doing alright! Just here for the festival with my kid.
And who might this be?
Ah, the renowned Gray Raven Commandant!
You're super famous!
Haha, you young folks sure are full of energy!
I opened a bar not long ago. Want to swing by? Drinks are on me!
Bridget turns to look at me.
Shall we go and check it out?
Half an hour later. Residential District, Seaside Bar.
Charles steps forward and swings open the door.
Welcome to... the Seaside Bar!
Unlike the popular modern aesthetics of Babylonia, Charles' shop sports a rustic decor with wood-pattern finishes, making it look like an old Western pub.
What do you think?
I put in quite a bit of effort to get this style to work.
Please, make yourselves at home.
Bridget pulls out a barstool and settles at the counter.
The Seaside Bar is unusually tranquil during sundown when the staff are getting ready to open for the night.
Soft, mellow jazz music fills the store. Jazz is one of the most treasured cultural legacies from before the Golden Age.
In the corner sits a young couple with two bottles of juice on their table. They look like students from the Education District.
Across the store sits a middle-aged worker. He looks fresh off his shift. On his table is beer... and... a rice bowl with stir-fry on top?!
The man raises his glass with a warm smile when he notices your gaze.
You return his gesture and turn to watch Charles mixing drinks behind the bar.
You find yourself thinking about today's events.
Peace is really wonderful.
The two of you say exactly the same things.
After a brief moment of surprise, they share a knowing laugh.
Haha, hahaha...
Her laughter fades, and a complicated expression crosses Bridget's face.
Yes... Peace really is wonderful...
Tell me, [player name], do you think people in the past did the things we did today?
Do they go shopping, hang out with friends on weekends and holidays, and find a bench to sit on when they are tired...
Enjoy some drinks as they watch the sunset—a real sunset?
Here you are. One signature "Sunset Tequila" flavored electrolyte drink, and a blackcurrant sparkling water for the commandant.
The sparkling water is non-alcoholic. Please enjoy.
Nice! Thanks, Charles!
Oh, you're talking about old John over there?
He got his rice bowl from Ms. Zhang's place next door. Let me tell you, her rice bowls are incredible!
Would you like me to order a takeout for you?
The door chimes as guests with bright smiles on their faces begin pouring in from the Education District. The bar gradually comes alive with life.
After a few drinks and lots of chatter, the dome's simulated dusk on the artificial sky fades to black.
The bar's amber lights cast a warm glow as the buzz of conversation mingles with the rich aroma of spirits. The tipsy atmosphere discreetly lifts everyone's mood.
I mean, you get it, right? I was sooo mad!
My team and I spent the whole day putting the boxes in order, and then this car just came crashing through, knocking everything over!
They should revoke that guy's driver's license and make him recite ALL the traffic rules backward AND write them out ten times before they're allowed to drive again!
If I were driving, I'd do a perfect job!
After having five glasses of electrolyte, Bridget becomes much more laid-back and talkative.
You finally got a glimpse of Bridget's legendary driving skills today.
Hahaha, that's true!
A few drinks in and you naturally start venting about work... It looks like a scene from a soap opera of the Golden Age.
Bridget puts down her glass and leans in closer.
Hey, [player name], you must have dealt with annoying things like this, too, right?
What? Really?
You nod.
No way, you're either super lucky... or you are so forgiving that you just let it go?
See? I knew it! Work can really be a pain sometimes.
Bridget puts her hand on your shoulder with bright, glowing eyes, as if she's found her comrade-in-arms.
If you ever need to vent about work, don't keep it bottled up inside. Hit me up anytime.
Charles, another!
It's fine!
You haven't changed a bit. I still remember that day at Support Force when you drank seven people under the table all by yourself.
Yeah, Charles used to be in Support Force.
For about eleven years now. I spent ten years in Support Force.
He slides another glass of crystal-clear, golden beer-flavored electrolyte across the counter.
It's been over a year since I retired.
He taps his right leg, producing a metallic clang.
Lost a leg, and I'm not a Construct, so my body's started to slow down after all these years.
So I decided to just retire, and also...
He looks at the little girl playing nearby.
I found someone to spend the rest of my life with, and we adopted Lei.
It was time to settle into a quiet, peaceful life.
You lucky dog, good for you!
Hahaha, right? Look at this hat my wife got me the other day. Cute, isn't it...
Laughter rings through the tavern. On this night of celebration, the party has just started.
