Story Reader / Event Story / Lingering Stars / Story
Phew...
I never thought I'd end up at an event like this. Thanks for inviting me, Commandant... uh...
You struggle to signal Echo from within the shopping bags that you are okay, but she looks troubled and quickly steps in to help carry two of them.
Even though she's got her hands full, her armor decked out like a Christmas tree.
I'm sorry, Commandant. I should've been more controlled...
But... I've pretty much blown through all the coins we busted our butts to earn together, Commandant...
You motion for Echo to check out the sign at the entrance of the commercial street, which clearly lays out several "Guidelines".
But still... what I did back there was kind of rude. Sorry about that.
Echo struggles a bit, nearly dropping the shopping bags, as she performs a fancy apology gesture.
There is a nearby square where we can take a load off.
After you drop the bags, Echo settles down gracefully, checking out the whole scene of the commercial street.
Valentine's Day... I never knew about these festivals before. This is way cooler than I expected.
Ah, now it all makes sense... No wonder the coins have those magpie designs.
Beneath faint moon, vast sky tranquil, Milky Way aligns, eternal... Those Kowloong verses are something else. I gotta jot them down before I forget.
Love, enduring time's vast stages, dawn to dusk, mere fleeting pages...
The poetry of Kowloong... it's just captivating, isn't it?
She recites the verses with grace, from the majestic to the simple. It takes a while before Echo finally stops writing.
Ah! Sorry about that... l lost track of time and kept you waiting, Commandant.
Hmm... maybe this will make up for it, Commandant.
She digs into the shopping bag at her feet. With a flourish, she presents a beautifully wrapped box containing a pen adorned with a galaxy pattern.
I spotted this in a shop over there and thought it was just perfect for you, Commandant. And I paired it with this notebook, featuring a row of magpies, just like the "Bridge of Magpies" you mentioned.
And these pendants shaped like birds and clouds. They'd look great hanging on your personal terminal or in your room. And...
The pile of gifts meant for you keeps growing as Echo's shopping bags empty out.
Yep, every bit of it. These are all things I thought would be perfect for you, Commandant.
And these... are for my sister.
After distributing the gifts, only one bag remains on the ground.
Yes, I didn't really see anything else I needed.
I never imagined I'd be doing something like this before. This place is really something...
Echo relaxes her usually stiff posture.
This is... a collection of Kowloong poetry! Amazing!
Thank you, Commandant! I really like it!
Silently, Echo's armor sidles up from the side, leaving behind a gift for her.
With the sun sinking low, the fading light marks the end of today's adventures.
If only today lasts forever...
My calendar says we're hitting up another conservation area...
It means I'll be away from you for a bit again, Commandant.
But hey, no biggie.
After all... Dawn to dusk, mere fleeting pages, right?
In the fading light, she flashes a gentle smile.
W-what's with that grin? Don't tell me... this poem isn't saying what I think it is?
Oh, come on... quit laughing!...
Alright!
