Story Reader / Affection / Selena: Tempest / Story

Iris, who had vanished without a trace for a long time, finally sent another letter.

My dear [player name]:

I never thought I'd have the chance to send you another letter.

Thank you for your kind words. Even though I received it months after you sent it, my soul still got a modicum of comfort.

There's something I have to tell you. I've become a Construct.

Yes, I chose to become a Construct and the whole process went smoothly. That's why I can still write to you like before.

Given how things are, there's no need to hide this anymore. I've joined WGAA's Archaeological Team.

Becoming a Construct has been... an unbelievable experience. As if my perspective of the world has changed overnight.

Sometimes I'm not even sure if the person writing to you is the same old me.

Not long ago, I learned how to use a weapon in battle.

I may just be a Support Construct, but at least I have the strength to protect others now.

I thought that by becoming a Construct, I'd be able to fight in battle and partake in missions,

perhaps even meet you someday on the battlefield and use the strength I have to protect you.

But it seems this hasn't been the case. The Archaeological Team doesn't need to be on the frontlines.

Most of our time is spent investigating relics from human history, recycling and repairing them.

But it's fine.

I wouldn't feel comfortable meeting you while I'm still getting used to this body. I'd like to be my best self when I meet you, so please be patient.

I have so much to tell you and words can no longer express these feelings. I wish to tell all of this to you in person.

Actually, the World Government Association of Art is holding a ball next month.

Would you be my dance partner?

Yours sincerely,

Iris

I'm glad you're on track.

Regarding the ball—

I'm honored.

However...

[player name]:

There is something I must tell you.

There is no need to worry about trivial matters. The purpose of dancing is to have fun, not to "perform".

Besides, there's no one in this world who doesn't know how to dance. It all boils down to whether you're willing to or not.

As long as you're willing, no matter how much of a beginner you are, I'll be able to lead you through the most perfect dance.

My education has trained me to lead and follow in dance, no matter whether it's tango, waltz, or rumba... There's no dance that I'm not able to do.

Perhaps I didn't have the strength before, but now, I can easily twirl you around.

All you have to do is trust me, follow my moves, and it'll all go smoothly.

Then it's settled.

This is the address. Don't stand me up again.

I'll be waiting for you.

I'll be wearing an Iris behind my ear. You'll recognize me for sure.

There are bright lights outside the WGAA. In the exquisite courtyard, there are groups of association members.

There are Constructs and humans alike.

Standing for what feels like ages at the door, there is no sign of the girl with an iris pinned behind her ear.

The melodious orchestra filled the venue, playing a "One Step Away", a classic tango song.

Perhaps you really are one step away, because the dance has ended, and she still has not shown up.

There was a letter that had just arrived.

I'm sorry, I really am. President Allen suddenly assigned me to a mission at a moment's notice.

Babylonia is about to transit the space station's orbit. As a member of the Archaeological Team, I was appointed to retrieve intel on the space station.

The situation is urgent. I'm leaving soon. I can't go to the dance.

I wanted to break the news to you immediately, but I realized that other than your address, I didn't have any other way to contact you.

Sometimes I get really annoyed with myself. Why was I so fixated on this ritual in the first place?

So much so that I didn't even ask you for your comms account.

I don't know when you'll receive this letter, but by the time you see it, I'll probably have set off.

It feels like every time we're about to meet, something like this happens.

And each time, we miss the chance because something crops up.

There's so much I haven't told you. Please wait for me and next time, I'll definitely make it happen.

Little did anyone know that a smile even more beautiful than an Iris was spreading across her lips, betraying her true emotions.

However, the flower of Eden didn't know that this was the calm before the storm.

It was also the last time she could ever smile like this.