Story Reader / Affection / Selena: Capriccio / Story
One ordinary afternoon in Eden.
Sitting in front of her desk, the girl is writing a letter in elegant cursive. Warm artificial sunlight shines through the window, following the tip of her pen.
—...I'll wait for you.
—I'll be wearing an Iris behind my ear. You'll recognize me for sure.
She presses the pen slightly harder against the paper, soaking it as she finishes the letter off with a full stop. She wipes the ink off her pen and puts it back into the box.
She picks up the letter, folds it, then puts it into an envelope and seals it.
After all the actions, she sighs in relief and stands up.
With her hands crossed, she presses the envelope close to her chest as if she is making a prayer. Then she collapses onto her bed, facing the ceiling.
The lights on the ceiling have been reconfigured by her to resemble the starry sky. It is still early in the afternoon, and the "stars" aren't lighting up yet.
Soon, she will be posting the letter out.
What should she say first if she really sees [player name] in person?
She never thought that she would be so troubled by a simple opening speech.
Would "Nice to meet you" be too distant? They have never met, but she thinks they have known each other well enough after having exchanged so many letters.
Not to mention that they could have walked past each other long ago at somewhere in Eden.
Will that person also be looking forward to the meet just like she is?
The only thing she can confirm is that she has many things to share with that person. Way too many for letters to hold.
What to do...
Unable to contain her thoughts, she rolls over on the bed, buries her head in the soft pillow and sighs.
There are still many days before the event, but she can't help thinking about what she needs to do on that day.
What would make a nice self-introduction? What sort of gesture should she take during the dance? And... She must remember to hold her excitement and not do anything inappropriate.
—At least she does not need to worry about the dress. She has someone she can fully trust when it comes to advices on attire and outfit.
She turns around and looks at a blueprint design on the side table. Its designer has written some comments on it.
The frame's coating is inspired by tango and its structure has taken reference from dancers, making it a great unit for dancing.
You said you had an important ball coming, right?
And I'm still mad at you for applying to become a Construct behind my back!
So just leave it all to me this time!
Right, the dress is still missing one important accessory. Is there anything that comes to your mind? I need your advice!
Not long ago, her best friend was telling her the inspirations she got on her new frame design.
According to her plan, the frame would be ready for first adaptation on the day of the WGAA ball. It may not be combat-ready, but is more than enough for a dance.
Still lost in thought, she catches a glance of the envelope in her hand. It is carefully sealed by wax, with a golden, six-petal flower stamped on top.
Something has come to her mind.
—O courteous shade! Thou whose fame yet lives, and shall live long as nature lasts!
...
You sense a strange distortion in the objectives in your vision. You shake your head to cast it away, then look back at the surroundings.
The world in your vision changes again.
It is the fabulous front yard of the opera house, full of guests in gorgeous outfits. The melody of waltz starts from afar, making your stagnant mind start to move again.
Right, you're waiting for someone.
When you remember it, you hear a long, vague song from a distant place, as if it comes from a creature that does not belong here. You could not tell what it is.
You look up, trying to look for it. A bell rings, and a brilliant violet comes to the vision.
It's a girl. She walks over with a warm smile, her long hair flying behind like the wings of a mockingbird.
Hello.
If I may... Have we met before?
The iris on her hair is blooming in the night. The pure purple is reflected in her eyes, lighting up the excitement in them.
She has recognized you.
[player name].
Iris repeats after you softly, and she smiles like a flower.
We have finally met.
You call out that name before you realize.
The girl is slightly shocked. Her purple eyes have darkened.
But she smiles again the next moment.
I am your Iris.
I have finally met you, [player name].
You just stand there, looking at each other without any words.
You have a lot to tell each other and a lot of questions to ask, but you just stare at each other in silence as if time has frozen.
The ball has started and guests are going in. People keep giving weird looks when they walk past.
—It's that famous young opera singer. Why is she...
—Construct...
—It's not a rumor. Who would have thought? Even she has...
—Does it have anything to do with "The Acadia Evacuation" being halted indefinitely?
—Hey, someone ask her for an autograph.
—Did she give up on art?
You hear many whispers.
Slightly upset, you walk forward and shield her from the various looks they exchange.
Is everything alright?
The girl's crystal clear eyes are always on you, completely unaware that she has become the crowd's focus.
Perhaps she has already accepted everything of her past. Now she is standing in the tempest as a warrior, with even purer faith and love.
—Just like the original form of her soul.
The waltz has come to an end. After a short break, the instruments start to play again. You hear a tango melody.
The next dance has started.
You realize you are standing on the edge of the hall.
Without hesitation, you reach out to her.
The girl blinks and blushes. She crosses her fingers in slight regret.
—I was supposed to ask first.
Hearing the mumble, you recall the "guidance" she mentioned in the letters and chuckle.
The girl has already placed her hand in your palm. It feels a little cold, but your heart is softly touched.
It's my honor, [player name].
You take her hand and walk into the brilliant ball room.
With most days spent in missions and combat drills, it is the first time you come to an occasion like this. You feel a little awkward and lost looking at the chandeliers and dancing guests.
Iris notices your hesitation.
[player name].
She smiles and raises her hand, making a flawless gesture.
May I invite you for a dance?
The girl extends her long, svelte arm. But you know very well that now that she has become a Construct, there is great strength both in those arms and in her mind.
The iris-colored eyes look at you, cheering you up quietly and gently.
You rest your hand in her palm without hesitation.
Iris takes your hand and walks into the brilliant ball room.
