Story Reader / Festival Event Story / Sea of Stars / Story
Christmas Tree Dress-up Time
>What... what's going on?
Walking into the lounge, Liv finds the Gray Raven resting area filled with people in uniforms labeled "World Government Association of Art."
The staff-attired personnel walk in and out of the room, carrying boxes of various sizes. A gorgeous-looking Construct in pink walks up.
—Liv, here you are! I'm so, so sorry for taking up the space in your lounge!
I-it's okay... But, eh, are we... moving?
Looking at the piles of cardboard boxes in the room, Liv is understandably confused.
Of course not! C'mon, Liv, check this out! I'm sure you'll find it interesting!
Ayla puts her arm around Liv as she speaks and gestures toward the door theatrically.
As if on cue, the door slowly opens to reveal... an enormous, lush, emerald tree planted in an extravagant planter.
That's... just...
Indeed, that's just a silver wattle, a common evergreen tree in the genus Acacia of the Fabaceae family. It prefers sunlight instead of shade, so I'd suggest putting it in a garden instead of our lounge...
Lee appears out of nowhere, his arms crossed. It seems like the boxes have taken over his desk and covered him entirely.
Lee, you know your plants!
Ayla grins, completely ignoring Lee's complaint.
Then you should also know that a silver wattle is excellent as a—
If that's what you're after, you should have used the one in the genus Abies of the Abietoideae subfamily under the Pinales order—
Stop nitpicking! I've spent a lot of effort moving this tree from the botanic garden to here!
It doesn't seem like you've spent much effort at all.
Oh, c'mon, I did spend a lot of money on it!
Ayla's hand gently strokes the tree, rustling its beautiful, lush leaves. It is hard to imagine how much she must have paid to take it out of the Babylonia garden during a post-apocalypse.
Ayla, you can't be...
That's right! It's a Christmas present for your commandant from me. I want to decorate it and turn it into a proper, festive Christmas tree!
Oh my... This year's Christmas tree?
But I'd require your assistance.
B-but you're a member of the WGAA. Decorating would be your expertise, not ours...
That is true, but I'm no expert in who your commandant is... Unlike you.
Lee's right. This is just a common silver wattle for now—but when you adorn it with all the gifts everyone's preparing for your commandant, it'll become a gorgeous Christmas Tree filled with love!
I don't think it'll make any difference giving our presents to the commandant ourselves or hanging them on a tree...
Which means you have prepared a present for the commandant, haven't you?
...
Lee...
Actually... I've also prepared Christmas gifts for everyone...
You have all done so much to show me a good time last Christmas... I also want the Gray Ravens and everybody I know to experience the same joy this year...
Liv stutters as she speaks, her face flushing from her candid confession.
...Liv!
Ayla squeals, charmed and delighted, as she goes up and hugs Liv affectionately.
You sweet thing! Ugh!
A-Ayla...
Liv raises her arms in Ayla's embrace, dumbfounded by the unexpected compliments.
Ayla... Guys, what are you doing?
Lucia has been standing by the door for who knows how long.
We're planning for the Christmas Tree Dress-up Time!
Is that a codename for a new operation?
That's right! A new operation to celebrate the Gray Raven Commandant!
Hearing her explanation, Lucia's eyes glow, and her tone becomes extremely serious.
In that case, please let me take part in it as well!
Sure thing!
Ayla pulls Lucia in with her other hand for a hug.
This is...
Lee lets out a silent sigh before turning away and heading to the door.
...Lee?
Aren't we getting help from the others as well?
I'm just going to notify the people who are most definitely getting invited.
That's wonderful, Lee...
That's the spirit! Now, hurry back! Leave this place to us!
What's our first step?
Ayla... y-you're holding me too tight...
...Sure.
Then I shall declare the Christmas Tree Dress-up Time operation—begins!
