Story Reader / Festival Event Story / White Wishes / Story
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Walking through the bustling market, Lucia carefully observes her surroundings.
Aside from vendors selling goods, the organizers have also arranged a variety of activities during the celebration to give away tons of Star Tickets.
That is Lucia's goal.
Like achieving the highest score in "Whac-a-Mole for Two" all by herself…
Or wining the "Throw and Catch" game by acting as both the thrower and catcher.
Now, Lucia is about to register for "Double Trouble".
Looks like you were right to quietly follow Lucia over here. Seems like collecting Star Tickets is her top priority.
Weren't you going to take a break in the exhibition hall, Commandant?
Worried? It's safe here. There isn't any potential danger.
I've been worried you're taking this too seriously and not enjoying the celebration. It's better that you take the time to relax...
Rather than telling Lucia that you're worried about taking the competition too seriously and not enjoying the celebration, you decide to guide her into a more positive mindset...
But splitting up is more... Very well. I understand.
Be careful not to get separated. There are a lot of people here.
Compared with the exhibition hall, which is mostly children, the market is filled with couples.
The stalls sell a variety of goods, such as crude paper and plastic knickknacks or plants in bottles. Even still, everyone is carefully looking through their wares, asking each other's opinions, or playfully teasing each other.
Hearing these lovers quarrels throughout the market, you can't help but cast sideways glances and smile.
Along the way, you and Lucia also attract your fair share of attention. Some people are drawn to Lucia's distinct coating, while others...
Look! She's the one who's hit 1000 points in "Whac-a-Mole"…
She didn't miss a single one in "Kendama"...
The person she's with must be just as awesome, huh?
Maybe...
Commandant. Maybe it's best I change back into a battle coating?
Greetings. May take a few moments of your time?
A man with a camera walks over.
I'm a staff member for the celebration. Might I take your picture, beautiful lady?
Commandant?
Lucia refrains from answering. Instead, she glances over questioningly as if to let you decide.
Since Lucia is letting you decide, you feel it is necessary for the other party to confirm his identity and the purpose of the photo to protect your team member.
The photo will be put on the memorial wall for the celebration. With your consent, of course, my lady.
The man takes out his terminal and shows Lucia the wall with numerous photos of the celebration.
Whether it's a picture of a vendor proudly displaying his own craft, a child making silly faces, or a shy but happy couple—all sorts of pictures are on the memorial wall.
As for my credentials...
He begrudgingly opens up the work permit folder on his terminal.
You look down and confirm that his employee code is indeed authentic and he is, in fact, a staff member working for the celebration.
Written as his name, you see...
Alright, enough already. No one can help what their parents name them, right?
He has a look of "I knew you'd laugh" on his face.
Alright.
Is this okay?
Lucia walks in front of the camera and strikes her usual pose.
You're gorgeous, but you're a little stiff. Think you can loosen up a bit?
Loosen up...
Lucia slightly adjusts her posture.
Better, but a little happier. Maybe give the camera a wink?
A wink...?
You give her a demonstration.
...Okay, I'll try.
...Is this okay?
...
On second thought... Try the one from before.
Understood.
Okay. Don't move... 3, 2, 1, cheese! Alright, got it.
Following the click of the shutter, Cupid takes his camera and shows the screen to Lucia.
Are you happy with it?
Looks fine. What do you think, Commandant?
As a thank you, everyone photographed gets a printed photo. Would you like one? I'll have one for you in a jiffy. The camera comes with a printer.
He pats the latch on the bottom of his camera.
No, I...
Lucia wants to refuse, but she stops abruptly and asks—
I don't need you to print this photo, but can you take a photo of me and the commandant?
Of course!
You're slightly caught off guard. Lucia rarely asks anything of others.
Didn't you say you wanted a picture to commemorate the celebration?
I think a photo of us would be more memorable.
Too bad Liv and Lee aren't here.
Okay.
Now that it's decided... How about we take a photo over there?
He points to a ginkgo tree just beginning to bloom. The small green buds look especially vibrant.
You follow Cupid's instructions and move into position...
Alright, get a little closer. I wanna get both of you in the frame. How about you two hold hands?
Commandant?
Lucia senses your decision and places her hand in your palm.
Your human hand and her Construct fingers lock tightly.
Lucia remains quiet and follows Cupid's instructions to move closer.
You stand shoulder to shoulder. Several strands of Lucia's hair drape on your shoulder.
Now don't move... 3, 2, 1... Cheese!
Click!
Shortly after pressing the shutter, Cupid gestures that it's over.
Cupid looks at the photo as it leaves the printer on the side of the camera.
Now that's a postcard. Can I place it on the memorial wall?
I don't mind. Do you, Commandant?
Thank you very much. Here's your photo.
Cupid gives Lucia two photos.
What a pity...
Cupid gives Lucia two photos, then lets you watch as he deletes the photo.
I have other work to do, so I'll get going. I hope you two have a wonderful day.
Lucia puts one of the photos away and hands you the other one.
Here's your photo, Commandant.
In the photo, Lucia has a gentle expression, but she seems a little shy by comparison.
Colorful paper blows in the wind. As the photo continues to develop, the ginkgo tree's vibrant flowers come to life.
Spring is quietly blooming in the branches.
