Story Reader / Festival Event Story / The Destined Surprise / Story
The honeyed berry cake that you're savoring as you sit by the roaring fireplace warms you from the inside out, making you cozy to the point of feeling a little drowsy.
Tired?
Noticing Rosetta's concerned look, you shake your head to show that you're feeling you're not feeling drowsy because you're tired.
I see... I hated the idea of asking you to come down here, but everyone was just dying to celebrate your birthday with you, Commandant...
It's your birthday today, and the Forest Guards said they really wanted to celebrate it when they heard about it from Rosetta.
Not wanting to disappoint them, you came to the Forest Guard settlement with Rosetta to join the birthday celebration.
It's during this celebration that you truly feel the Forest Guards' warmth.
Rosetta stands beside you and, with her mouth open, she seems like she wants to say something, but quickly closes it.
So did I, and I kind of want to give it a go...
But we've got something more important to do here.
Rosetta looks outside. Following her gaze, you see a lively scene out there, where Constructs and humans are laughing together in this new city blessed with "gifts from heaven."
The Forest Guards wouldn't have been where they are now hadn't it been for your help, Commandant.
And I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, Commandant.
Well, I just feel like I have to say it, Commandant.
Please, you have to accept it.
Yup, let me show you how it's done. Here, take a seat.
Let me show you how it's done. Take a seat here.
As she speaks, Rosetta gently cups your face and lifts it slightly, before she slowly lowers herself.
With your foreheads in touch, the two of you can feel each other's warmth.
Your bodies are now a connected bridge, allowing thoughts to be conveyed without language.
Now, this request may sound a little rude, but...
May I hug you?
Rosetta's voice is barely audible, but you hear every word that comes out of her mouth since the two of you are so close.
No, this is... beyond gratitude...
Rosetta kneels down like a knight until the two of you are at eye level.
All the while, the two of you remain physically connected by the forehead, then by the cheek, then by the upper body.
If touching foreheads is meant as a way to convey one's gratitude to the other person's mind, then a tight hug is meant to express the deep emotions brewing within one.
I've never been very lucky and have had my fair share of unfortunate experiences.
But in this unlucky life, something very fortunate happened to me.
It's your birthday today, and it's on very day that you came into this world, and it's also because of today that I got to cross paths with you.
Which is why I think...
Snap!
The chair you're sitting on suddenly makes a weird noise.
Commandant!
Possibly having grown weak with age, one of the chair's legs suddenly snaps...
In a split second, Rosetta has unfolded her wings to hover in mid-air and wraps her arms around you.
And thanks to it, you didn't fall to the ground, which is the good news.
The bad news is that she's wrapped her arms around you so hard that it hurts just about as much as if you'd fallen on the ground.
As you sit on the ground rubbing yourself, Rosetta looks at you, her eyes heavy with guilt.
Sorry, Commandant.
What have I done...
You cut her short.
...Or maybe it's just God trying to balance my luck here since I'm already super lucky for having you.
It seems like Rosetta said something. She looks at you with a wry smile when you look her way.
Well, guess I don't feel as sad down when I look at it that way.
But I've still got to keep you safe.
