Night draws in, yet Constellia stays lively. Lamps of every color blink on, wrapping the streets in a warm, bustling glow.
Across the street, a mermaid focuses on a small stall, her profile frozen in the light like a still painting.
Paper lanterns pile high, crowding around a sign that reads "Wishing Lanterns".
Ah,[player name]?!
When did you get here... Oh no, you saw me spacing out. How embarrassing...
Wishing lanterns. Meaning: items that carry heartfelt wishes. Use: write or draw your wish on the lantern; candle heat lifts it into the sky.
Double Seventh limited-time event. Couples only. Free stationery set included. May the two of you see your wish fulfilled.
The mechanoid fluently finishes its pitch and hands over a large lantern gift box.
Lamia studies your encouraging smile, trying to be sure of what you mean.
So, [player name]... you will make a wish with me?
There are so many people here. Could we find somewhere quieter to make our wish?
She stays close beside you as you weave through the crowded street.
Soon a quiet river comes into view. The bustle fades behind you, and a moist night breeze brushes your face.
This spot is perfect. The river breeze feels so nice.
Then let's write our wishes on the lantern together.
Even in a quiet, distraction-free setting, Lamia stares intently at the lantern in front of her. But she still hasn't picked up her pen, and there's a hint of frustration on her face.
I have so many wishes... Which one should I write first?
Maybe next maintenance I could change my hair color? No, wasting a wish on something so small... feels kinda silly.
I want to be smarter, prettier, stronger... No, I can't even picture that version of me...
I also want to do fun things with [player name]: walk in a park, watch movies, eat ice cream... But which comes first? I can't decide.
Oh no... There are too many wishes! Whether I write or draw, they won't fit on one lantern.
This is hard... What should I do...
Lamia lowers her head, unsure what to do.
Eh, like this?
She isn't sure what to do next, but after only a brief pause, Lamia closes her eyes just as you asked.
What now? Hey, no tricks!
Her hand rests in your palm, bringing you closer than before.
Her eyes are shut tight, and her trembling lashes cast flickering shadows on her cheeks. She seems genuinely worried you might actually pull some kind of prank.
Hmm, in that case... the first image I see...
Ah... if that's how it works, this will do nicely!
She opens her eyes and breaks into a smile, as if a decision has been made.
Meeting your gaze, she blushes, hastily lifts the lantern, and blocks your view.
[player name]... n-no peeking yet! Y-you have to think about your own wish too!
W-we'll trade once we're both done, okay?
Through the lantern's thin paper you can just make out Lamia's focused face. She's bent over, completely absorbed in her drawing.
A gentle night breeze brushes your ears, and far-off festival sounds murmur in the distance.
You turn to your half of the lantern and write a single line straight from the heart.
There... that should do it. Can we swap now, [player name]?
The mermaid takes a deep breath, then carefully turns the lantern so her side faces you—it's a drawing.
A small room housing cute plush toys and delicate desserts; a girl with a fish tail stands at its center.
Beside her, hand in hand, is a figure that looks unmistakably like you.
There are no words, but the slightly clumsy strokes already make her wish perfectly clear.
And [player name] wrote...
E-eek, you... you really... feel that way? I thought you'd write something else...
Reading your words, she looks both thrilled and shy.
Her cheeks flare red. She turns away awkwardly but keeps stealing glances, checking if you truly meant those words.
After getting a reassuring answer, Lamia finally smiles. The shyness from before turns into a lively energy, and in the night, her eyes shine with a rare, radiant light.
I almost forgot! The vendor said our wish only comes true if we let the lantern fly.
She fumbles to fit the candle and lights it. The flickering glow reflects in her eyes like tiny stars.
She gently lifts the lantern. In the dancing light, her drawing almost seems alive.
Then... let's release it together, [player name].
The lantern rises, carrying your wishes, drifting into the night until it blends with the stars. Lamia watches it go, smiling with silent hope.
You sit with her by the river, savoring the warm silence. Neither speaks, yet you feel her frame inch closer.
It grows late. She seems tired and lies down, resting her head on your lap like a gentle kitten.
For a long while, the only sound is her soft, steady breathing. It gradually slows, as if she's already drifted into sleep.
You carefully adjust your position so she rests more comfortably. She doesn't wake, only murmurs faintly.
[player name]... the curtains in our room... what color do you like...
If possible... I... still want to...