Village Flower Shop
Night
Night, Village Flower Shop
You have been waiting outside the flower shop for a while now. Soon after, the door swings open once more.
A wisteria vine threads right through the cloth collar on the fox's neck, hoisting it high just outside the doorway.
The fox stays perfectly still, all four paws dangling naturally, her eyes well-behaved, until the vine finally sets her down on the ground.
Goddess of Union, you're not needed for the next steps, so please wait outside.
Fine, fine—
The fox childishly drags out the last syllable, then sways back and forth as it walks over to the human's heel after the door closes again.
Miss Viola has gotten so distant. She won't even let me watch her make the new clothes.
Came out of the blue?!
Given how tight you are with Selena, agreeing to let you two play-act as a married couple is already a huge favor.
But asking Miss Viola to lend her own wedding dress to Selena? That's way out of line—way too informal!
With a little magic, it wouldn't take any time at all.
As Yun Ye speaks, she cranes her neck and keeps peeking toward the flower house, even though she can't see inside.
I want to see...
Aren't you excited about it?
The fox stops looking around and cocks her head at the human.
You two are so weird. This is serious, and you're both acting like it's no big deal.
You two are both fine with faking a marriage for something totally unrelated—Selena's completely chill about it, and you're not even batting an eye.
And you're not even fazed knowing the person you're sweet on is about to step out in a wedding dress.
The fox thinks for a second, then nudges your pant leg, making you glance down without thinking.
The fox locks eyes with the human, her pupils clear and innocent. As light ripples from her eyes, the human feels a gentle touch on their mind.
The human instantly perks up, but Yun Ye just shakes her body, unbothered, like a dog or cat after a quick splash.
I just took a peek at your connection. Don't sweat it, I wasn't rummaging through your memories—just checking out the bond of fate between you two.
It all started with letters, and grew deeper through a shared admiration of talent. You bonded over compatible personalities, and it all endured thanks to your strong characters.
Your relationship is so romantic... It's just wonderful, even better than I pictured.
In all my years as the Goddess of Union, I've hardly ever seen a bond like yours.
The fox drops her head, lost in thought.
Now I'm even more confused...
Just as you are about to reach out and tap the fox's head, you hear a surprised whisper and the creak of a door opening at the same time.
What are you two up to?
You look up as Selena steps out of the wooden house. Your eyes meet.
The moonlight dusts her features with a gentle glow. Her usually elegant eyes now hold a hint of allure, stirring that languid, late-summer feeling.
The evening breeze lifts her gauzy clothes, revealing snow-white, delicate wrists that gleam so captivatingly you can't tear your gaze away.
Your lips part, but the words shy away, clinging to the edge and refusing to surface.
You just stand there, silently facing each other. Even without a single word, the moment is pure magic.
Then, a flicker from below catches your eye. You instinctively glance down to find the fox wearing a smug grin.
Well, well! You've been itching for this, haven't you? Completely spellbound, I see!
Instinctively, the fox wants to deny everything, but when it looks up, it meets a pair of eyes as gentle as flowing water.
She steps forward gracefully, emerging from the eaves' shadow and into full view of the person in front of her.
Without a single word, her presence says it all.
Shrine Stone Path
Before Dawn
Before Dawn, Shrine Stone Path
The fox leads them to the foot of the mountain, then hesitates, stopping right at the start of the stone path.
...Yun Ye?
It's nothing, really. It's just... now that we're actually here, I'm drawing a blank on what to say.
The fox paces in two tight circles before suddenly scratching her chin with a hind paw.
Oh well, never mind! I have to meet him sooner or later, so I'll just ask him why when we get there!
Selena, do you recall the incantation I drilled into you on the way here? Don't forget, you have to use wisteria leaves to complete it.
And then there's [player name].
I was going to use my last bit of spiritual power to disguise you, but you're quite a unique one.
It seems there's already some serious spiritual energy within you. Even though I'm not sure who you really are in the Other Shore, I've just woken all of it up for you.
At least for tonight, you'll really stand out to the spirits, looking super prominent and powerful. Just try not to blow your cover, okay?
I'm going to hide myself now. Get ready to head up the mountain!
With those parting words, the fox turns into a wisp of mist and melts into the mask hanging at Selena's waist.
...
Seeing this, Selena turns, exchanging a glance with you, then a gentle smile graces her lips.
It feels... magical, like stepping into a legend.
We're spirits about to witness a divine wedding feast, just like in ancient folklore.
As you look down at the incredible aura flickering with her every move, you can't help but share a laugh with Selena.
...!
Selena jumps slightly, her soft laughter cuts off short. She presses her lips together and shoots a playful, scolding look at the human in front of her.
Well, well, Conductor, who knew you had a playful streak?
Alright, just a moment, Conductor.
Without another word, Selena walks over to the first lamppost on the stone path. With a wisteria leaf in one hand, she places her other hand on the post and clears her throat.
Guests from mountains and streams arrive, before the shrine where lanterns shine—
Reveal ourselves in courtesy, and forge bonds through harmony—
As her words fade out, a sudden wind kicks up, making the trees sway.
Clang—
Amidst the familiar chime of bells, two figures materialize out of thin air, with a palanquin floating in midair beside them.
I'm a shrine maiden in service to the Goddess of Union. Greetings, honored guests.
May I ask your names?
I'm Viola, a flower spirit, and this is the honored Mountain Lord.
So, you're Lady Viola.
Please, step into the palanquin.
You and Selena exchange a quick glance before climbing into the palanquin together, hand in hand.
With a collective intake of breath, the two shrine maidens begin a soft chant, their voices guiding the swaying palanquin towards the mountains, just as you witnessed earlier. You both remain utterly silent throughout the journey.
After what feels like ages, the palanquin gently touches down. It's clear you've arrived.
The visitor's path ends here. The shrine lies just ahead.
Please, honored guests, proceed at your leisure. I'm taking my leave.
You linger inside the palanquin for a moment, only venturing out with Selena once you're sure it's quiet outside.
The instant you step away from the palanquin, it simply melts into the mountain breeze and vanishes.
It's already the wee hours of the morning. With the shrine maidens gone, the torii gate on the mountain path and the wooden lamp posts appear eerily still under the night sky. It's almost as if everything that just happened was nothing more than a dream.
That's quite something...
Con—ductor—
...
Selena takes a deep breath and turns her face away, her voice barely a whisper.
Please stop teasing me.
[player name], honestly...
Selena mutters under her breath before quickly pulling herself together. She steps forward, and the wisteria petals in her palm melt into streams of flowing light.
A strange power hums at her fingertips, as if she could do anything with just a thought.
Selena then fixes her gaze on the faint line of light on the distant horizon. With a quick pinch of her fingers, she says in a clear voice.
I borrow this ray of morning light.
Suddenly, light pours from the horizon, streaming into the lamppost beside her.
Then, the glowing flames spread like vines, winding their way up to light the long mountain path.
Bathed in the flowing light, the forest turns crystalline. Luminous moss sprouts on the stone steps where light meets shadow. Even the wisteria petals falling from her fingertips transform into tiny, glowing specks.
...
...Conductor.
Selena gazes, unmoving, at the scene unfolding before her, a soft murmur escaping her lips.
She turns, a faint smile playing on her lips.
The light catches her cheek, making the surrounding night seem dull in comparison.
The one sharing this beautiful sight with me... is you. How wonderful...
