Union
Shrine of Union
Late Night
Late night, Shrine of Union.
The Union Shrine is alive with the comings and goings of spirits, every corner brightly lit by countless lanterns.
You are perched on the tatami mats, facing Selena. The priest and fox flutter around you, meticulously adjusting your makeup and ceremonial ornaments.
Selena stares straight ahead, unblinking, then all of a sudden, she bursts out laughing.
...Pff.
You barely get a word out before the priest presses you down for moving your face too much.
Please keep your movements to a minimum, esteemed one.
You can't seem to muster any force when you speak, so you can only mouth the words after your brief reply.
[player name], you look so cute when you're all helpless and at someone else's mercy.
The priest and the fox finally wrap things up, just about the time it takes to sip a cup of tea.
That completes the drawings. Please wait a moment while Rain and I get the ritual items.
The second the priest and the fox step out, your posture just melts.
You okay? Are you really that uncomfortable?
You pause for a beat, then straighten up again.
Actually, so am I.
It's all happening so fast, even though... <size=32>I've been wanting this...</size>
Mmm... I mean, even though I've kind of seen this coming, it still feels a bit surreal.
I'm just thinking about that question Yun Ye brought up earlier.
Selena's playful air vanishes, replaced by a serious, almost somber look.
Conductor, what exactly are we to each other now?
Shh...
Before you can even try to answer, Selena presses her index finger to your lips.
Don't say it out loud...
Just let me... hold onto this little fantasy.
As long as tonight's marriage isn't just for show or out of duty... that's all I need.
The slightly awkward vibe doesn't stick around for long.
I'm ba—huh? What are you two up to?
The fox trots over, a mirror in her mouth, then pauses, taking in the scene.
No need to rush the romance now. You'll have tons of chances later.
No... it's not like that...
Selena, usually so poised and graceful, gets flustered for a moment. She takes the mirror from the fox's paws and takes a soft breath to compose herself.
The mirror has an antique frame with patterns etched into it, and its reflective surfaces are bright and crystal-clear on both sides.
How are we supposed to use this?
Just place your hands on it, one of you on each side, pressing against the mirror.
The fox reaches out her paws to guide their movements, but before their hands are even fully in place, Selena suddenly pipes up.
Conductor...
[player name], you can think about our relationship and decide what it means to you later.
With their stances clear, the priest steps between you, bell in hand, and starts a solemn recitation.
Now, step into the mirror—
Suddenly, light bursts forth from the mirror, spiraling up their joined hands.
Then, it completely envelops Selena and you.
When your eyes flutter open again, you are swallowed by nothingness. Darkness stretches out, endless in every direction.
You call out softly, tentatively, but get no reply.
As you step forward, water-like ripples spread out beneath your feet, revealing lines of text within them.
You call out again from where you stand; circles of ripples spread out beneath your feet, revealing lines of text within them.
<i>Dear Stranger:</i>
<i>I know this might seem odd showing up in your mailbox.</i>
<i>If you're swamped with work and don't have time for this kind of thing, just toss this letter.</i>
<i>But if you find yourself with some free time, feeling bored, and looking to pass the time, I hope you'll flip to page two.</i>
The instant you see the text, everything unfolding before you suddenly makes perfect sense.
That was your "first sight" of each other.
Gradually, the ripples turn into splashes, and the splashes swell into waves. Memories of her come crashing in like a tsunami.
Just like the fox said.
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.
The past swirls around you like streams of light, encircling and revolving.
We meet, exchange letters, and our spirits soar.
We understand each other, touching on ideals and admiring convictions.
Then, we fall in love—though "love" might sound a bit shallow, the feelings blossoming between us are undeniably real.
Finally, the inevitable happens: we share a profound connection and cherish each other deeply.
The moment two hearts fall in love is truly precious. But when did these two hearts first intertwine?
Was it through the heartfelt letters they exchanged, or in the sheer joy they found in each other's company?
Maybe it's those moments you fought side-by-side, blood-soaked, battling for what you believe in?
All those memories flash before your eyes, countless thoughts swirling in your chest, and you instinctively respond with deep emotion.
Before your words even fade, Selena's soft whisper suddenly echoes in your ear, saying the exact same thing.
I can't remember clearly anymore...
Of course, every moment with you has been so incredible; how could I possibly pick just one?
The instant you finish your answer, the tsunami recedes. Vibrant colors sweep across the darkness, filling your vision with a sight rarely witnessed in the mortal realm.
Water lanterns glow softly, and purple wisteria drapes down. She stands on the water's surface, her toes lightly touching the ripples, and her long sleeves flow in the breeze.
Then, her sweeping skirt parts the lanterns' glow, and her white veil draws down a shower of flower petals.
As her dance steps carry away the last traces of twilight, music rises from the pool below while lyrics descend from the heavens above.
Two people are joining in marriage, a covenant sealed in one hall. It's a special bond, forever forged, a union equally celebrated.
Just look at the wisteria blooming so lavishly today—it's perfect for hearth and home. We foresee that in the years ahead, your descendants will multiply, and your prosperity will truly blossom.
Solemn vows to grow old together, written on ceremonial paper, and the pledge of the red leaf, clearly recorded in the register of faithful love.
[player name]...
The echoes still linger as your beloved's whispers reach your ears.
I love you.
As your consciousness returns, you suddenly sit up. Chaotic thoughts recede like the tide, leaving a sense of disorientation in your wake.
The memories from moments ago are hazy, no longer quite real.
You clutch your head, battling the sudden, jarring discomfort of moving after staying put for ages, and stagger to your feet.
Glancing around, you realize you are smack dab in the middle of some ancient ruins. As you take in the surroundings, your thoughts slowly start to click into place.
Muttering to yourself, you rummage through your pockets, desperately searching for your terminal or anything else that might jog your memory.
Just then, a voice calls out from behind you.
Conductor? Are you there?
You spin around toward the voice, and then freeze solid.
The last word hangs in the air, and your breath catches in your throat for a moment.
In the bright morning light, the stirring branches and leaves seem to shift into slow motion right then, stretching out forever.
The rustling forest and birdsong instantly fade away. Your previously hazy memories, as if they were murky water clearing, suddenly snap into sharp focus.
Her clothes dance in the shimmering mountain mist, and her dark hair cascades gracefully around a face that just glows with beauty.
How could this possibly be a dream?
You both freeze for a beat, then drift toward each other.
As you walk towards each other, your clothes whisper together, startling sleeping fireflies right out of the grass.
When you're ten paces apart, your beaming smiles just melt into the mountain breeze.
A single step separates you two, and you can feel your breath even with your eyes shut.
Your foreheads brush, and a thousand unspoken words dissolve into quiet whispers between your laced fingers.
In this daze, a distant summer washes over you once more.
