Story Reader / Event Story / Magpie's Fortune / Story
I'm definitely scaring [player name] this time...
A familiar figure stands by the water, her back to you, busy with something you can't quite see. You wait patiently, but after a while, you can't help quietly calling out to her.
Eeeek—ah—waaah—!
A strange sound echoes, and the mermaid suddenly collapses onto the ground, scattering her belongings all around.
H-h-how are you here already?
The operation is a total failure...
You don't know what Lamia's talking about, but you help her up and then bend down to gather the things she dropped.
The colorful wrapping paper is bright and adorable, and there's a faint whiff of charcoal and sulfur—could these be cold sparklers?
Suddenly, you realize what's happening. You turn to the neatly arranged beach area behind her.
In the distance, shallow artificial waves gently lap the shore, creating a steady and peaceful backdrop. With that setting, the entire beach is redone, turned into the little mermaid's garden of her own.
The cold sparklers and tiny candles in the sand form a crooked, half-finished heart shape.
She must have spent so much time getting all this ready.
The mermaid keeps her head down, twisting her fingers, clearly dejected.
I was... hoping to show this to you once night falls.
But... it's not really a surprise now, right?
R-really?
She lets out a relieved breath, pats her chest, and a bright smile spreads across her face.
Huh? If... if you didn't show up...
You watch her get flustered, her brows furrowing as she mumbles under her breath, and you can't help but laugh.
She hears your laughter and freezes for a second, then it dawns on her, and she complains in annoyance.
Hey...! Y-you're messing with me, aren't you?
W-well, you've seen it all now, so I'm just going to rest for a bit...
Lamia puffs out her cheeks and settles down, hugging her knees.
It's not often she stays so focused, so it'd be a shame not to wrap this up before dark.
You offer your hand to her. Touched by your serious expression, Lamia hesitates, then quietly responds.
Um... w-well... alright, then...
Night falls, and Lamia and you light the fireworks and candles she's prepared.
All at once, dazzling sparks erupt, dancing in front of your eyes.
You slip your hand into hers without a word. She jolts slightly, then gently curls her fingers around yours.
As the darkness grows deeper, the fireworks glow even brighter—yet Lamia shrinks behind you.
Ugh... It's not at all like I imagined—it's so bright, my eyes are hurting.
But we've spent ages getting ready for this...
So... let them shine a bit longer... I'll just keep my eyes on you.
The cold fireworks finally burn out, leaving only embers, and everything around you grows quiet.
You two put out the last sparks. She keeps her head down, staring at the charred remains, like something has just occurred to her, and a flicker of sadness crosses her face.
Is it really... ending just like that?
This feels a bit too sudden. I still have... one last gift for you.
Don't worry. I've got it all set.
She brings out a jar almost half her height. Something churns inside, sounding like water.
I overheard rumors about Double Seventh morning well water—it's said to ward off evil, cure illnesses, and even prolong life. It took me a long time to find it, so I hauled back as much as I could!
I don't really understand how it all works, but...
I want you... to stay in good health and avoid any serious harm.
And I hope you won't suddenly vanish, the way fireworks do once they've burned out...
Since it's a festival, shouldn't we focus on positive topics instead...?
Positive... Positive...
Ugh, I can't think of a single thing. Just spending the festival with you is already positive enough...
Lamia twists her fingers unconsciously, as if she only now realizes what she just said, then suddenly looks up...
Eekkkk! I can't believe I just said that out loud! You didn't hear anything, got it? Just pretend it never happened!
When she's rattled like this, her expressions and gestures are so animated that you never get tired of watching her.
Otherwise... I-I guess I'll just sing for you.
Hmm-hmm... Hmm-hmm-hmm...
