Story Reader / Event Story / Magpie's Fortune / Story
You're waiting for Bianca in Constellia, right beside the bridge where you're supposed to meet.
All right! One, two...
A couple poses closely together, while a mechanoid in a beret stands by to snap their photo.
You move aside just in time. With a sharp click, the mechanoid presses the shutter.
In the bustling afternoon crowd, the scene holds your attention, and you automatically check the bag on your shoulder.
The portable terminal chimes, showing Bianca's name, and you quickly look around.
It feels like you can sense each other. In that moment, you see her slipping gracefully through the crowded throng, light as a swallow.
Your eyes lock, and Bianca quickens her pace as she comes straight toward you.
It's this day again.
I hope I didn't make you wait, Commandant. There's been a rare and rather hefty traffic jam...
The promise you made the last time you met here is coming true again today.
What a rare commotion...
It's been ages since I saw a sight like this on the surface.
Strolling with Bianca to the center of the bridge, the gentle afternoon sun glints so brightly that you can't help but look away.
That's when you finally notice what she's carrying.
It's a compact umbrella, its material completely different from the common ones you've seen before.
Bianca takes off the short cord that holds the umbrella in place and gives it a gentle spin. Only then do you realize its bamboo frame is the same kind of craftsmanship you once saw in Kowloong.
She doesn't answer; she simply opens the umbrella.
Her wrist traces a graceful arc, and the umbrella blocks the glare of the sun from just a moment ago.
Under the canopy, the dark umbrella surface displays Bianca's calligraphy, enhanced by the familiar swirling-cloud design, and carries a faint scent of tung oil.
It feels like you are now set apart from the surrounding noise, and Bianca moves a bit closer.
I heard that Kowloong had an exquisite umbrella-making craft a long time ago...
For this oil-paper umbrella, I studied under a master artisan there.
Even though I was prepared, it still took me a few months to finish.
Now you stand face-to-face, and Bianca runs her hand over the cord that secures the umbrella's ribs, as if she's admiring her own handiwork.
For me, Commandant, you're the one who truly deserves this heartfelt gesture.
Earning your favor matters so much to me, Commandant.
Bianca hands you the umbrella handle, then hooks her arm through yours. In this small patch of shade, you're standing close enough to whisper.
By the way, while learning how to make it, I heard that some people in Kowloong consider an umbrella an unsuitable gift.
Because the word "umbrella," in their language, sounds like "separation"...
Bianca gives a gentle laugh and nods in agreement.
Honestly, even if that's how things are, it doesn't really matter, because...
Most of the time, we're all caught up in our own responsibilities—so these moments feel even more precious.
But, if I could, I would always stand by your side and protect you, in every way possible.
A gentle breeze passes by, and the umbrella you're holding flutters for a second before you tighten your grip again.
You take out the camera you picked up from a camera shop in Constellia.
Wait, this is...
Bianca takes the camera with care and gives it a thorough once-over.
You glance at the ground and suddenly notice a few raindrops splashing down.
You hurry to angle the umbrella a bit more in Bianca's direction.
Gazing up, the sun is still drifting toward the western horizon.
The gentle drizzle doesn't deter the bustling crowd at all. People still make their way along the streets—some walking side by side, others rushing off, and a few waiting around, just like you a moment ago.
Right now, only Bianca and you stand under this umbrella, catching a few curious looks. You can faintly hear people commenting on how prepared you are.
It's a sunshower...!
Bianca's voice carries a spark of delight as she steps toward the center of the bridge.
Let's capture it.
At the same time, a rainbow appears beneath the sun's warm embrace, creating a vivid bridge in the sky.
So, the first photo...
You pick up the camera.
After the light drizzle, the wet ground glistens, perfectly reflecting the dazzling rays of light.
Under the gentle sun and shimmering rainbow, the camera's viewfinder frames the girl holding the umbrella. She turns to face the lens, her smile radiating from the depths of her heart.
That smile is like a rainbow, cutting through both sunlight and rain.
If you don't mind, shall we press the shutter together?
By the bridge, the rainbow-colored halo around the sun feels so close that it might as well be right within reach.
Holding the umbrella, you move behind Bianca. Even though you've done this before, your heart still pounds as you draw nearer to the girl at your side.
Finally, your palms meet in perfect harmony.
