Story Reader / Event Story / Magpie's Fortune / Story
Constellia Central Street
Your terminal casts a crystal-blue glow, and the interface lingers on your chat with Teddy. The last message reads, "Meet at 3 PM, same place."
You glance at the clock—it's already 3:12 PM.
You and Teddy have a deal: if either of you is more than ten minutes late, you have to grant the other a favor—unless you can come up with a reason the other accepts.
You still recall how you were late once before because your meeting ran long. After some thorough logic, Teddy insisted you could have made it on time anyway. And then...
Come and be my model for half the day. I've been experimenting with a few outfit combos, and I really want to see how they look on you.
Now, you finally get your chance.
You hear those familiar footsteps approaching and look up. The pink-haired Construct comes to a stop right in front of you.
She's here. Knowing Teddy as well as you do, you're sure she's about to claim she was forced by circumstances beyond her control—probably with some creative excuses.
The traffic is terrible, so I'm late.
The first thing you will do is root out any twisted arguments lurking in here...
Sorry.
...
...?
You're totally overreacting.
I'm just not in the mood to argue with you about this today.
You notice Teddy's voice is a bit deeper and more earnest than usual.
Go on, take a guess.
Guess right, and you get a reward. Guess wrong, and you face a penalty.
Hmm... maybe it's the festival spirit getting to me.
But, that's not the whole story...
Teddy murmurs, then opens and closes her mouth. It's obvious she wants to say more, but the words never come.
She lowers her head, gazing at her toes, and seems a little... shy?
Commandant...
After a moment, she looks up and meets your gaze.
Can you come with me somewhere?
In this cool, secluded garden, lush greenery thrives. At the center stands an ancient tree, its golden leaves gleaming in the sunlight. Occasionally, a soft breeze drifts through, knocking a few leaves loose.
You catch a falling leaf, cool against your palm. On one side is a vivid image of the cowherd, the weaver girl, and their magpie bridge—reminding you that neither the leaf nor the tree is natural, but an exquisitely crafted work of art.
Many couples are strolling in, their hands tightly clasped as they quietly gaze at the towering tree.
This is the Double Seventh Magpie Tree.
As if she wants to blend into the mood, she speaks in a hushed tone.
Commandant, do you know this place is called the "date sanctuary" of the Double Seventh Festival park?
Legend says that if two people sincerely share what's in their hearts under this tree, the magpies will bless them, ensuring they stay happy and together forever.
Teddy takes a deep breath, as though she's mustering her courage.
Commandant, there's something I need to tell you.
This setting, this mood, and Teddy's uncharacteristic bashfulness...
Could it be...?
It's hard to explain right now, so...
She takes a portable player and earphones from her pocket and hands them over with both hands.
I've already recorded it.
You take the portable music player, wondering if Teddy's message is hidden inside.
You put the earphones in and meet her gaze. She nods gently.
At first, there's only silence—then the music starts flowing.
It begins with the piano, soft and ethereal. Though the melody is simple, it never feels dull. Gradually, Kowloong instruments weave in, taking the piece to new heights.
Modern and traditional elements blend, as if neon magpies appear in the sky to form a magpie bridge. Two souls, perfectly in tune, hold each other's hands on that bridge.
Emotions rise steadily, heading toward a climax. Right before they explode, everything suddenly stops. And then...
Then... nothing...
It's over?
It seems to be over. There's no more sound after that.
Ahem... So here's the situation.
You've probably seen the Double Seventh Festival promo video. There's a section where modern instruments play alongside traditional Kowloong instruments, which I find really fascinating.
I watch it and try to replicate the performance, but I can never quite capture the core feeling. Right now, the best track I've managed to create is the one you're hearing.
It might sound decent at first, but when you listen more carefully, you can tell it's missing that spark that truly brings it to life.
Teddy's mouth gradually curls into a subtle smile.
After analyzing it, I find that the heart of this melody lies in a strong sense of "attachment."
So I'm asking you, Commandant, to help me set the right mood. With your cooperation, I think I can fully grasp this tune and finish the piece.
In the end, that evil grin reappears on the pink-haired Construct's face, as though it never truly left.
Oh? Commandant, you looked a little tense just now...
Were you expecting something?
As though she's satisfied with your reaction, Teddy beams with delight.
But it surely is helpful, heh-heh...
That's the exact vibe I'm going for. Mhm, I'll just tweak this part right here...
She hums a melody as she opens her terminal's projection, brings up the score, makes a quick edit, then exports the audio and loads it into her music player.
Let's head out, Commandant. We're moving on to the next spot.
It's definitely not over...
Teddy shares the wired earphones with you.
She hits the play button, and the newly adjusted melody begins to flow softly.
It's not finished yet. A half-done song like this won't receive the magpies' blessing.
Let's come here again when it's done.
When that time comes, I'll let you hear the voice in my heart.
