Story Reader / Event Story / Hydrangea Gala / Story

All of the stories in Punishing: Gray Raven, for your reading pleasure. Will contain all the stories that can be found in the archive in-game, together with all affection stories.

The First Bloom Hydrangea Gala

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Gray Raven Lounge

Yesterday

...And that's how I did it! I've finally secured the rights to host the latest Golden Age Cultural Festival!

Just as you finish the paperwork, the pink-haired Construct arrives at the door with impeccable timing.

Now, the question is—who should we appoint as the festival's site planner?

After laying out all the festival details, Ayla finally reveals her true intentions, placing a letter of appointment on the desk.

Hehe, it's gotta be you, of course!

Everyone at the WGAA was super impressed by your work at the Spring Gala, Commandant! They're all hoping you'll take on the planner role this time too.

And that includes me, of course! I've always been a huge fan of your event-planning skills, Commandant!

"The Golden Age Cultural Festival, personally planned by the legendary multi-tasking Gray Raven Commandant"—now that's gonna be trending!

You take the letter from Ayla. A careful review reveals quite a generous profit-sharing arrangement for the festival.

A quick check of the mission schedule on the terminal confirms that there are no time conflicts with the festival dates.

The memories of the Spring Gala are still fresh in your mind—all in all, it was a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

You cannot help but think of your team members' constant reminders to take care of yourself... Perhaps participating in an event like this would be a good break from all the paperwork.

Woohoo! I'm so touched!

All right then! Commandant, you will be the planner for this year's "Golden Age Cultural Festival"!

All right then! Commandant, you will be the planner for this year's "Golden Age Cultural Festival"!

Ayla excitedly reaches across the desk for a high-five.

I'll take care of the logistics. Just come to me if you need anything.

Speaking of which, I've also got you a special advisor, Commandant. She'll fill you in on the other festival details.

I believe in you, Commandant!

So... you agreed, just like that?

Yata leans against the railing, casually opening a can of electrolyte drink with one hand while listening to your story with amusement.

Behind Yata lies the event site, where the WGAA staff and mechanoids are bustling about, loading and unloading event supplies.

...Surprising, isn't it? Though it's really just a coincidence.

Yata shrugs and lets out a light sigh.

This cultural festival's theme is "Hydrangea", in an attempt to mimic the cultural festivals held on Hydrangea Island during the Golden Age.

I used to go to Misono High there, so they roped me in as an advisor.

I didn't want to get dragged into this mess at first, but V... Valeria got me an extra week of annual leave, so I took the job.

After finishing her electrolyte drink, Yata crushes the can with her bare hands and tosses it perfectly into a trash bin several meters away.

I always see you on the frontlines, so I've been quite curious about what the Gray Raven Commandant is like off-duty.

Heh, still better than Valeria, at least.

...Oh? Like what?

...

Ahem, let's get back to the topic.

That was many years ago... I need some time to think.

If I had to sum it up in one phrase, it would be... youthful and free-spirited?

During the cultural festival, the school would invite popular shops to set up stalls on campus, and they'd also give lots of booth spaces to the student council so students could organize their own activities.

I remember the arcade machines would always be swarmed during the festival, and some people were particularly obsessed with the photo booths.

There were also talent showcase areas where students could draw or perform. It was quite a lively event overall.

...I was ranked No.1 on Boxing Champion across the whole server. Can you believe that?

That's all in the past now, but if you're interested, I wouldn't mind playing a few rounds with you sometime.

Her lips curl into a slight smile, a hint of pride showing on her face.

These words act like hooks, drawing fragments of memories back in front of her eyes.

In essence, a cultural festival is about creating a paradise where students can enjoy what they love without worrying about their studies or future.

So, got any ideas yet?

Yata extends a mechanical arm and gives you a gentle pat on the shoulder.

Well then, show me what the Gray Raven Commandant can come up with.

Yata extends a mechanical arm and gives you a gentle pat on the shoulder.

Just go with your gut feeling. I'll help you out.