Story Reader / Event Story / Hydrangea Gala / Story
The indoor venue is buzzing with excitement. Being the most popular attraction, the gaming section already has a long line forming early on.
CHALLENGE START!
Your fist lands on the mechanoid's padded chest, but the display panel on its head shows no reaction whatsoever.
Your score is 550. Unfortunately, you did not reach the prize threshold.
My turn.
Yata throws a right hook at the mechanoid, sending it flying several meters back and leaving dark skid marks across the floor.
Y-y-your sc-sc-score is—PRIZE—
The mechanoid's chest caves in as its head drops limply forward, showering sparks everywhere while spilling coins continuously from its mouth.
As night falls, visitors who spent the day playing gather outside, flooding the food street where vendors are swamped with customers.
Two skewers, please.
Yata hands over the tokens and picks up two grilled skewers from the stall. The aroma of chargrilled food is wafting through the air.
Each wooden skewer holds what looks like an egg yolk, glistening with a translucent sheen.
Here, [player name], try this.
This is called "Lantern". It's a unique snack from Hydrangea Island that'll be hard to find once the festival ends today.
With nothing particular to do on the festival's last day, you spend time with Yata, properly experiencing the festival you planned.
Visitors gradually disperse from the grounds as the twilight overhead fades into a starlit sky. The week-long "Golden Age Cultural Festival" finally comes to an end.
Yeah, we only came here looking for a place to chill and take a break, but you really turned this festival into something special.
With crowds flooding in every day, I guess all my effort coaching you wasn't wasted after all.
As the festival draws to a close, visitors light up fireworks along the street, painting the night with dazzling colors and brilliant lights.
Yata stands beneath the night sky, watching the distant crowds.
Everyone is so cheerful and lively... Just like another ordinary day on Hydrangea Island.
With one hand on her hip, Yata gazes up at the sky. As fireworks burst one after another in the night sky, their light reveals the complex emotions playing across her face.
...No.
You know what happened on Hydrangea Island.
The past won't change just because you miss it.
Some things are better kept locked away in the heart. Dwelling on the past only adds to the burden we carry.
—That's how I see it, at least. That's why I'd rather focus on making the most of each day as it comes.
Rather than dwelling on the past... I want more people to understand Hydrangea Island's culture, to remember our way of life.
Between the pops of fireworks, deep taiko drums begin to beat.
Massive festival floats slowly make their way to center stage, and curious onlookers quickly gather around them.
What's that painting up there? That's one huge skeleton.
That's one of those... uh... yokai things, right?
The oil painting style looks like Impressionism. There's a specific term for it, what was it called...
Ah, you must be thinking of Ukiyo-e! Actually, the Impressionists borrowed many of their techniques from Ukiyo-e art.
Oh, really? I thought these two styles had absolutely nothing to do with each other.
That's the beauty of art. Even when separated by vast distances, it still connects the past with the future!
Beneath the ancient paintings, a constant stream of visitors creates a lively buzz of conversation.
...
As if hearing something remarkable, Yata turns her head and meets your gaze.
Then, she gives a knowing smile.
I've heard that the Gray Raven Commandant always has a way of speaking simple words that carry deep meaning.
Now that I've witnessed it myself, you really do live up to your reputation.
Yata reaches out and gently taps your shoulder with her right fist.
A gentle breeze passes by as you stand side-by-side, gazing at the brilliant night view.
If everything goes as planned, this memorable cultural festival should finally draw to a close at this very moment.
If everything goes as planned, that is...
I've finally found you! So this is where you two have been!
It's you again...
(Panting) I've got an urgent message for you two. Since it's pressing, I'll cut to the chase.
Thanks to you both, the Golden Age Cultural Festival's revenue has far exceeded our targets! What's more, the Hydrangea Island theme has attracted tons of attention!
So, due to popular demand from the people of Babylonia, the WGAA has decided to extend the festival!
Hey, isn't this a bit too hasty?
So! The WGAA would like you, Commandant, and Yata to continue serving as planners for this cultural festival!
Please, Commandant! I'll make you a deal you can't refuse!
Yay! I knew you'd be up for it, Commandant! I'll even throw in a special personal rebate for you!
...Yeah, I guess.
I get free food and drinks here anyway, so it's pretty much like a vacation.
Besides, you've changed my mind about this cultural festival thing... I actually like the atmosphere here.
I am a graduate of Misono High, after all. Can't let you run wild and mess up the cultural festival.
That's wonderful! We'll have even more supplies for the second half of the festival, including hydrangeas from Hydrangea Island!
Hydrangeas, huh... I'll go take a look later.
Everyone in Babylonia loves this festival! I'm sure you two'll make the second half even better!
You can do it! Once the festival's over, I'll treat you both to a fantastic feast!
—Oh right! And I'll throw in exclusive Ayla Wish Coupons too!
...I'll pass. Just give both of them to the Gray Raven Commandant instead.
All right, all right, let's worry about tomorrow's problems tomorrow.
The fireworks aren't over yet. Wanna get a closer look, [player name]?
