And Suddenly It's Evening
>Lucia, do you take [player name] to be your partner...
...To love, cherish, and stand by [player name]?
At twilight, the setting sun drapes a veil of gold across the boundless ocean.
Amidst the solemn prayer, Lucia keeps her head lowered, occasionally stealing glances at you.
I... do.
Will you remain faithful to [player name], for as long as you live, until the end of time?
...
From behind her bouquet, Lucia fixes a lingering gaze on you.
When you turn around, you see her eyes veiled in twilight mist.
This warrior, who never took a step back facing all the battles she's been through, now seems unusually shy.
...
With your encouragement, she gives a slight nod. Her furrow slowly disappears, and she breaks into a smile.
...
Seeing that you're equally nervous, she grips your hand tightly, seemingly trying to draw courage from it.
After a brief moment, her furrowed brow relaxes, revealing a hint of a smile.
Yes.
A sea breeze from the depths of the Atlantic drifts through the towering, magnificent marble columns, brushing your cheeks with cool moisture and stirring the French marigolds by your side into a gentle rustle.
[player name]—godchild of the Savoy family and honored guest of Catania.
The officiant turns to face you.
Do you take Lucia to be your partner, to love, cherish, and stand by her?
You turn to look at Lucia. Her cheeks are slightly flushed, her left hand pressed against her chest, and a light of hopeful anticipation dances in her eyes.
Solemn and earnest—an answer that reveals your true feelings.
Will you remain faithful to her, for as long as you live, until the end of time?
The gentle sea breeze, the flowing wedding dress, the soft sunset. Everything good and beautiful that this world has to offer has apparently come to a stop at this very moment and come together in this very sacred hall.
At twilight, the golden sky stretches cloudless for miles. Sunlight pours down from above, making the Lucia in her satin wedding dress shine with brilliant radiance.
In this mesmerizing moment, she looks like an angel descended to the world of the mortals, so much so that even the sun lingering above the horizon seems to crave more of her radiant purity.
The Lord has borne witness to your choices. Now, please recite your vows and exchange your tokens to complete the union of your souls and your eternal bond.
...
She lifts her head, her slightly trembling gaze intertwining with yours.
In this moment, your face reflects in the depths of Lucia's ruby-like eyes.
You take Lucia's hand, feeling the warmth of her fingers, and take out the wedding ring you prepared.
You gently steady her trembling fingers and begin to say your vows—
Lucia gazes at you, listening in silence, her ears now hot red.
All your feelings have found their way to Lucia through your vows.
With it, the corners of her eyes begin to glisten with crystalline light.
Huff...
She closes her eyes and lets out a long breath.
The uncertainty lingering in her seems to disperse with that misty breath, swept away completely.
—[player name], I accept and bear witness to your vow.
When she opens her eyes, she trembles in joy, seemingly worry-free now.
With this ring, I vow before the world my devotion and love for you.
Lucia responds with a gentle smile, her vows earnest and unwavering, reminiscent of the resolute warrior that she is every day.
Gold does not tarnish, and jade remains whole, just like the promise that binds us.
Suddenly, a gentle breeze sweeps through, sending pink petals dancing through the air like snowflakes.
The peach blossoms drift gracefully through the air like shooting stars passing before your eyes, but they fail to steal the gaze locked between the two of you.
At this moment, the officiant walks up this way in gentle steps and guides the couple as they begin to recite the ancient sacred prayers—
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—
Our love endures this day and all days, now and forevermore.
...
With a gentle push, the ring slides onto her finger—and with it, your enduring devotion wraps itself around her ring finger.
The tiny ring gleams brilliantly in the radiant sanctuary, etching your promise to each other into the endless river of time.
Quietly, the setting sun slips into the ocean's embrace, drawing down the vibrant, colorful curtain of night.
The waves murmur gently as the silver gulls let out gentle calls.
As your journey comes to an end, you gaze upon the endless stretch of stars, your thoughts drifting hazily among countless memories.
These few short hours unfold like a magnificent, beautiful dream—a poem celebrating love and hope.
Facing an ending always brings with it reluctance and tender reflection.
To this scarred and broken world, it may be fleeting, even insignificant.
It remains a unique, infinitely precious fairy tale to you and Lucia...
Because the two of you have come a long way, overcoming countless setbacks along the way.
As the starry night sets in, tranquility blankets the earth. Before you, memory lane stretches long ahead...
A Love Story Across Time A Day In The Life
A few days ago
A few days ago
...Dear President Hassen.
Thank you for your attention to Catania. On behalf of the people of this small island, I would like to extend my deepest respect.
In the dimly lit room, a pen races across the stationery, producing a soft rustling sound.
Slanting rays of light pierce through the gaps in the Venetian blinds, illuminating the beads of sweat on the man's neck. After careful consideration, he adjusts his tie and finally forces out words from deep in his throat.
Lady Dawne, I am Camillo Solasso, a humble farmer.
I toil from dawn to dusk, shipping crates of oranges to Babylonia, trusting the Lord to reward those who walk in righteousness.
I believe you have already heard that over the past month, the Nora family has arbitrarily seized vast tracts of land from my plantations—not only in Catania but also in several other conservation areas across the ocean...
All the orders are gone, and I am on the verge of bankruptcy. In Catania alone, hundreds of workers will soon face unemployment. I truly cannot imagine that such a thing could happen on land blessed by God.
The writer doesn't respond to the man's lament, their face remaining concealed in the shade.
Once upon a time, Catania was a renowned destination famous for its history and bay.
Yet during the thirty years of rule by the 'Thirteen Families', it degenerated into a breeding ground for violence and crime.
My late father fought all his life for the welfare of the people of Catania, and I shall continue his work, putting Catania's history back on the right track.
The time is ripe, and I have decided to host a wedding for my 'godchild.'
According to Catanian tradition, all family leaders must cease their conflicts at that time, attend the ceremony, and offer their blessings to the godchild of the Savoy family.
At this wedding, I will announce the dissolution of the Thirteen Families, ban all underground industries, and establish a new autonomous committee with the United Government.
Those who comply with my authority will have their past transgressions forgiven, while those who stubbornly resist will be immediately arrested and brought to justice.
I hope that Babylonia can dispatch two exceptional warriors.
They will pose as my godchild who lives in Babylonia, serve as the central figure of this wedding, and assist in handling potential threats at the venue.
Regarding the operation details, I will have a specialist be in touch with you directly.
Lady Dawne, I heard your godchild's wedding is coming up...
I beg you, with all due humility, out of respect for the friendship I once had with your father, please, show mercy. Help us honest Catanian folk survive this.
The man keeps his head down, catching a glimpse from the corner of his eye as she picks up a fountain pen, dips it in ink, and signs the final few words in the bottom right corner of the letter—
Sincerely, Olivia.
...Mr. Solasso, I'm afraid I have to say no.
Her response from the darkness is cold and concise, putting out the faint glimmer of hope in the man's eyes.
The writer taps her fountain pen against the desk, tilts her face upward, and slowly leans back in her smoker's chair.
Sunlight streams through the slats of the Venetian blinds, illuminating her stern, commanding face.
You've spent a month currying favor with the police, the government, the army, burning time and money.
So why now? Why come crawling to my estate, calling me "Lady Dawne"?
She taps her fingers lightly against the carved armrest. The delicate sound vanishes instantly, yet it's enough to make the man shudder with fear.
Lady Dawne, I regret my mistakes...
The Lord didn't spare Miriam just because she repented, and I'm no different. If you want help, you need to pay a price.
I'll give you half my shares in Solasso Produce. Just... please forgive my foolishness.
Before the man can finish speaking, Olivia raises her index finger slightly, cutting his words short.
Mr. Solasso, you, my father, and I, we're all businesspeople who live by the Ten Commandments. For the Lord's sake, that offer is an insult!
At the word "offer", Solasso anxiously makes the sign of the cross over his chest.
Lady Dawne, I would give anything for your support, I mean it. But you see, I'm broke, dead broke, living off my little sister...
He reveals his desperate situation in an almost begging tone.
I don't need your money, Mr. Solasso.
...?
Solasso looks up in astonishment, meeting Lady Dawne's eagle-sharp gaze.
If you were close with my father, then you know what he always said: respect is the truest gift, and friendship the richest treasure.
Of course... those were his exact words.
Then show me respect. Be my friend. That's all it'll cost you to get your orchard back.
With those few words, light rekindles in Solasso's eyes.
D-do you... mean it... Lady Dawne?
I'll fight for you, as a friend. But if one day I call on you for help...
She pauses momentarily, her piercing gaze firmly locking onto the man's eyes, leaving him breathless.
Can I count on you to return the favor, Mr. Solasso?
Y-yes! Of course!
Olivia leans forward and holds out her right hand from behind.
Seeing this, Solasso immediately bows, humbly placing a kiss on her hand.
Thank you, Lady Dawne... Thank you so much...
He trembles, clutching Lady Dawne's right hand tightly while repeatedly murmuring words of thanks.
Think nothing of it. The Lord rewards the just, and let's call this a wedding gift from my godchild.
She calmly accepts Solasso's gratitude. Only after his emotions stabilize does she withdraw her hand.
Farewell, Mr. Solasso. May the Lord bless your work and keep you well.
Lady Dawne, you have my word as a Catanian, the Solasso family will never forget your friendship and your grace.
Olivia gives a slight nod.
Pleasure doing business, my friend.
Thank you so much...
Solasso can barely contain his joy, repeatedly bowing in gratitude as he backs out of the room with the utmost deference.
Once silence returns, Olivia begins organizing the papers on her desk. She casts a meaningful glance toward the depths of the room.
Frank, you take care of this.
From a corner of the room, the Savoy family's strategist rises from his seat.
Yes.
Are the wedding invitations ready?
Everything's set. Our allies are ready to board the Ark of this new era, and they're still loyal to you.
Good. What about the other families? Any news?
I was just getting to that. The Russell brothers have locked down the factory. Tensions are high. We might be looking at an all-out conflict. Should we do something about it?
In the shade of the dim sunlight, Olivia gently shakes her head.
When the eel and the octopus fight, it's the fisherman who gets the catch. Let them tire each other out, then I'll swoop in with an offer they can't refuse.
Roger that.
Oh, and if I'm not mistaken, isn't Solasso's cousin the lead designer at Vivienne Atelier?
That's right. She made her name in Babylonia, thanks in no small part to your father's support.
Olivia presses her ring into the wax on the envelope, imprinting the Savoy's family crest.
Then give my new friend a heads-up, Lady Dawne has a favor to ask.
Gray Raven Lounge
Babylonia
Gray Raven Lounge, Babylonia
You and Lucia finished recovering the sound device just a while ago.
You had been feeling exhausted from all the traveling, but that hot spring bath you had taken helped you refresh.
No sooner had the two of you returned to Babylonia than the military headquarters found you and put you on another "routine test mission".
So we're supposed to pose as some family's "godchildren" and hold a wedding in Catania?
Lucia puts down the mission briefing, sounding confused.
"By Catanian tradition, every family head must attend the godchild's wedding"... This is a bold move.
If Olivia's so powerful, why hire someone from Babylonia to pose as her godchild?
Because she has no heir. So she's spinning the rumors into something useful, staging a wedding with Babylonia's backing.
Makes sense now. I get it.
Lucia quickly organizes the information mentally and gives you a nod.
No objections here. If that's the plan, then I'll be the "bride".
Understood, [player name].
According to the mission briefing, Olivia's family has commissioned several custom wedding coatings for Lucia to choose from.
For the sake of compatibility with the Pyroath frame, Lucia will need to wear this coating while operating with you until the wedding officially begins, to avoid any abnormalities that might affect operational efficiency during the ceremony.
Next, the two of you will need to visit the designated formal wear shop to select a wedding dress for Lucia...
You're seated on the plush, comfortable sofa in the formal wear shop. The projection you're looking at shows a palace carved from white jade.
Countless exquisite gowns bloom like clusters of lilies within the marble palace, radiating divine and sacred brilliance.
Miss, if you could please turn around slowly...
Wow... you look absolutely stunning!
[player name], are you... are you outside right now?
The velvet partition of the fitting room trembles slightly as Lucia speaks somewhat nervously from inside the fitting room.
I... I've changed into the dress. So now—
Lucia sounds nervous.
Alright, alright, let your sweetheart see you already!
Swish—
Ah!
When the partition is suddenly drawn aside, you see Lucia standing before the lavish wall decorations.
Pure white satin envelops her like flower petals, with the glaze ornament on her chest sparkling under the lights.
She wears a light, elegant veil adorned with peach blossoms that perfectly complements the snow-white wedding dress she's wearing.
[player name]...
Against the enchanting backdrop, Lucia for a moment seems to exude the aura of the one who owns this ethereal pure white palace.
Ooh! Someone's completely blown away!
Embarrassed, Lucia looks away.
Both you and Lucia look surprised.
...
After a moment of silence, Lucia hesitates, then finally stops avoiding eye contact and slowly meets your gaze.
Commandant... does this dress suit me?
Her voice is barely above a whisper, seemingly worried about what you might say.
At this very moment, Lucia seems to be anything but the decisive and resolute warrior that she usually is.
Hearing the answer she was hoping for, Lucia lets out a satisfied smile.
That's a relief. I really like this wedding dress, too.
Is that so...? Maybe I'm just not cut out for something this fancy.
She lowers her head, looking somewhat disappointed.
R-really?
Lucia puts on a soft smile when hearing your compliment.
I'm glad you like it.
Oh dear, your partner's elegance fits our Vivienne gowns perfectly.
Especially that peach-blossom veil she picked herself, it's a perfect match!
The shop owner, who has been watching with a beaming smile, joins the conversation and enthusiastically praises Lucia.
These dresses were all custom pieces by our head designer, Miss Talia Solasso. She asked me to personally wish you both a happy union.
No thanks needed. It's an honor to have friends of the Solasso family grace our humble shop.
While the two of you exchange pleasantries, Lucia stands in front of the full-length mirror. She gently lifts her peach blossom veil and examines her reflection from different angles, then murmurs to herself.
Are we... really doing the mission in this outfit...?
She turns from side to side as she examines herself carefully, her eyes showing how deeply she treasures this moment.
[player name] likes this dress too... I just hope we don't ruin it out there...
Lucia snaps out of her trance and turns to look at you.
Commandant?
You approach slowly, and your reflection appears in the mirror beside her.
Let's go with this one. It really works, especially with the headpiece.
She makes room for you, and in the mirror, the two of you stand side by side, reminiscent of a couple in a wedding picture.
Lucia gently touches the peach blossom veil on her head, a joyful smile spreading across her face without herself even noticing it.
Lucia nods at you.
Alright, Commandant. Let's move out.
