On the early evening streets, a large performance has just ended. The spectators disperse into groups that go in each and every way.
This is where you and Ishmael agreed to meet after the performance, except she's nowhere to be seen now.
You call her name twice, but get no response.
She probably got lost in the crowd somewhere...
You try calling Ishmael's terminal, but she doesn't pick up. She probably can't even hear her terminal over the noises.
Since the venue isn't even that big, you decide to go and look for her yourself.
You retrace your steps, trying to find the path Ishmael might have taken.
There's a path decorated with flowers and another with evergreen grass... and you believe she most likely went down the flower path.
This street sells Constellia's specialty snacks, while that one offers milk tea-flavored electrolyte solutions... You choose the street with the milk tea electrolyte solutions.
And after that...
You wind through several narrow alleys, following the path you believe Ishmael has taken. As you round the last wall, the view suddenly opens up before you.
It's the sea.
...Gray Raven.
And there she is, sitting at a corner table. A mechanoid employee of the small shop has just delivered a milk tea-flavored electrolyte solution and a cup of regular milk tea.
Nope.
I wasn't really paying attention, and I didn't do any simulations.
I just had this feeling... that you'd probably get here around this time.
...That's right, you found me right on time.
Perfect timing. The festivities outside are almost over. How about we rest here for a while?
She extends her hand, inviting you to join her.
The horizon slowly erases the last traces of sunset glow as the tide gradually rises. The two of you leave the corner cafe and wander aimlessly along the beach.
Hm?
Ishmael suddenly bends down and picks up a peculiarly colored seashell from the sand.
I really like this color.
Night falls, and against the deep blue seascape, only the soft sunset glow of the shell in her hand remains and glimmers faintly.
Yes... like the sunset glow.
She carefully brushes the grains of sand from the shell and holds it up, seemingly trying to capture the last traces of sunset glow from the sky upon its surface.
Back home... there used to be an incredibly beautiful place.
That's where I saw... the most magnificent sunset glow.
Ishmael's eyes seem to be smiling as she looks at you.
Yes, it's a very distant place now... I'll take you there to see the sunset glow someday when I can.
Yes, and that's where I saw... the most magnificent sunset glow.
She repeats those words, gazing at the shell in her hand with nostalgia.
I'm sure we'll get to see it... someday.
Ishmael tucks the shell into her pocket, then turns her gaze toward the distant sea.
The sea horizon swallows the last streak of color from the sky—
...Oh, really?
Ishmael puts on a curious smile, then turns and gently traces her finger through the air—
BANG!
A sharp whistle pierces the air, and in the pitch-black night, vibrant fireworks once again light up the sky.
This beach is the perfect place when you want to see things at night.
Looks like... the night has only just begun.
Under the intimate veil of night, amid the cool breeze of early spring, Ishmael moves closer and takes your hand.
Are you not?
