HoYoLAB/Articles/She Knows the Flavor of the Ocean

Transcription

MAY THE NEXT FEAST BE ETERNAL.
Vol. 09

The Feast of
the Unending Night

Hysilens's
Besides Books

HYSILENS
Till the Sea Turns Blue

Till the Sea Turns Blue

Meet Hekletra, Commander of the Holy City Knights, Princess of the Sea Sirens. After her deep sea home was destroyed, leaving her alone and stranded, she joined in desperate pursuit of the Flame-Chase Journey. Now, as the evening grows darker, Hekletra's eyes glide toward a safe pier after performance at the feast, moving with the grace of a fish drifting through boundless waters.

"Hekletra? Nobody's called me that in a thousand years now. Just Hysliens, please. I'd love to chat about celebrations and swordplay, but for other matters on land... there are surely others more knowledgeable than me."

Q1: Before you came ashore, what did you look like?
I'm one of the "sea sirens." Yes, the legendary beings who entice humans with their melodies. Nervous? Don't be. In the ancient ocean tongue, we're all "Children of the Titans," more alike than different. When I reached shore, my tail fins became legs, scales softened to skin, and the sea foam that once clothed me crystallized into this dress. Only one piece of the ocean remains with me— the first wave born when Phagousa came into being. It still surges in my chest. Some nights wild as a tempest, others calm as a lagoon. For a thousand years, it's been my lullaby as I drift to sleep.

Q2: What made you decide to follow the Imperator?
It was Light Calendar 3860 when we first met. I'd been wandering the shorelines for what felt like forever. She wasn't called "Imperator" back then, but ambition already burned in her eyes. To Cerydra, the Flame-Chase was just the beginning. What she truly coveted was the sea of stars above. She burns like an eternal flame, you know, intense, radiant. So I pledged myself to her army, to help make her dreams into reality, to ensure her journey of conquest never ends.

Q3: They say that serving a ruler is like living alongside a tiger. What do you think?
A tiger? I don't think so. Fire doesn't burn the ocean. Rather, it forges steel. Wouldn't you agree? The Imperator cares deeply for those who serve her. Look at what she's done for me: grand feasts after every victory as promised, a custom-built swimming palace just for my comfort, even personal visits when she notices I'm feeling lonely. Sometimes she asks me to play chess with her. I'm dreadful at the game, but there's something enjoyable about her expression when she's pursuing victory.

Q4: That weapon of yours... is it a sword or a violin bow?
Phagousa blessed me twice over, with the gift of swordplay and the soul of music. Back in the kingdom's glory days, festivities never ceased. The heavenly voices of my sisters would blend with the notes from my violin... Until disaster struck. My bow became a weapon, slicing through abominations. Blood-drenched strings broke one after another, leaving only this instrument that plays nothing but requiems. Such a weapon should remain unique in this world. One is already too many.

Q5: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up such painful memories...
Don't worry about it. Whether we're "Children of the Titans", humans, or fish... we still have everything, at least until this sweet song of intoxication ends. So lift your cup. Let's empty it to the last drop tonight.

Offerings for the Feast
Those who accepted the invitation arrived bearing carefully chosen gifts for their host.

Garmentmaker with golden proportions
Tailored to perfection, designed to dance. Aglaea has insisted that no sword practice is allowed, period.

Bubble maker
A handheld device that creates ocean bubbles, allowing you to experience the thrill of bubble-chasing from the sea-dwelling days anytime, anywhere.

Understanding Humans with Tribbie
A book authored by Tribbie compiling her observations of human behavior. Thick enough to use as a chair.

Cipher's so-called "Deep Sea Gem"
Supposedly reveals underwater wonders when you look through it... except it's obviously just some random stone she found.

Voices from "beyond the sky"
A cassette translating the Trailblazer's journey into musical form, with tracks carefully selected to paint a portrait of distant stars.

Message Board
• Place the bouquets around the room. I selected the most fragrant ones just for this.
• Time to prepare for our next celebration. Victory will certainly be ours!
• Oh Hysilens~ Won't you share with *us* more tales from beneath the waves?
• Invitation from the Princess of Sea Sirens for a kitty? Great! And the kitty arrives with gifts? Even better!

Notes on Honey Brew
Sea sirens aren't great with human language, so better to toast than talk. Some things are better left unsaid, especially when honey brew can speak for you.

Oh, and to be perfectly clear, none of these contain alcohol.

Resting Stars Sweet, Velvety, Full-bodied
Stars nestled in my gaze, the ideal moment for gentle intoxication.
The Imperator has been buried in military tactics lately, never taking time to rest. She needs something to help her relax. I wonder if she'll notice... the stars I've hidden in her drink?

Golden Ripples Super Sweet, Intense, Crisp
Shattered gold in motion, sweetness choreographed upon the palate.
Someone's bothered our little golden trout again. I'll add more of her favorite osmanthus for sweetness. She needs a stronger dose than others. This should cheer her up.

Bubble Chase! Mild Sweetness, Silky, Super Refreshing
Moments of shared joy are absolutely priceless.
Let's make it apple red with a generous helping of magical bubbles... When her sisters come back, maybe we can all chase bubbles together.

Kitty & Fishy Slightly Bitter, Refreshing
A fleeting bitterness quickly retreats into a refreshing finish, the taste of a fishy trick.
Our little kitten fish is up to her tricks at the feast again, looking rather cute in her smugness. Still, she's young. A taste of her own medicine might teach her something.

Aglaea

Why did you... rip the dress I gave you again!? What material could possibly withstand a deep-sea fish like you?

Hysilens

Hmm... shark skin, perhaps.

Cipher

This ploy's not orchestrated by the Flame-Chase~ The prophecy lies distant as mirages across the land~

Tribbie

Wait... why are there three of everybody? What should *we* call *you* now?

Hysilens

Try "Hai," "See," and "Lens"

Look at them, all tipsy. I should make extra sweet porridge for our next feast.

Cerydra

Those books from Dux Fatorum are excessively complex. I'll gather some more appropriate reading materials for you soon.

Hysilens's
Besides Books

New to life on land, Hysilens often misunderstands human customs, leading to endearingly awkward situations. And the Imperator's advice was simple: "Read more."

Dolosian in Boots

Hysilens

Can we please skip this one? Cerydra: Fine, I'll find you something without kitties next time.

Nikador's New Clothes
The servants entered slowly carrying the ermine royal robe studded with luminous pearls. The king's dressing ceremony resembled nothing less than a grand symphony.

Hysilens

All this human fashion nonsense is beyond me... Down in the depths, we have always lived perfectly well au naturel.
Aglaea: So you say, but does that justify putting a hat on your foot?

The Rose and Its Thorns

Hysilens

The old era must end. If these lovers knew to hold daggers to their enemies' throats, this tale would be called Birth of a New Dynasty instead.

Cerydra

Family names, titles, blood feuds... such a complex narrative. A fish simply follows where its heart leads, swimming day and night, singing for its beloved.

Phagousa's Daughter
"At the prince's ball, the little mermaid experienced bothsurprise and delight at her first sip of honey brew."

Hysilens

How fortunate she was. The world she discovered above the waves was every bit as magnificent and lively as she'd dreamed it would be.

Cerydra

In my lands, the feast never fades and the brews never wanes. As long as my colors fly, your goblet shall never go dry.

"You shall eternally slumber in the sound of tides, and complete your conquest in the ocean at the boundaries of this world."

Chrysos Heir Interview Relay Continues

Message from Vol. 8 Character Phainon During a banquet, Lady Aglaea remarked, "The sound of waves still lingers." I find it a most fitting phrase the brings a certain someone to mind.

Phainon

I offer you my regards. Even now, the people of the holy city still savor their honey brew and revel in joyous celebrations.

Hysilens

To think someone like me could leave behind lasting traditions. Well then, my respects to you as well.

On the next issue, Vol. 10's cover...

Hysilens

The complexities of human nature that I could never fully grasp were as clear to her as sunlight penetrating the depths.

If you could ask them one question...

Hysilens

Sure, I don't claim to understand humans, but even I know the basics. I mean... bubble makers are children's toys, right?

Gallery

Other Languagess