Fragrance in the Dark

(Upon starting the commission)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): New day, new movie! I should go to Gravity Cinema and (‍get moreget moreText for Wise / accumulate someaccumulate someText for Belle‍) points!

(Idle, by the Starlight Knight standees)

Yuzuha: Will that movie be fun?

(Idle, beside the Never Overtime standee)

Alice: Hmm, one must maintain elegance even in a pitch-dark cinema.

(Idle)

Orchidea: Hmm... Guess I'll watch this...

(Talk to Orchidea)

Cinematic Flavor

New Releases

The Big Hollow, Last Flight, Dreamland Journey, Small Body Big Crisis

(Invite Orchidea)

Orchidea: Stick to your instincts... Choose "The Big Hollow".

Orchidea: I'll be waiting until you've made your choice.

No problem, I'll go get the tickets!

Orchidea: Movies about Hollows are always so creepy...

(During the movie)

(Who'd have thought Orchidea is into thrillers...)

Orchidea: What's wrong? You look surprised.

I'm kinda surprised you're into such intense movies...

Orchidea: Have you ever seen a black iris?

Orchidea: The petals are a deep black color, but when it blooms, the stamen is a vibrant yellow.

Orchidea: Like flowers, people can surprise you in unexpected ways.

Orchidea: Come to think of it... When we first met, I said you looked just like flower number 164 from my shop. But...

Orchidea: What do you think of me?

(I can't think of anything... wait, isn't Orchidea's name already a flower?)

I think you're like an... Orchidea!

(Movie Rank increase)

Orchidea: So that's what you think...

Orchidea: People always say the name reflects the person, and indeed, a name can influence the impression one leaves on others.

Orchidea: Looks like my name gave you an opportunity to be clever with your answer.

No, that's what I honestly think.

Orchidea: Heheh, I'm just kidding.

Can't really say... Black iris, I guess.

Orchidea: I'm just an ordinary flower shop owner. Do I really leave such a mysterious impression?

Orchidea: And using my example from before to answer... how lazy.

(Time's up.)

Orchidea: You couldn't think of anything...? That's a shame, I was really looking forward to hearing your answer.

Orchidea: If you like, you should come to Dew Gardening more often.

Orchidea: I'd be happy to introduce you to all kinds of beautiful flowers. Who knows, you might find your answer!

(An unforseen great Hollow gradually devours the city, as etherealized residents attack defenseless survivors.)

(Even when faced with some of the more horrifying scenes, Orchidea's expression doesn't change in the slightest.)

Orchidea: Are you concerned by my reaction? Do you want me to look more surprised? The movie hasn't quite reached that point yet...

(Orchidea seems to keep her cool no matter what...)

Pretend to be scared.

Orchidea: Are you really scared? Your words and tone don't quite match up...

Orchidea: But I suppose getting scared should be part of the fun when watching a horror movie... Seems like I've ruined the mood.

No way!

Orchidea: It is rare to be at a showing where we can actually talk during the movie, so I should probably be a bit more involved.

Praise Orchidea for always keeping her composure.

(Movie Rank increase)

Orchidea: Really? Perhaps it's because of my past...

Orchidea shifts in her seat, resting her cheek on her hand propped against the armrest, seemingly lost in thought.
A subtle, sweet fragrance wafts over, carrying with it the essence of days gone by.

(You've known about each other's secret identities for quite a while now, but it seems Orchidea still has other things on her mind.)

(Orchidea didn't try to deny it however, which means she must trust you to some extent.)

(Time's up.)

Orchidea: It is a horror movie, after all. If you're not even a little scared, then you can't really enjoy it, right?

Orchidea: I'm actually quite into the movie, I'm just not very good at showing it.

Trainee Investigator: This isn't a fissure. It's breathing... It's alive! Turn off the flashlight — now! It's reacting to the light!

Trainee Investigator: Careful! Hold my hand! And don't look down...

(Some people have already gotten scared and left, probably because the horror in this film is rather true to life.)

(‍(I'm starting to realize that although this is a disaster movie, there's a lot more scary moments than I was expecting...)(I'm starting to realize that although this is a disaster movie, there's a lot more scary moments than I was expecting...)Text for Wise / (Because who knows, maybe we'll wake up one day only to find a Hollow at our doorstep.)(Because who knows, maybe we'll wake up one day only to find a Hollow at our doorstep.)Text for Belle‍)

(Hm? Something seems off with that girl nearby. She's curled up in her seat, trembling and breathing heavily.)

(Should I go ask what's wrong? I'm not sure if I can be of any comfort though...)

Orchidea: Are you worried about that girl?

Ask Orchidea to go comfort her together.

(Movie Rank increase)

Orchidea's gentle reassurance works well. Once the girl calms down, Orchidea leads her out of the theater.
Shortly after, Orchidea returns alone as if nothing had happened.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Is the girl okay?

Orchidea: Don't worry, she's okay now. The movie just brought back some bad memories for her.

Orchidea: She was once lost in a Hollow with no one to rescue her. She thought she'd already moved on from that memory, but it seems that it still haunts her.

Orchidea: I've been through something similar myself. In a way... Maybe I'm still going through it now.

(Orchidea's face still carries a smile, but is she really as calm as her appearance suggests?)

If there's any way I can help...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I know this may sound presumptuous of me, but if there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Orchidea: That's very thoughtful of you. I really appreciate it... I'll let you know if I ever need anything.

Go help her yourself.

(Movie Rank increase)

You try to comfort the girl, but her condition doesn't improve. Seeing this, Orchidea quickly comes over. Her gentle comforting works, and once the girl calms down, Orchidea leads her out of the theater. Shortly after, Orchidea returns alone.

Orchidea: Don't worry, she's alright now.

That was amazing. Lucky you were here...

Orchidea: No, it was nothing. Honestly, it's thanks to you for noticing someone suffering and offering to help.

Orchidea: Also, don't push yourself if it's too scary, okay?

(‍I-I'm fine...I-I'm fine...Text for Wise / I'm super tough!I'm super tough!Text for Belle‍)

Orchidea: (‍Lying won't do, you know.Lying won't do, you know.Text for Wise / That's for sure. You've always been very brave and optimistic, Belle.That's for sure. You've always been very brave and optimistic, Belle.Text for Belle‍)

Orchidea: (‍It looks like this kind of movie isn't your thing, Wise. Don't worry about it, we all have our weaknesses.It looks like this kind of movie isn't your thing, Wise. Don't worry about it, we all have our weaknesses.Text for Wise / If only I were like you... But it's okay, whenever your brother isn't around, I'll protect you.If only I were like you... But it's okay, whenever your brother isn't around, I'll protect you.Text for Belle‍)

(Time's up.)

The girl's unusual behavior catches Orchidea's attention. She comforts her with a gentle voice and leads her out of the theater.

Shortly after, Orchidea returns alone.

Orchidea: Don't worry, she's alright now.

You finish watching The Big Hollow with Orchidea.
It's more of a disaster film rather than a typical thriller. The ending freezes on a white flower blooming among the ruins, sweeping away the dark tone that's built up throughout the film...

(If no correct choices were made)

Orchidea reflects on the film, completely forgetting how much time has passed.

Orchidea: A gentle sadness... like a lily of the valley about to wilt. It's hard to forget.

Orchidea: Thanks for picking this film, I really liked it.

Orchidea: I'd like to go back and jot down how I'm feeling right now. Feel free to come see me at Dew Gardening anytime!

(If rank Fellow Film Fans or higher was reached)

Orchidea: That was very interesting. I really enjoyed the movie you chose.

Flower shops and thrillers...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I feel like flower shops and thrillers don't really go together...

Orchidea: Hehe, there're more similarities than you might think.

(I can't imagine what they have in common... Maybe I should ask Orchidea to explain.)

Can flowers communicate with Bangboo?

Orchidea: The meaning behind flowers isn't something to be taken lightly, but it can depend on your perspective. There's definitely a lot of room for interpretation.

Orchidea: If you want to hear more, we can keep chatting.

I'm all ears!

A sudden burst of noise completely drowns out your voice, but Orchidea seems to hear nothing.
As the surroundings quiet down, you try to say it to her again...

Orchidea: It's okay. I'll tell you all about it when we next get the chance.

Would you mind explaining, Orchidea?

(Movie Rank increase)

Orchidea: Sure... The main characters in these films are always resilient. No matter the challenges or dangers they face, they never lose hope.

Orchidea: Just like a flower growing from a crack in the stone... so beautiful and incredibly precious.

Orchidea: Isn't that how New Eridu was built? Everyone's as fragile as a flower and just as beautiful.

Orchidea: Dew Gardening has always provided such customers with flowers, and you're one of its most important patrons.

(Time's up.)

Orchidea: What's wrong? Still thinking about the movie?

Orchidea: Actually, I'd like to know what you thought...

(If rank Popcorn Partners or higher was reached)

Orchidea: The main character kept watch over the makeshift camp and offered refuge to the lost survivors.

Orchidea: Such determination feels so small when faced with the Hollows, like the morning dew beneath the scorching sun.

Orchidea: Yet it's filled with hope, like the new moon emerging in the evening light.

Orchidea: Disasters often give birth to new life, but if I had a choice, I wouldn't want it to happen like this.

Orchidea: You picked a great movie, thanks.

(If rank Fellow Film Fans was reached)

Orchidea: What a horror film with such a distinctive style. You have impeccable taste.

(If the wrong movie was chosen)

You finish watching the movie with Orchidea, and she's eerily calm — like she's quietly protesting a thriller that totally failed to deliver.

(After the movie)

Orchidea: Overall, it's not bad... but the details were full of flaws.

Orchidea: The director's depiction of the reality inside the Hollow is filled with speculation, and the portrayal of the Ethereals is downright fantastical.

Orchidea: The investigators in the film didn't follow any of the current operational protocols — the director sacrificed too much plausibility for the sake of the plot.

Speaking of Hollows and Ethereals...

You're quite knowledgable about these topics.

Orchidea: Don't you think some Ethereals look a lot like flowers?

Orchidea: As the manager of Dew Gardening, I can't help but notice details like that.

That's a pretty weak excuse...

I guess that... makes sense?

Orchidea: Anyway, this movie was super sloppy with the details.

But Orchidea, your face is all flushed...

You seemed really into it!

Orchidea: Oh... Hm? Is that so...?

Orchidea touches her cheek.

Orchidea: Ah... how ironic, the one who creates things to be admired is now the one being admired...

Orchidea: I got caught off guard... Don't think I'll let you off so easily, dear customer.

Orchidea: How about next time you show me your favorite movie genre?

No problem!

Look forward to it!

Orchidea: Then, I have a favor to ask, if you don't mind...

Orchidea: Dew Gardening is nearby, would you mind walking back with me?

Okay!

Sure!

Head back to Dew Gardening with Orchidea.

(While walking to Dew Gardening)

Orchidea: Dew Gardening is pretty close to the cinema.

Orchidea: It's just a hop and a skip away.

(Reach Dew Gardening)

Orchidea: Please, take it.

What's this?

Incense oil?

Orchidea: How do you like this scent? I think it suits you perfectly.

Orchidea: Passionate and sincere, but also secretive.

Orchidea: Like I said earlier, watching a movie together doesn't really count as a proper thank you.

I like it.

It suits me quite well!

Orchidea: You've been reading my mind all day, so let me return the favor.

Orchidea: That'll make us even.

After saying that, Orchidea gives a slight bow and begins preparing the shop for business.

Hmm, surprisingly... she's quite the mischievous one.

It's already evening. Time sure flies by. You wonder if the theater has any new movies showing at this hour... Might as well go check it out.