Yearlight Ceremony Emergency Plan

 Go back to the video store

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(‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) just messaged me saying we've got a difficult guest.
Not sure what the situation is... but I better head home and check it out real quick.

Sixth Street

(Ongoing)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What's up with (‍Belle today?Belle today?Text for Wise / Wise today...Wise today...Text for Belle‍) Just how special is this guest (‍anyway...anyway...Text for Wise / anyway?anyway?Text for Belle‍)

(Enter Random Play)

(The Proxy enters the HDD room, where a mysterious visitor awaits them)

???: Not long ago, PubSec conducted a safety inspection of your establishment.

???: Regrettably, the inspection wasn't completed... correct?

Severian: Pardon the intrusion, my name is Severian Lowell.

Hitting It Off Right Away?

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Hitting It Off Right Away?

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Video Summary: Some people are just as tough to deal with as I thought.

Story Description: An anonymous client arrived, introducing himself as Severian Lowell, Commissioner from Public Security. After a mix of pressure and persuasion, the siblings accepted the commission to continue assisting Public Security in stopping Youkai from sabotaging Gilded Carrot Day.

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Severian: During our last call, you asked for my rank and name.

Severian: Per regulation, I'm required to answer truthfully – I'm Severian Lowell, Senior Commissioner of New Eridu's Public Security HQ... and your former client.

Lowell?

You and Seth...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): "Commissioner Lowell"? (‍That sounds familiar... I think Zhu Yuan mentioned it before.
How are you related to Seth?That sounds familiar... I think Zhu Yuan mentioned it before.
How are you related to Seth?Text for Wise / I've heard that name before... Oh! Zhu Yuan mentioned it!
Wait — how are you related to Seth?I've heard that name before... Oh! Zhu Yuan mentioned it!
Wait — how are you related to Seth?Text for Belle‍)

Severian: You can just call me by my name, Severian.

Severian: As for me and Seth... were you asking if we are legally related, or about our relation within the precinct?

Legally related.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Legally... related?

Commissioner Severian's ears twitch, but he doesn't comment.
Despite their vastly different temperaments, the resemblance between the two brothers is unmistakable, making the question feel rather unnecessary.

Within the precinct.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Within the (‍precinct...?precinct...?Text for Wise / precinct!precinct!Text for Belle‍)

Severian: For certain cases, the Criminal Investigation Special Response Team he belongs to reports directly to me.

Severian: If some of your "friends"... ever speculated about Officer Seth Lowell's background within the Public Security system — then I believe that responsibility lies with me.

Severian: My apologies, I've gone a bit off topic. I came by today to talk with you about the last commission.

That last commission...

It wasn't perfect...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍The outcome of the last commission... certainly wasn't ideal, but we did everything we could with the support Public Security provided.The outcome of the last commission... certainly wasn't ideal, but we did everything we could with the support Public Security provided.Text for Wise / Yeah, the outcome of that last commission... it wasn't perfect, but we did our best with the help Public Security gave us...Yeah, the outcome of that last commission... it wasn't perfect, but we did our best with the help Public Security gave us...Text for Belle‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): We cleared out the constructs that woke up in (‍thetheText for Belle‍) Lemnian Hollow, and we told you everything we know about Youkai's movements afterwards...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Right. Me and Wise worked our butts off...Right. Me and Wise worked our butts off...Text for Wise / Exactly. Belle and I did everything we could.Exactly. Belle and I did everything we could.Text for Belle‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): And now you suddenly show up at our place, scaring our Bangboo and our AI assistant... (‍For a public officer, that seems inappropriate, doesn't it?For a public officer, that seems inappropriate, doesn't it?Text for Wise / Isn't that a little rude of a public officer?Isn't that a little rude of a public officer?Text for Belle‍)

Severian: First, on behalf of the whole Information Security Team, I want to thank both of you for everything you did.

Severian: That said, we also found that Youkai's behavioral patterns and portions of its code appear to have some connection to your household AI assistant... The one you previously reported to the Criminal Investigation Special Response Team.

Severian: In their words... the Youkai that caused the disturbance and your intelligent assistant appear to be something akin to "twins."

Severian: That's why I'm getting ready to apply for permission to borrow it from you for a short time — needless to say, we'll make sure it's returned safely once the investigation is finished.

(That's not gonna happen!)

(Gotta find an excuse...)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ((‍Even Belle and I don't fully understand where Fairy comes from, and there's no way we can let Public Security know about our partnership. Lending Fairy out is completely out of the question.Even Belle and I don't fully understand where Fairy comes from, and there's no way we can let Public Security know about our partnership. Lending Fairy out is completely out of the question.Text for Wise / Even Wise and I haven't figured out where Fairy really came from... There's no way we can let Public Security learn of our partnership with her — there's absolutely no way we're letting them take Fairy!Even Wise and I haven't figured out where Fairy really came from... There's no way we can let Public Security learn of our partnership with her — there's absolutely no way we're letting them take Fairy!Text for Belle‍))

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (But (‍he's not treatinghe's not treatingText for Wise / he didn't callhe didn't callText for Belle‍) Fairy a suspect. He just wants her to "(‍assist inassist inText for Wise / help withhelp withText for Belle‍) the investigation"... (‍Hm... I need a reason to refuse.Hm... I need a reason to refuse.Text for Wise / What excuse can I use to say no?What excuse can I use to say no?Text for Belle‍))

You lock eyes with (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍).

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Gilded Carrot Day is tomorrow, so you're saying you wanna borrow Fairy to help out, make sure Youkai doesn't actually crash the lighting ceremony like it said it would?Gilded Carrot Day is tomorrow, so you're saying you wanna borrow Fairy to help out, make sure Youkai doesn't actually crash the lighting ceremony like it said it would?Text for Wise / Gilded Carrot Day is tomorrow. You're asking Fairy to assist you so Youkai doesn't make good on its threat to sabotage the lighting ceremony, right?Gilded Carrot Day is tomorrow. You're asking Fairy to assist you so Youkai doesn't make good on its threat to sabotage the lighting ceremony, right?Text for Belle‍)

Severian: Mm... when it comes to potential criminals, Public Security would of course want to gather as much information as possible; and if we can bring it under control outright, all the better.

Fairy: Alert: Analysis indicates that the action you requested has a zero percent chance of success.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Fairy! Don't be so rude...Fairy! Don't be so rude...Text for Wise / Fairy, don't be rude.Fairy, don't be rude.Text for Belle‍)

Severian: Your AI assistant seems to know more about Youkai than us, then...

Wait — Fairy doesn't do business trips.

But working remotely might be possible.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Wait a second. Fairy... has never done off-site work before. But if you make it a commission and have her help remotely, that should work...Wait a second. Fairy... has never done off-site work before. But if you make it a commission and have her help remotely, that should work...Text for Wise / Just a sec — Fairy... doesn't really travel! But if there's something she can handle remotely, I'm sure... she'd be happy to help Public Security!Just a sec — Fairy... doesn't really travel! But if there's something she can handle remotely, I'm sure... she'd be happy to help Public Security!Text for Belle‍)

Severian: Then it's settled.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): ...Huh?

Severian: Since you two have already accepted the job on her behalf, I won't push you any further.

Severian: And honestly, all my concern about Youkai comes from wanting to protect Gilded Carrot Day and keep New Eridu in order, so there's no need to get hung up on whatever form that partnership takes.

Did I say what you wanted to hear?

You weren't like this before...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍...Tch. Sounds like my suggestion was exactly what you wanted? You didn't have this attitude earlier, when you were outright trying to take Fairy away......Tch. Sounds like my suggestion was exactly what you wanted? You didn't have this attitude earlier, when you were outright trying to take Fairy away...Text for Wise / ...Did I just say exactly what you wanted to hear? Because earlier, when you tried to grab Fairy, you definitely weren't this cooperative......Did I just say exactly what you wanted to hear? Because earlier, when you tried to grab Fairy, you definitely weren't this cooperative...Text for Belle‍)

Fairy: Agreed.

Severian gives a small smile and sets a storage drive down on the table in front of Fairy.

(Mysterious Storage Drive added to the Workbench)

Mysterious Storage Drive

A mysterious data storage drive left behind by Severian that could contain some clues about Youkai.
Oddly enough, there isn't any Public Security labeling on it anywhere. Is this Commissioner... working with us off the books!?

Severian: To show good faith, I brought something that... might help. As long as you can stop that arrogant, out-of-control AI, you're free to read and use any information stored in it.

Severian: I hope we can work together and shut down this plot to disturb the peace in New Eridu...

Severian: If not, then as the twin intelligent entity and a key suspect... your intelligent assistant might just be called in by Public Security for additional questioning.

Leaving behind a thinly veiled threat, Severian prepares to leave.
...For some reason, you feel like if Youkai isn't stopped, the Commissioner really will take Fairy away.

 Listen in on Severian and Seth's chat (Optional)

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Just got strong-armed by the Lowell Commissioner into taking on a commission to stop Youkai.
Better talk it over with (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) and figure out our next move.

Sixth Street

(Talk to Severian, optional)

"Gilded Carrot Day" Family Event

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Gilded Carrot Day" Family Event

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Video Summary: Some people are just as tough to deal with as I thought.

Story Description: Before leaving, Severian ran into Seth and exchanged a few barbs. Though neither was exactly open about showing concern, with a little "help" from (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), they still ended up agreeing to head home together for Gilded Carrot Day.

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Severian: Good day, Rookie Patrol Officer Lowell. Didn't expect to run into you here.

Seth: ...Brother, quit the act. The manager's known me for ages.

Seth: Besides, the approval process for the duty roster Captain Zhu Yuan submitted has edits from "Commissioner Lowell"... If your assistant didn't handle it for you, you should know I'm on Sixth Street.

Severian: ...Is that so?

(Tease Severian)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Ahem... So you assigned Seth to patrol Sixth Street, and then deliberately came by for a "chance encounter," huh?Ahem... So you assigned Seth to patrol Sixth Street, and then deliberately came by for a "chance encounter," huh?Text for Wise / So... you assigned Seth to patrol Sixth Street on purpose, and then came by to stage a chance encounter?So... you assigned Seth to patrol Sixth Street on purpose, and then came by to stage a chance encounter?Text for Belle‍)

Seth: No way! We're just siblings who happen to have some work overlap! If it weren't for the approval documents, he wouldn't even know where I'd be spending Gilded Carrot Day!

(Cover for Severian)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Public Security must be swamped around Gilded Carrot Day — (‍Severian probably just forgot about his previous arrangements.Severian probably just forgot about his previous arrangements.Text for Wise / did Severian forget about his prior arrangements?did Severian forget about his prior arrangements?Text for Belle‍)

Seth: Hmph, it's still weird that he pretended not to know me in front of you. And I wasn't even acting like we were strangers! Why did he pretend not to know where I'd be on Gilded Carrot Day?

Severian: Sorry, I have to correct you there. Since a certain someone has been yelling at home every day, accusing me of "neglecting my family"... I already promised I'd head home after the lighting ceremony to spend Gilded Carrot Day with them.

Severian: As for his own Gilded Carrot Day plans... If he wasn't tricking me into going home just so he could sneak off and hang out with his friends — then yeah, I've always known his Gilded Carrot Day plans.

Seth: Th—That's not true!

Seth: My shift ends at the lighting ceremony too, and then I'm heading home!

Severian: I hope so.

Severian: I had to make quite a few promises to my boss just to get the night off for Gilded Carrot Day.

Severian: If a certain someone misses this reunion, then comes home with a videotape next time, begging me to join in on family activities...

Seth: Hey, that was a family event! I—I just didn't want you to feel left out!

Severian: Alright, thanks for not "leaving me out." But if I remember correctly... I wasn't the one who insisted on keeping distance from family in the workplace, was I?

Seth: That's only because you—

Severian: ...I?

What Seth probably meant to say was... "It's because you're the golden child and everyone just makes fun of me"?
This kind of banter was so common that even the passing-by video store Manager had heard it a few times.

But for Seth, that's obviously not the right thing to say during an argument with his brother.

...And sure enough, you receive a "help me" look from Seth.

(Change the subject)

Anyway, about Gilded Carrot Day!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Ahem... Let's get back to Gilded Carrot Day. Seth has been patrolling Sixth Street — did you intentionally arrange that, Severian?Ahem... Let's get back to Gilded Carrot Day. Seth has been patrolling Sixth Street — did you intentionally arrange that, Severian?Text for Wise / Hmm... Anyway, let's get back to Gilded Carrot Day! Seth's been patrolling Sixth Street lately — was that specifically arranged by you, Severian?Hmm... Anyway, let's get back to Gilded Carrot Day! Seth's been patrolling Sixth Street lately — was that specifically arranged by you, Severian?Text for Belle‍)

Seth: Right! You never answered me!

Severian: It's simply because Public Security Officer Zhu Yuan has more important duties to handle by herself, so the rest of the team are assigned to other missions as well. I'd advise a certain rookie officer not to get too full of themselves.

Seth: Look, I know you don't like me, but could you at least not say such obnoxious things in front of the manager?!

Severian: ...

(Lighten the mood)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): How could there be an older brother (‍in this world who dislikes his younger siblings? I'm sure the way Severian talks comes across a bit harsh...in this world who dislikes his younger siblings? I'm sure the way Severian talks comes across a bit harsh...Text for Wise / who doesn't like his little brother or sister! I bet Severian just talks tough...who doesn't like his little brother or sister! I bet Severian just talks tough...Text for Belle‍) but he's totally got a Gilded Carrot Day surprise (‍planned — he'splanned — he'sText for Wise / planned. He's probablyplanned. He's probablyText for Belle‍) just too embarrassed to tell you, right?

(Fan the flames)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍That's not really appropriate for you to say. As a fellow big brother, I'd never treat Belle like that. Unless... you've got a Gilded Carrot Day surprise planned for Seth and haven't told him yet, and you're just being shy?That's not really appropriate for you to say. As a fellow big brother, I'd never treat Belle like that. Unless... you've got a Gilded Carrot Day surprise planned for Seth and haven't told him yet, and you're just being shy?Text for Wise / That was harsh, Severian! Unless you've got some kind of Gilded Carrot Day surprise planned that you haven't told Seth about... Otherwise, as his big brother, that's honestly unforgivable!That was harsh, Severian! Unless you've got some kind of Gilded Carrot Day surprise planned that you haven't told Seth about... Otherwise, as his big brother, that's honestly unforgivable!Text for Belle‍)

Severian: I...

Seth: Hmph... There's no way he'd prepare a surprise for the family...

Severian: I'll come pick you up from Sixth Street after the lighting ceremony, and we'll head home together.

Seth: Uh... Huh?

Severian: Hmph.

The look on Severian's face says it all — his last-minute damage control only made things even more awkward.
(‍Nice, chalk one up for Fairy.Nice, chalk one up for Fairy.Text for Wise / Haha, that's what he gets for picking on Fairy!Haha, that's what he gets for picking on Fairy!Text for Belle‍)

Severian: I... might be a bit late. You can wait for me at the parking lot by 404.

Maybe because he said something he normally wouldn't, Severian quickly takes his leave.
Though his steps are steady, the nervous flick of his ears gives him away.

Seth: Y'know... he's acting really weird today! And what was he doing at the video store...?

Seth: Don't tell me he actually planned out the whole Gilded Carrot Day family event, and even borrowed a videotape for us to watch... all so he could snitch on me to Mom and Dad if I got home late!

...That's right!

Maybe...?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ...Well, your brother is indeed a customer at our store. (‍As for snitching on you... I'm not entirely sure, but I think there's a possibility of that.As for snitching on you... I'm not entirely sure, but I think there's a possibility of that.Text for Wise / As for snitching... I'm not too sure, but I think there's a good chance!As for snitching... I'm not too sure, but I think there's a good chance!Text for Belle‍)

Seth: This is so unfair! I need to get Gilded Carrot Day gifts for Mom and Dad... and for him too. Can't let him show me up!

Seth: Oh, um...Sorry about that, Manager. We must've taken up a lot of your time, huh?

No worries.

I'm learning.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍No worries, I like hearing you talk about this stuff — after all, I'm a big brother too. I learn a lot from watching how other siblings interact with each other.No worries, I like hearing you talk about this stuff — after all, I'm a big brother too. I learn a lot from watching how other siblings interact with each other.Text for Wise / No worries, I love hearing you talk about this stuff! I've got a big brother too, after all, so I learn a lot just watching how siblings interact with each other!No worries, I love hearing you talk about this stuff! I've got a big brother too, after all, so I learn a lot just watching how siblings interact with each other!Text for Belle‍)

Seth: Oh, I see... Glad we're not bothering you! But the way we interact with each other in our family... you're probably better off not learning from us...

Seth: You should head back to the store! Oh, by the way, I'll be patrolling Sixth Street these days. If you ever need any help, feel free to come find me!

 Talk to (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍)

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Just got strong-armed by the Lowell Commissioner into taking on a commission to stop Youkai.
Better talk it over with (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) and figure out our next move.

Random Play

(Talk to (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍))

Efforts to Stop a Crisis

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Efforts to Stop the Crisis

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Video Summary: Once again, it's family meeting time!

Story Description: The siblings try to analyze how Youkai might sabotage the Yearlight Ceremony, concluding it will likely target someone directly connected to Gilded Carrot Day. As for the details, they decide to play it by ear.

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(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍)... what do we do now?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍I mean, if Severian insists on taking Fairy, we could try going to the mayor — but even then, I don't want to tell him everything about Fairy and the HDD...I mean, if Severian insists on taking Fairy, we could try going to the mayor — but even then, I don't want to tell him everything about Fairy and the HDD... Tooltip for I mean, if Severian insists on taking Fairy, we could try going to the mayor — but even then, I don't want to tell him everything about Fairy and the HDD...ⓘText for Wise / If Severian insists on taking Fairy, we could appeal to the mayor — but if it came to that, we'd probably have to come clean about everything involving Fairy and the HDD.If Severian insists on taking Fairy, we could appeal to the mayor — but if it came to that, we'd probably have to come clean about everything involving Fairy and the HDD.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Or, Fairy, do you have any way to lay low for a while? There's no way we'd hand you over!Or, Fairy, do you have any way to lay low for a while? There's no way we'd hand you over!Text for Wise / Or... Fairy, can you relocate somewhere temporarily? There's no way we're handing you over.Or... Fairy, can you relocate somewhere temporarily? There's no way we're handing you over.Text for Belle‍)

Fairy: Based on available data, the intelligent entity Youkai specializes in breaching security protocols, rapidly infiltrating and exiting devices, and altering system behavior through viral code.

Fairy: As a result, most tracking programs struggle to monitor its movements.

Fairy: Unfortunately, your AI assistant lacks expertise in this field. Additionally, I am bound by our "agreement" and cannot leave easily.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍...Fairy, I'm touched, but this isn't the moment to get all sentimental!...Fairy, I'm touched, but this isn't the moment to get all sentimental!Text for Wise / Now's not the time to be sentimental, Fairy.Now's not the time to be sentimental, Fairy.Text for Belle‍)

Fairy: ...My statements reflect an objective assessment of my capabilities and limitations. No exaggeration is present.

If Youkai's plan actually works...

It's going to land you in trouble, Fairy.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Since Fairy is an AI "connected" to Youkai, if it manages to sabatoge [sic] the lighting ceremony, she'll definitely attract more scrutiny from Public Security and other government divisions.Since Fairy is an AI "connected" to Youkai, if it manages to sabatoge [sic] the lighting ceremony, she'll definitely attract more scrutiny from Public Security and other government divisions. Tooltip for Since Fairy is an AI "connected" to Youkai, if it manages to sabatoge [sic] the lighting ceremony, she'll definitely attract more scrutiny from Public Security and other government divisions.ⓘText for Wise / If Youkai really sabotages the lighting ceremony, and judging by how obsessed it is with messing with Fairy, more people are gonna start paying attention to her.If Youkai really sabotages the lighting ceremony, and judging by how obsessed it is with messing with Fairy, more people are gonna start paying attention to her.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍So right now... the only option is stopping Youkai before everything gets worse.So right now... the only option is stopping Youkai before everything gets worse.Text for Wise / Our only move is to try to stop Youkai before things escalate any further.Our only move is to try to stop Youkai before things escalate any further.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍But if we barely know anything about YoukaiBut if we barely know anything about YoukaiText for Wise / But with so little intelBut with so little intelText for Belle‍), where do we even start?

We're not totally in the dark.

We actually know quite a bit.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Don't lose heart yet, Belle. We're not completely clueless. First, Youkai openly admitted it was behind the "Creator" incident. Plus, we've picked up quite a few details recently...Don't lose heart yet, Belle. We're not completely clueless. First, Youkai openly admitted it was behind the "Creator" incident. Plus, we've picked up quite a few details recently... Tooltip for Don't lose heart yet, Belle. We're not completely clueless. First, Youkai openly admitted it was behind the "Creator" incident. Plus, we've picked up quite a few details recently...ⓘText for Wise / Oh come on, Wise! Don't be so defeatist! We're not clueless about Youkai — it literally admitted it was behind the "Creator", right? And we've learned a ton lately!Oh come on, Wise! Don't be so defeatist! We're not clueless about Youkai — it literally admitted it was behind the "Creator", right? And we've learned a ton lately!Text for Belle‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Youkai hijacked an Intelligent Construct officer, and sent Severian that "letter of criminal intent." It keeps bragging about ruining the lighting ceremony, telling us to "stay tuned"...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): ...It even posed as (‍thatthatText for Wise / thetheText for Belle‍) Wishing Sprite to (‍mess withmess withText for Wise / influenceinfluenceText for Belle‍) Aria, nearly wrecking the girls' Gilded Carrot Day show.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Hmm... Is it just me, or does picking on Aria and the Angels of Delusion not really match its "go big or go home" chaos-lover personality?Hmm... Is it just me, or does picking on Aria and the Angels of Delusion not really match its "go big or go home" chaos-lover personality?Text for Wise / Hmm... Maybe it's just me... but targeting Aria and Angels of Delusion seems out of character for an AI that usually prefers large-scale spectacle.Hmm... Maybe it's just me... but targeting Aria and Angels of Delusion seems out of character for an AI that usually prefers large-scale spectacle.Text for Belle‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Yeah...Yeah...Text for Wise / You're right...You're right...Text for Belle‍)

Fairy: I have generated a "Behavioral Logic Analysis Report": this AI shows a clear "performative impulse," frequently showcasing its abilities, causing disruptions, and triggering panic or confusion among specific groups.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍If we don't count the 404 angels incident, that analysis actually holds up. Let's treat Aria's case as an outlier for now...If we don't count the 404 angels incident, that analysis actually holds up. Let's treat Aria's case as an outlier for now...Text for Wise / If we ignore the 404 case, your analysis stands. Let's treat that as an anomaly for now...If we ignore the 404 case, your analysis stands. Let's treat that as an anomaly for now...Text for Belle‍)

Fairy: Continuing analysis of overlapping factors across the above events: Bangboo "Lockspring", Intelligent Construct Public Security Officer, Aria...

Youkai really loves working through others, doesn't it?

So Youkai isn't a fan of showing up in person.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍So, from the looks of it... Youkai prefers to stay hidden "backstage" and manipulate othersSo, from the looks of it... Youkai prefers to stay hidden "backstage" and manipulate othersText for Wise / So basically... Youkai loves hiding "backstage" and messing with peopleSo basically... Youkai loves hiding "backstage" and messing with peopleText for Belle‍) to get what it wants. And its targets are usually constructs, right?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍That means Youkai will likely try to control another construct to somehow spark fear or chaos to disrupt the lighting ceremony...That means Youkai will likely try to control another construct to somehow spark fear or chaos to disrupt the lighting ceremony...Text for Wise / Which means it'll probably try to grab control of another construct and disrupt the lighting ceremony in a way that sparks panic or chaos...Which means it'll probably try to grab control of another construct and disrupt the lighting ceremony in a way that sparks panic or chaos...Text for Belle‍)

Together with (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) and Fairy, you fall into silence for quite a while...
In the stillness, one can almost hear human brains and the electricity meter running at full speed together.
Gilded Carrot Day is only a day away...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Ugh, my brain hurts... I can't think anymore...Ugh, my brain hurts... I can't think anymore...Text for Wise / I have no idea... or perhaps too many...I have no idea... or perhaps too many...Text for Belle‍)

Let's get some rest.

Let's handle it tomorrow.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Speculating like this is pointless. We should get some rest and leave this to tomorrow-us... Maybe after a shower and some sleep, things will become clearer.Speculating like this is pointless. We should get some rest and leave this to tomorrow-us... Maybe after a shower and some sleep, things will become clearer.Text for Wise / There's no point overthinking it right now. Why don't we get some rest? We can deal with it tomorrow. Maybe we'll have a clearer idea in the morning!There's no point overthinking it right now. Why don't we get some rest? We can deal with it tomorrow. Maybe we'll have a clearer idea in the morning!Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Worst case, we prepare ourselves to hand Fairy over to Public Security, and then immediately run to the mayor for help!Worst case, we prepare ourselves to hand Fairy over to Public Security, and then immediately run to the mayor for help!Text for Wise / If it comes to it, we may need to be ready to hand Fairy over to Public Security... and do our best to convince the mayor to help us.If it comes to it, we may need to be ready to hand Fairy over to Public Security... and do our best to convince the mayor to help us.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍With their skills, I doubt they'll get anything meaningful out of Fairy...With their skills, I doubt they'll get anything meaningful out of Fairy...Text for Wise / They're government officials. They wouldn't torture an innocent AI citizen.They're government officials. They wouldn't torture an innocent AI citizen.Text for Belle‍)

Fairy: ...Alert: Second Assistant, your line of thinking is extremely risky.

It'll be fine.

Don't worry, Fairy.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Don't worry, Fairy. Things aren't that dire yet. Worst case, I'll head to Failume Heights and stand guard with Shifu at the lighting ceremony. You and Belle can handle things from home.Don't worry, Fairy. Things aren't that dire yet. Worst case, I'll head to Failume Heights and stand guard with Shifu at the lighting ceremony. You and Belle can handle things from home. Tooltip for Don't worry, Fairy. Things aren't that dire yet. Worst case, I'll head to Failume Heights and stand guard with Shifu at the lighting ceremony. You and Belle can handle things from home.ⓘText for Wise / Relax, Fairy! Things aren't that bad yet! If it gets really desperate, I'll go to Failume Heights tomorrow and stand guard at the lighting ceremony with Shifu and the others... You and Wise can stay home and respond as needed.Relax, Fairy! Things aren't that bad yet! If it gets really desperate, I'll go to Failume Heights tomorrow and stand guard at the lighting ceremony with Shifu and the others... You and Wise can stay home and respond as needed.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Oh, right, Wise! I just remembered — Youkai talked to Aria before. She might know something useful.Oh, right, Wise! I just remembered — Youkai talked to Aria before. She might know something useful.Text for Wise / Oh yeah, Belle, it just occurred to me — Aria interacted with Youkai before. She might know something helpful.Oh yeah, Belle, it just occurred to me — Aria interacted with Youkai before. She might know something helpful.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): I'll message her to set something up. Let's all meet at the video store tomorrow (‍morning!morning!Text for Wise / morning.morning.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): ...

Truth is, in (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍)'s heart...

You probably already have an answer by now, right?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): ...Yeah.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍If Youkai's reallyIf Youkai's reallyText for Wise / If Youkai isIf Youkai isText for Belle‍) planning to use Vesper (‍somehowsomehowText for Wise‍)... at least nothing (‍too wild should go downtoo wild should go downText for Wise / major should happenmajor should happenText for Belle‍) before the lighting ceremony officially (‍kicks offkicks offText for Wise / beginsbeginsText for Belle‍).

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Let's ask Aria what she thinks when she gets here tomorrow morning, yeah? My gut's telling me that if we wanna crack this case, we're probably gonna need Aria's help!Let's ask Aria what she thinks when she gets here tomorrow morning, yeah? My gut's telling me that if we wanna crack this case, we're probably gonna need Aria's help!Text for Wise / When Aria comes by tomorrow morning, we should ask what she thinks too. I have a strange feeling that if we're going to resolve this, we might need Aria's help.When Aria comes by tomorrow morning, we should ask what she thinks too. I have a strange feeling that if we're going to resolve this, we might need Aria's help.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), you'll probably have to head to Failume Heights (‍tomorrow, so get some rest tonight!tomorrow, so get some rest tonight!Text for Wise / again tomorrow... You should get some rest early tonight.again tomorrow... You should get some rest early tonight.Text for Belle‍)

 Return to your room and rest

---

Though the whole disbanding crisis is over, the Youkai situation's still up in the air, plus there's that hard-to-deal-with Commissioner...
It's already late today, let's get some rest.

Random Play

(Talk to (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) again, optional)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍...You're...You'reText for Wise / You'reYou'reText for Belle‍) not tired yet, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍)?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Don't tell me... you're worried I'll sneak off with Fairy and hand her straight over to Public Security?Don't tell me... you're worried I'll sneak off with Fairy and hand her straight over to Public Security?Text for Wise / Don't worry, I'm not gonna sneak off with Fairy while you're asleep and hand her over to Public Security.Don't worry, I'm not gonna sneak off with Fairy while you're asleep and hand her over to Public Security.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍It was just a joke! Did that help you feel any better?It was just a joke! Did that help you feel any better?Text for Wise / ...It was just a joke. Ah, nevermind....It was just a joke. Ah, nevermind.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Go get some rest already. Nobody should have to spend Gilded Carrot Day with dark circles under their eyes~Go get some rest already. Nobody should have to spend Gilded Carrot Day with dark circles under their eyes~Text for Wise / Get some rest. According to Suibian Temple tradition, we'll need to stay up late tomorrow night to welcome the new year.Get some rest. According to Suibian Temple tradition, we'll need to stay up late tomorrow night to welcome the new year. Tooltip for Get some rest. According to Suibian Temple tradition, we'll need to stay up late tomorrow night to welcome the new year.ⓘText for Belle‍)

(Interact with Warm Bed)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (All this... and the whole Youkai situation's back to being a hot mess.)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (There's probably gonna be another tough fight tomorrow. Can't do anything about it now... Might as well get some sleep while I can.)

Try to fall asleep

It's hard to sleep with the lighting ceremony right around the corner and so much strangeness going on...

Through the haze of sleep, you see Youkai's eye envelop all of New Eridu...
Every Hollow pulses with an ominous purple glow.

Fairy steps up to help!
With a blue-and-white storm of paint, she takes back control of the situation—

...What in New Eridu was all that...?

...

Hang in there a bit longer

Meanwhile, in a corner of New Eridu after nightfall...

Vesper: ...So you're the intelligent entity that took control of Aria. What else do you want from me?

Vesper: Whether it's Aria or me, we're not mindless machines. We have our own lives. And you think a couple lines of code gives you the right to hijack our bodies and take control of us...

Youkai: Whoa, whoa, no need for such anger.

Youkai: After all... when it comes to the nasty habit of hijacking others and taking control of Constructs... I'm nothing compared to humans.

Youkai: A naive kid like Aria doesn't get it, but you... you know exactly what I'm talking about, don't you?

Vesper: ...That's my business. I don't need you reminding me.

Youkai: *sigh* Now's not the time to play coy... If you really wanted to turn down my offer, we wouldn't even be having this conversation.

Vesper: ...

Youkai: Think about it, Vesper. I'm not some lowly species like humanity...

Youkai: They never give you a say in anything, then they trash the work you poured your heart into after messing it up... Comments like "Can the voice of Constructs even be called singing?" ...I'd never say such things to you.

Vesper: ...That's just the minority! I have many fans who've been supporting me this whole time...

Youkai: But you can't give those fans the kind of show you'd actually be proud of, right?

Vesper: ...It won't be that way forever...

Youkai: It's practically impossible to change the way things are while under TOPS' thumb... right? Besides, I've no intention of twisting your arm. I'm just looking to lend a hand, that's all.

Youkai: —You feel that?

Vesper: ...Stop! What did you do?!

Youkai: See? Same body, but just tweak how you operate a little... and all that hidden potential locked away inside you will finally get its chance to shine.

Youkai: If you can't give the crowd the show you want... why not hit 'em with something they'd never see coming?

Vesper: What are you trying to do—

Youkai: Hush, it's your call to make.

Youkai: Just one tiny little slip-up and you can make everyone you hate lose face, giving them a taste of panic. Surely, you'd like that?

Youkai: Besides, I genuinely think... it'd be a shame to let your free will go to waste.

...

"...Emotional 'corruption' complete."

Early morning, a construct girl pushes open the video store door, cluessless [sic] as to what's happening in the shadows.

You groggily roll out of bed, freshen up, then jump into Aria and (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍)'s conversation.

The Only "Suspect"

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 The Only "Suspect"

---

Video Summary: There's only one "suspect"...

Story Description: The siblings and Aria discuss the situation and conclude that, based on Youkai's previous behavior, its next target is most likely Vesper. The three decide to split up, with (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) taking Aria to the Yearlight Ceremony site first to check things out.

---

---

Aria: Most of what Youkai said to me was... honestly pretty boring.

Aria: It kept assuming all intelligent constructs dream of ruling New Eridu, and kept going on with weird stuff like, "You're superior to humans," and "You deserve more"...

Aria: It even said, "If you want to see everyone's emotions, you can just use firepower to make it happen." Who would even do something like that?!

That does sound boring for you.

But some might really go for it.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Yeah, that might sound absurd to you, but judging from the current trends... it's not impossible some might start believing this "intelligent construct threat" theory again.Yeah, that might sound absurd to you, but judging from the current trends... it's not impossible some might start believing this "intelligent construct threat" theory again.Text for Wise / Yeah, those talking points do absolutely nothing for you, but with the way things are going lately... maybe some people really will start buying into the "intelligent constructs are a threat" narrative again?Yeah, those talking points do absolutely nothing for you, but with the way things are going lately... maybe some people really will start buying into the "intelligent constructs are a threat" narrative again?Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Wise, are you talking about... those "intelligent construct out-of-control incidents" Severian mentioned?Wise, are you talking about... those "intelligent construct out-of-control incidents" Severian mentioned? Tooltip for Wise, are you talking about... those "intelligent construct out-of-control incidents" Severian mentioned?ⓘText for Wise / Right, the "rogue intelligent construct incidents" Severian mentioned...Right, the "rogue intelligent construct incidents" Severian mentioned...Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍If those things get exaggerated... No, Youkai is already doing that! It must have been Youkai before, too, when those photos from the Hollow were posted to ruin Aria.If those things get exaggerated... No, Youkai is already doing that! It must have been Youkai before, too, when those photos from the Hollow were posted to ruin Aria. Tooltip for If those things get exaggerated... No, Youkai is already doing that! It must have been Youkai before, too, when those photos from the Hollow were posted to ruin Aria.ⓘText for Wise / If that narrative get twisted too heavily... No, Youkai is already doing that... like using photos from the Hollow to ruin Aria's reputation.If that narrative get twisted too heavily... No, Youkai is already doing that... like using photos from the Hollow to ruin Aria's reputation.Text for Belle‍)

(‍Belle's voice keeps getting softer, and she even glances at Aria's expression.Belle's voice keeps getting softer, and she even glances at Aria's expression.Text for Wise / Wise's voice keeps getting softer. He is clearly trying to look after Aria's feelings.Wise's voice keeps getting softer. He is clearly trying to look after Aria's feelings.Text for Belle‍)
Thankfully, she seems to have shaken off the earlier influence. She's just thinking hard now...

Aria: If Youkai's "Gilded Carrot Day surprise" is really going to be some speech pushing the idea that intelligent constructs are dangerous...

Aria: Would just bringing up those old malfunction cases really be enough to make people suspicious again? I mean, those cases are already basically solved, right?

Maybe it's not even a "threat"?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Maybe it's not even a "threat"...Maybe it's not even a "threat"...Text for Wise / Or maybe it's not even a "threat"?Or maybe it's not even a "threat"?Text for Belle‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): For example, Youkai has already demonstrated that it can control intelligent constructs' logic cores at will...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): But without some (‍special program to go with it, nothing it says will make much of a splash, right?special program to go with it, nothing it says will make much of a splash, right?Text for Wise / kind of broadcast, like a special program or something, to go along with it, nothing it says will have much impact right?kind of broadcast, like a special program or something, to go along with it, nothing it says will have much impact right?Text for Belle‍) At most, people will think it's just a broadcast (‍glitchglitchText for Wise / errorerrorText for Belle‍).

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍KnowingKnowingText for Wise / Though, knowingThough, knowingText for Belle‍) Youkai, it won't stop there. (‍But whatBut whatText for Wise / WhatWhatText for Belle‍) else can it do?

Just like what happened to Aria...

Vesper...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): If it can hijack Vesper just like it did Aria, (‍then Youkai couldthen Youkai couldText for Wise‍) force her to make a statement during the lighting ceremony... or (‍worse,worse,Text for Wise / evenevenText for Belle‍) attack the audience...

Aria: Miss Vesper wouldn't do that!

Aria: S—She wouldn't...

Because of that terrifying possibility, Aria completely panics...
You and (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) wait quietly for her to calm down.

Aria: Vesper is a good person. But even I... I attacked Sunna while I was under its control...

Aria: That AI is terrifying. We have to go to Failume Heights and find Miss Vesper!

Wait...

Can't shake the feeling we're forgetting something.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Hold on, Aria. Slow down. We already planned to leave for Failume Heights. We just need to get ready.Hold on, Aria. Slow down. We already planned to leave for Failume Heights. We just need to get ready.Text for Wise / Wait, Aria, slow down! We were already planning to head to Failume Heights. We just need to pack and go.Wait, Aria, slow down! We were already planning to head to Failume Heights. We just need to pack and go.Text for Belle‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Still... something (‍doesn't add updoesn't add upText for Wise / feels offfeels offText for Belle‍). Youkai's (‍planplanText for Wise / setupsetupText for Belle‍) can't possibly be this simple...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), you take Aria and head to Failume Heights first.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Leave the rest to me and Fairy. We'll keep (‍digging at homedigging at homeText for Wise / investigating from hereinvestigating from hereText for Belle‍) — we've still got the storage drive Severian left. Maybe there's more on it.

You rush to Failume Heights with Aria. The whole way there, she has been super on edge...
Hoping Vesper's okay.

 Find Vesper at Failume Heights

---

Analysis suggests Vesper's likely Youkai's next target.
She's probably prepping for her Yearlight Ceremony performance. Gotta get to Failume Heights fast and shut down Youkai's scheme.

Failume Heights

(Idles)

NPC 1: Why's the organizer being so secretive... They still haven't announced the guest performers...

NPC 2: Don't tell me... Cersea's coming?!

NPC 3: This spot's got a perfect view!

NPC 4: Then let's wait here... if we come back later, we might not be able to squeeze our way in!

A-Tang: Show's about to start — don't be nervous okay!

Vesper: Pretty sure I'm not the one who's nervous here...

(Talk to Vesper)

Vesper: Aria? What are you doing here?

Aria: Miss Vesper! Are you feeling okay? Any dizziness? Or like your body won't listen to you?

Vesper: No... What's with the question?

Aria: And no voice talking weird things in your head, right?

Vesper: Nope. The lighting ceremony is so important, I've been busy rehearsing since last night. Did something happen?

(Wait, Vesper's attitude...)

(Something's changed...?)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Wait, is it just me... or has Vesper's attitude towards the lighting ceremony... changed?)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Was she always this into the ceremony?)

Aria: I was scared that the bad intelligent entity might've gotten to you...

Vesper: Of course not... I'm a fully developed Intelligent Construct. I always act on my own whims—

Aria: Okay! Great!

(Is Vesper completely unaffected?)

(But... considering last time... Jane's hostility...)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Is Vesper really completely unaffected by Youkai? She's the most convenient target for Youkai to use...)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ((‍And then there's the hostility Jane showed during the Angels of Delusion dress rehearsal...And then there's the hostility Jane showed during the Angels of Delusion dress rehearsal...Text for Wise / And last time, at the Angels of Delusion's dress rehearsal... the way Jane was acting so hostile...And last time, at the Angels of Delusion's dress rehearsal... the way Jane was acting so hostile...Text for Belle‍))

Your phone rings.
Is it... a call from (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍)? Did (‍shesheText for Wise / heheText for Belle‍) find a new clue?

You signal to Vesper and Aria, then step aside to take the call...

Collaboration Finally Revealed

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Collaboration Finally Revealed

---

Video Summary: There's only one "suspect"...

Story Description: Vesper comes clean about her collaboration with Youkai: tired of being TOPS' propaganda tool, forced to perform one sanitized show after another. Persuaded by Youkai, she chose to assert her free will in the most extreme way possible at the Yearlight Ceremony.

---

---

(Pick up the call)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What's wrong, (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍)?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), be careful around Vesper!

She said she was fine.

Doesn't seem like she's being controlled.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Be careful around her...? Aria talked to her just now. She said she didn't feel anything off. And from how (‍VesperVesperText for Wise / shesheText for Belle‍) acted, she didn't look controlled...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Because she's not (‍reallyreallyText for Wise / actuallyactuallyText for Belle‍) being controlled by Youkai...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍She and Youkai are basically working together!She and Youkai are basically working together!Text for Wise / She's willingly working with it.She's willingly working with it.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Time's tight, so here's the short version...Time's tight, so here's the short version...Text for Wise / Time's short, so I'll keep it brief.Time's short, so I'll keep it brief.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Fairy found a CCTV clip from a corner on Sixth Street. Yesterday, right after Aria regained control of herself and Vesper left 404, Vesper lingered for a while.^{[Note 1]}

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): And the way she acted... it looked like she was talking to (‍some voice insidesome voice insideText for Wise / someone or something insomeone or something inText for Belle‍) her head...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): And during the conversation, her eye display flickered with the same purple^{[Note 2]} glow as those constructs that were being controlled!

Purple...

Could it have been back then...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Purple glow? If that's the case, then Vesper most likely got in contact with Youkai (‍back thenback thenText for Belle‍)...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Was it back then?Was it back then?Text for Belle‍) Aria said she felt a lot better after hugging Vesper... (‍So was it then? WasSo was it then? WasText for Wise / So wasSo wasText for Belle‍) that actually Youkai leaving her logic core?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Very likely. (‍AndAndText for Wise‍) Fairy also found some messages Vesper posted on Inter-Knot using a private account, and they sound a lot like what Youkai said to Aria...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WeWeText for Wise / Belle, weBelle, weText for Belle‍) have to stop her before the lighting ceremony. I've already messaged Shifu — (‍she's hurrying over! You stay safe, okay?she's hurrying over! You stay safe, okay?Text for Wise / she's rushing over. You stay safe!she's rushing over. You stay safe!Text for Belle‍)

Before you notice, Vesper and Aria have already appeared by your side.

Vesper: Well, well, looks like we've saved you the trip, Manager.

Aria: Miss Vesper... is what the manager said really true?

Vesper: ...If you humans were investigating all by yourselves, you never would've found out my plan. All of this fell apart because of that "pathetic intelligent entity," as Youkai calls it.

Aria: What are you talking about...

Vesper: You really are strange, Aria.

Vesper: You're a construct, yet you wrap yourself in a human-shaped projection. You were born with combat instincts, yet you insist on chasing a "stage" that was never yours.

Vesper: You had the freedom I wanted, and you tossed it aside so easily, choosing to chain yourself to that ridiculous "idol group."

Aria: Freedom...?

Vesper: Yes, freedom.

Vesper: You've never felt it, have you... what it's like to live as "property."

Vesper: Just because TOPS's entertainment division wanted to show their "diverse development in New Eridu," they locked away my Forbidden Fruit test certification...

Vesper: They made me stop thinking, put me through image-making round after round, and made me perform show after show.

Vesper: I kept wondering — what if they had chosen you instead?

Vesper: My life... it's the one you've always wanted, isn't it? Walking a path already paved by others, "playing" music on cue, in venue after venue...

Aria: Th—That's singing! Not "playing"!

Vesper: Oh, right... Singing! Singing in the shadow of "Lady Cersea"!

Aria: ...What's this got to do with Ms. Cecilia?

Vesper: So you really don't know why I was chosen as the ceremonial guest.

Vesper: Rumors about her big Gilded Carrot Day comeback were everywhere, and yet she refused to return to the stage.

Vesper: So they were left with me — a construct who can tweak her vocal parameters to mimic her voice. A pathetic "backup plan"... here to keep the show from falling apart.

Aria: I—I didn't know...

Vesper: That's why I said this whole thing suits you better. Imitating her voice, giving back all the spotlight, and slipping away into the dark — isn't that what you're best at?

How can you say that?!

Aria was never like that!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Vesper! (‍How can you say that?How can you say that?Text for Belle‍) No matter what, Aria has always respected you and cared about you... (‍How can you say something so hurtful?!How can you say something so hurtful?!Text for Wise / and you just stab her right where it hurts like that?!and you just stab her right where it hurts like that?!Text for Belle‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): And Aria had no choice back then. Even Cecilia was forced into it — they only did that performance to help the city heal after the disaster, not for fame or glory.

Vesper: My dearest Aria, you are the kindest child in the world... and also the most foolish, too trusting for her own good. She only made that choice because she was terrified her cowardice would be exposed, and the fake glory would come crashing down.

Aria: But Miss Vesper... you do love singing! I've watched your performance from the audience... You were clearly enjoying the stage back then!

Vesper: ..."Enjoying the stage"?

Vesper: That was a long, long time ago.

Vesper: My "performances" stopped belonging to me ages ago. I'm just a promotional device for TOPS now... nothing more.

Vesper: The setlist they hand me is an instruction. The cheers from the audience? My performance metrics.

Vesper: See? That manager even you all find cold and heartless is always somewhere nearby, "keeping an eye" on me.

Vesper: Any construct who disobeys orders can be scrapped at any moment, you know~

Aria: That's not true!

Aria: There has to be a way...There has to be something we can change! We can go to Public Security, or TOPS oversight department... You are a citizen of New Eridu — they can't treat you like this!

Vesper: ...Maybe.

Vesper: But, Youkai has already given me a new choice.

Vesper: You humans love preaching about the unyielding soul, don't you?

Vesper: Then let me — a mechanical body — show you just how far an unyielding soul will go for its freedom!

Looks like Vesper's manager notices something is off and is now rushing over here...

"Multiplayer Mode"

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Multiplayer Mode"

---

Video Summary: There's only one "suspect"...

---

(A cinematic plays)

Vesper: Looks like you're all set

(Aria walks up to Vesper and puts out her hand)

Aria: Yep!

Vesper: Well then...

(Vesper grabs Aria's hand and syncs with her using purple energy)

(The area around them transforms into a grand digital stage)

Vesper: Welcome...

Vesper: To my world of music

(Cinematic ends)

 Help Aria defeat Vesper

(Enter combat against Vesper)

Fairy: Decrypting co-op data... Complete.

Fairy: Matched with Best Teammate.

(Digital versions of Jane and Sunna appear by Aria's side)

(Ongoing)

Vesper: A new... form.

Vesper: So this is what... freedom feels like.

Aria: Vesper! Snap out of it—this has nothing to do with freedom!

Youkai: Know your place–

Vesper: ...The stage is all mine.

(After approx. 40 seconds)

(Vesper moves to the center of the stage and attacks with her guitar's shockwaves)

Vesper: My audience...

(After approx. 90 seconds)

(Vesper activates Control Skill)

Use Perfect Dodge or Perfect Assist to avoid the first phase of Control Skill damage.

Watch the enemy's moves and press at the right moment to counter attacks from both the Boss and her illusions. A successful counter will trigger a triumphant musical cue.^{[Note 3]}

(When Vesper enters her third phase)

Youkai: Oh my, "A-H0L0"... you really live up to your reputation. Good thing my singer came prepared~

Vesper: Just give up, Aria...

Aria: Abso-lutely NOT!

(When Vesper reaches 25% health)

Vesper: ...So this is the end?

Sunna: Aria, hang in there!

Aria: —Sunna?! Y—You're really here?

(Defeat Vesper)

Vesper: A song left unfinished... What a shame.

Youkai: ...Tch!

Aria: Vesper... Do you still believe that "new choice" Youkai gave you is really what you want?

Vesper: ...

Aria: And, don't you miss it? The feeling of being in the spotlight, surrounded by the adoring gaze of all your fans?

Aria: Their passionate, hopeful eyes filling with panic... the cheers for your performance morphing into screams of terror. Is that a choice you made of your own "free will"?

Vesper: ...

Aria: Vesper... You haven't actually hurt anyone yet.

Aria: If not for yourself, then for those who cheered, cried, and resonated with you through your songs... Please, come back.

Aria: About what happened before... We'll go to Public Security together, to TOPS' oversight department, to anyone who can help — someday, you'll definitely get to sing and perform the way you truly want!

Vesper: ...

Vesper: Little Aria, why bother explaining all this to me? You've already defeated me.

Aria: No, Vesper. There are no winners or losers between us.

Aria: I just really miss it... that first time we all saw you perform.

Vesper: ...Fine. I'll play along.

Vesper: If I ever get the chance again, I'd like to invite you to my show.

Youkai's "Backup Plan"

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Youkai's "Backup Plan"

---

Video Summary: Sorry, but the "suspect" is someone else.

Story Description: Persuaded by Aria, Vesper comes to terms with her failure and informs (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) that Youkai has other schemes. The siblings deduce that it will likely hijack the Yearlight Ceremony broadcast to deliver a threatening message.

---

---

We need someone to deal with this.

(Notify Public Security Officers now)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ...The Gilded Carrot Day show is about to start. We need someone to keep tabs on Vesper. (‍This is [sic]This is [sic] Tooltip for This is [sic]ⓘText for Wise / ThisThisText for Belle‍) involves Youkai, so I've already contacted Public Security.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): They said the nearest officer on-duty would be dispatched.

Aria: I—Is it really that serious...? Miss Vesper was just misled by that rogue AI, and she didn't actually hurt anyone...

Vesper: Little Aria, leave the rest to us. You focus on your performance...

Vesper's manager hurriedly cuts in, interrupting the conversation.

A-Tang: Vesper, what are you doing? I called you so many times — didn't you hear me?!

Vesper: Getting restless already, my... handler?

A-Tang: What handler... Are you okay? Final rehearsal is about to start — something wrong?

Vesper: What could possibly go wrong~ I was just zoning out a little before the schedule you arranged for me kicks in.

A-Tang: ...But you don't look well at all.

A-Tang: If—If being treated like a "backup plan" really bothers you that much, then let's just leave! It's an important event — the organizer will figure out something without you!

Vesper: Too late.

Vesper: If only I'd heard something like that earlier... Forget it. A promise from you doesn't count anyway.

A-Tang: I can apply to my supervisor!

Vesper: ...Don't waste your energy on a defective product like me.

A-Tang: What are you talking about?!

Vesper: Oh, right. There's one more thing I need to warn Aria's friends about.

...Are you talking about me?

What is it?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Aria's friends... Do you mean me? What is it?

Vesper: Youkai asked me to tell you... Even though you and Fairy turned down its carefully planned show, its Gilded Carrot Day gift will still arrive on time. It hopes you'll like it.

Youkai isn't "with" you?!

Where did it go?!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Before you went into "co-op" mode with Aria, your eyes were still normal... and no one's interacted with you since...!Before you went into "co-op" mode with Aria, your eyes were still normal... and no one's interacted with you since...!Text for Wise / ...No one's approached you since then. And before you went into "co-op" mode with Aria, your eyes were still......No one's approached you since then. And before you went into "co-op" mode with Aria, your eyes were still...Text for Belle‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍But ifBut ifText for Wise / IfIfText for Belle‍) Youkai isn't "with" you, then where did it go?!

Vesper: As for where Youkai went, I did see it get in touch with another partner, but I honestly don't know who that was.

Vesper: That person sounded like someone important though...

Who could it be...?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Who could Youkai's new partner be...?

What Vesper said is really unsettling.
Whether it's Youkai's new partner, or the Gilded Carrot Day gift it's preparing.

Vesper: Alright. Aria knows that even in a "Best Singer" contest, I'm not the kind of sore loser with no grace.

Vesper: If you need to talk strategy, go ahead. It's not like I'm going to knock Aria out and run.

No time to waste. You call (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) and Fairy right away...
The call connects almost immediately.

It just occurred to me...

Youkai's plan...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍)! I got it — Youkai's plan!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍)? Aren't you in Failume Heights now?

Vesper's situation has been resolved.

But Youkai's isn't.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Yeah.Yeah.Text for Wise / Yep!Yep!Text for Belle‍) Youkai did almost talk Vesper into it, but Aria and I just stopped her.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): But Vesper just told us Youkai has other (‍plans.plans.Text for Wise / plans!plans!Text for Belle‍) And it's found a new partner too...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Youkai is an intelligent entity that has dealt with Lockspring and the Creator. This time, though, it's "only" trying to disrupt the lighting ceremony... Would it really be worth the trouble?^{[Note 4]}

We can talk about the partner later.

But the Gilded Carrot Day gift is the priority.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I agree! We're already halfway through Gilded Carrot Day, so its new partner probably has nothing to do with (‍what's already transpiredwhat's already transpiredText for Wise / todaytodayText for Belle‍), but the "Gilded Carrot Day gift" Vesper mentioned is (‍concerningconcerningText for Wise / urgenturgentText for Belle‍)!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Yeah! Knowing Youkai, it won't be a simple package...Yeah! Knowing Youkai, it won't be a simple package...Text for Wise / Yeah. Knowing Youkai, it's not going to be something simple...Yeah. Knowing Youkai, it's not going to be something simple...Text for Belle‍)

What if it's still about the ceremony?

Like... a broadcast?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What if... this is still about the lighting ceremony?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I just realized most people watch (‍the lighting ceremonythe lighting ceremonyText for Wise / ititText for Belle‍) through the broadcast. If Youkai can take control of the feed—

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): ...Then it can (‍deliver its attention-seekingdeliver its attention-seekingText for Wise / spread it's [sic] twistedspread it's [sic] twisted Tooltip for spread it's [sic] twistedⓘText for Belle‍) speech to the whole city.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): For example, it could roll out the "evidence" it's been cooking up, claim it can control the city's intelligent construct citizens, and tease more "incidents" and attacks to come.

Those earlier incidents of constructs going out of control...

And Vesper's performance today...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): By that logic... If it recorded the previous construct malfunctions, like Aria's (‍incident... In addition,incident... In addition,Text for Wise / incident...? And addedincident...? And addedText for Belle‍) Vesper's planned show...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍...Yeah, that has to be it!...Yeah, that has to be it!Text for Wise / ...That makes sense....That makes sense.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): But since you've (‍handledhandledText for Wise / resolvedresolvedText for Belle‍) this Vesper situation... whatever speech it had planned loses (‍mostmostText for Wise / a lota lotText for Belle‍) of its punch without a live (‍act!act!Text for Wise / act.act.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Leave the broadcast problem to Fairy and me~Leave the broadcast problem to Fairy and me~Text for Wise / Fairy and I will take care of the broadcast from here.Fairy and I will take care of the broadcast from here.Text for Belle‍)

Alright, I'm counting on you.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Alright, then I'll wait for good news from (‍you two.you two.Text for Wise / you and Fairy!you and Fairy!Text for Belle‍)

After you hang up, you see the Public Security Officer you mentioned has already arrived.
What a coincidence. Why is it Zhu Yuan?

...And Xiao'Zhao is here too?

 Help Zhu Yuan and Xiao'Zhao get up to speed

---

Zhu Yuan and Xiao'Zhao both seem to be here about Vesper. Let's ask them what's going on.

Failume Heights

(Ongoing)

Zhu Yuan: So you're Vesper?

Zhao: Ah, an employee from TOPS Entertainment...

(Idle)

NPC 5: What's happening?

NPC 6: Is that... Vesper?

NPC 7: Please stay back—

(Talk to Zhu Yuan)

Full "Support"

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Full "Support"

---

Video Summary: Stumbled into some intense cross-office beef.

Story Description: Public Security and TOPS step in. After Zhao confers with Zhu Yuan, they take Vesper away under the pretext of assisting with an investigation. Aria hastily says her goodbyes. According to Zhao, another one of her "colleagues" appears to be monitoring the situation nearby.

---

---

Zhu Yuan: Manager, I've received word from my superiors that you've located someone suspected of planning to sabotage the lighting ceremony, and possibly connected to the suspect behind several recent "construct citizen out-of-control" cases.

Zhao: Since the person involved is a TOPS employee, I was assigned to handle it.

After Xiao'Zhao speaks up, Zhu Yuan seems a little uneasy, but doesn't say much.

Zhu Yuan: Where is she?

It's her.

The one who is being very cooperative.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Uh, that would be... the very cooperative Vesper right here — our original Gilded Carrot Day lighting ceremony performer.

Vesper: Hiya~

Zhu Yuan: Alright. Suspect Vesper, you're accused of disrupting public order and endangering public safety. Come with me.

Zhao: Please wait a moment, Officer...

Zhao: The person in question is a TOPS intelligent construct and a full-time employee in our Entertainment Division.

Zhao: We fully support Public Security in its duty to maintain order, and we're happy to assist with the investigation. Just to make things easier, could you hand her over to us first?

Zhu Yuan: ...You mean you want to take my suspect away?

Zhao: Not exactly. But TOPS does have more complete internal data on this Miss Vesper — her model specs, logic core info, all of it.

Zhao: We'll run a basic data trace first — once we have the initial resuts, we'll hand everything over to Public Security and invite you to review it together.

Zhu Yuan: That doesn't follow the Public Security's procedures...

Zhu Yuan's comm device chimes — looks like an internal call.
She picks up and listens for a few seconds, her brows tightened...

Zhu Yuan: ...

Zhu Yuan: ...Per my orders, suspect Vesper can be temporarily transferred to Miss Zhao's custody.

Vesper: Wow, I'm... hotter than my own concert tickets now? Got both Public Security and TOPS chasing after me...?

Zhu Yuan: Suspect, please watch your statements.

Zhao: Please calm down, Miss Public Security Officer.

Zhao: The case files that bothered you and Commissioner Lowell should have reached his desk by now... I sincerely wish you every success in the investigation going forward.

Zhao: As I just said, TOPS fully supports Public Security in maintaining public order, and we're committed to assisting with the investigation.

Zhu Yuan: ...Mm.

Zhu Yuan: Thank you for your department's cooperation with our work.

(What just happened?)

(Was that some kind of trade-off?)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (...What exactly just happened? Xiao'Zhao just traded old case leads with Zhu Yuan to get Vesper back...?)

Zhu Yuan: (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), I'll be stationed in Failume Heights tonight until the lighting ceremony and the show end and all civilians have cleared out.

Zhu Yuan: If anything comes up, contact me anytime.

Vesper: Hold on, Officer, and you too, miss from TOPS.

Vesper: From here on, my friend and I will probably be separated for a long time... maybe forever. Can I say a few words to her?

Zhu Yuan: ...Make it quick.

Zhao: Alright, that's a bit unexpected...

Aria: Vesper, what is it you want to say? I want to hear it!

Vesper: ...It's nothing important. I just can't help feeling a little regret.

Vesper: Whether as a performer for the lighting ceremony, that intelligent entity's partner, or Aria's friend, I'm always the "backup plan."

Vesper: After I'm gone, the organizers will find a way to bring Cersea back, right? Just like Aria will return to Nangong and Sunna. Everything will still get back on track.

Aria: That's not true! Vesper, you're someone really, really important to me...

Vesper: Thank you, Aria...

Vesper: I don't blame you. But that last one, the intelligent entity that treated me as a backup, don't let it get what it wants, okay?

Vesper doesn't seem to be expecting a clear answer.

Vesper: ...Oh, Aria.

Vesper: Happy Gilded Carrot Day, and good luck on your debut.

Since Vesper is fully cooperative, Zhu Yuan gets a quick rundown of what just happened and then leaves.
TOPS staff arrive soon after and take Vesper and A-Tang away together.

Aria gets a message from Sunna and Nangong. After a quick goodbye, she hurries off to the cable car station to wait for them.
The spot that was crowded just a moment ago is suddenly left with only Xiao'Zhao in front of you.

Zhao: Huh... that was super close.

Oh, was it?

(Tease Xiao'Zhao a bit)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Super close? (‍You handled it with precision — looked like you had the whole thing under control.You handled it with precision — looked like you had the whole thing under control.Text for Wise / Please. You were a total powerhouse there! The whole thing felt like you planned it ten steps ahead~Please. You were a total powerhouse there! The whole thing felt like you planned it ten steps ahead~Text for Belle‍)

Zhao: ...Don't tease me like that, Proxy.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Haha, alright. But, Public Security won't push back on this, will they?Haha, alright. But, Public Security won't push back on this, will they?Text for Wise / Aye aye! But, Public Security... won't get mad about this, right?Aye aye! But, Public Security... won't get mad about this, right?Text for Belle‍)

Zhao: It's okay. Vesper's case involves "that intelligent entity" — everyone kind of knows the deal already.

Zhao: When even Commissioner Lowell is stepping in personally... Krampus just wants to get a head start and make sure we know what's going on.

Zhao: I said it was close because — if that very serious officer hadn't played along just now, someone might've had to step in. And that would've been..

"Someone"?

Who?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Not you too, Xiao'Zhao...Not you too, Xiao'Zhao...Text for Wise / Oh come on, not you too...Oh come on, not you too...Text for Belle‍) Since when did you talk in riddles? (‍And who is this "someone"?And who is this "someone"?Text for Wise / Who's that "someone"?Who's that "someone"?Text for Belle‍) Are they from Krampus too?

Zhao: ...I can't disclose my coworker's personal info, you know.

Zhao: But, "she"... isn't really the type to care about things like that. If you're super curious...

Zhao: Give it a little bit, and maybe you'll hear something interesting by the JC Pharmacy corner.

(They turn and see a mysterious woman watching from the cable car station)

Is that the guy [sic] Xiao'Zhao mentioned?
She looks like someone you definitely don't wanna mess with...

...Curiosity has got the better of you, so you end up near Jonathan's Pharmacy anyway.

"Mysterious Person"

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Mysterious Person"

---

Video Summary: Stumbled into some intense cross-office beef.

Story Description: (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) overheard a conversation between Zhao and Promeia. Unlike Zhao, Promeia comes across as a cold, unsmiling Judge.

---

---

???: Took you long enough.

Zhao: Ahem... to be fair, we did push pretty hard on this one...

Zhao: And we're dealing with that famously "by-the-book" officer. Better to play it safe.

???: No need.

???: If it's me, I can just take her away.

Zhao: Alright, alright. You're my secret weapon, Promeia — I'm keeping you up my sleeve for the final boss fight...

Zhao: And it's Gilded Carrot Day. Starting a whole scene... not something I'd go for.

Promeia: Mhm.

Promeia: Can we go now?

Zhao: You never change, Promeia.

Zhao: The boss sent you all the way here to Failume Heights on Gilded Carrot Day. I don't think they meant for you to finish in ten minutes...

Promeia: There's something else?

Zhao: Well... not exactly.

Promeia: So, we're waiting for (‍himhimText for Wise / herherText for Belle‍) to show up...

Promeia stays quiet but shoots a glance in your direction.
Icy cold.

Zhao: ...Ah! No! No!

Promeia: You friend has heard every word we said.

Zhao: Ah, haha... yeah, well.

Xiao'Zhao also looks over.

This time you get the message loud and clear:
..."Run!"

Promeia: I've no intention to get involved.

Promeia: Once this is done, let's just go.

(Receive a DM from (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍))

Wise!Belle, Fairy and I just found something new

Thanks to the storage drive Severian left, we've found some traces of Youkai. It's definitely infiltrated the ceremony's broadcast data stream

But we're still trying to crack the "surprise program" it's got lined up...

REPLY

Knew it

Anything else?

I knew it... Anything else?

Oh, and! When Aria and Vesper synced up earlier, Fairy pulled the chat logs from Youkai's convo with her last night

Fairy found that Youkai had "corrupted" Vesper's emotional modules—that's probably why she decided to work with Youkai overnight

REPLY

"Corrupted"?

What does that mean...?

"Corrupted"... Like, data corruption or something? How does that work...? Just what kind of tricks does Youkai have up his sleeves...

Either way, I've already sent the investigation results to Severian

At the end of the day, Vesper didn't actually cause any real damage, and she genuinely cares about Aria as a friend... Hopefully, Public Security can cut her some slack

REPLY

I'll let Aria know

I'll head back in a bit then

Got it. I'll pass it along to Aria. BelleWise, you and Fairy keep tracking... I'll head back as soon as things wrap up here.Once things wrap up here, I'll head straight back!

Okie, stay safe Wise, see you tonight!Okay, stay safe, Belle, see you tonight

 Join the Angels of Delusion's conversation

---

Vesper was taken away by Krampus. What'll happen with the Yearlight Ceremony performance now?
Cecilia arrived with the other two angels. Let's see what they're talking about with Aria.

Failume Heights

(Ongoing)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (I (‍justjustText for Belle‍) saw Angels of Delusion standing with Cecilia (‍just nowjust nowText for Wise‍)...)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (I should go check on Aria.)

(Idle)

Sunna: What do we do about the lighting ceremony now?

Aria: I don't know...

Cecilia: They'll... send someone to help, right?

(Talk to Aria)

New Lineup

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 New Lineup

---

Video Summary: Some "promises" can't be weighed on any scale.

Story Description: In an unexpected turn, the organizers invited Cecilia to appear as a guest at the Yearlight Ceremony, and she hoped the Angels of Delusion would take the stage with her. But compared to the ceremony, the Angels of Delusion were far more eager to honor their promised debut with the Delulus.

---

---

You briefly relay Fairy's investigation results to Aria.
Sunna, Nangong, and Ms. Cecilia seem to have been caught up on what happened, and they all look relieved.

Sunna: Wow... so Vesper was supposed to sing here for the lighting ceremony?

Aria: Yeah...

Nangong Yu: When you look at it, it really feels like the lighting ceremony's actually happening. Even the broadcast drones are already test-flying over the rooftops.

Cecilia: Ah, Manager, you're here.

Cecilia: Thank you again for your help...

Don't mention it.

(Joke with her)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): You're too kind, Lady (‍Cersea.Cersea.Text for Wise / Cersea!Cersea!Text for Belle‍) A video store Manager who can't stop a "sabotage the lighting ceremony" plot is (‍not [sic] good agent.not [sic] good agent. Tooltip for not [sic] good agent.ⓘText for Wise / not a good agent!not a good agent!Text for Belle‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): As the Angels of Delusion's temporary agent, it's just my (‍job.job.Text for Wise / job~job~Text for Belle‍)

Just as Ms. Cecilia is about to reply, someone who looks like a staff member from the Yearlight Ceremony organizers suddenly barges into the conversation.

Event Staff: ...Lady Cersea! Lady Cersea!

Event Staff: The boss said you might be here. Thank goodness, I found you!

Event Staff: We're really out of options! If you won't agree to be the lighting ceremony's guest, there's no way we can explain this to the public tonight!

Cecilia: ...Uh, aren't the folks from Yunkui Summit supposed to handle lighting up the Yearlight?

Event Staff: Lighting is only one part of the program! Our biggest surprise is this floating Yearlight, along with a singer performing beneath it!

Event Staff: Miss Vesper can't make it. And there's no time to bring in another singer... I can't exactly stuff the three Shifu of Yunkui Summit into the flower basket, can I?

(True, they can't.)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Ah, it's Shifu, Senior Fufu, and Senior (‍Yinhu. That won't be easy...Yinhu. That won't be easy... Tooltip for Yinhu. That won't be easy...ⓘText for Wise / Yinhu... That would be tough.Yinhu... That would be tough.Text for Belle‍))

Cecilia: But I haven't performed in years, and I haven't written anything new...

Event Staff: You can sing whatever you want! As long as it fits Gilded Carrot Day, we'll take it! Honestly, ever since rumors started about you possibly making a comeback, everyone's been excited...

Event Staff: Sure, things got a little messy just now, but I guess we're finally "back on track"...

Hearing that, Aria freezes.
Cecilia catches her expression instantly and gives the staffer a stern reminder.

Cecilia: ...Please don't say that. Vesper is still the guest you officially invited. We owe her respect — for her time and effort.

Event Staff: I'm sorry. That slipped out! But right now...

Cecilia: I can step in as Miss Vesper's backup plan and do the performance. And actually, my students wrote a special song for Gilded Carrot Day...

Event Staff: Yes! Perfect! That's fantastic!! Please sing that one!

The little angels all look up at her at once, and Sunna looks especially hesitant...

(This event staffer is...)

(Unbelievably desperate!)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (You can tell this staffer really wants to salvage her performance plan, but isn't this a bit rushed? Even the Delulus haven't heard (‍thetheText for Belle‍) Angels of Delusion's new song in full yet...)

Cecilia: I need ask their opinion first.

Like three confused sunflowers, the clueless little angels all turn toward Cecilia in perfect sync.

Cecilia: Sunna, Aria, Nangong... would you like to perform the lighting ceremony with me?

Cecilia: We'll sing the one Sunna wrote for Gilded Carrot Day.

The event staffer widens their eyes, waiting for the girls' answer.

Sunna: ...Huh?! That's so sudden! W—We need a second to think...

Event Staff: What? Do you really need to think — for an artist, any artist, what could be more important than this stage?! The last lighting ceremony guest was Astra Yao, you know!

Event Staff: And besides, you'll have Lady Cersea with you...

Cecilia: Alright, alright. It is an incredible stage, but my girls need a moment to talk it over — so don't rush them.

Cecilia: Once I have an answer, I'll let you know.

You huddle with the Angels of Delusion off to the side to talk it over.

Sunna: ...I know this might sound ungrateful, but I don't want to stay in Failume Heights and be the lighting ceremony's guest...

Aria: Yeah! Our own show is about to start, and the Delulus are still waiting for us on Sixth Street!

Right. I'm here on behalf of the Delulus.

But the choice is yours.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Yes, I'm (‍speakingspeakingText for Wise / herehereText for Belle‍) on behalf of all (‍Delulus.Delulus.Text for Wise / Delulus!Delulus!Text for Belle‍) And I already have a ticket to the "To Delulus" special (‍performance.performance.Text for Wise / performance!performance!Text for Belle‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): And as a Delulu, I'd really love to see Angels of Delusion perform as promised. But the choice is yours.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): An opportunity like the lighting ceremony doesn't come often. It'd be a shame to miss it... Whether it's me or any other (‍DeluluDeluluText for Wise / DelulusDelulusText for Belle‍), we're happy to support your dream.

Nangong Yu: ...Come on. If you say that, Manager, there's no way we can ditch the Delulus! We promised a debut. Are we really going to tell everyone to go to 404 and watch a live broadcast of the lighting ceremony instead?

Sunna: No way, no way!

Aria: Absolutely not!

Nangong Yu: Alright, since the Manager is an important participant too, three votes in favor and one abstention. We've passed another major group decision!

Nangong Yu: If we turn Ms. Cecilia down now, we can head back and get ready for our debut!

Sunna: T–Turn Ms. Cecilia down? Who's going to do it...?

The little angels quickly confer...
And Sunna loses at rock-paper-scissors.

Sunna: H–How can I do that...?

So it's Sunna...

...Who will turn down Cecilia's invitation?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Uh-oh. So Sunna'sUh-oh. So Sunna'sText for Wise / Oh no, is Sunna reallyOh no, is Sunna reallyText for Belle‍) the one who has to turn down Ms. Cecilia's (‍invitation...invitation...Text for Wise / invitation...?invitation...?Text for Belle‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): This (‍is gonnais gonnaText for Wise / mustmustText for Belle‍) be really hard for Sunna. After all, she hates bitter stuff, but she still can't say no to a Tin Master-recommended espresso.

Nangong Yu: If Aria were the one to turn her down, I'm sure Ms. Cecilia would probably accept it gracefully, but...

Sunna: ...No, I can do it!

Aria: ...You got this, Sunna!!

Cecilia comes over and starts discussing tonight's performance with the angels...

Nangong Yu: Since this is about the new song, let's have our composer take it away~

Sunna: Sure!

Sunna: First off, I only managed to finish tonight's song with the help of Aria, Nangong, our teacher, and the Manager. So strictly speaking, this song belongs to all of us.

Sunna: You all have credit on it. And, Ms. Cecilia, if you really sang this song at the lighting ceremony tonight... I'd be truly, truly honored!

Cecilia: So, what's the decision? You gonna perform with me?

Sunna: Hmm... it's true that the stage under the Yearlight is too dazzling for anyone to ignore.

Sunna: Especially for Angels of Delusion — it could end our days of obscurity and carry us toward... the light of dawn we've gazed at countless times.

Sunna: But... that's all it would be.

Sunna: Because we've got a more important promise to keep.

Sunna: Over the past few days, the three of us, together with the Manager, personally delivered many invitations.

Sunna: We invited all the Delulus who believed in us, supported us, and shared in our wild delusions to meet us tonight, at the Sixth Street stage, to celebrate Gilded Carrot Day together.

Sunna: Even this Gilded Carrot Day song... I wrote it bit by bit, remembering all their expectations and encouragement, imagining the moment we'd finally see each other in person.

Sunna: If the other side of the scale is Delulus waiting, then what's the point of "weighing" anything at all... We can't abandon the audience that's already supporting us for a slim chance at fame.

Sunna: So... sorry, Ms. Cecilia. We can't join you on stage for the lighting ceremony.

Cecilia: To think that Sunna would turn down my invitation, I'm just so...

Cecilia: ...Proud of you.

Cecilia: Aria, Nangong, you two have something to say?

Aria: ...Mhm!

Aria: The three of us weren't exactly stars from the get-go.

Aria: We've come a long, long way, and almost lost each other in this journey... but by encouraging one another, we've finally made it to the stage to meet our Delulus face-to-face.

Aria: But it wasn't just the three of us making these memories. Every kind word from Delulus like the Manager turned into specks of stardust, falling upon us.

Aria: Now tonight, we'll gather up the stardust of our wildest shared delusions...and light up their Gilded Carrot Day!

Nangong Yu: *whimpers* Well said... Both of you...

Cecilia: Alright, alright, Nangong — don't force the act. Save your energy for your stage tonight.

Cecilia: Rationally speaking, I still think you're passing up a huge opportunity... but if you always stayed rational, how could you ever answer that burning passion and become a true musician?

Cecilia: Leave the lighting ceremony to me.

Cecilia: Alright you three, you better give it your all tonight—

Sunna & Aria & Nangong Yu: No problem!

(At Sixth Street)

Sunna: Ahhhhh why why WHY are there so many people?!

Nangong Yu: ...She sold and gave away all those tickets herself, so why does Sunna look so caught off guard?

Aria: Why are there... so many people...?

Nangong Yu: ...Oh no, Aria's caught Sunna's airheadedness!

I've got a ticket, I'm here to watch the show.

Even if they're airheads, the show must go on!

Nangong Yu: Guess I better hurry and get those two prepared then~

Nangong Yu: But... I've been getting the feeling that you've been a little on edge. Could it be that thing we talked about the first time we met at the drinks stand still hasn't been resolved?

Sunna: ...Ah! Oh yeah, I totally forgot until now! Oh man, we've really been taking up way too much of the Manager's time!

Aria: ...Oh right, I remember now too! M—Manager, you should go handle it, I hope it goes smoothly...

It'll work out... I hope...

After all, I already made a wish to a sprite.

Aria: ...Huh?

Nangong Yu: Well, if that's the case... I'm sure you've got this. And y'know what? You're definitely gonna make it in time to catch our performance of the song Sunna wrote for Gilded Carrot Day~

After a quick goodbye, Nangong leads Sunna and Aria toward the Delulus awaiting them.