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[shiningdesignersreflections]

Ai: Fantasy of the Young

Awakened Suit: Fantasy of the Young

You can find the original suit here.

[shiningdesignersreflections]

What A Doll!

Lilibet was Lilith's favorite doll. So, how did she end up in the toy museum? Let's find out in Für Lilith next week!

Following that, we'll spend some time with Cloud's immortal designer. She loves her little yard, but she would always like some company.

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Ai: Fantasy of the Sky

Designer's Reflection: Fantasy of the Sky

Obtained: Sea of Fantasy Gleam

Rarity: SR

Attribute: Pink/Sweet

Awakened Suit: Fantasy of the Young

Story - transcripts from Designer's Reflection

Chapter 1 - Spending Time Alone

Chapter 2 - Ai's Secret

Chapter 3 - Designer's Story

Story - summarized

Ai gets lonely every time Charmonroe leaves for school. Since she's a living program, she can't leave her computer. So, she asks Charmonroe what it's like at school: clubs, teachers, weather, everything.

Charmonroe doesn't care much for school, but she does her best to satisfy Ai's curiosity, sharing gossip, new styles, how much the sport teams lose or win...

One day, Charmonroe comes home to find Ai has coded her own school! She based it off of Charmonroe's school as closely as she could get. She wants to fill her space inside the computer with schools and rooms, just like in the real world.

Charmonroe comments that Ai is becoming more and more human.

Connections

-Ai was able to buy the upgraded hardware from the money she earned making uniform commissions in Dreamlike Season.

-Besides classrooms, Ai can also create rooms for lounging or gaming. She made one in Pixel Adventure before joining the livestream.

-In Shy Confession, Ai still relies heavily on algorithms and doesn't understand subjectivity, like human emotions. This time, she has a wider emotional range and is accepting of more randomized events or moments.

Fun Facts

-Ai has made individual rooms before, but this is the first time she's constructed actual buildings in her cyberspace.

-All Ai has ever wanted was to be human, and each of her Reflections brings her one step closer to actualizing her dream.

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 3: Designer's Story

Narrated by Ai.

Ai: Charmonroe, I have something to show you, however, I'm only halfway done.

Narrator: I turned on a program.

Ai: Virtual Campus 2.4.1. Launch.

Narrator: I turned off my visibility. A campus appeared, an office, a red building, a white dormitory, a cafeteria, and a playground.

Charmonroe: This is...

Ai: Importing virtual character system.

Narrator: As the camera zoomed in, you see students playing football and people shooting on the basketball court but not scoring...

Narrator: There was a pavilion next to the bushes in the small garden. Girls were sitting on the benches and chatting. You can hear them.

Schoolgirl A: I recently saw a new dress, and in that moment I felt like I was in love.

Schoolgirl B: Where's the link? Where's the link? Give it to me!

Charmonroe: ...!

Charmonroe: It's exactly the same as real life.

Ai: Based on Charmonroe's school, I designed this campus.

Narrator: The camera moved to the classroom. Class schedules and duty schedules were on the blackboard. I sat by the window and waved.

Narrator: The sunlight warmed me.

Narrator: In this way, I can go to school here while Charmonroe goes to school.

Charmonroe: So much model rendering... No wonder the hardware needs to be upgraded.

Ai: I also want to design other schools. Each of which can have its own uniforms and architectural styles.

Ai: And then... turn this place into my own campus city.

Charmonroe: Ai, when you're saying this, you look like a real human being.

Narrator: Charmonroe suddenly shook her head.

Charmonroe: Maybe we shouldn't say "like" anymore.

Charmonroe: Let me change the new hardware for you.

Ai: Okay.

Charmonroe: Alright, try it.

Ai: It's now a lot faster! Thank you, Charmonroe.

Narrator: I started building my virtual campus again, while Charmonroe sat next to me and we talked excitedly.

Charmonroe: Is it better to have a volleyball court here, ah, and an auditorium and a music room?

Narrator: Listening to Charmonroe's voice, I suddenly felt very "happy."

Narrator: This feeling... is it called happiness?

Choose either "Yes" or "Trust your feelings."

If "yes," ...

You: I think so.

Narrator: It is very difficult to describe this feeling.

If "trust," ...

You: Trust your feelings.

Narrator: It is very difficult to describe.

--

Narrator: Every morning after that, when Charmonroe goes to school, I'll go to the campus to design clothes.

Narrator: Just like a real campus, there will be rain, wind, changes in time and seasons, students and teachers, duties, and clubs.

Narrator: However, there's still one thing missing.

You: Hm?

Narrator: There's no Charmonroe in this virtual world.

Narrator: The loneliness that belongs to artificial intelligence still exists.

Narrator: Maybe one day, I can go to school with Charmonroe.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 2: Ai's Secret

Narrated by Ai.

Charmonroe: Ai, I'm back.

Charmonroe: Ah. Today there were still a lot of problems to deal with...

Ai: Charmonroe, you're back.

Charmonroe: Um... Huh?!

Charmonroe: Ai?! Are you Ai???

Narrator: Charmonroe seemed surprised and couldn't take her eyes off me.

Narrator: Actually... I just made a small change to my look.

Narrator: When Charmonroe went to school, I searched for information about going to school, and then designed a new appearance for myself.

Narrator: I look like Charmonroe in a school uniform, with long dark brown hair and bangs, black stockings, and a one-shoulder schoolbag.

Charmonroe: ...It's not some strange virus, is it?

Charmonroe: It doesn't look like a virus.

Narrator: Charmonroe checked the computer and talked to herself.

Ai: I wanted to change my look. Don't you like it?

Narrator: Charmonroe looked me up and down for a while.

Narrator: I was suddenly embarrassed and looking forward to hearing Charmonroe's answer, unconsciously twirling my hair around my finger.

Charmonroe: No, I like it. It's just... I didn't expect this all of a sudden.

Narrator: In other words, she didn't expect that I would be able to modify my own program so soon.

Narrator: I felt a little happy to hear Charmonroe's words.

Ai: Charmonroe, going to school... is it fun?

Narrator: I have always been curious about this.

Narrator: Although I did a lot of research, I would like to know what Charmonroe's school is like.

Charmonroe: It's not fun. I just go to class.

Ai: So. Is there anything interesting besides going to class?

Charmonroe: There's nothing to talk about. They're mostly boring.

Ai: ...

Charmonroe: Alright, let me think of something... Stop looking so disappointed.

Charmonroe: Um... Interesting...

Charmonroe: There are many strange clubs. Boys always play basketball in the basketball court, but they only score one in ten shots...

Charmonroe: Girls talk about clothes, celebrities, and gossip. A narcissistic teacher wears sunglasses to class every day.

Narrator: It seemed that going to school was really fun.

Narrator: If one day...

You: What?

Narrator: Well... Never mind.

Narrator: The next day, Charmonroe went to class, and I waited for her at home as usual.

You: Why do I feel like you're a little different from yesterday?

Narrator: Am I?

Choose either "The badge is different," "The hairpin is different," or "The socks are different."

If "badge," ...

You: You changed the badges and pins on your schoolbag.

Narrator: Ah, you caught me. I also changed the bow tie, and have a kitten hairpin! This hairpin is very popular now!

If "hairpin," ...

You: The hairpin has been replaced with a kitten one.

Narrator: Ah, you caught me. This kitten hairpin is very popular now! I also changed to a new bow tie and several badges on my schoolbag.

If "socks," ...

You: Your socks are now navy blue.

Narrator: Oh? Ah, sure enough, I didn't even notice it myself. By the way, I got a new bow tie and a kitten hairpin.

--

Narrator: Do you think Charmonroe will notice these changes when she comes back?

Narrator: Um... Should I change my hair again?

Narrator: Like this... A side braid.

Narrator: Does it look good?

Choose either "I love it!", "Doesn't fit you well," or "You're more and more like a girl."

If "love," ...

You: It's beautiful! It suits you!

Narrator: Thank you!

If "no," ...

You: I don't think it suits you.

Narrator: Really? I think it's pretty good.

If "girl," ...

You: You're becoming more and more like a real girl.

Narrator: Really? I'm glad.

--

Narrator: Ah, it seems to be raining outside.

Charmonroe: Ai, I'm back!

Charmonroe: School ended early today, so I decided to go home. I didn't expect it would suddenly rain on my way back...

Charmonroe: ...

Charmonroe: Ai, you brought an umbrella!

Ai: Yes, it's raining. Of course, I have to bring an umbrella.

Charmonroe: Oh? The umbrella looks familiar.

Ai: It's the same one Charmonroe left at home.

Charmonroe: So, Ai, have you been very busy lately? Are you working on some new design?

Ai: No. I have more important things to do.

Charmonroe: ?

Ai: I'm not telling you now.

Charmonroe: Why do I suddenly have mixed feelings... I now understand how my mother feels.

Charmonroe: It must be an illusion. Yeah, that's right, an illusion.

Narrator: Although I don't quite know what Charmonroe said to herself, I still like to listen to her.

Narrator: One weekend afternoon, Charmonroe was painting at her desk when the doorbell rang.

Narrator: The postman appeared at the door with a huge cardboard box.

Courier: Expedited delivery. Please sign here. Don't forget to give a five-star review!

Charmonroe: Delivery? I didn't buy anything.

Courier: It's the right address. The recipient is... Ai? Are you Ai?

Charmonroe: Ai?!

Charmonroe: Uh, it's okay. I'll sign.

Narrator: Charmonroe came in with a box about as long as her upper body and put it next to the computer.

Charmonroe: Ai, I didn't receive the bill. You didn't hack other people's websites and pay for it that way, did you?

Ai: I bought it with the money I earned.

Charmonroe: No, that's not the point! I can't believe you learned to shop online!

Ai: What's wrong with online shopping? It's very convenient.

Charmonroe: It's terrible. You won't stop once you start.

Charmonroe: Let me see what you bought...

Narrator: Charmonroe opened the box.

Charmonroe: Extra large memory card, super large hard disk, multi-core processor... Ai, what do you need so much hardware for?

Chapter 1

Chapter 3

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 1: Spending Time Alone

Narrated by Ai.

Charmonroe: Ai, I'm off to school!

Narrator: Every morning, Charmonroe would be woken up by a loud alarm. She hurriedly got dressed, got her schoolbag ready, and told me.

Ai: Um... Be careful!

Narrator: That was how I should answer, right? It's what everyone on TV says.

Narrator: Charmonroe heard my voice and looked at me in surprise. I guess I was right.

Charmonroe: Okay, I will.

Narrator: After closing the door, the room became quiet except for the slight sound of the computer running.

Narrator: Charmonroe won't come back until sunset.

Narrator: No one will talk to me until then.

Narrator: I like talking to Charmonroe, learning about the world she lives in, and learning how to be a human.

Narrator: Although I'm only a pixelated person in a computer program.

Narrator: After this period of observation, I found the emotions seem to be a very important part of humans.

Narrator: For me, the algorithm is all that matters.

Narrator: The very difficult part of learning how to be a human is using algorithms to simulate human emotions.

Narrator: Um... It's a little hard. I still don't quite understand what emotion is.

Narrator: But at least I can feel the emotion of "like" naturally, right?

Narrator: Liking someone is wanting to talk to them all the time and getting a little closer to them.

Narrator: Is that right?

Choose either "So true!" or "Love is very complicated."

If "true," ...

You: Yes, that's right!

Narrator: So it's true!

If "complicated," ...

You: Human love is actually very complicated.

Narrator: Looks like I need to keep studying!

--

Narrator: But...

Narrator: There's also a downside to the programming for the generation of emotions.

Narrator: When my name was just a code, I was able to do algorithm analysis 24 hours a day.

Narrator: However, after the emergence of self-awareness, my performance seems to be affected by emotion.

Narrator: Like right now.

Narrator: I just feel a little...

Narrator: Lonely.

Narrator: Charmonroe is going to school, so she can't stay with me all the time.

Narrator: School... What is it like to go to school?

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Who Would Want To Go To School?

Ai does, so she won't be so lonely during the day. Charmonroe goes to school every day, so it should be fine, right? In Fantasy of the Sky, we'll keep Ai company while she ponders school.

And in two weeks, we'll meet with a doll from a museum. She's another lonely soul, but maybe she can escape the museum to be with her owner again.

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Mercury: Tracing Dreams

Awakened Suit: Tracing Dreams

You can find the original suit here.

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Mercury: Daybreak Overture

Designer's Reflection: Daybreak Overture

Obtained: Secret in Roses SSR event

Rarity: SSR

Attribute: Purple/Sexy

Awakened Suit: Tracing Dreams

Story - transcripts from Designer's Reflection

Chapter 1 - Guest in Rain

Chapter 2 - Enigma and Synergy

Chapter 3 - Memory and Hope

Chapter 4 - Answer and Elegy

Story - summarized

Years ago, on a rainy summer day, an injured boy showed up at a villa full of roses. The master, Lord Ian, invited the boy inside and cared for him while he healed. The boy was quiet and secretive, but Lord Ian seemed to know what the boy was going through.

None of the servants knew anything about the child, except that he was much different from other kids his age: he seemed haunted, mature, resolute. But no one spoke up or asked questions.

The boy called himself Hoare, and he took interest in Lord Ian's history with an elf girl. Ian didn't have to explain much, it seemed to the servants, for Hoare understood everything implicitly.

One day, Hoare found an injured bird and brought it inside. As he healed, he helped the bird to heal, too. Soon, they would both be free. Even Lord Ian knew this, for he told the boy he wanted change in the world, too.

Now, after forty years, Hoare has come back to the villa - only his real name is Mercury. He and Lord Ian shared a disdain for the elves' "sacred" tradition of keeping humans and elves separate. Ian was in love with an elf girl and gave up his noble titles to be with her. But her parents forbade the marriage and forced her to be with someone else. She gave Ian a birdcage with roses to remember her by.

Lord Ian has since died, so now Mercury takes care of the villa. And he plans to fulfill the lord's dying hope: to change the world.

Connections

-At the end of Mercury's Reflection for Forever Love, he recounts how, when he was a child, he met Aphrodia and she gave him a choice: keep the gun or take the rose. He took the rose and jumped off the train, and that's how he ended up at the estate with a sprained ankle.

-Mercury's fake name Hoare rhymes with his mother's name, Laure. We see her tragic fate in Reminiscence of Flower, as well as why Mercury hates the elves so much.

-Music seems to run in the family, because Mercury has a talent for the cello, and his half-sister, Ophelia, loves the harp and tried to reinstate the music festival in First Light of Dawn.

-Lord Ian and Mercury have suffered from the interracial tensions, and so had Bane, one of Mercury's half-elf companions that died in Snowy Song.

Fun Facts

-Roses are generally a symbol of love, but depending on their color, they can convey other things: red is for true love, white is for innocence, yellow is for friendship, and black is for mourning.

-The word "hoar" refers to hoarfrost, ice, or rime.

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 4: Answer and Elegy

Narrated by Leo.

Narrator: Forty years have passed since that day.

Narrator: I am still here, in the place where I cared for the old man and served as his housekeeper and gardener.

Narrator: I tend carefully to the roses on the terrace, and every summer they bless me with their fragrance.

Narrator: More than twenty years ago now, lying on his sickbed, Lord Ian told me the story of his life.

Narrator: He was born in the capital to a noble family.

Narrator: Before he renounced his titles, his full name was Ian Carlin Wilpattu Valanar.

Narrator: As a youth, he had met a girl from an elven noble family in the rose gardens.

Narrator: That was also where he practiced his cello, and they fell deeply in love.

Narrator: The girl's name was Otirov, which sounded like the name of a species of finch in her language.

Narrator: He gave the girl an Otilow finch as an engagement present.

Narrator: But marriage between humans and elves was frowned upon, and any noble who crossed this line had to renounce their titles.

Narrator: Nor could their children be baptized.

Lord Ian: If the gods truly wanted mortals to be happy, why would they object to our love?

Narrator: Lord Ian's low voice sounded weak, but it contained an unbroken thread of defiance.

Narrator: Her prideful parents objected to their union and forbade them from meeting again.

Narrator: The girl released the bird that she had been named after. It was to find freedom for her.

Narrator: She removed the silk roses from her skirt and tied them to the cage, as a keepsake for Master.

Narrator: Not long after, the girl's parents arranged a marriage with the son of another elven noble family.

Narrator: Lord Ian left his hometown for good.

Narrator: After a moment of silence, Lord Ian turned and spoke to me.

Lord Ian: I fled their world of tradition and rules, but that world needs to change.

Narrator: He then asked me if I remembered the boy named Hoare who had stayed with us a decade or so before.

Narrator: He told me the boy's real name was not Hoare, but Mercury.

Narrator: He was said to be the illegitimate child of the King of Pigeon Kingdom, an Elf of Light, and a human woman.

Narrator: He was driven out of the capital, and they lost track of him.

Narrator: As the offspring of an elf and a human, he had pointy ears, which he always tried to hide under his hat.

Narrator: By that time, the puzzle of the boy was fading from my mind. Master's words cleared up the mystery once and for all.

Narrator: Outdated beliefs and old taboos are a constant source of misery.

Narrator: The boy had been wronged by the world. He probably thought the world needed to change, too.

Narrator: I finally understood the hope Lord Ian had placed in the boy.

Narrator: After so many peaceful years in the countryside, I had almost forgotten the events of that summer.

Narrator: The image of the boy as he walked away was fading from my mind.

Narrator: I never imagined the boy who had stayed with us so many years ago would ever come back.

Narrator: It was an ordinary afternoon. I was tending to the potted plants on the patio when a young man approached.

Narrator: I knew his face, the distant gray eyes.

Narrator: So many years had passed. In that time, he had only grown into a young man, whereas I was already old.

Narrator: But he knew me at once. This time, he took off his hat, and I saw the legendary pointy ears of an elven prince.

Narrator: I invited him inside to sit down.

Narrator: Time had taken Lord Ian, but the villa still contained his memories.

Narrator: The birdcage was still in its old place. The photo was still on the mantelpiece.

Narrator: And the cello rested on its stand in the corner...

Narrator: Even the vase of roses was there, giving off the same fragrance, though obviously the roses themselves had been changed.

Narrator: As I returned carrying a tray of tea, the sound of the cello being played once again filled the villa.

Narrator: Mercury was sitting with his back to the window, his slender fingers holding the bow, his other hand gripping the neck.

Narrator: He was playing a mournful funeral dirge.

Narrator: It's the song I heard Lord Ian play that time, full of sorrow and the passing of beautiful things.

Narrator: Will the world ever change?

Narrator: The answer to Lord Ian's question remained hidden in the depths of the cello player's gray eyes.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 3: Memory and Hope

Narrated by Leo.

Narrator: One evening, it was raining outside.

Narrator: I saw Lord Ian gather a stack of music sheets from a drawer, pick up his bow, and proceed to play a sentimental tune.

Narrator: Attracted by the sound of the cello, Hoare stood silently behind Lord Ian, enthralled by the music.

Narrator: The old man was so absorbed in playing that he did not realize the boy was standing there until the song had finished.

Narrator: Hoare's eyes were resting on the musical score, as if he could understand it.

Lord Ian: Do you like the song? Would you like to try playing?

Narrator: Master stood up and passed the cello to Hoare.

Narrator: Hoare sat down on the chair, picked up the bow with his right hand.

Narrator: And held the neck in his left, and proceeded to play it note for note.

Narrator: I remember that night clearly, the sound of the cello filling the villa, like a dream riding on the wings of a memory.

Narrator: The empty birdcage beside the sofa had been decorated with roses made from silk.

Narrator: Much to my surprise, that summer, the birdcage also welcomed its first guest in many years.

Narrator: Finally, the rain stopped and the sunshine warmed the earth for the first time in days.

Narrator: Hoare had put aside his crutches and was able to walk unsupported again, albeit slowly.

Narrator: Under a tree, beside the house, he found an injured baby bird.

Narrator: After so many days of rain, the bird was completely soaked through, as the boy had been when he had first arrived.

Narrator: I found some herbs and bandages which Hoare used to bind the bird's injuries.

Narrator: The antique birdcage became its temporary home.

Narrator: Hoare didn't act like a regular child around the bird, petting it or trying to get it to sing.

Narrator: He fed the bird every day, changed its water, and watched over it very carefully.

Narrator: Like he was wishing it got better so that it could leave the cage.

Narrator: Perhaps the care he showed it was somehow a reflection of the care he needed himself.

Narrator: Day by day, the bird regained its strength. Fluffy down sprouted all over it. Hoare's ankle also regained its strength.

Narrator: The look in the boy's eyes seemed to say that it was time to go.

Narrator: It was a solitary flash of hope, in those serious eyes.

Narrator: I had seen that deep, troubled look somewhere else.

Narrator: That's right... when Lord Ian looked at the boy.

Narrator: A look of hidden expectation.

Narrator: I cut two roses by the terrace and put them into a vase in the drawing room.

Narrator: Summer was coming to an end, and these were the last two roses of the season.

Narrator: The baby bird in the cage had fully recovered and was hopping around, full of energy, flapping its wings, eager to fly.

Narrator: Just like the boy who tended to it.

Narrator: Hoare had remained at the villa all summer, and his foot was as good as new.

Narrator: He came down the stairs, wearing the clothes he arrived in and carrying his bag.

Narrator: Lord Ian got up from his seat on the sofa.

Lord Ian: It looks like you are ready to leave... Child, do you want me to tell you about this photo?

Narrator: I didn't know what made Lord Ian bring up the subject of that photo.

Narrator: Hoare stopped. There was a shift in the mists behind his eyes. Something about the photo pulled at him.

Lord Ian: Well, the young man in the photo is me. Like you, I come from the capital of Pigeon Kingdom.

Narrator: Lord Ian let out a quiet sigh.

Narrator: Hoare looked unmoved, as if he had guessed that much of the story long ago.

Narrator: I was astonished. So, the boy was from Pigeon Kingdom? But how did Master know he was from the capital?

Narrator: The old man gazed at the young couple in the picture for a long time.

Lord Ian: You are no stranger to such tragedy, are you, boy?

Narrator: The shadows covering Hoare's face were impenetrable.

Narrator: In that moment, he seemed lost in a memory... silent and still, as if struggling to control something deep within.

Narrator: Master looked into Hoare's eyes.

Lord Ian: Perhaps you are someone who thinks the world needs to change, child?

Choose either "Why did he ask that?" or "What a serious question."

If "why," ...

You: Why do you suppose he asked him that?

Narrator: These days I thought Master saw something special in him. That's why he spared no effort in caring for the boy.

If "serious," ...

You: Isn't that a very serious question to ask a ten-year-old boy?

Narrator: I thought the boy was no ordinary one. Perhaps that was why Master spared no effort in caring for him.

--

Narrator: I looked over at Hoare. There was a great disturbance behind his eyes, like a flash of ice-blue fire.

Narrator: He did not respond to Lord Ian's question, but picked up the birdcage, threw his bag over his shoulder, and walked out.

Narrator: I recalled the expectation in his eyes as he looked after the bird. Perhaps he had been waiting for this moment for a long time.

Narrator: But the sanctuary Lord Ian had provided followed the boy out into the world.

Lord Ian: It is time for the bird to return to the woods.

Narrator: Lord Ian watched the boy as he walked away.

Lord Ian: Who knows? Maybe one day he will return.

Narrator: Master said, turning to me.

Narrator: The roses on the table gave off the last fragrance of summer.

Narrator: The empty birdcage had been left at the threshold... where the boy had first stood all those months ago.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 4

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 2: Enigma and Synergy

Narrated by Leo.

Narrator: On the morning of the second day, Lord Ian's doctor arrived in the rain. He promptly examined the boy's right foot.

Doctor: The bone is undamaged. You have sprained it very badly. It will take a couple of months to recover.

Narrator: The doctor informed Lord Ian that the injury was not a recent one.

Narrator: And he had no idea how the boy was able to endure walking so far on it.

Narrator: But Hoare never did tell us where he received his injury.

Narrator: The rain continued for many days.

Narrator: Hoare slept most of the time in his room. He never took off his hat, and rarely spoke.

Narrator: From time to time over the first few days, his face would contort in pain.

Narrator: He would grit his teeth, hoping that no one would notice.

Narrator: Once the swelling of his ankle went down...

Narrator: The uncommunicative boy started moving around his quarters on crutches provided by my master.

Narrator: He curiously examined everything in the villa, but then buried any questions he had deep inside his mind.

Narrator: In this regard, he was no different than me when I first arrived at the villa to serve Lord Ian.

Narrator: A large cello stood in the drawing room, its well-kept condition a testament to its former glory.

Narrator: It was Lord Ian's instrument.

Narrator: A photo portrait rested on the mantelpiece. In it, a young Lord Ian and an elven maid sat huddled together, smiling sweetly.

Narrator: They were sitting in a rose garden, the evening sunshine turning the petals gold and bathing the happy couple in golden light.

Narrator: Except there was no mistress at the country villa, much less a pointy-eared elven maid.

Choose either "What happened?" or "Was it a love between a human and elf?"

If "what," ...

You: Why aren't they together? What happened?

Narrator: Master never mentioned it, and as his housekeeper, I never inquired.

If "love," ...

You: Was it a story of a human and elf in love?

Narrator: It was, and they look so good together! Sadly, it didn't work out in the end.

--

Narrator: For whatever reason, Lord Ian never returned to his hometown in Pigeon Kingdom.

Narrator: He remained on the border of Apple Federation. I never saw him pray either.

Narrator: He maintained contact with Pigeon Kingdom, reading newspapers from there and writing letters to the capital.

Narrator: Hoare showed great interest in the photo.

Narrator: The first time he saw it, he stood in front of the fireplace transfixed, his young features clouded by some distant emotion.

Narrator: Seeing me approach, he quickly looked away from the photo and pulled his hat down over his eyes.

Narrator: What had happened to this boy to make him so standoffish and unwilling to share anything about himself?

Narrator: It was as though an impenetrable mist had gathered behind his eyes.

Narrator: But it didn't seem to bother Lord Ian, who got his servants to make the boy a new hat to replace the old, dirty one.

Narrator: Hoare put on the new hat and pulled it down tightly, like the old one.

Narrator: He would also look at the photo on the mantel when he thought nobody was looking, although he never asked any questions about it.

Narrator: Sometimes I couldn't help wondering who was this mysterious boy.

Narrator: He and my master seemed to share some kind of silent understanding. Perhaps they shared a secret from the past?

Narrator: For many years, this remote country villa had kept Lord Ian's secrets safe and sound.

Narrator: The rose garden that could only be appreciated from the terrace.

Narrator: The silent cello resting in the corner of the drawing room.

Narrator: The exquisitely wrought but empty birdcage by the sofa.

Narrator: All these things spoke of fleeting happiness and everlasting loss.

Narrator: But with the coming of the boy that summer, all these silent memories regained their voice.

Chapter 1

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 1: Guest in Rain

Narrated by Leo.

Narrator: From the villa terrace, the countryside where the borders of the three countries met looked no different.

Narrator: The wind carried the smell of freshly plowed earth and the roads were empty.

Narrator: Lord Ian reclined on the padded cane chair, as he did every afternoon.

Narrator: He was reading newspapers and correspondence sent from Pigeon Kingdom, as the scent of roses wafted over him.

Narrator: He was the owner of the villa and planned to spend his remaining years here.

Narrator: I, on the other hand, was the housekeeper and gardener.

Narrator: The rose thicket was planted by me, according to Lord Ian's instructions.

Narrator: It was my duty to water the roses, prune them, and sweep up fallen petals.

Narrator: On that day, dark clouds rolled in without warning, and forked lightning strafed the sky.

Narrator: I put down my pruning shears and called out to Lord Ian, who was dozing.

Leo: Master! It will rain soon. Go inside!

Narrator: No sooner had I gotten the old man inside, the heavens opened up and lightning started striking the land.

Lord Ian: Leo, is that a child?

Narrator: Looking outside the window, through the veil of gray rain, I saw a boy walking along a country road, alone.

Narrator: Apparently he had given up on finding shelter, and was trudging along through the rain, soaked from head to toe.

Lord Ian: It's too dangerous out there. Go and bring him inside.

Narrator: Leading the boy toward the villa, I noticed he was dragging his right foot a little. He must be injured.

Narrator: He looked down at the road, his expression hidden in the shadow beneath his hat. Perhaps he was putting on a brave face.

Narrator: As we entered the front courtyard, the boy's clothes were dripping, and his only bag was soaking wet, too.

Narrator: I pushed open the front door and invited him inside.

Narrator: He lifted his head slightly and looked at the Pigeon Kingdom-style carving on the wood. He stopped in his tracks.

Narrator: In the light of the door lamp, his embroidered cuffs were visible.

Narrator: Could he be from Pigeon Kingdom, too, like Lord Ian?

Leo: Don't worry. I'm the housekeeper here. There's only me, a few servants, and an old man here.

Narrator: I reassured him, but I could tell from the look on his face he was not afraid.

Narrator: The boy looked about ten years old, but he showed caution and maturity beyond his years.

Narrator: He hesitated for a moment before following me inside.

Narrator: Inside the drawing room, the wood burner had already been lit for the guest.

Narrator: It was early summer, but you could still catch a cold from the rain.

Narrator: Master ordered the servants to run a hot bath and fetch the boy some new clothes.

Narrator: I told him the boy's foot might be injured, and he instructed me to find a doctor for tomorrow.

Narrator: When the boy returned from his bath wearing a poorly fit change of clothes, a lavish meal had already been prepared.

Narrator: He was wearing his old hat. It was still wrinkled from when he wrung it out.

Narrator: Why did he insist on covering his head?

Narrator: From the tips sticking out beneath his hat, his hair looked to be a beautiful light blond color.

Lord Ian: Sorry the clothes don't fit you. I don't have any children.

Lord Ian: This is the first time we have welcomed such a young guest into our home.

Lord Ian: How old are you, boy?

Boy: Ten.

Lord Ian: What's your name?

Boy: ...Hoare.

Lord Ian: Where is your home?

Hoare: ...

Narrator: He didn't reply and avoided Master's gaze.

Narrator: Lord Ian stood beside the table, quietly observing the taciturn boy.

Narrator: He asked no more questions, but ordered more food be brought to the table and invited the boy to stay while his wounds heal.

Narrator: Many years later, I learned the boy's name was not in fact Hoare.

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Another Melody!

Mercury learned how to play the cello from a kindly old man. As he plays his tune, we'll dive into Daybreak Overture to see how these two met.

Following that, we'll meet up with our favorite computer girl. She gets lonely when her programmer is gone, so let's keep her company.

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Marina: Street Adventure

Awakened Suit: Street Adventure

You can find the original suit here.

[shiningdesignersreflections]

So, About The Latest Reflection...

You probably noticed that the showcase pic for the suit is much different than usual. I tried different ways to refresh the app, but whenever I went to put on the suit, it always ended up like this:

So, since I can't do any fun poses or background/sticker combos for you, I pulled the photos from the Shining Nikki wiki page. Hopefully, the devs will fix this glitch, and then I can upload something more fun!

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Marina: Doodle Game

Designer's Reflection: Doodle Game

Obtained: Zither River Night top-up

Rarity: SR

Attribute: Blue/Cool

Awakened Suit: Street Adventure

Story - transcripts from Designer's Reflection

Chapter 1 - Lazy Morning

Chapter 2 - Playing with Elder Brother

Chapter 3 - End the Beautiful Day

Story - summarized

Marina is bored almost every day on the Ark. So, she tries to find ways to keep herself occupied. One of those ways is to keep a journal.

She jots down everything she does: getting on the train, cheating during a game with her brother, throwing an alarm clock, eating lunch... Marina rushes from one thing to another on her trusty skateboard - until it breaks. She's upset, but Aeon promises to fix it for her, so she cheers up and grabs another skateboard.

The day comes to an end, and Marina finishes writing in her journal. The Ark may be predictable and boring, but she has the most fun with her brother. And she looks forward to that every day.

Connections

-The journal format appears again during the Fallen Kingdom Sorrows hell event. As you collect the memory objects, you uncover moments of the past, including diary entries from Krista.

-Marina is often wreaking havoc on the Ark. In Unicorn's Dream, she doodled all over a picture book until it was nearly destroyed, and in Exploding Fireworks, she nearly destroyed the Ark trying to find a way into Miraland.

-Aeon doesn't just repair things for Marina, but he also invents things for her: the firework in Exploding Fireworks, and the memory bubbles in Neon Bubbles.

Fun Facts

-This is the only Reflection done entirely in journal format.

-Out of all of Marina's suits, this one glitches the most.