Welcome to the Alkaid Archive, a blog dedicated to archiving content of Alkaid McGrath from Lovebrush Chronicles/Lu Chen from For All Time.
I've never done anything like this before, so the blog will be rather basic and I may mess up along the way, so please be patient with me. That being said, tips are greatly appreciated!
While mostly a personal project, I hope others get as much enjoyment out of this as I do. I will try to update on a regular basis.
Enjoy your stay and thanks for visiting!
Note: I will not be posting CN content. This blog will be following along with global server updates :)
I sadly do not have anything special to post for Alkaid's birthday, but what kind of fan account would I be if I didn't wish its dedicated character a happy birthday?
So happy birthday, Alkaid. And I hope whoever's reading this has a good day ^^
Those momentarily dimmed lights will reignite at some point.
1. Reigniting
Those extinguished, dimmed lights...
They will reignite at some point.
I dream of Sudarsana again. The city stands tall in the wind.
It seems like someone is calling out to me from there, but I dare not approach.
I wake up whenever this happens.
My name is Little Painter, and I am an Oni living in this small village at the border separating the territories of Celestials and Onis.
This area is constantly plagued by war, but due to its diverse population, laws of Sudarsana are often not enforced radically, making it a rare "land of freedom."
I make a living by selling paintings, and when there are no customers, I do some side jobs with other girls.
In the village, there are both Onis and Celestials, but we live together in harmony, so I don't feel lonely.
When I have nothing to do, I often have strange dreams. I dream of falling into the abyss with a young Celestial, who is surrounded by gentle, harmless light.
I also dream that we live in a different world. I paint, and he uses a strange machine to capture images.
After waking up, I can't help but wonder if we will stay here together should I meet him one day...
???: Little Painter, why are you spacing out again? The sun is about to set. Do you want to come to my home?
I hear a girl's voice; it is Hanako. She is about my age, and we get along well. Hanako rolls up her sleeves and sits down beside me with a carefree demeanor.
Hanako: Although my dad will be cooking tonight.
Recently, the beasts have been active. The village chief asks everyone to return home before sunset, and hunters are stationed outside the village. Curfew nights are always boring, and Hanako keeps urging me to play with her every night.
On any other day, I'd say yes, but, well... the whole village knows her dad's a cooking disaster...
Little Painter: ...How about another day?
Hanako: Sure, I'll be waiting for you!
After we say our farewells, I close the door. After taking a few steps, Hanako turns back to talk to me.
Hanako: My mom said that if you really must go out, remember to bring an oil lamp and a weapon. We all know a bit of magic, so self-defense won't be an issue.
Hanako: If you see a Celestial with light blond hair, you can ask him for help.
A Celestial with light blond hair?
I am slightly surprised, and Hanako whispers into my ear.
Hanako: Yes, he is a Celestial dressed in white, with gentle eyes and a very handsome face! He often wanders the streets alone... but never disturbs anyone.
Hanako: Hey, better not get too close to him... After all, he is from Sudarsana, and we are Onis.
Hanako: There has always been a blood feud between the Celestials and Onis.
Hanako warns me not to go out unless it's absolutely necessary, then turns to leave.
I light the oil lamp and brew a pot of tea for myself. Under the flickering light, I intend to start painting but can't bring myself to begin.
I open the window to get some air and inadvertently notice a figure at the end of the street.
That Celestial with light blond hair is all too familiar to me.
It's the person I see in my dreams every night.
He wears a pure white outfit for Celestials, simple with minimal adornment but beautiful by nature.
Little Painter: ...Alkaid.
Almost instinctively, I call out a name. After the words leave my mouth, even I am surprised.
Alkaid... is that the name of this young Celestial?
He's like a star advancing on this empty street.
The windows on the entire street are tightly shut. Apart from me, no one has noticed his presence.
There is no smile on his face, nor does he look at anything.
On a whim, I cast a spell to create a spark out of the window.
The young Celestial obviously notices me beckoning at him. He looks over, and for a moment, his slender eyebrows are slightly raised.
Alkaid: Good evening. How can I help you?
His voice is unexpectedly polite, but he doesn't seem to be on guard.
Such an attitude either indicates a complete lack of defense against the world's malice... or absolute confidence in his own power.
He won't target anyone, but he also doesn't fear any malice.
Little Painter: It's nothing. I just wanted to light the lamp to remind you to be careful.
I point to the oil lamp placed under the eaves and smile at him kindly.
Little Painter: Where are you heading? There can be all kinds of dangers lurking in the night...
Alkaid: I'm heading to the front lines of the Celestial Army to help them cast some spells. I'm passing through your village and do not intend to disturb anyone.
He speaks softly as if worried that he might disturb others, yet he doesn't care if he himself can be exposed to any threats.
I think about it and decide not to press him further with more questions. Instead, I offer him the freshly brewed tea.
Little Painter: I see... How about having some water before you go?
Alkaid's eyes widen as he looks intently at me, and then, after a long time, he looks away.
Alkaid: Sorry for being rude, and thank you for the kind offer...
He walks to my window, takes the tea I hand him, and sips it gently.
Alkaid: This is no ordinary water; it has been brewed with tea leaves...
Tea has always been precious. Once, I helped a merchant from Kyoto, and he gave me some.
Lost in thought, Alkaid slowly finishes his tea.
Alkaid: The tea you brewed tastes nice. By the way, don't forget to close the windows at night as spirits would roam around.
He glances at me again, then turns and walks in his previous direction.
I close the window and return to my desk, then pick up a brush, but the paper remains blank.
I see Alkaid again two days later.
I am gathering herbs in the field to make paint and have lost track of time. When I look up, it is already late.
The wind howls, bringing the walls of beasts, and I decide to hurry back to the village.
With a spell ready in my hand for self-defense, I follow the path I remember to return home. Turning a corner, I come face to face with Alkaid.
Alkaid: It's you... The girl who reminded me to stay safe in the village a few days ago.
Alkaid recognizes me immediately. He smiles at me, seemingly noticing the basket and wooden stick in my hand, and takes a step closer to me.
Alkaid: Are you heading back to the village? There are many wild beasts nearby. How about I escort you?
I remember what Hanako and the village elders told me the other day.
Hanako: If you see a Celestial with light blond hair, you can ask him for help.
Moreover, this Celestial with light blond hair is the one I can never forget in my dreams.
Little Painter: Okay. Thank you for helping.
Alkaid smiles. He raises his hand and naturally lights up a glow for me.
The deepening darkness is suddenly kept at bay by Alkaid, who stands at a respectful distance, silently offering me protection.
We head towards the village together. His gentle gaze falls on my shoulder, and I can't help but want to say something to him.
Little Painter: You said you want to help the Celestial Army. Is it done?
Alkaid: Yes, I'm on my way back to Sudarsana. I usually go there once a week to help check on things and then come back.
Little Painter: Is life hard on the front lines?
Alkaid: It's not too hard. It's just that people aren't always in a good mood.
His voice is somewhat low as if he is thinking about something. We enter the village, and Alkaid takes me back home.
At the doorstep, I turn around. Alkaid looks a bit tired, but there is a smile on his face.
Alkaid: ...My name is no secret in the village, but I would like to know yours.
Little Painter: My name is Little Painter.
Seeing that he is about to leave after asking this question, I hurriedly speak up to stop him.
Little Painter: ...Alkaid, would you like to come in for some tea?
Alkaid: You always have tea ready.
He winks and gives me a subtle smile.
Little Painter: Yeah, the tea from last time hasn't been finished yet.
Alkaid looks at me, hesitates for a moment, and then gently nods.
With a creak, the door opens to reveal a small room with tea leaves and warming lights, enough to comfort Alkaid, who is weary after his travel.
Hot water boils on the small stove, and the tea leaves in the cup slowly unfurl. Alkaid and I each have a cup of tea, sharing a smile.
2. Kiss of the Heart's Flame
After that, Alkaid and I meet weekly.
He now spends more time traveling each week, and on his way back, he always lights up tiny glimmers and sparks for me. When I see those firefly-like lights approaching, I know it is him.
He brings me snacks and tea from Sudarsana. We chat in the middle of the night, talking about everything, from recent interesting news to our pasts.
Occasionally, he tells me about his life, such as his experiences in Sudarsana. I can't understand everything he says, but I enjoy every story he tells.
Alkaid: They always think the work on the front lines is troublesome, but for me, leaving Sudarsana and seeing the outside world is hundreds of times better than staying in the city.
Alkaid: Occasionally, I help the Oni villagers. They might fear me, but they don't reject me.
Although he treats both the Onis and civilians kindly, he doesn't seem to play an important role in the stories he shares. I notice that there aren't many of his friends or acquaintances in those stories.
He has own standards of judging good and evil, not bothering with how others judge him, and he does not belong to any group.
He is always kind to others, yet he keeps his distance from everyone.
I've never been as fortunate as I am now because when he passed by the window, I took the initiative to light the oil lamp for him.
The time we spend together each week is limited, so we try to make this night last as long as possible.
Alkaid: And I got to meet you. Now, I look forward to seeing you every day, Little Painter.
He props his head on the table, squinting his emerald eyes at me. My ears feel hot under his gaze, so I lower my head to pick up my teacup.
Alkaid inches slightly closer, his voice slightly lower now, but to me, it sounds even clearer.
Alkaid: The Celestials always care a lot about race and identity. But I don't care... because seeing you fills my heart with joy.
He slowly reaches out his hand, interlocking his fingers with mine. Our souls touch in the night, repeatedly conveying our emotions and thoughts to each other.
As time passes, Alkaid begins to visit the village earlier every week, and we get more and more intimate.
The villagers soon notice our relationship, but they say nothing. Only Hanako occasionally feels anxious and advises me not to get too close to the Celestials.
Hanako: The granny next door said yesterday that you two make such a great couple. But honestly... I'm worried!
Hanako: I know he's not bad; we all know that. But after all, he is a Celestial from Sudarsana, and you are an Oni...
Little Painter: It's okay. I have faith in Alkaid and myself.
Hanako: You always say that! Forget it; if anyone dares bother you, come to me. We'll show them that Onis are not to be trifled with!
Hanako pouts and leaves, throwing a bundle of firewood at my doorstep before leaving. I pick up the firewood and throw it into the pile, then go inside to prepare for Alkaid's next visit.
Alkaid starts spending the night at my place. The next morning, I will accompany him and walk as far as I can go.
We meander along the path, occasionally approaching Sudarsana, treating it like a small adventure.
Alkaid: Look, taking this path will take us to a high ground—
He supports my hand, making it easy for me to climb the hill. The early morning breeze caresses my cheeks, making me want to stretch lazily.
Alkaid: Little Painter, look over there—
Following in Alkaid's direction, I see the magnificent Sudarsana. It is big and pure white, with countless veils fluttering within.
Alkaid holds my shoulders, trying to help me see more clearly.
Alkaid: Can you see it? It's right there. That terrace that is extending outward—it's my home.
Alkaid: If you come here, I can definitely see you from home. Although it's a bit far, as long as it's you, I will surely recognize you.
This is as far as we can travel together. Upon reaching this small hill, he will give me a big hug before returning to Sudarsana.
Before parting, Alkaid hugs me from behind, unwilling to let go for a long time. I express my longing for him, and he responds with deep affection.
I tease him again about his scant clothing—Alkaid's limbs and body are largely laid bare, with only a few silver accessories securing the clothes at his chest and waist.
Alkaid: Celestials usually dress like this. It's our custom.
Alkaid: Are you asking because the accessories on my chest are bothering you?
It gets in the way.
Little Painter: It feels a bit uncomfortable. What now, Alkaid?
With a helpless smile, Alkaid keeps his right arm around me while his left hand quietly lets go. A few seconds later, I hear the sound of fabric sliding and metal hitting the ground.
He puts his left hand on me, his gentle breathing approaching once more.
Alkaid: How about now?
Did he just take off the accessories?! As I try to look down to find the accessories, Alkaid tightens his arms around me.
My back is pressed against his chest. Through our clothes, I can feel Alkaid's steady heartbeat.
From where we touch, warmth slowly spreads. I want to move a little, but Alkaid's hair brushes against my ear, bringing a subtle, affectionate itch.
Alkaid: Now it shouldn't be a problem.
No, that's not it.
Little Painter: No, that's not it.
Little Painter: I'm simply curious why your dress style is so bold, Alkaid.
Alkaid laughs as I tease him. He gently shifts his position and holds me even tighter.
I feel the warmth of his chest and the strong beat of his heart.
Alkaid: Bold, huh? I'll admit my style is quite unique.
Alkaid: But I don't think you hate it... do you?
Alkaid guides my fingers along his forearm. He brings my hand to trace along the inner side where his muscles tighten and write something—it is my name.
We are now slightly leaning towards each other, his warm breath falling on my eyelashes. As he finishes writing my name stroke by stroke, a chuckle escapes his lips near my ear.
Alkaid: Look, at least with this outfit, you can leave a bit of a mark on me.
We chuckle softly for a while, and then Alkaid sighs and whispers in my ear.
Alkaid: It's that time again.
It is time for us to part, and he returns alone to Sudarsana.
Little Painter: I will really miss you.
Alkaid: Yeah, me too.
Alkaid lowers his head, and his kiss lands on my shoulder and neck. After a few breaths, his light and gentle voice comes to my ear.
Alkaid: Little Painter, I want to give you a gift.
Alkaid: However, I might not be able to fulfill it just yet—so I'll give this to you first.
He fumbles for a while and hands me a silver accessory. I recognize it as the metal accessory he wore on his chest.
Alkaid: This is the thing closest to my heart, and it also has my spell on it. Treat it as a token; I will only fulfill my promise when you hold this.
Little Painter: What about your outfit?
Alkaid: I have no choice but to keep it like this as I go back.
His tone rises at the end. He is clearly joking.
Alkaid: I can string it together with any blade of grass. Also, this is just a token; the gift I want to give you is...
Alkaid: A special night.
His voice is so gentle that it's a bit hoarse.
Alkaid: Every night spent with you is special.
Alkaid: But what I want is to disregard our identities and ignore how others might judge us—just the two of us and a special night for you.
Alkaid: I'll finish dealing with other matters as soon as possible and come to find you. Wait for my gift, okay?
Little Painter: Okay.
I slightly lift my head, rubbing his cheek. Tiny points of light slowly rise from his body.
We hold each other's hands, waiting quietly.
Spots of starlight float on the leaves. Before we part, the light twinkles faintly, like the final dance of fireflies.
3. Falling Swallow
The battle between Celestials and Onis has intensified rapidly within days. This war has been going on for too long, the situation is complex, and we can't let down our guard.
The first to get involved in the war are border villages like ours. The Oni soldiers suspect us of hiding Celestials, while Celestials disdain Onis, leading to endless conflicts.
Due to the circumstances, Alkaid can't stay here with me any longer.
Little Painter: Alkaid, be careful with everything.
Alkaid: I will. Promise me that we'll both take care of ourselves and meet again when things have quieted down, okay?
I watch him disappear at the end of the street. The accessory in my hand glimmers faintly with silver light. Holding it, I feel as if Alkaid is right beside me.
I still work with Hanako to help the villagers and occasionally draw paintings. The elders sometimes mention Alkaid, saying he is a fine young man.
Celestial Granny: Why hasn't that young man come around lately?
Oni Grandpa: The situation is tense now, and he is a Celestial from Sudarsana, so of course, he has to keep a low profile. I know how this must feel, but don't worry, he will come in a few days.
Celestial Granny: Hold on a bit longer, child. When I was young, there was also a boy I liked...
Hanako: Hey, Little Painter!
I turn around, and Hanako is running towards me. When she reaches me, she sneaks a crumpled note into my hand.
Little Painter: What's this?
Hanako: A man from the neighboring village gave this to me. He has been helping transport grain to Sudarsana these days, and a Celestial asked him to pass this on to you.
Hanako: Don't worry, I know this man. He's a trustworthy Celestial commoner who was exiled and ended up here. Quick, see what's written inside.
I open the note and see Alkaid's handwriting—it is much more scrawled than I have imagined as if it was written in a hurry.
Alkaid: An Oni spy was discovered in Sudarsana, so a decision was made to cleanse the surrounding areas, including your village.
Alkaid: Watch yourself. Oni and mixed-blood villagers should evacuate as soon as possible.
This is bad. Alkaid is alarming us, but what about him?
This information can save many lives. But if Sudarsana plans to cleanse the nearby villages, what about Alkaid, who frequently goes out and interacts with Onis?
Will he be a suspect? How will Sudarsana deal with him?
Hanako: Hey, are you okay? What does it say?! If he is dumping you, I'll help you beat him up the next time I see him!
Hanako notices something is wrong with me and nervously circles around me.
Little Painter: Take a look at this.
Hanako takes a look, and her expression suddenly grows grim. She stomps her feet twice and grabs my wrist.
Hanako: This could really save us... I'll gather the villagers right away!
Hanako: That look on your face... I understand. If you want to find him, go quickly. I'll help the villagers!
Hanako: Take care of yourself. We'll all go into hiding, so we might not be able to look after you...
Little Painter: ...I'm already grateful that you're letting me go. Thanks, Hanako.
I don't have time for anything else, so I shake Hanako's hand and run towards the village outskirts. Even if I can't reach Sudarsana, seeing Alkaid from afar might be enough to know if he's safe—
Recently, the defenses in Sudarsana have become a lot heavier. I navigate through the forest to avoid patrols. Thanks to Alkaid's guidance, I know the nearby paths by heart and can reach my destination quickly.
It should have been this way.
???: Ouch!
While passing through a small path, a sneaky Oni suddenly appears and bumps into me. He can't help but cry out in surprise, and I am also stunned.
Celestial Soldier: There was a sound over there!
Celestial Soldier: The Onis here are either spies or thieves. Catch them all and take them away!
I take off running. The Celestial soldiers move extremely fast, and the Oni's cry has exposed our location. They are gaining on me.
The Oni suddenly turns around and throws a few stones, which hit the tree beside me with a dull thud. He raises his eyebrows at me before diving into the bushes.
Oni: Sorry, girl. I don't want to get caught.
The voice of that Oni is very low, dispersing with the wind in an instant. Those soldiers pause for a moment, and then they start shouting.
Celestial Soldier: Over there!
I walk a few steps, and suddenly, everything clears up before my eyes. I look up and realize I've reached the hill from where I can see Alkaid's home.
Little Painter: This is bad...
The plants here are sparse, which is not great for hiding. The pursuers come rushing out of the forest, shouting as they close in on me.
Celestial Soldier: You traitor, there's nowhere to run!
My spell cannot possibly handle an entire squad of Celestial soldiers. As this thought crosses my mind, an uncontrollable warmth emanates from my palm.
I'm not sure when, but I have already taken out the pendant Alkaid gave me and grasped it tightly. It emits a bright silver light in my hand, seemingly capable of piercing the sky.
I look up and see a familiar figure on that terrace, not knowing when he appeared.
Little Painter: Alkaid...
Alkaid stands on the terrace outside his home, his clothes fluttering in the wind.
Recently, people in the city have been restless; no one knows where the Oni traitors are hiding. First, it was the Celestials in the nearby villages, and now even those like him who frequently leave the city have become suspects by the higher-ups.
He knew he would be a suspect because he used to frequently visit Little Painter, spending more time traveling than before.
Alkaid: I didn't expect it to be so soon.
Almost immediately after handing the note out of the city, Alkaid was questioned. His calm, distant personality and frequent trips outside became reasons for suspicion.
After being interrogated for several hours, Alkaid was confined to his home. During this period, the only thing he could do was to stand at his window and look at that distant hill.
That is the place where he and Little Painter parted.
But this time, he sees her in that familiar direction.
It's far, but he won't mistake it. She is there, with pursuers behind her. Light emanates from Alkaid, and his bow and arrow gather power.
Now, he knows exactly what he needs to do. It's too far, so he's got to put everything into this one shot to give her a chance.
The powerful energy gathering causes his ears to ring. While Alkaid takes aim, he vaguely remembers their last meeting and his whispers to Little Painter.
Alkaid: Occasionally, I want to become a swallow.
I don't want other races to suspect me because I'm a Celestial, and I don't want to be seen as an outcast among my own kind. I just want to be a free swallow.
Alkaid: Swallows fly very fast. They can pierce through the clouds in an instant and ride the wind; they can also pass through the guards and walls of the Celestials and land by your side in the blink of an eye.
What did she say? Alkaid wonders in a daze. Little Painter's words are like tiny feathers falling into his palm.
Little Painter: Then let's fly together. We'll ascend from the ground, fly high in the sky, get closer to the stars... and look down at Sudarsana from above.
Alkaid takes a step forward. The clouds part, golden light radiates, and a fierce light bursts from somewhere on his chest. He takes aim, fires, and the wind is just right.
An arrow shoots toward Little Painter's back like a swift swallow. For a brief moment, Alkaid feels weightless, like he is actually flying.
Alkaid: Just like now, overlooking Sudarsana from above...
He would light a guiding flame for others and repair the roads, not for any reward, just for his own peace of mind.
He is seen as an outcast by others, but he doesn't mind that. After all, he believes that even when he treats others with friendliness and kindness, he is also being selfish. He is always on a lonely journey at night.
Then suddenly, someone opens the window and calls out his name, telling him to be careful.
Alkaid: It's okay, Little Painter.
His body, which should have been falling, is suddenly pulled by something, forcing him to continue onward desperately. Amid the whistling wind in his ears, he takes his final rebellious act against Sudarsana.
The silver accessory at the end of his gaze is glowing, conveying Little Painter's longing and urgency.
He hears the girl urgently calling out to him, "You can't break your promise, Alkaid."
Alkaid: ...Yeah, I'll do my best.
With great power, his mind sweeps past Little Painter's ear like a swallow. He wants to say sorry for making her sad.
But in the end, he only has time to say one word.
Alkaid: Run.
In the final moment, before passing out, his whisper, filled with regret and reluctance, falls on her hair like a kiss.
4. Promised Night
Later, Hanako finds me.
The villagers hide in the mountains, avoiding the first wave of the Celestials' purge. It is during this time that Hanako finds me lying unconscious on the ground.
Later, everyone returns to the village together, but they are prepared. If anything seems off, they will all hide in the basement together.
However, there has been no news from Alkaid.
I decided to continue waiting. Alkaid saved me... He wouldn't just say goodbye like this.
Alkaid promised to bring me a special night; he isn't one to go back on his word.
Every time I miss him, the silver ornament in my hand glows. The light is very faint, but it still shimmers.
Hanako: You're not skipping meals again, are you? Oh, never mind, just come and look.
I open my eyes, and by the dim light in the room, I can barely see Hanako's anxious yet joyful expression.
Hanako: That man from the neighboring village found him!
Little Painter: Who?
Hanako: Alkaid! They found him in the woods near Sudarsana... Although severely injured, he is still alive...
Look, here he comes.
A few elders are standing in a circle, while some strong men are keeping watch a little further away. When they see Hanako and me coming, the elders happily make way for us.
Oni Grandpa: Hey girl, over here! Look, your beloved is still alive!
Alkaid lies on a makeshift stretcher. His eyes are tightly shut, and his body is covered with small cuts and bruises. His face is as pale as a sheet of paper, but he is still alive.
Celestial Granny: Okay, everyone with medical skills, come with me! Hanako, put him in your basement with the girl. If there's any trouble, at least they can look out for each other!
Despite Hanako's loud complaints, the villagers get together and haul him off right before me.
It isn't until that moment that the joy of finding Alkaid completely overwhelms me.
I grasp the silver ornament Alkaid gave me, tears streaming down my face.
Alkaid and I have been in the basement for a few days.
Residents often come by to help deliver food, and healers also lend a hand.
I use the silver accessory Alkaid gave me to string his clothes back together as they were. If I ignore the scars on his body, he looks like he is just asleep.
He will wake up soon. The faint light on his chest flickers, and in this pitch-black basement, it stands out clearly.
Little Painter: Today, the Celestial Army comes to patrol again, but people are clever enough to dodge them.
The worst is behind us, and the patrols are less frequent now. To help Alkaid recover better, we decided to move him to my home.
Little Painter: Look, I've given you the token. When will you give me my gift, Alkaid?
His breathing is steady, with only his eyelashes fluttering slightly as if giving me an affirmative response. After checking on him, I curl up next to him and take a nap.
In the dream, I see his spirited expression and bright smile. One of these nights, while I sleep, a miracle quietly happens.
Little Painter: Hmm...
This night doesn't feel as cold as usual. I retreat a little and find myself in an embrace. This embrace is so real that I can even feel the breath on the back of my neck...
I open my eyes and cautiously turn my head. A tiny speck of light falls between us, illuminating the sea of stars in Alkaid's eyes.
My love is finally awake and lighting up the darkness for me. He holds a soft glow in his palm, his voice filled with love, affection, and joy.
Alkaid: Good morning, Little Painter.
Over time, the beasts grow less active, and the conflict between Celestials and Onis gradually subsides.
Sometimes, we wander through the village hand in hand, occasionally dodging patrols to gather herbs. Alkaid says that Sudarsana is no longer his home.
Alkaid: My place is here with you. There's no place that makes me feel safer than here.
We still chat at night. I draw portraits of Alkaid that I couldn't bring myself to do before, depicting him wandering the night aimlessly and smiling at me with a teacup in hand.
We get along with the villagers and work together with them to maintain peace in this village. Only Hanako will put her hands on her hips as if angry when she sees us.
Hanako: Do you know how hard Little Painter worked to take care of you while you were asleep? She's like my sister. If you don't cherish her, I'll bring people to beat you up!
After Hanako finishes speaking, she turns and leaves. Alkaid looks down at me and waves.
Alkaid: She just likes you a lot, so she worries. It's actually nice that so many people like you.
Occasionally, we talk about the days to come.
Little Painter: What do you plan to do in the future, Alkaid?
Alkaid: Let's see where else my spells can be useful. Maybe I can start casting them in the village now... When the beasts come out of their lairs again, they won't dare to bother us.
Alkaid: Also, I'll help you sell your paintings. Once we've saved enough money, let's go travel.
Alkaid: We can perhaps visit Kyoto. Or, we can travel further to see the ocean on the other side of the continent. That's also a choice.
My love smiles whenever he mentions traveling. As the sunlight shines on his profile, I can tell from his face that he is genuinely happy now.
We live each day peacefully, from sunrise to dusk.
One night, I wake up and realize he's gone. All that's left are glowing spots on the ground, arranged in a strange pattern leading out the door.
I get up and follow the glowing spots forward. They lead me out of the village, up a path, and towards a small pool in the mountains.
He is right there. His Celestial attire is spotless, and gentle ripples of water lap at his feet. Tiny light spots float around as if they are alive, creating a dreamlike illusion.
Alkaid quietly watches me. The wind lifts the long veils behind him, which seems to be a trick of the light. They gently cast shadows on my face as if whispering to me.
Alkaid: Come on, Little Painter.
I take off my wooden clogs and approach him step by step. Alkaid walks towards me as well, and I hear the sound of water being disturbed by our movements.
Finally, I run into a cool embrace.
Do you like it?
Is the water too cold for you?
Here, use my shoulder.
Let's go over there.
The water is shallow there.
You can even sit on the stone.
Are these accessories...
Still a problem?
Okay.
They are good now.
Come here.
After waking up,
I have been pondering...
How to describe our meeting.
And how to describe you.
While I was still asleep,
I kept hearing you calling me.
You asked since the token was ready,
When would I give you my gift.
Look.
This is a belated promise.
So...
Come closer to me.
How nice.
Just like this.
Tonight is still long.
But I just hope...
You can be happy.
Alkaid holds me tighter. Countless lights flicker before my eyes as if pulling me into a wondrous fairyland.
He guides my hands to wrap around his neck. I look up and meet his forest-like eyes, where the surrounding lights reflect tiny iridescent hues.
His kiss lands precisely on my lips. We embrace and kiss, with the sound of churning water in our ears and colorful halos before our eyes.
At some point, the water has soaked the hems of our clothes and the tips of our hair. The wet marks trail upward, but none of that matters anymore. What matters is that we are now in each other's arms, feeling happy.
Alkaid's heartbeat is steady, and his embrace is warm. Under the vast starlit sky, a pair of swallows have finally returned to their nest.
5. Dream of Gyokuro
I wake up in a Japanese-style house, with the scent of gyokuro lingering nearby.
Alkaid lies beside me, his fingers clasping my wrist.
I remember that after returning from the Heian world, we went on a trip to Japan during the summer vacation and stayed in a renovated inn in Kyoto.
We got some gyokuro during the day. Back at the inn, feeling a bit tired, Alkaid arranged the flowers and set the tea kettle in the hearth, planning to brew the gyokuro for us to enjoy.
The dream that I just shared with Alkaid... Was it a dream of gyokuro?
I seem to have fallen asleep unknowingly while waiting for the tea to brew...
Little Painter: Alkaid, why didn't you wake me up...?
I turn my head to look at Alkaid, who is mere inches away. His eyes blink, and his long eyelashes remind me of the downy feathers of a black swift.
Little Painter: Did you also... fall asleep just now?
I ask cautiously. After all, I accidentally fell asleep while he was brewing tea and had such a dream, which made me feel a bit embarrassed.
I don't know if it's because of the room temperature, but my cheeks feel a bit hot. Alkaid timely interrupts to make me feel less awkward.
Alkaid: After brewing the tea, I watched you, waiting for you to wake up...
Alkaid: Unknowingly, I took a little nap.
That's good for him! I feel a surge of joy and earnestly press him with another question—
Little Painter: Did you sleep with me? Then... did you also dream like I did?
Alkaid: Well, I had a dream. In the dream, there were fireflies' lights, calls and water sounds, and a... promise about the night.
He speaks so bluntly. I thought we would have to discuss it for a long time... Talking about the dream makes my face burn even more.
Alkaid: It seems that you had a very long dream, Little Painter.
Little Painter: Yeah, and I'm still thinking about the dream...
Alkaid: Judging by your expression, this must be a sweet dream.
I am not sure about that. After all, walking alone at night is not so pleasant, nor is being hunted... The most beautiful part of the entire story is that I met him.
After waking up from the dream, will he decide to light up the dark where I cannot see?
When the time comes, I must not hold myself back, for I am the one who plans to push open that window and stand before him.
I already have the answer in my heart, and my tone is exceptionally firm.
Little Painter: I have no idea if the dream is sweet... but being with you, my life is always pleasant.
Little Painter: After all, I want to be the person who loves you the most in the entire world.
Alkaid smiles, pulling me by the hand and leaning close to me. I reach out to wrap my arms around his neck, exchanging a kiss with him.
Alkaid: Today, tomorrow, and every day in the future—
Alkaid: I'll always be by your side.
It's the middle of the night, but for Alkaid and me, it is still a special night.
Elderly Woman: "Legend has it that whoever sees a white deer in the forest will be lucky for the rest of their life."
Little Boy: "Grandma, look!"
Elderly Woman: "What? There? I don't see anything."
I spent a long time living in the corrupted forest. The trees there towered so high that they appeared to touch the clouds, their leaves blanketing the sky. But none of this struck me as unusual.
Leaves fall into the dirt, they decay, and new buds grow in their place.
But I'm sure you already knew that. Little Painter, don't be sad for me. Everyone knows that the new buds forge their own existence separated from the original plant.
It's alright, there will always be new creatures born in this haven.
I am grateful for my ability to turn raging storms into fine wine as a gift for the new era.
In the not-so-distant future, the Traveler girl should cross paths with him again.
1. Capture
Prefect Luminary pauses outside the surveillance room.
Through a transparent "membrane," external observers can clearly see inside.
Voice From Outside: Are you interested in sample T-3071, sir?
Voice From Outside: This is a hybrid of a Traveler and a human, captured during a campaign against a hidden world... Its danger rating is high.
In a corner of the room, a girl is curled up. Unlike the "dangerous specimen" described, she huddles with no spark in her eyes.
Voice From Outside: Do you plan to directly handle the sample? Or...
Prefect Luminary: Give me a complete report.
Prefect Luminary issues the order concisely and efficiently. The one outside complies quickly.
Voice From Outside: The sample shows strong resistance to conventional mental intrusion.
Voice From Outside: Preliminary assessment shows that the sample matches Type II characteristics: mentally strong but physically weak...
Prefect Luminary naturally remembers the girl Little Painter, who caused quite a bit of trouble in Eden.
At that time, Eden's mission had already been overachieved. He additionally extracted the emotions of his counterpart, so he could detain her when she came.
Unfortunately, Prefect Silver thought he was clever by hiding, which instead led to her current predicament.
The observer aside continues to report cautiously.
Voice From Outside: If we proceed with a higher level of intrusion, it could very well cause irreversible damage to the sample.
Voice From Outside: Considering the difficulty and risks of memory erasure, requesting conversion to an experimental subject might be a more appropriate option...
"They're afraid of taking responsibility, so they hope someone else will make the decision for them," Prefect Luminary thinks to himself.
He has no interest in pointing it out. His gaze casually lands on a nearby monitor.
Prefect Luminary: You, query the Center's orders.
The monitor flickers at his words, quickly displaying:
No results found.
Voice From Outside: The Center hasn't issued any further orders. Sir, if you need to consult—
Prefect Luminary: Unnecessary.
Prefect Luminary passes through the transparent barrier in the center of the room, approaching the girl.
His military boots stamp on the floor, his cape brushing near the girl.
Little Painter instinctively lifts her head but quickly looks away. It seems she hasn't been in contact with the outside world for so long she is somewhat photophobic now.
Her vacant eyes reflect nothing. She barely registers the world around her, reacting on instinct alone.
Prefect Luminary observes her without coming into contact with her.
In addition to the strait jacket, she wears transparent rings on her fingers.
Prefect Luminary presses something in the air before the rings fall to the floor with a clang.
Voice From Outside: Be careful, this sample is very dangerous—
Prefect Luminary: I'm not that weak.
Prefect Luminary frowns, tired of this inefficient conversation.
He glances at Little Painter, but the girl remains unresponsive.
She's like a walloped doll, not knowing to fight back. Only her lips move silently, like a fish out of water.
Prefect Luminary: How long?
Voice From Outside: How long? You mean... since we caught her?
Prefect Luminary: I'm talking about your "sample"—has she always been like this?
Voice From Outside: Uh, no. At first, she triggered a lot of emergencies, sending more than a dozen people to the sickbay.
Voice From Outside: We had to impose more restrictions and increase her danger rating again and again...
Prefect Luminary: Humph. A convenient excuse for your incompetence.
Prefect Luminary looks back with a faint smile, and the other person immediately straightens up as if jolted.
Voice From Outside: I'll make sure everyone involved gets penalized as soon as possible...
Prefect Luminary ignores him, bending down to look the girl in the eye.
He remembers how she used to jump like a startled cat. Now Little Painter just spaces out, a far cry from the girl he knew.
After verifying she's not pretending, Prefect Luminary rises to leave, but something stops him.
Little Painter remains motionless, her eyes vacant, but her hand is gripping his cape tightly.
Her lips move slightly—
Little Painter: ▇ ▇▇▇ ▇▇
Voice From Outside: Sir? The monitors just cut out. Are you okay? What happened—
Prefect Luminary: Quiet.
Prefect Luminary, with an unchanged expression, pulls back his cape and gives orders to the one outside.
Prefect Luminary: Wipe all surveillance and audio. I'll keep it myself.
Prefect Luminary: And get me a detailed report. Everything from her first capture to medical records.
Voice From Outside: Yes, sir.
Prefect Luminary turns and leaves.
2. Little Vessel
Several days later, Prefect Luminary brings Little Painter aboard his starship.
Prefect Luminary: Come in.
The girl walks into the modified cabin without a word.
The floor here is a simulated lake, with a fake spherical sky above.
Seeing the starlit lake inside the starship, the girl's expression shifts slightly, seemingly awed by the sight.
Prefect Luminary raises an eyebrow with interest.
Prefect Luminary: Do you like this place?
Little Painter: ...It's not bad.
This is one of the few times she has spoken ever since her release.
Little Painter: It'd be better if no one else was here.
The girl's unexpected response makes Prefect Luminary glance at her sideways.
Prefect Luminary: I didn't bring you out here to hear that.
Prefect Luminary speaks with a smile, his tone barely reproachful.
Little Painter has recovered quickly, showing no signs of her previous imprisonment except for a small wound near her ear.
She's even starting to talk like her old self again.
Prefect Luminary wades into the star-filled lake. The water ripples lightly, submerging his shiny military boots.
He turns and calls to the girl.
Prefect Luminary: Come over. The water is shallow.
The girl stares at the lake, not budging an inch.
Prefect Luminary: Are you scared?
The girl hesitates, then silently steps into the lake, keeping her distance from Prefect Luminary. The water is shallow, only ankle-deep.
They walk mutely toward a small vessel at the lake's center. The water laps the shore and hits something, making wind chime-like sounds.
The girl walks to the front of the boat, seeming tired. She stops and sits on the gunwale.
Prefect Luminary lies down in the little vessel. The moon is too bright. He swipes in the air and the moon hides behind clouds.
The stars shine brighter now, scattering delicate light across the lake. Gentle waves rock the small boat as the girl's legs dangle over the edge, swaying silently.
Prefect Luminary: Do you know why I brought you out?
Little Painter: No, and I don't care.
The girl turns and smiles against the light, making no effort to hide her mockery.
Little Painter: You won't just let me go home, will you?
Prefect Luminary: Of course not. You're in my custody now.
Little Painter: Then I suppose it doesn't matter where I am.
Prefect Luminary catches her meaning. "It's just another prison cell."
The girl leans down, cupping some lake water. It reflects the starry sky, shimmering.
Little Painter: It's beautiful here, but it's all fake.
She lets the starlit water fall onto Prefect Luminary's uniform, but it doesn't get wet. The water vanishes without a trace, as if it never existed.
Prefect Luminary frowns slightly. She seems unafraid of angering him.
Or rather, it doesn't matter if she does. The worst that could happen is being locked up and tortured in a dark room again—not much different from before.
He vaguely gets her logic. The assessment was right about one thing—she IS defiant.
She's generally quiet and unresponsive. But the moment she sees a chance to fight for freedom, she'll fight hard...
She's not unbreakable. In fact, she breaks easily. But when that happens, she can repair herself. She constantly flips between defiance and withdrawal.
She isn't trying to put herself in a difficult spot; she's just striving to preserve something that belongs to her.
No wonder many memory alterations don't work on her.
Prefect Luminary faintly curls his lips. Just as he's about to speak, the girl's face twists in pain, her fingers raised unnaturally.
Transparent rings appear on her hands out of nowhere. Prefect Luminary recognizes them—they block magic and stop attacks.
Prefect Luminary: Give me your hands.
He whispers an order and she obeys. His gloved hands grasp her wrists, tapping lightly to remove the rings.
Prefect Luminary squints. The girl still holds her hands up, a bit shaken.
Prefect Luminary: I told them you wouldn't need the rings... Those who brought you here didn't listen.
Prefect Luminary: Incompetent fools who can't even flatter properly.
Little Painter: Thank you.
Prefect Luminary collects the rings, toying with them carelessly.
Prefect Luminary: I never understand why some fools have a problem with Travelers.
Prefect Luminary: Travelers are rare already, but those fools do not protect them or study the reason behind it.
Prefect Luminary: People who waste resources like this wouldn't be tolerated elsewhere. They should be court-martialed.
Prefect Luminary's fingers move slightly, and the rings suddenly take on a faint silver color.
Prefect Luminary: Your hand.
The girl looks confused, not quite following.
Prefect Luminary leans forward, placing the rings in her palm. After making sure Little Painter can hold them without suffering, he lies back in the boat, getting comfortable.
Prefect Luminary: I can help you hide your Traveler identity, making it harder for people to recognize you.
Prefect Luminary: If you do get found out, show these. They should keep you from being restrained again.
This offer seems almost too good. The girl can't help but ask.
Little Painter: Why?
Prefect Luminary: What do you mean? "Why"?
Prefect Luminary: I'm interested in Traveler abilities. You're a Traveler, and you asked for my help... You came to me for help first, remember?
The girl looks totally lost, so Prefect Luminary gestures in the air, playing a holographic video.
The sky shows surveillance footage from the monitoring room.
The girl, in a straitjacket and barely conscious, grabs the hem of a military uniform. Her lips move, forming a name.
There's no sound, but one can make out the two syllables she mouths—
In countless nightmares, she called just one name. The name she treasured and he would respond to.
Alkaid.
Prefect Luminary: Do you now remember what you said?
Little Painter: I...
The girl opens her mouth in surprise, leaning back alertly. As the boat sways, she nearly loses balance and falls overboard.
Prefect Luminary: No need to get so excited about my help.
Prefect Luminary grabs her hand and smiles faintly.
Little Painter: I didn't mean—
Before the girl can explain herself, Prefect Luminary makes sure she's steady and lets go of her hand.
Prefect Luminary: Alright, take some time to get used to this.
He waves as he turns to leave Little Painter alone on his starship.
Prefect Luminary: The day you called me, I was in a good mood, but it's not like that every day. If you run into trouble again, try to handle it yourself first. See you.
On Prefect Luminary's starship, there are only him and Little Painter.
But Prefect Luminary doesn't interact with her much for now.
He gives her living space, food, and almost total freedom to move around, not worried about her escaping.
Rather than a captor, Prefect Luminary is more like someone who has picked up a stray cat.
This thought strikes Prefect Luminary as influenced by Little Painter's world.
He has seen many things from his former colleague, Prefect Silver, and read a lot about Little Painter and her memories.
There were many interesting things, but that was about it—good for killing time but not worth dwelling on.
Pets aren't common in the Empire. No one here keeps them except for new recruits at training bases, who might get an animal companion.
Of course, those kids always end up having to kill their animals, hands covered in blood.
Thirty planetary days after coming to the starship, Little Painter seeks out Prefect Luminary.
Little Painter: I'd like to know... Does your offer still stand?
If she works for him, will he hide her Traveler identity and pass her off as a new recruit from a training base?
Prefect Luminary: You sound so discreet... Worried I'll go back on my word?
Little Painter's gaze lingers on his face before she finally shakes her head gently.
Little Painter: No, that's not it.
Little Painter lowers her head, knowing she doesn't have much choice.
She could resist passively just like before, maybe even annoying Prefect Luminary sometimes.
But she's stuck on the ship. No matter how smart she is, there's no way she can get off from the flight.
Also, she's long lost her ability to jump between worlds during imprisonment.
She could stay here forever, living like a pet cat by a fake starlit lake.
But this is not what Little Painter wants.
Besides, during these days... Little Painter closes her eyes, pushing away stray thoughts.
When opening her eyes again, she speaks obediently.
Little Painter: I gratefully accept your offer, sir.
She raises her hand, awkwardly trying to salute her superior. Uncertain where to put it, she gives up.
Little Painter: I'll try to come back to you... soon.
3. Guidance
In the blink of an eye, over five hundred planetary days have passed.
Trainee A: Have you heard? That rookie on the training ground...
Trainee B: You mean that brutal girl?
Trainee A: Ugh! Girl? She's more like a...
??: Maniac? Monster?
Trainee A: That's right! Crazy and...
The speaker suddenly freezes, turning around in shock.
It isn't one of his classmates who answers but the Empire's highest-ranking officer—Prefect Luminary himself.
A faint smile plays on Prefect Luminary's lips. Noticing the trainee's gaze, he even gives an encouraging nod as if to say, "Go on."
Trainee A: P-Prefect...
Prefect Luminary: Go on.
Prefect Luminary finishes the trainee's sentence.
Prefect Luminary: "She's crazy and savage. Doesn't need rest or friends. Goes all out over even the smallest things."
Prefect Luminary: "She's a total wild card. Doesn't care who gets hurt. She acts like she owns the place just because she's gifted."
Prefect Luminary's smile widens at the terror in the trainee's eyes.
Prefect Luminary: Stop shaking. You didn't say anything wrong.
He leans in slightly, his subtle smile nearly causing the trainee to faint.
Prefect Luminary: Just keep my visit here our little secret, okay?
Little Painter has joined the ranks of the Infinite Empire.
After many changes, Little Painter is no longer the childlike girl she once was; she is becoming a soldier.
Little Painter has grown two centimeters taller. She never expected to grow after adulthood.
Maybe it's thanks to the treatment pods. She uses them more than anyone else to put herself together.
Today, Little Painter takes her scheduled leave.
Prefect Luminary usually docks his starship in a starfield near the training base to make it easier for Little Painter to travel back and forth alone.
He said, "Whenever I show up, people think I'm inspecting and make a fuss over it."
This cuts into Little Painter's training time, forcing her to make it up on her own. But she's used to it and doesn't complain.
The starship's interior still has Prefect Luminary's preferred modifications. This time, Little Painter doesn't get in the boat but instead stands on the lakeshore with her hands behind her back.
Prefect Luminary leans on the boat, his lazy voice carrying across the lake.
Prefect Luminary: So, what kind of trouble have you gotten into this time?
Prefect Luminary: I've got several complaints about you this month: property damage, infrastructure destruction, threats...
Little Painter: That was because they were badmouthing me behind my back.
The girl stands by the lakeshore as she explains. Then, she thinks for a moment and adds.
Little Painter: They might have insulted you as well.
Prefect Luminary: Oh? What did they say?
Little Painter: They said I was useless and only got by using my connections. They even said I was yours.
Prefect Luminary's hand, resting on the gunwale, slowly moves to his forehead.
Prefect Luminary: It's not entirely baseless.
Little Painter: So, should I not have done anything, or?
Prefect Luminary: Beat them up when it happens again, and you don't have to use defending someone's reputation as an excuse.
Prefect Luminary: The second half of what they said was mostly correct, but the first half was ridiculous. In any case, just do whatever you want.
Prefect Luminary: Try to be more ruthless next time. Even better if they don't complain at all.
Prefect Luminary leisurely stands up, dons his cape, and walks over to the girl.
Robotic arms extend from the wall just in time, handing them both tangerine-flavored energy drinks.
Prefect Luminary: Little Painter.
He calls her name, and the girl stands beside him with a serious expression, quietly waiting.
Prefect Luminary: It's nothing. You can go now.
She travels between the starship and the base in a flying machine, even though she won't have a flight license until after graduation.
In other words, leaving the training base is against the rules. But like every other "rule," it doesn't count as a violation as long as you don't get caught.
Little Painter carefully makes sure nobody is monitoring her and checks how much time she has left...
To Little Painter, this is the most anticipated moment in her life.
It's the only time she might get to talk to him.
Little Painter patiently searches for a familiar signal in the deep space transmissions.
Like always, Little Painter waits patiently. When it finally connects, her eyes sparkle.
Little Painter: I'm back.
She speaks first, her voice no longer serious but rather like that of a little girl.
Little Painter: Alkaid, I'm late. I'm so sorry.
And there he is on the screen—the most familiar figure to Little Painter appears.
Alkaid: It's okay. I haven't waited long.
Alkaid's signal comes from afar.
His voice is clear and steady, somehow reassuring.
Little Painter: I missed you so much.
This is the thirty-seventh long-distance call between Little Painter and Alkaid over the past year.
Little Painter will never forget the day of her first call with Alkaid.
Before she got her new identity and went to the training base, Little Painter had been stuck on Prefect Luminary's ship for a month.
She had some freedom, able to use various facilities on the starship, but she couldn't leave.
Little Painter resisted passively for a while until she received a distant radio signal by chance.
Static was common in space, so she didn't think much of it.
Not until she recognized a familiar word in the static.
—η UMa
This word kept popping up in the looping static.
It was her world's language. A Greek word for the seventh star of the Big Dipper.
It was also a name Alkaid used for a while.
That day, Little Painter was calm and acted completely normal on the starship. Even when passing by Prefect Luminary, she didn't show anything unusual.
She held her emotions in check. She kept telling herself those messages couldn't possibly come from Alkaid.
Even so, the word was enough to make her homesick.
Little Painter missed home and Alkaid so badly. She missed their two cats, the fluffy pillows, and the warm bed. Back home, she could cry when she was sad, and fall into his arms when she was tired.
Three planetary days later, Little Painter offered to cooperate if Prefect Luminary could give her a new identity at the training base.
Prefect Luminary agreed.
Little Painter has worked hard enough and always remained calm.
For a whole year, she looked for chances to be alone, trying to make contact with that signal.
Like something out of a dream, the signal that Little Painter finally found... it really was Alkaid.
For Little Painter, it was a little miracle right under the Empire's and Prefect Luminary's noses.
Little Painter never risks talking to Alkaid for too long, afraid of being found out.
Similarly, she doesn't ask about what's happening on Earth, their technology, or how Alkaid is even able to reach her—she'd never forgive herself if the Empire learned about them.
Little Painter usually just talks about little things, summarizing her "school life" to Alkaid.
Little Painter: I wonder if I'm becoming less like myself.
Alkaid: Why would you say that?
Little Painter: I keep compromising, thinking I should protect myself first, then change things slowly.
Little Painter: I want to work my way up, so I have more freedom to act.
Little Painter: But I'm slowly... becoming one of them.
Little Painter speaks cautiously, rarely getting into details about her situation. Instead, she compares it to school life back home.
She often describes life-and-death battles as high school physics competitions while Alkaid on the other end of the call listens intently.
Alkaid: You've worked really hard.
Little Painter: I'm very scared...
Little Painter takes a deep breath, her voice barely a whisper.
Little Painter: Every morning, I look in the mirror and I don't recognize myself anymore.
Alkaid doesn't offer direct comfort; his gaze meets Little Painter's eyes through the screen.
Alkaid: But you're still you, Little Painter.
Alkaid: We all do things we hate to protect the people we love. That doesn't change who you are.
Little Painter puts her hand on the screen as if trying to touch Alkaid.
She has many things to say, like how she hasn't drawn in over a year. But in the end, she says nothing.
How did Alkaid manage to call her? What did he go through? Did he have to pay a price for it?
That day, Little Painter ended the call quickly, promising, "I'll keep trying," before cutting off communication and recalibrating her course.
After the call, Little Painter couldn't help wondering if Alkaid had any of those sweet little cakes where he was now.
4. Freedom
Time slips by.
Little Painter's graduation from the training base is set for next month.
As part of the curriculum, she'll start her practical phase. Backed by Prefect Luminary, she'll be the first off-the-record Traveler, free from the Empire's tight grip.
Prefect Luminary: Mine.
Prefect Luminary makes a brief comment on the outcome.
During her final week at the base, Little Painter visits Prefect Luminary's cabin once more.
The best perk of being a Traveler is the ability to hop between worlds without any tools.
When Little Painter was caught, they chipped behind her ear, adding layers of control that still prevent her from using her powers.
Prefect Luminary decides it's time to remove the last restrictions. Since this needs to be kept secret, he is going to do it himself.
He pulls out a silver foil. Light specks gather in the air as numerous metal sheets are replicated and orderly attached to the surrounding walls.
The serene lake quickly transforms into a clean, metal-walled room. When Prefect Luminary raises his hand, the room lights up as bright as day.
Prefect Luminary: Come over here.
Little Painter obeys, brushing her hair aside to expose her neck.
The process is painless. Throughout, Little Painter can hear her own heartbeat and breathing.
As it ends, she even feels dazed, "is that really it?"
She has regained freedom, something she held dear and longed for day and night.
Though this is part of her deal with Prefect Luminary, it feels surreal now that it's actually happened.
Little Painter: Everything is as you wished.
Prefect Luminary: Yeah, just as I wished.
On the day Little Painter regains freedom, the first place she chooses to land is Earth.
The star trainee, Prefect Luminary's good girl—beneath her masks, some things never change.
It's the memories of home that keep her going through the toughest times.
Little Painter feels a bit odd. She has imagined her homeland more times than she can count.
Invaded, devastated, or rebuilt? She has wondered if Alkaid could contact her because he was a space rebel.
In any case, Little Painter never expected to walk such normal streets, just as they were years ago.
Little Painter enters the cafe she frequented with Alkaid.
Alkaid is sitting on the other side. He has ordered two coffees, one in front of him and the other across the table, as if waiting for Little Painter.
Little Painter's unease grows. Her instincts demand she leave right now, but before she does, "Alkaid" speaks.
Alkaid?: Back so early?
He greets her as usual, his tone low and gentle.
Alkaid?: Sit down, Little Painter.
Little Painter immediately turns to flee, but it's too late.
The cafe door flashes silver: Little Painter is trapped, and "Alkaid" is already right in front of her.
Alkaid?: You shouldn't have come back.
His voice is quiet, not harsh, but carries an authority Alkaid never had.
Little Painter: No... No...
Little Painter: You eavesdropped on our conversation? You're not him—
Little Painter staggers back, nearly knocking over the furniture behind her. Her voice grows shrill, but "Alkaid" does not try to stop her.
The girl tries to use the skills she learned from her extensive training to jump out of a second-floor window.
But behind her, the many potted plants in the cafe grow wildly, sending out branches and leaves, quickly blocking every window.
Rare white roses called "Polar Star" fill the room in a heartbeat, their vines restraining the girl.
Little Painter: Did you eavesdrop on us and impersonate him to meet me? How could you—
Seeing no way out, Little Painter glares at "Alkaid" and tries to break free.
The scarf-wearing young man just smiles faintly. Suddenly, the invisible barriers create images of "Alkaid" that move around the cafe.
Her attacks fail miserably. The flowers continue their frenzied growth, filling the small cafe along with projections of "Alkaid."
It dawns on Little Painter that she has never truly returned home: she's been stuck in this trap all along, set up for her long ago.
Little Painter: Why? Since when did you—
Prefect Luminary & Alkaid: It's always been me.
Prefect Luminary walks among the many images of "Alkaid."
He doesn't look at the girl but at his reflection in the mirror. The "Alkaid" in the mirror meets Little Painter's desperate gaze, smiling.
Prefect Luminary: It was me all along.
Prefect Luminary: Little Painter, you've always been a quick learner and excelled.
Prefect Luminary: I've always admired your intelligence and perception. I didn't have to explain more before you get it.
As Prefect Luminary speaks, Little Painter's eyes well up with tears. With little hope of escape, she struggles only to vent her frustration.
It's been him all along... He didn't just "teach" her as Prefect Luminary but also offered her guidance, support, and comfort as Alkaid.
She should have guessed it earlier.
But during those dark days, the glimmer of hope "Alkaid" offered clouded Little Painter's judgment.
Prefect Luminary waves his hand, removing all images of "Alkaid." There are only him and the girl.
Prefect Luminary: Too bad you failed the final test.
The girl's hands are bound behind her by white rose vines. Prefect Luminary approaches her.
Prefect Luminary: Do you like the gift I got for you? All these Polar Stars?
He removes his gloves, brushes her bangs aside, and gently caresses her cheek. Without thinking, the girl bites down hard.
Prefect Luminary: ...
What's he planning? Does he want to hear her beg? Or cast the failed traitor to hell?
She bites with all her anger, bitterness, and hate, ready to face any consequence.
Prefect Luminary does nothing as blood seeps from the back of his hand.
He seems impervious to pain, staring intently at the girl while bright, warm blood drips down his hand.
...It's neither magma nor mercury.
The girl releases her bite in surprise. Unable to support herself, she collapses into Prefect Luminary's arms.
Little Painter: What... What exactly... do you want?
Prefect Luminary nonchalantly withdraws his wounded hand and gently pats her back with the other. It is almost a comforting gesture, like an unusual kind of hug.
Prefect Luminary: Who knows?
The moment before she passes out, the girl feels enveloped in a large cape and hears a faint sigh.
5. Children of the Stars
Little Painter attended the graduation ceremony with her peers at the training base.
She was unusually pale and silent throughout.
This sparked gossip among her peers. Some thought she was unwell, but her reputation as the "little madwoman" kept them from making a move on her.
Prefect Luminary never brings outsiders onto his ship, so there is no confinement room aboard.
The girl can only be confined here simply.
She stands in the shallow water that barely covers her ankles. Her arms are unnaturally pulled upward, forcing her to lean forward.
The rings on her ten fingers gleam with a silvery, metallic sheen. Transparent threads extend from these rings, holding her in a standing position.
Silence reigns. Even the simulated stars are turned off, plunging everything into darkness.
She went from struggling to crying in silence, and finally just shut down, as if saving what little energy she has left.
It is when Prefect Luminary arrives.
His boots stop at the entrance. He stands where the light comes through.
Blindfolded and wearing earplugs, the girl remains oblivious to his presence.
Prefect Luminary stands silently for a long time. At some point, he approaches quietly, almost touching her hair before withdrawing his hand.
When they first met, she was delicate like a fragile flower. Now, she can survive three days without food, water, or sleep.
Confirming Little Painter hasn't noticed him, he turns to leave.
Prefect Luminary: Real-time data.
Prefect Luminary walks down the path, casually giving orders to the monitor beside him.
The monitor immediately shows a wealth of real-time information, including her heart rate. Those modified rings not only restrict Little Painter's abilities but also monitor her vitals.
Still within the safe range, but not for long.
Prefect Luminary: ...
Prefect Luminary closes his eyes slightly.
*Beep*
A monitor beeps, warning that the starship owner is as sleep-deprived as his captive.
Prefect Luminary nonchalantly waves his hand to disregard the warning.
He makes sure she is pushed to the brink, but not over it.
Little Painter has vanished from everyone's sight.
Time passes. When she reappears, she has become Prefect Luminary's right-hand woman.
They work together, sometimes one after the other, sometimes side by side.
Little Painter is perfect.
She is highly regarded for her talent, but only Prefect Luminary knows she flexes no more than one-tenth of her true potential.
What makes Little Painter truly invaluable is her hidden identity as a Traveler. She can secretly go to other worlds without help setting up transfer stations or springboards from Prefect Luminary.
Little Painter often journeys to places that Prefect Luminary cannot explore.
She always returns unscathed and reports back to him.
She will not leave or betray him.
Their relationship seems almost friendly, never marred by criticism, arguments, or punishment.
Little Painter can handle everything well.
Prefect Luminary neither made her escape attempt public nor blamed Little Painter any further.
Both remain tight-lipped about it, as if it never happened.
That time when he guided and listened to her as Alkaid also goes unmentioned.
Alkaid: Little Painter.
Little Painter: I'm here.
Several years fly by.
The lake reflects the starlight projected from the sky, and Prefect Luminary lies in a small boat.
He now completely controls Little Painter, an exceptionally skilled Traveler. Everything has done as planned.
Sometimes, he thinks back to when he first brought the timid, stray cat-like Little Painter out of confinement. She was occasionally uncooperative and quick to bare her claws at him.
During the first thirty planetary days they spent together, they had some random conversations, most of which were meaningless.
The girl pointed at the weapon on his waist, wrinkling her nose in amusement. She teased him for carrying a sword on the ship. "Like that fool from the Kingdom of Chu," she said.
Prefect Luminary: The Kingdom of Chu?
She explained it was an ancient, backward nation from her world.
That day, he sat on the gunwale as she told the tale of a fool from the Kingdom of Chu who marked his boat after dropping his sword into the river, hoping to find it again.
Prefect Luminary didn't find the story funny. It was just her intentional offense and mockery. But he didn't argue with her that it wasn't a sword.
But now, he misses the girl she once was.
She might be perfect now, but she was far more alive and interesting back then.
Prefect Luminary opens his eyes, feeling as if he has slept for hundreds of years.
The girl who could burn with anger and ache with sorrow is like that sword—lost to the river and swept away by time.
He suddenly sits up, reaching out as if trying to grasp something.
But his hands are empty.
The boat sways with his movements, disturbing the starlight reflected on the lake.
Some more years have passed.
There is nothing new among the stars. Given the Empire's long history, there is hardly ever any "news."
But recently, a new organization called "Children of the Stars" has emerged and risen to prominence across the stars.
It quickly infiltrated the Empire's low- and mid-ranking officers, disrupting numerous missions.
Every day, low-ranking officers join this enigmatic organization, whose motives remain a mystery.
Even more baffling are its captured members, who do not hesitate to commit suicide to protect their organization.
What made these people so frantic and loyal?
Prefect Luminary cares little about the news, except that the name "Children of the Stars" reminds him of his title, "Luminary."
That changes when the organization creeps into his realm, brazenly declaring their existence.
Prefect Luminary sees it as an act of provocation.
Prefect Luminary: Little Painter, I have a new mission for you.
Prefect Luminary casually selects a mission far from his territory and assigns it to Little Painter.
Little Painter looks up with a slightly bewildered expression: this is clearly to get her out of the way.
Little Painter: Sir?
Prefect Luminary glances at her without explanation. Before bowing her head, Little Painter surprises him with an unusual quip.
Little Painter: You keep sending me off on a whim, not even compensating me for loss of earnings.
The Children of the Stars are spreading like wildfire even in Prefect Luminary's territory.
He scans through battle reports, noting that most traitors among the lower ranks hailed from lesser worlds. He wonders what kind of leader could inspire such loyalty.
Do they compensate their men for loss of earnings?
Prefect Luminary is looking forward to confronting the mysterious founder. It's been a while since anyone has truly challenged him.
Then, a radiant, all-too-familiar figure appears before him.
Little Painter: I'm back, sir.
Little Painter speaks to him in a gentle voice.
Little Painter: As I promised, I would do everything I could—
Little Painter: To gather enough strength and come back to you soon.
Politely and humbly as ever, she declares she has fulfilled her promise. Then, she adds.
Little Painter: With the respect due a formidable enemy, I stand before you.
Prefect Luminary: Good.
Prefect Luminary smiles, looking at the founder of Children of the Stars, who has always been by his side—
Prefect Luminary: I love the surprise, Little Painter.
Prefect Luminary: I'm curious about your organization's name—Children of the Stars. It reminds me of my title, Luminary.
Little Painter: It has nothing to do with you, sir.
Little Painter says in a serious tone.
Little Painter: It's about the soil we stand on.
Little Painter: Haven't you wondered how I recruited those officers?
Little Painter: In fact, I didn't recruit them... I just visited their homes for them.
Prefect Luminary gazes at Little Painter, the only Traveler he personally trained off-the-record.
Little Painter: I started long ago... Since I was a rookie at the training base. We trainees all came from different worlds, each with our own home.
Little Painter: Stars aren't cold, distant toys but suns that warm us. Planets are the very soil beneath our feet.
Little Painter: They're our homes.
Children of the Stars are people yearning to go home. The lone Traveler fulfills their wishes by glimpsing their homeworlds, so they are willing to give everything, even their lives.
The Traveler visits countless worlds for others, yet can never return to her own home...
She had all the reasons to despair or hate, but she did not. She ultimately appears before him like a radiant star.
Prefect Luminary places his hand on the saber at his waist and smiles.
Prefect Luminary: Little Painter, you've proven yourself a worthy opponent.
He smiles approvingly, memories flooding back.
When he first saw the girl running on the desert, he admired her resilience and vitality.
When they met again, the girl's call was like a light feather landing softly on his heart.
He respected her beliefs and showed her a path. Those memories remain vivid and intriguing. In this final confrontation, he still admires her.
In his eyes, there are only pride in her growth, joy at their reunion, and an overwhelming desire for victory.
Prefect Luminary: Come on, don't hold back.
She calls out to him, and he responds—just like in the beginning.
Over the years, some things have changed while others remain the same. Whether it's salvation or the blade, he'll offer it.
Prefect Luminary steps forward.
He wakes up in a low-level Imperial base.
The surrounding researchers are split into two arguing groups. One side insists that although a Traveler's spirit had come to the base, attempting to connect someone with the residual information was a grave mistake.
The other maintains that the connection was stable and lasted so long it would produce extraordinary results. They speculate that someone as powerful as Prefect Luminary might have seen the Traveler's future.
Prefect Luminary removes the mind simulation device, looking expressionlessly at the two groups.
He finds this base utterly boring. The chance encounter with the Traveler is the only thing interesting.
The Empire has long possessed devices to glimpse the future through consciousness connections, but they've always been unstable. Connections with a departed Traveler's spirit are even more so.
A researcher stands in front of him, looking eager.
Researcher A: See? It worked perfectly! ...Uh, haha, as expected of you, Prefect Luminary. There's nothing you can't handle...
Prefect Luminary: That's not quite what I heard earlier.
Researcher A: It was just an academic discussion, haha...
Researcher B: Sorry to interrupt, but we urgently need to improve the experiment standards. Could you please share what you saw?
Prefect Luminary: No.
Prefect Luminary: Remember to compensate me for loss of earnings.
Prefect Luminary turns and leaves, leaving the researchers looking at each other in confusion.
Prefect Luminary returns to his private starship, savoring the long dream he just had.
Sand slips through his fingers, only to be caught again by him.
If his duel with Little Painter in his dream had played out, how would it have turned out?
In the not-so-distant future, the Traveler girl should cross paths with him again.
He wonders if their destiny will prove as intriguing as the future glimpsed in his dream.
The thought brings a slight smile to Prefect Luminary's face.
Prefect Luminary: If Little Painter falls into my hands one day, I will never let anyone take her away...
I look up and see the Magi Tower decorated with lights, looming against the backdrop of the starry night.
I recall my first trip to the Magi Tower. It was the dead of night then as well, and Clarence was walking ahead of me. When he turned to face me, his gaze was brimming with bitter hostility.
At that time, the lights in the tower sent a shiver down my spine, but now, they are a comforting sight.
After all, Alkaid is the current leader of the Magi Tower. He is a kind, loving person who puts your mind at ease.
The mages on patrol make no effort to stop me; Lars must have informed them of my visit beforehand.
One of them informs me that Alkaid is living on the top floor of the Magi Tower, where Clarence once resided.
The stairs of Magi Tower are just as narrow, and stretch on just as long, as I remember.
When I finally get to the top, I crack open the door.
Alkaid is sitting at his desk, ruminating over something.
An oversized nautical chart hangs on the wall and unfinished manuscripts lie scattered on the desk.
After a brief moment of hesitation, I step back a bit and knock on the door.
Little Painter: Pardon my intrusion, oh great scribe Magus Alkaid.
Alkaid: My Lady!
Alkaid bolts up out of his chair.
Alkaid: Why didn't they inform me? I would have gone down to welcome you.
Alkaid has inherited the Magi Tower and become his own man, but he still gets a little flustered on occasion, which only makes me want to tease him more.
Little Painter: It's okay. I know you're a busy man, what with your nautical charts and books.
Little Painter: Let's see whose legend you're writing this time...
Alkaid: My Lady... um... I'm really not at liberty to show you at this point in time.
Little Painter: How come?
I glance over at the manuscript, and see that... he's writing about me!
Alkaid: Fine, so now you know...
Alkaid: I'm sorry. I thought I'd never see you again, so I started writing without your permission...
Alkaid: I merely wanted to record all that you've done for us.
Alkaid is on the verge of a full-blown panic attack.
It's okay. May I see what you've written so far?
Alkaid: My sincerest apologies, My Lady, but I really would rather not have you see the manuscript while it remains unfinished.
Little Painter: Didn't you personally schlep Lars' manuscript all the way to Silversnow for him? How come I don't get the same treatment?
Alkaid: I can be impartial when evaluating material pertaining to Lars, but when it comes to you...
Alkaid: I... find myself unable to do so.
It's funny that I became a legend.
Alkaid: Thank you for not getting upset.
Alkaid: But please, I beg of you, could you not review it for the time being? Please. You are special to me...
Alkaid is practically beside himself with embarrassment, so I relent and give him a reassuring smile.
Little Painter: All right, I won't read it if you don't want me to.
Little Painter: I'm sure it will all be very well-written.
Little Painter: I have read some of your other books, and find you very observant.
Little Painter: Your books show people as they really are.
Little Painter: I hope you'll extend the same honesty to my portrayal.
I put my palms together and bow to Alkaid pleadingly.
Alkaid nods in response, a gentle smile spreading across his face.
That evening, Alkaid and I have a long talk.
After losing his magical abilities, Alkaid poured all his energy into studying technology and navigation, and he recruited a group of people who were leaders in their fields.
They worked together to develop a compass and are now constructing a fleet with which they plan to set sail.
Alkaid says he wants to know if there are undiscovered lands beyond the known continents.
He grew up looking up at the stars and has always harbored a curiosity of the unknown.
The great beyond is where he has the greatest desire to explore.
Alkaid considers himself an unremarkable explorer, a man whose main contribution is recording the legendary exploits of others.
But I know that Alkaid has the makings of his own legend within him.
His groundbreaking research will usher in a bright new future for a world which no longer has access to magic.
White mist swirls at the edge of my periphery. It appears the dream is coming to an end. I'm going back to my world.
Goodbye, Alkaid.
I'm back home.
Outside the window, it's still dark.
Have I returned to Godheim once again, or was it just a dream?
As I'm thinking about it, my eyes move to the bookshelf. On the shelf rests three entries in The Legend series.
One of them is adorned with Lars' signature. Besides the books, there is Ayn's sheet music.
It would seem I really have traveled back to Godheim.
That's wonderful.
After the Glacial Butterflies disappeared, everyone was able to start living a peaceful life and chase their own dreams.
Those who become legends are immortalized in written form.
Who knows how many future legends there are amongst the people here?
Some things in my life have recently occurred (nothing bad!) that have made me quite busy. So the blog will be going on an indefinite hiatus.
I do want to thank everyone who has interacted with the blog, though. As little as it is, I didn’t expect to gain any traction, but it makes me so happy to see others getting enjoyment out of this little project. I’m grateful for each and every one of you.
Make sure to take care of yourselves and always be kind ❤︎
Alkaid's 2025 Birthday Celebration - Cosmic Herring Illustra Story
The Cosmic Herring has arrived by his side.
On a weekend shortly after school started, I'm scrambling to complete my art assignment.
Little Painter: Ultramarine... Ah! I totally forgot I ran out of that color—
Someone slides a fresh tube of paint toward me.
Little Painter: Eh, when did you buy this, Alkaid...?
Alkaid: Someone mentioned last week that she was almost out of ultramarine, remember?
Little Painter: ...Did I?
I try to recall what I said to Alkaid last week. Obviously, I can't remember.
Seeing me lost in thought, Alkaid kindly adds.
Alkaid: Think about it: Why did we go to Commerce Street last weekend in the first place?
Little Painter: Well...
That jogs my memory.
Last weekend, I dragged Alkaid to Commerce Street to buy painting supplies, but we were sidetracked by the long line at the dessert shop and spent nearly the entire afternoon there.
Little Painter: ...For the record, it wasn't my fault.
Alkaid: True. It was the dessert shop's fault for having a rare limited edition.
That's clearly a direct quote from me.
I silently repeat his words and burst into laughter.
Little Painter: Sometimes, I feel like you're my—
I pause, thinking of an appropriate analogy.
Little Painter: Walking memo.
Alkaid: Walking... memo?
Alkaid repeats my new nickname for him and laughs.
Alkaid: For a walking memo, I may have some glitches.
Alkaid: Like, I thought this assignment wasn't due until the end of the month. Why the rush?
Little Painter: Because we have plans for next week.
Alkaid: Huh?
He gives me a slightly curious look, and I respond with an even more curious one. There is a subtle silence in the air.
I slowly realize that my personal walking memo might indeed have glitches.
I put down my brush and look at him intently.
Little Painter: Alkaid, do you remember what day it is next weekend?
Alkaid: It is...
I rarely see Alkaid hesitate and look confused like this.
I patiently jog his memory like he did to me.
Little Painter: Let's recall what you were doing around this time right after school started last year.
Alkaid: Making semester plans, sorting project references, attending drama club rehearsals after class, and...
His words come to a halt, replaced by a sudden laugh.
Alkaid: And after the tour, I got the birthday surprise you'd prepared for me.
Now I understand why he was running around for the club on his birthday last year—he probably forgot about it.
Before I can tease him, Alkaid speaks up first.
Alkaid: Little Painter, I almost forgot the birthday I spent with you—
He leans in slightly, his voice taking on a teasing tone, but his face innocently seeking guidance.
Alkaid: How should I be punished?
Little Painter: W-What?
That's so unfair. Taken aback, I forgot what I was going to say.
My eyes can't help but linger on his face, specifically his eyes and lips... The words I wanted to say turn into an inexplicable dryness in my mouth.
Little Painter: I'll punish you by... making you spend your birthday with me alone this year.
I might have come off as too possessive. As I'm about to say something to cover it up, a light kiss brushes my lips.
Alkaid: Every day of mine is yours.
After Alkaid agreed, I find myself with some free time and start planning his birthday.
Little Painter: A long trip seems a bit rushed.
Little Painter: What about a big meal? But we've tried all the new restaurants on Harp Island...
Little Painter: A movie? An exhibition? Is that too basic?
I quickly reject each idea for one reason or another.
As I'm browsing travel guides on my phone in frustration, a message pops up.
I put down my phone and look up at the sender, who is actually just nearby.
Little Painter: What's wrong, Alkaid?
Alkaid: It was an experiment to see if it would make me more noticeable.
Little Painter: ...
His "experiment" caught me off guard. Seeing this, Alkaid gives a slight smile.
Alkaid: Anyway, are you still stressed about my birthday?
Little Painter: Uh...
I hesitate and nod.
Alkaid: Little Painter, I really appreciate you planning my birthday.
Alkaid: But I never meant for you to stress over it.
He reaches out and gently taps my phone, turning it off while I'm still on the travel guide page.
Alkaid: If you can't make a decision right away...
Alkaid: Let me take care of the planning like always, alright?
Little Painter: Do you have something in mind already?
Alkaid: Actually, it's something I've thought about for a long time.
Alkaid: Remember what I told you during the Spring Festival?
My memory isn't as good as Alkaid's, but when he said that, it suddenly came to me—
Little Painter: You said you wanted to take me to a town covered in rime ice and the place where you grew up, and introduce me to your mentors.
He fulfilled the first promise perfectly on Valentine's Day; as for the second one...
Thinking about delving deeper into his past made me suddenly nervous.
Little Painter: C-Can I...?
Alkaid: I'm the one who should be asking that.
Alkaid gazes at me, his gentle eyes unusually deep, showing a rare and earnest expectation.
Alkaid: Will you go back with me?
Of course, I will. Or rather, nothing could be more exciting than this.
"The place where Alkaid grew up." Just hearing those words makes my heart melt.
Little Painter: What were you like back then?
It's just a subconscious murmur, but it brings a faint smile to Alkaid's face.
Alkaid: Hold on a moment, Little Painter.
He says and turns toward the bedroom.
Is he going to find old photos? Or maybe there are some rare videos on his camera?
I'm lost in thought, and before long, the bedroom door opens again.
Little Painter: !
My gaze is drawn to him.
Clean, radiant, upright...
So many words run through my head, all of them fitting, but none adequate.
Alkaid: I don't really know how to describe my past self, so I thought I'd put on my old high school uniform.
Alkaid: It's been quite a few years. Now that we're about to graduate from college, I guess I've changed some... Right, Little Painter?
When he calls my name, I realize I've been staring at him this whole time.
With my heart beating fast, I don't know where to look, so I nervously look away...
Little Painter: Eh, what's that...?
A green glint on his collar catches my attention.
Alkaid: Huh?
Following my gaze downward, Alkaid is first taken aback but quickly realizes and gently takes it off.
Alkaid: It's nothing. I pinned it on when I put away the uniform...
Before he can hide it, I've already caught a glimpse of it.
Little Painter: Was that... a hairpin?
In an instant, all sorts of weird thoughts pop into my mind.
With just a glance at my expression, Alkaid understands something and stops my wild speculations with a single sentence.
Alkaid: It's mine.
Alkaid: It was just to keep my hair out of my face when I looked down to write. I didn't care about how it looked.
It really was a hairpin. I look at him with a twinkle in my eyes, words stuck in my throat.
One. Two. Three.
After three seconds, Alkaid shuts his eyes as if accepting his fate and whispers.
Alkaid: Before I do this, you... must promise not to laugh.
In over a year of knowing him, I rarely see him look so bashful, not to mention the suspicious redness at the tips of his ears.
Faced with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I sit up straight solemnly.
Little Painter: Don't worry. I promise I won't laugh!
As I watch with anticipation, Alkaid carefully uses the hairpin to tuck some hair behind his ear.
With his soft hair tucked back, his sharp features stand out even more, making him look... gorgeous.
I take a deep breath.
Little Painter: Alkaid.
Alkaid: Hm?
Little Painter: Did your high school have a beauty pageant?
Alkaid is clearly surprised.
Alkaid: You promised not to laugh at me, Little Painter...
Little Painter: I'm not laughing, really!
Little Painter: But you really look amazing. It's hard to resist...
Mid-sentence, I quickly reach out, trying to catch Alkaid off guard.
But he catches my naughty hands and squints slightly.
Alkaid: Being naughty, huh?
Little Painter: Yes... I mean, no!
My stammered denial won't work.
As Alkaid moves closer and closer, his captivating eyes reflect my face.
Alkaid: You have to take responsibility for this.
Without realizing it, we've toured almost all of Yorkfield High School, except for the Astronomy Hall on the east side.
Under the warmer March sun, I notice the sweat on my forehead as a cool breeze from the lake washes over me.
Little Painter: The wind here is just perfect...
???: Yes, many students like to come here to enjoy the breeze and relax when they don't have class.
A voice suddenly responds to my comment.
Following the direction of the voice, I see a middle-aged man with a smile on his face.
Alkaid's eyes light up with surprise. He quickly leads me over to greet him.
Alkaid: Mr. Redfield.
When Alkaid first talked about his mentor, I pictured someone just as kind and composed as him.
But now, the person in front of us—
Mr. Redfield: I agree. The wind here is nice, especially since it brought back...
He glances at Alkaid with a smile, then turns his gaze to me, clearly thinking, "How should I tease them?"
Alkaid pauses slightly, opening his mouth as if to shield me from the teasing—but I speak up before he can.
Little Painter: Brought back... your top student and his girlfriend?
Mr. Redfield laughs heartily.
Mr. Redfield: Not bad, even more straightforward than Alkaid was as a child.
Did he really say that?
Little Painter: Straightforward?
Little Painter: Was Alkaid straightforward when he was a child? How so?
Mr. Redfield: Oh, this is going to be a long story...
Alkaid is obviously stunned by how fast Mr. Redfield and I hit it off.
His eyes dart between us, and he quickly decides to surrender and beg for mercy.
Alkaid: Since it's all water under the bridge, could you spare your "top student" a little dignity?
It seems even though Alkaid's been sharing a lot about his student days, Mr. Redfield still has plenty of dirt on him that I haven't heard about.
I chuckle quietly.
Little Painter: Never mind, I won't pry. After all—
Little Painter: We still need to respect our birthday boy.
I put a bit of extra emphasis on "birthday boy" to hint about Alkaid's birthday. I was hoping his mentor would wish him a happy birthday.
But Mr. Redfield doesn't follow my script. He isn't surprised at all and just nods calmly.
Mr. Redfield: Hmm, you're old enough to get certain legal documents.
Little Painter: ...Legal documents?
While I'm still confused, Alkaid has already figured it out. He shows a slightly helpless smile.
Alkaid: ...Little Painter is still young, sir.
Little Painter: Huh? What does that have to do with me...?
I realize mid-sentence—
Right, Alkaid is turning twenty-two, old enough to get a marriage certificate.
Mr. Redfield is amused by our embarrassed expressions.
The whimsical mentor steers our conversation from Yorkfield High School's century-long history and the link between astronomy and art to tonight's dinner plans.
Little Painter: Mr. Redfield, we—
Out of Alkaid's sight, I shoot Mr. Redfield a look.
Mr. Redfield understands and steps aside from the path to the Astronomy Hall before waving at us.
Mr. Redfield: It's getting late. You two should go inside.
Alkaid: ...Huh?
Little Painter: Alright, Mr. Redfield! See you!
Before Alkaid can react, I've already grabbed him and started to head to the final stop of this campus trip.
Little Painter: Alkaid, this way.
The Astronomy Hall is empty at this hour. My voice echoes softly off the shiny, circular walls.
The moment we get inside, Alkaid smiles and lets me lead him to a seat in the corner, waiting to see what I'll do next.
He's kept his promise to let me have him for the whole day.
I put two things I've prepared in front of him.
Alkaid: A cake and... a crystal ball?
Alkaid: I didn't see you take them with you when we set off, so...
He seems to have some idea. I smile and nod to confirm it.
Little Painter: I put them here in advance.
Alkaid: Little Painter, you...
I organize my thoughts a bit and decide to hand him his old high school hairpin first.
Little Painter: Put this on first.
Following my instruction, Alkaid takes it and clips it in his hair. His fingers brush against something in the process.
A thin light screen pops up in front of his eyes.
Alkaid: !
Now I can finally confess to him.
Little Painter: When I decided to come back to Yorkfield with you for your birthday, I kept thinking about what to get you.
Little Painter: Apart from the typical cake and crystal ball, I figured that this was probably the best way to present to you a...
While I'm at a loss for words, Alkaid finishes my sentence.
Alkaid: A... possibility?
His word choice makes me pause for a moment, and then I quickly smile.
Little Painter: You're right.
With the Illustra's help, I transformed the hairpin into a special eyepiece. Now Alkaid sees me wearing a school uniform just like his.
It's as if I've been part of his life from an earlier time, sharing more time and experiences with him that we never actually had.
It's like... a wonderful possibility.
Little Painter: Ahem, since there's no teacher here today, I'll be giving you an astronomy lesson.
Alkaid watches as I press the button to control the Astronomy Hall's dome.
In an instant, a vast sea of stars unfolds above us.
I pick up the laser pointer and walk over to the planetarium at the center of the hall.
Little Painter: If we draw a sphere in the universe with Earth at the center and the farthest distance we can see as the radius...
Little Painter: Then we can say all the stars we see are on this "celestial sphere"...
What I'm saying are mostly things Alkaid told me before. To him, it's all pretty simple.
But I continue to explain seriously.
As the red dot of the laser pointer moves back and forth across countless light-years, Alkaid sits quietly in a dimly lit corner, listening.
His eyes reflect the constellations and me enveloped by the stars.
Little Painter: ...Every constellation is a unique miracle in the universe.
Little Painter: And that wraps up today's lesson. Lastly...
I'm still thinking about what to say next when Alkaid raises his hand with a smile.
Illustra Interactions
Hair - Are you saying—wearing a school uniform makes you look especially young?
Hand - There's a question I want to hear your answer to.
Pendant - Indeed, the memories spent at this campus are unforgettable.
Crystal Ball - You want to go into the Crystal Ball with me? Sure.
Left-side of Cardigan - What, is there a wish you need me to fulfill?
He's got this serious look on his face. For a second, I get pulled into his act, so I go along with it.
Little Painter: Go ahead. What's your question?
Alkaid: May I ask...
Nervous about what Alkaid might ask and whether I can answer, I see him lower his hand and gaze at me earnestly.
Alkaid: Why does seeing you in a familiar school uniform, talking about stuff I already know...
Alkaid: ...Still makes my heart skip a beat?
His question catches me off guard.
Little Painter: That's so unfair...
If it weren't for my blushing cheeks and the smile I can't hide, maybe my accusation would've sounded tougher.
Alkaid chuckles, motioning for me to sit beside him. Naturally, he holds my hand in his palm.
Alkaid: Did Mr. Redfield help you prepare the lesson?
He saw through me.
I've actually met Mr. Redfield before.
Before this trip, I came here to prepare for Alkaid's birthday and happened to meet Mr. Redfield, who was planning lessons in the Astronomy Hall.
Little Painter: After just a quick chat, Mr. Redfield figured out I was going to celebrate your birthday.
Little Painter: So, he told me about when you two first met.
Back then, Alkaid was still in junior high in Shyn City. He came to Yorkfield High School for the first time to give a public lecture on astronomy.
Little Painter: Mr. Redfield was in the audience and thought you did great, so he stopped you after to ask some questions.
A hint of nostalgia appears in Alkaid's eyes as he takes over and continues the story.
Alkaid: The first few questions were about my lecture, but the last one came out of left field.
Alkaid: "Seeing the audience's reactions today, do you feel like all your efforts were wasted?"
Because the applause and praise after the lecture were mostly for Alkaid and his composure on the podium, rather than for what he taught.
Little Painter: Mr. Redfield said that at first you nodded, then thought for a second, and shook your head, saying...
Alkaid: "As long as someone listened, it was worth it."
That conversation was the start of their friendship and mentorship. It also helped me finalize today's plan.
When he found out I was planning a lesson similar to that public lecture, Mr. Redfield helped me a lot.
Little Painter: If it weren't for his thorough guidance, I would've had a hard time preparing for the lesson.
Little Painter: But there was one thing Mr. Redfield kept secret.
On the screen behind us, a wedge-shaped band of light is silently rotating. Alkaid turns around and looks at the swirling starlight with me.
Little Painter: NGC 4631, also known as the "Whale Galaxy," or "Herring Galaxy."
Little Painter: Mr. Redfield said that someone would tell me a story about this galaxy.
Alkaid: Yes, there's a story. It goes...
Seeing him ready to answer my question immediately, I quickly interrupt him.
Little Painter: Alkaid.
Alkaid: Huh?
Little Painter: Actually, there's something else I want to tell you right now.
I turn back and gaze deeply into his eyes.
Little Painter: Look, you always put yourself at the bottom of your list.
Little Painter: You remember everything I say offhand, but you forget your own birthday. You're willing to share what you know, even if most people don't appreciate it.
Little Painter: I'm the exact opposite. I always put you at the top of my list.
Little Painter: I want to make you happy, plan a special birthday for you, and show you that I'll listen to and remember everything you say.
The stars he yearns for, the beautiful sights he witnesses. His passion, his memories.
As long as I'm by his side, I want to be the one who listens to everything he says.
Little Painter: You always share your wishes with me, so today, let me make a wish.
Little Painter: I wish for my loved one to cherish himself as much as he cherishes me from now on.
Little Painter: I want him to know that, in my eyes, he has long surpassed any wonder in this world...
The rest of the words are swallowed by a sudden kiss.
It was an unexpected kiss. Alkaid can feel Little Painter's momentary surprise.
But in the next moment, Little Painter raises her hands and wraps them around his waist. She accepts and responds to everything he gives wholeheartedly.
He suddenly remembers there was more he meant to say.
The "story" about the Whale Galaxy is actually quite simple.
It was during a casual chat that Mr. Redfield shared his early experiences with astrophysics.
Mr. Redfield: Back then, I didn't know much about astronomical observations. I was just obsessed with the telescope. When I used it to look at the night sky, I happened to see this colorful band of light.
Mr. Redfield: The unique grandeur and beauty deeply moved me.
Later, he delved into astronomy and eventually learned what he had seen that night—
The galaxy numbered NGC 4631. It has a beautiful nickname, "Cosmic Herring."
Mr. Redfield: After all these years, whenever I hit a rough patch or feel burned out, I still think back to how it felt to see the Cosmic Herring for the first time that night.
Mr. Redfield: It gives me endless inspiration, passion, and the conviction and courage to keep going.
In the end, he gently patted Alkaid's shoulder.
Mr. Redfield: Someday, you'll also find your own "Cosmic Herring."
After a long time, Little Painter opens her eyes and meets his gaze. The starry reflections in her eyes move like a radiant fish.
The progress bar for uploading and saving data fills out, and after a beep, the system shows, "Upload complete".
Alkaid clicks the confirm button. The other members of the research group let out a sigh of relief upon hearing the prompt.
Group Member A: It didn't take you long, Alkaid. You're so efficient...
Group Member B: Yeah, the only thing that can drive you to do things this fast would be a date—
As the two members tease him, Alkaid smiles.
Alkaid: Yeah, I can't keep my family waiting.
His choice of word is so dramatic that the other members cannot take it anymore. One by one, they leave, laughing and having a pleasant conversation as they go.
Only Alkaid himself is not in a hurry to leave.
After having a second look to check if the data is correct and the database is complete, he submits the project plan of the next test before finally getting up to leave.
Coming out from the lab, he fetches his phone and starts typing a text message as a force of habit.
"My project has come to a close for now."
"Now that I have more time to spare, I really miss you. When will you..."
Before he can finish typing, his phone starts vibrating.
???: Alkaid, the exhibition center you wanted me to supervise for you is almost ready, but there's something that I'd like to discuss with you in person. Would you happen to have time...?
Alkaid takes a look at the time being displayed on the wall. He's been working for a long while without resting for this project.
However...
Alkaid: Sure. Whenever works for you.
When Alkaid walks into the restaurant, someone is already waiting for him.
It's a man dressed in a suit, mulling over a few blueprints laid out before him.
Alkaid takes a seat across the table.
Alkaid: Lyam.
He and Lyam were classmates back in high school. They later got admitted to the Astronomy department of the same university.
However, two years later, Alkaid transferred to St. Shelter Academia, and Lyam started pursuing his dream in the field of exhibition design all around the world.
Lyam: Were you at the astronomy lab?
Alkaid: Yeah. What about it?
Lyam tsk-tsks and laments.
Lyam: Truth be told, when I received your offer, I immediately went to search for your thesis and check if you'd decided to enter the art industry like I had.
Alkaid: What do you mean?
Lyam: I always knew you were into photography, but the terms and jargon you used made you sound like a professional in artistic exhibition as well.
Seeing his friend's intention to pry, Alkaid smiles.
Alkaid: Even if I never studied art, I would naturally know a thing or two about it if someone around me kept talking about it.
Alkaid: That's just—how I was influenced, I guess.
When he mentioned "someone", Alkaid looked extraordinarily loving and caring.
Lyam, who is entirely focused on the blueprints, doesn't seem to notice this at all.
Lyam: In any case, for this offer of yours, I'm planning to hire an artist to be the advisor for this exhibition...
Alkaid: Thank you for doing this.
Alkaid: However, the design of that exhibition was entirely done by me in the early stage. I'm afraid a true artist would laugh at my ideas.
This is Alkaid trying to turn down the offer. Aware of Alkaid's implicit message, Lyam raises his eyebrows.
Lyam: Oh, come on. You should at least give her a chance before you turn this down.
Lyam: She's a rising artist who's really going places. It wasn't easy to convince her to—
Suddenly, a crisp sound comes from outside the door.
???: Sorry for keeping you waiting.
Alkaid turns around—
Dressed in a long skirt and draped in a suit jacket that's the same color as his, Little Painter slowly approaches him with a smile on her face.
Alkaid rises, but before he can speak, she's extended a hand to him.
Little Painter: This must be Alkaid. I've heard so much about you.
The lamp in this room lights up her eyes, glimmering and glistening as brightly as the Milky Way.
2. Surprise
The moment my phone is connected to Harp Island's cellular signal, it starts ringing.
The distinct sound belongs to a text sent by Alkaid.
"It's getting cold lately. Sparkles and Beanie have been lazier than usual."
"My research group and I went to a new restaurant for a team building event. I'm sure you'll like it. I'll take you there some time."
"The potted plants on my balcony have been blossoming one by one. It seems their flowering periods have arrived earlier this year. Perhaps you'll be greeted by a sea of flowers when you arrive."
The text messages are chit-chat, talking about anything and everything.
It seems he sends me messages whenever he feels like he has something to share.
As I read through them, I feel warmed and touched.
It's been almost a month since Alkaid and I said goodbye last time.
Little Painter: We're going to be apart for a while again... but I don't want to leave.
Deep down, I know we both have many things to attend to. We haven't been able to see each other very often. We should've gotten used to this already, but—
But every time I have to say goodbye to this man, I can't help feeling wistful and drawl every word I speak.
At this, Alkaid could only give me a loving smile. As a force of habit, he gently tucks my hair behind my ear.
Alkaid: I'm almost done with this project. When you return, we'll get to spend as much time together as we want. How does that sound?
Little Painter: Hmm... Somehow I feel you'd spend all your time with me even without this promise.
Alkaid: How about I give you a surprise when we meet again?
Little Painter: What will it be?
This gets me excited as I ask curiously.
Alkaid gives a slight shake of his head, a smile on his face.
Alkaid: Stop staring at me like that. You make me want to spoil the surprise.
Little Painter: But that's exactly what I want—
Alkaid: That's the exact opposite of what I want.
Little Painter: ...?
I blink like an innocent puppy. Alkaid smiles and gives me a kiss on my forehead.
Alkaid: I want you to look forward to it so you'll come back sooner.
The gentle kiss is like a spell Alkaid puts on me. Ever since, not a moment has gone by that I do not miss him.
The schedule has been moved forward, and I'll be returning earlier.
On my way back, I keep reading the text messages Alkaid has sent me over and over again, thinking about how I should notify him of this.
An email notification suddenly pops up—
It's an offer bound for my work email for the gallery. Considering Alkaid and I agreed to spend some time together, I decide to decline this job offer.
Just as I am drafting a reply to turn it down, something catches my attention.
Two minutes later, after carefully reading through the email, I can't help but chuckle a little.
Little Painter: Chauffeur, please take me somewhere else.
Lyam: That's roughly the demand. Don't worry about your pay and the budget. Our client is quite generous in that regard...
Of course, I know that.
Though the email doesn't mention most of the specifics the moment I see its description, I seem to have already guessed what it is—
The exhibition program mentioned in the email has something to do with Alkaid.
After coming to this design studio and listening to Lyam, the manager, explaining more details to me, I am certain that my previous guess is correct.
Little Painter: This style—
Lyam: Though it is somewhat complicated, the client isn't just letting his imagination run wild. He even intends to provide technical support to help us get this through. There's nothing to worry about, Little Painter.
I look down and chuckle.
Little Painter: I don't worry at all, but I do have a small request.
Lyam: Little Painter said she wanted to meet the client in person to exchange some thoughts, so I brought her here for dinner.
Seeing how Alkaid is slightly shocked, I smile in a way that's both friendly and teasing.
Alkaid has always been able to notice my intentions outright, and this is no exception. He is already aware that this is me challenging him to see if he can pretend that we've never met each other.
Then, he extends his long arm and firmly shakes my hand.
Alkaid: I've heard so much about you, Little Painter.
Lyam: So you've both heard of each other? Nice. That saves me the effort of introductions.
Lyam: However, Alkaid, you may not know this yet, but Little Painter had her own gallery back in university. Her business is doing so well now that I think we should address her as Director Little Painter...
Alkaid is trying to hold back his laughter.
Alkaid: My apology, Director Little Painter.
3. Competition of Acting
Lyam briefly explains this collaboration to the both of us.
Alkaid is preparing to build an exhibition center. He will provide some of the designs and technical solutions.
The decoration of this center is almost complete. With its first exhibition, Lyam wants me, an artist, to give my advice on the art designs.
Lyam: I trust that with your taste and style, Director Little Painter—
Alkaid: Of course, I'd never for one second doubt Director Little Painter's taste and style.
His words shake me.
I look at Alkaid and, as expected, notice that smile on his face.
It seems he is taking this challenge seriously. I straighten myself.
Little Painter: It sounds like you may have other concerns, Alkaid?
Alkaid: Not really a concern but more of the curiosity of hearing your take on this, Director Little Painter.
Alkaid is not even trying to hold back his smile anymore.
Alkaid: Art exhibitions are a common thing on Harp Island.
He leans forward slightly, and the light shining on him casts a long shadow that engulfs me silently.
Alkaid: Why did you choose to work with me, Director Little Painter?
This is beginning to feel like a job interview now.
But I have to admit, I was in shock for a moment back there. Alkaid has his assertive side, but it is often overshadowed by his amiability and friendliness, which is why he can somewhat intimidate others with even the slightest seriousness.
However, after a moment, I start chuckling as well and meet his gaze.
It was you who chose me, Alkaid.
Little Painter: It was you who chose me, Alkaid.
Alkaid reveals a subtle smile as he waits for my explanation.
Little Painter: Alkaid, the ideas you proposed in your offer aren't complicated, but it's only normal that some people support your ideas just as others oppose them.
Little Painter: Similarly, there are people who aren't certain if their exhibition technology can realize the effects you want, while others totally disagree with your aesthetics.
Little Painter: Quite a coincidence, I am neither of them.
Little Painter: It's fair to say that since the moment you decided on your ideas, I have always been your go-to choice.
Perhaps it's as fate wills it.
Little Painter: Perhaps it's as fate wills it.
Little Painter: Lyam told me you were classmates before but didn't keep in touch until you reunited on Harp Island not long ago.
Little Painter: And he, quite by accident, saw my art work and decided to have me as your art advisor.
Little Painter: Fate gave me a chance to meet someone very important in my life. Since then, I've always believed in fate. Perhaps it is the best choice that fate has given me.
I don't know why, but I feel at ease saying whatever is on my mind—probably because it's Alkaid whom I'm talking to. I don't care if I'm making sense, but I sound composed and confident.
All this time, Alkaid has been listening and paying attention.
Then, I finally stop talking and wait for his comment.
Alkaid: So, I have one final question for you.
Little Painter: ...Which is?
Alkaid seems to deliberately pause for a moment before he starts speaking.
In the moment of silence, I suddenly feel my heart racing uncontrollably. Somehow, I grow nervous.
Alkaid: I'd like to ask—
Alkaid: When do you plan to visit the exhibition, Director Little Painter?
4. Miss You
This place isn't 100% done yet, but most of the exhibits are already here and ready for the final adjustments.
The designs I saw on those blueprints aren't the exact same as what I see in person. Alkaid has added some different touches to this exhibition center.
Besides, Alkaid is walking next to me now and guiding me through everything with his amicable voice.
Alkaid: Most of the photography showcased here is my own, but there are also paintings made by someone very important to me.
Of course, I know who this "important someone" is.
I've heard my fair share of romantic lines from him, but the way he calmly explains things to me somehow makes me blush uncontrollably.
As I lock gazes with Alkaid, he gives me a gentle smile as if he hasn't noticed anything.
Alkaid: What do you think, Director Little Painter?
Little Painter: ...This looks nice.
It's true.
His photographs and my paintings are hung on two sides of the corridor. They are some distance apart, but anyone can tell that they are integrated.
This is because every picture captured through the lens is depicting the same subject as the painting on canvas hung on the opposite side.
Realistic photos and artistic renderings intertwine and complement each other, delivering visual effects on a spiritual level.
Those are moments we shared throughout our countless journeys.
Little Painter: Alkaid, I...
Touched, I can't help but call to him.
Alkaid: I'm here.
A loud, out-of-place noise comes from the distance. It seems someone has accidentally bumped into something.
When I look in that direction, I see Lyam rubbing his forehead and nervously avoiding eye contact with us.
Lyam: Go on. Don't mind me.
This is too obvious... He didn't want to ruin this moment for us.
Realizing that I'm still pretending that Alkaid and I don't know each other, I clear my throat.
On the other hand, Alkaid simply chuckles calmly.
Alkaid: Let's continue.
Moments after that, I suddenly stop in place.
It's because there are ripples expanding outward like halos where I set my foot, echoing in circular patterns.
Little Painter: What's this...?
Alkaid: It's an immersive space.
I take a look around and realize there is a lake and a moon hanging in the sky. While I was distracted by the picture frames hanging on both sides, I had unknowingly entered this special area.
A long time ago, Alkaid put up a special show for me using sensor equipment on an immersive stage in a way similar to this.
With more advanced technology, an immersive space is no longer restricted to a stage or a specific place.
I walk forward from the lake reflecting moonlight into mountains, rivers, and even jungles through scenery that Alkaid captured with his camera.
In the end, the scenery dissipates from view.
Little Painter: How long did it take you... to prepare all this?
Alkaid: It's been three years since the idea first came to pass.
Little Painter: Three years ago...
I try to recall the past to figure out what motives drove Alkaid to do this.
But then, he tells me everything I want to know.
Alkaid: Three years ago, someone very important to me told me she wished for more people to enjoy beautiful scenery like this.
I'm stunned for a second.
Alkaid smiles and gestures to invite me forward.
Alkaid: There is one final exhibition hall ahead.
Surprisingly, this last exhibition hall is completely dark and unlit.
My first reaction is reaching for the wall to see if I can find a switch somewhere—
But the very next moment, someone gently grabs the back of my hand.
As my eyes get used to the darkness, I realize it's Alkaid standing closely behind me, seemingly posed to take me into his arms.
This is the first time I've looked at him so closely after being apart for so long.
How I missed his clear eyes and handsome look...
As my heart flutters, I suddenly realize there is still a "competition" going on between us. So, I close my eyes, calm my voice, and say to him...
Little Painter: Mister...
Alkaid: I admit defeat, Director Little Painter.
He puts my hand on his chest, lightly pressing it.
Alkaid: I miss you.
This isn't a defeat for him at all. His heart is beating like a drum, as if agreeing with this thought of mine.
5. Story of Us
Alkaid: We were supposed to finish this exhibition center before you returned. That's the surprise I promised you.
This is enough of a surprise for me already.
However, as I look at Alkaid, I can't help but want to tease him a little—
Little Painter: Are you saying that I picked the wrong time to return?
Alkaid: Not at all.
He whispers to me.
Alkaid: You could appear anytime, anywhere, and it would be perfect for me.
Even now, his words always seem to have magic that can make me red as a tomato.
Just as I'm about to say something, Alkaid suddenly backs away.
In the darkness, his footsteps trail away until he stops at the center of the exhibition hall.
Then, I hear the sound of him turning a switch.
A picture lights up from inside the irregularly-shaped crystal next to me.
Little Painter: Ah, I remember this one—
It's from an earlier reunion.
As someone knocks on the door, I immediately put down the camera in my hand and quickly rush over.
The person I've dearly missed stands right in front of me.
Even after his long, winding journey, the way he embraces me still makes me feel so secure and warm. Gently, he holds me in his arms as he listens to whatever I have to say.
Little Painter: This project went on a bit too long, don't you think...?
Little Painter: The two cats haven't been eating that well, probably because they miss you.
Alkaid: And?
Little Painter: ...No, that's all.
Alkaid: Alright. I'm off to feed them, then.
As Alkaid prepares to head inside, I can't help but call to him.
Little Painter: I suddenly recall that there is indeed one more thing—
Alkaid: Huh?
I grab him by the collar of his shirt and force him to lean slightly toward me.
Whispering in his ear, I gently say the words I have been meaning to tell him.
Little Painter: I missed you too, so very dearly.
Alkaid puts his hands around my waist. A warm touch moves from between my lips to the side of my neck. I suddenly remembered something.
Little Painter: Alkaid...
Alkaid: Shh—Stay focused.
I bury my flushing cheeks in my hands.
Little Painter: Back then, I was checking out how to use the time lapse feature of my camera, but I forgot to tell you that... So, this picture is really just...
Alkaid: What?
Little Painter: ...Proof that I was swooned by your charms?
Alkaid: Shall we destroy the evidence then, Little Painter?
My gaze moves between Alkaid and the picture being shown. At the thought of destroying it, I feel a sense of pity.
Little Painter: Ahem. Forget it. So long as no one else sees it—
I can hear him holding back laughter.
Alkaid: This exhibition hall is reserved exclusively for you.
More pictures emerge.
Under the starry sky, we wield a brush and a camera respectively to record the same scenery. At the graduation prom, we lock gazes as we dance and my dress elegantly sways in the air.
In the farthest picture being displayed, there's him, reaching out to me in the snowy mountain where we first met.
I can't help but walk over to that picture.
Little Painter: This is probably the only single photo we had back then...
Alkaid: Actually, it's not exactly a single photo.
Little Painter: Huh?
Alkaid: Look closer.
Confused, I turn around only to meet his smiling eyes.
My heart skips a beat—
As I turn around, the young Alkaid in that picture also has a pair of smiling eyes.
In those eyes, I see a reflection of a young lady holding a camera. It's me four years ago, aiming the camera at him.
Alkaid: Since then, a certain lady's had a special place in my heart.
Alkaid: In the story that followed...
He has approached me, gently holding my hands in his.
Alkaid: Little Painter, turn around.
Following his instruction, I turn around, and am greeted by countless moments of us together being projected on the crystals. They fill up the exhibition room with a myriad of colors and shades.
In the story that followed, he fell in love with her and went through a journey full of ups and downs—
The story unfolds in a chronological order, extending toward the open gate as if it has no end.
On the inside of the gate, there are two words:
"Profound Love".
6. Profound Love
Just as Alkaid and I walk out of that exhibition hall, Lyam shows up.
Lyam: How did it go?
The moment he asks that question, he winks at Alkaid—
It's as if he's saying, "You can thank me later."
Now I think I know why he didn't follow us into that last hall.
Alkaid reveals a subtle smile.
Alkaid: We had a great time.
Lyam: That's good. Also, I'd like to discuss with you about the layout here...
As he speaks, he's turned around and started sharing his opinion on the designs of this exhibition.
I know Alkaid always makes sure to remember everything, so I am not paying too much attention. Instead, I quietly locate Alkaid's hand and, as a force of habit, start drawing circles in his palm with my finger.
But it is before soon that he grabs my finger and squeezes it.
For a moment, we lock gazes as I see his smiling eyes. It's as if he's saying, "Stop this. Not now."
I think to myself and ask him with a low voice.
Little Painter: Do you think Lyam has guessed our relationship?
Alkaid: When you were checking out the exhibit, he asked me if I fell in love with you at first sight.
Alkaid reveals a candid smile.
Alkaid: So I guess he's trying to ship us.
Little Painter: ...
As we speak, Lyam has turned around to face us.
Lyam: That's about everything. What do you think of my idea?
I give him a big thumbs-up.
Little Painter: It's very good.
Lyam, whose mind drifts away as he thinks about how to ship us, suddenly brightens up.
Lyam: I just realized that your outfits have similar colors, and the embroiders on your sleeves are—
I flip my wrists so he can see the sleeves more clearly.
On the inside of the sleeves, gold threads form vine-like patterns, curving softly as they extend to further inside. Only on closer inspection would one realize they're letters in flourished writing.
Lyam: ...What brand is this? A... L... K... A...
Before I can answer that question, he seems to have noticed something.
Lyam: Wait a minute. Alkaid, that's your name...
Alkaid laughs as if considering if he will also show my name on the inside of his sleeves.
In the end, he decides not to make a public display of affection in front of a bachelor.
Alkaid: I'm sure it's just a... coincidence.
Lyam: A... coincidence?
He is saying "do you really think I'd buy that" without actually saying it.
I look away.
Little Painter: Oh, one of the picture frames is crooked. Let me fix that...
I quickly walk over to the side of the corridor where picture frames are hung, leaving Alkaid to explain the situation to Lyam.
Lyam: Now, tell me the truth. Who is Little Painter to you?
Alkaid looks at Little Painter from behind, his eyes filled with love and care.
Alkaid: She's my fiancée.
With his eyes wide open, Lyam turns around to look at Little Painter, who is organizing the exhibition hall, and then looks back at Alkaid.
It's almost like this is too much for his mind to process, and he has so many questions that he doesn't know where to begin.
After a long pause, he finally speaks.
Lyam: So, uh, when will you...
Alkaid: That's up to her.
There is much uncertainty about Little Painter's future. It's hard to know what to expect.
But even with such an uncertain future, there is one thing he is absolutely sure of—
