When I come to realize the reality that I am in, a small throne is in front of me.
Looking around, one can easily decipher that this is a religious building of sorts, with white marble pillars and golden rims running around. Coupled with stained glass windows depicting a certain goddess, there is no doubt that this is a Neveah church.
Vincent's throne room.
But why am I here?
Finding myself unable to move—no, unwilling to move—I stare blankly at the tall ceiling for seemingly no reason. All of a sudden, a wave of uneasiness floods over my mind, submerging my rational thoughts.
Uncertainty.
After a long silence, the door behind me opens, and I turn around just in time as holding this position is hurting my neck. There, a lone girl stands. She has long black hair with hints of blue sprinkled on it and a rather rare pair of violet eyes.
''Chloe.'' I utter.
In response, Chloe sighs ever so slightly, seeming tired.
''Feeling melancholic?'' She asks. ''How rare of you.''
''I am simply a human.''
''Not in my eyes. You're a goddess to me! Wink, wink!''
''Hah...''
''Well, jokes aside.'' Chloe walks up to me, and her expression becomes serious. ''You felt it too, didn't you?''
''...''
''O■r st■■■g■■ ■r■ ■■■■■l■ ■■■■■■■—''
As Chloe keeps on talking, her words are actively being blurred out, and the environment around me begins to glitch terribly. After just a short moment, the world appears to be sucked into a single point.
Right then, my vision abruptly turns off.
''...!''
Waking up in the Backrooms, I take a moment to calm myself down.
''Hah...''
A nightmare right when I decide to sleep properly for once, huh...
Unlucky.
I let out an exhausted sigh and get out of bed, putting on one of my outfits in the closet. I can modify the Backrooms to some extent now, so creating a private room is nothing hard.
Nevertheless, today is the day before New Year's Eve. For once, I am actually excited about this event.
The New Year Festival is one of the major events in this empire, and this year, similar to previous ones, it will be held at the academy. The academy is conveniently right inside the capital, and it has enough infrastructure for these kinds of things as well. Not to mention, it is literally the proud icon of the empire, so showcasing it at this time is suitable.
The festival will last several days, during which everyone can enjoy food and fun activities together. This is the part I'm excited about. I have been quite bored recently, yes.
In the game, this event is only given a few cutscenes and minigames, according to Chloe. It is an auxiliary chapter of sorts, serving as an interlude. For the player, the most important mission here is to meet the dejected Luxia somewhere and console her.
Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
Of course, I intend to accomplish that mission, but in any case, this is a clear vacation for me.
I can't wait to hang out more with Chloe, Claire, and Nydia, but for now...
''Hm...''
It has been a while since I've walked Smiley, hasn't it?
----------------------------------------
December 31th, 1834.
Gazing out the window of Chloe's room, I can see a broad view of the plaza area below. It is now almost five in the afternoon, which means the festival will start only two hours later.
While the sun is still lingering, the people down there are working quite busily. Some attendants use magic to add finishing touches to the decoration, some independent sellers set up their stalls, and some students and tourists alike simply cruise around.
This evening, New Year's Eve, the academy promises a 'spectacular' fireworks show, which I look forward to seeing. After that, all kinds of events will be happening.
Right then, A certain blonde comes right next to me with a half-eaten croissant in her hand.
''Mant wit?''
''...Save your stomach for later, idiot.''
gulp—!
''Shit, you're right. But this half...''
As Chloe contemplates what to do with the remaining half, someone knocks on the door, prompting the noble lady to let out a sound. Soon, Nydia enters the room.
''Lady Luminous, the preparation for our next outing has been completed.'' Nydia bows respectfully.
''Right, good job.''
Feeling awkward for Chloe, who is holding up half a croissant, I take the bread from her and stuff it into my mouth. The crispy sugar coat outside gives me a good crunch, while the chocolate filling explodes inside my mouth, sweet and happy.
Delicious.
For context, this body does not have a stomach, literally, so I can eat everything I want. It is amazing.
''...''
Ignoring Nydia's questioning gaze as she straightens her back, I keep chewing the bread while maintaining eye contact with her. Then, my fellow bird maid walks up to me and pulls out a handkerchief. Apparently, something is stuck at the corner of my mouth.
''...Aurora, eat slowly.'' She says.
Behind Nydia's caring face, I see cross veins exploding on Chloe's forehead.
Please don't murder Nydia. She is important to the plot...
After goofing around a bit more, the time to explore the festival has come. Coming out of the dormitory, a bustling night market sight greets us. People of all ages and all origins fill the streets, enjoying their time.
Hand in hand, the three of us embark on a journey to discover the best food there is, starting with these sour-sweet fries. We each order a small portion, yet it seems the distribution is not quite right.
''Aurora, say 'ah~'''
''This, too.''
And that is definitely not because these two girls try to feed me constantly. No good. The fries are good, but at this rate, they will be left with nothing.
Being the righteous icon that Claire believes me to be, I also take a piece of my fries and hold it up.
''Here.''
With flowers on her head, Chloe devours the piece. Then, it is Nydia's turn.
''Ah...''
This time, the raven has already opened her mouth, waiting intently. As I put the fry in, Nydia takes a bold approach and grabs my wrist. She bites half of the piece off, chews it before gulping it down, and then goes for the remaining half.
''Oh.''
However, intentionally or unintentionally, her soft lips bruise past the tips of my fingers. Nydia then covers her mouth with the back of her hand, shyly shooting a meaningful glance at me while Chloe is already pulling out her sword.
''Stop, stop.'' I hurriedly halt the mad lady. ''Let us go to the next store.''
This time, it is an ice cream vendor. We order three different flavors according to the owner's recommendation—orange for me, strawberry for Nydia, and chocolate for Chloe.
I resolutely take a bite out of the ice cream, feeling the cold flavor spread on my tongue. Orange is not bad, hm.
''Mhm, mhm.''
Naturally, I extend mine forward, looking for trades. Both Chloe and Nydia look at each other a bit, slightly surprised. Then, at the speed of light, they grab my hand at once.
''Me first...!'' Chloe utters, pulling my hand to her side.
''Please, my lady, orange is not suitable for you right now. It'll ruin your chocolate one later...!'' Nydia explains, trying to prevent Chloe from taking the first bite.
Eventually, Chloe, with the higher strength, takes the win. She happily bites precisely on the part that I just ate, with a smug face looking at Nydia. Cross veins start to pop up on the raven girl's forehead this time, and a strong hint of determination appears in her eyes.
Okay, stop fighting and give me your ice cream.
''Hah...''
Just like that, we begin to move along the flow of the crowd, buying this and that while teasing each other—like good friends. For once, I am sure that this moment will be remembered by all of us even far in the future.
At this moment, I am happy.
Yet the night is still young. There is much more to enjoy in this festival, I am sure.
''Let's find Claire first.''