Main Story Ch. 6-03 - The Cage and the Soaring Bird (囚笼与飞鸟) | Light and Night 光与夜之恋

Previously on Chapter 6-01... (Read here)

Manman: Oh my god! You're even going to be on the magazine supplement cover! You're going to be famous Y/N!

Manman shouted by my ear in excitement. I repetitively read the words n the appointment letter, and I'm feeling floaty, as if I'm struck by the lottery jackpot.

You: But... Why do they want to interview me?

Manman: Of course it's because of the extraordinary success of the grand show! The shoe you've designed has received so much of praise in the industry.

Mao Ge: Let me tell you, there was someone who have hesitated and missed an interview from our Group A, and the chance ended up falling on Group B. This chance is rare, you must grab it!

You: Yeah! I'll prepare well!

Following everyone's suggestions, I wrote a detailed draft beforehand.

You: I am Y/N from Warson Group, is a new fashion designer in this industry...

As the sunlight being gradually replaced by the colors of the sunset, the bustling flow of people could be seen from outside of the window.

You: My ambition to become a fashion designer originated from my grandmother, she was an exceptional seamstress, when I was 7...

The last sliver of light has dimmed from the edges of the skies, and the stars have began to brighten up as the crescent moon hangs high up in the night skies, there are already no one else on the streets.

The clock has now pointed to 12AM, and Mao Ge is lying on the sofa and sleeping soundly.

You: Self introduction, inspiration of design, future prospects... what else did I miss?

Although the draft paper is already completely filled, but I still feel that there's something missing.

You: I have heard of such sentence, clothes are the very first rebel from humans to Gods. Gods created humans with a naked body, yet humans have weaved plants into clothing. Should I put it in such a deep manner? Or should I make it simple? Ah... Can someone come over to save me?

Mao Ge: Director, I didn't procrastinate on the draft, my house was really on fire...

Mao Ge turned over, as if he is having a nightmare, even when his features have crumpled together, his expressions are still extraordinarily sincere. If I were Sariel, I would've believed in him.

Wait! Was he mentioning about... Sariel?

I suddenly had an idea in mind. Can I ask for his guidance? He wouldn't be refusing to help his student's interview, right...?

However, as soon as Sariel's mocking smile appeared before my mind, an alarm sounded loudly in my heart.

You: No way no way no way no way! He will activate his 'sharp tongue' ability! I'd rather be extracting a tiger's tooth!

10 minutes later-- a head has popped from the entrance of Sariel's office.

You: The lights are still on, he probably hasn't left yet...

I took a deep breath, and gave myself enough mental preparation.

You: After going in, don't refute whatever he says, from now on, Sariel is the God, everything he says are right!

??: When did I say something that isn't right?

You: !

I immediately raised my head, and I didn't even know when the door in front of me has been opened. Sariel's standing under the doorframe with his arms crossed before him.

You: You scared me to death...

Sariel: Did you do something shameful?

You: Of course not.

Sariel: Only those who are doing bad things will be having such a guilty conscience.

You: Well wasn't that because you're always making a sound all of a sudden.

Sariel scoffed lightly, walked towards his seat, picking his cup of tea and took a light sip.

You: Director, it's already 12AM, I didn't expect you to still be in the office.

Sariel: I wouldn't have expected for people to look for me at 12AM either.

You: I was just originally trying my luck, and it ends up that you're really here.

Sariel: It was just a coincidence that there's a design draft that has to be amended by today.

You: Then I really didn't come at the right time, sorry...

What a good timing for me to arrive, I could actually find him working time! Please let him overtime a little more!

Sariel: But no matter how I've looked at your expressions, rather than looking sorry, why am I seeing that you're looking very happy instead? You're probably also praying quietly so that I'll work overtime a little longer, right?

Was it that obvious?

I quickly squeezed out a sincere smile, then pouted some water into Sariel's tea mug as if I was trying to please him.

You: Director, you're really passionate, diligent and hard-working--

Sariel: Of all people, it's always you who's disturbing me. Just say it, what brings you here?

I placed down the teapot, and stood politely.

You: Actually I have a teeny tiny matter that I'd like to request for your guidance.

Sariel is still drinking his tea, not nodding nor shaking his head, as if he has given his permission silently. I quickly handed my draft to him.

You: I received an interview appointment today, this is the draft I've prepared.

Sariel: Interview? Why would there be people interviewing a rookie?

You: ...! Everyone are saying my performance this time wasn't bad, it's considered something witnessed by everyone.

Sariel: Just because you've got on a show, and you are already this happy. I'm guessing your face is made of titanium.

Your face is the one that is made of diamond!*

*T/N: Fun fact! Titanium is not stronger than a diamond. In terms of hardness, Titanium is not harder than a diamond. On the hardness scale, titanium is 36 Rockwell C, while diamond is 98.07 Rockwell C. So MC thinks that Sariel is more thick-skinned than she is.

Despite saying so, he still took the draft papers.

Sariel: Which magazine?

You: City fashion Magazine.

Sariel then frowned, it seems like he's trying to search for this name in his mind.

You: Isn't it pretty good?

Sariel: I've never heard of it.

You: ... Oh.

Sariel: I'm guessing that it's probably a rookie magazine company, just like you.

You (pouting): That's not it, at least their taste isn't bad, and chose to interview me...

I quietly refuted, but Sariel has stopped talking, and seriously flipped through the draft papers. Although he usually doesn't put on any expressions, but throughout the days we've spent together, I noticed that the changes of his brows will always betray his true feelings.

Just like right now-- He frowned.

... It can't be because I've wrote so badly, right?

Just when I nervously clenched the hem of my shirt, his frown soothes out again.

No wait, why did he frown again!?

I feel that my mood has been like a roller coaster ride, going up and down along with Sariel's expressions.

Finally, he has finished reading the draft.

Sariel: It's just an interview draft, and you've actually written 10 whole pages?

You: I'm thinking that it's my first interview, so I wanted to face it with a serious manner.

Sariel pinched between his brows, it seems like he is having a complexed mood. He flipped over the draft paper, and his gaze suddenly stopped behind it.

Sariel: Even attaching a proof of your inexperience.

You: ?

His fingertips pointed towards the back of the draft paper, only then I've realized that I forgot to erase the previous version of my draft!

You: Don't look at that!

Sariel: When I was seven, I began to dream of wanting to become a designer because of my grandmother. Although I didn't know what it is like to be a designer, but I feel that they always have the greatest magic.

You (flustering): Don't read it out anymore!

Feeling embarrassed, I wanted to stop him. But Sariel was unfazed, as he continue to read it word by word with a calm expression.

Sariel: Each time I see the smiles from the customers after changing into new clothes, I also feel that I'm filled with courage and happiness. The other person that have guided is called Sariel--

[Choice]

Night: Snatch the draft paper over

Light: Quibble

[Night Choice: Snatch the draft paper over]

You: Give it back!

I snatched the draft over and held it to my chest, my face is now boiling hot.

Sariel: If I didn't remember it wrongly, there was a certain fella that have been pestering me to look at it.

You: I didn't let you to look at the back... These are all the previous versions of the draft!

I glanced at him with a guilty conscience, but Sariel have instead leaned to his chair, and even shook his legs a little, seemingly in a pleasant mood.

What's there to be happy about? What is he smiling for?

[Light Choice: Quibble]

You: No, no, that's not it!

Sariel: Then what is it? It's written so clearly in black and white.

You: These are what I've simply wrote, they don't count!

Sariel: So you weren't thinking that way?

You: ... Well... that wasn't it too...

I quickly snatched the draft paper and glanced at him with a guilty conscience, but Sariel have instead leaned to his chair, and even shook his legs a little, seemingly in a pleasant mood.

What's there to be happy about? What is he smiling for?

Sariel: Do you plan to use this draft during the interview?

You: Can't I? Of course except for the part you read out just now.

Sariel: Remove all of those boring life journey and wordy mental journey away. Place your focus on the preparation for the grand show. Nobody will be interested to the past of somebody that hasn't succeeded, do you understand?

You: Why is that?

Sariel calmly walked towards me, and leaned to me slightly.

I subconsciously paused my breath, and took a step backwards.

Sariel: With that, the fact that you're a rookie will immediately be known to the world.

You: ......

Right at the moment when I was stunned, Sariel took the opportunity to take the draft paper from my hands.

Sariel: Sariel is the Polaris of my designer's journey, because of him, I wanted to look into a broader scene for the very first time.

Reading till this point, a sliver of faint smile flow past his eyes.

Sariel: Although he has been cold most of the time, and even having a supercilious demeanor...

That bit of smile immediately disappeared without a trace.

Sariel: Speaking without mercy, always dissing people until they go speechless...

His expressions darkens further.

Feeling my guilty conscience kicking in, I moved my steps, and quietly walked towards the door. However, just when I'm only half a step away from the exit, Sariel has already reached out an arm and closed the door.

His expressions darkened, to the extent I could even feel cold air exuding from his entire body.

You: Director, you've mistaken, there's a 'but' after that! Look! I've placed a lot of effort praising you after this part! Also the part earlier were meant to be amended, I'll immediately go back and amend it!

I snatched the draft back, and escaped before Sariel could even voice anything out.

After the girl's figure have disappeared for quite a while, Sariel's arm is still supporting against the door, not budging for even the slightest bit. Until the bright moonlight gradually brightens the French windows, he turned his head over, and looked at his face reflected on the glass.

The lips that have curved downwards, with angry-looking eyes.

"Although he has been cold most of the time, and even having a supercilious demeanor."

Facing the windows, Sariel's lips subconsciously curved up, putting on an extremely unnatural smile over his face.

Then he startled slightly, and quickly flatten the corners of his lips, turned over, as if the actions earlier were extremely embarrassing.

Sariel: .... Silly.

The vibrating phone broke the silence, a weak voice could be heard from the speaker.

Lizard: Lao Qi, when are you coming back? I'm so hungry I could go crazy... It can't be that you've collapsed from dizziness again right? What's wrong with you? Always staying in the office until so late, how about you consider the automatic feeder that I've suggested last time?

Sariel: Shut up.

Lizard: Okay okay okay, looks like you're in a bad mood. I won't urge you anymore. I've made a doctor's appointment for you, I'll sleep first...

Sariel: No need to sleep, just in time, there's something that I need you to do.

Lizard: ... Hey! You can't bully people like this!

Main Story Ch. 6-01 - The Cage and the Soaring Bird (囚笼与飞鸟) | Light and Night 光与夜之恋

Before reading this chapter, please check out the LIGHT END and NIGHT END of Chapter 5!

The Cage and the Soaring Bird (囚笼与飞鸟) 

"My chest is fully filled with sands and stones, hence the only things I wished to see are only the wilderness, the tall mountains, and the soaring birds."

Staff A: Did you hear about the rumors? The designer that went onto the grand show from Group A has been exceptionally weird recently!

Staff B: What? Spill the tea!

Staff C: Didn't you see it? Ever since that day she has been wearing leather gloves to work, and she'll dodge anyone that closes up to her.

Staff B: ... Why does she have to do that?

Staff A: Well, she's a designer, so it's appropriate to protect her hands a little more. But there's no need to be this exaggerating.

Staff C: I've even seen something more exaggerating! She was eating back then, and after taking off the leather gloves, there's actually ANOTHER pair of gloves!

Right now, I'm standing outside of the pantry as I overheard the conversation, with sweat all across my forehead.

Looking at the dried teabag in my cup, I let out a sigh, then turned away to leave.

You: If I weren't forced to do so, I wouldn't even want to wear such a thick pair of gloves either...

??: Y/N, you're finally back! Your hand didn't bump into anything did you?!

Before I could even step into the office, Mao Ge has already begun shouting as he rushes towards me and observed my hands.

Mao Ge: That's good, what a relief, the ring is fine.

Hao Shuai: I think Mao Ge is going to lodge a police report if you aren't going to come back any sooner.

You: I was just out to fetch a cup of water--

Mao Ge: If it's for such a trivial matter like fetching water, you could just ask me to do that for you!

He quickly took over my cup, and pulled out a giant vacuum flask of hot waters.

Hao Shuai: Ever since you said you're wearing an ancestral ring that is extremely pricey yet you couldn't take it off, Mao Ge can't wait to turn into Thumbelina to live in your pocket to watch the ring for you.

Mao Ge: That's right, I've found another remedy to take rings off, this time it'll work for sure!

Mao Ge crossed his hands, and sincerely made a praying gesture, then handed the cup to me.

You: I'm sorry, I've troubled all of you...

And even lying to all of you.

I lifted the cup with some difficulty, and my thoughts went back to a week ago.

That was the night when the grand show ends, with the dazzling fireworks long gone. The entire city seems to have fallen into deep sleep, quiet, and serene.

As I sat in the car, my heart that was full of joy had calmed down, and the mystery behind that ring in my finger have resurfaced again.

You: This ring... Why did Evan entrust it to me?

Click. The car door is opened.

Evan: I'm sorry, I've kept you waiting.

Evan sat on the driver's seat. He looks like he's a little tired, but he's still showing me a gentle smile.

Come and think of it, to change the model at the very last minute, Evan has indeed shouldered great amount of stress as the person in charge.

You: I should be the one to apologize, if it weren't for me, you wouldn't have to be busy until now. But no matter what I did, I really couldn't take it off...

Evan: Let me have a look?

Evan's hand is very cold. My heart can't help but to tremble on his touch. 

He tried to take the ring off, but it didn't help with the situation.

Evan: Looks like it's indeed unable to be taken off.

You: Then- Then what should we do?

I can't help myself but to panic, and I've finally started to feel helpless. But this is too ridiculous, how can a ring be unable to be taken off?

Evan: I think it's not because it's stuck, but due to some other reasons.

You: Other reasons?

Evan's expressions became a little stern. He examined the ring carefully, as if he's thinking about something important. 

His hand covers over the back of my hand, and the warmth has passed through, and surrounded my fingertips.

By the time he kept his hand back, the ring that was shining in crimson suddenly became bright white, and even the shape has changed, and it didn't look a single bit like how it originally was.

You: ?!

I subconsciously looked into his eyes, and in the pair of apologetic and helpless eyes, there was a flash of scarlet that hasn't fade in time.

Osborn: "Generally speaking, when the Strains use their abilities, their pupils will turn red."*

*T/N: Refer Chapter 4-01.

Although I didn't completely see it clearly, but I already have an idea in my heart, Evan probably belongs to the Strains. And it seems like he has noticed my thoughts, and his expressions have showed a type of rejection with "I don't wish to talk about this matter" written all over his face.

Evan: Until I'm able to find the method of taking off the ring, please take a good care of it for me.

[Choice]

Night: How long will I have to keep it?

Light: I'll take good care of it

[Night Choice: How long will I have to keep it?]

You: Then how long do I need to keep it?

Evan: I'm sorry, I'm unable to give you a specific time at the moment, but I will look for the solution as soon as possible.

I nodded, and subconsciously covered the ring.

Evan: Don't be afraid, I will not let you wait for too long, I promise.

His voice is deep, yet unusually firm.

You: ... Okay! I will look for a pair of thick gloves and wear it, and protect it well until you can take off the ring for me!

Evan gently ruffled my hair.

Evan: Then I'll first thank this brave young lady here in advance. Let's go, I'll send you home.

[Light: I'll take good care of it]

I hesitated for a moment, and I chose not to question further.

You: Don't worry, I will not tell it around! Since if I've actually lost the ring, I'll never be able to repay it for my entire life... I will look for a pair of thick gloves and wear it, and protect it well until you can take off the ring for me!

Evan: Then if I kept on being unable to look for a method to take it off, then wouldn't you have to wear them for your entire life?

Evan winked at me, his eyes are shining brightly.

I stunned, and my cheeks immediately started burning, and shook my head like a rattle drum.

You: Anyway... I'll take good care of it, don't worry.

Evan: Mm. I know. Let's go, I'll send you home. You've been busy for this long, you must be tired. Have a good sleep.

You: It's already been a week, I wonder if Evan has found a way.

Ever since that day, I've never seen Evan in the office. I have sent him messages and also called him, but he surprisingly did not respond to me.

You: I kept feeling there's something happening to him...

Mao Ge: Don't worry, Y/N, we're here, so nothing will happen! Look at this Mao Ge that have been in Warson for so many years, I'm still reliable when it comes to protecting a ring.

Thud, thud, thud-- 

There's a sudden knock on the door, and Mao Ge that was so confident jumped up in reflex, rushing to the entrance as if he's facing a great enemy.

??: Is Y/N in? I'm Director Lu Ting's assistant. Director Lu Ting is looking for you, please follow me.

Mao Ge looked at me in surprise, and threw a glance at me to ask for my opinion.

You: May I ask what would the matter be?

Assistant: Director Lu Ting didn't mention anything about it, only saying it's something very important, so please follow me over there as soon as possible.

As soon as possible? But except for the banquet on the other day, no matter if it's for work or in life, there's not a single bit of interaction between the two of us.

I can't help myself but to recall the dark atmosphere between him and Evan, and began to feel nervous.

Mao Ge walked towards me in nimble steps, and patted on my shoulder.

Mao Ge:  What's wrong? Director Lu Ting is looking for you, don't you want to hurry up and go?

I quickly shook my head, but I don't know how to explain to Mao Ge.

Mao Ge: I know, are you worried that he'll reprimand you for being the model for the finale?

I simply nodded.

Mao Ge: That's quite possible, ever since President Lu has took over the design center, Lu Ting has almost never questioned anything over this side. Looking for you all of a sudden, and in such a hurry too, nobody would dare to go over indeed.

Manman: Then what can we do? Y/N can't say no either.

Assistant: Ms. Y/N, may I ask if you can follow me over already?

The other party behaved so eagerly, that I can't help but to feel suspicious on why Lu Ting was looking for me. 

Mao Ge: How about... pretending to be sick? Can you do that?

Without waiting for my answer, Mao Ge has covered his mouth and immediately started coughing.

Mao Ge: About that, Y/N is sick, she's having a serious cold, and is worried that she'll infect Director Lu Ting--

Assistant: Please do not put me in a difficult situation and follow me over as soon as possible.

You: ......

Should I really just go there head on? What should I do...

Just when we are frowning, the sounds of footsteps could be heard from the corridor again.

??: I'm terribly sorry, Ms. Y/N can't go with you. Please go back, Assistant Lin.

... Zhou Yan?

Assistant Lin: But Director Lu Ting has already ordered--

Zhou Yan: I wonder if Director Lu Ting remembers, but President Lu is now the one in charge of the design center. If he has forgotten about it, I'd like to trouble you to remind him a little, Assistant Lin.

Assistant Lin went silent, and my nervousness have peaked so much I can feel my heart being stuck at my throat.

Assistant Lin: ... Assistant Zhou, thank you for your reminder. I will convey the message to Director Lu Ting.

Mao Ge pulled a slit open from the door, and I saw that Assistant Lin has nodded to Zhou Yan, then turned around and left.

Until his figure has completely disappeared from the corridor, Zhou Yan too, have left after closing the door. 

Mao Ge: Assistant Zhou is too cool! Wait no, it's our President Lu that's too cool! "President Lu is now the one who's in charge of the design center," look at the way he puts it, it's obviously saying "don't touch my territory".

Looking at the empty door right now, my mind is still a little fuzzy.

So I've passed just like that?

But why did Lu Ting want to look for me all of a sudden? Zhou Yan have also appeared just in time, this seems like it's all calculated. I kept feeling there's something off...

Yet before I can even untie the knots in my mind to figure things out... 

"Thud thud thud"-- 

Once again, a knocking sound could be heard from the door that was closed earlier.

You: Why visiting again?!

I looked towards the door nervously, but who appeared this time isn't Assistant Lin or Zhou Yan, but the HR that is carrying on a stack of documents.

HR: Is Y/N here? There's an appointment letter that is forwarded by the reception desk for you.

You: I'm here I'm here...

After letting out a breath in relief, I quickly walked forward and took the appointment letter.

Mao Ge popped over and examined it curiously.

Mao Ge: The City Fashion Magazine?

Manman: The name sounds a little familiar, is it the magazine company that received last year's award for being the most promising annual publication?

Mao Ge: Yes yes yes, that's the one.

You: Why haven't I heard about it before?

Mao Ge: You've just returned to this country, so you probably didn't know. Although this magazine company is established last year, but their "Fashion City" is selling very well. They even received an award by the end of year, so it's considered that they have a standing in the industry. Hey, quickly open it up and see what's written in it!

I opened the letter in confusion, and stunned for a few seconds after seeing the words printed on it.

You: They- They are inviting me to have a designer interview on Sunday morning?!

Manman: Oh my god! You're even going to be on the magazine supplement cover! You're going to be famous Y/N!

Manman shouted by my ear in excitement. I repetitively read the words n the appointment letter, and I'm feeling floaty, as if I'm struck by the lottery jackpot.

You: But... Why do they want to interview me?

Manman: Of course it's because of the extraordinary success of the grand show! The shoe you've designed has received so much of praise in the industry.

Mao Ge: Let me tell you, there was someone who have hesitated and missed an interview from our Group A, and the chance ended up falling on Group B. This chance is rare, you must grab it!

You: Yeah! I'll prepare well!

Chapter 6-03 can now be read here!

Meanwhile, feel free to check out other translations for Light and Night here!

[Light and Night Event] Sariel's Birthday Event: Part 1: Pre-Quest Story || 光与夜之恋 活动05 齐司礼生日・ 轻云寻隐・山水与图志：前置剧情

Disclaimer(s) as of 29 Aug:

- This event for Sariel's birthday is basically about the same as Charlie's in terms of event mechanics.

- After completing Part 1 of the event by unlocking all 5 locations for the travel itinerary, you get to continue on part 2 of the event by painting memory notes.

- Birthday story will be unlocked on 1 Sept (Sariel's birthday). Expected to require battling just like Charlie's birthday.

I stood in front of the main entrance of Sariel's house, took a deep breath, raised an arm--

As for the reason why I'm here today, we'll have to go back to a week ago.

Zheng Lin: Y/N, I'll need your help to sort the documents over there.

Just when I was drowning in the stash of materials in boredom, a special document immediately gave me a boost of energy.

You: Birthday party for staff born in September...

Sariel's birthday, 1st of September!

I widened my eyes in surprise, and read the document all over again in a serious manner to ensure I did not read it wrongly.

I didn't expect to know his birthday through such a manner...

You: Although Sariel didn't tell me his birthday in person, but since I've already got to know about this, then I should celebrate it for him, right?

I set a reminder on my phone, and began to seriously think about how I can prepare a special birthday for him.

You: I'll have to first know the flavor he likes in order to prepare a cake for him... I can't show that I'm coming here for intel later, I must act like I've passed by to scrounge food.

After putting on a desperate expression to look like I had no choice but to ask for help, I pressed on the doorbell.

The mid-mountain winds are not gentle, and the winds blowing to my face are even a little cold, but it has added some courage and excitement onto my nervous heart.

"Ding Dong--" 

The doorbell just rang, and the door has been opened in an impatient manner, along Sariel's cold voice that could be heard.

Sariel: You actually knew how to come back?

Seeing that it was actually me who was standing at his entrance, he stunned slightly, then rubbed between his brows with a trouble look, and the tightened frown he originally had has soothed out a little.

Sariel: It's you?

You: Uh, it's me.

Why is the situation so different from what I've imagined? Is Sariel waiting for someone?

You: About that, director, I coincidentally passed by this place, but I couldn't find the path to descend the mountains...

Sariel: Coincidentally passing by? Passing by somewhere halfway up in the mountains?

You: Actually I was... Hiking.

Sariel: Why didn't I know you'd have hiking as a hobby?

You: Well I'm an office worker, so I needed to exercise more.

Sariel: So you've coincidentally hiked this mountain, coincidentally lost your way, but coincidentally found my house?

He blinked very slowly, smiling a little teasingly, but he didn't seem angry at all.

You: It's just the same as the time you coincidentally passed by my house after you went to the vet on the other day*.

*T/N: Chapter 7 reference. MC disappeared for days after being 'kidnapped' and missed work for days. Sariel kept going to her residential area in hopes to at lease see what happened to her. I'll translate them after Chapter 6 is done so please enjoy the context here for now!

Sariel: ......

Sariel's smile immediately disappeared without a trace, and slightly turned his face away.

Sariel: It was really a coincidence at that time.

You: Yes, yes, yes, what a coincidence. So Director Qi, can you temporarily take me in for a while? I didn't bring any food, I'm not only hungry now, and I'm even a little dizzy.

Sariel: ...... Come in then.

Sariel: Wait. Wash your hands at the entrance first.

We haven't seen each other for a few days, but Sariel's mysophobia* seemed to have became more serious. 

*T/N: Extreme or irrational fear of dirt or contamination.

You: Right, who were you expecting to come just now?

Sariel: Noone.

Sariel denied it, but it seems like he realized his tone earlier was harsh, and explained a little further.

Sariel: I thought it's the takeout deliveryman.

You: You actually eat takeout?!*

*T/N: Sariel is extremely picky on food so yes, this is very surprising.

Sariel: ... Occasionally.

You: Then what kind of takeout do you usually eat? Are there anything else besides salad? Are there anything that you can't eat? For example, are you allergic to tropical fruits? Or do you like chocolates? What kind of sweetness level is acceptable for you in sweets? Would you like things that are a little bitter like matcha?

I followed behind Sariel as I asked him questions endlessly, and completely didn't notice him to have stopped his footsteps. By the time I'm finally able to react to the situation, my face has already crashed into his back.

You: Sss... Why did you suddenly stop walking?

Sariel: I'm thinking if I was fooled by you. You don't look like someone who's so weak that you're about to faint, and instead looking very much alive and kicking.

You: ......

Although he's been saying that, but he still opened the refrigerator, picking a few boxes of vegetables and another box of pork ribs from it. 

By the time he has put on the apron, I've consciously stood by his side and rolled up my sleeves.

Sariel: Just sit still by the dining table. I don't wish to see my kitchen getting bombed.

You: ... Okay.

After waiting for about half an hour, two dishes and a soup are served on the table. I gave it a sip, and quietly remembered in my heart, that Sariel likes his ribs a little sweet. He also likes to drink tea, so how about I make a matcha cake that has slight bitterness with its sweetness? 

Sariel: I'll send you off the mountains after you finished eating, I'm just about travel to somewhere far too.

You: You're traveling somewhere far?!

Thinking of the celebration plan for his birthday, I suddenly panicked. Sariel glanced at me suspiciously.

You: Where are you going to? When will you be back?

Sariel: I'm looking for somebody. Not sure when I'll be back.

Then what happens if it's past 1st of September? Then won't my plans all go in vain?!

Sariel: What kind of weird thoughts are you having with that expression of yours?

You: Sariel, can I tag along? I'm saying, I haven't been traveling somewhere far too, so I wanted to go out and look at the scenery!

Sariel: ......

Sariel: I'm going to the Lightcloud Swamps, that place doesn't suit you.

Lightcloud Swamps? I tried my best to search for this unfamiliar name in my mind, then happened to glance at the opened ancient book on the reading table, and immediately recalled it.

Lightcloud Swamps is the name of a place in old times, located in the southern suburbs of Guangqi city, relying on the waters to form a large forest. 

It's a pity that as the time have came into the modern times, most of the trees have been felled, and the waters have also dried unknowingly. Right now, what's probably left there is the abandoned "Lightcloud Station". 

About Lightcloud Swamp, there is also an ancient legend about this place.

According to the legend, Lightcloud Swamp has a mysterious island that is like the arcadia. 

I can't help but to look at the ancient Guangqi map drawn on the yellowing pages of the ancient book lying on the table.

Is Sariel really going to Lightcloud swamp, a mysterious place that has long disappeared? What kind of people can he find there?

Although there are full of questions in my head, but I still proactively raised my hand.

You: Then you HAVE to bring me with you! If it's to search for someone, then I might be able to help you, there's strength in numbers after all.

Sariel: Are you hiding something from me?

You (awkward): So you've seen through me, actually... I have been looking forward to see Lightcloud Swamp for a long time, also it's inherently human to help those in need. This is the one and only time in my life to...

As if he's already having a headache from my mumblings, Sariel gestured me to stop talking by raising an arm.

Sariel: Alright. But I'll tell you in advance, there's no room for regrets once you've arrived there.

Check out other parts of event story below!

Pre-Quest Story | Prologue | Episode 01 | Episode 02 | Episode 03 | Episode 04 | Episode 05

Meanwhile, feel free to check out other date translations for Light and Night here!