Encounter with Sariel - Chapter 2-02: Scales of Memories / Border of the Abyss | 光与夜之恋齐司礼邂逅：第二章【02 - 记忆之鳞・深渊边界】

Hello! This is the second chapter for Sariel's encounter, it's highly recommend to read through Chapter 1 (Start from here: 1-01 Sunset Mission), and also Chapter 2-01 for context!

【逐云流风】

- 02: Border of the Abyss -

- 02-2-1: The Night Market Search -

When you're staring into the abyss, the abyss too, is staring at you.

The bustling scene before me had me captivated as soon as I walked into the night market.

Colorful lights intercrossed as they are hung high up in the skies, with a great variety of stalls filled the long street in liveliness. People bustled among the crowd, with laughters and joyful chattering filled the entire night market.

You: Fried noodles, chocolate banana, shaved ice... Is that candied hawthorn*? 

*T/N:  冰糖葫芦 (Tanghulu), is a traditional Northern Chinese snack of candied Crataegus pinnatifida fruit, also known as mountain hawthorn. It's coated with sugar syrup, so you'll often need to bite pretty hard to shatter it. But it's really sweet and delicious! It's also a pretty popular snack for Chinese festivals.

A row of red candies are placed in a nearby stall, where the sugar coating looks particularly translucent when shrouded under the lights.

I tugged Sariel's sleeve and pointed towards that stall.

You: Do you want to eat that?

Sariel: I don't.

You: Then I'll go buy it myself.

Sariel: Don't waste your life on junk food.

You: ... How petty.

Sariel frowned, clicked his tongue lightly, and walked towards the candied hawthorn stall.

Very quickly, a stick of beautiful red candy appeared before my eyes. The layer of sugar coating reflects bits of light under the lights, looking extraordinarily translucent.

My line of gaze trailed all its way up along the slender fingers holding the candy stick, and finally fixated onto the overly good-looking face of Sariel's.

You: Why are you...

Sariel: Just be direct if you want to eat it. I just didn't want to answer those lame questions of yours.

The candied hawthorn is waved before my eyes.

Sariel: Hurry and take it, my arm sores from holding it.

You: Thank you! I'll definitely finish it all!

Sariel: Alright now, I won't dote you like this anymore next time.

I took the candied hawthorn, and impatiently took a large bite.

Sariel's lips curved up lightly upon seeing how excited I was.

The glass-like sugar coating cracked between my teeth, accompanied by a quiet crisp, it's just like the portrayal of my current overjoys.

However, no matter it's the sugar coating or the fruit within, they are all tasteless, just like all of the food I've ate during recent days. I can't help but to feel a little disappointed.

Sariel: Is it not delicious?

You: That's not the case, it's just kinda tasteless.

Sariel frowned slightly.

Sariel: ... Then let's hurry and get going.

He held my wrist and led me into the crowd.

We searched along the way as we followed the sounds of cheers, and finally stopped before a packed teahouse entrance.

Sariel frowned so deeply that deep lines are visible between his brows upon the sight of the bustling crowd.

You: What should I do--

- 02-2-2: Worldly Bustles -

[Choice]

02-2-2-1: Observe from the back of the crowd

02-2-2-2: Think of a way to squeeze into the crowd

【02-2-2-1: Observe from the back of the crowd】

Is this really the Clubmaster we're looking for? I'm still a little hesitant.

How about we observe from the back of the crowd for now? So we can still seize time to look elsewhere if he's not who we are looking for.

But there are really too many spectators around, that we can't even see what is happening at the entrance.

Only after some time has passed, that we've finally heard some choppy cheers.

???: Bring out... your most important... bargaining chip, as long as you win... wish will be fulfilled...

I caught onto the keyword. Whether if this person is the Clubmaster, it seems like there's a chance to fulfill wishes as long as we win.

I wanted to pull Sariel as I squeeze forward, but the crowd didn't budge at all, so I can only helplessly raise my hand high from the back of the crowd.

But the distance was really too far away, that the man at the entrance didn't see me.

In a while, a gale suddenly strikes, and by the time I reopened my eyes, the crowd has began dispersing.

Crowd: It's over, it's over, the Clubmaster's stall ended today.

We've missed our chance to see the Clubmaster, that we can't help but to leave Greensand Town in dejection.

NORMAL END

- Narrowly Missed -

Chances don't come by easily, so grasp onto those moments when ideas sparks.

(Attains SNS Post: Sugar Intake)

Sariel: Excessive sugar intake is harmful for the body.

You: It makes sense, how about I start eating healthily today?

Sariel: Very well, it's a coincidence that I've prepared vegetable salad for dinner.

【02-2-2-2: Think of a way to squeeze into the crowd】

Looking at the densely packed crowd, an interesting idea suddenly appeared in my mind, that I can't help myself to complacently pat on Sariel's shoulder.

(Leads to 02-2-3)

- 02-2-3: A Game of Life or Death -

You: Don't worry, with me being here, I'll definitely be able to squeeze us both in.

Sariel: ... You?

Sariel's gaze brings intensive doubts, that I immediately grab onto his arm tightly.

You: I'll give you a first hand experience!

Carrying Sariel's surprised gaze with me, I took a deep breath--

You: Please make way, please make way! The Clubmaster's takeout has arrived! Please make way!

The spectators jolted from surprised over my loud voice and subconsciously made a path, so I quickly took the opportunity to drag Sariel as we squeezed all the way inwards.

It didn't take a while for Sariel and I to squeeze ourselves into the deepest part. I showed a victorious peace sign at Sariel, who's still a little stunned after I've let go of his arm.

You: What'd you think? I'm pretty good right?!

Sariel looked at me as he holds back from commenting with his messy hair, sighs deeply under my gaze filled with anticipation, and reached out an arm to turn my head towards somewhere.

Sariel: ... Look in front of you properly.

It's just like the rumors, there's a poker game placed at the teahouse entrance.

A young yet dejected man is seated on the seat facing right towards us, body tensed, and stares at the card in his hands.

The other seat faced us with his back, where the overly tall back of the chair blocks off the person's silhouette. I can only see a small pile of treasures stashed beside his seat.

You: I think, the person facing us with his back is the Clubmaster himself.

Sariel: Was that a blind guess?

You: Who told you that? I've made rigorous logical deductions on it. Someone who can make you to take me to travel tens of thousands of miles is definitely someone impressive. It would definitely not be the man with "loser" written all over his expression. So it can only be the person on the opposite side with a stash of loots.

Just when Sariel was about to say something, the surrounding cheers have interrupted him.

Spectator A: The Clubmaster wins again!

Spectator B: This is already the 79th person defeated by the Clubmaster today!

Spectator C: Well isn't that too strong!?

Only to see two pieces of poker cards lightly placed on the square table, the person facing us with his back is languidly stretching his arms, and his hands are already empty.

Yet, the young man's hand is still clenching onto a card tightly, and the gripping strength is so great that it feels like the card is going to be turned into powders on the next second.

Clubmaster: You've lost.

A young yet clear voice sounded, and the voice is particularly standing out in this noisy environment.

Young Man: Give me another chance! This is my most valuable heirloom!

The Clubmaster ignores the plea young man, but casually picked a piece of jade from the stash of his loots and tossed it playfully.

It's also right at this instant, that I saw his face.

You: Eh!?

Before this, I've been imagining the Clubmaster's appearance, perhaps he'd be a youth that looks smart, or perhaps a mysterious elderly...

But never would I've imagined, that the Clubmaster before my eyes is a blue-haired, well-dressed young man.

Sariel: Turns out he actually didn't change his appearance this time.

Sariel spoke softly, then looked towards me.

Sariel: Congratulations, you've guessed correctly, and you're now quite a few steps away from becoming borderline stupid. 

You: Can't you be direct if you want to praise me?

Sariel chuckled softly, and his gaze has returned towards the teahouse entrance.

Clubhouse: Another chance? Do you know what it means to concede defeat when it comes to betting?

The Clubmaster squinted his eyes, with mockery filled his expression. He reaches out an arm, and with a light wave, a thick snake leather bag thudded onto the square tbale.

The agitated man strides towards the square table, but a fall of flames began burning at the bottom of the snake leather bag, and it didn't take much time for the entire snake leather bag to turn into ashes.

The man's face turned pale in an instant.

Clubmaster: Haha, this expression of yours is interesting indeed! Remember, what you've lost to me belongs to me.

The man angrily dashed towards the Clubmaster, but before he can take his step, he is suddenly flung backwards, and rolled on the ground with dust and mud all over his head.

You: This Clubmaster is a little scary...

Sariel: He's no more than someone throwing tantrums with his bit of ability.

Compared to the person in the game, this person before my eyes is also someone who could ignite a dynamite with just a sentence as well. I'm really worried that Sariel would suddenly get into a fight with the Clubmaster, so I tugged his sleeve.

You: It's fine, forget it, we're still hoping for the Clubmaster to help me recover my memories after all.

Just then, a man with two tiny strands of beard began calling for challengers in the crowd.

Bearded Man: Bring out your most important thing as a bargaining chip, as long as you win the challenge, the Clubmaster will have a wish from the winner fulfilled! Are there anyone else who would like to give it a try?

I looked up, and met Sariel's gaze.

In the venue, the Clubmaster is playing with his loot in boredom. The items that are of the utmost value to others are merely looking just like toys in his hands.

Uncertain if it's because of how they have witnessed the loss of those who have failed the challenge, nobody actually dared to make a move despite the bearded man called for challengers.

You: Will the Clubmaster really fulfill a wish from the winner as long as we win the challenge?

Sariel: Although he's someone  temperamental, but trustworthiness is one of the mere virtues you can find from him.

I clenched my fists nervously. Sariel has probably spent great efforts in order to search for the Clubmaster's whereabouts, so I have to seize this opportunity.

However, for someone who has lost my memories, do I still have "something important" as my bargaining chip?

Spectator A: Why aren't there anyone challenging yet? Have people been losing too much today?

Spectator B: The Clubmaster will leave if there aren't anyone else taking the challenge, no? I wonder where else we can see him next time!

Let's take a shot!

I gulped the fear that filled my chest with difficulty, held my hands tightly, mustered up my courage and took a step forward--

Sariel: I'm challenging.

You: Huh?!

Sariel calmly took a few steps forward. The bearded man kept his business smile, and showed an expression of disbelief as though he has seen a ghost.

Bearded Man: You are--

Sariel immediately interrupted his sentence.

Sariel: I've said it, I'm challenging. Lead the way.

The Clubmaster tossed the item in his hand away, and the pair of azure eyes gazes at Sariel approaching him in quick steps.

When he's about to arrive the square table, Sariel stopped his footsteps, turned around and looked towards me.

Sariel: Look for somewhere I can see and stand there, don't get yourself kidnapped by some weird people.

You: I'll be fine. All the best!!

Sariel smiled, and sat by the square table.

The Clubmaster changed his languid look earlier. The petite figure stood upright, and stared closely at Sariel.

Clubmaster: Qi, Si, Li? You're still alive?

Sariel: As you've seen, I've been living well. As for you, have you gotten so poor you can't afford to change your appearance anymore?

Clubmaster: You're still as astringent as ever. Let me think, the last time I saw you--

Sariel interrupted his words without allowing any refutes.

Sariel: Hurry and start already, I'm in a rush.

Clubmaster: What a killjoy, you aren't even allowing me to admire how you look when you beg for me to do something. Never would I have expected to see a time for even someone like you to seek my help.

Sariel lowered his gaze slightly, gracefully loosened his cuffs, rolled his sleeves to his elbow, and exposed his fair but evenly muscular forearm.

Sariel: There are much more unexpected things in this world, it's the best for you to get used to it sooner.

Clubmaster: Hah, still as witty with your words as always, but it's pointless to only know how to be witty. In my place, even if it's you, you still have to play according to my rules.

Sariel smiled softly, leaning against the chair in a relaxed posture, as though he has never taken the Clubmaster's words seriously.

Clubmaster: I've also witnessed your trickeries in the past, well then, how about we change the rules this time. Only by relying on sheer luck, what do you think?

The Clubmaster didn't spare any time for Sariel to answer him, only to snap his fingers relaxingly, and the bearded man has already began explaining the rules.

The game is called "Old Maid". The rules aren't complicated, where the two of them will be evenly distributed with a deck of cards with joker cards removed, and both of them will sort the cards in their hand into pairs and discard them onto the table.

They then draw a card from their opponent in turns, where the paired cards are continuously discarded. The person who holds onto the one and only "Joker Card" in the end will be the loser.

Clubmaster: What are you going to use as your bargaining chip? Your status? Wealth? Appearance? Or someone important? How about... leave your life here? Hehe, I'm really excited for this!

The clubmaster gleefully spoke eerie words with a young, childlike voice, that my heart can't help but to clench itself. The price of losing the card game is far scarier than I've imagined.

I feel helpless, and I'm unsure of how I can help Sariel, so I can only fixate my gaze at him, as though I'll be able to pass him some strength through my gaze.

As though he has felt my gaze, Sariel suddenly turned towards me with a gaze calm as still waters as always. Looks like he's come prepared too, so my tensed feelings are slightly calmed down.

Sariel: What happens if I win?

The Clubmaster stunned, as though he has never thought of such possibility. He frowned unhappily.

Clubmaster: Then I'll fulfill your wish. Aren't you looking for me for this reason? But you've gotta know, that I've never lost a game.

Sariel: How unfortunate, me too.

Sariel's relaxed tone made me let out a slight breath of relief, but upon seeing how scary the Clubmaster is, I still can't let my guards down at all.

Sariel, you can definitely win this. I quietly clenched my fists, and quietly cheered for him.

The match has begun.

The two took turns to draw cards, and a small pile of cards is gradually forming at the center of the square table.

Time is slowly passing. At last, the match has entered its most thrilling and excitement moment. There are only two cards remaining with the Clubmaster, and Sariel has only one card left.

At this time, Sariel will win as long as he picks the right card!

Sariel reaches out an arm, elegantly picks the card on the Clubmaster's left, and gently draws it out.

He took a glance at the card and calmly placed the cards on the table. His calm expression makes it difficult for anyone to guess what has happened.

The Clubmaster showed an excited smile, and quickly snatched a card from him with almost no time spared for Sariel to shuffle his cards, and flipped it open impatiently.

Ah, the Clubmaster's expression stiffened. Looks like he has drawn the joker card from Sariel.

I let out a sigh of relief and continued watching the match, but there's no way to tell who has won even though my legs are starting to feel sore from all the standing.

Spectator A: Why does it feel like they haven't been able to tell who wins even after I've taken a nap?

Spectator B: I'll go get some food, remember to keep my spot by the time I'm back!

Amidst the sounds of discussion among the crowd, I heard the Clubmaster spoke after gritting his teeth.

Clubmaster: You've definitely cheated! How else would there be no way for this match to have no winner at this point?!

Sariel: Then, would you dare to take an oath that you've not used a single bit of trickery as soon as I sat by this table?

Clubmaster: Don't use that trick on me, I'm not that patient!

Sariel: You can start to remove all of your little trickeries from now on, and we'll compete fair and square.

Clubmaster: Hah, there's no way for me to believe in such a cunning old fox like you.

In that instant, it seems like there's a flash of coldness passing by his eyes, but he has already closed his eyes by the time I wanted to have a clearer look.

Sariel: Since we can't trust each other, then let the ordinary human to act on behalf of us.

Clubmaster: Ordinary human to act on behalf of us?

Sariel: You and I both choose an ordinary human as a representative to proceed with the decisive match on behalf of us, and the wins and loses will be ours. There should be quite an amount of ordinary humans on Greensand Town, right?

The Clubmaster hinted at the bearded man by the side with a glance, and the man quickly moved forward in fear.

Clubmaster: He'll be the one.

Sariel turned over, and his clear bright eyes looked straight towards me among the crowd.

Huh? Is he asking me to go over? But it's such an important mission, can I really do this?

Just when I was hesitating, Sariel stood up and took large strides towards me. Without giving me a chance to retaliate, he held my wrist and dragged me out of the crowd. I can't help but to feel a little panicked.

You: Sariel, I--

Before I could finish talking, Sariel turned around and looked towards me.

You: Can I really do this? How about you choose someone else--

Sariel: The rest aren't up to my standards.

*This line also means "Others don't fancy me."

Ba-dum.

Uncertain of which word from what he said hits me, that my heart suddenly throbbed heavily.

Sariel: I'll leave it to you.

Slivers of warmth climbed onto my cheeks. His trust that came from nowhere encouraged me. I followed him and walked towards the square table of the venue.

The Clubmaster leans against his chair, stares at us and smirked.

Clubmaster: I was still thinking of who you're looking for, turns out it's your own woman!

You (blushing): ......

Sariel: Anyway she's an ordinary human. You should know that well.

The Clubmaster raised a brow without a comment.

Sariel: Get ready, you'll be taking over this round later.

You: Can you show me which two cards are on your table?

Sariel: No need, I don't trust your expression management.

You: Then I'll just let him draw as he wish? What happens if he draws the card he needs...

Sariel looks at me helplessly.

Sariel: Don't worry, he won't get it right.

You: Then what should I do when it's my turn to draw cards?

Sariel: Nothing, just trust your instincts.

You: But what if I've caused you to lose? You'll pay a heavy price... At least let me shoulder this price.

Sariel languidly supports his chin as he watches my panicked look.

Sariel: Sometimes I think you're pretty smart, but there are sometimes I also think you're really silly.

You: I'm seriously worried about you okay!

Sariel: Such worries are excessive. You can choose to not trust yourself, but you've got to trust my judgment.

Sariel's tone of speech is languid yet light-hearted while also carrying some irritating arrogance, but the tint of affirmation exuding from the bottom of his eyes has instead comforted my anxiousness.

You: Okay, I'll trust you.

The final decisive match has begun.

The Clubmaster casually leans into the chair, and the bearded man holds tightly onto the only card in his hand as he reaches an arm out to touch the two cards before me.

The pair of sly eyes no longer look around, but stared right into my face.

Because of Sariel's decision, I have no idea about the patterns on both cards, so there's no way for him to retrieve any key information from my expression.

However... a gaze like this makes me very uncomfortable.

Sariel: Stare at her like that any longer and you shall lose that pair of eyes of yours.

The bearded man trembled upon hearing so, quickly took the card to my right, closed his hands, used a thumb to take a glance at the corner of the card, and looked completely pale.

That's wonderful, looks like he has drawn the joker away!

The bearded man peeked at the Clubmaster, took the two cards and placed it under the table to shuffle them, and covered them on the table upside down without looking at them too.

Clenching at the corners of my shirt, I held my breath to observe the two cards.

But no matter the positioning of the card, or how weary the card is, there's no telling of it.

I'm a little panicked, and subconsciously looked towards Sariel.

But that person turned out to be closing his eyes to rest, and it's as though he's really not taking this match seriously.

Sariel: Nothing, just trust your instincts.

Recalling his confident voice, my panicked mood gradually calmed down. Let me trust my own feelings then!

I pulled myself together, and reached out an arm to touch the card on the left.

You: ... Huh?

A fiery red slowly surfaced from the card-- It's anger.

I then touched the card on the right side, and this time, a ball of blue condensed on the card -- It's nervousness.

W-what's going on? Why can I see these?

I looked towards Sariel in hesitance, but he's still closing his eyes, looking restful.

Oh well, I've experienced many bizarre things today, another one like this wouldn't make a difference anyway, just consider myself being able to see emotions will do!

Poker cards itself is a lifeless object, it's impossible for it to contain emotions. 

So the only possibility for it is the emotion of the person holding it to be tainted on it.

Why is this person nervous for, and what is he angry for?

I seemed to have understood it, and reached an arm out to the two remaining cards on the table--

[Choice]

02-2-3-1 The card with red emotion on the left

02-2-3-2 The card with blue emotion on the right

【02-2-3-1 The card with red emotion on the left】

I reached out in hesitance and picked the card on the left. Upon flipping it open--

Ah! A pitch black image of a phantom appeared at the center of the card, the creepy smile looked like it's mocking me.

I've drawn the joker.

I took a glance at Sariel that didn't show any response, and quietly cheered for myself-- The other party didn't win either, I'll have to work harder after this!

After that, the emotion on the card disappeared. I watched the bearded man draw the remaining five of spades away from my hand.

You: We've lost...

I fell into endless frustration, that I dare not to look towards Sariel.

Clubmaster: You've truly lost to me this time.

The young yet arrogant voice sounded from the opposite side, and it sounded so sharply deafening amidst the bustles of the crowd.

Sariel: Let her go, this gamble has nothing to do with her.

Clubmaster: Haha, you've really never changed at all. How you looked when you're protecting your woman is just like how the wild fox looked when it were defending its meal back then.

Sariel took a deep breath, as though he's suppressing some sort of overflowing emotions.

Clubmaster: I'm sorry, since she's in the game, then don't blame me for not having mercy.

A loud crash shocked me instantly. Someone kicked and toppled the table before me, and I saw Sariel blocking himself before me, and it seems like there's a faint light appearing from his hand.

A pure white light brightens the dark skies, and the rays of light turned into thread to tightly bind the Clubmaster. The blue-haired young man was unable to move, and weakly lets out growls of anger.

The crowed exclaimed in surprise, but Sariel acted as though nothing has happened, and walked towards me calmly.

Just when I was about to take a step forward, my vision suddenly became blurry, as though I've fallen into deep waters, voices and visions are all becoming extremely distant from me.

At last, I recalled the reason Sariel brought me to look for the Clubmaster, it's perhaps because my body is no longer going to hold on any longer...

Yet, there's no way for me to continue thinking anymore. My vision is gradually swallowed by the cold darkness, falling into an eternal silence, and the world had its curtain calls before my eyes.

NORMAL END

- Set for Defeat -

It's difficult for even the ghosts or gods to guess people's hearts, so careful thoughts are required when faced with every bit of emotion.

(Receive affection level)

【02-2-3-2 The card with blue emotion on the right】

With assumptions that the emotions on the cards are left by those who have touched it, then there's only a reason for this person to be nervous--

(Leads to 02-2-4)

- 02-2-4: A Kept Promise-

It's because he doesn't want this card to be drawn!

I quickly took the card that exudes nervousness on the right side of the table, and quickly flipped it open--

You: ... It's the five of spades! It's a pair! We won!

I happily hugged Sariel by his neck, and hopped in joy continuously.

Sariel: I can see the results. Also, you're too loud.

Sariel's voice is still as calm as ever, but I can clearly hear the hidden smile within. 

You: That's wonderful! You don't have to lose any of your bargaining chip anymore!

Sariel: Alright, alright.

A loud bang brought me back from joy. I turned around in surprise, and the table earlier has shattered, with the poker cards scattering all over the ground.

The bearded man trembled as he is kneeling on the floor, and the Clubmaster is glaring at me fiercely with an emotionless face.

I can feel chills from my legs all the way to my spine. It's clear that there's still some autumn warmth remaining in the air, but I have a misperception as though I'm in mid-winter.

Could the Clubmaster have seen through anything?

Sariel took a step forward.

Sariel: Winning and losing is a norm, you've told others to concede defeat when it comes to betting, so you should be able to follow through when it comes to yourself, right?

The ice-like gaze moved towards Sariel's face. Sariel didn't dodge or avoid it, and faced it head on.

Clubmaster: Spill it, what do you want me to do?

An uproar exploded across the venue, looks like this is the first time the Clubmaster has officially admitted defeat.

Sariel took a glance at me, and his expression became a little serious.

Sariel: She's hit by a pure-blooded curse. She's lost her memories, and her senses are gradually disappearing. I wanted to let you tell me the way to dispel the curse.

You: Senses disappearing...

I am immediately shocked. Sariel's words have confirmed the vague guesses I've made.

Sariel: Do you really happen to think I'll make such a rookie mistake to have forgotten the condiments when it comes to cooking?

You: Well it's actually hard to tell with your bland taste in food...

I dissed quietly. But this doesn't dispel my increasing anxiousness.

No wonder I couldn't smell Sariel's scent of sandalwood afterwards, and I didn't get to taste anything recently. Turns out my sense of smell and taste has gradually disappeared.

If it drags on even longer, will I also lose my sight, hearing and touch?

Just thinking of this makes me scared, that my back is filled with cold sweat.

Has Sariel knew about these long ago, that he's bringing me to the Clubmaster in such a hurry?

Clubmaster: Come closer and let me have a look.

Sariel nodded towards me. I mustered up my courage and walked towards the Clubmaster who's now sitting with his legs crossed, and leaned down.

The Clubmaster joins his index finger with his middle finger, placed it between my brows, and the pair of blue eyes are glowing deeper.

In an instant, I only feel myself to have slowly sinking into the depths of the ocean, and my consciousness has slowly left my body.

The Clubmaster kept his hand back and slowly lets a breath out, that I've finally got myself released from the blue abyss.

Clubmaster: There's a goldfish scooping stall in the depths of the night market, what you two wished to look for is over there. As for you, the one with surname Qi--

The Clubmaster closed his eyes, and stared at the emotionless Sariel behind me.

Clubmaster: We'll have another match next time.

Accompanied by the loud voice by the Clubmaster, a wind strikes, that everyone in the venue couldn't open their eyes.

After the wind stopped, the Clubmaster has disappeared from the venue. There's only the shattered table and poker cards scattered on the floor.

Amidst the crowd's discussion, Sariel suddenly grabbed onto my wrist.

Sariel: Let's go.

I nodded, and just when I took a step out, an extremely strong dizziness struck me. I can't help but to stop my footsteps, and slowly squatted down as I pressed my head with an arm.

Sariel: Y/N!

I heard Sariel calling out to me, but I've lost my strength to respond to him, and my consciousness instantly snapped.

The girl's eyes are tightly shut as her body subconsciously collapsed backwards. Sariel immediately knelt with a knee, completely ignoring the fact that the expensive fabric on him has been tainted with dust and mud.

*A reminder that Sariel is a mysophobe (refer here).

He held her by her shoulder with an arm, with another carried her up bridal style. The constantly composed and conceited face showed a rare frustration.

Sariel: Make way.

The whispers are instantly frozen by the cold voice, and the surrounding spectators automatically made a path, and just like that, Sariel carried the girl and walked into the teahouse.

(Leads to Chapter 2-03)

Will be linked when it's ready, but it's really not anywhere soon...

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I won't be able to update L&N translations as frequently due to health and personal reasons, sorry...

Encounter with Sariel - Chapter 2-01: Scales of Memories / Chase of the Clouds and Winds | 光与夜之恋齐司礼邂逅：第二章【01 - 记忆之鳞・逐云流风】

Hello! This is the second chapter for Sariel's encounter, it's highly recommend to read through all three sub-chapters of the first chapter before proceeding to gain context on what's happening!

Chapter 1: 1-01 Sunset Mission | 1-02 Lost in the Past | 1-03 Together from Dawn till Dusk 

【逐云流风】

- 01: Chase of the Clouds and Winds -

- 01-1-1: Returning to Lightcloud Swamp* -

*Lightcloud Swamp (轻云泽/ Qing Yun Swamps） is where Sariel was from, the translation was literal, it means 'swamp of light clouds'. You can also learn more about this place via his birthday event or birthday card. The train station leads to Greensand Town (沙青镇）literally translated to 'sand green town), then heading to Rainy Island (霖岛, where the first character translates to never-ending rain). 

The skies looks misty as though it's veiled with a layer of mesh early in the morning, where the sun hasn't risen.

Just a few hours ago, Sariel chased me off the bed, and told me that we're going to look for the person that can make me recover my memories.

We've arrived the train station in the suburbs by the time I've returned to senses. It's an old, ancient train station standing alone in a barren land, it looks like an opening of an urban legend.

You: Why does this place looks so uncanny...

Sariel glanced at me.

Sariel: Don't you find your memory loss itself being something uncanny too?

Well he's right about that too, uncanny problems can only be solved through uncanny solutions, it's very logical. I followed behind Sariel and walked into the train station lobby embarrassingly.

The train station looks rather old. There are a couple of fully dusted benches scattering across the empty hall, with a signboard that has lost its paint hanging on top.

You: "Lightcloud Station".

I read out the name on the signboard, and a sense of familiarity flashed by in a trance.

You: Where's the ticket booth of this station? I'll buy the tickets, don't worry, I brought my purse.

Sariel: No need. You can wait for the train over there.

Sariel casually pointed to the platform not far away from us.

You: Then what about you?

Sariel: I'll retrieve the tickets.

You: Huh, didn't you say there's no need to buy tickets?

Sariel: Could you actually be still sleeping? Who told you that not needing to buy tickets equals to not needing tickets? Just wait for the train over there, remember not to fall asleep while standing.

My originally sleepy brain became sober in an instant.

You: I'm not THIS stupid alright.

Sariel: The question you just asked is enough to make people doubt you very easily.

Sariel sneered softly, then turned around and walked out from the station.

- 01-1-2: Confusion-

I looked around my surroundings, but I didn't see any machine to collect tickets. Being uncertain of where Sariel is going, I felt oddly panicked, so I've decided to--

[Choice]

01-2-1: Follow Sariel

01-2-2: Wait for the train at the platform

【01-2-1: Follow Sariel】

Turns out I still can't help but to feel worried, I should follow Sariel and look at the situation.

I peeked out from the entrance of the train station. On the outside, the sun has completely risen, and Sariel's figure is just somewhere close by.

You: Sa--

Just when I was about to step out from the main entrance of the train station, the scene before my eyes suddenly began to turn blurry. My body collapsed backwards uncontrollably.

Before falling into darkness, the last thing I heard was Sariel's angered voice intertwining with an unfamiliar voice.

Sariel: Who's in there?!

???: Ordinary humans are strictly not allowed to enter and exit freely in train stations for Erdas.

By the time I woke up, the first thing I saw is the arch ceiling of the old train station. 

My mind is in complete blank, my head hurts so much it's about to burst, and with difficulty, I supported myself with attempts to sit up.

Sariel: Lie down properly, don't move.

The familiar voice recalled my ability to think. I lifted my head and looked over to see the warm yellow afterglow brightening Sariel's features. With his back facing the light, I can't see the expression on his face clearly.

You: Wait, what time is it now?!

I quickly searched for my phone to look at the time, but my arm was oddly disobedient, as though it's filled with lead.

Sariel: 5PM. It's not your problem, accidents happened.

Sariel sighed softly, and supported me to sit up slowly.

Sariel: Follow me back, and rest properly.

Sariel didn't explain anything to me, but I have a vague feeling that I'm drained out of strength, as though something major has happened.

We returned to Sariel's home, and I've been staying in his place to receive his care for the following few days, and my body is slowly recovering.

However, the matter of recovering my memories has became something placed on hold.

NORMAL END

- Platform Shadow -

Dangers are always hidden in unexpected places.

(Attain SNS Post - As the Saying Goes)

Sariel: As the saying goes, if an old dog barks, he gives counsel. 

You: Okay then, I'll definitely pay attention to Teacher Qi. 

Sariel replied to You: Practice what you preach then.

【01-2-2: Wait for the train at the platform】

Someone who am almost in an amnesia like me couldn't help Sariel out either, might as well wait for the train.

- 01-1-3: Fragrance in Embrace-

A platform this giant is completely empty, that besides me, there's only an elderly with fully white hair sitting on the bench, dozing off while leaning against his walking stick, his eyelids are almost forming into a single slit.

Hearing my footsteps, the elderly turned his head towards me, and stared at me for two seconds.

Elderly: Are you an ordinary human?

You: What ordinary human or unordinary human are you talking about? Is there something special about this train station?

Elderly: Ordinary humans can't enter Lightcloud Station. How did you get in?

You: There aren't any guards here, and the door is right here, so I just walked in like this.

Elderly: I repeat, ordinary humans are not allowed to enter Lightcloud Station.

The elderly stood up with support of his walking stick. His originally squinted eyes suddenly widened and stared at me without blinking while repeating his words with pauses at every syllable, as though it's a certain type of dangerous warning.

A nameless chill is sent down to my spine, that I subconsciously took a couple of steps backwards.

My back suddenly bumped into something, so I subconsciously wanted to dodge away, only to lower my head and see the familiar white cuff placed over my shoulder with a faint scent of sandalwood, and the reassuring voice sounded from behind.

Sariel: I took part in Lightcloud Station's design, so I'm much clearer on whether ordinary humans can enter. Moreover, she's mine*.

*This part can be read in a few ways - Sariel saying this as MC is someone he brought in/ someone working for him, but it can also be read romantically, as in 'she's my woman'. Note that in this part they were not officially dating yet btw (their confession was in Feb 2022 but this story was released late Sept 2021) so yeah I hope that explains a little on my word choice because Sariel's purposely talked vaguely if he's claiming her so there's no way MC gets chased out (due to a past war that made many Erdas from the Rainy Island disliking humans).

Sariel's arm crossed before me, and shielded me securely in his arms.

My back is tightly leaning into his chest, so close, that his breaths brushing across my ear, where the sounds of heartthrobs by my ear sounded as though it's a resonance between our hearts.

The elderly's expression seemed rather surprised. He squinted, staring at Sariel for a good couple of seconds, and his tone is no longer offensive by the time he spoke again.

Elderly: Oh? Sariel, I've heard a lot about you.

Sariel: Quit the formalities. We're not done with the fact that you've threatened her.

Elderly: Well you knew it too, ordinary humans have no way to enter the barrier of Lightcloud Station, what for breaking the rules for your girl?

Sariel: I have no need to follow those ridiculous rules.

Elderly: Haha, you're really just as unscrupulous as the rumors. Forget it, since I've already reminded you, what happens next will only depend on your luck.

Sariel: If your nonsense is as short as how long we've known each other, there'll perhaps be more people who would be willing to talk to you.

A couple of sounds of the wooden walking stick bumping the floor are heard, and by the time I looked towards the opposite side of the platform, the elderly's figure has already appeared on the bench, still looking like he's dozing off.

Sariel paused for a couple of seconds, and only let go until he has confirmed that the elderly will no longer make a move.

I immediately turned around to look towards him, but he has already returned to his usual unfazed expression.

You: Sariel, did we fall into some sort of big trouble? What ordinary human, what barrier, what exactly are all of those...

Sariel: It's a long story. Anyway, just follow me closely from now on.

Seeing that I'm frowning in confusion, he added another sentence.

Sariel: You'll know everything once your memories are recovered.

His tone is still as calm as usual, but just like how it has been in the past, it feels like it's a promise with magical powers, soothing away all of my fear that strikes me suddenly.

You: Then why did you tell him- tell him that I'm y- y...

Heat quietly climbed to my cheeks, there's no way I could bring "yours" out of my lips.

Sariel stunned for a few seconds before he turned back and gazed at me.

Sariel: You ARE mine. What, is there a problem with my description? 

You: It doesn't seem like there are any problems with it either...

I muttered my reply, and a hard card suddenly appeared before my eyes.

Sariel: Keep this well, this is the ticket.

I took the yellowing ticket from Sariel's hand, turning it over and over as I examined it, but I can only see a few faint traces of writing on it.

You: Is this ticket really usable?

Sariel: ... Looks like your memory loss couldn't reduce even the slightest bit of your curiosity. Get in the train.

As his distinct tone ended, a white mist suddenly rose from the empty platform, making one to feel a misperception as though they are currently in an alternative world.

Between where the clouds and mists intertwine, a dark green train quietly appears on the tracks, and slowly opened its door.

I looked at everything in amazement, mind completely blank, until Sariel's voice pulled me back to the world before me.

Sariel: What are you still spacing out for?

Half-boarding the staircase of the train, Sariel extended an arm towards me. The rising sun warmly shrouds him, softening his originally cold features.

Uncertain of the reason, whenever I look at his pair of clear golden pupils, the anxiousness in my heart will subconsciously disappear competely.

After boarding the train, Sariel has been looking out of the windows with an arm supporting his cheek.

You: Thank you for helping me out from the situation just now...

Sariel: I don't want to get involved with unnecessary troubles.

The cold response blocked off my words of gratitude that I wanted to say, and the atmosphere suddenly became a little awkward.

You: By the way! You mentioned that you've participated in designing Lightcloud Station earlier... is that true?

Sariel: Yeah.

You: But aren't you a fashion designer?

Sariel's lowered his long lashes slightly.

Sariel: I was once in the architecture industry, but that was already something that happened long in the past.

You: Long in the past? You don't look old at all, I didn't know you're a genius across different industries.

Sariel: ... You really have lost your memories completely.

I blinked at Sariel as I waited for the next half of his sentence, but Sariel doesn't seem like he wanted to explain any further, and only then I recalled another question.

You: That elderly said I can't board the train because I'm an ordinary human, is it because the passengers who board the Lightcloud Train must be either rich or nobles?

Sariel: ... That's not what he meant. The Lightcloud Station was built for the convenience for people everywhere to travel back then, there were no restrictions. It just happened that there were some changes in situations in recent years, that there are some people who wanted to make a fuss out of it.

I nodded as though I've understood him, but not entirely.

The train passes through a forest, with patches of shadows of the trees projecting into the train through the windows, and a cluster of light speckles danced before my eyes.

They leaped again and again before me, that as I looked at them, my eyelids became gradually heavier.

With a weight on the shoulder, Sariel turned his head over in surprise. There's a fluffy head placed on his shoulder.

Sariel opened his mouth, as though he's still hesitating if he wanted to wake the girl up.

The train suddenly took a turn, and under inertia, the girl's head bumped up from Sariel's shoulder, and it looks like it's about to tilt to the other side.

Though with a faint disdain on his expression, Sariel still reached out an arm to hold the girl's head, and with a slight tug, he allowed her to pillow on his shoulder again.

The girl nuzzled onto Sariel's shoulder with her cheek, clinging tightly onto his arm like a sloth, and giggled a little.

Sariel (sighing): ......

The train travels into a short yet compact tunnel.

In the instant where light and darkness interchanges, nobody saw the delicately-shaped ear of Sariel's that has been quietly tinted with a beautiful pink.

By the time I widened my eyes, what welcomes my sight is a well-defined jawline.

Gazing upwards, it's the light-colored skin with thin, lightly-pursed lips, and gazing even higher, I can see his dense and long lashes as well as his clear and bright pupils. There's also a tint of elegantly pleasant scent of sandalwood lingering at the tip of my nose.

I pondered in a blur, and closed my eyelids again.

Wait a second, a distance where I can see his eyelashes clearly?! I immediately widened my eyes, and my sleepiness has all disappeared.

When did I fall asleep while leaning onto Sariel's shoulder? I'm even hugging his arm...

Sariel: Finally awake? 

Sariel turned his face sideways, his slightly teasing gaze met mine.

My cheeks suddenly became boiling hot, so I quickly let go of my arm and straighten my back, nervously tidying my hair, and no longer dared to look at him.

The announcement of the station's arrival sounded across the empty train.

You: "Greensand Town"? Feels like I've heard of this name somewhere*...

*Timeline-wise, she has been here once (for Sariel's birthday event)

I tried my best to recall, but my brain hurts as though needles were stabbing me. I can't help but to hold my head.

Sariel: Alright now, don't waste your brain cells here. Get ready to disembark.

As soon as I walked out of the train station, I'm welcomed with the sceneries filled with antiqueness, elegant wooden houses, stone bridges with azure ripples on the flowing river... The entire Greensand Town opens before my eyes just like a scroll of painting.

Each and every piece of tile and bricks, and every corner of the housing and alleys here exudes peacefulness far away from the secular world.

Fragrances of osmanthus blossoms brushes along with the gentle breeze, sweeping all of the remaining exhaustion away from my body.

You: The winds are so comfortable!

Sariel frowns as he took out his phone and tapped a few times, and only to speak after staring at the screen for a moment.

Sariel: We can get to business if you're done resting.

You: Sure! How about we make a phone call to that person to set a meeting appointment somewhere?

I looked at Sariel with anticipation, but he is, however, looking at me emotionlessly.

You: Uh, you don't have his number?

Sariel: I don't.

You: It's okay even if you don't have his number, then what about his address?

Sariel: I don't.

You: ... You've got to at least know his name, right?

Sariel: "Clubmaster".

You: "Clubmaster*"? Is this really a person's name?

*会长 (Hui Zhang), it means something like a club owner, it gets difficult to understand if I keep his original name in translation so I'll use a makeshift name until I can figure out what I can do about it.

Sariel: This is the clue I received.

You: Then do you also not know about his appearance?

Sariel: He'll change his appearance for every time he shows up.

You: This sounds like some sort of horror story... If you only know his name--

My gaze falls onto the bustling passerby on the cobblestone path before us, how about we stop one of them to ask about it?

[Choice]

01-3-1 Ask a well-dressed-looking middle aged man

01-3-2 Ask a teen moving in a hurry

【01-3-1 Ask a well-dressed middle aged man】

I gritted my teeth, and randomly stopped a well-dressed middle aged man.

You: Excuse me, we're looking for someone who's called "Clubmaster", may I know if you happen to know him?

Middle aged man: Of course I do!

You: That's wonderful! Then do you know where we can find him? My friend and I have something that we'd like to ask him!

Middle aged man: Haha, I'm about to look for him too, come along, you two!

You: Thank you very much!

I didn't expect our luck to be this good, that all my efforts aren't in a vain!

On our way to look for Clubmaster, the middle aged man was a complete chatterbox.

Middle aged man: Clubmaster and I are old friends. Although he's stubborn, but his pursue for self improvement is something respected among us as his friend.

You: I see...

Middle aged man: To have people as young as you two looking for him today to learn his techniques, Lao Wu will definitely be overjoyed! There, he's right over there.

I looked towards the direction the middle aged man pointed to. A middle aged man is holding a book up, reading it as he sways his head along in a pavilion.

There's a blackboard written at the courtyard, with "Eastern Poetry Club" roughly written on it.

You: So this is... Clubmaster?

Middle aged man: Well isn't Lao Wu the clubmaster of our Eastern Poetry Club!

You: ......

Upon bidding farewell to the middle aged man as though I'm escaping while dragging Sariel away, I asked a few more passerby about the "Clubmaster".

But it turns out that we're brought to Plaza Dance Society, Slacking Society, Working Society and other sorts of places.

It's already nighttime by the time we bid farewell to the so-called "Clubmaster" and returned to the main street. We're at a loss in the crowd, and we didn't now who the "Clubmaster" truly is.

NORMAL END

- Who is he? - 

My luck is a little bad, it would've been great if we can encounter someone close to the Clubmaster.

(Attain SNS Post: Slacking Club)

Sariel: Turns out a certain someone could be this delighted when having fun in the Slacking Club. 

You: Well wasn't that because that girl was overly enthusiastic...

Sariel replied to You: Looks like she's seen your potential in slacking off.

【01-1-2 Ask a teen moving in a hurry】

I reached out an arm to stop a teen in a hurry.

You: Excuse me, we're looking for someone called "Clubmaster", may I know if you happen to know him?

The teen was originally looking annoyed when he's stopped while he's rushing somewhere, but became excited as soon as he heard "Clubmaster".

Teen: Are you two asking about the Clubmaster? Then you've got the right person, he's the idol of my life! Clubmaster wins in all of his games, with his glory of winning every match, nobody wouldn't know about him in Greensand Town! You both came with such great timing, he's coincidentally opening a poker battle stall in the night market teahouse.

A sudden burst of cheers interrupted the teen's gleeful description, and also breaking the original silence that Greensand Town has.

I raised my head and looked towards the source of sound to see a market not far away from us.

Teen: Right over there! It's coincidentally the yearly night market!

Sariel turned his head towards me.

Sariel: Did you hear that clearly?

You: I heard it clear! Our luck is so good that we actually encountered the yearly night market! It feels exceptionally interesting just by the sounds of it!

Sariel: ... Your ability to catch the main point is really nowhere different from how you were before you lost your memory.

You: Aiya, don't glare at me like that, who knows if the Clubmaster we're looking for would actually be someone we can simply stroll around and find in the night market?

I thanked the teen, and walked towards the night market with Sariel.

Pedestrian: Hey! Outta my way!

A man's yell is suddenly heard from behind, and Sariel has already held my shoulder before I could respond to it.

On the next second, my face is tightly stuck onto his firm and warm chest.

A warmth rushes straight up to my cheeks, sounds from the outer world disappeared in an instant, and all that remains in my ears is the sound of my unrhythmic heartbeat.

Sariel: You're so soft in the head, that you don't even know someone's about to run into you.

You: Thank you...

Sariel lets go of me, and continued walking towards the night market.

A wind brushed across my cheeks, carrying the rare summertime breeze, and it even contrasts my boiling cheeks better.

Accompanied by the sounds of my accelerated heartbeats, is the doubt surfaced from the bottom of my heart.

Why didn't I smell the scent of sandalwood when Sariel held me in his arms earlier?

The glistening waters under the stone bridge reflects the rose-colored sunset, rippling in a dreamy dazzle. As the breeze brushes by, specks of golden osmanthus blossoms bloomed between the trees.

I took a deep breath, but I didn't manage to smell an expected scent.

A nameless anxiousness suddenly spreads in my heart.

(This leads to Chapter 2-02!)

You can read Chapter 2-02 here!

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