Back to the Future 1999: Raining at the Same Time

"So, is this Goren simply a creation, or has it developed its own consciousness?"

Hoffman looked at the knight who was a little taller than himself and curiously reached out to touch him.

However, the knight tilted his head to avoid Hoffman's rude touch, and kicked each other's heels as he approached Marcus.

Hoffman's hand was still hanging in place, but Marcus's eyes widened, and he stammered, not knowing how to handle this special treatment that was uniquely his own for the first time.

“Ms. Hoffmann…”

"Forget it, let's not talk about this first."

Hoffman put his hands back into his coat pockets, his tone still indifferent, but his gaze kept glancing at the knight beside Marcus.

Every time a gaze swept over him, Marcus shrank back, and it was in this anxious anticipation of criticism that Hoffman's subsequent explanation arrived.

“A few days ago, a specialist from the outsourcing contract team discovered a painting featured in Pan’s magazine.”

"This painting belongs to the late Viennese artist Theofel von Dietersdorf, who died by suicide."

"Accompanying this huge oil painting, titled 'Salvation,' is a poem."

“It mentions images of ‘doomsday,’ ‘time reversal,’ and ‘rain curtain.’”

Back at work, the reliable, senior-like demeanor that comes with being a dependable adult began to emerge, and without realizing it, it calmed Marcus down.

"...Salvation and a rain curtain? That sounds very..."

"Hmm, combined with reports from other team members who witnessed Reshaping Hand cadres in Vienna..."

“We suspect that Theophir had contact with Remodeling Hand executives before his death, and that he may have been told the truth about the ‘Rain’ and how to be ‘saved’.”

"For 29 years, the Hand of Reconstruction has used this as leverage to recruit mystics."

"Hmm... But if Theophier knew the way to be saved, why did he still commit suicide?"

Marcus took the magazine with a puzzled look, staring at the small, cropped page.

“I will go to the woods to search, Silenus.”

What is the best and most wonderful thing for people?

"He said it was something that had never been born..."

"Hey, strangers in this land, do you like this poem too?"

A sudden greeting broke into their world, startling Hoffman and Marcus, who quickly moved away to look in the direction from which the voice came.

The emerald green "parrot" stood still, one hand raised, fingers slightly bent, its enthusiastic smile frozen on its face, now only showing embarrassment at the two people's actions.

"Sorry, did I disturb you?"

Kacania, who is very used to interacting with people, immediately put her hands together in an apologetic gesture, but the warmth and kindness on her face did not diminish in the slightest.

Unfortunately, Kacania has no idea why the two are acting this way; their efforts in the wrong direction will only make their vigilance more severe.

Great!

The thought popped into Hoffmann's mind the moment the unexpected sound rang out.

Was it because Chenxi's presence was disrupting his train of thought, or was it due to a lapse in concentration caused by not mentoring newcomers for a long time?

He was surprised to find himself discussing the "rainstorm" and the mission with Marcus in public.

With a glance signaling to Marcus to use his arcane magic, Hoffman regained his composure and naturally picked up where Kacania left off.

"If you mean this kind of jump scare approach, then you've certainly startled us. But if you're worried about interrupting our conversation, then don't worry, ma'am."

He politely stepped forward, using an excuse of being frightened to gloss over his strange behavior, and then continued to reassure her. The most important thing now was to find out exactly how much the woman in front of him had heard.

"Then I'm relieved. I'll take your reminder to heart and pay attention to it next time I strike up a conversation."

"May I ask your name?"

Kacania possessed an unimaginable fervor.

"Hoffmann".

When the foundation carries out missions, names are not a secret except in special circumstances. He shook hands with the hand that was offered to him, and thus their conversation was officially established.

"So, what brings you here? This gentleman..."

"Kakania!"

Even her self-introduction was filled with excitement, and Hoffman couldn't understand what could possibly excite this woman who seemed composed enough.

"It's nothing major, I just saw this."

As Kacania spoke, he pointed to the Knight Goren who had been standing next to Marcus.

"It's truly rare to see outsiders bring such exquisite and artistic items to this city."

"So I was a little too excited, please forgive me."

"I was just about to come over and chat with you about this statue when I heard you reciting that poem."

"So I couldn't help but greet you in a rather rough way, I hope you don't mind."

She clasped her hands together again in apology, but Hoffman ignored her ramblings and turned to look at Marcus, only to see that she simply shook her head.

It seems the woman in front of me wasn't lying; she hadn't heard anything about the "rainstorm."

Hoffman relaxed his hand from his pocket, and now the group could finally have a truly open and honest conversation.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

I can't take it anymore (っ???c) I'll update more tomorrow, I'm going to sleep now, remember to go to sleep early too.