Honkai Impact 3rd: I picked up a Seele at the start of the game.

……

After a moment of silence, out of consideration for Yun Fuyu's face (a true case of saving face), Eden began to recount his itinerary.

Eden: "You should know about tomorrow's Fire Chasing Social Gathering, right?"

"Ah."

"I was invited to perform the opening song for this grand event. Dr. Mei also invited me to the banquet the day after tomorrow, and I'm still hesitating whether to attend."

Yun Fuyu blinked: Was Eden's itinerary the same in the previous playthrough? But why didn't he see Eden?

Suddenly remembering something, he quickly asked, "I don't really know much about this. What exactly is the opening ceremony tomorrow?"

Eden replied, "Around six in the morning, when the sun is just rising."

...No wonder.

It's the height of summer, and the sun rises early. At six in the morning, he and Xi'er were still fast asleep.

Eden: "Dr. May said that everyone is not required to attend the opening ceremony, and the timing is not important. The reason it was scheduled so early is because I have other commitments. After my performance, I will leave soon."

Yun Fuyu asked in confusion, "The banquet the day after tomorrow...?"

Eden: "If possible, I will try my best to come. But by then, only Ms. Yien will be involved, not anyone else."

In other words, even if Eden were to come again, she wouldn't make a big fuss; she would simply participate as a tourist.

Yun: "In that case, it's a bit of a pity."

"However, since it's your choice, I can't say anything more; that's all I can do—"

Yun Fuyu raised her coffee cup: "I'll drink coffee instead of alcohol. Have a good time."

Eden gently clinked glasses with him and smiled, "Thank you."

Taking another sip of coffee, Eden gathered his thoughts and said, "If it's alright, may I ask you some questions about the Fire-Chasing Moth?"

Yun Fuyu nodded: "Of course, I will tell you everything I know."

Although Eden didn't know Yun Fuyu's identity, he could sense from various details that Yun Fuyu must know a great deal. He agreed to have coffee with him partly to give him face, and partly to take the opportunity to ask him some questions.

For example, what is Mei's power within the Fire-Chasing Moth? What has Mei done for the Fire-Chasing Moth? What recent achievements has the Fire-Chasing Moth made?

They even delve into the smallest details, such as: what is the prevailing trend of "moths chasing the flame"? What are the underlying systems?

As Yun Fuyu said, he was open to all questions. Moreover, he knew almost everything Eden asked.

For a moment, the atmosphere was exceptionally harmonious, but I vaguely felt as if I had forgotten something.

The conversation began in the evening and ended reluctantly when the increasingly frantic chirping of cicadas outside the window disrupted their thoughts.

Eden is really good at talking, and her voice is exceptionally pleasant; communicating with her is definitely a delightful experience. However, Yun Fuyu isn't bad either—Seele has always described him as gentle, considerate, and having a lovely voice! It's just that lately…

At first, Yun Fuyu was able to maintain his thoughtfulness, but perhaps due to his power, he seemed to gradually become indifferent to real-world matters. When he realized this, he tried very hard to correct it, but it was like drawing on a painting, getting darker and darker with each stroke, and that feeling of "boredom" gradually swallowed up all his thoughts.

—But this time, it was Yun Fuyu herself who fell into mental exhaustion.

He had a particularly pleasant conversation with Eden tonight, and he talked at length and with great interest about things that were "not important to him".

The real reason, however, is Seele.

Seele is always overthinking things, no matter what. Currently, with spacetime disrupted and fragmented, Seele, from the present civilization, has no way to contact it, and her anxieties inevitably affect Yun Fuyu.

She was a part of his soul too.

Although the reason remains a mystery, this is not just empty talk, but an established fact.

~

As night deepened, the conversation ended abruptly. Eden glanced at the time and said somewhat apologetically, "Yun, my conversation with you has indeed been very beneficial; I lost track of time for a moment."

Yun Fuyu smiled and said, "No need to be so polite. Being able to sit and chat with you (Eden) is something many people envy."

Eden raised an eyebrow slightly: "I admire your words and understanding, but excessive flattery may not be a good thing for you."

Yun: "...Hmm?"

Eden bluntly stated, "You're probably too engrossed in something. Why don't you take a look behind you?"

Yun Fuyu looked back in bewilderment—

On the other side of the large private room, on a sofa, Seele held a cup in one hand and propped her chin up with the other, lost in thought. Opposite her, Alicia sat gracefully on the sofa, one hand supporting the saucer and the other holding the cup by the handle, smiling elegantly as she sipped her coffee... Hmm, it felt a little like she was acting.

Yun Fuyu's mind went blank for a moment: he finally remembered what he had forgotten! He went out to eat and to find Xi'er, but he had forgotten both things!

And what's Alicia doing here? Didn't we "agree" that I wouldn't meet her?! What's she up to?!

Alicia seemed oblivious to his reaction, maintaining her elegant demeanor as she said to Seele, "My dear Seele, how long have we been sitting here?"

Seele said expressionlessly, "It's been three hours since 7:30.

Alicia smiled slightly: "So, why are we here?"

Seele pouted: "Because someone suddenly disappeared, and you asked me out again, so..."

She was a little embarrassed, but Xi'er, still in character, paused briefly before saying, "So, I misunderstood you and thought you were going to harm me and Yun Fuyu."

Alicia continued, "So, I went with you to look for him, and we were surprised to find that he and another beautiful lady were sitting in the same spot where you and I were this afternoon. They were having a great time and didn't even notice us."

Seele covered her face: "Sometimes I wonder if he's just sensitive or oblivious?"

Alicia finished her coffee and grinned mischievously, "This is a question you and your boyfriend should discuss together~~"

She slung her small bag over her shoulder, stood up, and waved to Eden: "Eden, Eden~ Let's go, I'll show you the hotel Dr. Mei arranged for you!"

Eden, who was wearing a half-gold mask, was suddenly exposed, but she remained calm. She simply gave Yun Fuyu a "good luck" look, then gracefully stood up. She wanted to leave Yun Fuyu her contact information or a small gift, but she didn't have anything on her...

Finally, Eden sighed slightly, seemingly with some regret, but left with a smile amidst Alicia's enthusiastic affection.

Throughout the entire process, Alicia seemed not to have noticed him at all. Despite knowing there was a person named Yun Fuyu present, she never exchanged a single word with him.

It's much like what He said: We are all involved, and now is not the time to detach ourselves. I should play along and pretend not to see...

The room grew quiet as Yun Fuyu and Xi'er sat at opposite ends of the room in silence. Both were sensitive enough to understand each other's feelings, but neither knew where to begin or how to express them.

How should the story proceed?