Looking at the thriving city surrounding him, full of countless people… Sunny felt painfully alone.
Especially today, he couldn't help but feel it sharply.
Sunny remained on the porch for a while, watching the pale moon slowly move across the starlit sky.
Then, he sighed and went inside.
'I'll clean up the kitchen, then go to bed. Everything else can wait until tomorrow.'
This day had been strangely eventful.
He was busy washing the kitchen utensils when the Silver Bell suddenly rang again. Surprised at the appearance of a late customer, Sunny raised an eyebrow and walked into the dining hall.
"I'm sorry, but we are about to close…"
The words died on his lips.
Out there, in front of him, stood a delicate young woman in a seawave cloak. Her hair was like a cascade of pale gold, and her eyes… were hidden behind a strip of blue cloth.
Despite the blindfold hiding her eyes, the young woman's ethereal, otherworldly beauty was simply breathtaking.
She lingered for a moment, then turned her head in the direction of Sunny's voice.
"Oh… I am sorry. I'm afraid I'm a bit late, then."
Sunny remained silent, trying to overcome his shock.
'What… what is she doing here?'
He suppressed his emotions and put on the polite smile of a humble shopkeeper.
"No, no. It's no trouble. What did you want? I'll prepare it quickly."
The young woman tilted her head a little, then said hesitantly:
"My name is…"
He interrupted her, trying to put an appropriate amount of respect and reverence into his voice:
"I know who you are, Lady Song of the Fallen. Who in Bastion doesn't? I am Master Sunless, the owner of the Brilliant Emporium. It's an honor to meet you."
Cassie sighed, then nodded curtly. Eventually, she said:
"... I heard that you can procure rare Memories. Or make them."
Sunny froze for a moment.
'Ah.'
One of the Fire Keepers must have recommended him to her. And knowing Cassie, it must not have taken her long to discover that the owner of the Brilliant Emporium did not just sell Memories, but also crafted them.
But why would she come to him? All the enchanters of Clan Valor were at her disposal.
Sunny took a deep breath.
"Are you interested in commissioning a Memory, my lady?"
She nodded again.
"In a way."
He smiled. Now, he was in familiar territory.
"Great! I am sure that you won't be disappointed in my services. Just today, a member of the renowned White Feather clan purchased a Memory from our stock. They were extremely satisfied with its quality."
Cassie smiled, then shifted slightly as if looking around.
"That is good to hear. The Memory I want you to make must be of the highest quality."
She lingered for a few moments, then turned to him and added in a neutral tone:
"Oh, and by the way…"
Her smile wavered a little.
"...Happy Birthday."