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What was that strange scene... and those people?

So let me get this straight—you dreamt about a group of people you never met?

...Correct. The surroundings were completely unfamiliar too.

Unfamiliar vehicles, unfamiliar buildings, unfamiliar clothing...

Could it be a movie?

Oh, sometimes I watch documentaries before I go to bed, and then I dream about being in those places...

But I haven't experienced anything close to this before...

Maybe you're just tired?

Whislash was telling me how you always train until way late. Apparently you don't even stop until she tells you to.

And I think I saw your name on the Engineering Department's volunteers list...

You're still pretty new here. You've got plenty of time and plenty of chances to adjust.

Maybe take a little vacation if you're feeling tired? Give yourself a break.

I'm fine, I can deal with it...

M-Miss Sakiko! A hand, please!

The Medical Department just got a bunch of patients that we need to arrange accommodations for...

That's not meant to be Sakiko's job, is it?

Besides, isn't this a little complicated for a rookie to handle?

S-Sorry, but the person in charge wanted Miss Sakiko specifically...

Where are we going? Show me the way.

Huh?

I've helped them out before. I'm well-acquainted with the entire workflow.

If they're short of hands, I will most certainly lend mine.

Hey...

Vigna, I'll see you at the usual place!

Wait, hold—!

Jeez. I don't remember her learning any of that...

Fifty-three, fifty-four, fifty-five... fifty-six...

Almost done with the stuff on this shelf. It's good to go once it's packed.

Mrngh... It's been an hour. Where's Sakiko?

There you are, Sakiko!

I duly apologize, I ended up spending more time on the patients than anticipated...

No big. Y'know... you've only been on Rhodes a few months, right? 'Cause it feels to me like you've been a part of the place forever.

Really? It does?

Everyone's like yeah, leave it to Sakiko, she'll do a good job. People are counting on you without realizing it.

Heck, even I am. I have to keep reminding myself you're a rookie, and I can't put too much on your plate.

I saw you sign up for the music club, but you've never gotten to attend any of our meetings...

Vigna, it's alright.

I joined Rhodes Island because I wanted to help people fight Oripathy.

Oripathy... If I recall, that's how your mom died, isn't it?

...Yes.

Before she did, I was under the naive belief that I could live my days without worry or care.

...But Terra put the lie to that beauty.

I watched Mother struggle against her illness until it finally took her. I've seen so much since joining Rhodes Island...

Sufferings plague these lands as we speak, and I still have to learn.

Yeah, I think I understand where you're coming from...

Are you done on your side, Vigna?

The caravan's ready. We're just waiting on you and your batch of the supplies.

Oh, shoot! I'm on it!

What are you packaging these supplies for? An emergency shipment?

There's a town nearby that needs food and medicine urgently. The route's not safe. Need us to escort.

I'll come with you. There must be something I can help with.

No, you...

Alright, alright...

Iris. There's no need to be so nervous, and certainly no need to blame yourself.

...I should have noticed earlier.

Even the best of us let things slip through the cracks. Besides, you only correspond through letters. It's natural you wouldn't notice.

But... but she...!

You're hyperventilating again... come now, take a deep breath. Relax.

I gave Vigna a push just now. We'll be on our way soon.

...We have to make it there before dark.

We will.

We know what to do when we see her, we hashed it all out. Just follow that, and everything will be fine.

Sorry we're late!

That's alright—

Not a moment too soon—driver, take us away!

The engine rumbles, and the vehicle accelerates through the passage.

Phew. I hope we still make it in time—

Oh, we were in such a hurry, I almost forgot! Lemme introduce you girls.

This is Sakiko, our new trainee operator. She's from Victoria, just like you guys, and she's helping me out with logistics work right now.

Iris and Bena here are... uh... how do I put it...

Oh, yeah! 'Fairies!'

Er. Fairies?

Now now, Vigna, we can introduce ourselves. We've done this song and dance more times than we can count.

So, Miss Sakiko of Victoria, I assume you know fairytales of the Castle of Dreams?

I read some in storybooks when I was little.

Do you <i>believe</i> they're real?

Huh...?

Well... I did pester Mother about them plenty, at that age.

So you don't believe in them <i>now.</i>

Well, I don't mean that exactly—

But every fairytale is true, you know.

'Deep in the forests of Victoria, there towers the Castle of Dreams, where fairies make their home and bring sweet dreams to every child.'

Does it really exist?

Say, you're not all grown-up yet, right, Sakiko? Maybe those weird dreams of yours have something to do with the fairies.

Fairies would never barge into children's dreams without permission. It's not the done thing.

Dreams are the reflection of oneself, and the formation of thought. Doubly so for a child whose mind is still delicate.

Some dreams can change a child's entire life.

We bring sweet dreams to children, yes, but first we gain their permission. Then, we consider very carefully what the stuff of said dreams will be, and when exactly to bring them.

I have to say, the dreams I've been having are a far cry from 'sweet'... 'bewildering' is the more appropriate word.

You can always have Iris help you interpret your dreams. Once she's a little less busy.

Iris can? Actually, when was the last time either of you had time off?

Sakiko never got to meet you two 'cause you spent so little time at Rhodes in the first place.

Iris is the Master of the Castle of Dreams. There's a lot that demands her personal attention.

*sigh* It's a shame I'm not cut out for dreamspinning myself, else I could lighten some of her load.

(Mutters) Though there <i>are</i> others with the talent to spin dreams... but that 'child' is much too dangerous.

So is that the order of business this time as well? Bringing sweet dreams to children?

Yes, and no...

Iris, can I tell her?

...I'll tell her myself.

One year ago, I happened across a storybook that utterly captivated me.