FOR REST

Hello, my lovely Lupins!

Welcome to Rupee's magnificent Shopaholic Channel.

Today, I'm here at the Cherry Blossom Park, but do any of you know why?

I know! I know!

The Spring Festa!

Did I get it right?

The correct answer...

is...

to introduce the upcoming cherry blossom-based festival, the Spring Festa!

Woohoo! Did you guys see that?!

I never miss!

Ein... I believe we got together today to work on our homework?

Come on, relax. It's not even that much work.

I can just copy it later. I'll be fine.

Besides,

if you don't watch Rupee's show as it's happening, you can't watch it later!

...

*Nom nom*

The Spring Festa is one of the ten most-anticipated events in the Ark,

and it's just around the corner!

How do you all feel? Aren't you excited?!

Super duper excited!

I've already been losing sleep thinking about catching a glimpse of the cherry blossoms from the surface.

Me too!

By the way, Zwei, are you coming to the festival this year?

I hadn't given it much thought...

You're going, aren't you? Aren't you?

I...

I knew it! I knew you'd decide to come along!

Let's see, we'll need to prepare a camera, a picnic mat, and...

*Sigh*...

I suppose it'll be fine to take one day off.

*Nom nom*

What about you, Miss Privaty? Would you like to come to the festival with us?

Huh? Me?

Yeah! Didn't you hear?

For this year's festival, cherry blossoms from the surface will be open to the public.

If you stand underneath them and share a kiss with a special someone, your love will last forever.

!!

Eternal love...?

That's right! Isn't it positively heartwarming?

So...

as long as you share a kiss under the cherry blossoms,

your love will be eternal...

Hmm? Are you all right, Miss Privaty? You look like you're up to something.

Wha... er, n-no! I'm not up to anything!

It's spring...

That means the Festival of Harmony will begin soon.

No, wait, that's not it.

It's called the Spring Festa now.

It's been a while since the name changed, but it still doesn't quite stick in my brain.

No wonder Anis always says I'm behind the times.

Then again,

I am old at heart.

...

What's in a name, anyway?

Festival of Harmony, Spring Festa.

What does it matter which it is?

What's important is that everyone has a good time.

I hope this year's festival is a joyful one.

How was my day?

Same as always.

I took care of the little ones in the arboretum,

and had tea with Flora and Leaf.

That's pretty much it, ha.

Oh, I have been hearing a lot about the festival lately.

Looks like spring really has arrived in the Ark.

This festival...

Hmm...

You know as well as I do that

the so-called "Everlasting Sakura" is nothing but an illusion.

Nature, at least real nature, does not exist in the Ark.

So...

I don't think I'll be going.

Haha, it's okay.

One day, I swore an oath to protect this garden, and I've upheld that oath ever since.

...

I have no interest in illusory facsimiles of nature.

What was your day like?

You looked sad, so I decided to talk to you.

I'm not bothering you, am I?

I am, aren't I?

What are you holding onto?

An Ark lottery ticket?

I see...

Your family is up there, aren't they?

If you let the wind carry this, it will eventually reach your family.

Wouldn't they prefer a beautiful flower over a scrap piece of paper?

I'm Rinne.

What's your name?

... Trina.

... Trina.

...

Uh... Trina?

... Yes?

Are you ready?

Oh. Just a moment.

It's just...

seeing these flowers brought me back for a moment.

Is everyone ready?

Right, right.

We're ready, Flora.

All right.

Are you all ready, too?

Haha, okay.

Lilac and Margaret are joining us, and they're ready as well.

Now, then.

Shall we begin the tea party?

Sounds good!

... I'm sorry,

but I have a question.

For us?

What is it?

Well...

Lilac worries that

it might be rude to keep a guest waiting

without serving them some refreshments.

Hmm?

Margaret thinks so as well.

So, before we hear Aster's question,

why don't we serve the drinks first?

Would warm water be sufficient for you, Aster?

Uh... sure.

And you, Trina?

Could I please have warm water as well?

As for the little ones...

They would prefer some cold water, please and thank you.

There we are.

Now that we're properly prepared, we can commence our tea party.

So, what was your question, Aster?

It's...

What am I doing at your tea party?

Oh dear, what a question!

We're not making you uncomfortable, are we?

That... That makes me kinda sad...

It's not that, but...

Wonderful! So there isn't any problem.

I came here on business.

I had no intention of being involved in a tea party...

Aster.

The Botanic Garden Squad holds regular tea parties.

During these gatherings, we discuss all manner of matters

with the plants growing in our greenhouse.

However, as you know, Trina and I rarely leave the garden,

so we often don't have much to share with the little ones.

Very true...

Usually, it's not a big deal, since we have Leaf with us,

but she's up on the surface right now bringing in new little ones.

So please, if it's not too much trouble,

could you tell the children about what is going on in the outside world?

Er...

That's kind of a big question to answer...

Lilac and Margaret are curious as well.

...

My little ones also want to know.

...

I'm honestly pretty similar to you guys. I spend all my time in the research lab.

I don't have many stories to tell.

Today's the first time I've made it out of the lab in a week.

Oh...

Oh...

*Sigh*...

Well then... how about we listen to the radio?

They just keep playing this same ad over and over.

If I'm not mistaken, the Sovereigns were the only ones who could receive Evergreen.

After the First Invasion, the Ark's production system wasn't yet fully established.

Before the prices eventually stabilized, it was seen as a luxury item only the Sovereigns could afford.

Now, however, everyone has easy access to it, which is a good thing.

...

Yes, it's a relief.

And we're back.

Right now, you're listening to Classic DIVA, hosted by me, Noise.

In part 2, we will be reading stories from our listeners and playing your song requests.

Since the Spring Festa is right around the corner,

we've gathered some romantic stories related to spring guaranteed to make your hearts flutter.

We'll be accepting story submissions all the way through the festival,

so if you've got one, be sure to send it into the program.

Before we read the stories, I'll give a brief introduction to the Spring Festa.

This year's festival is jam-packed with all sorts of special events.

Since we've got Missilis's very own Botanic Garden Squad on deck as hosts,

not only will the cherry blossoms from the surface be open to the public, but the Ark's gardens will also be available for viewing,

so you all can look forward to th...

... Yes, I know, Lilac. This is my first time hearing about this too.

What's that, Margaret?

How could they make this kind of decision without telling us?

Unfortunately, this world is filled with people who don't consider the thoughts and feelings of others.

Hmm? You'd like to know who?

Well...

I'm sorry.

Allow me to apologize on their behalf.

I was going to mention it earlier,

but I originally came here to convey orders from Syuen.

Lobelia issued orders for us?

Yes.

In the interest of upholding market shares, Missilis has secured the rights to run this year's Spring Festa.

Botanic Garden is to spare no expense in ensuring the festival's success,

including opening the gardens.

If Lobelia is the one that arranged this deal, then why is the responsibility being thrust on us?

Because it's a festival focused on flowers,

which makes you perfect for it...

*Sigh*...

It's not like we'd be able to refuse, anyway.

Okay then, so for the festi...

No. We refuse.

Trina?

We mustn't open up the garden.

We can't.

...

You do realize the consequences of disobeying Syuen's orders, don't you?

It doesn't matter.

What do you mean by that?

...

This is what we can do.

The domain which we oversee

is divided into three sections:

My garden, which is filled with flowers.

Trina's arboretum, filled with trees.

And Leaf's specimen lab, filled with seeds.

For the festival, we'll open up my section, and my section only.

Will that be acceptable?

I'll report back to Syuen and let you know.

How about you, Trina? Are you okay with that?

... Yes. Thank you, Flora.

Good.

Now then, Aster, is your work done here?

Yes,

but there is something personal

I would like to speak with you about.

With me?

Rinne's research lab will be cleared out soon, before the end of the festival.

If you left anything important there, you should retrieve it before then.

Unless you left everything there intentionally.

*Huff, huff...*

I was wondering where you went.

In case you forgot, residency registration is today.

What are you doing out here?

I know this is the first time we've interacted properly, and I hate coming off as a nag,

but let's try to be punctual, okay?

... So.

Are you worried about joining our squad?

No?

Then what are you doing up here, looking so desperate?

I realize that you've only done rear support work in the Ark, so the notion of going up to the surface must feel overwhelming.

You only became a Nikke toward the end of the Second Surface Reclamation War, so you've never had the opportunity to head up to the surface.

Don't look so surprised. I'm your commander, after all. I should know a bit about your background.

Now then,

why don't we hang out here together?

Mind if I stand beside you, my inexperienced friend?

You're not inexperienced, you say? Well, I've certainly spent more time on the surface than you.

I'm Josh Humett.

What's your name?

... You can call me Liter.

A credit for your thoughts.

...

Liter?

Oh, hey Centi.

I've been thinking a lot about the past lately. Maybe because it's springtime.

Anyway, don't worry about it. It's not that important.

Are you done preparing for vacation?

Yeah. I know I took a while,

but I'm still not sure if I'm happy with my outfit.

No! You look great!

I know you're just being nice,

but even so, thank you for helping me pick out this outfit.

Please, considering how much you've done for me, it's the least I can do.

In fact, correct me if I'm not mistaken,

but is this your first vacation?

Hmm... is it?

I guess I've never taken a break since joining Mighty Tools.

Since it's your first vacation, what do you plan on doing?

I don't really have any plans.

I have plenty of time, so I'm going to mull it over.

Is that so?

Well, I hope you have a great time.

*Woof woof*

Yes yes, I hope you have a good time as well, Volt.

Hmm...

If I don't want to disrupt business, I should head out soon.

Centi, while I'm away, don't forget to keep providing our customers with the best service around.

Of course, don't you worry about a thing.

We're getting a new shipment of materials and equipment tomorrow, so make sure to give everything a proper once-over.

Yes yes, I'll double and triple-check everything.

And also...

Before accepting anything on credit, make sure to confirm the payment deadline first.

Don't let people pay without asking any questions like last time.

Oh, and another thing...

Liter!

Yes?

You don't have time for this.

Your vacation is getting shorter by the minute.

Don't worry about me, and get a move on! Start resting, already.

*Woof woof woof!*

Oh... okay.

I meant to only mention one thing, but I guess I ended up going on for a while.

It's okay. I understand you're only looking out for me.

Don't worry, I paid close attention to every single word you said.

...

You said a new request came in, right?

Yeah,

from Rian.

You know the Spring Festa that's being held soon?

Missilis is in charge of the festival preparations,

and she asked us to build some facilities to use for the festival.

As soon as you leave, we're going to start with construction.

...

This is the first time you've been responsible for a task of this magnitude.

That's right!

Before this, I've always worked together with you,

so I'm both a little worried and a little excited.

I promise

I'll do my best to uphold the sterling reputation of Mighty Tools

that you've spent your whole life building!

...

Are you sure you'll be fine without me?

If you're really worried, I can push back my vacation.

Liter, if anyone here is worrying too much, it's you.

Relax.

Everything will be fine.

All I want you to do is kick back, relax,

and get ready to congratulate me on getting a chance to shine on my own.

...

All right. You, Volt, and I can celebrate when I get back. We can have a nice party.

Sounds good! Looking forward to it.

The Spring Festa, huh?

Once the festival starts, there will be crowds of people in most places.

Maybe I should visit early and take a peaceful walk along the cherry blossom path.

*Woof woof!*

Well, I'll be off.

Take care!

Let's go, Volt.

*Woof!*

Blossom?

You seem a little startled, is something wrong?

Note?

Do you mean this?

Strange, isn't it?

Here you are in the Commander's Room,

yet there's a note saying that you're elsewhere.

Someone may be impersonating you as a prank. I'll have to track down the culprit.

If you say so.

Lobelia certainly does keep us on our toes with her unpredictable behavior,

but I'm actually here for a different reason this time.

Indeed it can be,

but her wanting to open up the garden also means that she's finally acknowledged us in some fashion.

So in that sense, I consider it fortunate.

Oh, that's not why I came here.

The festival preparations are going smoothly.

Having Happy Zoo help us out the last time the garden opened worked out nicely,

and they've kindly offered to lend us a hand again.

However...

I'm worried about Trina.

Blossom, how much do you know about Trina?

At this point,

she's probably tending to the trees along the cherry blossom path.

Indeed it is.

...

I'm not sure if you're aware, Blossom, but Trina takes off her clothes whenever she feels confined by them.

This isn't an issue when she's inside the garden,

but it's a different story when she's outside.

I usually follow her around and make sure she doesn't do anything too scandalous,

but I'm too busy preparing for the festival now, and don't have time to keep an eye on her.

Would you be able to look after her in my place?

Boss!

I've got a favor to ask you!

Oh, really?

Wha... did I just hear you right?

I... I'm so touched, Boss!

I didn't even tell you what it was I wanted, and you guessed it straight away!

All that time working with you was worth it!

We've gotten to the level where words aren't even needed to understand each other.

In that case, I'll leave everything to you.

I'll see you later!

What is it?

I was going to ask you to keep watch over Liter.

Yeah.

She's supposed to be on vacation now,

but she's going around making things for people instead.

I've never known her to take a moment's rest in her life.

No matter what the circumstances are, she's always on the clock,

so it's not exactly surprising that she's working during her vacation time.

In many ways, I do find it remarkable.

But even so,

a vacation is a vacation for a reason.

When it's time to rest, you ought to do just that.

So I wanted you to teach Liter how to kick back.

That's right.

She should be taking a walk among the cherry blossoms.

She said she wanted to see them before festival crowds arrive.

Thank you!

Oh, and there's something else I have to tell you.

I'm gonna be taking on my first solo assignment!

I'll be constructing all the facilities for the Spring Festa.

I'm gonna do my best to uphold Mighty Tools' reputation,

so be sure to come to the festival to see my handiwork!

All right, I better get going.

Trash goes into the trash bin!

Maintaining a clean work environment is something I learned from Liter.

Ugh... I feel like I'm suffocating!

Don't be absurd!

How was your day today?

How was your day today?

Nothing special... another ordinary day.

How about you, Rinne?

Me?

Same as usual.

Conducting some research in the lab.

Taking care of the little ones.

In other words, a very special day!

By the way, speaking of the lab,

have you ever considered officially joining Botanic Garden? You could take your plant research to the next level.

I could take you on as my pupil.

Um... that's okay, thanks.

What do you mean?

Uh...

I...

I just don't know what the point would be.

It's not like researching plants will help with reclaiming the surface...

!!

N-not that I'm saying what you're doing is a bad thing!

I know what you mean.

... No point, huh.

...

To mark the arrival of spring,

I was thinking of holding a festival called the Festival of Harmony.

I want to exhibit flowers in remembrance of those who couldn't make it to the Ark during the First Invasion.

If it's not too much of an imposition,

would you be willing to help me with the preparations?

...

I never thought I'd be asked to help with another festival.

I've helped with a Spring Festa before.

Hmm...

In fact,

this will be the third time I've lent a hand for a festival.

Heh, are you cheering me on?

Thanks,

but you don't have to do that.

Flora put me in charge of managing the cherry blossom path.

There isn't much to it,

considering that the trees don't require much intervention.

... They'll never wither.

...

So suffocating...

Can't breathe...

Can't breathe...

Can't breathe...

Can't breathe...

Can't breathe...

Can't breathe...

What in the world are you doing?!

What are you doing over here? It's almost dinner time.

We've got to make sure to be on time, all right?

I knew I'd find you here.

You came here in an awful hurry.

That's pretty rich coming from someone who's always running late.

We're having one final get-together before heading up to the surface.

Don't you remember?

Everyone kept asking me to come get you.

How many times are you gonna make me beg you to be on time?

Come on,

pretend to humor this pitiful commander's request, will you?

At least let me keep my dignity in front of the other squad members.

... So,

do you still have concerns about going up to the surface?

I was never worried.

Nice try. I've seen you praying up here every day.

...

Don't worry too much.

Nothing will happen.

We'll all come back safely,

and when we do, we'll celebrate your first deployment on the surface.

... Right. I'm sure we will.

...

All right. I suppose we can skip training for one day tomorrow.

Hmm? What are you talking about?

Have you heard about the Festival of Harmony by any chance?

It starts tomorrow.

If you're up for it, how about we all go? The entire squad.

... Was that really 15 years ago?

*Whimper*

Oh, right.

Sorry for stopping in the middle of our work.

Let's continue.

*Woof*

Ugh...

I'm tired.

All I did was make a few things on the way here, and I'm already pooped.

I'm not as young as I once was.

I ought to let Centi take over soon...

...

I hope she's doing all right without me.

*Woof woof*

You're right.

I'll stop worrying.

I should focus on where we should be holding the party for her.

... It's important to celebrate your big debut.

Is that the Everlasting Sakura?

...

It's magnificent.

Hold on, is that...

What in the world are you doing?!

I was taking a walk with Volt,

and noticed something in the distance dangling from the branches of the tree.

I wondered what it was,

and it turns out it was Trina, tending to the tree in a state of undress.

Naturally, I couldn't leave her like that, so I raised my voice at her.

*Sigh*... Sun, please.

I can't go on like this.

Well... since you're here, Greenhorn, things should be better.

Thank you...

Just use a bit of discretion next time you get undressed.

All right.

What are you doing?!

But didn't you say it was okay since Sun was here?

That's not what I meant!

If anything, his being here makes it worse!

Oh, really?

Stop being ridiculous!

I can't stand here

and allow you to waltz around naked.

I'm going to dedicate my time off to making sure you become a respectable person!

Me?

...

But I'm a Nikke.

That's not what I meant!

Hm...

I never noticed the cherry blossoms when I was building this path.

Now that they're in full bloom, they really are breathtaking.

Everyone is going to love them once the festival begins.

Yes,

Trina and I both constructed it.

It feels like yesterday that Trina came to me asking if I could help build this path,

which would be the stage for the Festival of Harmony.

But in reality, it's been years.

Time sure does have a way of slipping from you.

That's right.

I certainly wouldn't mind if it slowed down a little.

That's why I'm always going on about this and that.

We're no spring chickens anymore.

We may be Nikkes, but even we'll expire someday.

So we have to make the most of the time we have left,

and that includes not stripping to the buff anywhere we please!

Where did this all come from anyway? You weren't like this before.

Hehe... I'm not sure.

... Anyway, it is kind of funny for one veteran to be lecturing another.

But since I've started, I might as well add one more thing.

I want you to be remembered the right way, Trina.

As a kind Nikke who cared passionately for others

and helped create a place where people could come and feel happy seeing these flowers.

...

You've got to live life to the fullest,

and leave behind proof that we existed.

That way, when our time is up,

the world and the people around us will remember us honorably.

Shouldn't you complete your story for those who we leave behind?

For the ones we leave behind...

Do you think...

there's any meaning to that?

Of course there is.

If you die without leaving a mark of any kind,

how can you ever prove what kind of person you were?

Instead, you'll become the subject of all kinds of rumors, until you're eventually forgotten.

...

That's why we have to work hard to live life to the fullest, and leave behind proof that we lived it.

Did you see it last festival?

Many people will probably come to see it again this year.

We'll need plenty of facilities to accommodate the large crowds.

I wonder if Centi will be able to handle it on her own.

I hope she doesn't make something strange again.

I want her to be more than "fine".

Before my time is up,

I want Centi to surpass me.

Only then will I be able to

pass this watch onto her.

Let's just say

it's proof that I've lived.

Ever since I started working at Mighty Tools, I've always kept this watch on me.

Yes.

I'll be stepping down from this job. Retiring.

Anyway, Trina's been suspiciously quiet.

You're not taking your clothes off, are you?

Ugh... hrrrgh...

Are you okay?

I... I feel like I'm suffocating...

What's wrong?!

I'm fine.

Just go back.

The Everlasting Sakura doesn't need any care.

It's just an illusion.

It's fine to head back.

Okay, we don't want you overexerting yourself.

Greenhorn, I'll carry Trina. Can you take care of Volt?

I realize you're feeling uncomfortable, Trina, but lean on me.

Th... Thank you...

Hrrrngh... it's times like this where I wish I was taller.

All right, let's go.

Are you feeling any better?

Yes... Thank you for taking care of me.

Glad to hear you're better.

What's on your mind, Greenhorn?

You seemed to be off in another world the entire way here.

Right.

The cherry tree? I don't understand what you mean.

... That's right.

The Everlasting Sakura is one of my failed creations.

There you are.

How was your day today?

I've been so busy preparing for the festival,

but I think most everything's done now.

Ha, I see.

Would you like to sit here for a moment?

You asked me before

what the point of plant research was.

Have you still not come up with an answer?

Trina.

Plant research may not directly help in reclaiming the surface, that much is true.

Still, if it affords us the chance to witness this sight currently before us,

for me, that alone is reason enough.

...

By the way. Did you know?

The people who came to the festival

are exchanging items they brought from the surface.

In the spirit of that,

I brought something for you.

I didn't have anything I brought from the surface, so I thought I'd simply give you what's most precious to me.

Tah-dah!

It's a garden key.

Garden key?

Yep!

I want to see more scenes like this in the future,

so I made a garden.

My wish is that when people are looking at the flowers and trees, they'll forget their worries for a moment.

I'm pouring that wish, and my hope, into that garden.

Right now, it's just filled with saplings, so it doesn't look like much,

but once they all grow, you'll be amazed.

You should come and visit when you've got the time.

... Thank you.

!!

I-I didn't prepare anything for you.

It's fine.

You've already given me plenty.

I have?

Yeah. I'm looking down at it right now.

Hey, Rinne.

Yeah?

I want to join Botanic Garden.

Mmm, so you've finally come around to the idea?

Then you need to make a promise to me, all right?

What is it?

Never stop treasuring the plants.

If you do that, you'll do right by the ones you're seeing today, and honor them.

Pretty simple, right?

...

A long time ago,

there was someone who led me to Botanic Garden.

At that time,

Rinne practically dragged me to the Festival of Harmony kicking and screaming.

It goes by a different name now. Spring Festa.

That day,

I saw entire crowds of people forget all their worries while looking at the flora.

After seeing Rinne smile for the first time since she'd arrived in the Ark,

I made up my mind.

I decided to follow Rinne's suggestion and resolved to research plants at Botanic Garden.

And that's why you made the Everlasting Sakura.

I wanted people to be able to see flowers and trees anywhere, anytime.

That way, whenever they wanted to forget their worries, they could have easy access to nature.

Then I'd say you succeeded.

Thanks to your research, trees are a common sight in the Ark.

...

After years of research, the day finally came when the Everlasting Sakura bloomed.

The first person I went to see was Rinne.

That's when I realized for the first time.

Unlike me, who had become a Nikke,

for Rinne, who had chosen to live her life as a human, time passed much more quickly.

In the end, Rinne never got to see the Everlasting Sakura.

My wish was nothing but a delusion.

Looking back on it now, it's so obvious.

All I wanted was to look upon her bright, pure smile,

but I attempted to bring it about with illusions.

Hehe, it's a bit of a contradiction, isn't it?

...

I'm sorry.

I know I'm a downer.

Oh! I need to stop by the garden before it gets too late.

I was told to notify them once we were finished renovating the cherry blossom path.

... Am I the only one who finds this strange?

No, I feel it too.

Yeah, as far as I know.

How many times must I tell you?

We can't be late.

Don't blame me if you end up getting chewed out by the superiors.

Anyway.

How are you finding the Festival of Harmony?

... It's nice.

I didn't realize how long it'd been since I'd let go and relaxed.

Well.

We all need days off.

If you only ever hurl yourself forward and fixate on the distant future, you'll get exhausted pretty quickly.

We also never know when our time is up,

so it'd be a real shame to miss out on moments like this, don't you think?

You know what I like so much about this festival?

Whenever I'm looking at the greenery, all my worries melt away.

When we go up to the surface, we'll get to see even more beautiful plant life than today.

I can't wait.

I'm excited too.

Still,

I don't think I'll ever forget what I'm seeing here today.

...

Here, take this.

Hmm? Why are you giving me this?

Didn't you know? On the last day of the Festival of Harmony, people exchange things that are precious to them.

I already gave gifts to the others.

It'd hardly be fair to exclude you.

That's a pocket watch I used to use.

It may look a little worse for wear, but it tells the time perfectly.

You can use that to check the time, so now you won't have any excuse for being late.

Didn't we agree to have a nice meal once we got back from the surface?

You're the guest of honor, and we're celebrating a successful first deployment on the surface, so we can't have you being late to the party.

This time, let's try to be punctual.

... I'll try.

I should give you something, too...

It's fine.

If you find something good the next time you're on the surface, you can give it to me.

...

... He was right. Sometimes, moments like this are necessary.

Everyone seems so at peace.

Anyway, we should try and find Flora.

Trainer!

What brings you here?

Huh?

Flora?

I haven't seen her in a while, not after all these visitors suddenly arrived.

I see...

I do remember her scent though, so I can try to track her down for you.

That'd be wonderful! Thank you.

But don't you need to take care of the animals at the shelter?

I know you've been helping Flora for the past few days.

Guillotine is taking care of our furry friends, so it's fine.

She also brought along someone named Maiden to help her.

Anyhoo, give me just a minute.

I'll go find Flora for you.

While we wait, why don't I introduce you to the little ones?

What flower is this?

This one is called Lilac.

Whenever spring comes,

it breaks into a big grin, like this.

Isn't it pretty?

The more I look around the garden,

the more I can feel how each plant is being conscientiously cared for.

That's right.

The plants here are carefully tended to maintain their natural form.

The temperature, the humidity, the soil and sunlight.

Everything is carefully monitored and adjusted according to their specific needs.

The fact that they're tended to with such loving care

is why the plants here are able to bring out smiles in people.

Because they've been allowed to remain in their natural state...

Say, where do I need to go to see the arboretum you manage?

Well,

the arboretum is...

The arboretum will remain closed to the public.

Isn't that right, Trina?

Yes, that's right.

It's not going to be opened?

Why is that?

So that Rinne can rest.

That's all I can say.

??

...

I heard the news.

You've finished renovating the cherry blossom path?

Yes, so is there anything I can help with in the garden?

... Sorry? What did you say, Lilac?

Oh my, I forgot all about that.

And it's terribly important.

Trina, I have one more favor to ask of you.

What's that?

Hmm...

Before I ask, I should explain to you why the garden is so crowded right now.

I'm sorry.

I made a mistake.

I thought of something while preparing for the festival.

I wanted Nikkes, who work so hard every day, to be able to come to the festival and rest.

So I made special invitations for them.

But I accidentally wrote the wrong date on them...

... And that's why the garden is so crowded.

Exactly.

It's hard to imagine someone like you making such a simple mistake.

No one's perfect.

Should I tell everyone that the dates were incorrect?

I think it's too late for that.

Precisely. So just for today, I was thinking of holding a festival for the Nikkes.

Oh, a festival just for Nikkes?

That's not a bad idea.

Which brings me to my request...

In order for the guests to fully enjoy the festival,

could you help distribute these Spring Festa pamphlets?

This year's Spring Festa will feature a unique promotional event.

Attendees will take these pamphlets and get a stamp when they head to specific locations:

The garden, the Spring Fair, and the cherry tree brought from the surface.

To help make this process easier,

I'd like you to place these pamphlets at key locations along the route.

The garden has already been covered, so if you could take care of the other two spots, that'd be great.

Rookie?

Good timing.

Everyone here is saying they got invitations saying to come today.

Do you know what went wrong?

So she wrote the wrong dates on the invitations.

What a pain.

Centi set up the booths pretty quickly,

so we should be able to get it up and running no problem.

Last time, she turned a basic general store into a high-scale luxury boutique, so I was a bit concerned.

But this time, she did a perfect job.

She kept the market's atmosphere appropriately modest,

and the booths blended in perfectly with the cherry blossom path, just like I wanted.

You've taught her well, Liter.

...

Haha, you're certainly right about that, Yan.

Oh, by the way, I have something to give to you.

You're right, Greenhorn.

Centi has really blossomed.

...

For myself...?

You're right.

If possible, it would be best to complete both.

We're back at the cherry blossom path.

...

I...

Phew...

Do you still feel like you're suffocating?

... Yes.

If it gets too much,

we can handle it from here.

You don't need to force yourself up the hill.

...

I'm sorry...

I... I'll wait here.

You two can...

It's okay.

Greenhorn and I will go to the Everlasting Sakura.

... Thank you.

In the meantime, you can sit down here.

Sorry?

You heard Flora.

Today is a festival just for Nikkes.

It won't be a problem for us to take a short break under a cherry tree.

...

For goodness sake, how long are you going to keep standing there?

Greenhorn, you have a seat as well.

Isn't this nice?

Whenever you take in nature, you forget about all your worries.

...

Trina.

There's something I've been wondering about.

What happened with you and Rinne?

What was she to you?

...

Whenever the sun began to set...

I would habitually climb the hill.

It's been a long time.

Rinne...

How was... your day today?

Conducted some research in the lab...

Took care of the little ones...

Just an ordinary day.

I see.

For me, it's a special day... because I get to see you, hehe.

The flowers are blooming on the hill...

I'm sorry...

That I couldn't go with you to see the cherry blossom tree.

I don't... have the strength anymore.

...

I came too late.

If only I'd come sooner...

I...

Trina.

I have a favor to ask of you.

What is it?

The garden.

The promise we made.

Going forward...

...

...

...

In accordance with her last wish,

Rinne's ashes were scattered in the garden,

and her belongings were delivered to the lab.

From that day on,

I protected the garden so Rinne could rest in peace.

Is that why the arboretum is closed to visitors?

There's a tree in the arboretum where Rinne's ashes are buried.

...

I wasn't able to keep my promise to her.

Instead, I chased an illusion and ruined everything.

I created the Everlasting Sakura and destroyed the true value of the plants I saw that day.

I ruined any hope of seeing Rinne's smile again.

No longer was I able to climb up the hill.

Despite all of it, however, I still wish for Rinne to rest peacefully.

It's all I have left.

... And so I must protect that with everything I have.

That is why I can't open up the arboretum.

You regret creating the Everlasting Sakura.

That's why the hill instills you with fear.

... Yes.

Because Rinne is no longer there.

... I see.

Thank you for telling us. I'm sure it wasn't easy.

As a token of gratitude...

I'll tell you my story.

You will?

Yes.

It was a long time ago.

Back then...

whenever the sun began to set, I would climb that hill habitually.

Keep your chin up,

kid.

My life for yours...

That...

...

... That's enough for me.

Stop talking!

You're making your wounds open up more!

...

Liter...

What kind of person am I?

I hope that I'm remembered...

As a good person.

...

...

...

My first excursion on the surface came to a close,

and I headed to the rendezvous point.

It was the first time I'd ever been on time,

but there was no one else there to witness it.

...

My comrades left behind no wills, no momentos.

There was nothing left.

That's when I realized.

Dying an incomplete death only makes it harder for those left behind.

Ever since that day, I've strived to ensure that when I go, I'll leave my mark.

I stopped climbing the hill,

but it wasn't all bad.

There was a lot to do at the workshop,

and my comrades were no longer there.

That became my daily existence.

That's when you came to visit me, Trina.

...

Once we were finished with the path, on the day the Festival of Harmony began,

I climbed up the hill for the first time in a long time.

As I walked up the hill, admiring the cherry blossoms, old memories came flooding back, one after the other.

Banal jokes and pranks between me and my old comrades resurfaced, and I had to stop walking from time to time as I was laughing so hard.

When I finally reached the top, I stood underneath the Everlasting Sakura.

From there, I could see it clearly.

What they had left behind.

Over there, that's the resting place for my memories with my comrades.

I wasn't the only one who saw it, either.

When I looked around, I could see all manner of people smiling brightly.

Some were leaving behind new memories,

some were reminiscing,

and all were forgetting their worries in that moment.

I want you to witness that,

Trina.

Even if you're afraid, I want you to climb this hill and face the Everlasting Sakura.

I want you to see with your own two eyes that what lies there is not an illusion.

So.

Won't you come with me to see the Everlasting Sakura together?

Phew...

Stay strong, Trina.

We're almost there.

Okay...

If it gets too much, let me know.

... I'm okay for now.

...

You once said that

the Everlasting Sakura was nothing more than an illusion.

Do you still feel that way?

Trina.

The Everlasting Sakura is no illusion.

If it were, how could it bring out such wholesome smiles?

Your desire to preserve the value of those plants,

your yearning to fulfill the promise you made to Rinne, they're still alive and well.

But...

Rinne isn't here.

She can't see the Everlasting Sakura.

There's no meaning to any of this.

You're right.

Rinne isn't here.

But...

Her wish lives on.

You said so yourself.

Rinne wished for people to forget their worries for a brief moment while looking at the flowers and trees.

...!

The Everlasting Sakura has helped fulfill Rinne's wish.

It's allowed people to be truly happy, even if just for a moment, and smile.

That's more than enough to give it meaning.

It also means that Rinne can rest in peace.

You...

... You're right...

This is...

... Thank you.

For bringing me here.

You don't have to thank me.

You're the one who brought me here in the first place.

... You said his name was Josh Humett?

Huh?

He must have been an amazing commander to have inspired someone as remarkable as you.

I should thank him as well.

As well as your comrades.

... You're right.

We should.

Liter.

You said you wanted to visit the arboretum, right?

Whenever you've got time, you're more than welcome to come visit.

... Sure, that sounds nice.

Oh, Trainer! Hello!

Today is the last day of the festival,

and I promised to help until the end.

I knew we could count on you, Sunflower.

Blossom, what brings you to the garden today?

Do you need some stamps for your pamphlet?

Oh? What's that?

...

Hehe, it's hard to say.

Will you follow me?

There's something I want to show you.

After you and Marigold took Trina to see the Everlasting Sakura,

she came back

and proclaimed that she wanted to open up the arboretum.

I must say that I'm quite grateful to you both!

She should be over there.

Liter came by earlier, so Trina's giving her a tour of the arboretum.

This place is so refreshing!

Hehe, isn't it?

Liter,

do you remember one of the traditions of the Festival of Harmony?

Where you exchange gifts on the last day.

I remember.

Well,

I was thinking that I would give you something that's precious to me.

Tah-dah!

It's the key to the arboretum.

Are... are you sure you're okay with giving this to me?

Of course.

From now on,

I plan on keeping this place open to the public.

That way, people can visit and forget all their worries,

and Rinne's wish can come true.

Not only that...

She'll be able to rest peacefully.

To that end, I'd like you to keep this key.

Really?

I'll keep it safe.

Feel free to visit the arboretum any time you feel like resting.

Okay.

I'll do that.

I really should give you something in return...

Here, take this.

I was originally thinking of passing this on to Centi,

but I realize now that's not necessary.

Even without this, people will be able to look at Centi and remember me.

So I'd like for you to keep this.

Thank you. I'll also keep this safe.

For some reason, my eyelids feel heavy.

It's been a while...

Since I had a nice rest...

Hehe, rest well, my friend.

*Cough cough*

I can't believe how much dust has gathered up so quickly.

Let's see.

What's this?

...

I...

I...

...

It was another ordinary day.

I did some research in the lab.

Took care of the little ones.

A really special day...

But you know, Rinne?

I prepared a festival.

And you know what happened there?