Mercuria

A visually pleasing but not finely crafted upper garment, a work of exuberance. Made of cotton, plastic, and a small amount of metal. The interviewee openly admitted the garment's connection to the "big national flag theft case" reported in the Rock District newspaper.

"They scattered the clothes all over the street, and it just happened to fall into my hands."

A thin, transparent piece of silken fabric with a pearly sheen, complementing the colorful glaze of the shells.

After observing the entire process of customizing a performance gown, the interviewee kept this small remnant, believing it to hold some fleeting inspiration, far too precious to be discarded.

Rumor has it this bell was once worn by a famous actress in one of her most iconic films.

But our interviewee seemed more interested in its practical use:

"It can summon those who have strayed too far from home—whether they're living, dead, or just a little Critter lost on a snowy night."

A simple copper belt that perfectly fits the wearer's temperament. The interviewee mentioned that it was originally a string of Christmas lights. After some creative thinking, it was transformed into its current form.

A silver-plated brooch, reflecting the fabric's hue of the evening dress, shimmering like water ripples in the mist.

Sea stars are flexible and simple creatures that perceive everything through their bodies without relying on eyesight.

Much like the owner of this accessory.

This unusual decal tattoo was designed by the interviewee herself: mysterious, dark, and dangerous—the thorny vines climb toward the heavens as the star and moon gracefully descend.

"This night is brimming with calm and peace, much like the energy surrounding you right now," the interviewee said softly with her usual smile.

A handcrafted pendulum made from pallasite, mica, and mithril, created by a fortune-teller who is wildly popular among high-society ladies. An exquisite piece acquired during a late night conversation.

"The most important thing is that I can see dozens of myself on it at the same time," the interviewee said.

A handheld censer filled with hot coals and frankincense, provided by Eurybia, the sponsor of the "Midnight Smoke Show." It's used to present incense to the guests.

"It's one of our best brand events from our 'Ocean' series. Through her performance, our fashion philosophy of 'spirituality and self' has been perfectly embodied."

An exquisitely designed earring with a round ruby at its center. When the interviewee stood to hang ornaments on the Christmas tree, the snowflake-shaped drop swayed gently, emitting a delicate, shivering chime.

"Red—the color of fire. It suits the warmth of the hearth, don't you think?" the interviewee explained. "Just perfect for the holiday season."

Yet the interviewer couldn't help but feel that the interviewee herself embodied the spirit of the holidays more than any ornament could.

The turmoil of the real world has left the hearts of the younger generation scarred and battered. They wander, seeking a refuge for their souls, only to be torn apart by the harshness of war and the vast chasm created by economic prosperity. Lost and uncertain, they pause, turn inward, and begin to focus on the self.

Fortunately, this turmoil has brought about a diverse fusion of spiritual cultures. People are drawn to each other, gathering together and finding a way to sit down again. They follow their beliefs, sharing both their inner peace and their pain, temporarily forgetting the shadows cast by material civilization. In a return to nature that is both free and innocent, they embrace equality and love. They know how to listen, are open to acceptance, and so ideas from all over the world merge and intersect, leading to a flourishing of new movements. The New Age movement has become a haven for the release of pain and confusion.

Surrounded by a circle of short white candles, Mercuria gently touches the astrolabe, listening to the stars twinkle beneath the rousing synthesizer music. Lights flicker on the stage as passionate young people expend their overflowing energy with abandon.

"You're up next! Sweetheart, do you know what they call you? Miss Heaven! Hah!"

Mercuria snuffs out the candle flame, stands up, and the crowd below fervently chants her name.

"Because this is a night worth looking forward to," she says, stepping into the roar of the crowd.

"Sara."

The gathered energy surges through the air. It is known as the Matron of the Orphanage.

"Sara!"

I forgot—it can't see me like this, so I have to...

"I'm here." I said, opening my mouth, and my eyes. I see the dust, visible in the light peeking through the crack of the door, then, the darkness, and high on the wall was a skylight, and the stars outside were dense and bright.

"Sara? Sara?"

The Matron's footsteps grow more hurried as she walks down the long corridor, up the cold, splintered metal stairs, and walks across the moldy, dusty floor. I leave the hard, uneven cement ground, brush off the particles clinging to my skin and clothes, turn the cold iron handle, and listen to the sharp, grating sound of the rusty lock.

"You're here." The Matron saw me, her eyebrows raised, pupils round, lips slightly parted. After a brief moment of shock, she quickly approaches me. She pulls me into her arms, wrapping me in her embrace, and I feel her warmth through the rough fabric she wears.

"This is not two worlds," she says.

"This is not two worlds," I repeat.

I gently stroke the Matron's waist, the place where her energy is strongest.

"Oh, my child ... you don't understand." She pulls away to look into my eyes, her eyebrows furrowed, her gaze slightly distorted, and her lips pressed together under lumps of lipstick—her energy is tense, which means she's not feeling well.

So I hug her too, wrapping my arms around her, letting her feel my warmth.

"Am I right?" I ask. "Am I in your world now?"

"No ... do you still remember what I taught you? You have to layer what you feel over the world you see."

The Matron's eyes still hold tears, her lips turned down in an expression of sadness and pain, but I don't answer her, because I see her energy is no longer tense, but full and saturated, like branches drenched in water.

I think I've found the secret to balance.

Pandora Wilson: You're quite the unique individual, not like most people I've met before. They usually embark on journeys to find something, like a new cultural experience, breathtaking views, or even a chance at romance.

Mercuria: Hmm.

Pandora Wilson: So, what motivated you to start your journey?

Mercuria: A map, Christmas Eve, and an open door from the Matron.

Pandora Wilson: Sounds like the beginning of a children's adventure movie.

Mercuria: Hmm. Yes.

Pandora Wilson: Yes?

Mercuria: They loved the story, although what some might call "artistic embellishment" was added.

Pandora Wilson: Ah yes, the need for dramatic effect. Some people won't believe a story unless there's some embellishment.

Mercuria: Actually, that particular family didn't allow me to stay the night after hearing my story.

Pandora Wilson: ...

Pandora Wilson: ...

Mercuria: Hello? Are you still there?

Pandora Wilson: Of course, "artistic embellishment," a very cliché technique.

Pandora Wilson: Have you ever thought about how your journey will eventually come to an end?

Mercuria: When that time comes, I will simply stop.

Pandora Wilson: You seem very calm about it all.

Mercuria: I have accepted it.