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Phantasmagoric Sojourn

浮梦巡驰

11 chapters · 824 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Rumble 轰鸣

Outer Oasis Plaza.绿洲，外环广场。

??...ville?……薇娅？

BonnevilleEh...唔……

??Bonneville? Are you listening?邦尼薇娅，你在听吗？

BonnevilleHuh? Yeah, yeah I am... yawn~嗯？啊，我在我在……哈~

Bonneville stretches in the chilly night wind, absentmindedly fending off the person on the other side of the line.邦尼薇娅在微凉的夜风中伸了个懒腰，心不在焉地应付着另一侧传来的通讯。

If the irksome obstacle known as work wasn't in the way, this would be a prime evening for a ride.若没有烦闷枯燥的工作拦路，这样晴朗的夜晚应该正适合骑行吧。

??"Man, I wanna go for a ride!" Is that what you're thinking right now?“真想出去飚一圈啊！”你现在应该在这么想着吧？

BonnevilleOh? Could it be that our esteemed Lady Shale acquired the art of mind reading through the perusal of some dusty old tome?哦？难不成我们的谢拉大小姐已经通过书本掌握读心术了？

ShaleAnyone with eyes could see that your head's in the clouds! Seriously, I get that you're not interested in this assignment, but work is work! Take it seriously!你的心不在焉都已经写在脸上了啦！真是的，虽然知道你对这次任务不感兴趣，但这是工作，还是要认真对待啦！

BonnevilleBut I am! Look, I've handed in my report today, haven't I?我可是很认真的，你看，今天的汇报不是已经完成了吗？

Shale"Workin' on it"... that's all for your report? You didn't even add a period!“在做了”……你的报告就是这三个字？你甚至没有加句号诶！

BonnevilleI am working on it, and there haven't been any noteworthy developments...确实在做了嘛，而且也没有什么值得特别汇报的进展……

ShaleGah... have you tried talking with the Professor, then?唔……那你有尝试找教授聊聊吗？

BonnevilleI did go looking for them, but...我确实有找过教授，但是……

BonnevilleExcuse me, Professor...教授，打扰一下……

JiangyuProf, Prof, you gotta cover for me! Sis is after me again because she caught wind of me having instant noodles!教授教授，你快帮我打掩护求情一下啦！老姐她又因为我偷吃泡面的事情来找我说教了！

NanakaProfessor, Nanaka's working on a new song. If you could give me some feedback on it, Nanaka would be very happy...教授，七花正在准备新歌，如果教授试听后能提一些建议的话，七花会很开心的……

CroqueProfessor, you promised me that you would go with me to the launch sale of that new and limited model kit! If we don't leave now, they'll run out!教授你不是说好了今天要陪我去买限定发售的模型吗？再不去就要卖断货了！

ProfessorThat's all well and good... but could you guys line up?这些都没有问题……不过大家可以一个个来吗？

BonnevilleThey're popular to an unbelievable degree. They're surrounded each and every day by all of the Oasis' agents. I can't even get a foot in the door.那位教授简直受欢迎到不可思议的程度。每天被这么多绿洲的智能体围着，哪有我能插足的余地嘛。

ShaleThere's no way that's not an excuse! I'm sure if you just waited a little bit, they'll be more than happy to speak with you.这只是借口吧！如果能多等一会儿，那位教授肯定愿意好好和你聊聊的。

BonnevilleWell, if there's one thing I hate most it's waiting...哎呀，你知道我最讨厌等待啦……

ShaleBonneville, do you still loathe interacting with humans that much?邦尼薇娅，你还是那么讨厌与人类相处吗？

ShaleSigh. I can turn a blind eye, but the Boss isn't as lenient as I am.唉，虽然我能睁一只眼闭一只眼，但Boss可没有我这么好应付。

ShaleIf it slips out that this is your attitude while on an assignment, and that you head out in the middle of the night to just drive around...要是知道你这样对待任务，还半夜出去偷偷飙车……

BonnevilleAck! Please don't tell the Boss. Sangoma will absolutely embellish and blow it out of proportion, and I'll be hit with a bunch of restrictions.呃啊！你别告诉Boss，桑格玛绝对会拿这点添油加醋，给我加需求的。

BonnevilleOh great and generous Miss Shale, could you please perhaps not report this in exchange for a copy of Nora's new periodical?谢拉大小姐大人有大量，我帮你带野良的新刊，你就别把这件事上报了，怎么样？

ShaleN-Nora's new...野、野良的新刊……

BonnevilleA little birdie told me it's a rarely seen romance piece, called something along the lines of "The Domineering Professor Is In Love With Me". Man, it was so popular that all of the pre-orders were gone in an instant. Thank goodness I got onto the list early...听说是难得的恋爱题材，我记得叫《霸道教授爱上我》。哎呀，人气高到预定名额都抢光了，还好我提前留了个名额……

ShaleDeal!成交！

Getting a grip before she forgets herself, Shale turns around quickly, clearing her throat.意识到自己上钩的表现过于明显，谢拉急忙转过身清了清喉咙。

ShaleAhem, I can help you keep that quiet, but you have to take your work seriously! I've bailed you out on the reports three days in a row now. If tomorrow's the same, I can't make any guarantees, alright?咳，虽然我可以帮你隐瞒，但是工作还是要认真完成的哦！我已经帮你写了三天报告了，明天的报告还是这样，我就没办法帮你糊弄下去了哦？

BonnevilleGot it! Don't worry, the Guardians' catchphrase is always in my heart—"For Arcadia!"了解！放心吧，庇护者的口号一直铭记在我心中——“为了阿卡迪亚！”

ShaleAlright, if you say so... Nora's new publication! Don't you forget!好吧，既然你这么说了……野良的新刊，别忘了！

BonnevilleI won't, I won't.不会忘的啦。

Shale nods, moving to end the call. She suddenly thinks of something and pauses.谢拉点点头，准备挂断通讯，但又突然想起了什么。

ShaleOh right, I know you won't listen to me if I asked you to stop speeding around like you do... but at least be careful.对了，我知道劝你别飙车了你也不会听……但至少注意安全。

Bonneville...Appreciate it, Missy. Don't you worry.……大小姐也太贴心啦。放心放心。

Before Shale can launch into a lengthy, disgruntled tirade, Bonneville ends the call. Leaning against her beloved bike, she gently squeezes the rubber duck perched on its handlebars.在鼓成包子脸的谢拉准备开始长篇大论之前，邦尼薇娅及时挂断了通讯，靠在自己的爱车旁，顺手捏了捏上面的小黄鸭。

BonnevilleLooks like no more slacking, huh... Let me think, how should I deal with the report that's due tomorrow?……看来不能再这么糊弄下去了，得开始认真工作了啊……让我想想，明天的报告该怎么写呢？

BonnevilleMan, what was the Boss thinking, sending me on an assignment like this knowing that I'm no good at them...唉，Boss也真是的，明知道我不擅长这种任务，还把我派过来……

Bonneville...But I'm sure the Boss has her own reasons. Maybe she even saw my complaints coming.……不过既然是Boss，应该有自己的考量吧。说不定连我现在的抱怨，也在她预料之中呢。

Bonneville sighs, looking into the cloudless night horizon. Resting her weight on her motorcycle, the stars seem to urge her to leave the hardships of work behind.邦尼薇娅叹了口气，看向万里无云的夜空。倚靠在摩托上，闪烁的星星催促她将那些工作都抛诸脑后。

Bonneville—So, surely it isn't unreasonable for me to go for another two laps, right? I'm sure the Boss won't mind.——那么，我现在再去飚两圈，应该也在情理之中，Boss不会介意的吧？

Bonneville mounts her motorcycle, revving up the engine. Its mechanical clamor shatters the stillness of the night, but Bonneville's agitated heart quiets down as the air begins to boil.邦尼薇娅跨上摩托，点燃发动机。机械的轰鸣打破寂静的夜，邦尼薇娅躁动的内心却在激情点燃的同时沉静下来。

As she wrangles the throttle and brings horsepower to yield, even the mellow evening wind becomes bone-chilling. A foreign road ahead to traverse all by her lonesome, with not a worry in the world.拧动油门，开足马力，温润的夜风也变得刺骨。向着陌生的道路而去，就会产生天地间只剩一人，所有事情都不再重要的错觉。

Bonneville(Faster... just a little faster...)（快一点……再快一点……）

Bonneville(If only I could just keep accelerating like this...)（如果能就这样一直加速下去的话……）

A supersonic figure returns to the Oasis Square. With a stylish spinning half-donut, Bonneville comes to a stop.疾驰的火红身影回到绿洲广场。一个帅气的甩尾急刹，邦尼薇娅停了下来。

BonnevilleSafe and sound—hm, I should feel satisfied now, but it just feels hollow. Weird.安全抵达——啊哈，明明应该感到畅快，但心里反而有点空落落的，真奇怪。

BonnevilleWell, let's leave it at that for today, it'll probably be dawn soon... huh?总之今天就到这里吧，应该已经凌晨了吧……唔？

BonnevilleSomeone's still awake here at the Oasis at this hour?这么晚了，绿洲还有人醒着吗？

Bonneville silences her bike's engine, surreptitiously looking towards the light from a back alley.邦尼薇娅将摩托熄火，下车后悄悄从小巷内探头看向亮着灯的方向。

Bonneville"Choco's Chocolaterie"... sounds like a sweets shop. Let's see who might be inside...“满心可可屋”……像是甜点店的名字啊。让我看看，里面的是……

Bonneville...Professor?……教授？

ProfessorOnly one-third of the chocolates are left to package... I see the light at the end of the tunnel!只剩1/3的巧克力礼盒需要包装了……曙光就在眼前了！

ProfessorThere should be some time still until sunrise, I should rest a little... no, not just yet! I'll have to arrange tomorrow's timetable too, let's see...离天亮应该还有一段时间吧，还是先休息一下……不对，还不能休息！还得排一排明天的时间表，我看看……

ProfessorI've got Angela at seven, then Turing, Nascita... Ah, Antonina's not said anything, but it's best to put aside some time...早上7:00是安吉拉，然后是图灵，娜希塔……啊，对了，安冬妮娜虽然没说，但最好也留出时间……

Professor...Why are there only 24 hours in a day?……为什么一天只有24小时啊！

I sit down at the table, offhandedly grabbing a cup of water, trying to fend off the swelling drowsiness with the frigidity of cold water.我在桌前坐下，随手拿起一旁的水杯，试图以冰水的温度驱散不断泛起的睡意。

????...Professor? What are you doing?……教授？你这是在做什么？

ProfessorPhhht—cough cough!噗——咳咳咳！！！

ProfessorN-Nothing, I swear! I'm just out for a stroll because I couldn't sleep!什什什么都没有！我只是睡不着了出来散散步！

????Then these chocolates...那这些巧克力……

ProfessorOh don't worry, I prepared these chocolates long ago. I'm not rushing them at the last moment or anything...放心吧这些巧克力我早就准备好了才不是在临时赶工……

I try to block the unfinished confectionaries behind me with my body. I turn around to be met by a golden pair of eyes, brimming with mirth.我试图用身体挡住还没能完工的巧克力，回过头去，却看见了一双泛着笑意的金色眼眸。

????Pfft... Ahahaha, this is the first time I've ever seen you this startled, Professor!噗嗤……哈哈哈哈，我还是第一次看到教授这么慌张的表情！

ProfessorSeriously... It was you, Bonneville. You really gave me a scare.什么啊……是邦尼薇娅啊，吓我一跳。

Seeing who it was, I let out a breath, wiping away the water on my face.看清来人，我舒了口气，擦了擦嘴边的水。

BonnevilleSo, who'd you think I was?怎么，你以为是谁？

ProfessorI'm struggling to think of any good options...无论是谁都很麻烦啊……

BonnevilleYou sure that I'm not someone you don't want to see? Let me guess... You've been up all night preparing chocolates for White Day return gifts?被我看到说不定也挺麻烦的哦？我猜猜……难道教授是在为了准备白色情人节的回礼，通宵制作巧克力？

ProfessorY-You got me...确、确实……

BonnevilleIf I were to send a photo of this to Persicaria...要是我把这里的照片发给帕斯卡……

Bonneville...Hahaha, come on now, I'm only joking.……哈哈哈，别这么紧张啦，我开玩笑的。

Bonneville gives me a pat on the shoulder, approaching the chocolates behind me with great interest. She picks one up, contemplating it.邦尼薇娅拍了拍我的肩膀，饶有兴致地凑近我身后的那些巧克力，随手拿起一个打量起来。

BonnevilleThis portion is for Hubble, this is for Undine... And there's Lind's, Hatsuchiri's, Sueyoi's... You even set aside a portion for the Guardians.这份是给赫波的，这份是给温蒂妮的……这里还有琳德的、初尘和末宵的……你连庇护者的份也准备了啊。

BonnevilleAnd all of these... are custom-made for their intended recipient?而且这些巧克力……居然每份都不一样？

ProfessorOf course. Everyone gives out their chocolates with nothing but their most sincere wishes. How could I respond to that half-heartedly?那是当然，毕竟每个人都是怀揣着各自的真心送出巧克力的，我又怎么能用同一种态度敷衍地回应他们的心意呢？

ProfessorIt's just that inspiration often shows up in the process of making these, and the amount of work to be done just kept increasing...只是在制作的过程中常常又会冒出新的灵感，最后的工程量比预计的还要大得多啊……

ProfessorAh, right, since you're here already...啊，对了，既然你现在在这里……

As Bonneville looks at me in surprise, I dig through a pile of gift boxes, retrieving a red box bound with a golden ribbon.在邦尼薇娅略显惊讶的目光之下，我在一堆巧克力礼盒中翻翻找找，拿出了一个用金色绑带包装的红色盒子。

ProfessorThis is for you, Bonneville. Happy White Day.这是给你的，邦尼薇娅。白色情人节快乐。

BonnevilleFor me?给我的？

ProfessorYou've not been at the Oasis for long, and I haven't been able to pin down what your preferences are... I hope you like it.你来绿洲的时间不久，我还没能完全摸清你的爱好……希望你喜欢。

Bonneville looks at the box, recognizing that the forcefully inscribed lettering on it was indeed her name. She freezes on the spot for a moment.邦尼薇娅看着盒子，上面苍劲有力的字迹写着的确实是自己的名字。她一时愣住了。

BonnevilleI... did not see this coming.这还真是……意想不到。

BonnevilleI thought that the Oasis' leader was another walking bore of a human, but... I think I'm beginning to get why you're so popular.我原本以为绿洲的领导人也是一个枯燥无趣的人类，不过现在……我开始理解你为什么这么受欢迎了。

She takes the box, giving me a brilliant smile.她接过盒子，向我露出一个灿烂的笑容。

BonnevilleThank you, Professor. This is the first time I've ever received chocolates on Valentine's. I'll treasure this.谢了，教授。这是我第一次收到情人节巧克力，我会好好珍藏的。

ProfessorI would be happier if you enjoyed the chocolates rather than treasuring the packaging.比起用于珍藏，能好好享受巧克力的味道的话我会更开心的。

BonnevilleI'm conflicted. How could I just take apart this lovely packaging?这可真是两难的选择啊。这么精美的包装，我怎么舍得拆呢？

Bonneville beams at the myriad of chocolates in front of her, blinking at me.邦尼薇娅看着眼前各色的巧克力微微一笑，朝我眨了眨眼睛。

BonnevilleWell, I see there are still some unpackaged chocolates. Could it be that you're not done yet, Professor?不过这里还有一些没有包装的巧克力，难道说教授还没有制作完成？

ProfessorUgh...呃……

As reality hits me again, I feel an oncoming migraine.再度面对现实，我感到一阵头痛。

ProfessorAbout a third left...大概还差1/3左右吧……

BonnevilleThere are about 4 hours until sunrise, I think? If you don't hurry up, the other Dolls will find out.还有4个小时就要天亮了哦？教授再不抓紧的话，可就要被其它人形发现了。

ProfessorI suppose there is the risk of that... I should use what time I have.确实有被发现的风险……稳妥起见还是抓紧时间吧。

I begin to stand up, but darkness threatens to overtake me, and the only thing that stops me from falling is the table in front of me.我刚准备站起来，但却眼前一黑，只能赶紧撑住桌子。

BonnevilleHey! You alright?喂！你没事吧？

ProfessorGah... I'm alright, just a bit dizzy. I'll be fine in a bit.唔……没事，只是有点头晕，一会儿就好了。

Bonneville...How long has it been since you rested? You've at least slept in the past few days, right?……你这是多久没休息了？不会这几天都没睡觉吧？

ProfessorYeah, just not a whole lot. One or two hours a day at most.只是睡得不多而已，每天也多少睡了1、2个小时吧。

BonnevilleWoah, work is this intense at the Oasis?呜哇，绿洲的工作强度这么大吗？

ProfessorI usually get a full 6 hours, but with the return gifts on top of daily work, I can only take time out of rest to make chocolates...平常还是能睡满6小时的，只是这段时间要兼顾回礼和日常工作，制作巧克力的时间只能从休息时间里扣了……

BonnevilleYou really are pushing it. Sigh... guess it can't be helped.你这也太拼命了。唉……没办法。

Bonneville grips my shoulders, pressing me back into my chair.邦尼薇娅扶住我的肩膀，将我按回了椅子上。

BonnevilleYou go rest for a bit. I'll do the rest for you.你先休息一会儿，我来替你做吧。

ProfessorEh?诶？

BonnevilleThis isn't my line of work, but it's not like I can't do meticulous work. Just tell me what to do.虽然我是赛车手，但也不是不会做精细的活。你告诉我怎么做就行。

BonnevilleIt'll be done faster this way, no? If it goes smoothly, you might even be able to sleep for a little.这样的话就能快点做完了吧？来得及的话，你或许还能睡一会儿。

ProfessorYou only got here recently, but here I am, making you stay up late to help me with chocolates. What an embarrassment.你来绿洲还没多久，却要熬夜帮我制作巧克力，怪不好意思的。

BonnevilleNo need for the pleasantries. You'll need to rest while you can to meet with everyone tomorrow, right? Your time is precious, after all.客套的话就不用说了。养精蓄锐，明天才能有精神和大家见面，对吧？教授的时间可是很宝贵的。

ProfessorSo you heard that bit too...你连这个都听到了啊……

BonnevilleI took your chocolates, after all. I'll lend you this pair of hands for now as repayment.毕竟我可是收下了你的巧克力，就暂时将这双手借给你，作为小小的报答吧。

BonnevilleLet's see... This portion is for Rise. Tell me, what should I do?我看看……这份巧克力是给莉丝的。告诉我，该怎么做？

Her tone demands a response, but instills a sense of security.邦尼薇娅的语气不容置喙，却让人感到安心不少。

Professor...Go for the packaging paper with the movie poster print. Yeah, that one.……用那张印着电影海报的包装纸吧。嗯，没错，就是那张。

ProfessorThank you, Bonneville.谢谢你，邦尼薇娅。

Probe - 1 探针-1

A few days later, Outer Oasis Plaza.几天后，绿洲，外环广场。

PersicariaI've collated the circumstances and feedback into a report. Please have a look.现场的情况和反馈我已经整理成报告发送给您了，教授您可以看一下。

ProfessorGood work, Persicaria. It's about time for a lunch break, so you go rest. I'll be off for lunch as well.辛苦了，帕斯卡。已经到午休时间了，你先去休息吧，我也准备去吃饭了。

PersicariaOf course, Professor.我明白了，教授。

PersicariaBut... will you really be okay by yourself?不过……您一个人，确定没问题吗？

Persicaria hesitates for a moment, then glances back and asks again.帕斯卡看向我的背后，犹豫再三后开口询问。

Persicaria...What exactly do you think Miss Bonneville is doing?……您觉得邦尼薇娅小姐这是在做什么？

ProfessorFrom what I can see, she seems to be tailing me...就现状来看，她应该是在跟踪我吧……

I follow Persicaria's sight, looking at the redheaded figure not far away.我顺着帕斯卡的目光向不远处的那个红色身影看去。

She stands some dozen paces away, yawning as she spins the ends of her hair around her finger like a yarn.此时少女正站在距我几个身位之后，一边打着哈欠，一边食指缠绕把玩着自己的发梢。

As our eyes meet, she doesn't fail to wave her hand in greeting, apparently not wanting to either approach or leave.见我驻足目光相对，她还不忘挥手问好，丝毫没有离开或是上前的意思。

PersicariaNo self-concealment or keeping of distance... I can't say I've ever seen anyone tail someone like this before...既没有藏起来也没有维持距离……这样形式的跟踪还是第一次见……

ProfessorShe's been like this the entire morning. It hasn't gotten in the way of work, so I've just let her be.邦尼薇娅她上午一直这样，也没有干涉工作，我也就随她去了。

ProfessorThough... I do happen to have some free time. We ought to receive our guest from the Guardians properly.不过……正好现在有空，也确实该好好招待一下来自庇护者的客人了。

I end my call, strolling towards the person behind me.我挂断通讯，向身后那道红色的身影走去。

ProfessorGood midday, Bonneville.中午好啊，邦尼薇娅。

BonnevilleOh, Professor! What a coincidence seeing you here!哟教授！在这里碰面真是好巧啊！

ProfessorCoincidence indeed... Bonneville, might I ask what exactly you're doing?嗯，确实好巧啊……邦尼薇娅，能方便问下你这是在做什么吗？

BonnevilleWhat I'm doing... that should be obvious, no? I'm following you, of course!做什么……这不是一目了然吗？当然是在跟踪你啦！

ProfessorAnd why are you doing this?为什么要跟踪我？

BonnevilleIt's the first time I've ever seen a human as interesting as you, Professor. It's only natural that I'd want to observe a little.毕竟我还是第一次遇到像教授这么有趣的人类，所以想多观察一下嘛。

She lets go of the hair strands around her finger, leaning forward and inspecting me from head to toe.邦尼薇娅松开指尖的头发，身体前倾，露骨地上下打量着我。

ProfessorWell, have you derived any conclusions?那么得出什么观察结论了吗？

BonnevilleHmm... you seem fine both in spirit and body. Looks like all the effort you put into White Day didn't go to waste.嗯……看起来教授精神不错，心情也不错，看来为白色情人节付出的努力没有白费啊。

ProfessorI still have you to thank for that.这么说来我还得感谢你呢。

ProfessorLet me treat you to lunch as a show of gratitude.为了表示感谢，就让我请你吃午饭吧。

BonnevilleSigh... I helped you in the first place as thanks for the chocolates. Now you're going to offer thanks for my thanks, and it'll go on and on.诶……我来帮忙本来就是为了报答教授赠送巧克力的恩情，结果教授还要因为我的感谢而感谢，这样下去就没完没了了。

ProfessorI don't think I mind that. What do you want to eat?那听起来也不错。你想吃什么？

BonnevilleHahaha, if you put it that way, I'll leave the food up to you. As for drinks, though, it has to be canned root beer!哈哈哈，既然教授都这么说了，菜品就按教授的喜好来吧。不过饮料的话必须是罐装根啤！

ProfessorYour tastes certainly are unique... seeing as root beer is at least non-alcoholic, that should be alright.呃，真是奇特的口味……看在根啤是无酒精饮品的份上，好吧。

BonnevilleOh? I didn't think the Oasis actually had root beer. I couldn't find any in a day of looking.哦？没想到绿洲居然也有根啤，我可是找了半天都没找到呢。

ProfessorI will prepare it for you. Shall we go?我会为你准备好的。那么我们走吧？

I begin to walk towards our destination, but I find Bonneville press closer and closer to my face, a serious expression on her face.我正要向前走去，却发现邦尼薇娅摩挲着自己的下巴，表情严肃地凑近我的脸。

ProfessorW-What is it?怎、怎么了？

BonnevilleDang... the Professor's way too scrupulous during the day, I can't find a single vulnerability. I'll have to sign up for a night shift.唔……白天的教授太滴水不漏了，很难找到破绽啊。看来还是得值个夜班才行。

Bonneville's serious countenance is so close to my face that I can't help but break into laughter.看着一脸认真的邦尼薇娅，我忍不住笑出了声。

ProfessorWhen I'm working at night, you're out driving about somewhere, right?我夜间工作的时候，邦尼薇娅应该不知道在哪里飙车吧？

BonnevilleWow, the Professor's grasped a secret of mine... looks like I'll have to redouble my efforts.哎呀，居然被教授知道了我的把柄……看来同样为了抓住教授的把柄，我也要更加努力跟踪了。

BonnevilleAlright, let's see if I can't find a weakness while we eat!好嘞，就趁吃饭的时候看看能不能抓住教授的破绽吧！

Bonneville quickly switches up her demeanor as she stretches while I watch on, not knowing whether to laugh or lament.看着邦尼薇娅伸了个懒腰后迅速切换表情，我有些哭笑不得。

ProfessorOh yeah, should we call Miss Shale along? You two came here together, after all. I happened to invite her out this afternoon as well.对了，要喊上谢拉小姐一起吗？毕竟你们是一起到绿洲的。我下午也正巧约了她见面。

BonnevilleAh, nah. She's got some stuff to do still.不用啦，谢拉她中午还有事情要做呢。

ProfessorMiss Shale certainly seems busy. She's juggling communicating engineering concepts with Croque and managing logistics with Centaureissi...也是，谢拉小姐看上去总是很忙的样子，和克罗琦交流工程思路，和桑朵莱希讨论后勤事务……

BonnevilleAre you implying that I'm not busy, Professor? I'll have you know that's not true at all, okay?诶，难道教授是在暗示我很闲吗？我可也是很忙的哦？

ProfessorAlright, alright. Then, the ever-busy Miss Bonneville, let's go.好吧好吧。那么忙碌的邦尼薇娅小姐，我们走吧。

BonnevilleLet's go! Heheh♪ Time for some root beer~!走吧！哼哼♪~罐装根啤~

Probe - 2 探针-2

The Oasis, Restaurant.绿洲，餐厅。

Bonneville hums a tune with levity as she sends a fifth piece of steak into her mouth.邦尼薇娅哼着歌，心情愉快地将第5块牛排送入口中。

BonnevilleMan, the cooking here is really something else.哎呀，你们这边厨师的厨艺真不错啊。

ProfessorSo long as you like it. How's life at the Oasis been treating you, Bonneville?合你的口味就好。邦尼薇娅，这段时间你在绿洲的生活还习惯吗？

BonnevilleNot bad, all things considered. I think I'm more or less happy with everything apart from having to scrap a few bikes.总体来说算凑合吧，除了报废了几辆摩托车外其他方面都过得还算满意。

BonnevilleI'm surprised, though... you haven't told anyone else about my identity?不过我挺意外的……你没有把我的身份告诉绿洲的其他人形吗？

ProfessorNo. I wouldn't want you or Shale to get any special treatment.嗯，我不想让你和谢拉被区别对待。

ProfessorAnd if you get slapped with any restrictions, you wouldn't be able to go for a drive whenever you wanted, right?如果你被限制的话，也没办法在绿洲的晚上随意飙车了吧？

The redhead whistles in recognition.红发人形吹了声口哨以表敬佩。

BonnevilleNot bad at all, Professor. You keep raising my opinion of ya.不坏嘛教授，就冲刚刚那些话，我对你的印象分又加了一点。

BonnevilleI do quite like this patch of road. The horrid roads in the other sectors are like off-road cross-country nightmares in comparison.我还挺中意这的道路的，相比之下有的扇区的路烂的像是什么极限越野赛一样……

ProfessorSailing down a smooth road does do a good job of easing the mind.在平坦的道路上疾驰，那种感觉确实会让人感到很畅快呢。

BonnevilleOh, Professor, you truly are after my own heart!教授，你果然是同道中人！

ProfessorHuh?诶？

Bonneville springs to her feet, her eyes burning and inescapable.邦尼薇娅突然站了起来，目光热切，让人没办法躲闪。

BonnevilleThe feeling of the wind in your face as you go faster and faster beyond the limit—addicting, isn't it?迎风前行，那种不断加速突破极限的感觉真的非常令人着迷！

BonnevilleI'm sure you've taken notice of my bike. With the mods done on it, it's got both the speed and the feel! Wanna give it a spin, Professor?你应该也注意到我的摩托了吧，经过改装之后，它的速度与驾驶的体验感都很不错！教授要试试吗？

ProfessorHaha, I still have some work to do later. Next time, for sure.哈哈，我下午还有工作，下次一定。

ProfessorOh, to speak of it, I do have a piece of news that might interest you as a racing Doll...啊，这么说来，我这里有一个可能让身为赛车人形的你感兴趣的消息……

I catch a glimpse of the reality that lies underneath Bonneville's disguise.我突然瞥到了邦尼薇娅伪装下的真实。

It was for but a moment, but a touch of melancholy flashes across Bonneville's face as she hears the word "racing". It is soon covered up by her usual smiling countenance.虽然只有短短一瞬，但邦尼薇娅在听到“赛车”两个字的时候脸上掠过一丝失落，随后很快又恢复成了往日的笑容。

She straightens up, returning to her chair.她直起身子，再度坐回了椅子上。

BonnevilleWhat other good news do you have for me?教授又要带给我什么好消息了吗？

Professor...Croque's made some new conclusions from her research on power systems. Chances are it'll make your bike even faster.……克罗琦针对动力的研究有了新的成果，或许对提升摩托车的速度会有所帮助。

BonnevilleSounds good. I'll go visit the Engineering Dept when I have time. Thanks, Prof!听起来可真不错，我回头就去工程局看看。谢了教授！

She finishes her root bear, stretching in her chair.红发少女喝下最后一口根啤，伸了个懒腰。

BonnevilleAh—that hit the spot. Let's head out after a bit.啊——吃饱了吃饱了。休息一会儿就出发吧。

ProfessorBonneville.邦尼薇娅。

BonnevilleHm?嗯？

ProfessorIf there's something you're holding back, please share it with me if you feel comfortable. I might be able to offer some assistance.如果你有什么心事，可以和我说说，或许我能帮上忙哦。

Bonneville...Well, nothing escapes the Professor. Sharp to a terrifying degree.……不愧是教授，有时候真是敏锐到让人害怕啊。

She avoids my eyes, hands on her chin and deep in thought. She still holds a fork in her hand, fidgeting with it.邦尼薇娅避开我的目光，托着下巴思考着，手里把玩着餐具叉子。

BonnevilleAnd that's exactly why I have to watch my words like so when I'm with you, Professor...也正是因为这样，面对教授的话，总感觉不太能说出口了啊……

ProfessorWhat?什么？

BonnevilleI'm saying—if I poured it all out to you right now, you'd come to know all about my past just like that. That doesn't feel fair!我是说——要是我现在直接说清楚，教授能这么轻易的知道我的过去，感觉太不公平了！

Bonneville gestures with her fork, drawing the shape of a circle in the air.邦尼薇娅挥动叉子，在空中画了一个圈。

BonnevilleAlright, how about this? If you are really so interested, then go around and ask about it yourself, hmm?这样吧，如果教授真的很感兴趣的话，就尝试自己去打听看看吧，怎么样？

ProfessorIs this some sort of test for me?这算是对我的考验吗？

BonnevilleIs that really a test for you, Professor? Let's just call it an entrée, a little game.对于教授来说应该算不上考验吧？只是一个作为开胃小菜的游戏而已。

ProfessorI will give it my all.我会全力以赴的。

BonnevilleI look forward to seeing you next, then. It was a lovely meal, thank you for the treat.那我就期待下一次和教授见面啦。这顿饭吃得很开心，感谢教授的招待。

She puts her cutlery back in their place, waving at me as she steps outside.邦尼薇娅将餐具归位，向我挥了挥手，离开了餐厅。

The sounds of tires against the pavement and a roaring engine arise. I look in the sound's direction to see a blazing head of hair waving in the air like a standard, its owner speeding away into the horizon.紧接着一阵轮胎与地面摩擦的嘶吼在窗外响起。我向外看去，火红的头发像是一面迎风飘扬的旗帜，消失在了视野的尽头。

Probe - 3 探针-3

The Oasis, Cafe.绿洲，咖啡厅。

Professor(According to her records when she signed up with Project Neural Cloud, she claimed the N-WSBK title four times in a row. A formidable competitor, to say the least.)（根据邦尼薇娅参加云图计划时登记的档案记载，她曾经蝉联四届N-WSBK冠军，真是优秀的人形车手啊。）

Professor(But after her last outing, she left her team and never stepped foot in the competitive scene again...)（但在最后一场比赛后，她就离开了车队，再也没有踏上赛场……）

Professor(And this last event's records are far too abnormal. Someone must have tampered with it behind the scenes... what exactly happened?)（最后这次比赛的记录太异常了，背后应该有人为的操作……到底发生了什么？）

??Professor?教授？

ProfessorAh, Shale. It's not quite the time we agreed on yet. You're here early.啊，是谢拉啊。还没有到约定的时间呢，你居然到得这么早。

ShaleForce of habit. As for you, Professor... you're even earlier than me.我习惯早点到啦。倒是教授您，居然到得比我还早。

ProfessorI was looking for somewhere quiet to sort out my thoughts.正好想找个安静的地方梳理思路。

ShaleYou didn't even notice me come in. Something tough on your mind?您甚至没注意到我进咖啡厅，是遇上什么难题了吗？

ShaleOh! Could it be... something related to love? Since White Day just passed...啊！难道说……是恋爱方面的？毕竟白色情人节过了不久……

ShaleAhem, I don't have any personal experience with that, but I've read a lot of novels about it! Maybe I can help out!咳咳，虽然我没有恋爱经验，但是看过很多这方面的小说！或许可以帮上忙哦！

ProfessorHahaha, it's not anything related to that, but I do need you to help me out.哈哈哈，虽然不是恋爱方面的问题，但确实需要拜托你帮忙。

Shale looks at the clock on the wall, mulling it over for a bit.谢拉看了看墙上挂着的时钟，认真思考了一会儿。

ShaleWell... we have 20 minutes until our prearranged time, and I did get you for an extra half hour just in case. I thought we should have the time.唔……离我们约定的时间还有20分钟，而且以防万一我多约了您半小时，应该是来得及的。

ShaleTell me, what do you need help with?您先说吧，需要我帮什么忙呀？

ProfessorIt's about Bonneville.是关于邦尼薇娅的事情。

I summarized my interactions with Bonneville in the past few days, as well as my worries about her affairs.我简单说明了这几天与邦尼薇娅的相处，以及对她心事的担忧。

ShaleSo that's how it is. Seriously, Bonneville... following you, and then making you treat her to food. It hasn't gotten in the way of your work, has it?原来是这样……邦尼薇娅也真是的，一会儿跟踪您，一会儿还让您请客吃饭，没妨碍到您的工作吧？

ProfessorDon't worry. I quite like how straightforward she is, really.没关系，不如说我还挺喜欢她直率的性格的。

ProfessorHer reaction to the word "racing" should be related to her past, I think. Does that give you any ideas?她对于“赛车”的反应，应该和她的过去有关吧。你有什么头绪吗？

ShaleHmm... Bonneville never really tried to avoid talking about her past with us, but when those topics came up, there's always this tinge of self-deprecation and resentment...嗯……邦尼薇娅其实并不避讳和我们说起她的过去，虽然聊到那些话题的时候，她的语气里总是有一份失落和自嘲……

ShaleI think the reason that she has told you to find out yourself instead of simply telling you is that... she's hoping she can get some sort of different answer from you.我觉得，她没有选择自己告诉您，而是让教授您自己去探究，是不是认为，她可以从您这边得到不一样的答案呢？

ProfessorIs that's what she's thinking...她是这么想的吗……

ShaleIt's merely conjecture, nothing more than that.虽然只是我的猜测而已啦。

ShaleBut I think I agree with her assessment that you can help her move on.不过我也同样觉得，是教授您的话，应该能帮邦尼薇娅解开心结。

Shale takes a sip of her coffee, drinking away the fog of the past.谢拉端起咖啡杯轻轻吹了一口，像是要驱散过去的迷雾。

ShaleThat was the last time she attended N-WSBK, the premier world motorcycling championship...那是她最后一次参加N-WSBK，也就是世界超级摩托车锦标赛……

The Oasis' Outskirts.绿洲，郊外。

Bonneville zips along the road. Usually, the rhythmic purr of the engine would lift her spirits, but today a knot of worry tightened in her chest, refusing to loosen its grip.邦尼薇娅疾驰在道路上。如果是往常，发动机的轰鸣声应该能让她的心情稍微舒畅一些，只是今天，她的心里依旧是一团乱麻。

Bonneville("Racing Doll..." been some time since anyone's called me that.)（“赛车人形”……已经很久没有人这么叫我了。）

Bonneville(I can still chase speed all I want, but the Dolls who once shared that passion and saw me as a rival are no longer here.)（虽然我依旧还能像这样追求速度，但是那些将我视为对手的人形，却都已经不在了。）

Bonneville(So why do I still ride?)（我再度骑上摩托，究竟是为了什么呢？）

She gradually slows down, stopping by the roadside.速度越来越慢，邦尼薇娅在路边停下。

Not a soul in the environs, a stream quietly flows by the way. The sky merges with the road in the distance, the path ahead extending to realms unknown.周围空无一人，只有一条静静流淌的小河。天空与路的尽头相接，前路不知会延伸向何方。

BonnevilleSo there are rivers in the Cloud too... just like that day.云端居然也有河啊……就像那天一样。

She steps towards the river almost by instinct, seemingly returning to the past as she gazes at her reflection in the water.她不由自主地向河边走去，看着水面中映出自己的倒影，仿佛回到了过去。

Returning to a time when she was still "Number 42".那时候，她还是“42号”。

Reminiscence - 1 追忆-1

观众A42! Come on! I've bet everything I own on you!42号！给我冲啊！老子把所有身家都压在你的身上了！

观众BGo, go, go! 42! Bit faster around the curve! Come on!冲冲冲！42号！拐弯的速度再快点！快！

—See, just like so.——看，就像这样。

To these people, the driver and the number do not matter. They are simply convenient identifications that prevent them from making a mistake when betting.对这些人类而言，车手和数字都并无意义，不过是方便他们押注时不会搞错的标记。

Bonneville reveled in the thrill of riding, enthralled by the rush of wind against her. Amidst any chaos or noise, she never lost sight of her true passion—to be the fastest she could be.邦尼薇娅天生喜欢飙车，痴迷着风呼啸而过的声音。不论在多么嘈杂混沌的氛围中，她的初心也从未变过——追求极限速度。

解说The next turn'll decide it all. Who'll be the first across the line?!下一个转弯就要决出胜负，赢下比赛的究竟会是谁呢？！

解说OHHHH! No. 42! It's No. 42! No. 42 has broken through!哦！42号！是42号！42号冲出重围！

解说Oh my god! She's still accelerating! Can No. 42 maintain her undefeated record?天呐！她还在加速！不断加速！42号可以延续她赛场上不败的传奇吗？

Feathering the front brake while accelerating in low gear, the driver in red executes a smooth drift through the turn, then guns it down the straight, crossing the finish line triumphantly.前轮半制动,低档加速半离合，红发车手开足了马力漂移过弯，并一口气直线加速，冲过了终点线。

Cheers erupt from the spectator stands, echoing the countless matches before. The crowd waves banners, leaping and cheering, filling the air with a contagious energy of excitement and enthusiasm.场边的观众爆发出欢呼，一如之前的数场比赛一样。他们挥舞着旗帜，跳跃着欢呼，空气中弥漫着热情洋溢的氛围。

The gorgeous jockey behind the wheel removes her helmet, giving her long hair a shake, taking her leave from the vessel of emotion behind her.性感的车手脱下头盔，甩甩长发，草草从这情绪浓烈的赛车上退场。

???Congratulations, Bonneville. The regional title's yours. One step closer to the grand finals champion.恭喜你了，邦尼薇娅。地区排位赛的第一名，离最后的总决赛冠军又近了一步。

BonnevilleIt's just regionals, nothing worth getting excited over. If I remember correctly, there's a 5 point difference between us, Thurbel.仅仅是排位赛第一，也没什么可兴奋的。要是我没记错，你和我积分差5分吧，瑟尔珀。

瑟尔珀My past experiences inform me as to what position I am in. Those lunatics over at the booths won't be putting any big money on me anytime soon.过往的经历让我知道自己处在什么位置。那些狂热的赌徒可不会在我身上下大注。

瑟尔珀Know what they call me nowadays?知道他们管我叫什么吗？

BonnevilleYeah. "Thurbel, eternally second."知道，“万年第二瑟尔珀”。

瑟尔珀Oi! You're really leaving without at least saying goodbye to the folks in your team? Bit cold, isn't it?喂！不和你车队的伙计们打个招呼吗，就这么走了还真是冷漠无情。

BonnevilleSome of the drivers that used to be in this team couldn't handle it mentally, and hurt the team's scores.之前队里的车手心智承压能力太差，影响了队伍积分。

BonnevilleFor the sake of winning this season of WUP, management's cycled out all the Dolls in the team just last week. Even ol' K who worked on the motorcycles got the boot.为了能顺利赢下这次WUP，经理上一周刚刚把车队的人形都换了。连负责摩托车维修的老K也被辞了。

BonnevilleI'm not familiar with a single soul in the new team. We all hustle here for the sake of our goals, no need to pretend to be so chummy.新车队的人我不熟，大家只是为了各自的目标在这个赛场上驰骋，也没有必要装得很熟络。

瑟尔珀And you? For what do you drive?那你呢？你是为了什么赛车。

BonnevilleI simply enjoy the feeling speed gives me.我纯粹是为了享受速度带来的快感。

瑟尔珀Even on the track?在赛场上？

BonnevilleYeah, on the track. All of the Dolls here cast off all their concerns, and pursue speed as they like. That's the feeling of breaking limits I'm after.对，在赛场上。这里所有的人形都会不顾自我，放肆地追求速度。我要的就是这种突破极限的感觉。

瑟尔珀Haha... how laughable.呵呵……真是好笑呢。

BonnevilleWhat, was that too kitsch for you?看你的样子好像是我讲了个很冷的笑话？

瑟尔珀The moment we come out of the factory, we are inextricably tied to a horde of beneficiaries. If you were to go tell those gamblers that you were a second slow because of a mistake, do you think they would listen to reason?我们被生产出来的那一天就和集团利益挂钩了，和那些赌徒说自己因为失误而慢了一秒，你觉得他们会听你解释吗？

瑟尔珀You want to go for joyrides, go after the limits of speed, and you come to the field of competition? The naïveté.想要追求速度，放肆飙车竟然会来赛场，你还真是天真。

Thurbel smiles, patting Bonneville on the shoulder as she walks past her.瑟尔珀微微一笑，从邦尼薇娅身边路过，顺势拍了拍她的肩膀。

瑟尔珀Though I can't say I mind this kind of naïveté.不过啊，这样的天真，我不讨厌。

瑟尔珀I hope you have the same luck next time, three-time champion Bonneville.希望你下一次也这么好运，三冠王邦尼薇娅。

The driver's backdrop disappears in the light from the other end of the exit. Bonneville shakes her head, at a loss.女骑手的背影消失在通道出口的亮光中，邦尼薇娅无语地摇摇头。

BonnevilleWhat a chatty girl.真是个啰嗦的女人。

Team IA Management Office.IA车队经理办公室。

车队队员1Hey, where were you, Thurbel? The boss was looking for you.喂，瑟尔珀你跑到哪里去了，刚刚老板在找你。

瑟尔珀Looking for me?找我？

车队队员1Yeah, when the scores came out, his face was almost an ashen color. Looked like he was gonna explode.嗯嗯，刚刚成绩出来的时候，老板脸色铁青，一副要爆发的样子。

车队队员1Be careful. Don't make him any more angry than he already is, or we'll all...你去的时候小心点，可别再说话惹恼了他，不然我们的日子都不好……

车队经理Thurbel! My office!瑟尔珀！！跟我来办公室！

The roaring interrupts their discussion. Thurbel gestures to the other person. There was a need for their conversation to continue further. She responds crisply to the voice:咆哮声打断了两人的对话，瑟尔珀示意队员别再继续说下去，自己干脆地应了一声：

瑟尔珀Coming!来了！

The manager enters the room first. Thurbel's heart sinks as she sees the other team members in the room, here to receive their share of berating.经理先进了门，瑟尔珀跟在身后看到办公室内等待受训的其他队员，心情变得沉重。

车队经理I am sure everyone is aware of our team's results. There is still a chance as the standings currently are.我们车队的成绩想必大家都知道了，按照目前的积分来看还有机会。

车队经理However, our upper management has run out of patience, especially for you, Thurbel. This is the sixth year you've been active in the field.但是集团高层已经没有了耐心，尤其是你瑟尔珀。今年已经是你在赛场上服役的第六个年头了。

车队经理If you cannot produce any results, upper management will do more than just retire you.如果再跑不出什么成绩，集团高层可不是让你退役那么简单。

Thurbel gathers her hand into a fist. She knew all too well inside what her manager meant.瑟尔珀暗自握紧了拳头，内心也明白经理指的是什么。

车队经理The other teams have already gone through several cycles of Dolls for the sake of improving their results. You all can afford to be so laid-back because I am at the front, handling all the pressure for you.别的车队为了提升成绩，人形都已经换了好几批了，你们如今还能这么悠闲，都是有我在前边为你们顶着压力。

车队经理I fail to understand how you are so buddy-buddy with that No. 42! You're opponents, for god's sake!真不知道你怎么还和那个42号有说有笑的。你们在赛场上可是对手！

瑟尔珀Yes.是。

车队经理Your time was 1.32s slower than hers, not a difference too great to make up. Tomorrow, I will arrange for someone to collide into her, and hit the brakes on her vehicle.你和她的比赛成绩差1秒32，这点差距不是追不上。明天的正赛我会安排人在比赛开始时和她碰撞，趁机捏住她的刹车。

瑟尔珀Motorcycles move at more than 200 km/h when racing. If you proceed with this, the driver...竞速赛场上摩托车行驶速度超过时速200公里，这样做对对方车手……

车队经理You're concerned about another driver? If she doesn't end up in the can this time, you will.你还有精力考虑对方车手？如果这次比赛中她不报废，比赛完报废的就是你。

车队经理Who are you to talk about fair play, eternally second?! Come back when you're in first place!万年第二有什么资格和我在这里讲竞赛公平？！拿了第一再和我谈条件！

The man slams his table with all his strength as the atmosphere in the room reaches a freezing point.男人狠狠地锤了一下桌子，屋子内的气氛降到冰点。

车队经理Do not be convinced by those childish slogans. The conglomerate does not take kindly to those who cannot produce results. If this continues, we'll all be out on the streets.别被那些幼稚的口号洗脑，集团不会养闲人，再拿不出成绩我们都要收拾东西滚蛋。

瑟尔珀I understand.我明白了。

Thurbel looks up, scanning across the room full of silent teammates. Her sight settles on the silver trophies littering the shelves behind the manager.瑟尔珀抬头，扫视了一圈周围一言不发的队友，目光最终落在了经理身后成片的银色奖杯之上。

Perhaps it was time for a change.或许，是时候做出改变了。

Deep into the night, Bonneville exits her bathroom. The projector is still playing a recording of today's race, and it just happens to be the segment of her own final dash. The commentator's voice from the speakers becomes more and more excited.已经到了深夜，邦尼薇娅从浴室走出来。投影上还在播放今天比赛的录播，正是自己冲刺那一段的回放，影像中的解说语气越来越兴奋。

She wipes her hair, enjoying a drink. Immediately, a notification sound interrupts her brief peace.女车手擦干了头发惬意地享受着罐装根啤。下一秒，通讯信息的提示音就打破了短暂的休闲。

BonnevilleMan, bastard of a boss making someone work at an ungodly hour like this.喂喂喂，哪家老板这么黑心，都这个点了还叫员工加班干活。

As much as she complains, she flips open her terminal.嘴上这么埋怨着，但她还是老实地打开了终端。

Come by the river. We need to talk. —Thurbel来河边，我有事情找你。

Come by the river. We need to talk. —Thurbel——瑟尔珀

Reminiscence - 2 追忆-2

The tranquility of the riverside is broken by the roar of an engine. Bonneville speeds along the water's edge, catching a glimpse of a figure dressed in white out of the corner of her eye.摩托车的轰鸣声搅动了河岸边的虫鸣。邦尼薇娅骑车从河岸边飞驰而过，余光扫到了驻足在河边上的白色身影。

BonnevilleFound you.找到了，是那个家伙啊。

She hits the brakes, and the sharp sound of friction assaults the ears as the tires leave a streak of rubber along the road's surface. The redhead dismounts with a leap.她紧急捏住刹车，沙——尖锐的摩擦音刺痛耳膜，车胎在公路上留下一抹黑色的橡胶擦痕。红发女车手从摩托上翻身而下。

The figure in white stands still at the water's edge. A heavy hand claps her on the back, and she turns to face her rival, as unrestrained as ever.白衣女车手正盯着水面发呆，感觉后面有人大力拍了自己一掌，回头一看果然是那个无拘无束的死对头。

瑟尔珀Please, my old bones can't handle it if you put your back into it. I'm your senior on the track, at the end of the day. Show some respect to your elders.拜托，你拍的这么大力，我这个老骨头可承受不住。再怎么说我在赛车场上也是你的前辈，麻烦你对前辈敬重一点。

BonnevilleYou've been at it for only six years! Don't say that like you're some diesel-walking tractor.你服役也不过六年而已，别说得自己跟什么柴油手扶拖拉机一样。

瑟尔珀Yeah, six years. For an average civilian Doll, it is a normal operational period. Nothing more, nothing less.是啊，六年。对于寻常的民用人形来说，是再正常不过的工作期限。

瑟尔珀Though in a place as sharply dependent on performance as the track, I ought to have been replaced long ago.不过在赛车场这种分秒必争的地方，我其实早该被换掉了吧。

瑟尔珀A few touchups on the core and conductors greatly increase a Doll's ability to handle a vehicle. The spectators at the races bet, gambling on the technological myths they themselves created.核心及传导器的一点点调整升级，就可以让人形在弯道的控车能力极大提升。赛场上的观众赌了半天，赌的最终也是他们自己创造出来的科技神话。

瑟尔珀Humans... truly are adept at believing their own lies.人类啊，真是善于自欺欺人呢。

BonnevilleI can't agree with that. Humans only give us our base commands. Our judgment in the heat of the moment and improvement of technique are the results of our own hard work.这点我可无法苟同。人类只是给予了我们底层指令，对赛场情况的判断，技术的精进都是我们自己努力的结果。

BonnevilleI can't say I enjoy all of this "fate" stuff you keep talking about.像你这种宿命论，我很不喜欢。

瑟尔珀Man, stuff about hard work can only come out of the mouth of a high-handed champion.哎呀，努力什么的也只有趾高气昂的冠军可以说出来……

Thurbel picks up a pebble on the river bank, tossing it towards the rippling water at an angle. The projectile bounces a few times upon the surface before sinking to the bottom with a splash.瑟尔珀捡起河岸上的小石头，找准角度朝着波光粼粼的水面抛掷过去。轻盈的石头在河面上连续跳跃了几下，最终“噗通”一声沉入水底。

She slaps the dust off her hands, changing topics.白衣车手拍了拍手上的灰尘，进入正题。

瑟尔珀Tomorrow's race. Stay away from my team's drivers at the start.明天的正赛，出发时离我们队的车手远一些。

BonnevilleEh?诶？

瑟尔珀They're looking to rough you up. Watch your brakes carefully, or ideally get some distance from the very beginning so you don't collide.那些家伙打算找你的麻烦。看好你的刹车，或者最好能从一开始就甩得他们远远的，避免碰撞。

BonnevilleGetting this underhanded, are we?这么不入流的手段也要开始用了吗？

瑟尔珀I've been in this for longer than you. Seen dirtier, too.我比你在这个赛场上呆的时间长，肮脏手段也比你见得多。

瑟尔珀That's why I say you're naive. Trying to do it all with nothing but your passion... enviable, truly.所以我才会说你天真，凭这一腔热血做事……真是让人羡慕。

Bonneville moves to imitate Thurbel, skipping a rock across the water. Distinctly, her control of angle and power is more precise, and the rock skips almost a dozen times before sinking.邦尼薇娅也学着瑟尔珀的样子，捡起石头开始打水漂。不同的是她的角度和力道控制更精准，石头在水面上跃动了十多下才停住。

BonnevilleWe're opponents, aren't we? You sure you won't regret telling me all of this intel now?我们不是对手吗？这个时候你选择把消息透露给我，不会后悔吗？

瑟尔珀Perhaps it's just the part of my heart not resigned to its fate that's talking. Once upon a time I too chose to race out of passion. Yet now I must make compromises as reality demands.也许是自己内心的不甘在作祟吧，曾几何时，我也为了热爱选择赛车。而如今却却要为现实而妥协。

BonnevilleHah, you're an interesting one. Want a drink? I brought root beer.呵呵，你这个人还真有意思。要不要喝一杯，我带了罐装根啤。

瑟尔珀Don't drink and drive.喝酒不开车。

BonnevilleTsk, don't worry. Non-alcoholic.啧，放心啦，无酒精的。

Bonneville opens the can for her, stuffing the can into her hands.邦尼薇娅帮她拉开易拉罐，将饮料强塞到对方怀中。

瑟尔珀Haha, I ought to honor the wishes of a three-time champion.呵呵，三冠王的面子还是要给的。

The two take up their cans, gingery-yellow foam sloshing about. Thurbel's brow immediately furrows as she takes a sip. Who in the world would enjoy this stuff...二人拿起易拉罐碰杯，姜黄色的泡沫轻微漾出。瑟尔珀喝了一口眉头瞬间紧皱，怎么会有人喜欢喝这种东西……

N-WSBK Regional Main Competition Venue.N-WSBK地区正赛赛场。

解说...All competitors have set off. No. 36 and 52 have fallen behind in the opening, about half a second behind the pack. They'll need to make up ground later with adjustments... here comes No. 42, Bonneville...……现在所有的车手都已出发，36、52号车手起步失利，可能要比别的选手慢了半秒左右。只能通过后面的操作尽量缩小差距……镜头给到42号车手邦尼薇娅……

解说Oh, No. 42 is moving forward in unison with the two competitors from team IA...啊……42号车手正在和 IA车队的两个车手齐头并进……

解说No. 42 is attempting to overtake!42号车手试图超车！

Confusion reigns in the spectator stands as people mutter amongst themselves, unaware of the circumstances. Bonneville, however, has fallen into an impasse.观众席上的众人一脸迷茫，在场下窃窃私语不明白发生了什么事，而赛场上的邦尼薇娅则陷入了一场苦战。

The two motorcycles surround Bonneville, following her as she accelerates and decelerates like a pair of flies, impossible to shake off.两辆摩托包夹着邦尼薇娅，自己加速也好减速也罢对方都像粘人的苍蝇，甩都甩不掉。

BonnevilleHey, hey, hey... is this the treatment a champion gets?喂喂喂……这就是冠军的特殊待遇吗？

车手1So what if you're a three-time champion? Can't see you getting out of this one.嘿嘿，三冠王又怎么样，还不是被我们制得服服帖帖。

车手2Time to show you some respect, red-furred dog!也是时候给这个红毛女点颜色瞧瞧了！

BonnevilleAfter my brake, are you?你们是要对我的刹车做什么吗？

车手1H-how did you know...你、你怎么知道……

BonnevilleSpare the effort, I'll do it myself!不用你们费心，我自己来！

Bonneville slams the brakes, her motorcycle lurching as it slows. Her body is sent reeling forward with momentum.邦尼薇娅猛得扣下刹车，高速行驶的摩托车骤停，而她的身体因为惯性向前飞冲。

解说Huh? No. 42's vehicle seems to have had some malfunction! They've suddenly braked... but they're still on their vehicle.咦？42号选手机车好像是出了什么故障！车手突然刹车了……但是她人并没有被甩出去。

车手1What is that woman doing?那个女人在干什么？

车手2She's gone mad!她疯了是吧！

BonnevilleI'm not like you losers. Name's Bonneville, and I'm a real driver!和你们这些混子可不同，我邦尼薇娅可是真正的赛车手！

Utilizing the sudden deceleration, she wrenches the bike's direction as her body is thrown forward. The motorcycle skims the track's edges, expertly navigating the corner. Capitalizing on a moment of hesitation from the driver on her right, Bonneville accelerates.红发女车手借助突然刹车降低了速度，在被甩出去的一瞬间扭转车头方向，擦着赛道边缘强行过弯，在右侧车手迟疑的瞬间立即加速。

解说But No. 42 doesn't let go of the chance!但是42号选手没有错过这个机会！她不断加速，加速，加速……

BonnevilleGoodbye, ya has-beens~再见了，败犬们~

Bonneville charges forward, gaining tremendous distance from the two drivers surrounding her, closing the gap between the other opponents in front of her.邦尼薇娅加足了马力将之前包夹自己的那两个车手甩出了很远，并逐一赶超前面的对手。

解说What a shocking maneuver! No. 42, Bonneville, is not a three-time champion for nothing!真是令人震惊的炫技，42号选手邦尼薇娅不愧是N-WSBK的三冠王！

Waves of cheers erupt from the onlookers, each one greater than the last.看台上的观众爆发出一阵欢呼，声浪一浪高过一浪一浪。

Amidst the engines' outcry as she moves with blazing speed, Bonneville sees the figure she drank with by the river last night.在摩托车的轰鸣和风驰电掣之中，邦尼薇娅看到了昨天和自己在河边一起喝酒的那个身影。

BonnevilleOi! Thurbel!喂！瑟尔珀！

The golden-haired driver ignores Bonneville, focusing on the next curve up ahead.金发车手没有理会邦尼薇娅，专注于下一个弯道。

BonnevilleThank you.多谢你了。

She nods, accepting her opponent's gratitude.金发人形微微点头，表示受领了来自竞争对手的谢意。

After a few laps, Bonneville maintained a comfortable lead. Amidst the applause and cheers, she once again secures the N-WSBK championship title.几圈过后，邦尼薇娅一直保持遥遥领先，在掌声与喝彩之中，她再次迎来了N-WSBK地区赛正赛的冠军。

Business as usual. A few ups and downs, but the result was the same nevertheless.一如往常。即便有些许的波折，结果也一如往常。

Team IA Management Office.IA车队经理办公室。

A thick stack of CCTV photos are slammed in Thurbel's face. The various photos were of countless different angles, but two figures stood together in all of them.一叠厚厚的监控照片甩在瑟尔珀脸上。四散的相纸上图像的拍摄角度各异，但每一张上无一例外都有两个身影。

车队经理And how do you explain this?你要怎么解释？

瑟尔珀We had a drink together, that's all.只是一起喝了个啤酒而已。

车队经理You meet up with your opponent the day before the event, and you tell me you just had a drink?临上场前一天跟对手碰面，你跟我说只是为了喝个啤酒！

车队经理You told No. 42 all about our plans, didn't you? Do you have some vendetta against first place? You're not happy to take first place?你把我们的计划全都告诉那个42号了是吧！你是和第一有仇吗？让你拿第一让你心里不痛快？

瑟尔珀This is a competition, so I...这是场比赛，所以我……

车队经理Don't irk me with that fair competition and sportsmanship shit! For the team, all that's needed is results! Money!不要用什么公平竞技，体育精神来恶心我！对车队来说，只要成绩！要钱！！

车队经理The finals are your last shot. With the current point difference between you and No. 42, only a win will secure you the top spot in the standings. If you continue as you are now...后天的总决赛是你最后一次机会。以你目前和那个42号的积分差距，只有拿到冠军积分才能第一。如果你还是现在这个样子……

车队经理Management means to say that you've already been in the field for some time. If you are so inclined to disobey, then you shall be scrapped as the conglomerate's rules would have it.集团那边的意思是，你服役时间本来就长了，既然这么不愿意服从管理，就按照集团的规定对你统一回收进行报废处理。

车队经理That which is without value ought to be treated like garbage. Those other lumps of metal will see that this is what happens to dissidents.没有利用价值的东西就该按垃圾处理，也让手下的那群铁疙瘩们看看，不服管的就是这个下场。

车队经理I am not at fault here. Team IA has no more time to waste on you.你别怪我，IA车队已经没有时间在你身上浪费了。

瑟尔珀I understand. Thank you.我明白。谢谢经理。

The office room closes with a click. Thurbel feels her soul departing her, with her stumbling and staggering.“咔嚓”办公室的门被关上，瑟尔珀在门外失魂落魄，身形摇摇欲坠。

One week left. If she still cannot find a way to win, then she would be saying goodbye to this short life of hers.还有一个星期，如果自己还不能想办法取得胜利，那么她即将面对的将是告别这短暂的一生。

Whether it's modifying her vehicle or herself, even if it bends the rules, she has to find a way to keep going. She raises her head and sighs, a hand still pressed to her forehead as she feels an incoming headache.无论是改装赛车，还是改装自己，就算大赛条例不允许，她也必须极尽手段“活下去”。金发人形抬起头叹了口气，扶着额头觉得自己有些头疼。

瑟尔珀I'll go fix up the collision damage tomorrow. Maybe I'll be a fraction of a second faster on those turns.明天把之前撞坏的车把维修一下，说不定转弯的时候还能提个百分之一秒。

???Well, well, well! Look who it is! Oh, it's the traitor in bed with another team...喂喂喂！这是谁啊！哦，原来是和别的车队串通一气的叛徒哦……

???So many years of effort, and the boss has been keeping a dog that bites the hand that feeds it. Ain't that a mistake.老板养了这么多年，养了一条会咬自己的狗，还真是瞎了眼呢。

The two team members that scuffled with Bonneville appear. Knowing they were after her, Thurbel kept her head down and took a side route. She found the two right in front of her.是今早和邦尼薇娅发生冲突的那两个车队成员。瑟尔珀知道他们在针对自己，低头不语，从旁边的小路绕行。哪知对方径直挡在自己面前。

车手1Wow, would you look at the attitude.不是吧，态度这么傲慢啊。

车手2We're not the same as you. You get on the track to play about, but we're there with a job to get done. Just so happens that someone felt like fighting the entire of team IA.我们和你不一样，你上赛场是为了玩乐，我们上赛场是带着任务去的，偏偏有人喜欢跟整个IA战队作对。

车手1Do you know how much money you've lost us, tattling to that woman? You couldn't make that up even if we sold you!你知道你跟那个红发女人告密，害我们损失多少钱吗？卖了你都赔不起啊！！

Overcome with emotion, the driver shoves Thurbel, his eyes blazing with fury. Thurbel stumbles backward a few steps but remains silent...怒目圆睁的车手说到激动处忍不住开始动手，重重推了一把瑟尔珀。瑟尔珀身体向后踉跄了几步，却依旧沉默不语……

Bonneville had always enjoyed driving at night. The tranquility after the day's bustle and the cool evening breeze soothed her soul. While she relished the thrill of speed on the track, she cherished this gentler kind of satisfaction just as much.邦尼薇娅一直喜欢夜间骑行。喧嚣过后的宁静和夜晚的凉风让她的灵魂得以放松。她享受在赛场上追求极限速度的快感，但也很钟意这种悠闲的惬意。

Though the night is dark and quiet, Bonneville spots something amiss in a nearby alley. Focusing her vision, she recognizes the culprits—the two unscrupulous drivers from earlier today.不过夜是宁静的，也是黑暗的，总有一些脏东西在暗夜下慢慢滋生。邦尼薇娅注意到道路附近的一处小巷里有异常。定睛一看认出了人，正是今天在赛场上使出下三滥手段的车手。

BonnevilleI forget that vile rats are out and about at this hour.我忘记了，肮脏的老鼠就应该是这个时候出没啊。

Bonneville points her bike light towards the end of the alley. The thuggish drivers turn around, but the hi-lumen bike light shining into their eyes dazzles them, leaving them only able to block the light with their hands.邦尼薇娅将车灯对准小巷深处，混混车手察觉到异常后转身，高流明的车灯晃得他们双眼一阵刺痛，最后只能呻吟着用手遮挡灯光。

车手1Shit! Where'd this come from!*的！哪儿来的摩托车！

车手2Hell if I know, fuck, I can't see anything! My eyes—不知道，*，什么都看不清了！！我的眼……

Before they could finish, the newcomer landed two swift blows to their heads, sending the pair sprawling to the ground, incapacitated.话还没说完， 来人瞅准目标给了巷中的混混每人当头一棍。两人当即摔倒在地，不省人事。

瑟尔珀Bonne... ville...邦尼……薇娅……

BonnevilleHey, can you stand?喂，能站起来吗？

瑟尔珀I just fell over from being shoved. I'm alright... but you... why are you carrying a baseball bat?我只是被他们推了一下摔倒了。不要紧……相反你……为什么还带着棒球棍？

BonnevilleDon't underestimate a former biker gang member! These two swings are a return gift for what they treated to me earlier. I'm not the type to hold grudges. Usually settle them on the same day.不要小看过去的暴走族啊！这两棍子是对今早他们款待的谢礼。我这种人，可是没有隔夜仇的，一般当天就报。

瑟尔珀Haha, that's so you. The finals are coming up soon, aren't you worried about the committee penalizing you for this?呵呵，还真是你的风格。过两天就是总决赛了，你这么搞不怕大赛组委会禁你的赛吗？

BonnevilleOh, whatever, I've won enough titles. Me, I just get onto the track for the thrill of it all.无所谓，反正冠军我已经拿的够多了。我啊~走上赛场只是因为可以享受竞速的刺激。

BonnevilleI don't really care what other people think of me. So long as they lose to me on the track, well, they'd have to at least admit I'm faster than them.其他的人怎么想我不关心，不过在赛场上那些人输了，总要承认自己没我跑得快吧。

BonnevilleHey, what's with you? Why the silent treatment?喂，怎么了，你怎么不说话？

瑟尔珀Yeah... you have enough titles already... No. 42, the great and renowned Bonneville. Three-time champion...是啊……你拿的冠军已经够多了……42号的邦尼薇娅大名鼎鼎……现在你已经是三冠王了呢。

BonnevilleThe wind at your side, the sounds of the machine under you, not a worry in the world but the track and your bike. Makes you feel free, no?享受纯粹的飙车乐趣，在赛场上飞驰。那个时候的引擎轰鸣还有耳边的风，都会让你觉得很自由，不是吗？

瑟尔珀No... I don't think it's beautiful, in any sense of the word...不……我一点也不觉得美妙……

瑟尔珀How... is it still possible for someone to simply think of racing as amusement? It's so painfully obvious we're just... manipulated mannequins, always accelerating on a set track.为什么还能有人单纯地觉得赛车是种乐趣……明明我们，我们只是被操纵着，不停加速的人偶。

瑟尔珀Freedom, what a thought! The moment we step onto the field of competition, we forfeit it.什么自由啊，真是荒唐！走上赛场的那一刻，我们就放弃了自由啊。

BonnevilleDo you know what you are saying, Thurbel?你知道自己在说什么吗，瑟尔珀？

The light behind Bonneville illuminates the alley as if it were a sunny midday. She stood there, blocking enough of the light for the blonde in front of her to open her eyes. With a mocking smile and almost absent-minded countenance on Thurbel's face, Bonneville finds an inconceivable chill running through her heart.身后的车灯将小巷照得亮如白昼，邦尼薇娅背对着巷口，替瑟尔珀挡住了灯光。金发人形在她的阴影庇护下得以睁开双眼，一抹戏谑的笑挂在嘴角搭配恍惚的神情，竟让邦尼薇娅心中涌上一丝寒意。

瑟尔珀Bonneville, you have enough titles already…邦尼薇娅，你已经拿了足够多的冠军了……

瑟尔珀So letting me have this one isn't out of the question, surely.这一次把它让给我，也是可以的吧。

Reminiscence - 3 追忆-3

N-WSBK finals.N-WSBK总决赛现场。

车队成员Bonneville! Bonneville! Hey...邦尼薇娅！邦尼薇娅！喂……

Seeing that Bonneville sits idle in the rest area, her team members come to fetch her to familiarize herself with the track. They open the door to see her head in the clouds, ignoring them even as they shout at her.车队成员看到邦尼薇娅呆坐在休息室，前来提醒她赛前试车，熟悉跑道。刚推门进来就看到她魂不守舍，连续叫了几声对方都没搭理。

Bonneville is still thinking over the events last night in that alley. Try as she might, she cannot understand why Thurbel said the things she did.此刻，邦尼薇娅还在回想昨晚小巷中发生的事，她始终想不明白为什么瑟尔珀会对她说出那样的话。

瑟尔珀Bonneville, you've enough titles already...邦尼薇娅，你已经拿了足够多的冠军了……

瑟尔珀So letting me have this one isn't out of the question, surely.这一次把它让给我，也是可以的吧。

BonnevilleWhat are you saying?你在说什么啊，瑟尔珀？

瑟尔珀The throne is a constraint to those who rule, but an unattainable grail to commoners like me.王座对于王者而言是拘束，对我这种贫民才是可望不及的圣物。

瑟尔珀You are free of your shackles, I ascend to the throne. Emancipation for both of us.让你从拘束中走出来，我走上王座。我们两个都能解脱。

BonnevilleThat doesn't mean we should make a travesty of it all! If you're so obsessed with first place, why help me last night by telling me about those goons?那也不能打假赛！如果你这么执着于冠军，为什么昨天晚上还要帮我，让我警惕那些混混车手？

BonnevilleDon't you loathe those shady methods too? Or was everything before done with the goal of gaining a favor from me so I'd be more willing to let you win?你在内心不是也厌恶着肮脏的比赛手段吗？还是说之前的那一切只是为了卖个恩情给我，好让我愿意对你放水？

BonnevilleEven without this, I'm sure that in the future one day you...就算不靠这些东西，我相信你未来总有一天会……

瑟尔珀But I have no future already...可是我已经没有未来了……

车队成员Bonne... woah!邦尼……哎哟！

Bonneville suddenly rises from her chair. The team member leaning on her chair loses their balance and tumbles, only saved by Bonneville grabbing them by the collar.邦尼薇娅一起身，靠着椅子站着的车队成员一下没扶稳，差点连人带椅子滚到地上。幸亏这位大姐姐及时拎住了自己的衣领，救了一把。

BonnevilleWhat is it?找我有什么事？

车队成员The finals are coming up, and the manager wanted me to tell you to try out the track and your vehicle. This is an important match for you.一会儿就是总决赛了，经理让我喊你去试车，熟悉一下跑道，这场比赛对你来说很关键。

BonnevilleAnd how much did they put on me this time?他们又在我身上下了多少注?

车队成员Eh?诶？

BonnevilleHah, whatever. Just tell them I'm just here to enjoy the driving. As for when and how I'm getting onto the track, I'll decide for myself.呵，算了。跟他说我只是享受飙车的乐趣，其他的我不在乎。至于什么时候上赛道，怎么上赛道，我自己说了算。

车队成员Man, Bonneville really just does what she wants, huh. Guess that's the ace for you...邦尼薇娅还真是任性呢，谁让你是车队王牌呢……

The team member shrugs powerlessly, returning to report with his tail between his legs.车队队员无奈地摊了摊手，灰溜溜地回去汇报了。

The day's weather is bright and sunny with great visibility, not a disruptive element in sight—a perfect day for racing. Some teams using abnormal methods were forced to settle down, lest the committee come down on them.这一天风和日丽，能见度高，没有任何不良因素的干扰，算是赛车的最佳天气。一些使用非常手段的车队不得不收敛自己的做法，避免被组委会发现禁赛。

Motorcycles of varying colors fly past the track roiling with commotion, howling with sand and dust.人声鼎沸的赛场上，颜色各异的摩托车疾驰而过，嘶吼着卷起泥沙。

解说This nail-biter has entered its three final laps. Now then, who will be the best racing Doll of the year?激动人心的比赛已经来到了最后三圈。那么，究竟是谁会是今年的最强赛车人形呢？

解说Will it be our reigning champion, No. 42 Bonneville? Or the returning challenger, No. 18 Thurbel?是一直位于巅峰的42号邦尼薇娅呢？还是再次发起冲击挑战的18号瑟尔珀呢？

解说Wow! The result of this will be something to look forward to!哇吼！这场比赛的结果还真是让人期待啊！

BonnevilleWhat kind of joke is that? The result's already decided.开什么玩笑，结果不都应该写好了吗？

The red-haired Doll shakes her head, returning their attention to the track in front of them. Each and every contestant is giving their all in the finals, and right in front of Bonneville is the white-clad Thurbel.红发人形摇头，将注意力再度回归到眼前的赛道上。总决赛各位选手都异常拼命，而自己正前方的正是身着白衣的瑟尔珀。

Bonneville is situated in the first echelon. Despite differences in performance between Team IA and Bonneville's vehicles, she closes the distance with some deft weaving, staying right on their tail.邦尼薇娅此刻正位于第一梯队，尽管车的性能上与瑟尔珀所在的IA战队存在差距，但邦尼薇娅依靠出弯时的灵活变线死死咬住前方的几人。

IA车队成员Oh, come on. The red broad's here. What to do, Thurbel?喂，不得了。那个红发女人追上来了。怎么办，瑟尔珀？

瑟尔珀Focus on yourself.专心自己的比赛。

IA车队成员You're still going off about that stuff at a time like this?都这个时候了，还讲什么正人君子之道。

瑟尔珀Hey! You...喂！你们……

Unable to stop the others, Thurbel keeps to herself.瑟尔珀无力阻拦他人的行动，只能管好自己。

If she is to secure the win, the next turn is a good chance. It'll give her the ability to get good distance, and maintain an advantage till the very end.如果想要夺冠的话，下一个弯道便是加速的好时机，可以直接拉开距离保持领先优势直到终点。

Bonneville moves to overtake, but someone barges in from the side, forcing Bonneville to slow down.邦尼薇娅刚想加速超车，身旁的摩托突然加塞别过，硬生生逼缓了邦尼薇娅的速度。

BonnevilleNot going to be that easy, huh...果然没那么容易取胜吗……

BonnevilleAgh—唔——

Before she can formulate a response to the situation, a second and third motorcycle blocks the direction she is moving in.还来不及为眼前的突发情况做出反应，第二、第三辆摩托出现挡在了她前进的方向。

The three of them move as a block, akin to an impenetrable wall.三辆摩托车齐头并行，犹如无法突破的高墙。

BonnevilleTch, what a pain in the ass...切，真会添麻烦啊……

Bonneville looks for an opportunity, neural circuits kicking in and formulating a new overtake route.邦尼薇娅一边紧盯着机会，一边运转心智重新计算着超车的路线。

BonnevilleIf I go from the left...如果从左边的话……

But that thought is immediately cut off.但这个念想很快就被堵住。

Bonneville made preparations, but she's a step too slow.虽然邦尼薇娅有所防备，但终究还是晚了一步。

In the space of one inner curve alone, several drivers in front of her slow down, locking her in place.仅仅只是一个内弯，邦尼薇娅身前的数名车手就放慢速度，与身后的车手配合将她锁在原地。

Their intentions are clear as day. Even the spectators outside boo and jeer in dissatisfaction.意图之明显连场外的观众都察觉到了异常，纷纷以嘘声表达了自己的不满。

解说Oh no, No.42's in trouble. Looks like the drivers around them are focusing on them.天呐，42号选手的情况很糟，看上去似乎是被周遭的车手给盯上了。

解说We've spoken to the referee committee, and the rules determine that these other competitors are not in breach of any rule! We will continue as normal!但我们刚刚咨询了裁判组，从比赛规则的来讲，其余的选手并没有犯规！比赛仍旧正常进行！

解说No. 42... what will you do?42号选手……你究竟该如何应对呢？

BonnevilleDamn it, you'd stoop to such lows?!可恶，竟然用这种下三滥的手段！

机械音Warning, warning, chassis instability, chassis instability...警报警报，车身出现故障，车身出现故障……

Bonneville takes a glance at her display, blinking red numbers quickly occupying the instruments.邦尼薇娅在飞驰中瞥了眼屏幕，目睹了仪表盘上不断闪烁跳跃的红色数字。

Cooling, tire pressure, axles... various parts of the vehicle, reporting ridiculous faults at the same time.制冷，胎压，轮轴……车身上的各处部件都同时出现了不同程度的离奇报错。

A grand coincidence of malfunctioning parts.若说是故障，那未免发生的太过巧合。

She suddenly thinks of something, immediately turning her head towards the inspection point. The few people standing there look at her with disdain in their eyes, their blasé countenance signifying they knew all too well what had happened.她突然想到了什么，下意识扭过头往检修点的方向看去。检修点门口几个人正一脸轻蔑地看着她，淡然的神情昭示着他们很清楚发生了什么事。

BonnevilleTrash! Filth!垃圾！龌龊！

Exasperated as she was, anger and profanities would not solve any problems.虽心有不爽，但愤怒与咒骂解决不了任何问题。

Her time is running short, and the vehicle below her might sputter and die at any moment.眼下留给她的时间并不宽裕，自己身下的摩托车随时都有可能在任何一个弯道熄火。

Even if some emergency treatment made this thing last till the final moments, there would be no chance of first place if she could not get through this living, breathing wall in front of her.即使能够通过一时的应急让它撑到最后，不解决眼前的叹息之墙根本无法觅得任何博得冠军的机会。

BonnevilleSo this is where it ends...只能到这里了吗……

Her hand on the gas slowly relaxes, the dial on the speedometer gradually settling almost regretfully.握住油门的手缓缓松开，标记着速度的指针一点点怀着遗憾落下。

The drivers around her do not give up their watch as Bonneville decelerates.周遭的车手们并没有因为邦尼薇娅的减速而放弃对她的看守。

In this moment before the resolution, they do not advance or retreat, simply savoring Bonneville's last struggles in silence.在这临近结束的最后，他们既不进攻，也不后退，只是静静地欣赏着邦尼薇娅的垂死挣扎。

BonnevilleAren't I supposed to get some buff-applying flashback when it gets to this point in the story?按照正常的发展，这种时候不应该安排什么回忆杀来给我增加buff吗？

Bonneville...Hmph, not that I really have anything worth flashing back to.……哼，虽然我没有什么值得回忆的东西就是了。

BonnevilleOutta my way!给我让开！

The redhead hits the gas, slamming towards a driver to her side.红发人形攥紧油门的同时向身旁的车手撞去。

The all-or-nothing attack staggers her target. Bonneville grasps the chance, grabbing a lone strand of hope in a vast abyss...舍身拼尽全力的冲撞让对方一时踉跄。邦尼薇娅没有放过眼前的机会，硬是从狭缝之间挤出取得一线生机……

This is the first time Thurbel's been out in front. The track lays out before her as far as the eye can see. Not a sight she is used to.这是瑟尔珀第一次跑在最前面。目之所及，到处都是漫长的赛道。这让她看着有些不习惯。

Before, there would always be someone ahead of her. Six years before it was a driver named Orola, but ever since three years ago Bonneville had filled that spot.过去她的视野里，总有人跑在她前面。六年前是一个名叫奥罗拉的人形赛车手，从三年前开始，领先自己的人就变成了邦尼薇娅。

Thurbel's always been chasing after someone. The difference was a mere second or so, but that gap never closed.瑟尔珀一直在追逐别人，明明只有一秒左右的差距，但她却总追不上。

瑟尔珀I'll be the champion... I'll be the champion...我要成为冠军……我要成为冠军……

She had always been in second place, and so she knew all too well. All of the glory and acclaim would go to the champion, and the runner-up wallows in the sun's brilliance. No one would remember her.她一直是亚军，所以自己很明白。所有的荣耀、赞美都属于第一名，而第二名永远是太阳光辉下暗淡的行星。没有人会记得她。

Just once, even if only once. She wanted to sit upon that winner's throne, to gaze upon that which only a victor can see.哪怕只有一次，哪怕只有一次也好，她想要登上冠军的宝座，目睹一下只有王者才能看到的风景。

解说What?! What a shocking turn of events! No. 42 has escaped the blockade, and is accelerating!!什么？！！太让人震惊了。42号选手冲出了重围开始了加速！！

The commentator's rousing voice pulls Thurbel's mind from its little trek back to reality.解说员亢奋的声音将还在神游的瑟尔珀拉回了现实。

瑟尔珀Damn... she's caught up?可恶……追上来了吗？

The approaching sound of another engine becomes louder and louder. Thurbel feels a gaze, focused squarely on her.身后引擎的轰鸣声已经听得很清晰，瑟尔珀知道自己在被人盯着。

There's a little less than a hundred meters between No. 42 and No. 18. Coming up is the tightest turn of the lap, and if No. 42 continues at her current speed, she will no doubt crash!42号车手和目前的第一名18号选手只有近百米的差距，前面是赛程中最后也是最急的弯道，如果以现在的速度入弯，势必会冲出赛道受伤。

BonnevilleA curve? Wouldn't have it any other way!……弯道吗，正合我意！

She discards the thought of decelerating, continuing to dash towards the curve at full throttle.红发人形丝毫没有减速的意思，继续拉满油门朝着弯道的内侧不断冲刺。

解说Looks like No. 42 has lost grip of reason... medical team, please be ready to handle an incident...看来42号选手已经失去理智了啊……医疗组，请你们做好处理现场事故的准备……

With a sharp turn, the drivers previously pursuing Bonneville slow down, waiting for the moment of impact to snicker at.面对眼前的急弯，那些原本追逐邦尼薇娅的车手纷纷放慢速度，等着对她的翻车发起嘲笑。

Bonneville throws her center of gravity to one side, sticking to the inside track as she enters the turn at high speed.邦尼薇娅全力倾斜身体的重心，贴着内道高速入弯。

The distance between the ground and her vehicle shortens and shortens. Just as it looks like she's going to crash and burn, Bonneville suddenly extends an arm, thrusting it into the ground with all the strength she can muster.地面与摩托的距离越发接近，眼看就要碰撞翻车之时，邦尼薇娅却突然伸出了手臂用力插入地面。

解说Huh? No. 42's using her own arm as support! She's drifting into the turn! She's not slowing down! She's not slowing down at all!!诶？42号车手竟然以自己的手作为支撑！漂移过弯！不减速！她没有放慢速度！！

瑟尔珀What? That... she's gone bloody mad!什么？那家伙竟然……她真是疯了！

This is Bonneville's final trick. Using her arm as a fulcrum, she uses the centrifugal force to force her vehicle around the turn without slowing down.这就是邦尼薇娅最后的计划。她想要用自己的手臂当作支撑，强行用扭力迫使自己在不减速的情况下过弯。

Gravel and sparks fly forth from Bonneville's now warped fingertips, the tremendous force nearly tearing her apart in that split second.砾石与火花从邦尼薇娅扭曲变形的指尖飞溅，强大的力量在转瞬间差点撕裂她的身体。

BonnevilleGod, that hurts. I should've cut off the pain sensors way earlier...唔，比想的还要痛，早知道之前就该把痛觉给断开……

BonnevilleBut this is the last stretch... come on!但是，这可是最后的胡来了啊……去吧！

Having no time for agony, Bonneville puts every ounce of strength she has into her arm.顾不得疼痛，邦尼薇娅将力量全都用在了那手臂之上。

As she paints a swathe of burn marks upon the ground, she corrects course for the off-balance motorcycle with an enraged cry.道道焦痕划过，随着邦尼薇娅的怒吼，原本失去平衡的摩托车再次矫正回归了方向。

At the last moment, she wrestles back control of the vehicle, forcing herself around the very edges of the track, almost rubbing shoulders with Thurbel ahead of her.在最后一刻，她终于夺回了摩托车的控制权，擦着赛道边缘强行过弯，与领先的瑟尔珀擦肩。

A red-hot meteor blasts past. Thurbel catches a flash of that glorious hue, an understanding smile appearing on her face.火红流星飞驰而过，瑟尔珀的余光瞟到那抹艳色，嘴角挂上了一丝欣慰的笑。

瑟尔珀Of course, it was never meant to be...果然，自己不可能是冠军啊……

As Bonneville crosses the line, the veil of silence over the arena is shattered by ovation and cheer.邦尼薇娅冲线的瞬间，笼罩赛场的沉默瞬间被喝彩与赞叹取代。

She had become a four-time champion of N-WSBK, a legend whose name is spoken by generations after.她成为蝉联四届N-WSBK冠军的人形车手，也是赛车届人人传颂的神话。

This would be the last time Bonneville and Thurbel spoke. In the dusky arena passage Thurbel encounters Bonneville, applauding her with a smile.这是瑟尔珀与邦尼薇娅最后一次相见。幽暗的赛场通道中，瑟尔珀和邦尼薇娅再次相遇，笑着恭喜她拿到了这届比赛的冠军。

瑟尔珀Congrats, three-time champion. No, four-time now.恭喜你了，三冠王。不，应该说是四冠王才对。

瑟尔珀You won fair and square. You deserve the spoils.你堂堂正正赢了比赛，这是你该取得的荣耀。

BonnevilleI don't care much for a title, but I'd rather not lose to those sick tactics.虽然我不在乎什么冠军，但也不愿意输给你们那些龌龊手段。

瑟尔珀You won't be seeing me on the track anymore. Thinking about it, I'm more than happy to finally leave behind the "always second" curse.今后的赛场上你应该不会再看到我了，终于可以摆脱“万年第二”的诅咒，想想还很开心。

BonnevilleWhat you were talking about before... that no future stuff. Never got a clear answer from you, you retiring?之前你就说什么……没有未来什么的，问你为什么你也不说清楚，是要退役了吗？

瑟尔珀There is no such thing as retirement for IA's drivers. Those no longer of use are scrapped, their core data and parts used for a new Doll.IA车队的车手不存在退役一说，没用的人形车手会直接报废，把核心数据和核心部件供给新的人形。

瑟尔珀The only way for me to escape that fate was to win this match. Unfortunately, I wasn't good enough.我逃脱报废命运的唯一途径就是赢下这场比赛，很遗憾，我实力不足。

BonnevilleThat's nuts! They've gone crazy! What the hell are they thinking?……疯了！那群人疯了！他们脑子里在想什么？

瑟尔珀Something is only as valuable as it is useful. Couldn't be a more common attitude for humans towards Dolls. I can't say I'm going out without regrets, not a single first place finish in my career...物尽其用，这就是人类对人形的常态啊。职业生涯中没有拿过任何一次冠军，我心有遗憾。

瑟尔珀But each and every time I followed the rules, competed fairly, and gave it everything I had. I suppose that soothes the wounds a bit.但每一场比赛我都遵守规则公平竞争，全力以赴。这样也算是无悔吧。

瑟尔珀Thank you, Bonneville. At least there'll be no stains on my career record, thanks to you. To think that I begged sympathy from you back then... how embarrassing.谢谢你，邦尼薇娅。起码没让我得职业生涯留下污点。现在想想当初自己向你祈求同情……真是丢人啊。

Bonneville...If you told me what was really up, I wouldn't have done what I did.……如果你告诉我事情的真相，我就不会那么做了……

瑟尔珀That'd make me hold you in contempt if it went down that way.那样反而我会瞧不起你。

BonnevilleYou say that, but I'm the executioner here, knowing or not. I've just cut off your last chance at life.说得好听，现在的我只是一个天真的刽子手。斩断了你唯一生存的途径。

BonnevilleI never cared much for the title. I never thought that so many people... needed, cared about it. If that's how it is then why do I...我一直不在乎冠军，但从来没想过其实有很多人……他们很需要、很在乎。这样的我为什么要在出现在赛车场上……

瑟尔珀Hah, a champion ought to sit on their throne. Better grow some eyes in the back of your head, though.呵呵，既然是冠军就坐在自己应得的宝座上好了。不过应有的警惕还是不能放松。

瑟尔珀The M conglomerate behind IA's already got their eyes on you. They won't let something stay between them and their source of money for long.IA战队背后的M集团已经注意到你了，妨碍他们赚钱的眼中钉他们是不会留着的。

Bonneville...Let them do their worst.……那就来试试看。

瑟尔珀A biker gang's more direct methods is just child's play to those people in the high castle. Be careful in everything that you do. This is about as much as I can do for you.暴走族那一套的硬碰硬在这些大人物的眼中就是小孩子过家家。凡事多小心，我最后能帮你的也只有这些了。

瑟尔珀You're a crimson shooting star, and you ought to chase after speed as you desire. It's every racer's first wish, after all, and I pray that you keep that virtue in your heart.你是赤红的流星，就应该随心所欲追求速度。这是每个赛车手的初心，也希望你一直保持着这份纯粹。

瑟尔珀It's just that... I may never see it. Best of luck, cowboy.只是这一切……我可能无法见证了。祝你好运，车手。

Thurbel pats Bonneville's shoulder as she always does, walking against the light, walking towards her inexorable fate.瑟尔珀像往常一样拍了拍邦尼薇娅的肩膀，逆光而去，迎接属于自己无情的命运。

That day, the track lost a driver named Thurbel. Gradually, the name fades from common memory, with only the occasional mention of her moniker, "eternally second".自此，赛场上少了一位名叫瑟尔珀的车手。慢慢地，这个名字在人们的记忆中被淡忘，偶尔也会有人提起关于她“万年第二”的调侃。

Only Bonneville knows that she played the role of the executioner. In the name of the champion, she slew a worthy opponent.只有邦尼薇娅知道，自己做了一次刽子手。以冠军之名，斩杀了一位值得尊敬的对手。

After another event in June of the same year, Bonneville left her team. She never stepped foot into competition again.同年6月的一次比赛后，邦尼薇娅离开车队。自此她再也没有踏上过赛场……

Racing Together - 1 共驰-1

The Oasis' Outskirts.绿洲，郊外。

Bonneville stops by the roadside, gazing at a fork in the road she's never seen before.邦尼薇娅将车停在路边，注视着前方自己从未疾驰过的岔路。

If it were usual times, she would be jumping in joy at her discovery, immediately turning towards a trail she is yet to blaze.若换作往常，她本该会为自己的新发现而欣喜雀跃，立刻调转车头疾驰于未知的赛道之上。

But the red knight today had no such sporting inclination.但今日的红发骑士却兴趣全无。

BonnevilleAhh~呼哈~

Bonneville yawns as she reaches for another pebble to toss forward at the water.邦尼薇娅一边打着哈欠，一边随手向身旁的河面丢出石块。

It was on a whim, but a perfectly controlled throw sends the pebble leaping forward upon the water, only stopping after quite some time.虽只是她的临时兴起，但恰到好处的精准控制让石块在水面轻盈向前，跃动了许久后方才缓缓停下。

This sudden and unforeseen accomplishment makes Bonneville open her eyes wide.这突如其来的意外成就让邦尼薇娅瞪大了眼睛。

BonnevilleHey, was that a new record for skips? Oi, did you see that, Thur...刚刚那下打水漂是破了记录吗？喂，你看到了吗，瑟……

She subconsciously reaches for a place most familiar to her by her side, but her hands find no purchase.邦尼薇娅下意识向身旁最熟悉的位置伸手拍击，结果却什么都没有触及。

Bonneville...How trite.……真无聊。

She stands up. As she pats the dust off her clothing, she wishes that the same could happen for the melancholy hanging onto her heart.她从地上坐起。起身拍去身上灰尘的同时，也希望尽快将心中的惆怅一并抖落。

At this very moment, the familiar sound of a motorcycle engine approaches from down the road, prompting a curious look-about from the redhead.就在这时，熟悉的摩托轰鸣声沿着道路传来，引得好奇的红发人形垫脚眺望。

BonnevilleProfessor?教授？

ProfessorBonneville, I was looking for you.邦尼薇娅，我来找你了。

BonnevilleWhy are you on my other... whatever, it's not a big deal.你怎么骑着我的另一辆摩托车……算了，倒也不是什么大事。

BonnevilleShale told you I was here, right? What brings you to my secret race track, Professor?是谢拉告诉你我在这里的吧？特意来到我的秘密赛道找我，是有什么事吗？

Bonneville leans on her bike, absent-mindedly pinching away at the rubber ducky on her bike.邦尼薇娅将身体靠在摩托车上，漫不经心地揉捏着车上的小黄鸭。

ProfessorBonneville, I'm challenging you to a motorcycle race.邦尼薇娅，我想向你发起摩托车比赛挑战。

Quack—嘎——

The rubber duck emits a screech as the Doll suddenly applies force.小黄鸭在红发人形的突然用力下发出尖叫。

Bonneville is blindsided by the proclamation, concealing her awkwardness with coughing and sarcastic remarks.邦尼薇娅完全没有料想到教授会那么说，只好选择用咳嗽声和俏皮话来掩饰自己的尴尬。

BonnevilleCough, cough, cough, man, I didn't see that one coming. I thought the only option left at a time like this would be a confession.咳、咳咳，这还真令人惊讶，我还以为当下的场景只剩下表白这一种选项。

BonnevilleProfessor, can you tell me why you're doing this?教授，能告诉我你这么做的理由是什么吗？

ProfessorI paid a visit to Shale before coming. Learned about your history as a four-time champion before you came to Magrasea.在来到这里之前我拜访了谢拉，从她那里知道了你来到麦戈拉之前身为四冠王的过往。

BonnevilleOh, so you heard about when I was a driver...哦，你知道了我以前当赛车手的事了啊……

BonnevilleOne correction, former four-time champion... as you can see, I've given up the ghost on racing.不过有一点我要纠正说明下，不是四冠王而是前四冠王……如你所见，现在的我已经放弃赛车了。

Bonneville tosses forth the remaining pebbles, allowing them to sink into the chilling depths.邦尼薇娅将剩下的石块全部抛出，任由它们坠入冰冷的湖水之中。

BonnevilleSo, Professor, what makes your first reaction to challenge me?所以，教授，你为什么在知道我的过去后还会想向我发起挑战？

BonnevilleWouldn't it be more normal to ask me for a signature or mock my current state?正常来说，不应该是来找我要签名或者嘲讽我当下的惨状吗？

The red rider tries to wave off the challenge by obfuscating the topic, but the person before her slowly shakes their head, not intending to back down.红发骑士本打算用插科打诨随意应付比赛的提议，但眼前之人却缓缓摇头，丝毫没有退让的打算。

ProfessorBecause there are some things I can only convey to you this way.因为有些事情我希望能够通过比赛传达给你。

BonnevilleOh? What things, exactly?哦？什么事情？

ProfessorIf I said them now you would most likely just scoff at it. Do allow me to hold onto them for a bit, and keep it as a mystery to be revealed during the race.即使我现在说了恐怕你也只会一笑而过吧。倒不如卖个关子，将它的神秘保留到比赛之中。

BonnevilleAlright, alright, assuming that I'm actually interested in whatever you've got... Professor, you're serious about racing me?好吧好吧，先不论你想要传达的事情我感不感兴趣……教授，你真的是认真想和我比赛吗？

BonnevilleYou should be more than aware of the difference between a human and a Doll, right?人类和人形的差距你应该再清楚不过了，不是吗？

ProfessorYes. Even knowing that, I want to challenge you.是的。但即使这样，我还是要向你发起挑战。

Bonneville's interest is piqued.邦尼薇娅的兴趣被勾了起来。

She looks the Professor up and down, acknowledging the fervor in their eyes.她仔细打量了教授，随后对眼中所展现出的热切予以肯定。

Bonneville...A Doll against a human? It's been ages.……人形和人类的比赛吗？还真是久违了啊。

Bonneville mounts her bike with a flip, tossing a helmet towards the Professor.邦尼薇娅翻身上车，拿起另一侧的头盔抛向教授。

ProfessorSo you agree?看样子，你这是答应了？

BonnevilleYeah, sure beats tossing rocks into a pond here.是啊，和你比赛可比待在这里朝湖里扔石子要有趣多了。

She gets in a good stretch, and gets to adjusting her bike's configuration in accordance with the road's circumstances.她伸了个懒腰，开始根据眼前的路况调整起摩托的各项参数。

BonnevilleSpeaking of which, how many times have you driven in a motorcycle race before? Three times? Five times?说起来你在这之前参加过多少次摩托比赛？3次？5次？

ProfessorZero times. I'm not proud of it, but I can count on my hands the amount of times I've ridden a motorcycle.答案是0次。说来惭愧，我骑摩托的次数实际上也屈指可数。

ProfessorI asked Erika to teach me some driving techniques before I came here. I hope they come in useful.和你比赛前我还临时找爱莉卡学了些驾驶的技巧，希望在比赛中可以用上。

BonnevilleSo your first opponent will be a former pro racing Doll... don't know whether to call you lucky or unlucky.第一次比赛的对手就是前职业赛车人形吗……不知道是该夸你幸运还是说你倒霉。

BonnevilleBut a race is a race. I've agreed, so I'll honor it to the end.但是比赛就是比赛，既然答应了我就奉陪到底。

BonnevilleThis fork in the road'll be the starting point. After one lap around the lake, the first person to reach the Oasis wins.以这条岔路为起点开始比赛。绕湖一周后，率先抵达绿洲的人便是这场胜负对决的赢家。

BonnevilleAs for the starting signal... oh yeah, the sound this duck makes'll do. I'll set a timer on it.至于发车的信号……对了，就以小黄鸭的叫声为准吧，我会提前用它设置个定时。

BonnevilleAre these rules to your liking, Professor?教授你接受这个规则吗？

ProfessorOk, no objections.好，我没意见。

She dons her helmet, kickstarting the beast underneath her again.她戴上头盔，重新将身下的漆黑巨兽点火发动。

BonnevilleIt's not too late to ask me to go easy on you, Professor.教授，现在让我放水还来得及哦？

ProfessorI don't think I will. I want a race that leaves no regrets.那还是算了，我希望的可是一场彼此都不留遗憾的比赛。

BonnevilleYou said it, ok? Don't go crying to momma when you lose.这可是你说的哦？到时候输了可别哭鼻子。

The two motorcycles hum in unison, emotions billowing along with their riders'.两辆摩托发出阵阵轰鸣，正如它们的主人一样心潮澎湃。

Quack—嘎——

As the duck's call rings out, the two set off one behind the other, chasing after the horizon in the distance.随着小黄鸭的叫声响起，二人的摩托一前一后疾驰冲刺，不断朝着远方的地平线发起追逐。

Racing Together - 2 共驰-2

Bonneville turns around somewhat, falling into her thoughts as she looks at the Professor behind her.邦尼薇娅微微回头，看向身后正驱车追赶自己的教授陷入思考。

Even now, she could not find a reason why the Professor put this challenge forward.直到现在，她也无法理解教授向自己发起挑战的理由。

She had thought that the Professor would employ some stratagem or trick in the race, and made preparations to counteract whatever she might be met with.她本以为教授会像其他人类那样在比赛中使用什么计谋或是手段，因而时刻提防，在刚出发的数十分钟里不断思考着对突发手段的对策。

But the Professor did nothing. Ever since the race began, they've only done one thing: trying to put those barely practiced techniques into practice to shorten the gap.但教授什么都没做。从比赛开始，所做的仅仅就是在比赛，通过重复那些生涩的技巧努力缩小着与自己的差距。

Nothing more, nothing less.除此之外，再无其他作为。

This abnormality made Bonneville uncomfortable. To get to the bottom of things, she let off the gas for a little, pausing at a small distance just in front of the Professor.这样的异样令邦尼薇娅感到不适。为了搞清楚状况，她有意松开油门减缓速度来到教授不远的前方。

Bonneville...Professor, can I ask you a question?……教授，我可以问你个问题吗？

BonnevilleIt might be weird coming from me... but you should forfeit while you can, Professor.虽然由我来说很奇怪啦……但是教授，你还是早点放弃比赛吧。

BonnevilleBefore I left being a competing Doll behind, many human drivers challenged me.在退出人形的比赛之后，也曾有不少人类车手向我发起过较量。

BonnevilleThe results were never in question. Even the finest human driver couldn't do anything other than lose by entire laps.其结果自是不言而喻。即使是顶尖的人类车手，在赛场上也只能面对被我套圈超越的命运。

BonnevilleIn other words, Professor, you have no chance of winning.换句话说，教授，你没有任何赢的希望。

ProfessorYeah, I know. No matter what I do to accelerate and struggle, if you get serious, I have no hope of winning this race.嗯，我知道。无论我怎样加速挣扎，只要你认真起来，我都无法在这场比赛中获得胜利。

Bonneville...Yeah, that's reality.……是的，现实就是如此。

BonnevilleI don't know what scheme or method you have ready, but with such a sheer difference in ability, none of that will matter.我不知道你想用什么样的手段或是计谋，但在实力的绝对差距面前，你的这些准备都不会奏效。

BonnevilleSo... you should give up while it's still early on. Don't waste time on meaningless things.所以……你还是趁早放弃吧，别在这种没有意义的事上浪费时间了。

The red knight flips up her faceplate as she looks towards the Professor, trying to convince them to stop this boring farce.红发骑士掀开面罩扭头看向教授，试图劝阻身旁之人早点结束这场无聊的闹剧。

The result is not what Bonneville imagined.然而结果却没有像邦尼薇娅所想那样。

The Professor does not give up after hearing her words, still holding down the throttle, attempting to overtake her.听闻此言的教授并没有选择放弃，依然紧握油门加速，不断尝试着超过领先的自己。

BonnevilleWhat? You not willing to give up?怎么？你还不愿死心吗？

ProfessorYeah, I still have something important to convey to you.是啊，我还有十分重要的事情没有传达给你呢。

ProfessorYou've got two things wrong.在刚刚的对话中，有两点你搞错了。

ProfessorOne, I don't have any schemes or plans up my sleeve. I just wanted to race you.第一，我没有准备任何手段或是计谋，单单只是想和你比赛一场。

BonnevilleHuh? How do you plan to win then? Are you going to yell something about dreams and friendships, then suddenly get an awakening of potential to surpass me?哈？那样的话你要怎么赢呢？难道指望喊着什么梦想与友情，爆发潜力后一举超过我吗？

ProfessorThose things belong in comic books, not reality.那种事情只存在于漫画，并不会在现实中上演。

ProfessorAnd just like you said, I know all too well the difference between a Doll and a human.而且就像你说的那样，人形与人类之间的差距，我再清楚不过了。

Professor...But even so, I don't want to give up.……但即使这样，我还是不想放弃。

BonnevilleIf not to win, then for...如果不是为了赢，那究竟是……

An engine's roar interrupts Bonneville.油门的奋力轰鸣打断了邦尼薇娅的话语。

ProfessorBonneville, there's more to competition than just winning and losing.邦尼薇娅，竞技比赛中可不是只有输赢啊。

ProfessorEven knowing that I would lose, I want to give it everything I have and enjoy it to my fullest, just so I don't have any regrets.即使知道自己会输，我也想拼尽全力去享受眼前的比赛，不让自己后悔。

The familiar words pry away at Bonneville's locked-away inner heart.熟悉的话语触动了邦尼薇娅紧锁的内心。

She turns around, seeing the silhouette of an old friend projected on the Professor, still chasing after her.她回过头，从不断追逐自己的教授身上看到了故友的身影。

BonnevilleThurbel...瑟尔珀……

While the Doll is lost in thought, the Professor accelerates, arriving at Bonneville's side, yelling out their ideals at her.趁红发人形失神期间，教授又加速了几分，顶着风阻努力来到邦尼薇娅的身旁，怒吼着向她传递自己的信念。

Professor...One more thing you're wrong about! I don't think this race is anything meaningless!……还有一件事你也搞错了！我不觉得眼下的比赛是什么没有意义的事情！

ProfessorWin or lose, that isn't important to me.输也好，赢也好，它们对我来说并不重要。

ProfessorThe meaning that I seek is in the moment, to be with you on the track!我所寻求的意义，正是与你比赛，与你共同驰骋在赛场的当下！

ProfessorWhat about you, Bonneville? What is it that you seek when you race?你呢，邦尼薇娅！你在比赛中所寻求的到底是什么？

BonnevilleI...我……

The Doll sinks into silence, not knowing how to answer.红发的人形陷入沉默，不知该如何回答这个问题。

Bonneville...I don't know, Professor.……我不知道，教授。

BonnevilleI gave up racing because I didn't know the answer to that.我就是因为不知道这个问题的答案才放弃了赛车。

BonnevilleTo the old me, racing itself was happiness.对过去的我来说，赛车它本身就代表着快乐。

BonnevilleI could keep accelerating and accelerating, using my capabilities as a Doll to the extreme.那时的我可以不断加速，加速，直至将身为人形的性能发挥到极限。

BonnevilleHonestly, I really enjoyed the feeling of contending with the other competitors.说真的，我很享受那时和其他选手在赛场上角逐的感觉。

Bonneville's nostalgia can be seen in her eyes. Passion burns within for but a moment, but its flame is soon extinguished by a great gale.邦尼薇娅的眼神流露出对过去的怀念。一时的热情在她的眼中如火般燃烧，却又很快被狂风扑灭。

Bonneville...But everything changed after that.……但在那之后一切都变了。

BonnevilleI participated in the underground races as I had before, but that sort of happiness was gone. It never came back.我虽然还如往常那样参加着地下比赛，但那种快乐却消失不见，再也无法回来。

BonnevilleMoney, flowers, fame... any amount of those could never fill the hole in my heart.金钱，鲜花，名誉……即使获得再多，都无法填补那份内心的空白。

BonnevilleMaybe it's just as Thurbel says. The moment our consciousnesses are put together through those strings, we wave goodbye to freedom, becoming merely puppets strung up by capital in a game of profit.或许真的就像瑟尔珀说的那样。从意识到丝线的那一刻开始，我们就失去了自由，变成了资本手中用于获利的木偶。

BonnevilleThat's exactly why I gave up racing—there's no happiness to be found there for me, someone who never tasted any freedom.正因为如此，我才放弃了赛车——那本就不该是我这样失去自由的人形所应追寻的快乐。

BonnevilleSo come on, Professor, refute me. Refute this useless Doll who's abandoned their duty.所以说，否定我吧，教授，否定眼前这个抛弃了自己职责的无用人形吧。

The smile the red knight squeezes out is full of self-deprecation and heartache.红发骑士挤出的笑容中满是落寞与自嘲。

She waits to be reprimanded. This is the only way to stop past transgressions from being forgotten with time.她等待着被眼前之人责备。只有这样，过去犯下的罪孽才不会随时间而遗忘。

Professor...No, I won't.……不，我不会那么做的。

ProfessorBonneville, you didn't do anything wrong with the Thurbel situation. At the end of the day, there shouldn't be any of these victories that are renounced!邦尼薇娅，在瑟尔珀的事上你什么都没有做错。说到底，这个世界上本就不该存在这种被人指责的胜利！

BonnevilleWhat are you saying, Professor...你在说些什么啊，教授……

BonnevilleWho else is to blame! Thurbel died because I turned her down!这分明就是我的错啊！是我拒绝了瑟尔珀的请求才导致了她的死亡！

BonnevilleIf I just gave up fighting, let go, and let her have first place, everything would have turned out different!如果当时的我选择放弃抵抗松开油门把第一让给瑟尔珀的话，所有的一切肯定都会变得截然不同了啊！

Bonneville lets go of the class, slowly decelerating.邦尼薇娅松开油门，缓缓放慢了自己的速度。

BonnevilleIf only I just... worked out what she really meant with what she said.……我如果能早点察觉到她话语中的请求就好了。

BonnevilleI figured out something was up with her, but I never thought that it would be life or death for her.虽然我有隐约察觉到她的异常，但没有想到那场比赛竟然事关她的生命。

BonnevilleIf I simply threw the match and let her live on, she could have continued participating and contending with me on the track!只要放水让瑟尔珀苟活下去，她就可以继续参赛，和我一直在赛场上不断较量了！

Professor...Do you think she would have been willing to accept that?……你觉得瑟尔珀会愿意接受那样的结果吗？

BonnevilleShe might have been angry or repulsed, but that was the only she could have kept living!她或许会有鄙夷和愤怒，但那是当时唯一可以让她活下去的办法了啊！

Bonneville screams into the wind with anguish. She suddenly accelerates, wanting to speed away from the misgivings of the past.邦尼薇娅的怒吼中带着不甘。她猛然加速，想用速度逃避掉那些来自过去的悔恨。

But no matter how she turns and swivels, the figure behind her stays close to her, just like the friend she once had on the track.但无论她怎样转动握把，身后的身影却总是紧咬着自己不放，一如当年赛场上的挚友那般。

BonnevilleOi! You wanna die, Professor?喂！教授你这是不要命了吗？

BonnevilleFor a newbie like you this speed is way too dangerous!对身为新手的你来说，现在的速度实在是太过危险了！

Professor...None of that matters! Before I can make you remember your original reasons, I'm not backing down!……那种事情怎么样都好！在没有让你回想起初心之前，我决不会就此退让！

Their motorcycle rumbles and presses forward again, approaching the red figure ahead.摩托再次发出轰鸣加速，不断逼近着前方的红发骑士。

Professor...Don't blemish Thurbel's resolve by handing over a hollow victory like that.……不要用那种拱手相让的胜利来玷污瑟尔珀的觉悟。

ProfessorIn that last match you gave it everything you had and beat her fair and square. That's what she craves as a racer.在最后的那场比赛中，你拼尽全力，堂堂正正地击败了她。这正是她身为赛车手所渴求之物！

ProfessorWhat about you then, Bonneville?那你呢，邦尼薇娅？

ProfessorCasting aside those constraints forced upon you by competition, for what do you compete on the track, time and time again?抛开那些强行附加在比赛之中的束缚，你是为了追求什么而一次次出现在赛场之上？

Bonneville falls into a stupor as she stares at the Professor next to her. The howling winds and trilling engines suddenly fade away, and only silence is left in this world within her mind.邦尼薇娅看着身旁的教授出神。风声与轰鸣戛然而止，唯有静谧留在她的精神世界之中。

BonnevilleMy original reasons?我的本心吗？

Bonneville never really forgot what she raced for.红发骑士其实从未遗忘过自己的本心。

As a racing Doll, pursuing the extremes of speed had always been in her bones. It was why she drove and journeyed.对身为赛车人形而生的她而言，追求极限速度就是她的本心，是她不断奔跑疾驰的意义。

But to say that out loud would be to validate the her that killed Thurbel for the sake of such sentiment.但如果将它说出，那便是肯定当初那个为了满足本心而杀死瑟尔珀的自己。

BonnevilleSo I...所以，我……

The growling of a motorcycle tears apart the silence in the moment. Bonneville recognized its sound. The same sound that chased after her day and night back then.一阵摩托的轰鸣撕碎了此刻的宁静。邦尼薇娅认得那个声音，那个过去曾一直跟在自己身后不断追赶的声音。

BonnevilleThurbel...瑟尔珀……

瑟尔珀That expression doesn't suit our four-time champion...这幅表情可不适合我们的四冠王啊……

瑟尔珀Seriously, where did our free-spirited meteor who only lives for speed go?真是的，当初那个自由自在，只为追求速度而存在的红色身影到底跑哪里去了？

Bonneville had a million words to gush out to the phantom before her, but they all wilt into apologies when they reach her lips.邦尼薇娅有很多话语想要向眼前的幻影诉说，但临到嘴边却变成了道歉的话语。

Bonneville...I'm sorry.……对不起。

瑟尔珀Hey, why are you apologizing? In competition, a winner's apology is a slight upon the loser.所以说为什么你要道歉啊……在竞技之中，胜者的道歉可是对败者的羞辱。

瑟尔珀Don't overthink the business with me so much. You're dumb as a pile of bricks, whenever you fall out of your comfort zone you make every problem more complicated than it has to be.不要把我的事想得那么复杂啦。你这家伙就是太笨了，一旦陷入误区就喜欢把心中所想的问题变复杂化。

瑟尔珀Right, is that human chasing after you the Professor?对了，在身后追赶你的人类就是教授吗？

BonnevilleAh? Yeah... why ask this all of a sudden?啊？嗯……为什么你会突然问这个问题？

瑟尔珀Just really wanted to know. I haven't seen you smile while on the back of a motorcycle in a good while, you know.就是单纯很在意而已。毕竟，我已经很久没有看到你在赛车中露出微笑了。

BonnevilleSmi... le?微……笑？

She looks at the reflection of herself in the rearview mirror. Just as Thurbel said, she finds herself smiling from her heart, enjoying this race against the Professor.红发骑士看向后视镜中的自己。的确和瑟尔珀说的那样，现在的自己正发自内心露出笑容，享受着这场与教授的比赛。

瑟尔珀Looks like you've found someone who can run alongside you~ good, very good.看来你已经找到了能和你共同奔跑的人了啊~不错不错。

She pats Bonneville on the back, moving apace with her.她拍了拍邦尼薇娅的背，驾驶摩托与她并肩而行。

瑟尔珀Keep going, champ! You're the only one among us to be free of your strings!继续前进吧，冠军，你可是我们中唯一一个挣脱丝线的人啊！

A friend of old smiles as they pass on blessings and inspiration to those who still live, slowly fading away.昔日的挚友露出微笑，将祝福与鼓励一并赠予活在当下之人，缓缓消散。

Bonneville...Hmph, you've still got that annoying habit of forcing things on people.……哼，你这家伙还是那么喜欢强人所难啊。

BonnevilleBut I wouldn't have it any other way!不过，正合我意！

She turns towards the Professor, her mount's outcry a declaration of war.她侧身看向教授，以阵阵轰鸣当作自己的战书。

BonnevilleProfessor, I'm about to speed up! You think you're ready to try and keep up?教授，接下来我可要加速了哦！你有信心可以跟上我的速度吗？

ProfessorYeah, any time!嗯，随时奉陪！

Racing Together - 3 共驰-3

BonnevilleHum~ hummm~哼~哼哼哼~

BonnevilleNot going to join in, Professor? We can change it if you're not a fan of this song.嗯？教授不一起加入哼歌吗？如果是因为不喜欢这首歌的话，我们可以换一首。

ProfessorThat's not the problem... it's just that I'm not in any state for that.倒不是这样……只是现在的状态，实在是不太合适。

BonnevilleAhahaha! My bad, my bad! Forgot you just threw up a few moments earlier.啊哈哈哈！我的错我的错！我忘了你之前吐过的事情了。

To ease the strain on me, Bonneville slows down again.邦尼薇娅为了照顾我的不适，再次放缓了摩托的速度。

BonnevilleI'm happy to have someone to ride with, but you have to take your own circumstances into account, Professor. Don't go pushing yourself.虽然陪我飙车很让人开心啦，但是教授你也要考虑自身的情况不要随意逞强。

BonnevilleRacing like that puts a massive strain on the human body, and you're bound to feel unwell...刚刚的比赛确实对身为人类的你来说负担太大了，会有不适倒也正常……

BonnevilleHold on for just a bit longer, and we'll be back to the Oasis soon.教授你再忍一会，再过不久我们就到绿洲了。

ProfessorI didn't think you'd go that fast before we got started...在比赛之前我也没想到你会飚那么快啊……

ProfessorSpeaking of it, what'll we do with your other motorcycle? Just leave it there for now?说起来你的另一台摩托车怎么办？就先停在那里了？

BonnevilleWe'll retrieve it when we have time on another day. It's more important to get you back to the Oasis for treatment as soon as possible.之后找个机会再把它回收吧，现在最重要的事情是要把你早点送回绿洲接受治疗。

BonnevilleAh, should I go a little faster?唔，要不再加速一点会比较好？

Professor...Please have mercy.……还请你手下留情。

BonnevilleHahaha! Ok, you're the boss!哈哈哈！好，听你的！

I find a smile, long unseen, on the red knight's face.我注意到红发骑士的脸上挂着久违的笑容。

BonnevilleWhat is it? Are you staring because there's something on my face?怎么了教授？一直盯着我看，是我的脸上有什么奇怪的东西吗？

ProfessorNo, I'm just having a moment. You've been at the Oasis for so long, and I've only seen a smile from the bottom of your heart today.不，只是有点感慨而已。你来绿洲那么久了，直到今天我才第一次看到你发自内心的笑容。

ProfessorBonneville, do you think you can enjoy racing again?邦尼薇娅，你已经可以自由享受赛车了吗？

BonnevilleYeah, thanks to you I had a little chat with a ghost of the past. I can finally enjoy the thrill of competition like I did before again.嗯，托你的福我和过去的幻影聊了几句，现在终于可以向以前那样直视比赛所带来的快乐了。

BonnevilleHehehe, you're just as interesting as I expected, Professor.呵呵呵，教授果然和我想的一样是个很有趣的人呢。

ProfessorThat's good, then. Looks like my efforts recently have not gone to waste.是吗，那就好。看来我这段时间的努力没有白费。

Bonneville scratches her head, concealing her embarrassment. She switches gears, slowing the motorcycle down again.邦尼薇娅挠了挠头以掩饰自己的害羞，随后调整档位将摩托的速度再度降下。

BonnevilleMm... can I ask a bit of a weird question?嗯……我能问个有点奇怪的问题吗？

ProfessorHm? What is it?嗯？怎么了？

BonnevilleProfessor, have you thought much about the day when you bring us back to reality?教授，你有想过未来将我们带回现实的那一天吗？

BonnevilleI can come to an understanding of my past self, but I cannot forgive those humans who manipulated and expended us like pieces.我虽然做到了与过去的自己和解，但我无法原谅那些将我们当作棋子随意使唤抛弃的人类。

BonnevilleMe or Thurbel... we were both just a means of making money. Even the fans that surrounded me quickly left after I gave up competing for the title of champion, looking for an alternative to use for their pastimes.无论是我还是瑟尔珀，都被他们视为赚钱的工具。即使是那些拥趸我的粉丝，在我抛弃冠军之名后也迅速离开，去寻找下一个供他们消遣的替代。

ProfessorBonneville...邦尼薇娅……

BonnevilleOf course I know that there's both good and bad in humanity, and there are people like you who see us as equals.当然我也知道人类中有好有坏，也有像教授你一样平等对待我们的存在。

BonnevilleBut if, and I mean if, you find a way to get back to reality, and lead us all out of Magrasea...但是，我是说假如，假如你找到了回到现实的方法，带领大家一起离开麦戈拉。

BonnevilleWhen that day comes, how should I confront the humans with ill intentions?……到那时，我又该怎么面对那些不怀好意的人类？

Bonneville's voice is the steadiest it's ever been, but her grip on the bike's handlebars tightens.邦尼薇娅的声音依然平淡无波，但握着车把的手却不由得攥紧几分。

ProfessorThis doesn't sound like a question typical of you, with how loud and rowdy you are.这可不像是平时大大咧咧的你会问出的问题啊。

BonnevilleWell I bloody apologize for being the way I am! I did really think about this, though, and came up... with nothing.平时大大咧咧还真是抱歉啊！不过，我确实思考过这个问题并为之感到过迷茫。

BonnevilleIf it was you, Professor... how would you answer that?……教授，如果是你的话，会给出怎样一个答案呢？

ProfessorWhen I first came to Magrasea, I wished to send everyone back to reality safely.在刚来到麦戈拉的时候，我的想法是将你们所有人平安送回到现实之中。

ProfessorBut after so long together, I...但是经过了这么久的相处，我……

Beeeeep—哔——

A sudden incoming call interrupts our conversation.突然出现的通讯打断了我和邦尼薇娅的对话。

PersicariaProfessor, where are you? I couldn't get through to you at all earlier, and I was worried if something had happened...教授，您现在人在哪里？之前一直联系不上您，我担心出了什么状况……

ProfessorAh, it's dangerous to take a call while racing someone, so I turned it off just in case... sorry if I worried you.啊，因为飙车的时候通讯很危险，所以为了防止发生意外我就把它关了……不好意思让你担心了。

ProfessorMe and Bonneville have just about finished up our motorcycle race, and we're on the way back.现在我和邦尼薇娅的摩托比赛刚刚结束，正在返回绿洲的路上。

PersicariaEh? A motorcycle race with Miss Bonneville, meaning...?诶？和邦尼薇娅小姐飙车是指……？

BonnevilleIt's just as it sounds. Prof didn't do as well as me, but they didn't do bad for their first time racing.就是字面上的意思啦。教授的表现虽然不如我，但作为第一次飙车的新手来说已经很不错了。

ProfessorDon't just go on and compare me to someone who's a professional at this...别拿我和专业的赛车人形进行比较啊……

PersicariaHas anything happened? Feels like you two are a lot more cordial...是发生什么事了吗？总感觉你们之间的关系柔和了许多……

BonnevilleAh, you know, just a bit of a heart-to-heart in competition... but I think I get why everyone is so fond of the Professor here.就是简单的通过比赛交心认可了彼此……不过，这下我总算理解为什么绿洲的大家都那么喜欢教授了。

BonnevilleDon't worry, I'll ferry the Professor right back. Before that, though, I'll have to borrow them for a bit longer~你放心，我待会就把教授给送回去。在那之前，先让多陪我一会咯~

BonnevilleBye, ok?那我挂咯？

PersicariaWai...等……

Bonneville hangs up before Persicaria is halfway through her words.帕斯卡的话还没说完就被邦尼薇娅挂断了通讯。

ProfessorWhy'd you hang up on her while she was in the middle of something... sigh, this'll take a while to explain to Persicaria.你怎么话不说完就把通讯给挂了啊……唉，这下回去要花些时间和帕斯卡解释了。

BonnevilleYou really have to ask? Of course it's because I don't want to have anyone fight me for the time I have with you.这还用问？当然是因为我不想看到有人抢占我和你的相处的时间啦。

BonnevilleThis is a prize I've earned through fair competition. Don't think I'll just give it up!这可是我通过比赛赢得的奖励，才不会把它拱手让人！

BonnevilleAnd like you said, Professor, it's dangerous to take calls while driving. I'm following your advice, aren't I?而且就像教授你说的，行车的时候发起通讯是件很危险的事情，我这可是按照你说的在做哦？

Professor...You got me.……真是说不过你啊。

BonnevilleStill hanging on in there, Professor? Any desire to puke?教授，你现在的身体状况如何？还有晕车想吐的感觉吗？

ProfessorYeah, a little better... wait, why do you have such a nefarious look on your face...嗯，稍微感觉舒服了一点……等等，你的表情怎么不怀好意……

BonnevilleBecause I've thought of something fun~那当然是因为我想到了有趣的事情啊~

BonnevilleWith the operands left here... yeah, enough dash all the way back to the Oasis.现在车里还剩下的算量……嗯，刚好可以一路飙回绿洲！

Bonneville twists the handle, speeding up in an instant.邦尼薇娅再度转动手中的握把，一口气提升了速度。

BonnevilleMan, that speed sure was boring~ don't worry, I'll pick a speed still suitable for humans. Guarantee you won't puke!跑那么慢果然还是太无聊了~放心，这次我会选择你们人类也能接受的速度，保证不会让你吐出来！

ProfessorGah, please don't...呃，要么还是算了……

BonnevilleHow naive you are, Professor! Once you're on my bike, you can't say no anymore!太天真了，教授！上了我的车可就没有拒绝的权力了哦！

The red-haired Doll grins as they accelerate, slicing through the wind toward a bright future.红发人形微笑着不断加速，以身断风，向着光与未来驱车前行。

Ever Onward 逐旅

Outer Oasis Plaza.绿洲，外环广场。

The motorcycle bolts past, its red-haired driver stopping it with a spin, rushing towards the prearranged meeting place.摩托的呼啸疾驰而过，红色人形甩尾急停，匆忙赶到约定的集合地点。

BonnevillePhew, barely made it...呼，还好赶上了……

ShaleWhat do you mean made it? You're half an hour late, Bonneville! Any later, and I would've finished this book I have on hand!什么赶上了……邦尼薇娅你都迟到半小时啦！你要是来得再晚一点，我都要把手边的书给看完了啦！

BonnevilleSorry, sorry, my bad. Didn't keep a good handle on how much time I spent driving with the Professor.抱歉抱歉，是我这边的问题，没控制好和教授一起飙车的时间。

Bonneville produces a thin brown paper bag, handing it to Shale.邦尼薇娅取出一个薄薄的褐色纸袋递给谢拉。

BonnevilleHere, this is yours. Think of it as compensation.喏，这个给你，就当是赔罪了。

ShaleWhat's the need to be so mysterious...什么东西啊搞得那么神秘……

ShaleWoah! T-this is Nora's new periodical? Signed, too?!哇！这、这不是野良的新刊吗？还是签名版？！

BonnevilleYeah, ran into a signing when I went to buy it. Got pretty lucky.是啊，买的时候正好碰上了她的签售会，还算运气不错。

Bonneville...Look at yourself, Mistress. Stare at it any longer, and your drool might just reach the floor, hm?……大小姐你还是注意下形象比较好，一直盯着它看，你的口水都要流下来了哦？

ShaleHuh? Ah!啊、啊！

Shale immediately wipes at the corners of her mouth upon receiving that reminder, coughing as she refocuses on work.听到提醒的谢拉赶紧擦了擦自己的嘴边，轻咳一声重新恢复到工作的状态之中。

ShaleCough! Considering the circumstances, I shall forgive you this time. Don't count on it happening again!咳、咳！这次情有可原就原谅你了，下不为例！

BonnevilleYeah, yeah, got it~好~我知道了~

ShaleRight, hit up the Boss when you have time.对了，你有时间给Boss回个信息吧，她之前和我通讯的时候有询问过你的状况，似乎是有事找你。

BonnevilleThe Boss wants to talk to me? Crap, it can't be her chewing me out for getting you to write my reports for me, right?Boss找我？坏了，不会是被她发现你帮我代写报告的事来找我兴师问罪吧？

ShaleOh, I can't comment on that... good luck, in any case~那我就不知道了……总之祝你好运~

Bonneville feels an ill omen. She begins to inquire further, but Shale is also engrossed with the pamphlet in her hands.邦尼薇娅略感不安，她刚想再问些什么，却发现谢拉已经沉浸在了翻阅新刊的乐趣中无法自拔。

Bonneville sighs, turning around and punching a number into her terminal.她只好叹了口气，背过身去拨通了和Boss的通讯。

BonnevilleYo, long time no see, Boss.哟，好久不见了啊，Boss。

???Oh, Bonneville. How has the Oasis treated you recently?是邦尼薇娅啊。怎么样，这段时间在绿洲的生活还算习惯吗？

BonnevilleNot quite what I expected, both the people and the roads here are to my taste... pretty good, all things considered.和来之前想象的不同，这里的人和路都还挺对我胃口的……总体来说还算过得愉快。

BonnevilleMission progress has been largely smooth too. Me and Shale will be going back to Arcadia in a few days, I'll bring you a few souvenirs.任务进展的也算顺利，过几天我就会和谢拉返回阿卡迪亚了，到时候带着手信去看你啦。

???Hehe, no need to rush. If you are so inclined, staying a while more at the Oasis is fine, too.呵呵，不用着急。如果你们喜欢的话，在绿洲多待一会儿也无妨。

BonnevilleAre you going to ask me about the Professor, Boss? I thought you wanted to talk to me because you wanted a report.Boss你不问我有关教授的事情吗？我还以为你是想听报告才来找我的。

???Hahaha, those things are obvious from your expressions alone.呵呵呵，那种事情看你的表情变化就知道了。

???Perhaps you haven't noticed yourself, but from where I'm looking, your expression's a lot softer than what you wore when you set off.或许你没有意识到，但从我的角度看，你的表情比出发前要柔和了许多。

???And the reports you submitted... ghostwritten by Shale, are they not?至于你上交的报告书……那不是谢拉代笔的产物吗？

The redhead sighs in an exaggerated manner.红发人形故作夸张地叹了口气。

BonnevilleMan, nothing gets past you, Boss...哎呀，果然还是瞒不过Boss你啊……

BonnevilleReports and whatever are still a pain for me, you see... If you asked me to write one, I'd have no idea what to put in there.报告书什么的对现在的我来说还是有点太难了，就算让我写我也不知道写些什么啊……

???Just speak what's on your mind, Bonneville. There's no need to think so much about it.邦尼薇娅，你直白说出自己的感想就好，不用考虑太多。

BonnevilleHm, how to put it... I don't really know how to express this, but the Professor's for sure more interesting than I imagined.唔，怎么说呢……虽然我不是很会表达，但教授确实比我想象中的有趣。

BonnevilleThey work late into the night to prepare return presents; they study beforehand to compete with me... if it's anything related to a Doll, they'll give it every bit of effort.会为了准备回礼彻夜忙碌，也会为了与我比赛而提前准备学习……只要是和人形相关的事，教授都会非常认真对待。

BonnevilleI think I get why everyone at the Oasis adores them as much as they do.我现在算是理解绿洲的大家都那么喜欢的原因了。

???You'd give them a high rating, then.你对的评价很高啊。

BonnevilleMhmm, should've figured those rumors on the outside aren't worth squat~是啊，果然外面的那些传闻还是不可信啊~

BonnevilleBut a reversal of attitude from me was within your realm of expectation too, right Boss?不过我的态度会有这样的转变也在Boss你的预料之中吧？

The person on the other end of the call responds with silence.通讯另一侧的人选择以沉默作为回应。

BonnevilleI don't really know what you meant to do, but making someone no good at diplomacy like me to be a go-between with the Oasis was weird no matter how I looked at it.虽然不知道Boss你的用意，但让最不擅长处理外交工作的我来和绿洲对接什么的，怎么想都感觉很奇怪啦。

BonnevilleCan't think of anything other than that you had some other plan in mind.除了是别有预谋之外，我想不到其他的解释了。

???Bonneville, you've always had a bad habit of making things complicated with how you process things.邦尼薇娅，把事情往复杂的方向思考一直是你的坏习惯。

???Maybe I saw the potential for being a negotiator in you, and sent you on an assignment where you could improve those skills?为什么不能是我看中了你的外交潜力，特意给予你锻炼培养它的机会？

BonnevilleSeriously? No, no, no, stop playing with me like that!真的吗？不不不，怎么又差点被你带过去了！

BonnevilleBoss, you got the answers you were looking for?Boss，现在你找到想要的答案了吗？

???Yes. I think I might have to meet with the Professor soon enough.嗯。我想或许要尽快和教授见上一面了。

Bonneville...Didn't see that one coming. I thought you would've sat and observed for a little more like the original plan.……这还真是令人意外，我本以为Boss您会选择按照计划再观望一会。

???Changes must be made, Bonneville. This world has no more excess that I and the Professor can squander in prodding away at each other.我们必须要做出改变，邦尼薇娅。这个世界已经没有那样的余裕让我和彼此试探了。

BonnevilleI understand. For Arcadia.我明白，为了阿卡迪亚。

???Yes. For Arcadia.嗯，为了阿卡迪亚。

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.