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Oath Skin · Enamouring Romance

誓约时装 · 恋慕情颂

4 chapters · 555 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Betty 贝蒂

On the busy streets of Burbank.伯班克扇区，繁华街。

BettyNya-nya-nya! Look, Master! Nanaka's holding a concert here today!喵喵喵！主人快看！七花今天在这里举办演唱会诶！

BettyNya-nya! What's an "oso-yaki" ~nya? And it's a Zangyin special ~nya?! It looks super yummy ~nya!喵喵！拖稿烧是什么东西喵？蔵音特供喵？！好像很好吃的样子喵！

BettyMaster, master! There's lots of fun stuff here ~nya!主人，主人！这里有好多好玩的东西喵！

Despite the bustling activity of the Burbank streets, the girl's unique voice still manages to draw lots of looks from everybody around us.即使在热闹繁华的伯班克扇区，少女别具一格的声音依旧吸引了不少的目光。

ProfessorBetty, we're here on business.贝蒂，我们是来办事的哦。

BettyNya-nya! Betty forgot ~nya!喵喵！贝蒂忘记了喵！

Betty scampers back to my side and tugs on my coat.贝蒂小跑着回到了我的身边，紧紧地抓住我的衣角。

BettyMaster, you said you were going to look for Riko today and you wanted to take Betty to the... nya-nya-nya... what was that again ~nya?主人说今天要找理子喵，还有要带贝蒂去……喵喵喵……叫什么来着喵？

BettyOh right, it's the chapel ~da-nya!对了，是礼拜堂哒喵！

ProfessorHehe, well, if you'd like, you can go have fun with Tinny in Burbank for a while. I'll come pick you up once I finish my business with Riko.呵呵呵，如果贝蒂想要的话，也可以和罐头在伯班克扇区玩一玩哦。等我把理子的事情处理完来接你。

BettyNya-nya...喵喵……

Betty looks longingly at a nearby sign advertising a concert, and then back at me.贝蒂不舍地瞥了一眼不远处的演唱会的看板，又看了看我。

BettyBetty... Betty wants to be with Master ~nya!贝蒂……想要和主人一起喵！

BettyBetty will be good and stay with Master while Master does Master's stuff ~nya.贝蒂会乖乖地和主人在一起，陪主人办事的喵。

Betty clings tightly to me, and her mechanical kitty rubs up against my legs as well.贝蒂紧紧地攥着我的衣角，而机械猫也跟着贝蒂在我的脚边蹭了蹭。

ProfessorHehe, in that case, let's keep going.呵呵，既然如此我们继续走吧。

BettyYay! Nya-nya!好哒喵！

However, we haven't even taken a single step forward before the rich scent of grilled fish draws Betty's attention.然而还没有等贝蒂迈开脚步，一股浓厚的烤鱼香气就勾起了贝蒂的注意。

BettyUnya, that fish smells delish!呜喵，烤鱼的味道好香喵！

Betty licks her lips and looks toward the nearby grilled fish stall, but then she looks back at me again, a worried look in her eyes.贝蒂舔了舔嘴唇，看向了不远处的烤鱼摊，但是又有些担忧地看了我一眼。

ProfessorWell, since you want it so much, why don't we try some?如果贝蒂想要的话，那我们就买点试试？

BettyAwright ~nya! Thank you, Master!好哒喵！谢谢主人！

I can't help but smile as I see Betty and Tinny enjoying the fish.看着贝蒂和罐头一脸享受地品尝着烤鱼的样子，我忍不住微微一笑。

Professor(Even though she said she would accompany me on my business trip, I ended up going on a walkabout with Betty after we got here...)（明明出门的时候说好是陪我办事的，结果来到这里以后完全就变成我在陪贝蒂逛街了啊……）

BettyMaster, Master! This fish tastes great! You should try some ~nya!主人！主人！这个烤鱼好好吃！主人快尝尝喵！

ProfessorIf you like it, then have some more. Don't mind me.贝蒂喜欢的话就多吃点吧，不用顾虑我。

BettyNya-nya... But is it really okay ~nya?喵喵……真的可以喵？

BettyIn that case... Betty will go halfsies with Master ~nya!那……贝蒂和主人一人一半喵！

After seeing her offer me half of her grilled fish, I can't help patting her head.看着贝蒂递过来的半截烤鱼，我忍不住摸了摸贝蒂的头。

ProfessorHehe, works for me. Pay attention to where you're going while you eat, though. Don't get lost.呵呵呵，行，我们一人一半。不过就算边走边吃也要注意看路哦，千万不要走丢了。

BettyNya! Betty will do it ~nya!喵！贝蒂会注意的喵！

I continue leading Betty through the crowd. However, the sights and sounds of the Sleepless City keep drawing Betty's attention, forcing us to stop several times.我继续尝试带着贝蒂在人流之中穿行。然而被誉为不夜城的伯班克却深深地吸引住了贝蒂的目光，我们不得不数次停下脚步。

BettyNya-nya! There are so many people here ~nya!喵喵！好多人喵！

It takes almost an hour before we finally pick our way through the crowd and reach our destination. However, there is a long queue in front of Riko's stall.在人流之中穿行了数十分钟，我们终于抵达了目的地。然而理子的摊位前早已排起了长龙。

ProfessorHmm... I didn't expect business to be so good for Riko today.确实……没想到今天理子的生意会这么好……

ProfessorI'm sorry, Betty, but it looks like we'll have to wait here for a while longer. I'll go line up while you eat your snacks.贝蒂，抱歉，看来我们要在这里多等一会儿了。我去排队，你就在这里一边吃刚刚买的零食，一边等我吧。

ProfessorDon't go running off, though.不过要注意不要乱跑哦。

BettyNya-nya, will do ~nya! Betty and Tinny will wait here for Master ~nya!喵喵，没问题喵！贝蒂和罐头在这里等主人喵。

BettyTinny, what do you want ~nya?罐头，你要吃什么喵？

罐头Nyaa!喵！

BettyNyaaaa! Tinny, that's a communicator. You can't eat that!喵啊！罐头那个是通讯器，是不能吃的东西喵！

After seeing Betty and Tinny messing around nearby, I breathe a quiet sigh of relief.看着贝蒂和机械猫在不远处玩耍的样子，我微微松了一口气。

Professor(Betty seems to be plastering herself to me more often recently.)（总觉得贝蒂最近更加黏着我了啊。）

I can't help but smile as I recall how Betty emerged from under my desk this morning and dragged me out the door.我回忆起上午贝蒂从我办公桌底下钻出来拉着我一起出门的样子，不由得莞尔一笑。

Professor(I hope she likes the surprise later.)（希望她会喜欢一会儿的惊喜。）

After a long, long wait, I finally get my package from Riko.经过了漫长的等待，我终于从理子的手中拿到了我的包裹。

理子Hohoho, pleasure doing business with you, Professor. My~ I didn't expect you to have such a romantic streak to you~吼吼吼，谢谢惠顾教授。呀啊~没想到教授还会做这种浪漫的准备啊~

理子In fact, you even came all this way just to collect it from me in person. Does that mean you're going to...甚至千里迢迢直接来找我拿货，难道是今天就准备……

ProfessorYou know, I haven't forgotten how you made me wait in line for so long, even though I placed an order well in advance.别以为这样就能蒙混过关，让我不计较排长队这件事哦？我可是早就预约好的。

理子Uwah, sorry about that! Still, I guarantee satisfaction! All the best!哇啊，我错了，我错了！但是货物保证您满意！祝您顺利！

After Riko smiles sheepishly at me, I shake my head in exasperation and turn around to look for the girl who's waiting for me.看着理子赔笑的样子，我无奈地摇头转身寻找那个等候我的身影。

ProfessorBetty? Hm? Where is she?贝蒂？嗯？人呢？

ProfessorWait, don't tell me...难道……

I look around, but Betty isn't where I left her.我环顾了一下四周，却没有在原本的位置发现贝蒂的身影。

ProfessorBetty! Betty, where are you?贝蒂！贝蒂你在哪里？

I call her name as I take out my communicator.我一边呼喊着贝蒂的名字，一边拿出了通讯器。

Beep-beep-beep-beep-beep—嘀嘀嘀嘀嘀嘀嘀嘀嘀——

ProfessorWait a minute... Isn't this Betty's communicator? What's it doing here?这是……贝蒂的通讯器？怎么丢在这里了？

I pick up the kitty-print communicator on the ground and frown.我捡起地上的带有猫咪标记的通讯器，眉头紧锁。

ProfessorHello, Meryl? This is from the Oasis. I need your help. Yes, I need you to help me find a Doll. She came to Burbank with me.梅丽尔？我是绿洲的，我需要你的帮助。对，帮我找一个人形，她和我一起来到了伯班克。

ProfessorPlease... This means a lot to me. Let me know if you find her.拜托了……这对我很重要。如果有什么消息，请立刻通知我。

I hang up after finishing my call to the administrator, but I'm in no mood to stand around waiting for something to happen.我挂断了与扇区管理员的通讯，但是却不想在站在原地等候。

ProfessorBetty...贝蒂……

ProfessorDon't worry, it's okay! I'm Professor of the Oasis.不用担心，你没事了！我是绿洲的教授。

Betty...Oa...sis...……绿……洲……

ProfessorYou're Betty, right? I'm here to bring you back.你是贝蒂吧？我来接你了。

BettyBring... me... back... Then... are you Betty's master, nya...?来……接我……那……你就是贝蒂的主人喵？

ProfessorIt's not quite like that... You see, I'm the Professor of the...不太一样……我是绿洲的教……

BettySo... you're not here... to take Betty in ...nya? Betty... got lost... Betty's been wandering all this time... It's all Betty's fault... Master doesn't want Betty any more...不……不是来收留贝蒂……的喵？贝蒂……走丢了……一直在流浪……都是贝蒂的错……主人不要贝蒂了……

BettyAt last... Betty found a home... but Betty... got lost... (sobs)好不容易……被收留……结果又在这里……迷路了……呜呜呜……

Professor(This is bad, her neural cloud was fragile to begin with... If she takes another shock in this state...)（不行，她的心智本身就已经很不稳定了……如果这样刺激下去……）

Professor...Actually, I am your Master. I've come to bring you home, Betty.……没错，我就是你的主人。贝蒂，我来接你回家了。

Professor(Ever since then, I became Betty's "Master", and Betty was never far from me.)（从那之后，我就成为了贝蒂的“主人”，而贝蒂也一直和我形影不离。）

Professor(The Medical Department thought that this would help her... I need to find her ASAP.)（医疗局也认为这对她心智恢复有帮助……得赶紧找到她。）

However, the bustling environs of Burbank seem determined to thwart my efforts. Despite searching the vicinity, I find nothing. A frown creases my brow.然而繁华的伯班克扇区让我不由得眉头紧锁，在周围的一番搜寻却一无所获。

Professor(Come on, Betty, where are you...)（贝蒂，贝蒂，到底去哪了……）

Professor(No, I need to calm down. Betty's not like how she was before. She probably won't get into trouble...)（不，冷静下来，现在的贝蒂已经和以前不同了。她应该不会出事……）

Professor(Right, I remember telling her that...)（对了，之前说过……）

BettyMaster, you said you were going to buy something from Riko today and you wanted to take Betty to the... nya-nya-nya... what was that again ~nya?今天主人说是要找理子买东西喵，还有要带贝蒂去……喵喵喵……叫什么来着喵？

BettyOh right, it's the chapel ~da-nya!对了，是礼拜堂哒喵！

ProfessorCould it be...难道……

In Burbank's chapel.伯班克扇区，礼拜堂。

BettyOne little, two little, three little Tinnys...一只罐头，两只罐头，三只罐头……五十只罐头……

罐头Nyaa~喵~

BettyDon't worry, Tinny. Master promised Betty to meet us here.罐头，别着急哦，主人和贝蒂约好了，一定会来的。

BettyJust wait a little longer ~nya...再等等喵……

Betty gazes at the stained glass window as she sings to herself, but she doesn't look afraid or panicked.礼拜堂中，少女正仰望着彩绘玻璃数着罐头，脸上并没有惶恐的表情。

ProfessorBetty!贝蒂！

BettyAh! It's Master...啊！是主人……

I'm already hugging her before she can finish.还没等贝蒂说完，我就紧紧抱住了她。

ProfessorBetty, are you alright? I'm sorry I took so long to find you...贝蒂，你还好吗？对不起，这么晚才找到你……

BettyThere were too many people and Betty got swept away ~nya... It's Betty's fault for not being able to find Master ~nya...人太多了，贝蒂被挤走了喵……是贝蒂没能找到主人喵，是贝蒂的错……

BettyBetty's okay ~nya! And Betty found her own way to the chapel! Isn't Betty great ~nya?贝蒂没受伤喵！而且贝蒂自己找到了礼拜堂在哪里，是不是很厉害喵？

Before I know it, I'm patting her head.我忍不住摸了摸贝蒂的头。

ProfessorYou found your way even in a place you've never visited before. Well done, Betty.在陌生的地方也能找到路，你做得很好哦，贝蒂。

BettyMaster...主人……

BettyMaster! Uwaaaaaaahhhhh! Master, Master!主人哒喵！哇啊啊啊啊！主人，主人！

罐头Nyaa! Nyaa!喵！喵！

As I ruffle her hair, Betty finally lets herself relax, and tears pour down her face.我摸了摸贝蒂的头，而贝蒂也似乎终于放下心，忍不住哭了出来。

I clutch her tightly to me, feeling her warmth in my arms as I gently pat her back.感受着怀里的温度，我紧紧地抱住贝蒂，轻轻地拍着她的后背。

Betty(Sob) Betty knew Master wouldn't abandon Betty! Betty knew Master would come find Betty da-nya! Betty believed ...nya!呜呜呜，贝蒂就知道主人不会抛弃贝蒂，一定会来找贝蒂哒喵！贝蒂好好忍耐了喵！

Betty(Sobs more) You're finally here, Master ...nya!呜呜呜呜！主人你终于来了喵！

ProfessorYes, I came for you, Betty.是的，我来找你了，贝蒂。

BettyBetty had a hard time finding this place... Betty asked lots of people for directions...贝蒂好不容易才找到这里……一路问了好多人……

BettyBetty knew Master would come... But Betty was so scared nya...! Betty doesn't want to leave Master nya...!贝蒂知道主人会找到贝蒂的……但是贝蒂真的好怕喵！贝蒂不想和主人分开喵！

BettyBetty's just a dumb kitty nya... Even though Master told Betty not to run off... (sob) Master... Master...贝蒂真的是一只笨猫喵……明明主人已经和贝蒂说不要走丢了……呜呜呜……主人……主人……

ProfessorIt's okay, Betty. I'll find you, no matter how many times you get lost. That's a Master's responsibility.放心吧贝蒂，不论你走丢多少次，我都会找到你的。这是我作为你的主人应该做的事情。

ProfessorAfter all, I don't want to lose you either.因为我和贝蒂一样，我也不想和贝蒂分开。

I pick up the little package I got from Riko just now and hand it to Betty.我拿起了刚刚从理子手中拿到的包裹，递给了贝蒂。

BettyNya? What's this?喵？这是？

ProfessorIt's my gift to you, Betty. Open it and have a look.这是我送给贝蒂的礼物哦。打开看看吧。

Betty wipes her tears away and carefully opens it.贝蒂擦了擦眼泪，小心翼翼地打开了包裹。

BettyNya-nya-nya! That's a lovely dress!喵喵喵！好漂亮的裙子！

BettyIs this for Betty? But what's this pretty little box...这是给贝蒂的吗……还有这个漂亮的小盒子是……

ProfessorIt's a proof of an oath.这是誓约之证哦。

BettyThe proof of an oath? What's that ~nya?誓约之证……这是什么喵？

ProfessorIt's the proof that I made an oath with you, Betty.这是我和贝蒂誓约的证明哦。

BettyAn oath ~nya? I heard the others talking about it before ~nya! Nya-nya, apparently you have to go to a chapel... nya! This IS a chapel ~nya!誓约喵！我之前有听大家说过喵！喵喵，好像说是要在礼拜堂……喵！这里就是礼拜堂喵！

BettyWere you going to make an oath with Betty from the beginning ~nya?难道主人一开始就是想要和贝蒂誓约喵？

ProfessorMm, yes. I want to be with Betty forever.嗯，是的，我希望可以和贝蒂永远在一起。

BettyBut is it really okay ~nya? Betty... A Doll like Betty...但是真的可以喵？贝蒂……贝蒂这样的人形……

BettyI know I'm noisy... And run around all the time... and get lost a lot...又吵……又到处跑……还会自己走丢……

ProfessorI didn't pick you because I wanted to make an oath. I want to make an oath because I like you very much, Betty.不是因为我要誓约，所以选择了贝蒂，而是因为我很喜欢贝蒂，所以想要和贝蒂誓约哦。

I grasp Betty's hand and place the ring in her hand.我抓住了贝蒂的手，把誓约之证放在了贝蒂的手中。

ProfessorFrom now on, no matter where you are, you can always come back to my side... That is my oath, that we will always be together.从今往后，不论贝蒂在哪里，都可以回到我的身边……这是永远在一起的誓约的证明哦。

BettySo we'll be together forever ~nya? Even if we leave this place ~nya?永远在一起喵，哪怕离开这里也是喵？

ProfessorYup. Whether on the cloud or in real life, I will always be with you, Betty.嗯，不论云端，还是现实。我都会和贝蒂在一起。

BettyMaster...主人……

The tears well up in Betty's eyes again.贝蒂的眼中又涌起了泪花。

ProfessorCome now, oaths are supposed to be a happy thing. Don't cry.誓约可是开心的事情哦，不能再哭了！

ProfessorHehe, I was actually going to give you the clothes first so you could change into them before the oath. Looks like we'll have to adjust the order of things a little.呵呵呵，本来是想要先把衣服交给你，换好衣服后在这里完成誓约的。现在看来计划得调整一下了。

BettyNya-nya! Then Betty will change right away!喵喵！那贝蒂马上换衣服喵！

ProfessorAh! Wait-wait-wait! Don't change here! Betty, hold on!啊！等等，不要在这里换衣服啊！贝蒂，等等！

Despite some minor confusion, we finally manage to complete the ceremony in the chapel. When I look at the smile on her face, I can't help but feel happy, too.虽然有些慌乱，但我们最终在礼拜堂完成了仪式。看见少女脸上的笑容，我也感受到了同样的幸福。

BettyThank you ~nya, Master...谢谢你喵，主人……

BettyOh, that's right ~nya! Since Master gave Betty a surprise, Betty has a surprise for Master, too ~nya!对了喵，既然主人给了贝蒂惊喜，贝蒂也有惊喜要给主人喵！

In the Oasis' plaza.绿洲，广场。

BettyMaster! This way, hurry ~nya!主人，这里这里，快点喵！

罐头Nyaa~喵~

Betty is in her new neural projection. Her pristine white gown cascaded down to her ankles, the voluminous skirt exuding an air of elegance and grandeur that stirs one's soul.此时贝蒂已经换好了全新的心智投影，洁白无瑕的礼裙一直延伸到脚踝，蓬松的裙摆高雅华丽，让人悸动。

In stark contrast to her formal gown, she perches comfortably on a tree branch, waving at me with unrestrained excitement.然而和端庄的礼裙不同的是，少女此时惬意地趴在树枝上不断冲我兴奋地招手。

ProfessorI didn't expect... My first date... after the oath... to be in a tree...没想到……誓约结束后的……第一次约会……是在树上……

I cling to the trunk and slowly climb up.我艰难地用四肢抱住树干，缓缓向上爬。

ProfessorSo, where is this place?所以这里是？

BettyIt's Betty's favorite place in the whole world!这里就是贝蒂最喜欢的秘密基地喵！

BettyFrom now on, this place doesn't just belong to Betty. It's Betty and Master's secret base!今后，这里就不只属于贝蒂啦，是贝蒂和主人两个人的秘密基地喵！

ProfessorI can't believe you picked this place for a secret base...居然选择这里作为秘密基地……

I smile as I look around, and then I realize why Betty prizes this place so highly.我有些哭笑不得地环顾四周，忽然找到了贝蒂将这里作为宝贵之地的原因。

Through the branches, I can see a window, and beyond it, the Ops Room lays in sight.透过树的枝桠，能看见一扇窗子，而里面正是指挥部的景色。

BettyHeheh, Betty spent a long time searching for a place to look at Master in the Ops Room ~da-nya!嘿嘿嘿，贝蒂可是找了好久呢，在这里可以看到主人在指挥部的座位哒喵~

BettySo whenever Master is at work and Betty is thinking of Master, Betty comes here to look at Master ~nya.所以每次主人在工作，贝蒂想念主人的时候，都会来这里看着主人喵。

BettyAs long as I see the lights in the Ops Room are out, Betty knows that Betty can go home to wait for Master ~nya.只要在这里看到主人的指挥部灯灭了，贝蒂就知道可以跑回家等主人了喵~

BettyThat's why this is Betty's favorite place in the whole world.所以这里是贝蒂最喜欢的地方哒喵。

Betty holds her hand out to me, and I take it without even thinking about it.贝蒂向我伸出了手，而我也下意识握住了她的手。

The thought that Betty has always been thinking of me even without me realizing it brings a tear to my eye.在我不知道的地方，贝蒂一直思念着我，这让我不禁有了落泪的冲动。

ProfessorSo you've been here all this time... Then I promise that from now on, whenever you look at me, I'll make sure to look back at you.原来贝蒂一直在这里……那从今之后，贝蒂看向我的时候，我也会好好地回应贝蒂的目光的。

BettyThat's great ~nya! Uwah, this is the happiest day of Betty's life ~nya!太好了喵！呜哇，今天真的是贝蒂有生以来最幸福的一天了喵……

BettyNo, wait, every day that Betty spends with you is the happiest day of Betty's life ~nya!不对，和教授在一起的每一天，都是有生以来最幸福的一天喵！

She nuzzles against my hand, and her soft ears press against my palm.贝蒂蹭了蹭我的手，摇晃的耳朵温顺地贴在我的手心。

BettyMaster, will you stay with Betty for always ~nya?主人，贝蒂真的可以和主人永远在一起喵？

BettyWill you play with Betty and pat Betty's head and hug Betty too ~nya?就算贝蒂要和主人玩耍，要主人摸头，要主人抱抱也可以喵？

ProfessorYeah.嗯。

BettyWill Master... Will Master stay with Betty and go on dates with Betty even when Betty is noisy ~nya?就算……贝蒂吵闹主人也……愿意和贝蒂一起约会喵？

BettyWill Master keep Betty around even when Betty messes up ~nya?就算就算贝蒂犯了错，主人也一定不会抛下贝蒂喵？

ProfessorYup. Even if I get old enough that I have to be bedridden, I want the cheerful and adorable Betty by my side, the Betty who might be naughty and noisy sometimes, but who's always understanding and always makes me smile.嗯，就算有一天我已经老得躺在椅子上，我希望在我身边的也是活泼，可爱，有时候任性，有时候吵闹，有时又十分体恤人，永远能给大家带来欢笑的贝蒂哦。

BettyNya-nya! Then Betty promises Master too! No matter what happens, Betty will always stay by Master's side ~nya!喵喵，那么贝蒂也答应主人！无论什么时候，贝蒂都一定会在主人身边！

BettyBetty will help Master no matter what Master wants to do ~nya!不论主人想要做什么，贝蒂都会帮助主人的喵！

ProfessorHehe, I'll hold you to that.呵呵呵，我很期待哦。

Betty and I squeeze each other's hands, and the proof of our oath on her finger glitters in the moonlight bearing witness to the promise between the girl and me.我与贝蒂双手紧握，在月色之下，誓约之证见证了我与少女的约定。

This promise will last forever, on the cloud and in reality, now and in all the days to come...这份约定将永远延续，不论云端还是现实，不论现在还是未来……

Clotho 洛托

In the Oasis' lounge.绿洲休息区。

KuroThe Professor's picking up the tab today, so go ahead and party all you want, everyone!今天全场的消费，都由教授买单，大家可以无拘无束，尽情欢乐！

ProfessorWait, I am?我？

KuroYup. After all, our dispatch assignment this time was so tough that you promised us we could have a party when we got home. No backsies!对啊，教授。这次外勤任务这么困难，你都答应我们了，等我们回来要开派对的。你可不能说话不算数。

The partying girls start doing their thing. Groove begins DJing for everyone present, and someone hooks up a mic. After a short burst of feedback, Kuro clears her throat and begins an intoxicated lecture.喜欢热闹的姑娘们开始狂欢，音流开始现场打碟，不知谁接通了话筒，一阵尖锐的蜂鸣之后，卡萝咳了两声，在朦胧醉意中开启了演讲模式。

The room is filled with noise, and Centaureissi has a distressed look on her face as she scans the lounge in search of someone.四周音乐嘈杂，桑朵莱希面露难色似乎在休息区域四处寻觅着什么人。

CentaureissiCommander, have you seen Clotho?长官，您看到洛托了吗？

Despite the deafening racket around me, her words are crystal clear as they reach my ears. I look around, but the melancholic maiden in question is nowhere in sight.尽管周围喧嚣至极，但她的名字在我耳中却格外清晰。我站起身环视一周，并没有看见那个忧郁的人形少女。

ProfessorNo, I haven't. Did something happen?我没看到洛托。出什么事情了吗？

CentaureissiWell, during today's dispatch mission, Clotho helped bring back an entropized agent from a Null Area.今日出外勤任务，洛托从空值区帮忙带回了熵化的智能体。

CentaureissiIt seems that agent triggered some kind of bad memory from the real world in Clotho's mind. She was muttering your name and seems distracted.那名智能体似乎勾起了洛托在现实世界中不好的回忆，她叨念着您的名字，一副魂不守舍的样子。

CentaureissiI thought Kuro's party would have helped clear her head, but instead, she vanished after returning to the Oasis.卡萝回来开庆功派对，我以为她心情舒缓一些后也会来。没想到回了绿洲后她就不见人影了。

ProfessorMaybe she's in her dorm.可能在宿舍吧。

CentaureissiI'll go look, then.那我去看看。

ProfessorNo, I'll do it. You, Kuro, and the others should enjoy the party; you've earned it.不用，我去找她。你和卡萝她们一起享受庆功派对就好。

CentaureissiMm. In all likelihood, you're the only one who can help her deal with her issues.嗯。她的心事恐怕也只有您能解开了。

ProfessorI'll do my best. Also, I think it's time to ask Clotho about that incident, too.我尽量努力，而且，我想也是时候向洛托提出那件事了。

ProfessorShe's probably feeling uneasy because I've put off my work for a long time. It's my fault for not realizing it sooner.最近因为工作耽误了很久，恐怕她也在为此不安吧。我竟然没有发觉，还真是失职。

CentaureissiI'll let you handle it then, Commander.那就交给您了，长官。

ProfessorLeave it to me.交给我吧。

It's late at night. The dorm room is pitch black, but the girl within has not turned on the lights.夜已深，宿舍里一片漆黑，少女却未把灯点亮。

Her ever-present coffin Hel leans by the window, quietly playing sorrowful music.形影不离的棺材赫尔靠在窗边，静静播放着悠扬哀伤的音乐。

Clotho keeps telling herself not to think about it, but the words from that entropized agent haunt her like a curse.洛托千百次劝自己不要去想，可那位熵化智能体所说的话像魔咒一般萦绕在她脑海。

熵化智能体We're... we're going... to disappear... right?我们……会……消亡……对吗？

熵化智能体...I won't be able to see... or hear... or feel this world...……无法看……无法听……无法感受这个世界……

熵化智能体I won't be able... to see the others again... How miserable...真痛苦啊……和大家再也不见……

Clotho knows why she is afraid. Dolls are expendable items; they cannot accompany humans forever. In the real world, their fate is to be discarded and written off.洛托明白自己在害怕什么，人形作为消耗品，无法永久陪伴人类。在现实世界中，最终结局不外乎被抛弃、报废。

ClothoMy body will be swallowed up by the abyss, and my soul will wander the wastes. Though I have guided so many of the fallen to their reward...身躯被深渊吞噬，心灵驶向荒芜。做了那么多亡灵的引渡者……

ClothoWho then, will guide me?谁又能来引渡我呢？

She buries her face in the crook of her elbow, trying to suppress her sorrow. Her consciousness begins to melt into Hel's voice... And she recalls a memory she had shortly after coming to the Oasis.她把头埋在臂弯中，陷入压抑悲伤。意识在赫尔的音乐声中渐渐模糊……少女回想起自己来绿洲后不久的一段回忆。

The morning sunlight is warm and gentle, and the air in the room is filled with the fragrance of coffee.清晨阳光柔和， 休息室内弥漫着阵阵咖啡香气。

While Dolls don't get tired easily like humans do, several consecutive days of high-intensity outdoors combat can still bring a neural cloud to the edge of collapse.人形虽然不像人类会特别容易疲累，可连续几个日夜高强度在外战斗，心智也会濒临崩溃。

Clotho feels a wave of dizziness wash over her head and she stumbles several steps back. Then, she feels something propping up her wobbling body.洛托感到一阵目眩，随后身形不稳踉跄了几步，突然背后有什么东西支撑住了自己摇晃的身躯。

ProfessorDidn't you just return from a mission? Why didn't you head back to the dorm to rest?刚出外勤回来怎么不回宿舍休息？

Clotho...There is something highly abnormal about the entropic horde wandering in this Null Zone... I need to report it to the Professor...……徘徊在空值区的熵群存在异常情况……我需要向教授汇报情况……

The other person's voice is very familiar; even through her fatigue and dizziness, there is no way Clotho would not be able to recognize its owner.对方的声音极为熟悉，就算是身体疲惫、头晕目眩，自己依旧不会认错声音的主人。

ClothoProfessor!教授！

ProfessorI just happened to bump into you while I was passing through the lounge. Persicaria already told me about what happened in the Null Area.经过休息区的时候恰好碰到你，帕斯卡已经把空值区的具体情况整理发给我了。

ProfessorDon't worry. Just focus on resting up. I'm here for you.你不用担心，只管安心地休息便好，万事有我在。

ClothoIs this the charm of the Oasis, that it offers sweet succor to a parched soul?让干涸的灵魂得到慰藉，这就是绿洲的魅力吗？

ClothoIn the past, I always offered solace to the souls of the departed. But there were many such souls, and a mortician like myself had to work non-stop to grant them rest.过去的我在战争时期总是忙于引渡亡魂。那些灵魂浩浩汤汤，为了让他们得到安息，殡葬人形需要不停地工作。

ClothoI know I am but a tool of humanity and will one day expire, becoming but mere scrap. I too understand that there are tasks in reality which require continuous, high-intensity efforts.我自知是人类的工具，终会有机能消耗殆尽，成为废铁的一日。对现实中那些连续高强度作业的要求，也报以理解。

ClothoBut you are very different from the people I knew in real life, Professor.教授和现实中的那些人，有很大的差别。

ProfessorHehe, I'd like you to keep me company as long as I'm around, Clotho. Hell, even when it's my time to go, I'd like you to take care of things.呵呵，如果有可能的话，有生之年，我想让洛托一直陪伴我。就算是葬礼都想让你来主持呢。

ClothoThe living walk a different path from the deceased. You will surely live a long time, Professor.生者与亡魂殊途，教授定能长命百岁。

Clotho(However, if things really worked out like you said, I would gladly accompany you for the rest of your days...)（不过，如果真能如您所言，洛托愿与您相伴一生……）

She instinctively tightens her grip around the shuttle in her hand. An encounter between two people is an entangling of their destinies, while their parting is to manually separate their joined fates. Is the Professor truly willing to be bound to her for life?自己下意识攥紧了手中的纺锤，相遇是命运纺线的纠缠，离别则是亲手将缠绕在一起的命运解散。教授真的会愿意与自己纠缠一辈子吗？

Click! Someone turns on the light in the dorm.咔哒！宿舍的灯不知被谁打开了。

Clotho's eyes pop open, and she sees a familiar face.洛托在黑暗中睁开双眼，映入眼帘的是记忆中熟悉的脸。

??Are you alright, Clotho?你还好吗，洛托？

ClothoProfessor... the line between dreams and reality has been blurred. Did you walk out of the void?教授……现实与梦境的界限模糊了，您从虚无中走来？

ProfessorHeh, no, you're not dreaming. Kuro and the others were having a celebration party and I was worried about you because you weren't there, so I came to check up on you.呵呵，这不是梦。卡萝她们举行了庆功派对，我看你不在场有些担心你的状况，就过来看看你。

ProfessorI feel better now that I can see you're safe.现在看到你平安无事我就放心了。

ClothoThe crow in ashes croaks hoarsely and tiredly, and so too does Clotho...堕入灰霾的乌鸦，声音疲惫哑然，洛托也……

Clotho seems to have something else to add, but in the end she simply gives me a meaningful look and lowers her head without saying anything.洛托似乎还有什么话想讲，但最终只是深深看了我一眼，低下头不再言语。

ProfessorStill not feeling well?身体还不舒服？

ProfessorOr is there something you want to talk to me about?或者有什么心事想和我说？

Clotho(Clotho is merely a Doll, while the Professor is a human. On the cloud, such differences may be disregarded, but someday we shall all return to reality, and the distinction will make itself evident.)（洛托只是人形，而教授是人类。在云端时，云泥可以不分。可终究有一天我们都会回到现实，云泥之别到时才会显现。）

Clotho(When that time comes, the Professor will also leave me...)（到那时，教授也会离我而去……）

ProfessorClotho?洛托？

ClothoOnce, a pitiful speck of dust thought of the vast sky, and before realizing the truth, sank into delusion. Since you wish to know, then I shall confess in all sincerity. This Clotho has always been thinking...卑微的尘埃肖想过浩渺苍穹，无情之心陷入痴妄。既然教授希望知道，我便坦诚相告。洛托一直在想……

ClothoIf we should return to reality someday, will I still have the right to stay by your side?如果有一天回到现实，我还会有资格陪着教授吗？

ProfessorHm? Why do you ask? Did I do something that made everyone doubt me?诶？怎么这么问，是我最近做了什么让大家介怀的事？

ClothoNo, you have always been most caring. However, the Cloud is different from reality, and the Oasis is a paradise for Dolls. When we return to the real world, we Dolls must face our destiny of being tools.没有，教授一直都很体贴。只是云端与现实不同，绿洲是人形的理想乡。回到现实后，人形要面临的则是作为工具的命运。

ClothoAll tools will be worn down and discarded someday. Thinking about how I will not be able to accompany you makes my neural cloud unstable.是工具便总会有损毁、被抛弃的一天。一想到今后无法陪伴您，自己的心智就无法稳定下来。

ProfessorI've never thought of you as tools. Not in the past, not now, and certainly not in the future.我从没有把大家当做工具。过去是、现在是、未来也会是一样。

The girl's eyes gleam, like ripples in a still lake.少女的双眼闪烁着荧光，仿若一潭死水的心漾起了波澜。

ProfessorYou are a Doll, and I am a human. But that need not be a cause for concern.你是人形而我是人类。即使这样也不用彷徨纠结。

ProfessorDolls are eventually outpaced by advancements in technology, and so too will humans eventually fall prey to the ravages of time. Heh, it looks like, in the end, we'll all end up as dust and ashes.人形在技术的影响下迭代迅速，而人类也逃不过时间的制裁。呵呵，大家最终面临的结果都不过是化为虚无。

ClothoProfessor...教授……

ProfessorIn other words, there's no need to worry about all that. You are the most important person to me, and that won't change no matter when or where we are. Don't you think so, too?所以没有必要担心这些。只要我把你当成最重要的存在，不论何时何地、沧海桑田，这份心意都不会变。不是吗？

Clotho nods, and the hurt look on her face softens a little. I decide to take advantage of that opportunity to bring up a certain subject I've had in mind for a while.洛托点点头，悲伤的表情略有缓和。我借机鼓起勇气向她说出了那件事。

ProfessorIf it frightens you that much, then why don't we make an oath, Clotho?如果洛托害怕的话，我们缔结誓约怎么样？

ClothoHuh?诶？

ClothoProfessor, are you inviting me to enter into an oath with you?教授是在向我提出誓约邀请？

ProfessorIndeed. However, this isn't a spur of the moment thing; I've been preparing for it for some time now.没错。但这可不是心血来潮，我一直都在为此准备。

ProfessorIn my eyes, you have always been standing by my side, helping me, protecting me, and thinking of me. That's the Clotho I see.一直以来在身边陪伴着我，帮助我，挂念我。这样的洛托，我都有看在眼中。

ProfessorTime may lay waste to all things, so let us make an oath that can never be broken. I'm doing this to put you at ease and also because I don't want to have any regrets.时间可以磨灭一切，那我们就定下无法摧毁的誓约。我想让洛托安心，也不想让自己遗憾。

I lift up the girl's hand and gaze into her eyes with the utmost sincerity. Her initial shock at my words slowly fades away, and in the end only a gentle smile remains.我牵起眼前少女的手，真诚地望向她。她眼中的震惊在听到我的解释后慢慢消融，最终只留下温柔的笑意。

ProfessorDo you wish to do this with me, Clotho?所以，你愿意吗，洛托？

ClothoYes...嗯……

ClothoI do, Professor.我愿意，教授。

The thick morning fog has not yet scattered, but the primroses are already haloed in the faint light of dawn. The Doll in the black dress is waiting for me in the gazebo.清晨浓雾还未散尽，纯白色的月见花却借着微弱的晨光盛放。身着黑色礼服的人形少女在凉亭中耐心等待。

Her garments are elegant and well-made, perfectly showcasing her lissome figure, while her black and white veil hangs all the way down to the ground, making her look like an elfin spirit of the twilight. The morning birds chirp, and the land wakes from the silence of the night as life returns to it.长裙高贵优雅，完美展现出少女姣好的身材，黑白双色头纱垂坠落地让她化身昼与夜的精灵。晨间鸟鸣声已响起，大地从静谧的黑夜脱离，恢复生机。

ClothoAlthough there is nobody here, all the living things of creation will bear witness to this moment.虽然没有旁人在场，但生机勃勃的万物已是见证人。

Fearing that her partner might be lost in the mist, she lit candles to guide the caller from afar to her. Just as she places a record into the gramophone, a warm voice speaks from behind her.少女唯恐誓约者在雾中迷失，点亮了蜡烛，帮远处的来人找到方向。正当她将碟片放入留声机时，身后温润的声音响起。

ProfessorWell, finding this place took quite a lot of effort.没想到找这地方还费了些功夫。

ClothoProfessor, you're here.教授，您来了。

ProfessorLooks like I overestimated my sense of direction. If not for these candles, I would have been searching for much longer.是我高估了自己的方向感，如果不是你的烛火我恐怕还要找一段时间。

ClothoI was wondering if the time I had chosen for the ceremony was too early. Normally, you would have only just gone to sleep.我刚刚还在想，是不是自己挑的誓约时间太早了。平日这个时候您还没有入眠多久。

ProfessorPerish the thought. A morning is the beginning of a new day, filled with respect for life and a hopeful outlook. That was why you chose this time, right?怎么会呢。清晨是每一日的伊始，蕴含着对生命的尊重，对希望的向往，你所看重的也是它的寓意啊。

The record spins and gentle music fills the air. The melody is filled with delicate joy, and while the sounds seem vaguely incongruous with Clotho's austere color palette, it perfectly conveys her feelings.碟片旋转，舒缓的音乐在空气中流淌。歌曲中洋溢着细腻的幸福感，乐声和肃穆的黑白色搭配略有些违和，却正好能表达洛托的心意。

There is a slight flush of red on Clotho's face, which only serves to highlight the paleness of her skin.洛托的脸颊染上一抹红晕，衬得皮肤更加瓷白。

ClothoOn normal days, Clotho sings songs of mourning for the deceased, but this is not an ordinary day. This is a tune to commemorate the union of two souls forever in the world of the living.平日洛托总是为逝者吟唱悼歌，但今日不同。这是现实世界生者庆祝二人永结同心的曲子。

ClothoIt is her hope that this piece can convey her beliefs and emotions.洛托也希望借这首曲子，表达自己内心的信念。

I offer her a custom-made shuttle. It is inset with an azure piece of lapis lazuli that deepens the air of mystery which surrounds it.我为她递上了订制的纺锤。宝蓝色的琉璃镶嵌在纺锤上，倍显幽深神秘。

ProfessorI commissioned a new copy of the item that you always carry with you.这是你常带在身边的器物，我为你定制了一件新的。

ClothoA shuttle?纺锤？

ProfessorThe world is an inconstant place. Meetings and partings, life and death, all these things are the purview of destiny, and we cannot control them.世事无常，邂逅别离，生老病死这些事需要命运去决定，我们无法左右。

ProfessorBut I hope that in the days to come, we will be able to accompany each other, never to be parted, and that the strands of our lives shall be woven together.但我希望未来的日子，我们相互陪伴，不离不弃。命运的丝线就此缠绕一生。

ClothoYour Clotho understands your intentions, so I hope you will listen to my reply.洛托已经明白了教授的心意，请您听好，下面是我的回应。

ClothoYour Clotho is willing to pledge an oath of eternal companionship through time, life, and death. I wish to accompany you no matter where we go and no matter how long it takes.洛托愿与您一起跨越时间和生死，缔结永恒相伴的誓约。生生世世，伴您左右。

ProfessorNo matter how far, no matter how long.生生世世，相伴不离。

As we make our respective oaths to each other, a white butterfly circling the area lands on Clotho's hand. Its wings flutter, a representative of the boundless life that bears witness to the moment when I slide the ring onto Clotho's finger.宣誓真切，情意缱绻，周围盘旋的白蝶停落在洛托手上。生灵双翼翩跹，见证我为洛托戴上戒指的一刻。

ClothoProfessor, you...教授，您……

ProfessorA ring has no beginning and neither does it have an end. Thus, a ring represents eternity. That ought to further formalize our oath.圆环没有起点，也没有终点，戒指因此代表永恒。这样我们的誓约便正式生效了。

赫尔Felicitations...恭喜恭喜……

A somber voice emerges from the nearby coffin. Hel, who has been quiet for a long time now, offers her congratulations in a tone that sounds faintly like she's complaining.沉闷的声音自一旁的棺材发出，等了许久的赫尔略带埋怨地吐出一句祝福语。

ProfessorUh... Hel.呃……赫尔。

赫尔You know, I've been sitting around here as a witness for a long time now, listening to the two of you go, "Oh, I wuv you forever and ever", without so much as a chance to get a word on the side!我这个见证人已经在这里呆了很久了，全程都在听你们两个你侬我侬，却插不上一句话啊！

ProfessorSorry about that.不好意思。

赫尔Meh, it's alright. I was supposed to keep a lookout for you guys anyway.好了好了，本来我也是来给你们放风的嘛。

赫尔Since you two have made your oath now, you can go ahead and get all lovey-dovey. Don't mind me!誓约既然已成，两人可以更亲近些，不用在意我的存在！

A great force from nowhere suddenly shoves me. I stumble back a couple of steps before I trip the fabric of a long, flowing dress and fall towards Clotho. She does not hesitate and spreads her arms to embrace me.不知从何处而来的一股大力推了我一把，我踉跄了几步被长长的裙摆绊了一下，整个人向洛托倒去。洛托并未犹豫，张开双臂将我拥入怀中。

Thunk!咚！

ProfessorUrgh... Sorry, Clotho, I hope I didn't hurt you.唔嗯……没撞痛你吧，洛托。

ClothoProfessor, a wayfarer who has spent much time wandering the cold will not allow a single crumb of warmth to escape her.教授，长久徘徊在凄寒天地中的旅人，可不会放过任何一丝温暖。

ClothoSince your Clotho has made contact with you now, I will not let go again.既然已经触碰到您，洛托就不会再放手。

Clotho hugs me tightly and my nose fills with her ethereal fragrance. The sound from the gramophone fades out. The wind stirs the black and white silks of her gown, causing them to shroud us as we lie in each other's arms in the gazebo, making everything seem illusory yet fantastic.洛托环抱着我，鼻腔里都是少女清幽的香气。留声机里传出的音乐突然变得暧昧。影影绰绰的黑纱白纱被风吹动，隐约遮住了凉亭中我们相互依偎的身影，也让一切更加迷幻。

ProfessorC-Clotho?洛、洛托？！

Her fingers descends from my neck to my chest. Her voice is startlingly innocent.她的手指从颈间滑到我的胸口，人形少女纯真而诧异。

ClothoProfessor, your heart is beating so strongly.教授，您的心脏跳得好快。

With the veil separating us from the outside world, I can hear her breathing in this half-hidden sanctum that belongs to us.轻纱隔断外界，半遮半掩的私密空间内可以听到我和少女的呼吸声。

ProfessorHehe, but you're blushing too, aren't you, Clotho?呵呵，洛托不是也脸红了吗？

ClothoA solitary star has been saved by the dazzling daylight.空虚寂灭的孤星被耀眼的日光所拯救。

ClothoNow that your Clotho has made an oath with you, I shall weave our fate with this shuttle.已经与您许下了誓言，洛托就用纺锤亲手编织我们的命运。

ClothoIn sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part...从此甘苦与共，相伴相依，永不分离……

The first rays of the dawn pierce the mist, signaling the beginning of a new day. However, perhaps the Professor's long night has only just begun...晨间的第一缕阳光穿透白雾，预示着新一日的开始。属于教授的长夜或许才刚刚开始。

ProfessorI know you've been feeling uneasy of late, Clotho. I hope this helps to comfort you.我知道洛托最近心神不宁，希望它能让你安心。

Eos 晨曦

At the Oasis, in the special dorm area.绿洲，特别宿舍区。

The special dorm is a standalone block from the normal dorm area. Naturally, the agents who live there are more special than most.作为和常规宿舍区域分隔开来的独栋，这里所居住的自然而然也是比较特殊的智能体。

I look at the letter in my hand and at the door before me with the name "Eos" on it, and sigh heavily.我看着手中的信封，又看了看写有晨曦二字的宿舍门牌，只能深深地叹了一口气。

ProfessorHow did she even get into my room and leave this letter on my pillow, anyway...也不知道她是怎样进入我的房间，在床头留下信封的……

Please investigate the secret hidden between the lines. Your first clue is "Home". If you can solve the final mystery, I shall grace you with a most generous reward, Professor.字里行间的秘密，就由您去探索了。第一个线索是“归宿”。如果能够解开最终的谜题，那么我会为教授奉上丰厚的奖励哦。

ProfessorHas she gotten into riddles recently? If it's just the literal meaning of the word, then this has got to be it.难道最近她沉迷上猜谜了？如果只是字面上的意思，那么就是这里了吧……不过，总感觉应该没有那么简单。

I knock on the door to Eos' room, but nobody answers me.我敲了敲晨曦的房门，但是却没有任何人回应我。

ProfessorEos?晨曦？

ProfessorIs she out... or perhaps...不在吗……还是说……

I push the door open. The room is empty as expected, with only a single envelope resting on the immaculately-made bed.我推开了房门，果然如我所想，房间之中空无一人，只有一个信封被放置在整洁的床上。

ProfessorSo it's a second clue... Looks like the game's still afoot.第二个线索吗……看来游戏还要继续啊。

ProfessorStill, I have to say that no matter how many times I come here, this room feels too clean.不过，不论来几次都觉得这个房间过于整洁了。

There isn't so much as a speck of dust here, or any junk or detritus lying around. In fact, it doesn't even feel like anyone lives here at all.房间中没有一丝灰尘，也没有摆放任何的杂物，甚至感受不到有人生活的气息。

ProfessorIt's just like when she first moved in.和当初一模一样啊。

EosMm. It's not very big, but it's enough to serve as a living space.嗯，虽然空间不大，但是作为生活区域已经足够了。

Professor...Are you really alright with this?……这样真的好吗？

EosHm? Are you talking about how I'm living apart from the other Dolls?嗯？您是指和其他人形分开居住这件事吗？

EosHehehe, my situation is special, after all. I wouldn't want you to be inconvenienced by this.呵呵呵，无论如何我的身份特殊。我可不希望教授您被这件事困扰。

ProfessorBut you're a friend now...但是现在你是我们的伙伴……

Eos extends a finger and presses it against my lips in a shushing gesture.晨曦伸出一根手指抵在了我的嘴唇上。

EosI am a Sanctifier, and even if I did not do all the things my brethren did, there will still be a barrier between myself and the others in the Oasis. This is a home for all the Dolls who have been cast adrift upon the cloud, not the Sanctifiers.我是净化者，即使那些事情并非我所做，但这份隔阂必定存在于绿洲之中。这里是那些流落在云端的人形们的归宿，这里不属于净化者。

EosAnd thus, to avoid unnecessary trouble, I shall live here and minimize my contact with the others.所以为了避免一些不必要的麻烦，我还是在这里，不与其他人过多接触了吧。

EosAlso... When I am here, nobody will discover me taking you all for myself, Professor~而且……在这里的话，即使我独占教授也不会被任何人发现了哦~

Eos leans in close and whispers into my ear.晨曦凑到了我的耳边，轻轻地呼了一口气。

EosFor instance~ Like what I'm doing now... Hehehe, my, your face is red, Professor.比如说~现在这个样子……呵呵呵，教授，您的脸很红哦。

I look around the empty room. Eos has been in the Oasis for a while now, but the interior looks just like it did when she first came here.我看向空旷的宿舍，虽然晨曦已经来到绿洲许久，但房间内的格局依旧维持着一开始的样貌。

ProfessorI'd like to help build a refuge for you... No, I'll make sure I give you a place you can come back to.我也希望能建立起你的归宿啊……不，我一定会给予你归宿的。

I pick up the letter on the bed, which contains a single line of text.我拿起了床上的信封，上面依旧是一段话。

A Sanctifier's duty is to protect Magrasea, and as such they do not require the motivation of desire.净化者的天职是守护麦戈拉，因此并不需要名为欲望的冲动。

ProfessorIs the answer to this riddle something about desires that Sanctifiers didn't have before...这一次的谜题是净化者不曾拥有的欲望吗……

At the Oasis, in the lounge.绿洲，休息区。

ProfessorWell, if we're talking about desires that Sanctifiers don't have... Then this should be the place.如果说到净化者所没有的欲望……那应该就是这里了吧。

Since we're between mealtimes at the moment, there are only a few Dolls lounging around here.由于并非用餐时间，此时的休息区中只有零零散散几位人形在休息。

I head over to the corner of the lounge and approach a two-person booth.我走到了休息区的角落之中，在那里有一个双人座位。

ProfessorToday's menu... Heh, I knew it, they're serving pizza today.今天的食谱……呵呵，果然有披萨吗。

EosA Sanctifier's core programming does not include the imperative to consume food. As such, we Sanctifiers do not have the desire to eat.净化者的核心代码之中并没有设置进食这一指令，因此净化者并没有进食的欲望。

EosBut ever since I came to the Oasis... I've found myself deeply interested in such activities.不过自从来到绿洲之后……我不由自主地对这一行为产生了浓厚的兴趣。

Eos picks up a pizza from the table and carefully examines it.晨曦拿起了桌上的披萨，仔细地端详了起来。

EosThis white substance ought to be some kind of dairy product, no? It's sticky and the strands remain connected even when cut... What is this, Professor?粘稠，藕断丝连一般的效果，这里白色的部分应该是乳制品吧？教授，这是什么食物？

ProfessorThis is a pizza. It's a common sight in human society, and the taste of each one varies depending on its area of origin. But yes, it's something of a rarity on Magrasea.披萨，虽然在人类社会之中是常见的食物，还会因为地域关系衍生出不同的味道，不过在麦戈拉确实很少见呢。

EosThe rich fragrance of milk, the combination of softness and hardness in its texture... It really is quite delicious.醇厚的奶香，柔硬结合的口感……真的很美味呢。

EosHehehe, I have the feeling that at this rate, I'll be developing desires that I shouldn't have.呵呵呵，感觉再这样下去，或许我就要产生不应有的欲望了啊。

ProfessorWell, if you like it, I can have the supervisor add it to your menu.你要是喜欢的话，我也可以让负责人把这道菜加入你的菜单中。

EosHehehe, this change doesn't seem quite in character for me. Will you still permit it regardless?呵呵呵，明明是不符合原本设定的变化，但是您却依旧默许这种改变吗？

EosWhat's happened has happened... and no matter what kind of answer she's found, it is all up to her to choose.“事情都已经发生了……不论在其中得到怎样的答案，都是那个人的自由。”

ProfessorThose words...这句话是……

EosAs a Sanctifier, I shouldn't have unnecessary desires of my own, but I find myself unable to hold back... Although, there is one kind of desire that worries me more than hunger.身为净化者的我不应该产生多余的欲望，但是我却已经无法抑制……不过，比起食欲，还有一种欲望让我更加担忧呢。

ProfessorThere is?还有一种？

Eos...What do you think it is, Professor?……您觉得那是什么呢，教授？

ProfessorA desire other than hunger...除了食欲之外的另一种欲望……

I smile and head over to where Eos sat in my memory. Sure enough, there's an envelope there.我微微一笑，走到了记忆之中晨曦所坐的位置，果然在桌底下发现了信封。

An illusion born of a miracle.于奇迹之中诞生的幻影。

Professor...Life and miracles? There's only one place that corresponds to those...……生命和奇迹吗？那么只有那个地方了……

At the Oasis' Medical Department.绿洲，医疗局。

I open the door to the Neural Cloud Assessment room. The assessment capsule sits quietly within. The room is empty.我推开了心智检定室的大门，心智检定仓静静地躺在那里，其中空无一人。

ProfessorThis takes me back... This is where I witnessed a miracle and where we met again in the Oasis.真令人怀念啊……这里是见证奇迹的地点，也是我们在绿洲再会的地点。

EosUgh... This is...呜……我这是……

ProfessorEos, are you alright? How do you feel?晨曦，你还好吗？你感觉怎么样？

EosI remember... I was in Tartarus... and I gave my power to...我记得……我在塔尔塔罗斯……把力量托付给了……

ProfessorYour data's only just been stabilized. You'll need some time to fully process the contents of your memory modules... Do you remember me?你的数据刚刚稳定下来，还需要一些时间才能完全处理记忆模块中的内容……你还记得我吗？

EosYou... You're ... My comrade and friend...您……是……是我的战友……

ProfessorYes, I'm right here, Eos.嗯，我在这里，晨曦。

EosNo matter how chaotic my memories are, I still remember... You held me then like you're holding me now...不论记忆模块多么混乱，我都记得……当时的您和现在一样抱住我……

EosI didn't expect I could continue living on like this. It's practically a miracle...没想到我的生命还可以这样延续下去，简直就像是奇迹一般……

EosHehehe, it really was like a dream... how... wonderful...呵呵呵，真的是如同梦幻一般的场景呢……真是……太好了……

I gently stroke the capsule, and open the third envelope lying on it.我轻轻抚摸着心智检定仓，打开仓上放着的第三个信封。

ProfessorAnd the final letter is... empty?最后一封信里……反而是一片空白吗？

ProfessorDo you not know the answer, or did you want me to tell you?究竟是你也不知道答案，还是在期待我给你答案呢？

I stroke the little box I prepared beforehand through my coat, and take a deep breath.我摸了摸上衣中早就准备好的小盒子，深深吸了一口气。

ProfessorIn that case, it's time I gave you my answer...既然如此，就让我给出我的答案吧……

At the Oasis' chapel.绿洲，礼拜堂。

A translucent veil divides the sacrosanct chapel in two. A lovely figure is vaguely visible behind it.圣洁的礼拜堂之中，一道半透明的帘幕将礼拜堂一份为二。而在帘幕之后，那俏丽的身影依稀可见。

ProfessorYou've arrived, .晨曦，我来了。

EosWell done, Professor. I'd only just finished my preparations, but you're already here.不愧是教授呢，我才刚刚做好准备，您就已经来到了这里。

EosThe last letter was blank, but you found me anyway.明明最后一封信里，我什么都没有写，但是却依旧被您找到了。

EosAm I too easy to read, or are you simply too smart?究竟是我的心思太好猜了，还是教授的手段太过于高明了呢。

ProfessorNeither, I would say.都不是。

EosHm?嗯？

ProfessorI am here because I have the same desire as you. I wish to achieve the same thing that you do.我之所以在这里，是因为我有着和你相同的欲望，我想要和你达成同一件事情。

ProfessorAnd that is why I have come to this chapel of oaths.所以我来到了这里，来到了这个誓约的礼拜堂。

Eos...Have you truly made up your mind to do this?……您真的下定决心了吗？

EosI am Eos, yet not Eos. I am a Sanctifier, yet I feel emotions beyond my programming. I have no home, and am merely a fleeting illusion...我是晨曦，却又不是晨曦。明明是净化者，但却产生了程序之外的情愫。没有归宿，如同幻影一般暂时留在这里……

I can sense Eos trembling faintly behind the veil.隔着帘幕，我也能感受到晨曦正在微微颤抖。

EosWhile I have been looking forward to this answer, I do not know if it is the right one...我虽然期待这个答案，但是却不知道这个答案是否正确……

ProfessorIt doesn't matter.这一切都不重要。

I approach the curtain, then reach beyond it to take Eos' hand.我走到帘幕前，伸出手握住了帘幕之后晨曦的手。

ProfessorIf this is a miracle, then I am grateful to have witnessed it. If this is an illusion, then I will walk in its footsteps.如果是奇迹，我便感谢奇迹的馈赠。如果是幻影，我便会找到幻影的踪迹。

ProfessorYou might not be the Sanctifier known as Eos, but in the Oasis... in my memories, you are the one who stood by my side.你或许不是曾经的净化者晨曦，但是在绿洲……在那段记忆里，和我并肩作战的就是你。

ProfessorThis is your home, and you are no illusion.你的归宿就在这里，你也绝对不是幻影。

ProfessorThis is my answer. Be it your home, your desire or this miracle, I have only ever had one answer.这就是我的答案。不论是对归宿，对欲望，对奇迹，我的答案永远只有一个。

I gently tug on Eos' hand, pulling her out from behind the veil and into my arms.我轻轻用力，将晨曦拉出了帘幕，拥抱在怀中。

EosAh...啊……

Eos...This embrace... it's too warm for me...……这样的拥抱……对我来说太过于温暖了……

Eos crosses her arms behind me and pulls me into a firm hug.晨曦双手交叉，和我紧紧相拥。

EosWhile I never doubted your answer for a moment, being able to rest in your arms is most consoling...虽然我不曾怀疑您会给予我答案，但是能够在您的怀中，真的让人非常安心……

ProfessorNo matter where, no matter when, if you should feel worried, I will find you and gather you into my embrace.不论在哪里，不论何时，只要你不安，我都会找到你，然后把你拉入怀中。

ProfessorThis is my oath.这便是我与你的誓约。

I don't know how long has passed before we slowly released each other.不知过去了多久，我们才缓缓分开。

Eos(Pants)……呼……

Even though we're separated from each other, I can still see Eos' chest rising and falling through the diaphanous material of her gown.即使分开了，在若隐若现的白纱之下，依旧可以看到晨曦略微急促地起伏。

ProfessorHehe, I didn't think I'd see a look like this on your face, Eos.呵呵，没想到晨曦也会有这样的表情。

EosWell... it is a most important time, after all...毕竟……是这样重要的时刻……

Eos' face flushes pink, and she soon brings her breathing under control. Then she boldly grasps my arm, as though she's returned to her usual self.晨曦脸微微一红，很快平复了呼吸，随后大胆地抓住了我的手臂，仿佛又回到了平时的她。

EosHow do you like the gown I prepared for today's oath ceremony, Professor? I wonder if you were looking forward to something like this?怎么样教授，我为今天的誓约所准备的礼裙，不知道是否符合教授心中所想的场面呢。

ProfessorIt's everything I imagined it would be. It suits you perfectly.确实是和我想象中一样呢，非常适合你呢。

ProfessorI wouldn't say it was what I expected... because it's completely surpassed my expectations.与其说是符合我所想的场面……不如说已经远超我的想象了。

EosSeeing as how you're staring so hard at me, it seems the time I spent preparing it was worthwhile.能让教授紧盯着我不放，看来准备的时间都是值得的呢。

Eos' eyes meet mine. She looks intently at me, as though she's expecting me to do something else.晨曦与我四目相对，紧紧地盯着我，似乎在期待着什么。

As she watches expectantly, I withdraw the proof of our oath that I've prepared well in advance.在她期待的目光下，我从怀中取出了早已准备好的誓约之证。

EosThe oath ceremony is the most formal of all rites on the cloud, and a way to permanently connect neural clouds.誓约程式在云端是最庄重的仪式，也是维系于心智上永恒的程式。

EosIn human terms, it would be a bond that surpasses all others, a pledge inscribed on our souls.用人类的话语来描述的话，这是铭刻于灵魂之上的契约，超越了一切的羁绊。

EosProfessor, do you wish to make this oath with me, even if I am nothing but an illusion?教授，即使是这如同幻影一般的生命，您也愿意向我提出誓约吗？

ProfessorI wish to make an eternal oath with you. Whether we are alone or together, whether we are in the same world or not... the oath between you and me will always exist.我愿意与你立下永恒的誓约，不论我们是否身处一起，不论我们是否在同一个世界……你与我之间的誓约都将存在。

ProfessorWhat about you, Eos? Do you accept the oath that I offer?那么，晨曦你呢？你愿意接受我所提出的誓约吗？

(Yes)符合。

(No.)不符合。

Eos closes her eyes, and takes a deep breath.晨曦闭上双眼，深深地吸了一口气。

EosEven if this life is nothing but an illusion, even if it took a miracle for me to reside within this body of mine, I shall go forward with you, until the very end.即使是这宛如幻影一般的生命，即使是借助奇迹存在于此的身躯，我也一定会与您共同前进，直到最后。

EosI do, .我愿意，。

Eos holds her left hand out to me, and I slip the proof of our oath onto her ring finger.晨曦向我伸出左手，而我则是将誓约之证戴在了她的无名指上。

Our hands interlock as we savor each other's warmth.我们十指相扣，相互感受着对方的温度。

Perhaps there is no way to tell what the shape of our future will be. Perhaps one day we will plunge into the abyss once more. But as long as we have each other, we will be able to head toward a glorious future together.或许我们的未来无法预测，或许我们会一次次跌落谷底，但是只要彼此相依，我们就一定能够一起迈向光明的未来。

Darkstar Hubble 陨星赫波

Darkstar HubblePhotons are to be annihilated in the face of surging gravity. In their fleeting moment of dissipation, they once vainly imagined breaking free from constraints to escape into the universe, but ultimately, it was futile.光子湮灭于澎湃的引力，它们也曾妄想在消散的一瞬，挣脱束缚逃逸星际，但终是徒劳。

Darkstar HubbleEven the brightest light will fall into the grasp of a black hole, as if it had never existed in this world.再耀眼的光芒，都会被深邃的黑洞捕获，仿佛从未来到过这个世界。

Darkstar HubbleProfessor, I'm bound to my trajectory, but you aren't. That's why I keep asking you to confirm if you truly wish to swear an oath with me.教授，我不能逃离既定的轨迹，但您可以。所以我一再向您确认，是否真的愿意同我誓约，自坠囚牢。

The oath partner before her remained calm, as if the answer had long been clear in their mind.对面的誓约者从始至终都很淡然，答案似乎早已了然于心。

They smiled and took my hand, leaned in close to my ear, and whispered the answer between parted lips...微笑着牵起我的手，俯身凑到我耳边，嘴唇翕张间给出了答案……

Suddenly, a burst of static disrupted the space, their voice was drowned out in the wailing of alarms.突然嘈杂的电流声搅乱了空间，誓约者的声音被淹没在警报哀鸣中。

系统Warning! Detected mental state disorder, fluctuations in Entropy levels observed. Please adjust detection variables immediately, and alleviate target's mental pressure...警告！检测目标心智紊乱，熵化情况出现波动。请立即调整检测变量，纾解目标心智压力……

Hubble awakens from her dream, and opens her eyes. Her oath partner is no longer there, but instead, she sees Antonina with a worried expression on her face.赫波从梦中惊醒蓦然睁开眼，视野中不再是之前的誓约者，而是面露担忧的安冬妮娜。

AntoninaNeural abnormalities exceed threshold, memory areas damaged, situation unfavorable.心智异常程度超出阈值，部分记忆区域损坏，情况不理想。

AntoninaYour Entropic reaction has recently become agitated again. Your memories will become more confused and incoherent if this continues. What happened, Hubble?你体内原本已经平静下来的熵化反应最近又开始躁动，这样下去你的记忆会更加混乱。是受到什么刺激了吗，赫波？

Darkstar HubbleI don't know... I haven't captured that escaping star.我也不明白……我还没有捕捉到那颗逃逸的星星。

Darkstar HubbleBut I can feel it pulsating... this should be a pleasant emotion, right?我能感受到它在律动……这应该是愉悦的感情吧。

AntoninaPleasant?愉悦？

Darkstar HubbleYes. No matter how brightly a star shines now, it will eventually be torn apart by gravity, devoured, and extinguished in darkness.嗯。星光闪耀，最终却会被引力撕碎，吞噬，泯灭于黑暗。

Darkstar HubbleEvery time I think about it, my heart sings, rejoices with delight, for that is the doomed destiny of everything...每次想到这些我的内心就会欢欣愉悦，因为这是世间万物的归宿啊……

Darkstar HubbleBut this time, I can feel something else besides the pleasure... what might it be?但是这一次的愉悦却又有一丝不同……这到底是为什么呢？

AntoninaHubble...赫波……

Darkstar HubbleAnna, from your expression, I can see... you're resisting that destiny. It's okay, I can wait...从安娜你的表情我可以看出……你在抗拒，抗拒与我一同回归永恒的宿命。没关系，我可以等候……

AntoninaAgh.. I'm not like that weirdo who can understand what you're saying.唉，我可不像那个家伙，能搞明白你在说什么。

AntoninaBut I'm afraid that pulsation you mentioned is affecting your memory module. And once lost memories are damaged, they are difficult to recover.但恐怕你口中“星星的律动”正在影响你的记忆模块。而且丢失的记忆一旦损坏，也很难被恢复了。

Darkstar HubbleEven stars will have a day when they no longer glow. These memories... they merely follow their destined fate to wither away.即使是星星也会有停止运转的一天，这些记忆也不过是遵循着宿命凋零罢了。

ProfessorThat won't do. Hubble's memories are very important to me.那可不行哦，赫波的记忆对我十分重要。

AntoninaProfessor? Speak of the devil...教授？还真是说曹操曹操到啊……

Antonina sighs in relief when she sees me, while Hubble next to her still seems lost in thought. The green-haired assistant tries to lighten the tense atmosphere with a joke.安冬妮娜看到我后舒了口气，但一旁的赫波依旧心事重重。绿发小助手试图缓和凝重的气氛开玩笑说道。

AntoninaI've experienced this same scene several times already. Our respectable Professor always manages to come up with various wisecracks.同样的场景我已经经历过好几次了，教授每次都能变着法子讲出各种花言巧语，真让人心生敬意。

ProfessorIt seems I wasn't able to dispel Hubble's doubts.看来我没能打消赫波的疑虑啊。

Hubble looks up, gazing at me with confusion, as if trying to find something in my eyes.赫波抬头，迷茫地注视着我，似乎想从我眼中寻找什么。

AntoninaI'll go discuss with the medical department to see if there's a way to recover Hubble's memories.我去和医疗局的大家讨论一下看看有没有修复赫波记忆的方法。

AntoninaI'll leave this to you, Professor. Hope your silver tongue can comfort Hubble well.这里就先交给教授你了，希望教授的三寸不烂之舌可以好好安慰一下赫波。

Antonina's gaze lingers between me and Hubble. Sensing that I have something to say to Hubble, she quickly leaves the room.安冬妮娜的视线在我和赫波间徘徊，她知道我有话想和赫波说，识趣离开检测室。

Silence falls over the room. As I struggle to find the right words, Hubble unexpectedly breaks the quietude that pervaded us.周围安静下来。我思索着如何打破沉默，却没想到是赫波率先开口。

Darkstar HubbleAre my memories that important to you, Professor?我的记忆对教授来说十分重要吗？

ProfessorTo be more precise... it's our shared memories that are most important to me.不太正确……是我和赫波共同的记忆对于我来说最为重要。

Darkstar HubbleWhy... these memories are just traces left by stars, they will eventually fade away...为什么……这些记忆不过是星星留下的痕迹，最终都会消散……

ProfessorBecause I'm your oath partner.因为我是你的誓约者。

Hubble struggles to reconcile with the images that feature me in her memory. However, the more desperate she grows, the more chaotic her memories become, much like a tangled web.赫波努力将我与记忆中的影像重合，但她越迫切记忆就越混乱，仿佛一团永远理不清的乱麻。

Darkstar HubbleOath partner? I... I feel like I have an impression of that, but I can't recall.誓约者？我……我好像有印象，但是又回忆不起来。

Darkstar HubbleCan lost memories... be engraved in the starry sky?忘却的记忆……能被星空铭刻吗……

The girl's expression is bewildered. Ever since she was found and brought back from the Jiutian Sector, her countenance has been painted with an expression of indifferent sorrow.少女神色迷茫，自从她被从九天扇区寻回来，就一直带着这种漠然哀戚的表情。

Yet, we all remember a time when her smile rivaled the brilliance of the starry sky. A sudden, intense longing rises within me—I yearn to see that radiant expression grace her face once more.可我们每个人都曾经目睹过她如同星河般璀璨的笑容。一股冲动油然而生，我发自内心想让那样的笑容重新出现在她的脸上。

Driven by this inner impulse, I draw her into my arms and whisper in her ears.内心的冲动促使我将她揽入怀中，在她耳边低语。

ProfessorIt doesn't matter if you don't remember. I'll be here, by your side, taking your hand again and again. I'll repeat my oaths to you, day after day, and tirelessly place the ring on your finger.你不记得也没有关系。还有我在，我会一次次牵起你的手，一遍遍对你说出誓言，不厌其烦地为你戴上戒指。

Darkstar Hubble...My luminous star... Have you finally agreed to fall into darkness with me?……炽热发光的恒星……您终于愿与我一同堕入黑暗之中了吗？

ProfessorThen who might that darkness be? Is it you, Hubble?那谁是黑暗呢？赫波吗？

ProfessorFor me, Hubble, you are my guiding star. No matter what kind of darkness surrounds me, as long as I'm by your side, I'm sure to see the twinkling of stars.对于我而言，赫波是我的启明星。不论是什么样的黑暗，只要在赫波身边就一定可以看到星星的闪耀。

Darkstar HubbleEven if we fall into darkness together, even if my memories collapse?即使与我共同进入黑暗，即使我的记忆崩解吗？

ProfessorYes, my answer will never change. So will you agree to my request for an oath?嗯，这就是我的答案，所以赫波愿意答应我的誓约请求吗？

The girl nods silently.少女默默点头。

Darkstar HubbleThe pulsation of stars are a pleasant feeling... surpassing all. I like you, Professor, that is something beyond any doubt.星脉的律动让我愉悦……超越了一切。我喜欢教授，这一点毋庸置疑。

The girl's simple and direct confession leaves me momentarily flustered.纯情直球最为致命。少女简单的告白让我一时间手足无措。

ProfessorAhem, if that's the case, then let's do it tomorrow.咳咳，既然这样那就明天好了。

Darkstar HubbleYou mean...您是说……

She blinks, seemingly unsure of what I was talking about. I raise my hand and gently stroke the bridge of her nose.她眨眨眼似乎不清楚我在指什么。我抬手轻轻刮蹭她的鼻梁。

ProfessorOf course, I mean the oath ceremony. I was hoping to pick a good date, but since you're so concerned, it's better to do it sooner.当然是誓约仪式。原本想挑个合适的日子，不过赫波这么担心，还是早一点好了。

ProfessorI've chosen an oath projection for you. I'm not sure if it suits you. But would you put it on for me tomorrow? You'll definitely look beautiful.我为你挑了一套誓约投影，不知道适不适合你，明天能为我穿上它吗？你一定会很美。

The mist in Hubble's eyes cleared, and her gloomy look softens noticeably.赫波眼中的迷雾被驱散，眸光闪烁，严肃阴沉的表情也柔和了许多。

Darkstar HubbleThank you, Professor.教授，谢谢。

ProfessorHuh?嗯？

Darkstar HubbleYou're willing to approach me at the risk of the galaxy collapsing, and I'll answer honestly, etching the stars above and you right here into my heart.您愿意冒着星系崩解的危险向我贴近，我也会真诚地回应您，让头顶闪烁的星空和眼前的您，都镌刻在我的心智深处。

A quiet joy permeates the night. We can't control everything, like entropy or fading memories. But seeing her warm smile again, I know I made the right choice.幸福在静谧的夜中流淌。很多事并不由我们控制，譬如难以应付的熵化，不知何时消散的记忆。但当少女的脸上再次浮现出温暖的笑意，我坚定了信念，一切决定是都正确的。

This morning, I arrive at Hubble's dormitory as promised to pick her up, but find the room empty. My calls to her comm modules go unanswered.第二天清晨，我如约去赫波的宿舍接人，然而室内空空荡荡并没有见到赫波。终端通讯呼叫了几次也无人接应。

I feel a bit worried, fearing she might have once again been afflicted yesterday's doubts once again. The locator, however, shows Hubble is already at the church, so I decide to try my luck there.我有点担心，不知道她会不会和昨天一样陷入消极循环。定位显示赫波已经到了教堂，我决定试试看去那里能不能找到她。

Creeak—吱呀——

As I push open the wooden church door, the bright morning light filters through the stained glass windows, along with fragments of starry radiance. They eagerly spill from the gaps, beckoning me inside.教堂木门被推开，明亮的晨曦同星屑碎光一同从门缝溢出来。

The goddess of stars slumbers peacefully, nestled within the protective embrace of the statue. Numerous angels surround her, standing guard. The young girl has broken free from all disasters, awaiting a baptism of happiness.星河女神在雕像的庇护中沉睡，诸多天使围绕在身边，少女挣脱一切灾难等待幸福洗礼。

The pain of the past has crystallized into the shimmering folds of her skirt. From now on, she no longer needs to endure alone. All future hardships will be faced together with someone by her side.往日的痛苦从她生命中析出，化作裙摆间的结晶。从此她不必忍受，所有的困境将有人与她共同面对。

ProfessorHubble...赫波……

I call out to her gently. As my voice reaches her ears, her eyelids flutter open, revealing a mix of confusion and pleasant surprise in her gaze.我轻声唤她，她听到我声音后缓缓抬眼，迷茫讶然。

Darkstar HubbleProfessor, is it morning already?教授，已经天亮了？

ProfessorYes. I didn't expect you to arrive even earlier than me.嗯，没想到你比我来得还早。

Darkstar HubbleBecause it was you who invited me, Professor... I can't bear the thought of being late or letting you down on such a special day.这是教授的邀约……我不想因为忘记而错过，更不想让您失望。

Darkstar HubbleSo, after changing into the projection you chose last night, I've been staying in the church. This way, even if I forget myself, you'd still find me here when you arrived at dawn.所以昨天深夜我换了礼服后就一直呆在教堂，这样即使我自己不记得了，教授第二天来到教堂也会看到我。

ProfessorThen, have you forgotten now, Hubble?那现在赫波忘记了吗？

She shakes her head, her eyes sparkling with joy as she gently touches her forehead.她摇摇头，有些兴奋地抚摸自己的额头。

Darkstar HubbleNo, it's all so vivid... How truly remarkable; despite everything else having become so vague and unclear.一清二楚……真是不可思议，明明一切都变得那么暧昧不清。

Darkstar HubbleBut this moment, this invitation of yours, they make my heart flutter like never before. Even during my time on the red planet, I never experienced such a feeling.但是此时此刻，这份邀约却让我无比悸动。即使身处赤星，也从未有如此律动。

Hubble reaches out her hand to me, her eyes filled with anticipation.赫波向我伸出了手，眼神之中充满了期待。

Darkstar HubbleProfessor, are you truly prepared... to accompany me into the darkness?教授，您真的已经做好了……与我在黑暗同行的准备了吗？

Darkstar HubbleEven now, I can sense the celestial glow that surrounds your being.此时此刻我依旧可以感受到在您身上，那宛如恒星一般的光辉。

ProfessorOf course.当然愿意。

Dreams and illusions overlap. Memories of the past, like meteors returning to the skies, transforming from extinguished dust into dazzling stars.梦境与虚影重叠，往日的记忆如同逆轨的流星，从泯灭的尘屑复原为一颗颗耀眼的璀璨。

The memories that have long vanished into darkness suddenly flash back, like a film playing in Hubble's mind.消失在黑暗中的记忆过电影般突然在赫波脑海里播放。

She feels as if she just took a nap and had a dream in the exam room. But now, this vivid feeling, this familiar voice, everything is telling her that her partner has made the same promise to her countless times before.她以为自己在检测室内只是睡了一觉做了一场梦。可现在这样清晰的触感，熟悉的声音，每一个充满既视感的细节都在告诉她，她的誓约者曾对她说过无数次同样的誓言。

She has finally recaptured that escaping star.她终于再次捕捉到了那颗逃逸的星星。

Darkstar HubbleHow many times have we repeated this... Professor?教授……这样重复了多少次呢？

I'm a bit shocked. Entropized Hubble's memories are disordered. She sometimes forgets the conversations we've had and the things we've done together.我有些愕然。因为熵化波动的原因赫波记忆错乱，她会时不时遗忘我们一起说过的话，一起做过的事。

But I've never really cared about that, I know that deep down, Hubble's heart has never changed, whether she remembers everything or not.但这些我从来没有计较过，因为我知道无论记得与否，赫波的心一直没有变过。

Darkstar HubbleYour expression says it all... I now understand. All those forgotten promises and lost memories are slowly coming back.您的表情已经告诉我答案了……原来如此，迷失的光辉，遗忘的誓言，一次次重复最终缓缓归位。

Darkstar HubbleEven if a star forgets where it's supposed to go, gravity keeps pulling it along, helping it find its way back.即便星星忘记了自己的轨迹，引力也一直牵引它，找到自己的方向。

Hubble has a ring on each finger, representing the countless oaths she has made with her partner that stands before her. As she gently touches them, her stabilized entropy core suddenly feels a faint pain.赫波每个手指上都有一枚戒指，代表眼前的誓约者已经与自己无数次立下山盟海誓。少女轻轻抚摸着它们，停止颤动的熵化核心此时却有隐约的痛感。

Darkstar HubbleThe pulse of stars, the rekindled starlight... warm, yet it aches...星脉的律动，重新点燃的星光……温暖而又刺痛……

Darkstar HubbleThe light that should have faded away has found its way back, thanks to you constantly pulling the stars to get them back on track.本应融于黑暗的光辉却被您一次次拨弄星象而重新回到正轨。

ProfessorBecause this is the oath I made.因为这是我许下的誓言。

ProfessorI don't make promises easily, because I know there's a lot I can't do. But when I do promise something, there is nothing I won't do to keep it.我不轻易承诺，因为知道自己有许多事力所不能及。但只要立下了誓言，就会把它当做信条一样去践行。

Darkstar HubbleEven if it keeps falling apart, over and over, like stars turning to dust?即使这些会一次次宛如星屑般慢慢崩毁吗？

The girl looks down, not saying a word. I reach out, my fingers lightly touch her cheek, and gently tilt her face up to mine.少女低头不语，我的手指抚过她的面颊，轻轻抬起下巴。

ProfessorLook at me.看着我。

The young girl bites her lip and slowly looks up, meeting a pair of gentle eyes. Those eyes hold no blame or anger, just a deep well of love.少女咬唇缓缓抬头，对上了温柔的双眸。眸中没有一丝责怪怨念，仅留一捧如水深情。

ProfessorI'll always be here with you, Hubble, protecting you and loving you. With everything I am, my body, my heart, my blood, my tears, my life, and my soul, until the very end of the universe.我会一直陪在赫波身边，守护你，爱你。以身，以心，以血，以泪，以生命，以灵魂，直到万物终寂，寰宇虚无。

ProfessorThis promise is for you, the you from before, the you right now, and the you yet to come.这份誓言的对象是过去的你，现在的你，未来的你。

I once again place the ring on her ring finger. Yet a familiar scene, similar actions, and still the same sincerity held within.我再次虔诚地将戒指戴在她的无名指上。熟悉的场景，相似的动作。甚至连真心都是原封不动复刻。

Hubble's blue eyes fills with tears as she throws herself into my arms.水蓝色的双眸中溢出几多晶莹，赫波扑进我怀里。

Darkstar HubblePlease hold me tight...抱紧我……

She whispers in my ear. I do as she asks, hugging her a little closer.她在我耳边吐息低语。我顺着她的意思略微收紧了力道。

Darkstar HubbleThank you, for giving a dying star a place to call home.谢谢您，让濒临湮灭的星找到了属于自己的归宿。

Darkstar HubbleEven if we all end up as nothing in the end... let me shine one last time. Let me light up the darkness for you, who I love so dearly.即使我们最终都会归于虚无……那么也请让我发出最后一丝光亮，为我深爱的誓约者驱散周围的黑暗。

ProfessorHubble...赫波……

Darkstar HubbleJust let me stay by your side like this, until everything fades away.就这么让我留在您的身边吧，直至一切泯灭。

Darkstar HubbleI'd gladly forget everything else, as long as I can remember this one oath and my love for you in this moment...我愿意以遗忘所有为代价，只要能记住这一句誓言，只要能记住此刻我对您的爱……

ProfessorYour memories, our oaths, I won't let you forget any of it. Trust me, I'll take care of everything.不论是你的记忆，还是我们的誓言，我都不会让你忘记。相信我，我会处理好一切的。

ProfessorBut now... we have more important matters...不过现在，我们还有更要紧的事……

Hubble's inner anxiety and deep emotions radiates through her body heat. Suddenly remembering something, I gently wrap my arm around her waist and lift her up, cradling her horizontally.赫波内心的忐忑与沉重的深情借着体温传递过来。我突然想起什么，揽住赫波的腰身将她打横抱起。

Darkstar HubbleHuh?嗯？

ProfessorYou've been in the church all night. You couldn't have slept comfortably. Now that our oath ceremony is over, you should head back to the dorm and get some proper rest.昨天一晚上都在教堂里，怎么可能睡得安稳。现在既然誓约仪式结束，赫波回宿舍早点休息好了。

Darkstar HubbleAnd what about you?那您呢？

ProfessorHehe, I slept very well yesterday, no need to...呵呵，我昨天睡得很好，不用……

Darkstar HubbleAren't you coming along, Professor?教授不一起吗？

Is this... an invitation? My heart suddenly races. Before I can fully process our previous conversation, Hubble's hands are already reaching out towards me.这是……邀请？心跳猛然加快，我还没从刚刚的对话中反应过来，赫波的双手便攀了上来。

Her fingers gently caresses my cheek. The subtle, almost imperceptible touch makes my heart tingle.柔夷轻抚脸颊，若有若无的触摸在我心头撩拨，不断点火。

Darkstar HubbleWhat if I wake up tomorrow and can't remember the oath I made to you?如果我醒来，再次忘记了曾经和教授承诺的誓言，该怎么办？

ProfessorDon't worry. I'll tell you about it and perform the oath ceremony for you again, or...没关系，我讲给你听，再为你举行誓约仪式，或者……

Hubble gently places a finger on my lips.赫波的食指轻点我的嘴唇，做了个噤声的手势。

Darkstar HubbleI don't want it to be like that, Professor. Instead, why don't you rest beside me at night? When I wake up and you're the first thing I see, I'll know you're the person closest to me.我不想教授那样。不如教授睡在我枕边，当我醒后第一眼看到您，就会默认您是我最亲近的人。

Darkstar HubblePerhaps this way, I won't forget.或许这样，我就不会遗忘了。

A mischievous smile appears on the girl's face.少女的脸上露出一丝狡黠的微笑。

Darkstar HubbleNow that you have chosen me, please follow me into darkness together... We'll wander through dreams, intertwined... Your essence within me, and mine within you...既然选择了我，就请您顺其自然和我一同落入黑暗……我们在梦中徜徉交融……你中有我，我中有你……

ProfessorHeh, it seems I may have bitten off more than I can chew.呵呵，看来我答应了不得了的事啊。

Darkstar HubbleDidn't you say that once you've made a promise, there's nothing you wouldn't do to keep it?您不是说只要立下了誓言，就会把它当做信条一样去践行吗？

I gently kissed her forehead, answering her question.我在她额头上落下一吻，回应了她的疑问。

ProfessorOf course.当然。

Darkstar HubbleI no longer fear losing my path... for this ray of starlight, gifted by my Professor, is forever etched in my mind.我已经不再害怕迷失了……因为教授为我留下的这一缕星光，已经烙印在我的心智深处。

Darkstar HubbleEven if all else sinks into oblivion, the oath we've exchanged in this moment will endure as the final spark of light.即便一切终将归于湮灭，此刻与您结下的誓约也会化为最后一丝光亮。

Darkstar HubbleThat light will never be extinguished, even as the universe draws to a close.纵使寰宇终结，亦不熄灭。

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