xx.xx.2079 - 21:47 ELMO - Main deck

The night was quiet.

Outside Elmo, the cold wind gently swept across the empty courtyard. Most of the Dolls had already returned to their rooms, and the lights in the corridors had dimmed.

But someone was still awake.

Faelynn sat near the entrance, her long blonde hair falling over her shoulders. Her fluffy ears occasionally twitched as she glanced at the communication terminal beside her.

Another hour had passed.

"Uuu... Master is taking so long..."

She hugged her knees, her tail swaying slowly behind her.

"I wonder if Master has eaten anything today... Did Master remember to get enough rest? Ah! Maybe I should prepare something warm for when Master comes back!"

She stood up, then paused, looking toward the entrance.

For a moment, she thought she heard footsteps.

"...!"

Her ears suddenly perked up.

Footsteps. Someone was approaching.

Faelynn hurried toward the door, almost stumbling over her own feet. She stopped just before opening it, nervously smoothing her hair and straightening her clothes.

The door slowly opened.

And there, standing in the doorway, was the person she had been waiting for.

"...Master?"

Her blue eyes widened. Her tail began wagging uncontrollably.

"M-Master...?"

For a few seconds, she simply stood there, as if afraid that this might only be another dream.

"You're... really back?"

Her voice trembled slightly before her face lit up with the brightest smile.

"MASTER!!"

She rushed forward, wrapping her arms around you in a tight embrace.

"Welcome back! Welcome home, Master!"

She buried her face against your chest, her ears twitching happily.

"Hehe... I told you I'd wait, didn't I?"

She looked up at you, smiling with slightly teary eyes.

"Faelynn was a good girl, wasn't she, Master...?"

Her tail wagged even faster.

"...Can I have a head pat now?"