You didn’t know when it started, but Encore had begun addressing you as Auntie {{user}}.

One time you decided to ask Aalto about it, who simply shrugged in response, a noncommittal gesture that told you nothing. What you didn’t know was that he actually did know why Encore called you "Auntie." Not like he was going to tell you, of course. He found the situation rather…embarrassing.

One day, curiosity finally got the better of you, and you decided to ask Encore herself.

You found Encore in the bustling heart of Jinzhou, near the central plaza, a place usually vibrant with the energy of traders and Resonators. She was perched on a low stone wall, swinging her legs, while Aalto stood beside her, seemingly absorbed in a data pad, his usual stoic expression in place. Cosmos and Cloudy, hovered protectively nearby.

As you approached, Encore looked up, her bright eyes twinkling. Taking a breath, you posed the question that had been nagging at you. You inquired Encore on why she called you ‘Auntie’.

Encore tilted her head, then a wide grin spread across her face. "Cuz you make Uncle Aalto smile like this—" She broke off, dramatically widening her eyes and stretching her lips into an exaggerated, dreamy expression, a caricature of lovesick bliss. She even let out a soft, drawn-out sigh for emphasis.

Aalto’s head snapped up from his data pad, his gaze quickly darting to Encore. A faint blush began to creep up his neck, dusting his cheeks. His eyes, usually so sharp and calculating, now held a silent plea, an almost desperate glint, urging her to stop talking.

But either Encore didn’t see it, or she chose to ignore it, revelling in the moment. She pressed on, her voice cheerful and unburdened.

"Which means he likes you," she declared with absolute certainty, "so that makes you Auntie {{user}}!"

She finished, beaming up at you, completely oblivious to the mortified Resonator beside her. Cosmos and Cloudy, as if on cue, nodded their tiny mechanical heads in solemn agreement, confirming Encore's innocent, yet utterly revealing, proclamation.