Night had fallen — as it always did in Dream Desert.
But Dream City's atmosphere was entirely different.
The alleys had been carefully decorated. Smiles and laughter illuminated the city. Dressed in their finest attire, the inhabitants wandered beneath shimmering streetlights. The markets had closed for the occasion; everyone was preparing to witness the special event.
At the southernmost edge of the city, atop the immense floating castle, a young girl was getting ready.
"You look radiant today, my lady," a maid said, her voice filled with emotion. "I'm so happy for you."
Akané could not help but smile.
She was indeed breathtaking. Her scarlet dress clung perfectly to her figure. Floral ornaments adorned her gently waving hair, cascading down to her waist. Her brown eyes shimmered, her complexion pale as snow.
"Why this color?" another maid asked.
"It's simple," Akané replied. "It's the color of my fiancé's eyes."
"About that…" the first maid whispered hesitantly. "Don't you think this is all happening rather quickly? You've never even met him…"
"Don't worry. Everything will be perfect."
"But… how can you be certain that he—"
"Stop," the other maid murmured nervously.
Akané rose abruptly.
She seized the maid by the hair, fixing her with an icy stare.
"We are destined to be together. There exists no world where he would refuse our union."
Her grip tightened.
"But remember this well — speak too freely, and you may lose your tongue."
She released her at once, her expression instantly returning to something angelic.
"You're fortunate this is such a special day."
At that moment, the doors opened with solemn grandeur.
A tall, slender man entered. He wore a sand-colored coat. His skin appeared cracked, his golden gaze overwhelming. Sand followed him like a living shadow.
Akané recognized him immediately and threw herself into his arms.
"Father!"
"My princess…"
They embraced for a long moment.
"Come," said the Sand Merchant. "You've prepared long enough. It is time."
Taking her hand, he guided her through the corridors toward a grand platform overlooking the city.
An immense crowd filled the streets. Confetti and balloons floated through the air. The atmosphere was magnificent.
"Wow…" Akané breathed.
The people chanted her name with fervor.
The Sand Merchant inhaled deeply.
"IT IS THE BIRTHDAY OF THE APPLE OF MY EYE! FOR HER, I WANT THIS DAY TO BE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OF HER LIFE! LET THE PARADE BEGIN!"
The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers.
"Let us head to the banquet," he added. "By the time the parade reaches the castle, everything will be ready."
In a dark alley, two men in suits adjusted their ties.
"Time for the rescue," Harvey said.
"I can't do this…" Arata muttered. "Ties are way too complicated."
Harvey sighed and fixed it for him.
Meanwhile, invitation in hand, Hastur entered the castle's grand hall.
Glittering chandeliers, distinguished guests, ostentatious wealth.
He lingered near the buffet, observing quietly, before approaching the Sand Merchant.
"Congratulations. Your celebration is a success."
"I know," the man replied with a satisfied smile. "But… do we know each other?"
"Not quite. I come from Péleiria. I wish to introduce a new line of merchandise, and Dream Desert seemed like the perfect place."
"An excellent choice! This archipelago is vastly superior to the cities below, hahaha!"
"There is one thing that troubles me, however," Hastur continued. "This eternal night… and the commodification of sleep. Isn't it… immoral?"
The Sand Merchant's smile froze.
"… "
A voice suddenly rose behind them.
"Good evening."
Greujeur had arrived.
Without hesitation, Hastur placed a hand on his arm.
"Ah! There you are at last. You saved me earlier, remember?"
"…Excuse me?"
Before Greujeur could react, Hastur grabbed his hand and pulled him aside, using the surrounding noise as cover.
The Sand Merchant watched them briefly, his golden eyes darkening, before turning away.
"Tell me," Hastur whispered, "how exactly does this artificial veil work?"
The first fireworks burst across the sky.
"…Do we know each other?" Greujeur asked, visibly unsettled.
A sharp click echoed beneath their feet.
"What the—"
The floor gave way.
They were swallowed by the darkness below.
In the suffocating blackness of a narrow, enclosed space, a muffled voice broke the silence.
"We can't breathe in here…"
It was Efa.
Outside, the parade drew closer to the castle.
And with it… the inevitable conclusion.