Artem "Entwined Fate"/Rewards

Story Summary

This story takes place in Year 1. Artem is not yet in a relationship with the MC.

The main character discusses recent difficulties with Kiki at work. Kiki suggests the MC go to Cloudbreak Temple's annual summer praying event for luck in her junior attorney studies, but the MC declines, citing a lack of time. Artem overhears the conversation. Back in Artem's office, Celestine teases Artem about working the MC too hard and encourages him to take vacation soon, then answers some questions about the temple. When the MC delivers a document to Artem's office, Celestine directs the MC to take vacation time and spend it supervising Artem to ensure he doesn't do any work, suggesting they go to Cloudbreak Temple together.

That weekend, Artem picks the MC up from her home in an unfamiliar sports car. They discuss Cloudbreak Temple, with the MC speculating that Artem is going to pray for marriage and wondering what kind of person his future wife will be like. After arriving, Artem buys tickets for the two of them as the MC worries about the complex procedure for how to pray at the temple, which Artem offers to guide her through on his return.

Artem and the MC enter the temple, burning incense and writing their wishes in the appropriate books. The MC draws a very lucky wishing tag for her junior attorney studies and is surprised to find Artem has wished for safety instead of marriage. The temple's master takes an interest in them and suggests they pray for marriage, offering to analyze their wishing tags.

After drawing their new wishing tags for marriage, the temple's master praises the MC's tag -- "Like the red bean set into a die, my yearning is etched into my very bones" -- as the luckiest he's seen all year. However, he calls Artem's -- "It is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all" -- the unluckiest. The master suggests Artem tie his wishing tag to the temple's wishing tree, leaving the bad luck at the temple; the MC offers to tie hers together with his, sharing her luck with him.

The temple master suggests another way for the pair to change Artem's luck: a person with an unlucky wishing tag may walk through a temple walkway together with a special someone to do so. As the two leave to go for a drive around the area, the master talks to himself about the couple's intertwined destiny. Artem drives faster than expected, and after a conversation about his fondness for driving, they arrive at the temple walkway for marriage luck.

The MC agrees to walk through the shrine walkway with Artem, and they discuss his original prayer -- safety for his missing mentor, Neil Hume. They find the second half of his wishing tag together, which tells him how to change his fate, and at the end of the walkway, they watch the sun set over Stellis below.

Illustrations

Shrine WalkwayIn the mountains sits a red walkway with poems engraved onto the pillars. Legend has it that couples who walk on it will forever be together. Even those unfortunate with their marriage blessings can change their fate and live happily ever after.

Unexpected SpeedI never thought that Artem's hobby would just be a leisurely drive. Even though we're not speeding, it's still exhilarating!

Video Call

Video Call		Artem: Entwined Fate (After Story 6)

Video Call script

Artem: It's me. Am I disturbing you?

Artem: It's not about work. It's about you. I noticed that you don't look so great lately. Are you too tired?

Artem: Unlucky month? When did you start following horoscopes?

Artem: Of course I don't believe in it. That time at Cloudbreak Temple was... different.

Artem: It's hard to set aside something you really care about, especially when you're not capable enough to deal with it yet...

Artem: But as you see, I choose a more proactive method to deal with the "misfortunes" that come my way.

Artem: Just focus on improving yourself. I can always achieve what I set out to do.

Artem: So, if it's work that is bothering you. You can come directly to me.

Artem: As for things in life... If you trust me, I'm very willing to help.

Artem: Why don't we... go visit Cloudbreak Temple again this weekend.

Artem: Of course we're not going there to "change your luck." We're just going there to relax.

Artem: The vegetarian food at the temple is quite famous. It's a shame we didn't try it the last time.

Artem: Actually... I think my luck is already really good.

Artem: It's not my wins. It's because I met...

Artem: Ahem! Anyways, it's getting late. You should get some rest. I'll see you on the weekend.

Story Locations

Themis Law Firm
Law Firm Pantry

Themis Law Firm
Artem's Office

Main Character's Residence
Outside the Neighborhood

Misc
Artem's Car

Cloudbreak Temple

Cloudbreak Temple
Woods

Story Characters

Artem Wing

Artem Wing

Kiki Bennet

Celestine Taylor

Host

Master