Artem "Sunshine After the Rain"/Rewards

Story Summary

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

On the last day of their vacation in Lombardia, Artem asks the MC if she'd like to stay longer, saying a client offered to host them for two nights as thanks for handling an important case. The MC accepts happily, then she suggests they pack early and have their luggage sent ahead so they can sightsee on the way. Artem orders dinner to the MC's room for her, and she tries to invite him to eat together, but Artem appears to have just woken from an overlong nap. She offers to help him pack since he overslept, and he accepts her help for later, after she eats dinner. After she leaves, Artem breathes a sigh of relief that she didn't press further and discover that he's working on a case alone. When she returns to help him pack, she discovers an unusually silly-looking face mask, which he says Celestine gave him as a birthday gift.

While sightseeing the next day, the MC notices Artem looks strangely tired. She blindly selects the street food stall with the longest line for their lunch, not finding out until too late that the shop sells ice cream with a novelty insect topping. Artem helps her get through the strange food, with the MC flustered by sharing a spoon with him. The MC suggests buying swan food and feeding the swans at a nearby lake. A rare black swan is present at the lake, leading to a discussion about black swans in media: how rare events are sometimes dubbed "black swan" events, and how white and black swans are thought to represent the two sides of people's hearts -- the loyal and pure side vs. hidden yearning and desires.

Artem and the MC arrive at Rodi Castle, a hotel famous for providing an immersive Middle Ages experience. Artem says that he asked to reserve this place because he'd overheard the MC speaking about it, but the MC awkwardly remembers that she and Kiki discussed the castles' pretty maids and handsome butlers making it unsuitable for couples. Artem questions her, and she nervously admits she thinks more of Artem's looks than of the butlers. Seeing that Artem is eating less that usual, the MC brings some snacks to his room with the help of the hotel staff. Not realizing the MC is with the staff, Artem continues his conference call, and the MC learns he's working during the trip. Artem tries to dismiss the work as small, but when the MC returns to his room a short time later, he's clearly ill.

Worried about Artem, the MC calls Celestine for the full story. Celestine tells her that Artem requested a vacation extension, but Celestine couldn't approve it because of the firm's workload. They both realize Artem has been carrying their full everyday workload alone while hiding it from the MC and getting sick from the stress and lack of rest. She plans to return as soon as possible, but when she wakes the next morning, a storm has flooded the only route to the castle, trapping most of the staff away from the hotel and Artem and the MC inside. The MC resolves to use the time to help catch up on work, but first, she makes Artem take a break to eat properly, feeding him peaches since there's little else he can eat in his condition.

Artem reassures the MC that he wasn't forcing himself to work, he simply wanted her to enjoy the extra vacation time and miscalculated his capability. He also says all the staff is away because he'd asked them to take time off so he could spend time alone with her. The two work until midnight to finish the necessary legal reports. The power goes out in the castle after Artem goes to bed, while the MC is considering the next day's meals. She tries to navigate the halls back to her room, but she gets scared in the overwhelming darkness until Artem calls her to ask whether she's okay and comes to find her. He suggests they take shelter in the basement for the night since the storm is so severe. Once there, he prepares separate rooms for them. The MC reassures him that she's fine and he can go rest, but she gets scared again as soon as he leaves.

Having guessed that the MC was just putting up a brave front, Artem returns with a ball of yarn. He ties one end around her wrist and the other around his own, so that they can sleep in separate rooms but still keep a connection that will reassure the MC. The next morning, the storm has passed, and the castle staff have returned. The MC finds Artem reading about the castle's history in the library, and Artem asks the MC whether she would live in a castle like this one. When she returns the question, Artem says he's fine with anything, as long as his love is happy. He then asks the MC to worry less about what he wants and be more willful in the future when she wants something; she hugs him and asks if they can spend more time alone together after the trip.

Illustrations

"Another Side of You"If it weren't for this eye mask, nobody could have imagined that Artem would have such a funny "expression."

Lingering TasteThe sweet fruity aroma stimulates the taste buds, making one want to eat. It's naturally a pleasant experience...

Video Call

Video Call		Artem: Sunshine After the Rain (After Story 6)

Video Call script

Artem: Sorry... I'm still a little jet-lagged. I was taking a nap when you called, so I didn't pick up.

Artem: Don't worry, I'm feeling better now. I'm also eating well, so you don't have to worry.

Artem: Yes, I saw the news. Rodi Castle should be back in operation after the tide recedes.

Artem: ...True. In some sense, that storm can also be counted as a "black swan event."

Artem: Although there was no severe damage, it did have some big impact on me.

Artem: I'd let myself be a little more "stubborn" sometimes... I love these subtle changes when I'm with you.

Artem: What's up? You look like you have something to say.

Artem: I thought we already made an agreement? No need to hold back in front of me.

Artem: ...You want to meet up? Right now?

Artem: I am available. It's just that... I'm a little surprised that we both had the same thought.

Artem: I mean it. It wasn't obvious because I was still too restrained. I'd worry that my thoughts could come across as awkward.

Artem: I will try my best to get used to being more spontaneous and natural when I'm with you.

Artem: You're right. The best time to change is now... Then I'll be the one to say it this time.

Artem: Can I come find you right now? We don't need to do much, even just a stroll in the neighborhood would be nice.

Artem: Great. I'm coming over right now. Wait for me.

Story Locations

Lombardia
Local Restaurant

Lombardia
Hotel Corridor

Lombardia
Hotel Guest Room

Lombardia

Lombardia

Lombardia
Rodi Castle

Lombardia
Cafeteria

Lombardia

Lombardia

Lombardia
Basement

Lombardia

Story Characters

Artem Wing

Kiki Bennet

Celestine Taylor

Rowan Radcliff

Waiter

Castle Butler