Artem "Wandering Heart"/Rewards

Story Summary

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

Artem arranges a few days' vacation time for himself and the Main Character after a difficult international case that immediately followed their investigation into the Manor of Hermes. After deciding to spend the time off together, the MC suggests they take turns planning their trip days, so that each of them can experience a new style of vacation. The MC suggests Artem go first, and he plans an ATV drive in the daytime and hot-air balloon ride in the evening.

The next day, Artem drives the MC all over Skadi's countryside in an ATV. She finds the ride thrilling, comparing it to The Fast and the Furious, and the two discuss how Artem came by his love of driving. The MC expresses interest in learning to drive the ATV, and the two discuss whether Artem having such uncommon interests makes him strange. The MC enjoys seeing Artem in a new light and looks forward to learning even more about him on the balloon ride that evening.

When the two arrive for their hot-air balloon ride, the staff are forced to decline them due to a sudden change in weather, suggesting they return next week, which is longer than their length of stay. They divert to a nearby souvenir shop instead, discussing how Artem's usual travel style involves plans and backup plans. Still interested in seeing Artem in a new light, the MC suggests he try on a leather jacket that's not his usual style, and she compliments the look heavily when he thinks it doesn't suit him.

Artem suggests the MC try on some clothes as well. She selects one of Skadi's unique sweaters; Artem insists it suits her when she worries that it's too cutesy. He tells her to pick another since they're on sale, but she declines and suggests he tries one instead. While he's in the fitting room, a client calls, and the MC rushes in to give him his phone, accidentally seeing Artem removing his sweater. Deeply embarrassed, the MC withdraws through the rest of the evening, giving one-word answers throughout dinner, until Artem reassures her that she doesn't ever need to worry about offending him.

The MC gets an idea to travel outside Vikya where the weather will allow them to have the balloon ride Artem wants. She insists they go that night rather than wait for tomorrow since the weather in Vikya changed so suddenly. After traveling through the night, the two arrive at Sakya Fjord's hot-air balloon service at dusk the next day. The MC is unable to fully enjoy the experience since the basket feels unsteady under her feet, and Artem agrees, but he still points out the value in stepping out of his comfort zone. As he clutches the basket, the MC suggests he can hold on to her and reminds him that he shouldn't worry about offending her, either.

At the end of the balloon ride, the MC realizes she'd forgotten to book a hotel in Sakya Fjord. Artem says he already got one, but since the hotels are full, he was only able to get one room, so he also rented an RV. He insists on sleeping in the RV while the MC takes the room. Knowing he won't agree to stay in the room, the MC asks to stay in the RV. He gives her a brooch of roses entwined around scales, saying he thinks today -- Valentine's Day -- is the best day for it. The two plan to go on an RV trip the following day.

Illustrations

A Different AuraArtem looks cold and sharp. There's a hint of something direct and aggressive in his air.

Driving at Full SpeedOn my way to the endless wilderness, a thought suddenly flashed through your mind: "If only you could go with him to the end of the world..."

Video Call

Video Call		Artem: Wandering Heart (After Story 6)

Video Call script

Artem: Good evening. Have you arrived at home yet? Are you free for a call?

Artem: It's nothing much. I just arrived at the inn. I just wanted to tell you that everything went smoothly.

Artem: How about you? Is everything going all right on your end? That's good to hear. Feel free to call me if there's anything troubling you.

Artem: Right, the place I went for my business trip has very good scenery.

Artem: When will you be free? We can come here together for a trip.

Artem: You want try things that I like again, just like what we did on Skadi Island?

Artem: Hmm... Of course, you can. However, I want to try things you like as well.

Artem: You're worried about what happens if we run out of fun things to do?

Artem: If that happens, then let's try something we haven't done before.

Artem: With how vast the world is, and the long journey of life ahead of us, I'm sure we can find things that we are both interested in.

Artem: Also, we already have shared interests.

Artem: For example, traveling together. I want to explore every nook and cranny of this world, even if it takes a whole lifetime—

Artem: Uh... What I wanted to say was... something as simple as traveling can also create lots of memories for us.

Artem: Anyways, I'll finish my tasks on time and return to Stellis City. I'll go look for you when the time comes.

Artem: It's getting late. I think you should rest earlier today. Good night.

Story Locations

Skadi Island
Vikya

Skadi Island
Coffee Shop

Skadi Island
ATV Camp

Skadi Island
Hot Air Balloon Ride

Skadi Island
Souvenir shop

Skadi Island
Cafeteria

Skadi Island
Hot Air Balloon Ride

Skadi Island
Hot Air Balloon Turning Point

Skadi Island
Hotel Room

Skadi Island
Outside Hotel

Story Characters

Artem Wing

Staff