Y/N, THE 14TH MEMBER OF THE FLAMECHASERS: An [Honkai Impact 3rd] Mini-Story

18.1. THE ILLUMINATOR OF GOLD

She has made it to what seemed like paradise.
It seemed to be a calming place for someone or two if they wanted to relax.
That's weird.
But in a good way.
This place felt too relaxing.
Not the creepily feeling.
But more on the relieved side.

Mei heard crisp notes dancing between the keys.
Like an ode to the dawn.
Like an elegy to the dusk.
The elegant notes whispered around the area.
After the music was done, Mei looks up.
There, she sees a woman with her cup at hand, focused on what seemed to be a play.

She rested herself upon the piano that played the score.
Her hair waved along with the wind gently, like the melancholy yet calming score she musically played just moments ago.

???:  "The stars have dimmed... and the cups have dried."
???:  "My lord... why must you stay in these barren lands?"
???:  "To hear the paean sung."
???:  "To see the truth found."

She notices and looks at her visitor with most gentle, kind, and heartwarming expression.
???:  "Oh, how do you do, visitor?"
???:  "Sorry, I got a bit carried away."

Mei:  "It's alright, I hope I didn't disturb you."
Mei:  "I'm Raiden Mei."

???:  "Hi, Miss Raiden."
???:  "I'm Eden, the 4th one of the Flame-Chasers and the bearer of the Signets of Gold."

Mei:  "Gold?"

Eden:  "Yes, it was Ellie's idea."
Eden:  "Perhaps it was meant to represent the wealth I had."
Eden:  "I once lived in palaces and tasted the finest wine in the world..."
Eden:  "But I wouldn't put "gold" in my name."
Eden:  "I'm but an entertainer, a star that shines for the audience."
Eden:  "Be it my wealth or the Signets, they're all gifts from others."

Mei:  "Um, what you recited..."

Eden:  "Oh, it's from the finale of the "Kingdom after Dusk", an opera from our time."

Mei:  "And you once performed in it?"

Eden:  "Yes, the spotlight was dazzling, and the audience was passionate."
Eden:  "I miss those days..."
Eden:  "Eventually the fun days will have to end..."
Eden:  "It all collapsed after a Honkai event."
Eden:  "Just like the line: The stars grew dimmer and the goblet went dry."

Mei:  "I'm so sorry."

Eden:  "You don't have to apologize, Miss Raiden."
Eden:  "It is all now in the past."
Eden:  "Just keep seeking your answers admits the ruins of the past."

Mei:  "But if it's possible, I'd love to hear your music from your time."

Eden:  "Haha, thanks for asking."
Eden:  "You might be able to when the time comes..."
Eden:  "But for now, please press on."
Eden:  "May you leave beautiful rhythms on your trail."

...
...
...

"To illuminate whatever you can."
"To take whatever you can."
"To enjoy all the wealth and brilliance this world covets."
"Such..."
"Is the Signet of [GOLD]."