What? You think this work is going to do itself? Hmph! There's no 'Does Your Job While You Sleep' Fairy, Doctor. Now lay your silly ideas to rest and get your nose to the grindstone.

My companions and I are proud to receive any children that visit the castle. And grown-ups, on occasion—we host the good and honest kind. It's a shame they're so few and far between.

I'm looking for a girl named Mabel. Er, not a girl, that was twenty years ago, she's a grown woman now… Codename? Of course I don't know her codename! But I know for certain she's here, without a doubt!

If there's nothing to keep us, then let me take my leave—I'm quite busy, you know. I have an appointment with the children you're treating here, and we shan't be missing storytime.

Compared to adults, children have the right of it. They're much more innocent, filled with upstanding character. They are the most precious, cherishable things in all this great land.

Beloved rag dolls, pretty flowers, storybooks with pages worn away… Children leave much to the castle while they're in Wonderland. Whatever they cherish that they've no power to safekeep, they can place in our care.

Now come wisplight and lamplight, come light up the way♪ Come to our little tea party to stay♪ Here come the guards, and they dance and sing for us, carrying scissors to chop-chop away♪ I sang this song about my friends to entertain the children with me. Learned the words? I shan't sing them to you again.

I know. Mabel's no longer with us. You knew her as Bluishsilver, didn't you? I've seen the records… asked her captain about her. Her captain was so sad… Oh… How strange. This was the very time we agreed on, yet I can't help but feel I was too late…

Wonderland, Slumberland, the Cradle… you've never heard of these names before? Oh, you poor soul. Did no one ever tell you any bedtime stories? …Oh, I suppose. Close your eyes now. I'd rather not, but let's have you see for yourself, just this once.

Oh, really! How do you fall asleep somewhere like this? And you can't call this paperwork presentable! …Fine. Seeing as you always work so hard, I'll help you just this once…

I am Iris, Master of the Castle of Dreams, Keeper of the Cradle. As per an agreement, I've come to return something a guest once left to the castle… How strange. Why can I not find her?

How barbarous, though it does have its merits.

I'm the master of a castle. If we're to talk promotions, I ought to be giving one to you.

Right, then! Be privy to the full power of the Master of the Castle! It is for their protectors' strength that fairytales can persevere with such purity, such beauty. And isn't that just like Rhodes Island?

Oh, fine, I suppose.

Listen to me carefully, now. What we agree here will be our promise, and promises must never be broken.

I will lead you all to the proper place.

And those are the people we're driving off, then?

Yes, yes.

Could you not push me?

The air is so thick here.

Hmph! I'll help you just this once.

Would you all like a bedtime story too?

You shan't pass!

Impertinent!

Off to dreamland, now?

How's that? I've driven every one of them away!

So this is the taste of victory. Yet… I wonder why I can't feel happy about it…

Hmph. They've run off by themselves. I suppose that'll be all, then?

Goodness, did you fall asleep?! Quick, with me, out of here!

What a strange place. Is there no larger bed anywhere?

Ah—my fan! Please, give that back!

Careful, there, don't ruffle the headdress… yes, quite, comb just like that…

Arknights.

Another year has gone by. As time passes like this, I can't help but feel a little frightened. The children will grow up year by year, but I have to wonder: is that a good thing? Doctor, is growing up… a good thing?

Good day to you, Doctor.

Are you awake? Do you remember what you dreamt of? An unending sea of iris flowers, a dance at the castle, fireworks under a starry sky. Didn't you feel as though you'd rather not wake up? Those scenes are meant to be reserved for the children, but I can make an exception for you, just this once. Happy birthday.

By all rights, children are meant to be the hope of our land, yet Oripathy spells such early ends to their lives. Lives I can never even save… I can only hope to protect their fledgling dreams as best I can. That is my ideal, and why I must walk with Rhodes Island.