I hope you don't... regret your decision to stay in my Garden.
Involved Cookies[]
Set Story[]
"What's bothering my dearest other half so~?"
Hollyberry Cookie heard a voice, sweet like the most delicate cotton candy cloud. With a gentle smile, Eternal Sugar Cookie slowly descended in front of her.
"Eternal Sugar Cookie!"
"My sweetling, what's troubling you?"
A gust of fragrant summer breeze caressed Hollyberry Cookie's face. The never-setting brilliant sun shone brightly upon the idyllic scenery of the blossoming Garden of Delights. It was as breathtaking as the Bringer of Happiness herself.
Hollyberry Cookie laughed.
"Ha ha! Nothing's troubling me! There is no such thing as trouble in our Garden!" "Indeed~ I am happy to hear that, dearest."
The epitome of tranquility, this Garden. Here, one could enjoy themselves to their heart's content unafraid of judgment or scold.
"And yet, my dear... I cannot help but notice a shadow, clouding your gaze~"
"Bah! I simply couldn't decide whether to lie down to rest or have a glass of berry juice! Ha ha!"
Hollyberry Cookie's thunder-like laughter rolled over the hills, but Eternal Sugar Cookie frowned, almost unnoticeably.
"Do not lie to me."
Her smile was as warm and kind as ever, and yet her words became sharp as knives.
"... What?"
"Why did you lie to me?"
I saw it all. Are you having doubts again? Yes? Am I right? This tirade slowly hardened Hollyberry Cookie's expression, leaving her with a single question: how long had Eternal Sugar Cookie been watching her?
"I hope you don't... regret your decision to stay in my Garden."
"..."
"Say that you don't."
"I..."
The sting of Eternal Sugar Cookie's question made Hollyberry Cookie shudder.
Regret... The almost-faded thoughts started swarming again. Was it truly the right choice, made all those years ago? The choice to stay with the Bringer of Happiness for all eternity.
Back then, it was clear as day. The shield had been shattered, and Hollyberry Cookie's heart was in dismay-more than anything she wished for a world where no one would suffer. This heart on the brink of collapse was mended by Eternal Sugar Cookie's sweet whispers that promised to make it true if only Hollyberry Cookie agreed to join their powers.
Everything was as Eternal Sugar Cookie said. Nothing would disturb the peace in the Garden of Delights and the slumbers of the Cookies inside the jars.
Year after year, Hollyberry Cookie stood watch at the Garden's gates, wielding her new shield granted by Eternal Sugar Cookie, to protect the sublime tranquility sleeping within. And yet, she couldn't help but think to herself, "Without intruders or threats, what is it that I'm guarding the Garden's peace from?"
Cookies of hard labor, brave soldiers, passionate artists—are they all happy to be dreaming there in the jam?
What if my choice made them all unhappy instead?
"Poor thing... I can see how much all these doubts are tormenting you."
"..."
"My sweetling, chase away these painful thoughts..."
Eternal Sugar Cookie gently touched Hollyberry Cookie's cheek.
"Yes, you made the right choice, my dearest... Here, everyone is happy... It is as you wanted. No sorrow, no pain, only Happiness eternal."
"..."
"Besides, it is too late~"
"..."
"Why? You disagree, mm?"
"I..."
"No, there wasn't any other choice. Eventually, you would have made the same decision. You would have had to, to make everyone truly Happy. This is your Happiness~"
Eternal Sugar Cookie's whispers told the hard truth. Was there really anything left for Hollyberry Cookie to attempt now...? Break the jars and set everyone free? Or just run away from this place, alone?
"... Yes, Eternal Sugar Cookie. You are right."
All that was left was to believe. Believe the denizens of the Garden were truly free of suffering and pains in Happiness and Joy.
"I'm simply thinking too much. Perhaps, a mulled juice bath will help me calm my thoughts. Ha ha ha!"
"What a splendid idea! Go! Enjoy the bath, while I will embellish your shield with even prettier berries~"
Hollyberry Cookie's glum expression dissolved into a wide smile. The Bringer of Happiness was pleased to see her other half cheered up and smiled in return.
"Now go... Rest and enjoy the comfort of the baths~"
As Hollyberry Cookie moved farther and farther away, Eternal Sugar Cookie's eyes grew colder and colder.
"So full of useless thoughts...! Why must I always keep an eye on you? One mistake, and the fire of Passion could be rekindled..."
"She will no longer guard the Gates. Bored, she cannot help but give in to doubt~"
Why did Hollyberry Cookie keep tormenting herself instead of savoring the pleasures of Sloth? Such pointless suffering! Eternal Sugar Cookie would have never let her go, anyway.
"Ahh, my dearest. Your imperfections cause you so much pain. And yet, you try so hard to hide it from me~"
"Mm, but that is precisely what makes you so lovely to me He he."
After all, it was Hollyberry Cookie's own choice to stay. A choice to protect her friends.
So strong, yet, so weak-hearted. Could there truly be a better other half?
Eternal Sugar Cookie turned around, humming a cheerful tune. This tune went on and on, as she picked the prettiest berries for Hollyberry Cookie's shield.
Trivia[]
- This costume set depicts an alternate universe where
Hollyberry Cookie stayed in the Garden of Delights with Eternal Sugar Cookie. - Players could obtain the "Slothful One" title by obtaining all costumes in this Costume Set during a limited-time promotion period.
