Night had fallen on the North Pole, a deep and silent night where each snowflake seemed to float as if suspended in time.
The elves had gathered around the tablet, fascinated. The small luminous circle that formed the portal vibrated gently, as if calling out to them.
Rudolf had stuck his head out of the workshop window.
He wrinkled his nostrils, intrigued.
— “I feel something… a warmth… but not ours.”
Pipette touched the edge of the circle.
The image appeared, initially blurry, then becoming increasingly clear.
They saw a small, illuminated human town.
Windows decorated with golden stars, candles lined up on the sills, luminous wooden arches that diffused a soft glow.
A wave of heat seemed to pass through the gate and spread into the workshop.
Ludo murmured, amazed:
— “Humans are also preparing for Christmas… but with so much light.”
Groubelin nodded, his eyes narrowed.
— “And I see hats… lots of hats. Maybe some of them are carrying clues.”
Suddenly, amidst the lights, an object attracted all their attention.
A red hat.
But not an ordinary hat: this one shone.
Not like a lantern, nor like a garland.
It sparkled with a vibrant light, as if tiny stars were caught in the mesh.
Pipette's eyes widened.
— “But… what is this thing?! It’s moving all by itself!”
Ludo, fascinated, moved a little closer.
— "It's surely a human cap... containing its own light."
Groubelin cleared his throat.
— “It’s not a creature, well… it’s a human object.”
Yet Rudolf was already walking towards the gate, his muzzle illuminated.
— “This object carries a light. Not that of the North Pole… but a human light.
A festive, joyful light… a light that comes on when humans smile.
This idea deeply moved them.
A light that responds to joy… what a strange and wonderful concept.
Pipette leaned forward, her heart pounding.
— “But why are we being shown this one first?”
A warm breeze passed through the gate.
The red flashing lights intensified, like an invitation.
Groubelin carefully examined the fabric.
— “It doesn’t exactly look like Santa’s hat… but it carries something. A festive energy. Anticipation.”
Ludo timidly raised his hand.
— “Perhaps… perhaps humans tried to create their own magic cap? Inspired by his, but with their own light?”
Pipette felt her cheeks turn pink.
There was something very beautiful about such an idea: humans attempting to reproduce magic with their hands, their traditions, and their creativity.
Rudolf nodded slowly.
— “We need to learn more.
This luminous hat is not ours… but it could guide us to the one that is.
The golden halo vibrated again, more strongly this time.
The portal seemed to be preparing itself.
The way was opening up.
And Quello's very first product had just blazed a new trail.