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Defender's Oath
Primal beast Sylph. My apologies, but I must ask you to come with me.
Make me.
Go. I have no use for you.
The plan has been altered, but it matters not.
There are more guards than I expected, and some unfamiliar faces among them. Hired mercenaries, perhaps?
It doesn't matter. I'll simply keep watch for now.
Consul General Isabella... Your life ends here.
I can't believe you survived being eaten by Fafnir. You really are a monster.
What indeed. Sylph was just bait to lure you out.
Frankly, I don't care about that anymore. Everything will be settled here.
Don't get in my way!
Lancelot... Long time no see.
And you people are... skyfarers?
Very well. Although I'd hoped to avoid any senseless fighting.
Heh. Fine, I'll play with you for old times' sake.
What's the matter, Lancelot? You seem to be out of breath.
You've lost your edge. The captain's seat is pretty cushy, isn't it?
That should do.
I'm afraid we'll have to pick this up again another time, Lancelot.
Don't lose your composure. Look objectively at what is happening around you.
You always lose sight of what's right in front of you whenever you get angry. It's a bad habit of yours, Lancelot.
Enemies? Hah. You really are blind.
You're nothing more than an immature brat parading around as a subservient knight. Look at what's around you with your own two eyes.
You're a stubborn one.
So you've come...
I know. We don't have time for this right now, but these people can be difficult to deal with.
I don't have the luxury of holding back. I'm going all out.
Humph. The more you care for your country, the more obstacles try to block your way, I suppose.
Very well. Come at me with everything you've got!
Unhand the girl.
Cooperate with me on this one, Lancelot.
Oh? Weren't you going to arrest me?
Very well. In that case come with me.
It'll be faster if you see it. Come, Chief.
Beyond this door lies the truth behind Feendrache.
Come out. You're free now.
I simply used the secret passage built by the late King Josef.
Correct. It's a hidden dungeon that lies below the royal palace.
This dungeon was made to secretly imprison those who couldn't be imprisoned publicly.
I'll explain from here.
What kind of threat do you think a Ruforth villager could pose to the capital?
The answer lies in the mysterious disease afflicting the people of Ruforth.
The disease claims the lives of newborns and the elderly.
I presume you already know that.
The symptoms of that disease fade the farther you travel from the village, so the villagers believed it was endemic to the land.
However, the villagers couldn't pinpoint the cause. They came to air their grievances with King Josef.
The king took pity on the villagers, buying alma extract for them with his own money. He appointed me to investigate the disease.
They probably didn't want to risk throwing the country into chaos by spreading it.
Very few were privy to this information.
I started to suspect the river water was the source of the disease.
My investigation led me upstream into the Howling Valley.
That's where I witnessed Sylph and her bodyguards visiting the sealed Fafnir.
The guards entered the valley as if they were trying to hide something from Sylph, so I tailed them.
They were haphazardly dropping these black orbs into the ground. Do you see where I'm going with this?
Why would they come all the way out to the deserted Howling Valley unless it was to do something they didn't want anyone to see?
You're very perceptive.
Yes. This happened because of the capital, and because of Sylph.
Ah, yes. I uncovered the truth about those as well.
When Sylph creates alma, a poisonous by-product is also made in the process.
A small amount of poison leaked from the orbs and flowed downstream, poisoning the villagers of Ruforth. See for yourself.
They call the poison karmide, and it's being temporarily stored down here.
After which they secretly dispose of it in the Howling Valley.
Soldiers carry these all the time. It's fine as long as you're not too rough and break the outer shell.
The time has come. We'll stir up chaos, sneak into the palace, and excise the lesions eating away at this country.
What do you believe, Lancelot?
Take a good look around you.
Only you can decide which truth to believe.
But the imprisoned villagers of Ruforth, the stockpile of karmide...
And now soldiers who knowingly draw their weapons on the captain of the White Dragons. These are all facts.
Sorry. You're in the way.
Chances are King Carl doesn't know the truth.
A primal beast has no sense of good and evil.
She's only doing what she was created to do.
Consul General isabella. The light and dark surrounding alma has been manipulated by that woman this entire time.
Isabella framed me.
As it stands, however, I have no way of proving it. I don't expect anyone to believe me.
She summoned me to the king's room that night. All I could hear was the sound of the downpour outside.
With his dying breath, the king gave me one last final order: set this country right.
Then Isabella had her pet knights spread the word that I had killed the king, and you know the rest.
Before he died, King Josef told me about the secret underground passage. And thanks to him, I got away safely.
Open your eyes, Lancelot!
If there is hesitation in your blade, then you will die, plain and simple. I believe I taught you that long ago.
Isabella uses the extract to sate her own selfish obsessionw ith beauty, and the citizens pay the price with their lives.
The whole country is going to ruin so that she and a portion of her followers can reap the benefits.
Once this country is finally destroyed, that woman will just find a new place to leech from.
Let's go. The throne room awaits.
I could ask the same of you. Feendrache and its citizens don't exist to preserve your pretty face.
Humph. Here it is.
This is karmide, King Carl. It has polluted this country's soil and tormented the citizens with a strange disease.
If you read this scroll describing karmide in detail, then you'll see who Isabella really is.
This research was written by a doctor named Boris.
Boris passed away 14 months ago.
He was attacked by bandits... the only thing I managed to save was the scroll.
That time?
Your Highness, King Carl of Feendrache, home to the knights of the Order of the Dragons.
Please forgive my past antagonisms toward you in my quest to fulfill a promise to King Josef.
Feigning ignorance until the very end. You don't know when to quit, do you?
Isabella, stop manipulating her! She doesn't know right from wrong.
Your greed is turning innocent people into sacrifices.
Accept your fate, Isabella!
For a long time only Isabella was able to communicate with Sylph.
And since Sylph is unable to judge ethics, she relies on Isabella's judgment.
Awful, isn't it? This is the truth behind our country's current state.
A lunatic driven mad by greed, and a primal beast poisoned by that influence. It's a blight that eats away at this country.
I am Captain Siegfried of the Order of the Black Dragons. In the name of King Josef, I shall restore order to this land!
This isn't the time for that, Lancelot!
Didn't I teach you not to take your eyes off the enemy when you're on the battlefield? Stay focused!
I'm going to need your help, Lancelot! Yours too, nano!
You must realize it now. You're finished!
Forgive me for my lateness, Your Highness. Preparations took longer than expected.
With all due respect, an ardent knight would keep one's promise to be on time.
When I was young, King Josef used to remind us of this all the time. Me and Lancelot that is.
I'm afraid I must decline.
I still have to take responsibility for the uproar I caused.
That doesn't matter. The fact remains that I harmed fellow knights.
As long as I reside in this country, there will be no shortage of troubles with the reconstruction.
You're the captain now. Are you satisfied with ceding your position to me?
Were you leading the order with such feeble resolve?
Exactly. Without me around, you alone bore the responsibilities of being a superb captain.
Feendrache is fine with only one hero. I will soon leave on a journey.
Heh. You don't need to. You conveyed your feelings perfectly well when we fought side-by-side.
Don't worry, for you're not alone.
You have strong allies you can count on.
You're too kind. You have my thanks.
Good. I'm sorry I won't be able to help you, but I look forward to seeing it when it's finished.
Four Knights of a Fallen Land
It seems everybody that lives in the vicinity of the city has met with the same grisly fate...
The outbreak of monsters.. The appearance of reinforcements... This is no coincidence.
You. Explain what you were just talking about.
I must hurry...
Argh, will I make it in time?
I heard you. There's no need to shout.
What business do you have here?
Interesting. And which of you is going to try and take it?
Heh... You don't want to underestimate me.
This is merely the road to Feendrache, is it not? Is my being here a concern for you?
Well, let's just say there's a scent coming from you, and it smells a lot like trouble.
If you think numbers are great enough to defeat me, then go on. Try.
Heh, are you scared?
I hope you're ready for what's coming!
Your tyranny is at an end, Isabella.
Stop her! Get Isabella away from the summoning circle!
No, we were too late...
Hmph... I guess he's not going to leave quietly.
Lancelot, this demon has been called here from another world using long-lost, forbidden magic.
Percival? It's been a while.
There will be plenty of time for talk if we get out of this alive.
Vane, I see you've grown a little as a man, but you make it sound so easy.
Heh, how cool and collected. But your attempt at politeness is irritating.
Heh, you should not have held us sons of men with such contempt.
For we are the proud knights of the Order of Dragons!
Your Majesty, take my hand.
Lancelot. Our first priority is to get the king and ourselves to safety.
Wait, I don't think we have to worry about that right now...
Yes, but it was only a temporary solution to buy us some time. They will return. We need to consolidate the defenses of the royal capital as soon as possible.
What are you saying? Feendrache would have fallen without you.
You have grown, my friends.
What is it? Does looking down at the city fill you with sentimentality?
Hmm, this isn't like you.
It seems your journey here was not in vain.
No worries. It is fate that decided old friends like us would be gathered together once again.
That alone is enough for me.
Percival. What will you do now?
I see. if there's anything I can do to help, do let me know.
Between Frost and Flame
My investigation tells me the House of Wales has resorted to forbidden arts and spies to intimidate their neighbors.
It's only a matter of time before they try to take Feendrache.
Just one crisis after another. How would you handle this?
I have a prior engagement. I'm afraid I'll be absent for a while.
Heh. Are you my chaperone?
Just joking. It's not that I don't trust you all.
For now I'd prefer to keep this as confidential as possible. Is that a problem?
Looks like the decisions' been made. Give it your all.
Are you leaving now?
I'll be departing shortly. His Highness has entrusted me with a matter of great importance.
Heh. Same to you. Take care.
By the way, shouldn't Captain and the others be with you?
I see. That's a pity.
But Percival, Captain's your--
No, never mind.
Farewell. We'll meet again.
This is something you'll have to figure out for yourself. It'd be pointless otherwise.
If what I've read is true, this will be the moment of truth...
I don't know how much weight my name carries, but this will call for the performance of a lifetime.
I'd be more worried about the punishment you're about to face than who I am.
I hate to break it to you, but you're the last one standing. Haah!
Sorry it took so long to get here.
Greetings, Lord of Frost. You didn't make this place easy to find.
The troops of Dalmore are withdrawing back to their own kingdom.
It's not nonsense. I have in my possession a signed alliance between Dalmore and Feendrache.
That's right, Lancelot, while you and the others were taking care of the Wales army.
I accepted the role of ambassador and took a letter signed by King Carl with the terms of the agreement.
Let's just say I gave the performance of a lifetime. Heh, I'll admit it wasn't easy.
Hmm... I know you're trying to pay me a compliment, Vane. But it sounds like up until this point you've thought of me as all brawn and no brains.
Heh. That was a joke. You're too gullible.
Hah Hah Hah! That's a good one, Percival.
If I could predict the future, we would have avoided this mess from the start.
No, I took what I'd learned from my investigations and constructed the worst-case scenario.
And I think we all owe you and your friends a great deal too, Captain.
Thank you, Captain. I won't forget this.
All that's left is to deal with you, Aglovale.
I've noticed your family engaging in suspicious activities in other lands as of late.
I came across interesting magic circles on my journeys, and I decided it would be best to destroy them.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Hmph. If you had paid any attention to the rumors, you'd see how conspicuous your plan was.
Give up, Aglovale. It's time to admit defeat.
It's not like you to give up hope.
Unfortunately, it looks like your brother's magic has tipped the balance and started the activation process again.
No, I think it still needs mroe time. If we strike now, maybe we can--
Of course. Never forget that you're not alone.
Hmm... I don't know if it's alive or not, but it's power seems to be draining away.
Percival... may I have a word regarding your family?
Don't worry. Fortunately his life is in no danger.
The entire area caved in after you lost consciousness.
No one will ever be able to use it again.
I believe there are only a handful of people who know about the Otherworld Key and the underground secrets.
We can safely quash any leaks to the public about his plan as fearmongering rumors.
Having said that, we still don't know what the OTherworld's motives are.
Bistro Feendrache
Hi, everyone. Sorry I'm late.
Heh. Looks like nano and the crew beat me here.
Well, a stall vendor called out to me as I was walking by.
That first time wasn't a problem, but I kept getting stopped over and over, so it took a while to get through the area.
Beats me. It all added up before I knew it.
Sorry about that. Let's all take a deep breath and head to the festival.
It's awfully noisy in here.
Yes, we were. It's been a while since anyone called us by our former titles.
We understand you're set on closing this restaurant.
But isn't there anything we can do to get you to reconsider?
I'm not sure I followed the entire discussion, but it sounds like this will be entertaining at least.
heh. It's nice working as a team.
Hm... First we need to figure out where this restaurant currently stands.
Your knack for cooking is second to none, Vane.
What should I do?
Hmm... That's a bit vague.
I have a lot of experience cooking for myself while camping.
But I'm not anywhere near the same level as you, Vane...
Sure, if you wouldn't mind.
I'll try not to be a burden.
What should I help with, Vane?
Got it.
Is it alright if I borrow this knife?
Is it okay to use these vegetables?
Hm... If I remember correctly, I'm supposed to curl my fingers under to make my left hand look like a cat's paw. (But how exactly do I do that?)
No, I just thought it might be dangerous to engage in idle chatter while holding a knife.
No, it's fine. What do you say we all cut the vegetables perhaps?
I see... Then I suppose that makes it our competitor.
The higher up someone is on their pedestal, the easier it is to knock them down.
First we need to determine just how good he really is.
Why don't we procure the ingredients ourselves instead of using the ones here?
The monsters in this area are pretty tasty, you know.
Heh... they're perfectly in sync.
Did you decide on an appetizer, Percival?
What exactly is pate?
Hmm... I might have an idea. Come with me.
Here we are. I used to camp in this forest a lot back in the day.
It's a type of boar that lives in this area called a drachenboar. Its meat is absolutely delicious. I think it'll be perfect for a pate.
No need to worry.
These beasts are pretty clever. It noticed there was someone hiding downwind.
All I needed to do was predict where it would run based on the geography of the area and set a trap there beforehand.
But that wasn't enough to take it down. Time to finish it off, Percival! Captain!
Right. We'll be whipping up a dish called Mother's Pate de Campagne.
Indeed. We'll be using high-quality drachenboar meat for our appetizer.
Ready, Percival?
And here's the finished pate de campagne.
Way to go, Percival.
Then let's divide up the food and start handing out samples.
Heh... It's always a thrill to be up against the odds.
Yeah... I think it was cream of mushroom soup.
Of course. I'm sure I'll remember the recipe as I go along.
Heh... Then I guess I'll be making the next dish.
Sounds like a plan. Then I guess it's time to gather the ingredients.
The mushrooms we're looking for love forests where there's always a moderate level of humidity.
They often sprout next to trees on slopes like these a few days after it rains.
Indeed. Every species has a certain type of tree or location it prefers.
The porcinido mushrooms we're looking for are the most delicious this time of year.
Hm? There's no real reason behind it.
I've simply learned what I know from my day-to-day experiences.
I ate my fair share of poisonous mushrooms along the way, but I made it through.
Heh... I know, I know. I won't be the only person who has to deal with the consequences this time, so I'll be more careful.
Hm... Well spotted, Captain. That's a cluster of porcinido mushrooms, but they're still young.
It's a bit early to harvest them, so let's keep looking.
...! Everyone be quiet.
Look, that one just finished maturing.
Yeah. But growing up means--
It means they're able to run around like that.
Alright, Captain, percival. Let's catch that mushroom!
Aye, all good. Vane was kind enough to reteach me the basics.
Heh... Thanks.
First, remove the hard tips of the pocinido mushrooms, and cut the mushrooms into appropriate sizes.
Then heat some butter in a pot, add the mushrooms and cake flour, and saute them.
Once the powdery texture is gone, add the soup stock.
After the mixture is brought to a simmer, add some milk, cover it with a lid, and let it continue simmering on low heat.
As soon as the soup has thickened a bit, add salt and pepper to taste.
And finally sprinkle a bit of your favorite cheese on top.
Alright everyone, give it a try.
Captain, give us your honest opinion.
Really? Thanks, Captain.
I'm glad you liked it.
Of course. Have as much as you like.
Good idea. The guests really enjoyed the quiche and pate last time.
Right... We need something to revive the bistro.
No worries. I think it's great the two of you are trying to help think of ideas.
Now let's get out there and have a successful day.
We're getting more customers, but we're also seeing a lot more food left over.
While doing the dishes, we've noticed large portions of the main entrees left uneaten.
I guess having healthy appetites means they'll be easy to catch this time of year.
But that's only if we can find fishermen willing to brave the danger.
Hm.. Then let's split up and catch some.
Don't worry. I've done plenty of image training in preparation for catching demonbream today.
Yes, we are. Now all that's left is to catch them, right, nano?
Oh.. Captain! You've got a bite!
We've got your back, Captain.
Now, then demonbream. Be a good little fishy, won't you?
Thanks for handling the heavy lifting, Vane.
It's just... too delicious... Thank you... I'm overwhelmed...
Or can we? Why don't we move the bistro outside?
Heh... We can advertise outside while at the same time increasing our operation rate by using tables with a high amount of turnover.
And on top of that, we can use simple things like drinks and snacks to increase the amount purchased by each customer.
Me too. I have to say, this terrace does seem like a great place to drink.
Sounds like it's worth looking into.
That's the spirit, Lyria.
We don't know anything yet. We'll just have to trust that man and keep waiting.
Is that crystal necessary for making the sorbet?
Are you ready, Captain?
Sounds like an adductor muscle. Is the crystal's structure similar to that of a clam?
Hm... Is this how it's done?
I'm used to surviving out in the wild, so I'm pretty confident in my skill at things like prepping plants and butchering animals.
Once I get the hang of it, I think I'll be able to do it even faster.
I could get addicted to this heavy, bitter, rock-like taste.
Good eggs, huh... What qualifies as a good egg?
Hm.. I've had basilisk eggs before-- they have a wonderfully rich flavor.
What do you think of using basilisk eggs to make the flan?
I've eaten them a million times. I can attest that they're fine.
Do you see the speckled eggs over there?
Wait, Vane! Let's monitor the situation a bit longer--
While the male basilisk is out hunting, the female usually stays behind to guard the nest.
I was just about to. Sorry.
It's great you're all reflecting on our actions, but we might want to grab those eggs while we can.
Yes. It's a testament to the chef.
We're going to have to ask you to leave.
Hm? Did you say something?
Alright. Then let's track down some of that kopi leol.
Hm.. and they dont have a bad odor either.
Uh oh. It must think we're trying to invade its territory.
Hm.. It seems to have taken an interest in you, Percival.
Something wrong?
I think it wants us to follow it.
Let's try it while it's still hot.
It's rich and bitter without being acidic, and it has a certain wildness to it.
Floral tea, eh? Another refined choice.
Hm... I wonder if they turn out that color because they see so much more moonlight than other flowers.
Alright, it's harvesting time! Let's go!
I think the customers would definitely enjoy this as an after-dinner tea.
A meat dish, huh...
Nice work. Leave the rest to me.
Vegetables... By my knife, be sliced!
Heh... it was only possible because you drilled the basics into me, Vane.
Alright, Captain! Could you help me get these ingredients over to Vane?
Great. It's all yours.
Let's head to the castle library after closing time.
Gallardoza? Did you just say gallardoza, Captain?
Could I see that book for a moment?
I remember hearing about gallardozas from the late king joseph.
Yes... Gallardozas are ferocious monsters that inhabit a certain mountainous area.
According to His Majesty, there's a rare cut of meat you can obtain from gallardozas called "chateaubrilliant."
No, that's not it. They just didn't want people getting near the gallardozas since they're so dangerous.
I imagine chateaubrilliant would be a fitting choice for the meat in our new main dish.
What do you think? Are you prepared to risk your lives obtaining the chateaubrilliant?
It'll be encouraging to have you with us, Captain. Sounds like everyone's on board. Then let's make our way into gallardoza territory.
There's actually a legend about the gallardozas.
Long ago, dragons once settled in these mountains.
But one day a pack of gallardozas appeared and challenged the head dragon to battle.
Despite suffering countless wounds, the leader of the gallardozas managed to take down the head dragon.
It's said that the gallardozas that roam here are descendants of the one that once defeated the dragon.
Look... there are horn-sharpening marks on this rock, as well as droppings in the area.
In other words, we're in gallardoza territory now.
Few ordinary people have ever dared to venture here.
Indeed. Judging from its enormous size, it appears to be a male gallardoza.
It has the composed air of a creature that has fought countless battles and emerged victorious.
Heh... let's show that thing it's not the only creature in the skies capable of taking down dragons.
Alright, we'll spread out and surround it on my signal.
Let's move out, everyone! Follow me!
Monster, by my blade, be severed! Schwarzen Fangen!
Looks like the battle is decided.
With meat, you only want to cook it for a moment.
In other words, things are going well.
The meat has been properly cooled and sliced, and I've trimmed the excess fat and sinew.
Hey! Who's there?
What were you doing in there?
What the! Oh no!
I'm alright, but I can't say the same for the flan.
I have an idea.
Vane, prepare the sorbet for now!
There must be one around here somewhere...
This is a fresh centiwatcher.
First, you remove the venom sac...
Next, strain the fluids to remove the impurities. Once that's done, add milk, eggs, and sugar...
This is our rich, creamy Centiwatcher flan.
As long as you correctly remove the venom sac, centiwatcher fluid is safe to ingest.
The richness of the fluid is certain to hook you with a single bite.
Here. Why don't you try it and decide for yourself?
Thank you.
(I've always thought centiwatchers tasted rich and delicious, just like flan.)
(And now I've finally determined that my long-held theory was correct. I feel so refreshed.)
(Yeah... I was pretty confident it would be a success though. Should I not have done that?)
Indeed. What a crazy experience that was.
I have to say, it was really great joining forces with you three again.
Heh... thanks.
Heh. I'm glad I had a positive influence.
Primal beast Sylph. My apologies, but I must ask you to come with me.
Make me.
Go. I have no use for you.
The plan has been altered, but it matters not.
There are more guards than I expected, and some unfamiliar faces among them. Hired mercenaries, perhaps?
It doesn't matter. I'll simply keep watch for now.
Consul General Isabella... Your life ends here.
I can't believe you survived being eaten by Fafnir. You really are a monster.
What indeed. Sylph was just bait to lure you out.
Frankly, I don't care about that anymore. Everything will be settled here.
Don't get in my way!
Lancelot... Long time no see.
And you people are... skyfarers?
Very well. Although I'd hoped to avoid any senseless fighting.
Heh. Fine, I'll play with you for old times' sake.
What's the matter, Lancelot? You seem to be out of breath.
You've lost your edge. The captain's seat is pretty cushy, isn't it?
That should do.
I'm afraid we'll have to pick this up again another time, Lancelot.
Don't lose your composure. Look objectively at what is happening around you.
You always lose sight of what's right in front of you whenever you get angry. It's a bad habit of yours, Lancelot.
Enemies? Hah. You really are blind.
You're nothing more than an immature brat parading around as a subservient knight. Look at what's around you with your own two eyes.
You're a stubborn one.
So you've come...
I know. We don't have time for this right now, but these people can be difficult to deal with.
I don't have the luxury of holding back. I'm going all out.
Humph. The more you care for your country, the more obstacles try to block your way, I suppose.
Very well. Come at me with everything you've got!
Unhand the girl.
Cooperate with me on this one, Lancelot.
Oh? Weren't you going to arrest me?
Very well. In that case come with me.
It'll be faster if you see it. Come, Chief.
Beyond this door lies the truth behind Feendrache.
Come out. You're free now.
I simply used the secret passage built by the late King Josef.
Correct. It's a hidden dungeon that lies below the royal palace.
This dungeon was made to secretly imprison those who couldn't be imprisoned publicly.
I'll explain from here.
What kind of threat do you think a Ruforth villager could pose to the capital?
The answer lies in the mysterious disease afflicting the people of Ruforth.
The disease claims the lives of newborns and the elderly.
I presume you already know that.
The symptoms of that disease fade the farther you travel from the village, so the villagers believed it was endemic to the land.
However, the villagers couldn't pinpoint the cause. They came to air their grievances with King Josef.
The king took pity on the villagers, buying alma extract for them with his own money. He appointed me to investigate the disease.
They probably didn't want to risk throwing the country into chaos by spreading it.
Very few were privy to this information.
I started to suspect the river water was the source of the disease.
My investigation led me upstream into the Howling Valley.
That's where I witnessed Sylph and her bodyguards visiting the sealed Fafnir.
The guards entered the valley as if they were trying to hide something from Sylph, so I tailed them.
They were haphazardly dropping these black orbs into the ground. Do you see where I'm going with this?
Why would they come all the way out to the deserted Howling Valley unless it was to do something they didn't want anyone to see?
You're very perceptive.
Yes. This happened because of the capital, and because of Sylph.
Ah, yes. I uncovered the truth about those as well.
When Sylph creates alma, a poisonous by-product is also made in the process.
A small amount of poison leaked from the orbs and flowed downstream, poisoning the villagers of Ruforth. See for yourself.
They call the poison karmide, and it's being temporarily stored down here.
After which they secretly dispose of it in the Howling Valley.
Soldiers carry these all the time. It's fine as long as you're not too rough and break the outer shell.
The time has come. We'll stir up chaos, sneak into the palace, and excise the lesions eating away at this country.
What do you believe, Lancelot?
Take a good look around you.
Only you can decide which truth to believe.
But the imprisoned villagers of Ruforth, the stockpile of karmide...
And now soldiers who knowingly draw their weapons on the captain of the White Dragons. These are all facts.
Sorry. You're in the way.
Chances are King Carl doesn't know the truth.
A primal beast has no sense of good and evil.
She's only doing what she was created to do.
Consul General isabella. The light and dark surrounding alma has been manipulated by that woman this entire time.
Isabella framed me.
As it stands, however, I have no way of proving it. I don't expect anyone to believe me.
She summoned me to the king's room that night. All I could hear was the sound of the downpour outside.
With his dying breath, the king gave me one last final order: set this country right.
Then Isabella had her pet knights spread the word that I had killed the king, and you know the rest.
Before he died, King Josef told me about the secret underground passage. And thanks to him, I got away safely.
Open your eyes, Lancelot!
If there is hesitation in your blade, then you will die, plain and simple. I believe I taught you that long ago.
Isabella uses the extract to sate her own selfish obsessionw ith beauty, and the citizens pay the price with their lives.
The whole country is going to ruin so that she and a portion of her followers can reap the benefits.
Once this country is finally destroyed, that woman will just find a new place to leech from.
Let's go. The throne room awaits.
I could ask the same of you. Feendrache and its citizens don't exist to preserve your pretty face.
Humph. Here it is.
This is karmide, King Carl. It has polluted this country's soil and tormented the citizens with a strange disease.
If you read this scroll describing karmide in detail, then you'll see who Isabella really is.
This research was written by a doctor named Boris.
Boris passed away 14 months ago.
He was attacked by bandits... the only thing I managed to save was the scroll.
That time?
Your Highness, King Carl of Feendrache, home to the knights of the Order of the Dragons.
Please forgive my past antagonisms toward you in my quest to fulfill a promise to King Josef.
Feigning ignorance until the very end. You don't know when to quit, do you?
Isabella, stop manipulating her! She doesn't know right from wrong.
Your greed is turning innocent people into sacrifices.
Accept your fate, Isabella!
For a long time only Isabella was able to communicate with Sylph.
And since Sylph is unable to judge ethics, she relies on Isabella's judgment.
Awful, isn't it? This is the truth behind our country's current state.
A lunatic driven mad by greed, and a primal beast poisoned by that influence. It's a blight that eats away at this country.
I am Captain Siegfried of the Order of the Black Dragons. In the name of King Josef, I shall restore order to this land!
This isn't the time for that, Lancelot!
Didn't I teach you not to take your eyes off the enemy when you're on the battlefield? Stay focused!
I'm going to need your help, Lancelot! Yours too, nano!
You must realize it now. You're finished!
Forgive me for my lateness, Your Highness. Preparations took longer than expected.
With all due respect, an ardent knight would keep one's promise to be on time.
When I was young, King Josef used to remind us of this all the time. Me and Lancelot that is.
I'm afraid I must decline.
I still have to take responsibility for the uproar I caused.
That doesn't matter. The fact remains that I harmed fellow knights.
As long as I reside in this country, there will be no shortage of troubles with the reconstruction.
You're the captain now. Are you satisfied with ceding your position to me?
Were you leading the order with such feeble resolve?
Exactly. Without me around, you alone bore the responsibilities of being a superb captain.
Feendrache is fine with only one hero. I will soon leave on a journey.
Heh. You don't need to. You conveyed your feelings perfectly well when we fought side-by-side.
Don't worry, for you're not alone.
You have strong allies you can count on.
You're too kind. You have my thanks.
Good. I'm sorry I won't be able to help you, but I look forward to seeing it when it's finished.
Four Knights of a Fallen Land
It seems everybody that lives in the vicinity of the city has met with the same grisly fate...
The outbreak of monsters.. The appearance of reinforcements... This is no coincidence.
You. Explain what you were just talking about.
I must hurry...
Argh, will I make it in time?
I heard you. There's no need to shout.
What business do you have here?
Interesting. And which of you is going to try and take it?
Heh... You don't want to underestimate me.
This is merely the road to Feendrache, is it not? Is my being here a concern for you?
Well, let's just say there's a scent coming from you, and it smells a lot like trouble.
If you think numbers are great enough to defeat me, then go on. Try.
Heh, are you scared?
I hope you're ready for what's coming!
Your tyranny is at an end, Isabella.
Stop her! Get Isabella away from the summoning circle!
No, we were too late...
Hmph... I guess he's not going to leave quietly.
Lancelot, this demon has been called here from another world using long-lost, forbidden magic.
Percival? It's been a while.
There will be plenty of time for talk if we get out of this alive.
Vane, I see you've grown a little as a man, but you make it sound so easy.
Heh, how cool and collected. But your attempt at politeness is irritating.
Heh, you should not have held us sons of men with such contempt.
For we are the proud knights of the Order of Dragons!
Your Majesty, take my hand.
Lancelot. Our first priority is to get the king and ourselves to safety.
Wait, I don't think we have to worry about that right now...
Yes, but it was only a temporary solution to buy us some time. They will return. We need to consolidate the defenses of the royal capital as soon as possible.
What are you saying? Feendrache would have fallen without you.
You have grown, my friends.
What is it? Does looking down at the city fill you with sentimentality?
Hmm, this isn't like you.
It seems your journey here was not in vain.
No worries. It is fate that decided old friends like us would be gathered together once again.
That alone is enough for me.
Percival. What will you do now?
I see. if there's anything I can do to help, do let me know.
Between Frost and Flame
My investigation tells me the House of Wales has resorted to forbidden arts and spies to intimidate their neighbors.
It's only a matter of time before they try to take Feendrache.
Just one crisis after another. How would you handle this?
I have a prior engagement. I'm afraid I'll be absent for a while.
Heh. Are you my chaperone?
Just joking. It's not that I don't trust you all.
For now I'd prefer to keep this as confidential as possible. Is that a problem?
Looks like the decisions' been made. Give it your all.
Are you leaving now?
I'll be departing shortly. His Highness has entrusted me with a matter of great importance.
Heh. Same to you. Take care.
By the way, shouldn't Captain and the others be with you?
I see. That's a pity.
But Percival, Captain's your--
No, never mind.
Farewell. We'll meet again.
This is something you'll have to figure out for yourself. It'd be pointless otherwise.
If what I've read is true, this will be the moment of truth...
I don't know how much weight my name carries, but this will call for the performance of a lifetime.
I'd be more worried about the punishment you're about to face than who I am.
I hate to break it to you, but you're the last one standing. Haah!
Sorry it took so long to get here.
Greetings, Lord of Frost. You didn't make this place easy to find.
The troops of Dalmore are withdrawing back to their own kingdom.
It's not nonsense. I have in my possession a signed alliance between Dalmore and Feendrache.
That's right, Lancelot, while you and the others were taking care of the Wales army.
I accepted the role of ambassador and took a letter signed by King Carl with the terms of the agreement.
Let's just say I gave the performance of a lifetime. Heh, I'll admit it wasn't easy.
Hmm... I know you're trying to pay me a compliment, Vane. But it sounds like up until this point you've thought of me as all brawn and no brains.
Heh. That was a joke. You're too gullible.
Hah Hah Hah! That's a good one, Percival.
If I could predict the future, we would have avoided this mess from the start.
No, I took what I'd learned from my investigations and constructed the worst-case scenario.
And I think we all owe you and your friends a great deal too, Captain.
Thank you, Captain. I won't forget this.
All that's left is to deal with you, Aglovale.
I've noticed your family engaging in suspicious activities in other lands as of late.
I came across interesting magic circles on my journeys, and I decided it would be best to destroy them.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Hmph. If you had paid any attention to the rumors, you'd see how conspicuous your plan was.
Give up, Aglovale. It's time to admit defeat.
It's not like you to give up hope.
Unfortunately, it looks like your brother's magic has tipped the balance and started the activation process again.
No, I think it still needs mroe time. If we strike now, maybe we can--
Of course. Never forget that you're not alone.
Hmm... I don't know if it's alive or not, but it's power seems to be draining away.
Percival... may I have a word regarding your family?
Don't worry. Fortunately his life is in no danger.
The entire area caved in after you lost consciousness.
No one will ever be able to use it again.
I believe there are only a handful of people who know about the Otherworld Key and the underground secrets.
We can safely quash any leaks to the public about his plan as fearmongering rumors.
Having said that, we still don't know what the OTherworld's motives are.
Bistro Feendrache
Hi, everyone. Sorry I'm late.
Heh. Looks like nano and the crew beat me here.
Well, a stall vendor called out to me as I was walking by.
That first time wasn't a problem, but I kept getting stopped over and over, so it took a while to get through the area.
Beats me. It all added up before I knew it.
Sorry about that. Let's all take a deep breath and head to the festival.
It's awfully noisy in here.
Yes, we were. It's been a while since anyone called us by our former titles.
We understand you're set on closing this restaurant.
But isn't there anything we can do to get you to reconsider?
I'm not sure I followed the entire discussion, but it sounds like this will be entertaining at least.
heh. It's nice working as a team.
Hm... First we need to figure out where this restaurant currently stands.
Your knack for cooking is second to none, Vane.
What should I do?
Hmm... That's a bit vague.
I have a lot of experience cooking for myself while camping.
But I'm not anywhere near the same level as you, Vane...
Sure, if you wouldn't mind.
I'll try not to be a burden.
What should I help with, Vane?
Got it.
Is it alright if I borrow this knife?
Is it okay to use these vegetables?
Hm... If I remember correctly, I'm supposed to curl my fingers under to make my left hand look like a cat's paw. (But how exactly do I do that?)
No, I just thought it might be dangerous to engage in idle chatter while holding a knife.
No, it's fine. What do you say we all cut the vegetables perhaps?
I see... Then I suppose that makes it our competitor.
The higher up someone is on their pedestal, the easier it is to knock them down.
First we need to determine just how good he really is.
Why don't we procure the ingredients ourselves instead of using the ones here?
The monsters in this area are pretty tasty, you know.
Heh... they're perfectly in sync.
Did you decide on an appetizer, Percival?
What exactly is pate?
Hmm... I might have an idea. Come with me.
Here we are. I used to camp in this forest a lot back in the day.
It's a type of boar that lives in this area called a drachenboar. Its meat is absolutely delicious. I think it'll be perfect for a pate.
No need to worry.
These beasts are pretty clever. It noticed there was someone hiding downwind.
All I needed to do was predict where it would run based on the geography of the area and set a trap there beforehand.
But that wasn't enough to take it down. Time to finish it off, Percival! Captain!
Right. We'll be whipping up a dish called Mother's Pate de Campagne.
Indeed. We'll be using high-quality drachenboar meat for our appetizer.
Ready, Percival?
And here's the finished pate de campagne.
Way to go, Percival.
Then let's divide up the food and start handing out samples.
Heh... It's always a thrill to be up against the odds.
Yeah... I think it was cream of mushroom soup.
Of course. I'm sure I'll remember the recipe as I go along.
Heh... Then I guess I'll be making the next dish.
Sounds like a plan. Then I guess it's time to gather the ingredients.
The mushrooms we're looking for love forests where there's always a moderate level of humidity.
They often sprout next to trees on slopes like these a few days after it rains.
Indeed. Every species has a certain type of tree or location it prefers.
The porcinido mushrooms we're looking for are the most delicious this time of year.
Hm? There's no real reason behind it.
I've simply learned what I know from my day-to-day experiences.
I ate my fair share of poisonous mushrooms along the way, but I made it through.
Heh... I know, I know. I won't be the only person who has to deal with the consequences this time, so I'll be more careful.
Hm... Well spotted, Captain. That's a cluster of porcinido mushrooms, but they're still young.
It's a bit early to harvest them, so let's keep looking.
...! Everyone be quiet.
Look, that one just finished maturing.
Yeah. But growing up means--
It means they're able to run around like that.
Alright, Captain, percival. Let's catch that mushroom!
Aye, all good. Vane was kind enough to reteach me the basics.
Heh... Thanks.
First, remove the hard tips of the pocinido mushrooms, and cut the mushrooms into appropriate sizes.
Then heat some butter in a pot, add the mushrooms and cake flour, and saute them.
Once the powdery texture is gone, add the soup stock.
After the mixture is brought to a simmer, add some milk, cover it with a lid, and let it continue simmering on low heat.
As soon as the soup has thickened a bit, add salt and pepper to taste.
And finally sprinkle a bit of your favorite cheese on top.
Alright everyone, give it a try.
Captain, give us your honest opinion.
Really? Thanks, Captain.
I'm glad you liked it.
Of course. Have as much as you like.
Good idea. The guests really enjoyed the quiche and pate last time.
Right... We need something to revive the bistro.
No worries. I think it's great the two of you are trying to help think of ideas.
Now let's get out there and have a successful day.
We're getting more customers, but we're also seeing a lot more food left over.
While doing the dishes, we've noticed large portions of the main entrees left uneaten.
I guess having healthy appetites means they'll be easy to catch this time of year.
But that's only if we can find fishermen willing to brave the danger.
Hm.. Then let's split up and catch some.
Don't worry. I've done plenty of image training in preparation for catching demonbream today.
Yes, we are. Now all that's left is to catch them, right, nano?
Oh.. Captain! You've got a bite!
We've got your back, Captain.
Now, then demonbream. Be a good little fishy, won't you?
Thanks for handling the heavy lifting, Vane.
It's just... too delicious... Thank you... I'm overwhelmed...
Or can we? Why don't we move the bistro outside?
Heh... We can advertise outside while at the same time increasing our operation rate by using tables with a high amount of turnover.
And on top of that, we can use simple things like drinks and snacks to increase the amount purchased by each customer.
Me too. I have to say, this terrace does seem like a great place to drink.
Sounds like it's worth looking into.
That's the spirit, Lyria.
We don't know anything yet. We'll just have to trust that man and keep waiting.
Is that crystal necessary for making the sorbet?
Are you ready, Captain?
Sounds like an adductor muscle. Is the crystal's structure similar to that of a clam?
Hm... Is this how it's done?
I'm used to surviving out in the wild, so I'm pretty confident in my skill at things like prepping plants and butchering animals.
Once I get the hang of it, I think I'll be able to do it even faster.
I could get addicted to this heavy, bitter, rock-like taste.
Good eggs, huh... What qualifies as a good egg?
Hm.. I've had basilisk eggs before-- they have a wonderfully rich flavor.
What do you think of using basilisk eggs to make the flan?
I've eaten them a million times. I can attest that they're fine.
Do you see the speckled eggs over there?
Wait, Vane! Let's monitor the situation a bit longer--
While the male basilisk is out hunting, the female usually stays behind to guard the nest.
I was just about to. Sorry.
It's great you're all reflecting on our actions, but we might want to grab those eggs while we can.
Yes. It's a testament to the chef.
We're going to have to ask you to leave.
Hm? Did you say something?
Alright. Then let's track down some of that kopi leol.
Hm.. and they dont have a bad odor either.
Uh oh. It must think we're trying to invade its territory.
Hm.. It seems to have taken an interest in you, Percival.
Something wrong?
I think it wants us to follow it.
Let's try it while it's still hot.
It's rich and bitter without being acidic, and it has a certain wildness to it.
Floral tea, eh? Another refined choice.
Hm... I wonder if they turn out that color because they see so much more moonlight than other flowers.
Alright, it's harvesting time! Let's go!
I think the customers would definitely enjoy this as an after-dinner tea.
A meat dish, huh...
Nice work. Leave the rest to me.
Vegetables... By my knife, be sliced!
Heh... it was only possible because you drilled the basics into me, Vane.
Alright, Captain! Could you help me get these ingredients over to Vane?
Great. It's all yours.
Let's head to the castle library after closing time.
Gallardoza? Did you just say gallardoza, Captain?
Could I see that book for a moment?
I remember hearing about gallardozas from the late king joseph.
Yes... Gallardozas are ferocious monsters that inhabit a certain mountainous area.
According to His Majesty, there's a rare cut of meat you can obtain from gallardozas called "chateaubrilliant."
No, that's not it. They just didn't want people getting near the gallardozas since they're so dangerous.
I imagine chateaubrilliant would be a fitting choice for the meat in our new main dish.
What do you think? Are you prepared to risk your lives obtaining the chateaubrilliant?
It'll be encouraging to have you with us, Captain. Sounds like everyone's on board. Then let's make our way into gallardoza territory.
There's actually a legend about the gallardozas.
Long ago, dragons once settled in these mountains.
But one day a pack of gallardozas appeared and challenged the head dragon to battle.
Despite suffering countless wounds, the leader of the gallardozas managed to take down the head dragon.
It's said that the gallardozas that roam here are descendants of the one that once defeated the dragon.
Look... there are horn-sharpening marks on this rock, as well as droppings in the area.
In other words, we're in gallardoza territory now.
Few ordinary people have ever dared to venture here.
Indeed. Judging from its enormous size, it appears to be a male gallardoza.
It has the composed air of a creature that has fought countless battles and emerged victorious.
Heh... let's show that thing it's not the only creature in the skies capable of taking down dragons.
Alright, we'll spread out and surround it on my signal.
Let's move out, everyone! Follow me!
Monster, by my blade, be severed! Schwarzen Fangen!
Looks like the battle is decided.
With meat, you only want to cook it for a moment.
In other words, things are going well.
The meat has been properly cooled and sliced, and I've trimmed the excess fat and sinew.
Hey! Who's there?
What were you doing in there?
What the! Oh no!
I'm alright, but I can't say the same for the flan.
I have an idea.
Vane, prepare the sorbet for now!
There must be one around here somewhere...
This is a fresh centiwatcher.
First, you remove the venom sac...
Next, strain the fluids to remove the impurities. Once that's done, add milk, eggs, and sugar...
This is our rich, creamy Centiwatcher flan.
As long as you correctly remove the venom sac, centiwatcher fluid is safe to ingest.
The richness of the fluid is certain to hook you with a single bite.
Here. Why don't you try it and decide for yourself?
Thank you.
(I've always thought centiwatchers tasted rich and delicious, just like flan.)
(And now I've finally determined that my long-held theory was correct. I feel so refreshed.)
(Yeah... I was pretty confident it would be a success though. Should I not have done that?)
Indeed. What a crazy experience that was.
I have to say, it was really great joining forces with you three again.
Heh... thanks.
Heh. I'm glad I had a positive influence.
Cross-Fate: Lunalu
One day Lunalu sets her heart on capturing the form of a certain man.
Siegfried: I hope to make myself useful on the crew, (Captain).
Lyria: Yay! It's a pleasure to have you, Siegfried! I feel like things will go by so much more smoothly with you around!
(Captain) and company welcome Siegfried into the crew.
Unbeknownst to all a shadowy figure watches from a distance.
Lunalu: (Eep! I, I can't believe my eyes! My knight in shining armor is standing right there!)
Lunalu: (A dignified knight keeping an enigmatical air of mystery by veiling his face underneath that decadent armor!)
Lunalu: (Teehee... What mysteries that helmet could be concealing!)
Lunalu: (Pant... Wheeze... I... Aagh, this is too much! I can't stop fantasizing about the possibilities! Hey, get back to your senses, Lunalu!)
Siegfried: You there. In the shadows.
Lunalu: Eek! I've been spotted!
Vyrn: Hm, you see something there? Wait, Lunalu? Whatcha doing out here?
Lunalu: I... I was just looking for my chance to enter the conversation.
Lyria: I guess I should introduce you! This here is Lunalu and she does fantastic artwork!
Vyrn: Yeah, she totally knocks it out of the park when it comes to monster drawings! But I heard she actually prefers romance nov—
Lunalu: Ack! Aiiee! Eeep!
No! Stop right there!
Vyrn: Whoa! No need to scream, is there?
Lunalu: No means no! Say another word and I'll never forgive you!
Siegfried: Sigh... Your crew's as lively as ever, (Captain).
Does that bother you?
That's what makes it so fun!
Choose: Does that bother you?
Siegfried: Not at all. On the contrary seeing how much fun everyone's having only shows what a great captain you are.
Go to "Continue 1"
Choose: That's what makes it so fun!
Siegfried: Haha, I figured you'd say that. Everyone I've met on the crew before joining up shares that same look of contentment on their faces.
Continue 1
Lunalu: (Aah... The sharp contrast his soft-spoken voice makes against the stark edges of his armor! He may hide his face, but I can almost sense the oh-so tender smile lying within!)
Vyrn: Hey, hey, Lunalu! What's with the staring?
Lunalu: Ah! No, it's nothing...
Lunalu: (And revelation strikes! My mind seethes with visions of him in every pose conceivable! I must capture his magnificent form while my imagination is running wild!)
Lunalu clenches her fists in determination.
Lunalu: (My chance is now! I will not let such rare perfection idly slip past me!)
Siegfried: Is everything okay? Something stuck to my face?
Lunalu: Er, umm... If you don't mind, I'd be so happy if you could please pose for my drawing!
Lunalu: I can draw monsters pretty well, but when it comes to people, I tend to stumble a lot...
Lunalu: And when I saw you, that's when it hit! You embody the perfect bodily form that I've always wanted to capture on my canvas!
Siegfried: Hm, I see where you're coming from now. Though I'm sorry to say I don't think I'd be of much help.
Siegfried: I believe there are many aboard the ship who would better serve your artistic needs.
Lunalu: No, it must be you! Please! If you will give me permission to sketch your form from even a distance away, that would be more than enough!
Faced with such a desperate Lunalu, Siegfried pauses for a moment of contemplation.
Siegfried: ...
Very well, it'd be rather boorish of me to turn down such an earnest request, so do what you must.
Lunalu: Ah! Thank you so much!
With Siegfried's approval at last, Lunalu begins observing him from the shadows the day after.
She tightly grips her well-worn sketchbook and brush pen, intent to capture every fine detail of Siegfried.
Lyria: Oh, Siegfried! We're heading out to deal with some monsters soon. Would you like to come along?
Siegfried: Sure, count me in. I'll help you with your training on the way there, (Captain).
Vyrn: Hehe, lucky you, (Captain)! You were always talking about how you'd love to train with Siegfried!
Lyria: Yeah! Seeing (Captain) happy makes me happy too!
Lunalu: (Ah! Could it be that Siegfried knew (Captain) was hesitating and stepped up to make the offer himself?)
Lunalu: (If that's true, it's not fair! But, oh, the gentle compassion he exudes is quite something to behold!)
Lunalu furiously sketches away as she stares at (Captain) and company with wide-open eyes.
Vyrn: Hey, Lyria...
Lyria: Shh! No, Vyrn! We shouldn't disrupt Lunalu when she's so focused!
Vyrn: I know, but...
The way Lunalu nods, giggles, and exaggeratedly stretches out her arms toward the skies at Siegfried's every little gesture makes her look alarmingly suspicious.
Other crew members watch Lunalu with apprehension, but she pays no heed to them and continues her fine brush strokes.
Although at first weary of the frequent and curious glances being cast at him, Siegfried quickly becomes accustomed to it.
Ecstatic at Siegfried having let down his guard, Lunalu writhes in glorious excitement.
Lyria: Teehee, Lunalu, you seem to be having so much fun lately. I hope your sketch is coming along all right.
Lunalu: I suppose you could say I've never drawn anything this satisfying.
Lunalu: What's more, I've become much better at drawing things off the top of my head without an actual model in front of me.
Lunalu: I have to say, I've never improved this fast!
Vyrn: Glad to hear it! Still have to admit I'm a bit creeped out by how you follow Siegfried from the shadows his every waking moment though...
Lunalu: Hey, who are you calling creepy? I prefer the term enthusiastic!
Hm?
Lunalu looks out the window to see heavy drops of water pelting against the glass pane.
Lyria jumps to her feet at the sudden torrential rains.
Lyria: Oh no! (Captain) and Siegfried are training on deck right now!
Lunalu: The two of them deadlocked in battle while drenched in the rain... I must capture this moment for eternity's sake!
Vyrn: Oi! Lunalu! You're gonna be soaking wet if you—
Lunalu: Uwaagh!
Siegfried: Forgive me. Are you okay?
Lunalu: Ngh... It was just a little bump, so I'll be fine—Eek!
Siegfried: Are you hurt anywhere? Do let me know.
Lunalu: Ah, erm, your head... I mean... your face...
Lunalu: (What treachery is this! To hide those stunningly good looks behind that helmet... Oh! Inspiration is striking!)
Siegfried: Hm? Oh, this? (Captain) suggested I take off my helmet when I'm on the Grandcypher.
Siegfried: So I decided to try it out for a day. Does something seem off about me?
Lunalu: Oh no, I'm just... a bit surprised. (Yiiee! Thank you, thank you, thank you so much, (Captain)!)
Lyria: Umm, why don't you two get changed? Wouldn't want to catch a cold now.
Lunalu: H-huh? (I can envision majestic, bulging pecs and finely chiseled abs hidden under unassuming armor... Uugh! Agh! Yes!)
Lyria: Eeek! What's wrong, Lunalu?
Lunalu: Am I dreaming? Aha... Ahaha... Of course... I have to be...
Lyria: Yikes! Lunalu, pull yourself together!
Lunalu: Mm... Mmrgh... Hm? Where am I?
Lunalu: Aah, right. I was so excited about Siegfried getting changed and then...
Lunalu looks around the room and finally comes to grips with the situation.
Lunalu: Teehee, I got to see his heavenly face up close! Agh, I can die happy now! I've never seen anything more perfect!
Lunalu: Oh, can't be fantasizing all day long! I'd better sketch out this memory while it's still fresh in my mind!
Lunalu grabs her brush pen and tries to capture the vivid image in her mind, but her hand immediately falls still.
Lunalu: Hm, this doesn't look right.
Lunalu: Manly yet delicate, equal parts gruff and gentleman...
Lunalu: Scribble, scribble... Guah! This isn't working! I can't get it down on paper!
Lunalu: Scribble, scribble... Argh! No! I want to recreate that miraculous form, but this is utterly devoid of the heavenly aura the man in the flesh exudes!
Lunalu frantically moves from one sketch to another, scrapping her work in each iteration. After the umpteenth time, she listlessly drops the brush pen.
Lunalu: Sigh... Artistic compositions and expressions come to me so naturally, so why do I feel like a fish out of water here?
Devoid of any strength, Lunalu crumbles to the ground and scatters her sketches all over the room when a single one catches her eye.
It was an imaginary recreation of Siegfried's face up close that she managed to whip up the other day.
Lunalu: Humph, what's with this? The real thing is so much closer to perfection.
Lunalu: I can't believe I drew this—it's awful.
Lunalu lets out a dreary laugh as she gazes at each of the sketches spread all over the floor.
Lunalu: So many wild fantasies bursting through my mind, yet I'm an epic failure when it comes to getting them down on paper. Sigh...
Lunalu: I'm sure it's the same with monsters... I mean, I see that as work more than a passion project...
Lunalu: So I never really tried to portray the hidden beauty lying in them.
Lunalu: Aah... I fail hard as a romance artist, and I'd hardly qualify as a monster artist...
Though overtaken by a negative spiral of emotion, Lunalu musters up just enough strength to grab her brush pen.
Vyrn: Oi, Lunalu! Everything okay now?
Siegfried: I'm coming in.
Lunalu: Uwaagh! Oh, yes! Please come in!
Siegfried: Hm, are you all better now? We were all so worried when you suddenly collapsed.
Lunalu: Oh yeah, I feel great now! Couldn't be better in fact! For sure! Definitely!
Lyria: Thank goodness! This might sound surprising, but I've never seen Siegfried more worried.
Lunalu: Huh?
B-but why?
Siegfried: Even the smallest of injuries can be devastating if left untreated.
Lunalu: Oh, I'm so sorry for making you worry!
Vyrn: Hey, what's this?
Whoa! Lyria, come take a look!
Lyria: Vyrn! It's not nice to fish around in Lunalu's belongings!
Oh my...
Vyrn: This is amazing! Hey, hey, Siegfried! You're the star in every one of these drawings!
Lunalu: Eek! S-stop that! No!
Siegfried: Ooh, color me surprised. I can tell you really have a flair for the creative, Lunalu.
Lunalu: Ah... Ugh... I'm... not really that good.
Siegfried: Why do you say that? These look spectacular to me.
Lunalu: But they're far from perfect. It doesn't matter how much time I spend drawing—perfection is always miles ahead of me. I'm just hopeless...
Lunalu: In fact the more I draw and compare my art to reality, I realize that I fail even as a monster artist...
Lunalu: I can't help but wonder: why am I even drawing things in the first place?
Vyrn: You're too hard on yourself, Lunalu! I think everyone would agree that your monster drawings are absolutely breathtaking!
Lyria: Of course! And your drawings of Siegfried are just as good!
Vyrn: No argument there! To be honest I was at first a bit creeped out by how you were following Siegfried everywhere... but now I see that it was all for the sake of good art!
Lyria: So please don't call yourself a failure! The world would be a much sadder place without your wonderful art, Lunalu!
Lunalu: But... But no matter how hard I try, perfection is never within my grasp!
Lunalu: It doesn't matter how much effort I put into polishing my artistic skills! I lack the creative instinct to truly express myself, and that's what matters most!
Siegfried: Hmm... It's never smooth sailing for someone starting out. I learned that the hard way with the sword, and I imagine it's no different with a brush.
Siegfried: But no matter how hard the going gets, no matter how far away you are from utter perfection, and no matter how much you have to endure...
Siegfried: I guarantee you that all the blood, sweat, and tears you've put in so far have not gone to waste. I hope you can at least believe that much.
Lunalu: Oh! (Where have I heard this before...)
Lunalu: (Ah yes, it's all coming back now... Chapter two of Popol Saga! This is one of the most quoted lines!)
Lunalu: (Mikhail is able to keep trying and get past his slump thanks to these words of encouragement from Popol.)
Lunalu: (That's right, Lunalu! You're no different from Mikhail right now! You're the budding flower just waiting to blossom into a genius!)
Lunalu: Erm, thank you! You've just helped me remember something very important!
Lunalu: Perfection has never been within my grasp! What really matters is seeing things through to the end!
Lunalu: I won't give up! I think I can faithfully put onto paper the scenery in my head now!
Siegfried: Seems like you just blew past a bad spell.
Lunalu: That's right! (Captain), I need some time alone in my room; can you keep people from coming in for a while?
Lyria: Wow, what's with the sudden change of heart, Lunalu?
Lunalu: I want the way I feel this very moment, the imagery in my mind, to last forever in a picture-perfect drawing!
Vyrn: We'll do what we can to help! Right, (Captain)?
Surprised at the level of passion and enthusiasm coming from the usually nonchalant Lunalu, (Captain) nods deeply.
Lunalu retreats to her room to complete the drawing.
Lyria later makes a few visits to bring Lunalu food, but the door never opens.
A few days later.
Lyria: Hmm, I hope Lunalu's okay... I don't think she's been eating much.
Siegfried: But she is responding when you knock, right? That's a sure sign she's okay.
Vyrn: Still has me worried though...
Lunalu: Teeheehee... At long last... I've done it!
Lyria: Eeep!
Vyrn: Hyuugh!
Phew, it's just Lunalu! Hey, don't scare us like that!
Lunalu, who spent the past few days cooped up in her room, appears ghastly pale.
Her lack of sleep is evident in the dark shadows that have formed below her eyes, and her fingertips are stained with ink.
Exhausted she may be, but the expression on her face is one of ineffable joy as she gloats of her extraordinary accomplishment.
Lunalu: Mwahaha... Feast your eyes on my masterpiece... I've captured the moment so perfectly...
Vyrn: Ooh, lemme see...
By my apple!
Lyria: W-wow! This is incredible! Take a look at this, Siegfried!
Siegfried: Mhm... The pose is completely different from what I saw a few days ago. I can tell you really poured your heart and soul into it.
The portrait of Siegfried that Lunalu presented to the crew was a huge departure from all her previous sketches of the dashing knight.
Lunalu: This is the first time I've ever drawn anything so close to what I have in mind. This is to me a true work of art.
Vyrn: Yeah, I don't think I've ever been so blown away by a piece of artwork. I'm not so sure the real Siegfried looks that shiny though.
Lyria: You think so? But Siegfried looks sooo cool in it! I'm almost getting butterflies in my stomach just looking at it!
Lunalu: Erm, I want you to have this...
Siegfried: For me?
Lunalu: I was on the brink of giving up my dream. But you made me realize what's really important, so... This is just to say thanks. Sorry if it's a bother...
Siegfried: Haha, you're merely reaping the fruits of your labor, Lunalu. And a gift from you being a bother? Never! I might even hang this on my wall!
Lunalu: Ah... Aah...
Lunalu: Teehee... I, I got to see your precious smile... Aaah! Thank you so—
Lyria: Yikes! Lunalu fainted again!
Vyrn: Oh boy, is she gonna be alright? Hm, looks like she just fell into a nap. Let's leave her be for now.
Siegfried: Right, she definitely needs the rest. I'll carry her to her room.
Vyrn: Sure. I've gotta say though: I don't think I've ever seen anyone sleep with a grin that big on their face.
All it took for Lunalu to turn bright red and suddenly collapse was a brief flash of Siegfried's tender smile.
Lunalu keeps on her gigantic grin throughout the night as her mind drifts to the land of dreams.