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Unfinished Comedy

Quest List
Game of the RichAn Eye for an EyeHereafter...
Game of the Rich
Monglane:
Your name.
Monglane:
I'm a receptionist here at the Fortress of Meropide. Everyone calls me Monglane. Alright, your turn.
Paimon:
Uh, Paimon's Paimon, and he's Traveler.
Monglane:
Traveler and Paimon, huh... Never heard of you two. Are you really from around these parts?
Traveler:
Well, we're here, aren't we?
Monglane:
Yes, I can see that.
Monglane:
Two names missing... It seems like someone's been slacking off. I'll have to record this. Those who didn't fill the forms in properly will face the relevant consequences...
Monglane:
Anyway, this isn't your fault. No need to worry.
Monglane:
As long as you follow the rules and behave well, you might even have the chance to leave early. You just need to fill the application form and wait patiently for it to be approved.
Traveler:
Wait a moment, that's not what I'm talking about...
Paimon:
Speaking of that... Did we just complete some sorta procedures? This is going way too fast — Paimon's got no idea what's happening...
Paimon:
There's gotta be some kinda misunderstanding...
Monglane:
If you want your case reviewed, please fill the application form in according to this format. That said, the time for that has passed for now, so you'll have to wait for the next application window to open.
Monglane:
If you have any other questions... Ask Darcy. He should be nearby. I'm sure he'll be glad to have a newbie to talk to.
Galvana:
I knew that wouldn't be the end of the problem. People like you just keep appearing, don't you? What's that idiot Clynes doing anyway — isn't he supposed to come up with solutions?
Paimon:
Wait a moment, we're...
Galvana:
Alright, if you've got questions about processes or documents, I don't want to hear them. Can't fix 'em, anyway. Go look for Monglane instead. She's the one in charge of that.
Darcy:
How about it? Wanna go look for Estienne together with me?
Darcy:
Newcomers? And two of you, to boot? Welcome! Welcome to the Fortress of Meropide! I'm Darcy. Outside, they call me "Pretty Face," but that's just not cool, if you know what I mean!
Darcy:
That's what you were thinking too, right? That's why I decided to give myself a new, super cool nickname! I'm called Dirty Face now! What do you think? Pretty sick, right?
Paimon:
More importantly, we have some questions...
Darcy:
Ooh, of course! It's perfectly normal for newcomers to not know what's going on. Dirty Face Darcy, at your service!
Darcy:
Go ahead, ask me anything!
Traveler:
What is this place?
Darcy:
Haha, you came here and you don't even know what this place is? Oh, based on how you're dressed, I don't suppose you're Fontainians. Alright, looks like you really could use an introduction.
Darcy:
For-tress-of-Me-ro-pi-de. Got it? This is the Fortress of Meropide. Anyone can get into a regular routine and live a carefree life here. Pretty sweet, right?
Traveler:
That's all I wanted to ask.
Darcy:
Alright. If you have any more questions, just come find me. Dirty Face Darcy is at your service!
Darcy:
For now, why don't I take you to see Estienne? He's a guard, but he's cool, if you catch my drift!
Darcy:
One time in the Pankration Ring, he slipped me a bottle of Pure Water before I got in the ring! I still lost in the end, though...
Darcy:
Anyway, he's one of the good ones. Whenever there's trouble, he'll take care of it. So? Wanna go see him now?
Darcy:
Hello, sir, and hello to your cute companion! Dirty Face Darcy, at your service!
Traveler:
Dirty Face?
Darcy:
That's right, just call me Dirty Face Darcy. They used to call me Pretty Face on the outside... but that nickname is just so lame!
Darcy:
Please, just call me Dirty Face instead... Oh, that's just a cool nickname, I wash my face every day. You don't have to stand all the way over there...
Darcy:
Too bad it's not time for Pankration yet... Let me think.
Darcy:
How about this, why don't I take you to have some fun? A few folks have locked horns over the chance to go outside. I had no idea those Fontaine Research Institute guys could dish it out like that...
Darcy:
I'm guessing they'll be here any minute now... What do you think? Think of it as an opening act before the real Pankration match starts. Wanna check it out?
Darcy:
Well? Want to go find Estienne with me now?
Darcy:
Hi, Estienne. I've brought two new friends with me.
Estienne:
Your new friends may have come at a bad time. See that? They're gonna be at it for a while.
Genevieve:
...That's an unscientific way of keeping score. Besides, the participants were unsupervised. Is that any way to produce convincing results? I'm calling for a reassessment.
Genevieve:
This is a competition, of course we should have a refined system and fair rules. Participants who don't follow the rules should be disqualified.
Rave:
You talk a good game. I'd expect nothing less from someone who's been through the wringer.
Genevieve:
If you're referring to the fraudulent thesis case, I've already made my point several times now. The case is still under investigation. It's useless to try and attack my character with something like that.
Rave:
If you say so. After all, you're the only one who knows the truth.
Darcy:
Oh, it's Genevieve and Rave again. I'll talk to you about my thing later then, I'm gonna bounce for now... I'll leave my two new friends to you!
Darcy makes a dash for it...
Paimon:
He left us, just like that? Some guide, Paimon gives him zero stars! Zero!
Genevieve:
Mr. Guard, as the organizer, it's not exactly proper for you to stay out of this discussion of the rules, is it?
Estienne:
Haha, this is just a game to pass the time. How was I supposed to know you'd all get so riled up over it... let alone take it this seriously.
Estienne:
Right, why don't we introduce the rules of the game to the new players?
Paimon:
Heh, there's no game the two of us can't win! Wait a sec, we still don't know what the game even is yet...
Genevieve:
Don't try and change the subject! We're already halfway through the game, and they don't even know the fundamental rules. They can't just join in now.
Traveler:
So, what are you guys playing?
Genevieve:
Coupon Millionaire.
Paimon:
Paimon has never heard of such a game...
Rave:
Of course not, this is just what the heartless guards play to make fun of us. Everyone loses, and I'm sure you know who wins.
Estienne:
That's not true. You work to earn Coupons during the game, and the one that has the most Coupons will get an even better reward from me.
Estienne:
So everyone wins, but one person wins more than the rest.
Paimon:
A reward better than Coupons? What could it be?
Estienne:
In Darcy's words, a chance to be under the sun. Some of our periodic checks need to be performed outside, and I get to decide who gets these jobs.
Estienne:
It wouldn't be very interesting if I just picked based on my preference.
Estienne:
So I created Coupon Millionaire, and those who want to go outside are free to sign up. Whoever gets the most Coupons wins the game.
Estienne:
If you feel that your strength alone will be insufficient, you can find others to group up with. As for how you earn Coupons... I don't care about that.
Genevieve:
As far as games go, the rules are really vague.
Estienne:
It's part of the strategy. Does the Fontaine Research Institute not have similar "games"?
Genevieve:
...
Estienne:
How about you, Darcy's new friends?
Traveler:
Sorry, everyone, but I'm going to win.
Rave:
It's not impossible to come back from behind, but only those who have the means will be able to do it. As for them... Estienne, maybe you should arrange a special competition for children.
Paimon:
Children's competition...
Paimon:
Paimon doesn't know who you are, but you shouldn't underestimate us. We've seen some... things! It's just a game, and we gonna cruise through it!
Lanoire:
No, I will definitely be the biggest winner.
Paimon:
Oh wow, a real child! And a confident one, at all!
Lanoire:
That's what Cater said, and he's never lied to me.
Noailles:
What are you all doing here?
Noailles:
You again, Estienne?
Estienne:
I didn't break any rules, did I? In fact, I even increased everyone's work efficiency, and that should be to my credit.
Noailles:
You know what I mean. Know your place, Estienne. You're a guard, and you should use your powers to make them obey you.
Estienne:
I have my way of doing things. And you, Noailles... It's been some time since you arrived here at the Fortress. You should try blending in a little more.
Noailles:
Laziness, apathy... I will restore order here, starting with you. Stop this gathering and go back to what you were doing!
Noailles:
I am not as lenient as Estienne. If I'm going to restore order, then punishments are a must. I don't think you want to know what they are.
Estienne:
...Are there things that even I don't know?
Estienne:
I jest. You don't need to waste any of your time on this game that we play to kill time. The Fortress is huge, and I'm sure there are other things that require your attention.
Noailles:
I don't need you to remind me.
Noailles leaves. Genevieve and Rave return to their respective companions. The girl also slips away without being noticed.
Estienne:
Finally... Being serious can be a virtue, but being overly serious... is something else.
Estienne:
Anyway, now that the annoying guy is gone, will you join the game, Darcy's new friends?
Paimon:
What sort of person leaves their friends behind, anyway? We aren't his friends! In fact, Paimon's gonna use his uncool nickname to address him! That "Pretty Face" is a jerk!
Paimon:
...Huh? Wait a minute, that nickname doesn't sound all that mean...
Estienne:
Haha, alright, then. What should we call you?
Paimon:
Call me Paimon, and this is Traveler. As for the game...
Traveler:
We'll need more time to think about this.
Estienne:
Sure. If you change your mind, please feel free to talk to me.
Paimon:
There you are!
Lanoire:
Oh, you again. And your, uh... Are you a bird, little one?
Paimon:
A bird? Paimon doesn't look like a bird...
Paimon:
You mean melodic chirping!
Lanoire:
That's so strange. You can fly, but you're not a bird. Are you an evil dragon? Or an evil dragonling?
Traveler:
The way you eat and your thirst for wealth certainly fit the bill...
Paimon:
No they don't!
Paimon:
Anyway, he's Traveler, and Paimon's name is Paimon. What's your name?
Lanoire:
I'm... Lanoire. Mr. Traveler and Ms. Paimon, will you please tell me whether the evil sorcerer is still there?
Paimon:
The evil sorcerer?
Lanoire:
Yes, with black clothes and a staff that has branches sticking out of it. Cater said that I mustn't get spotted by that sorcerer, or things will get very bad...
Traveler:
Where is this wicked spellslinger? My sword is ready!
Paimon:
Why are you playing along? Paimon thinks she's talking about who we just saw.
Paimon:
Must've been a guard, right? So, who's this bad, bad sorcerer? Estienne, or Noailles?
Lanoire:
Estienne is a good sorcerer! He brought me flowers when he returned last time. They had the same color as my skirt!
Lanoire:
Then Cater taught me to put them into books to make pressed flowers. That way, my books would smell nice, too. Is this what they call the fragrance of knowledge?
Paimon:
Noailles, then.
Traveler:
Estienne said he was annoying, too.
Paimon:
Paimon doesn't like him, either. It seems he doesn't think very highly of us.
Paimon:
Anyway, the evil sorcerer's gone now. Still, why's a little kid like you in the Fortress of Meropide?
Lanoire:
I've always been here. Why does everyone ask me that? It's so strange.
Lanoire:
Don't you two have your own home, too?
Traveler:
Home is where your family is.
Lanoire:
That's what Cater said, too, which is why I have a home that I don't know about.
Paimon:
How do you call a place that you don't know home?
Lanoire:
Wait, I can't? That's a toughie... But I'm sure Cater knows the answer. He knows lots of things, and a lot of stories!
Paimon:
Might Cater, by any chance, be a kid who looks about the same age as you?
Lanoire:
Nope, he's a lot taller than me, taller than Mr. Traveler, and taller than the evil sorcerer.
Lanoire:
But I think he's afraid of the evil sorcerer. He lost his sword, and the evil sorcerer has a powerful staff, so he hides when the evil sorcerer comes out.
Paimon:
(This Cater sounds... mysterious. And maybe Lanoire is just too young? She hasn't been very clear about herself at all. Maybe this Cater knows more?)
Traveler:
(I guess we can go meet him.)
Paimon:
We want to meet Cater. Will you take us to see him?
Lanoire:
Sure, but... it's too soon to go back! I want to explore this place while the evil sorcerer isn't here. Will you come with me?
Lanoire:
Are you ready to go?
Lanoire:
Ouch!
Clynes:
I'm sorry! Are you alright?
Paimon:
What happened?
Lanoire:
It's the evil sorcerer's magic! We'll be trapped if we get caught in it!
Galvaryet:
Sorry, the light's broken, and this expert here isn't anywhere near as good as he claimed...
Clynes:
I never said such a thing.
Lanoire:
Oh, it's you! It's alright, you're a good sorceress.
Lanoire:
But that bright light really hurt my eyes...
Lanoire:
Phew, guess our adventure's almost at an end. The Coupon Cafeteria's our final stop.
Traveler:
So the ultimate destination of adventuring is a good meal.
Paimon:
Not bad, right? Adventures take a toll on your body, so eating afterward is a must.
Lanoire:
That's right! And I've never seen someone as small as Ms. Paimon! You're even smaller than Ms. Sigewinne. You should eat more, so you can grow bigger!
Paimon:
Paimon thinks so, too!
Lanoire:
By the way, do the two of you have any Coupons?
Paimon:
Um, Paimon doesn't think so...
Traveler:
Well, that means we get no food. Oops.
Lanoire:
No, don't worry! Just talk to Bran, and you'll get a yummy free meal!
Lanoire:
Bran's the clockwork meka over there. It was broken, but Wolsey repaired it.
Lanoire:
You only get a free meal once per day, though, and you won't know what you'll get. The best thing you can get is the Tasses Ragout.
Paimon:
Wait, you won't know what you'll get? Why can't you order what you want?
Lanoire:
Wolsey says that it's meant to be both a surprise and a risk precisely 'cause it's a free meal. If you don't want any risks, then you've gotta use Coupons.
Lanoire:
Will the two of you try the free meal?
Paimon:
Paimon will give it a try! Paimon is always lucky, and this stuff's free! How can free meals be bad?
Lanoire:
Phew, guess our adventure's almost at an end. The Coupon Cafeteria's our final stop.
Traveler:
So the ultimate destination of adventuring is a good meal.
Paimon:
Not bad, right? Adventures take a toll on your body, so eating afterward is a must.
Lanoire:
That's right! And I've never seen someone as small as Ms. Paimon! You're even smaller than Ms. Sigewinne. You should eat more, so you can grow bigger!
Paimon:
Paimon thinks so, too!
Paimon:
Let's talk to Bran and see if we'll get something good!
Lanoire:
Yup! It'd be nice if it was the delicious Tasses Ragout, though.
Lanoire:
Greetings, Bran.
Bran:
Greetings. What can I do for you?
Bran:
Understood.
Bran:
Enjoy.
Paimon:
And Paimon, too!
Bran:
Enjoy.
Lanoire:
I'll have one, too.
Bran:
Understood. Enjoy.
Lanoire:
Mr. Traveler, Ms. Paimon, let's open our meals together, alright? Three... Two... One!
Lanoire:
Wow, mine's Tasses Ragout!
Lanoire:
What did you two get?
Traveler:
Is there a pot? I'll cook my own meal.
Paimon:
Paimon doesn't want to eat anymore.
Lanoire:
So I got the only good meal? Will there be enough if we split it into three portions?
Lanoire:
There's even a fortune inside. What do yours say?
Paimon:
Paimon's fortune says, "Luck only brings fleeting pleasure, lifelong happiness requires hard work." ...Grr, now Paimon's mad!
Paimon:
How about you, Traveler?
Traveler:
"Things happen. Don't take it personally!"
Paimon:
Just... wow.
Lanoire:
Mine says, "Misfortune is an illness, and caring friends are the cure."
Lanoire:
The two of you went on adventures with me, so you're definitely caring friends... But you got the disgusting meals...
Lanoire:
The Sorceress said that I must remember to pay it forward. So now it's my turn to cure you!
Lanoire:
Let's go to the Rag and Bone Shop.
Lanoire:
Hello, Alvard!
Alvard:
Hey, Skylark, want a Fonta? We just got a new shipment. How about your friends?
Paimon:
So this is the Rag and Bone Shop.
Alvard:
If you have Coupons, we have everything from home supplies like Hydro Phantasm Taint-B-Gone...
Alvard:
...To devices that can help you in the Pankration Ring. Our wares are trusted and loved by all and sundry! You name it, Rag and Bone Shop has it!
Paimon:
We don't really need this, do we?
Alvard:
The special items must be pre-ordered, though. Or if you're lucky enough, you might find what you want on the for-sale list.
Alvard:
We do have the other stuff stocked at all times. So, back to my question. How about some Fonta?
Lanoire:
Hm, I want everything in Uncle Alvard's store.
Alvard:
That's not going to be a problem. Let's see... We're almost through with this shipment, and only food and drinks are left. But they'll cost you a good number of Coupons.
Paimon:
Really!? Are you sure it won't be a problem?
Lanoire:
Problem? If you mean Coupons, Cater gave me a ton of them, so I should have enough. The food and drinks here are really great, and you're going to love them, Ms. Paimon!
Lanoire:
Cater said that Coupons make unfair things fair. Only I got the delicious Tasses Ragout at the Coupon Cafeteria, and that was unfair.
Lanoire:
So now I'm going to use my Coupons to buy something delicious for the two of you!
Traveler:
Time to eat, then!
Lanoire:
Let's dig in!
Paimon:
Hey, that was supposed to be my line, you two!
Lanoire:
Estienne said that hunger and gross food reduce our work efficiency and put us in a bad mood.
Lanoire:
We're going to see Cater soon, and we wanna be in a good mood when we see him. That's why we need to fill our stomachs with delicious food.
Lanoire:
We're counting on you, Uncle Alvard.
Alvard:
Sure. Thank you for the business!
Paimon:
If Lanoire says so... We'll dig in!
Lanoire:
Yup! Have a good meal, Ms. Paimon!
Feasting with Lanoire... Everything that couldn't be finished ends up in Paimon's pack.
Paimon:
Phew! That was amazing! Paimon's so full, she can barely walk. She's getting sleepy, too...
Paimon:
Why are we here again?
Traveler:
If you can't remember, then maybe it wasn't important.
Paimon:
Paimon remembers now! We're supposed to be looking for Cater.
Lanoire:
Let's go! But I don't know if he's there. If not, we can wait. He might be back soon.
Lanoire:
Cater! I'm back.
Caterpillar:
Welcome back, Lanoire. Looks like you've made some friends.
Lanoire:
Yes, they're Mr. Traveler and Ms. Paimon. Ms. Paimon is small and she can fly, but she's not a bird.
Lanoire:
She's not a Seelie either. Maybe a small Oceanid? No wonder no one has seen anything like her, or knows anything about her!
Traveler:
Paimon's Paimon.
Paimon:
That's right, Paimon's just Paimon! She's not a Seelie or an Oceanid... Wait, you're "Cater"!?
Traveler:
You look about the same age as Lanoire.
Caterpillar:
Nice to meet you, Mr. Traveler, Ms. Paimon. Please call me Caterpillar.
Paimon:
Uh... Please don't be so formal. That feels so strange!
Caterpillar:
Since you're Lanoire's friends, sure, I can do that!
Paimon:
Wait a minute... We've heard the name "Caterpillar" before, haven't we?
Paimon:
Ah, that's right! Julien! The painter we met at Samudra Coast. Do you remember him? So you're the "Caterpillar" he mentioned!
Caterpillar:
You've met Julien? He really went to Sumeru, huh? How is he?
Paimon:
Well...
You tell him about your meeting with Julien in Sumeru...
Paimon:
According to Julien, his ability to "paint everything exactly as he sees it" came from you. Did you really give him that power?
Caterpillar:
Is that really what he said? I can't decide if he was exaggerating...
Paimon:
Wait, so he was lying? But the painting he made for Pepper looked so real, even though the color was a bit off.
Caterpillar:
That was an ability he already had. What I did was to give him "certainty." The purer the person, the more obvious the effect of such support is.
Paimon:
Pure, huh... Well, he did look kind of gullible.
Traveler:
And as for the Marvelous Bird Egg...
Caterpillar:
They're good for your health when consumed in moderation.
Caterpillar:
I didn't know that he would break his "certainty" like that. I guess you could say that things turned out for the best, though.
Paimon:
Anyway, both you and Lanoire are children, right? So, is your guardian here? Why are the two of you in a place like this...
Lanoire:
Cater's not a child.
Caterpillar:
Indeed, I am not. As for my present appearance... You can think of it as an illness of sorts.
Paimon:
Huh. So that's how it is...
Caterpillar:
I've been here for a long time, well, because of what I've done in the past. But it's more complicated for Lanoire...
Caterpillar:
She was born here.
Paimon:
Here? In the Fortress?
Lanoire:
You're a strange one, Ms. Paimon. I've already told you that I've always been here, haven't I?
Caterpillar:
Agnes, her mother, was plagued by a chronic illness and passed away some time ago.
Caterpillar:
I don't stick my nose into other people's lives, so I didn't know about their situation. But regardless, Lanoire wound up with no one to care for her.
Caterpillar:
Maybe it's because I've been here for a long time, and Lanoire has taken to me, but either way, Estienne's asked me to look after her.
Paimon:
So that's how it is... But she shouldn't be here, right? It's not like she's done anything wrong...
Caterpillar:
You're right. I'm just looking after her for now, and she really should be with her family.
Caterpillar:
And fortunately, she does indeed have family outside the Fortress.
Paimon:
So that's what she meant when she said she has a home that she doesn't know about. Will she be able to reunite with them soon?
Caterpillar:
About that... Things are a little complicated, and I'm afraid it won't happen all that soon.
Paimon:
How come?
Caterpillar:
Because she doesn't have any proof of identity. Maybe Agnes didn't think of that, either. She was the one who'd have needed to start the process to send Lanoire away from the Fortress.
Traveler:
How about her other family members?
Caterpillar:
Estienne said that Agnes wrote them in the past, but that she never received a reply and thus stopped trying altogether. If they knew about the current situation, they might change their minds.
Caterpillar:
That's why I want to take her to her family. And if they don't want to take her in, we'll figure something else out then.
Lanoire:
Why can't I stay here? Sure, there's an evil sorcerer, but there's a good sorcerer, and you're here too! I don't want to leave.
Lanoire:
Mother never came back after leaving the Fortress.
Lanoire:
If I leave, does that mean that I'll never come back, just like my mother? And I'd never see you again either, Cater!
Paimon:
Agnes left?
Traveler:
(I don't think Lanoire can comprehend what happened.)
Paimon:
Ah...
Caterpillar:
Either way, this is no place for a child to grow up. How will a sprout bloom without sunlight?
Caterpillar:
You should get out of this place, Lanoire. You've heard all the stories already. There's a real world outside and a family that you are connected to.
Caterpillar:
I'll go with you, so you needn't be afraid.
Lanoire:
I believe you. You've never lied to me.
Paimon:
But how will you get her out without proof of identity? Is there anything we can do to help?
Traveler:
Is there some loophole or a backdoor we can use?
Caterpillar:
There are options, but they're too risky. How about this, then? Let's follow the rules... albeit not that strictly.
Paimon:
How will that work?
Caterpillar:
Every so often, Estienne will bring a few people with him to do some work outside. We use this chance to get Lanoire back to her family.
Caterpillar:
She doesn't have any proof of identification to begin with... and the disappearance of someone who never existed on paper isn't exactly going to make news here in the Fortress.
Paimon:
You aren't talking about "Coupon Millionaire," are you? Paimon remembers Estienne saying that whoever gets the most Coupons within a time limit will win the chance to go outside...
Traveler:
Whoops. Our Coupons went straight to our stomachs.
Paimon:
Ah! And Lanoire spent a ton more cleaning the Rag and Bone Shop out! We're sure to lose now! What are we gonna do?
Lanoire:
We won't lose. If Cater says we'll win, we'll definitely win.
Paimon:
Lanoire... Paimon suspects you aren't grasping the gravity of the situation at all!
Traveler:
Can we get the Coupons refunded? We can just say that she's a child who didn't understand the rules...
Caterpillar:
As the transaction already took place, I'm afraid that won't be so easy.
Caterpillar:
It's fine. The Coupons I gave to Lanoire were for her to use as she pleased. This little mishap won't change the outcome.
Paimon:
Paimon still feels kinda bad though. Why don't we help you? Paimon remembers Estienne saying that you can play the game as a group.
Lanoire:
Really, Ms. Paimon? You and Mr. Traveler will play the game with us, too?
Traveler:
Yep, and we'll win this thing together!
Paimon:
With us here, this'll be a piece of cake! There are four of us, after all! Still, how can we get the most Coupons in the least amount of time...?
Caterpillar:
I already feel much better knowing that you'll be helping us. Thank you both. As for how to get the Coupons... I have a few ideas, but that can wait until tomorrow.
Caterpillar:
You must be exhausted. If you don't mind, why don't you rest up first? There's enough space here.
Paimon:
Hmm... good idea. Traveler, if you're tired, why don't we call it an early night?
Traveler:
I'm feeling a little tired. Should we rest now?
Lanoire:
Cater! I'm back.
Caterpillar:
Welcome back, Lanoire. Looks like you've made some friends.
Lanoire:
Yes, they're Mr. Traveler and Ms. Paimon. Ms. Paimon is small and she can fly, but she's not a bird.
Lanoire:
She's not a Seelie either. Maybe a small Oceanid? No wonder no one has seen anything like her, or knows anything about her!
Traveler:
Paimon's Paimon.
Paimon:
That's right, Paimon's just Paimon! She's not a Seelie or an Oceanid... Wait, you're "Cater"!?
Traveler:
You look about the same age as Lanoire.
Caterpillar:
Nice to meet you, Mr. Traveler, Ms. Paimon.
Paimon:
Uh... Please don't be so formal. That feels so strange!
Caterpillar:
Well, if you're Lanoire's friends, sure!
Paimon:
Anyway, both you and Lanoire are children, right? So, is your guardian here? Why are the two of you in a place like this...
Lanoire:
Cater's not a child.
Caterpillar:
Indeed, I am not. As for my present appearance... You can think of it as an illness of sorts.
Paimon:
So, that's what's going on...
Caterpillar:
I've been here for a long time, well, because of what I've done in the past. But it's more complicated for Lanoire...
Caterpillar:
She was born here.
Paimon:
Here? In the Fortress?
Lanoire:
You're a strange one, Ms. Paimon. I've already told you that I've always been here, haven't I?
Caterpillar:
Agnes, her mother, was plagued by a chronic illness and passed away some time ago.
Caterpillar:
I don't stick my nose into other people's lives, so I didn't know about their situation. But regardless, Lanoire wound up with no one to care for her.
Caterpillar:
Maybe it's because I've been here for a long time, and she's closer to me, but either way, Estienne's asked me to look after her.
Paimon:
So that's how it is... But she shouldn't be here, right? It's not like she's done anything wrong...
Caterpillar:
You're right. I'm just looking after her for now, and she really should be with her family.
Caterpillar:
And fortunately, she does indeed have family outside the Fortress.
Paimon:
So that's what she meant when she said she has a home that she doesn't know about. Will she be able to reunite with them soon?
Caterpillar:
About that... Things are a little complicated, and I'm afraid it won't happen all that soon.
Paimon:
Eh? Why?
Caterpillar:
Because she doesn't have any proof of identity. Maybe Agnes didn't think of that, either. She was the one who'd have needed to start the process to send Lanoire away from the Fortress.
Traveler:
How about her other family members?
Caterpillar:
Estienne said that Agnes wrote them in the past, but that she never received a reply and thus stopped trying altogether. If they knew about the current situation, they might change their minds.
Caterpillar:
That's why I want to take her to her family. And if they don't want to take her in, we'll figure something else out then.
Lanoire:
Why can't I stay here? Sure, there's an evil sorcerer, but there's a good sorcerer, and you're here too! I don't want to leave.
Lanoire:
Mother never came back after leaving the Fortress.
Lanoire:
If I leave, does that mean that I'll never come back, just like my mother? And I'd never see you again either, Cater!
Paimon:
Agnes left?
Traveler:
(I don't think Lanoire can comprehend what happened.)
Paimon:
Ah...
Caterpillar:
Either way, this is no place for a child to grow up. How will a sprout bloom without sunlight?
Caterpillar:
You should get out of this place, Lanoire. You've heard all the stories already. There's a real world outside and a family that you are connected to.
Caterpillar:
I'll go with you, so you needn't be afraid.
Lanoire:
I believe you. You've never lied to me.
Paimon:
But how will you get her out without proof of identity? Is there anything we can do to help?
Traveler:
Is there some loophole or a backdoor we can use?
Caterpillar:
There are options, but they're too risky. How about this, then? Let's follow the rules... albeit not that strictly.
Paimon:
How will that work?
Caterpillar:
Every so often, Estienne will bring a few people with him to do some work outside. We use this chance to get Lanoire back to her family.
Caterpillar:
She doesn't have any proof of identification to begin with... and the disappearance of someone who never existed on paper isn't exactly going to make news here in the Fortress.
Paimon:
You aren't talking about "Coupon Millionaire," are you? Paimon remembers Estienne saying that whoever gets the most Coupons within a time limit will win the chance to go outside...
Traveler:
Whoops. Our Coupons went straight to our stomachs.
Paimon:
Ah! And Lanoire spent a ton more cleaning the Rag and Bone Shop out! We're sure to lose now! What are we gonna do?
Lanoire:
We won't lose. If Cater says we'll win, we'll definitely win.
Paimon:
Lanoire... Paimon suspects you aren't grasping the gravity of the situation at all!
Caterpillar:
As the transaction already took place, I'm afraid that won't be so easy.
Caterpillar:
It's fine. The Coupons I gave to Lanoire were for her to use as she pleased. This little mishap won't change the outcome.
Paimon:
Paimon still feels kinda bad though. Why don't we help you? Paimon remembers Estienne saying that you can play the game as a group.
Lanoire:
Really, Ms. Paimon? You and Mr. Traveler will play the game with us, too?
Traveler:
Yep, and we'll win this thing together!
Paimon:
With us here, this'll be a piece of cake! There are four of us, after all! Still, how can we get the most Coupons in the least amount of time...?
Caterpillar:
I already feel much better knowing that you'll be helping us. Thank you both. As for how to get the Coupons... I have a few ideas, but that can wait until tomorrow.
Caterpillar:
You must be exhausted. If you don't mind, why don't you rest up first? There's enough space here.
Paimon:
Hmm... good idea. Traveler, if you're tired, why don't we call it an early night?
Paimon:
Oh, it seems like we've come at a bad time...
Estienne:
Haha!
Noailles:
...What?
Noailles:
If I'm not mistaken, you must be... Traveler and Paimon? I'll come back to your question in a moment.
Noailles:
I consulted the records from the last hundred years, and I couldn't find any record of a "Caterpillar." In light of this possible mislaying of documents, we'll need your cooperation to recreate them.
Estienne:
There's nothing pressing about the matter, if you ask me. What's the rush about?
Noailles:
Estienne, I often get the impression that you couldn't care less about restoring order to this place.
Noailles:
I can't agree with your viewpoint. People who habitually indulge their every whim just can't see that too much freedom actually does them harm.
Noailles:
I'll restore order to this chaos using my own methods. I'll advise you again not to stand in the way of my work.
Estienne:
"Chaos"? Isn't that just another word for "thinking on your feet"? *sigh* You know what? Forget it.
Noailles:
Is Caterpillar your real name? Additionally, I'll need you to state your crime in as much detail as possible — the time, location, as well as the final sentence pronounced.
Noailles:
The more details you provide, the greater the likelihood we'll have of retrieving your records. If your file was indeed lost, we can fill in a portion of your records based on your statement.
Caterpillar:
I've been called Caterpillar for as long as I can remember. I think this name suits me best, and it's the closest thing I have to a real name.
Noailles:
Real name... Caterpillar. Confirmed to be correct. Next, state your crime.
Caterpillar:
I carried out a certain task under my master's orders. I failed, but some people suffered because of it nonetheless. This was my crime.
Noailles:
Your master? I'll need their full name. Also, when did this occur?
Caterpillar:
Unlike me, he has many names. This happened a long time ago.
Noailles:
...Are you messing with me?
Caterpillar:
Everything I've said is the truth.
His voice sounds too low to be that of a child. "I apologize. Were you looking for a more dramatic account? Or for some lurid details to ignite your imagination?"
"As for what happened that day, I could recount it sparing no detail — from the furnishings of that clandestine hall to the thoughts of my companion, which I've ventured to speculate on."
"But that's all just a fabrication of the mind made after the fact. We both know that's not what you're really after, for these are nothing more than stories masquerading as the truth. The real story has already turned to smoke along with that barren garden."
"What you want to know is a purer truth. The truth is that the culprit is where he should be. The other minutiae and trivialities are of no significance to you." "They're inconsequential, and thus won't shake up your order in the slightest."
"There's nothing here for you to trouble yourself with. Everything is as it should be."
Noailles:
The culprit is where he should be...
Noailles:
There's nothing here for me to trouble myself with. Everything is as it should be...
Estienne:
Compared to the "temporarily" missing file, surely the misuse of the Rochelle Loudspeaker is a more obvious problem.
Estienne:
Apart from the unauthorized use, we've also received a number of complaints recently of nervous breakdowns caused by its repeated use...
Noailles:
You're right, Estienne. The guards have an even greater duty to put a stop to this sort of rule-breaking. We should investigate the matter immediately.
Estienne:
What are we waiting for, then? Let's get this show on the road.
Paimon:
(That's odd. Why did he flip at the drop of a hat?)
Traveler:
(There's something fishy about this.)
Paimon:
Could it have something to do with that stuff Caterpillar said? Paimon just felt a little sleepy when she heard it...
Paimon:
Let's just ask him directly!
Lanoire:
Mr. Traveler, Ms. Paimon, we've fallen way behind!
Caterpillar:
It's true. I've gone to ask Estienne about the current situation, and this seems to be the case.
Paimon:
Let Paimon see... Ooh! Looks like you got some Coupons too, Caterpillar! Wait, aren't we still dead last?
Paimon:
Even Darcy's ahead of us! He entered the competition by himself, didn't he? How can this be happening...
Caterpillar:
Because he helped the guards take care of no small number of nuisances. For example, Ms. Monglane often asks him for help.
Paimon:
Paimon sees... Wait a minute, does that mean he was so nice to us at the start because he could gain something from it...?
Paimon:
Also, won't we lose for sure if this keeps up? Urgh, if only Paimon hadn't eaten so much at the Rag and Bone Shop earlier...
Caterpillar:
No matter. All that counts is the total number of Coupons collected within the time limit. Using Coupons you already have doesn't affect the total count.
Lanoire:
That means you can eat even more, Ms. Paimon!
Paimon:
Lanoire... Our problem right now is that we're about to lose the competition! Aren't you guys the least bit worried?
Caterpillar:
There's still plenty of time left before the end. We'll make it.
Lanoire:
Are you tired, Mr. Traveler? Let me rub your shoulders!
Paimon:
That's playing favorites, Lanoire! Paimon's tired, too!
Lanoire:
Okay, then I'll rub your shoulders, too.
Paimon:
Hehe, okay!
Caterpillar:
Tomorrow, we divide and conquer. We'll reconvene here once we make some gains. Sound good? We'll make better time this way.
Paimon:
Indeed... That sounds like a better plan.
Caterpillar:
Also, if you don't mind, we can rest here, just like before.
Paimon:
Sure. Traveler, you can take a break now if you're tired.
Traveler:
Should we rest now?
Rave:
Having fun playing house with the kids?
Rave:
I believe we've met.
Paimon:
Did you need us for something? We're rivals, you know. Did you really come to see if we're having a good time?
Rave:
I have many qualities, and one that has benefited me greatly is my curiosity.
Rave:
I always want to get to the bottom of things I don't understand, so I tend to know the facts better than others.
Traveler:
What a coincidence. Me too.
Rave:
Looks like we'll enjoy talking to each other then.
Rave:
I just wanted to know why you decided to take part in this game.
Rave:
If it was for the chance to get out, I have another route that I can show you...
Traveler:
I like playing games, and I like winning even more.
Rave:
Remaining vigilant around your enemies is wise, but I'm not necessarily your enemy.
Paimon:
What do you mean by that?
Rave:
What I mean is, if you only want to win, then why don't we work together?
Paimon:
Huh? But aren't you already in first place?
Rave:
That's precisely why we both stand to benefit.
Paimon:
Hmm... Wait a minute, we joined to help Lanoire out...
Rave:
That little girl? In that case, if you're willing to join up with me, I'll grant any wish she has as well.
Traveler:
Sounds too good to be true.
Rave:
Then I'll be frank — this is a matter of honor. Caterpillar and I have some... unresolved history.
Rave:
I don't know what he said to pull one over on you... but I'm telling you, he's a monster. A monster in human skin.
Noailles:
What are you all talking about? Not some sort of rule-breaking scheme, I trust?
Rave:
...Tsk.
Rave:
Ah, Mr. Noailles. Your timing couldn't be better. Could I ask you about the results of the investigation into Caterpillar...
Noailles:
The majority of his records are missing, but it's fine. The culprit is where he should be, and everything is as it should be...
Rave:
His records are missing? That's impossible. He definitely had a hand in this...
Noailles:
...The missing records need to be recreated. Right. How could I have forgotten about that? Hmm...
Noailles:
...Right, go finish your tasks now. I don't want to see you loitering around here.
Lanoire:
Mr. Traveler, Ms. Paimon! Welcome back!
Caterpillar:
We brought quite the haul back today. Our current standing should be...
Paimon:
Dang it! We only just pulled ahead of Darcy...
Lanoire:
That's great! We're not in last place anymore!
Paimon:
But there are four of us...
Lanoire:
Yeah, and we're doing great!
Paimon:
But are we really gonna be okay like this? We still have two big hurdles ahead of us...
Lanoire:
You promised me we'd win for sure, right, Cater?
Caterpillar:
That's right. So, don't worry too much, you two. I know that may sound strange, but...
Caterpillar:
Sometimes forgetting about the outcome and enjoying the fun to be had in the process isn't a bad way to go.
Paimon:
Okay, if you say so...
Paimon:
Ooh, speaking of that, Caterpillar, we received an invitation from the guy who was in first place earlier. But he was super rude, and he said that... you're a...
Paimon:
Um... Anyway, it wasn't very nice of him!
Traveler:
What happened between you two?
Caterpillar:
Just a few minor differences of opinion. He invited me to join him as well, but having no real reason to accept, I declined his offer.
Caterpillar:
Later, he tried to get some of his lackeys to teach me a lesson... It's true, I am a monster — the kind people like him would do well not to provoke.
Paimon:
D—Don't say that! Surely you didn't end up this way because you wanted to, right, Caterpillar?
Lanoire:
If Cater is a monster, then he's one of the good ones! Just like how there are good sorcerers and bad sorcerers... *yawn*
Paimon:
What's the matter? Are you sleepy, Lanoire?
Lanoire:
Mm-hmm... But I haven't heard the rest of yesterday's story yet...
Paimon:
If you're tired, you should go for an early night.
Lanoire:
Mr. Traveler, Ms. Paimon... Will we still meet again tomorrow?
Paimon:
Why are you asking that all of a sudden?
Lanoire:
If... If you don't want to be on the same team as us anymore...
Paimon:
What are you talking about? Didn't we say we'd get first place together? There are still two more teams ahead of us, so we have to make tomorrow count!
Lanoire:
Yeah, you're right! *yawn* I'm so sleepy. Let's do our best tomorrow... Sweet dreams, Mr. Traveler, sweet dreams, Ms. Paimon...
Traveler:
Should we rest now?
Genevieve:
Hello...
Paimon:
Paimon's getting deja vu... Did you need us for something?
Genevieve:
Alright. I'm hoping you'll join us in launching a protest against Estienne.
Paimon:
Huh?
Genevieve:
Since you're taking part in this game as well, I think you'll understand my position. The rules should be more open and transparent...
Traveler:
What's the catch?
Genevieve:
The competition should restart with the new rules in place.
Paimon:
What!? Wouldn't that make all the hard work we've done so far be for nothing?
Genevieve:
What's so crazy about that? It happens all the time in academia — you realize that there's an error in your thesis or methodology, and it completely invalidates the conclusion you arrived at after years of research.
Paimon:
Pretty sure that's nothing like this...
Traveler:
Maybe for the next time he runs the game... Just play it as it is this time around.
Genevieve:
Indeed. Iterating and improving the rules will take time. We may not be able to get them implemented until the next time the game is held...
Genevieve:
No, I need this game to be fair. To me, delayed fairness is a pointless loss. I've lost so much time already because of this...
Paimon:
Hmm... Paimon thinks you have the right idea, but... but this isn't a decision that can be made by just us, right? Maybe you could go ask the others as well...
Genevieve:
Estienne will only change the subject, and as for Rave... You kids had better keep your guard up around him.
Paimon:
"Us kids..."? Hmm, that kinda grinds Paimon's gears, but maybe that really is how other people see us...
Paimon:
Anyway, thanks for the tip. But Paimon's not sure we can help you.
Genevieve:
Fine. I anticipated as much.
Genevieve:
Then I'll leave you to it. Good luck out there. My luck hasn't exactly been great, but I won't be throwing in the towel that easily.
Paimon:
O—Okay. Paimon also hopes that your luck improves...
Paimon:
Wh—What's that guard doing here...?
Noailles:
Just who I was looking for.
Noailles:
Hang on. I'd like you to answer a few questions first.
Noailles:
As you probably know, the missing records need to be recreated. This isn't necessarily bad news for him, but without those records, he won't be able to leave this place even if he has legally redeemed himself.
Noailles:
As such, I hope you can answer my questions honestly.
Noailles:
Do you know when Caterpillar arrived in the Fortress of Meropide?
Paimon:
Um... He just said that he came here a long time ago, so we don't know when exactly...
Noailles:
Then I don't suppose you know the specifics of his sentence or crime?
Paimon:
No, we don't...
Noailles:
Do you know anything about this "master" he mentioned earlier?
Paimon:
Paimon doesn't remember Caterpillar mentioning him before...
Noailles:
Have either of you observed anything peculiar happen while speaking to him?
Traveler:
Not so far.
Noailles:
Not so far? Okay then.
Noailles:
That's enough questions for today. It doesn't seem like you know very much, but if you do notice anything strange, make sure to report it at once. It's for your own good.
Noailles leaves...
Paimon:
Looks like we don't know much about Caterpillar after all... But if he doesn't want to talk about his crime or sentence or anything like that, Paimon thinks we'd better not press him.
Traveler:
I'm not really concerned about any of that.
Paimon:
Well, he didn't ask much about our pasts either.
Paimon:
But whatever the case, he's doing a good deed right now, isn't he?
Paimon:
Lanoire seems to really trust him as well... So he's probably not a bad guy... at least for now, right?
Traveler:
You can never go wrong with a little caution.
Paimon:
Yeah.
After you wait patiently for a little while, Caterpillar and Lanoire return.
Lanoire:
Mr. Traveler, Ms. Paimon! You're both so fast! I got carried away talking to Ms. Galvana.
Lanoire:
She even gave me some candy! She said they're made from a fruit that grows on the trees in a desert oasis...
Lanoire:
I asked her what kind of place a desert oasis might be, and she said it's a little body of water surrounded by a vast sea of sand.
Lanoire:
Doesn't that sound just like the Fortress? Except... Y'know, opposite, since this place is surrounded by water.
Paimon:
Once you leave this place, maybe you'll get to go there and see it for yourself! That reminds me, after all the hard work we've done, we must have advanced by now, right?
Caterpillar:
Speaking of that, I asked Estienne, and here's where things stand at the moment...
Paimon:
You mean we basically haven't advanced at all!? How could that be?
Traveler:
Looks like the competition's been hard at work, too.
Caterpillar:
Indeed. Rave has some contacts, and the researcher and detective's assistant will have their own ways.
Paimon:
Surely this isn't the time to be singing our rivals' praises? Is there really nothing we can do? We're definitely gonna lose at this rate...
Lanoire:
We're gonna lose? But if we lose, we can all stay here in the Fortress, right?
Caterpillar:
We've talked about this before, Lanoire. If we stay here, we'll have to worry each day about being taken away by evil sorcerers.
Lanoire:
Oh... then I guess it would be better to leave. But... But Ms. Paimon said we're definitely gonna lose...
Paimon:
W—We're not gonna lose! The game's not over yet, there's still enough time. We're gonna win this!
Traveler:
If we don't win this time, there's always next time.
Paimon:
Don't be such a wet blanket, Traveler! Have some faith. We can definitely win this time!
Caterpillar:
There isn't much time left until the deadline Estienne set. Let's just meet at the message board in the administrative area next time.
Paimon:
Ohh, there isn't much time left until the final results are announced, is there... Paimon has a feeling she's gonna toss and turn in bed tonight...
Lanoire:
You can tell me in secret if you feel scared, Ms. Paimon.
Paimon:
Ugh, seriously? A kid like you, worried about Paimon...? Paimon won't get scared! You're the one who should be scared! Paimon hopes you'll have sweet dreams, Lanoire!
Lanoire:
Don't worry, I've had lots of nice ones. In fact, I wish I could give some to the two of you!
Traveler:
Should we rest now?
Paimon:
Strange, Caterpillar and Lanoire aren't here yet.
Rave:
Why bother coming when you know you're going to lose?
Traveler:
I wouldn't be so certain of that.
Paimon:
That's right! You're only ahead of us by a little...
Rave:
A little? Haha.
Rave:
Can the results be announced now, Estienne? Actually, no... Let's wait a little. After all, the best must be saved for last.
Estienne:
Looks like we don't have to wait long. Here they come.
Lanoire:
Mr. Traveler! Ms. Paimon! Have you seen the results yet? Did we win?
Paimon:
We don't know yet...
Rave:
Well, seems everyone's here. Would you announce the results now, Estienne?
Estienne:
Of course. Oh, but the results on Caterpillar's end still need to be calculated...
Rave:
My, my, what a cruel guard, toying with us from start to finish like that.
Rave:
Why don't you wring out the last bit of mercy in your heart and let them know that the gap between us is too wide to cross? Stop torturing us with false hope.
Estienne:
These aren't the final results, but...
Lanoire:
We should be able to win once we add the Coupons that Cater got today, right?
Paimon:
Hold on, why have Genevieve's team's points been cleared out?
Genevieve:
I was against it. But this is the more logical approach with respect to the results.
Paimon:
What's that supposed to mean...? Whoa, Rave's team has so many points!
Genevieve:
He doesn't need the chance to leave, and we don't need to place first.
Paimon:
You mean you gave all your Coupons to Rave? Isn't that against the rules?
Genevieve:
There's no rule forbidding it. I was originally in favor of amending the rules to ensure fair play, but no one else seemed to be in support of that.
Estienne:
Indeed, there isn't a rule forbidding that. *sigh* This competition would have been far more exciting if everyone could have fully used the rules to their advantage.
Rave:
More exciting for you, maybe. Rules don't mean a thing in a game as boring as this one. At the end of the day, it's a question of upholding one's honor.
Rave:
Alright, now that the scores have been announced, isn't it time for the final results?
Caterpillar:
Our points from today haven't been added yet.
Rave:
Hmph... A drop in the ocean.
Estienne:
Now that everything's been added, here's what the results look like.
Lanoire:
Yes! Mr. Traveler, Ms. Paimon, look! Look! We won!
Rave:
What...? That's impossible! What did you do?
Paimon:
Whoa... that many? Paimon's lost count... Hmm...
Caterpillar:
It's a trick even simpler than magic.
Caterpillar:
I used the Coupons I'd saved up in the past to hire a bunch of people to help me work. What we have now is the product of their work this whole time. And I believe this falls within the rules, too.
Genevieve:
Even if it does, that's an insane amount...
Caterpillar:
I also have my reasons for needing to win, and I'd even gotten help from my two friends. It would be a real shame if we lost now.
Caterpillar:
Vanity, perhaps.
Estienne:
Since everything's been tallied, it's time to announce the final results. The winners of this game are Caterpillar, Mr. Traveler, and Ms. Paimon.
Estienne:
No objections, I take it?
Genevieve:
There's nothing I can say, except that it looks like I picked a fight with the wrong opponent. I ended up in here last time for striking someone in anger. I won't make the same mistake this time.
Rave:
...You'll pay the price for the choices you made.
Paimon:
Whoa, Paimon didn't expect to hear someone actually say that.
Traveler:
Pretty cliche, if you ask me.
Estienne:
Is everyone ready? If so, let's set off now.
Estienne:
Let's do this before Noailles gets back. I hope he can understand that his thinking isn't wrong, but that it's just not suited for a place like this.
Caterpillar:
You're ready, aren't you, Lanoire?
Lanoire:
Uh-huh! I've already said goodbye to everyone.
Traveler:
We're also ready to get going whenever.
Estienne:
Alright. Just keep quiet for a while. I've made some arrangements in advance, so we shouldn't run into any problems.
Caterpillar:
Sorry for the delay. About the way I said I got the Coupons earlier...
Traveler:
What did you do to him?
Paimon:
Someone that aggressive doesn't seem like the type to take advice from anyone. Why would he give up so easily...?
Caterpillar:
Just a few small tricks.
Caterpillar:
"The culprit is where he should be." This is an undeniable fact.
Caterpillar:
Making someone as straightforward as him "certain" of an undeniable fact isn't exactly hard.
Traveler:
Like that time with Julien?
Caterpillar:
That's right. Just like that time with Julien.
Caterpillar:
I've been here for a long time, as you know. After staying in one place for a long time, it's only natural to pick up a few handy tricks to exert some degree of influence over your environment.
Paimon:
Changing a stubborn person's mind with just a few simple phrases almost sounds like magic... Could there have been times when we were also influenced by magic without even knowing it?
Traveler:
Considering how pure-hearted you are, Paimon, that is a worrying thought.
Paimon:
You, too, Traveler! Wait a minute... You're not saying Paimon's as gullible as Julien, are you?
Caterpillar:
It's not as simple as it looks — there are always limits to the application of tricks like these, and the results aren't always what you'd hoped for.
Caterpillar:
It's like with Julien — He always had a knack for art, but he lacked confidence because of his visual impairment. The "certainty" that he could draw well was inside him to begin with.
Caterpillar:
But in other cases, the concept of "certainty" is just too abstract, making it difficult to predict the outcome.
Caterpillar:
So, I did take a chance this time. I just thought that if he held us up here, it would keep delaying the plan to get Lanoire out of the Fortress...
Caterpillar:
Besides, I doubt you wanted to be questioned by him repeatedly either.
Traveler:
You shouldn't take chances like that.
Caterpillar:
You're absolutely right.
Caterpillar:
Back to the matter at hand... If you've changed your mind and want to back out, I understand completely. Lanoire might be sad for a time though. For her, playmates like you are hard to come by.
Paimon:
Hmm... We've already made a promise to her, so we can't just go back on our word now. Right?
Traveler:
A promise is a promise.
Paimon:
Yeah. Consider this our way of helping her out!
Paimon:
Speaking of which, where is she?
Caterpillar:
She went on an adventure early this morning — probably to rehearse for what's to come after she leaves this place. It's just as well, I have a few headaches to go take care of soon...
Caterpillar:
You can usually get a reward for helping others — including the guards — take care of some headaches.
Paimon:
Oh, we totally get that. Sounds just like some of the Adventurers' Guild's commissions.
Caterpillar:
I see. Would you two join me on this next commission, then?
Paimon:
Sure! Where are we going?
Caterpillar:
The abandoned production zone in the lower levels.
Caterpillar:
Sorry for the delay. About the way I said I got the Coupons earlier...
Traveler:
What did you do to him?
Paimon:
Someone that aggressive doesn't seem like the type to take advice from anyone. Why would he give up so easily...?
Caterpillar:
Just a few small tricks.
Caterpillar:
"The culprit is where he should be." This is an undeniable fact.
Caterpillar:
Making someone as straightforward as him "certain" of an undeniable fact isn't exactly hard.
Caterpillar:
The purer a person is, the more easily they tend to be influenced by others' words.
Caterpillar:
I've been here for a long time, as you know. After staying in one place for a long time, it's only natural to pick up a few handy tricks to exert some degree of influence over your environment.
Paimon:
Changing a stubborn person's mind with just a few simple phrases almost sounds like magic... Could there have been times when we were also influenced by magic without even knowing it?
Traveler:
Considering how pure-hearted you are, Paimon, that is a worrying thought.
Paimon:
You too, Traveler! Wait a minute... You're not saying Paimon's gullible, are you?
Caterpillar:
It's not as simple as it looks — there are always limits to the application of tricks like these, and the results aren't always what you'd hoped for.
Caterpillar:
Once, there was an overly-trusting kid who wanted to progress in the arts. He always had a knack for it, but he lacked confidence because of his visual impairment.
Caterpillar:
The "certainty" that he could draw well was inside him to begin with. That's why I didn't turn him away when he came to me for help. Things didn't go quite as I expected in the end, of course, but...
Caterpillar:
I did take a chance this time. I just thought that if he held us up here, it would keep delaying the plan to get Lanoire out of the Fortress.
Caterpillar:
Besides, I doubt you wanted to be questioned by him repeatedly either.
Traveler:
You shouldn't take chances like that.
Caterpillar:
You're absolutely right.
Caterpillar:
Back to the matter at hand... If you've changed your mind and want to back out, I understand completely. Lanoire might be sad for a time though. For her, playmates like you are hard to come by.
Paimon:
Hmm... We've already made a promise to her, so we can't just go back on our word now. Right?
Traveler:
A promise is a promise.
Paimon:
Yeah. Consider this our way of helping her out!
Paimon:
Speaking of which, where is she?
Caterpillar:
She went on an adventure early this morning — probably to rehearse for what's to come after she leaves this place. It's just as well, I have a few headaches to go take care of soon...
Caterpillar:
You can usually get a reward for helping others — including the guards — take care of some headaches.
Paimon:
Oh, we totally get that. Sounds just like some of the Adventurers' Guild's commissions.
Caterpillar:
I see. Would you two join me on this next commission, then?
Paimon:
Sure! Where are we going?
Caterpillar:
The abandoned production zone in the lower levels.
Traveler:
(Caterpillar probably went to get Coupons elsewhere, but he left us some clues...)
Traveler:
The entrance to the Rift of Erosion.
Traveler:
(Maybe we'll even be able to get some Coupons...)
Traveler:
The dormitory block mail room.
Traveler:
(Maybe we'll even be able to get some Coupons...)
Traveler:
The Rag and Bone Shop.
Traveler:
(Maybe we'll even be able to get some Coupons...)
Traveler:
The north side of the production zone's lower levels.
Traveler:
(Maybe we'll even be able to get some Coupons...)
Traveler:
The south side of the dormitory block.
Traveler:
(Maybe we'll even be able to get some Coupons...)
Traveler:
The southeast side of the production zone's upper level.
Traveler:
(Maybe we'll even be able to get some Coupons...)
Traveler:
(Looks like Caterpillar left us a few Coupon breadcrumbs to follow...)
Traveler:
We'll take our chances.
Darcy:
Dirty Face Darcy, at your service!
Paimon:
At whose service? And when? You ran off and left us behind back there!
Darcy:
I had to. Once that researcher starts talking, there's no end to it! It was fun the first time, but I've seen it too many times already.
Darcy:
That was your first time, right? Was it fun?
Paimon:
Paimon didn't get the point, either.
Darcy:
Too bad the time for Pankration hasn't arrived yet. I think that's more fun! Anyway, we'll just have to wait.
Estienne:
Come find me if you change your mind. We're already midway through the game though, so joining now means getting a late start. Still, that would make the game more interesting, wouldn't it?
Poiret:
I told you it's a waste of time to talk to them about these things. They just don't care.
Genevieve:
You know we're not that kind of people. I can't reach conclusions intuitively like you. I have to do it before making a decision.
Rave:
Did you need me for something?
Rave:
The smiling ones are the ones you've really got to watch out for.
Rave:
...You kids oughta head home. If you still have a home to go back to, that is.
Henaff:
Got any Coupons, boss?
Henaff:
You're not the boss? Why didn't you say so?
Delassaux:
...
Alvard:
Welcome to the Rag and Bone Shop! We have everything... Oops, we don't have anything right now.
Alvard:
We'll get a new shipment soon. Don't forget to come back!
Lanoire:
Mr. Traveler, Ms. Paimon, and I tried a really wonderful-tasting Fonta... Ms. Paimon drank a whole lot of it, but she didn't drop down at all!
Caterpillar:
She must know a lot of powerful magic, then.
Lanoire:
Yeah... Ms. Paimon's so strong!
Lanoire:
I was chatting with Ms. Monglane... She said that Natlan's nothing like Fontaine, and that she really wants to take a dip in a volcanic hot spring.
Lanoire:
A volcano... Is that a flaming mountain? And mountains are... suuuuper tall mounds of rock and dirt, right? Hmm...
Caterpillar:
You'll get to see all these things for yourself after you leave this place, whether it's volcanos, or anything else.
Lanoire:
Then let's explore those places together, Cater! Hmm... Let's invite Mr. Traveler and Ms. Paimon, too. They'll definitely like that!
Lanoire:
*yawn* I'm so sleepy...
Caterpillar:
In that case, go get some rest.
Lanoire:
Okay... But I haven't heard the rest of the story yet. I'll rest after I hear the ending...
Lanoire:
The candy Ms. Galvana gave me... is so sweet.
Caterpillar:
Remember to brush your teeth before bed.
Lanoire:
Okay... I will!
Nizami:
Tired from playing with those kids? You can spar with me after you've rested!
Nizami:
The stronger the opponent, the better!
Galvaryet:
Will it take this long? You...
Clynes:
I want to be free of these bothersome affairs, too! Really, can you just... please use the devices according to the instructions?
Rave:
Did you need me for something?
Rave:
Indeed, we only get the occasional bit of rainfall each year.
Henaff:
Hey, do you think there will still be any pay-off in joining now?
Henaff:
This Fonta's too strong. There are quite a few flavors, though...
Henaff:
I think the health drink that guy from Sumeru is working on has some promise. Maybe I should invest a little in it...
Delassaux:
I may not be your friend, but I'd advise against that.
Genevieve:
...
Genevieve:
...Sorry, I have some things I need to think about.
Poiret:
What, you lost your cat, too?
Traveler:
What cat?
Poiret:
Oh, you don't know yet? Never mind.
Poiret:
I don't think anyone here loses cats.
Estienne:
Phew, this is tough work.
Estienne:
Haha, you guys, too.
Henaff:
After careful consideration, I've decided to invest in him.
Henaff:
Lasting health is more important than a fleeting moment of pleasure or mental renewal, isn't it?
Henaff:
Everyone's smart enough to understand this, I'm sure.
Henaff:
I think this idea is going places!
Delassaux:
I'd advise you against asking for my opinion next time.
Genevieve:
...There's no way we need that many technicians.
Traveler:
What?
Genevieve:
Oh, nothing. I was just lamenting how many familiar faces from the Fontaine Research Institute are here.
Rave:
You shouldn't have turned down my offer.
Rave:
I hope you'll be able to stick to your convictions until the end then.
Henaff:
...We'll need additional investment to expand production.
Henaff:
It's just that Mora's been a bit tight lately. Do you think you could...
Delassaux:
Nope, don't look at me. I've got nothing.
Henaff:
Don't say that! We're in this together. How about this? When we make a profit, I'll double your share.
Henaff:
...Still no? Are you sure?
Delassaux:
I said I've got nothing.
Poiret:
Guess I only have myself to rely on in the end.
Poiret:
Humans are lonely creatures, don't you think?
Traveler:
What are we waiting for? Let's go!
Darcy:
Let's go!
Traveler:
I can't keep up... Let me think.
Paimon:
You're going too fast, let us think about this a little...
Darcy:
Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to make you come with me. Take your time, and come find me when you make a decision!
Traveler:
Okay, let's go, then.
Darcy:
Let's go!
Traveler:
Let's talk about this later.
Darcy:
Just think of it as killing time. Anyway, come find me when you make a decision, and I'll take you to meet Estienne, my guard partner!
Traveler:
Let's rest.
"Cater, what story are you gonna tell me today? I've already heard a lot of stories with heroes as the main characters..." "Today I'll tell you a story about a little girl, then." "A little girl... Can a little girl also be the main character?" "Of course she can. It's her own story, after all. In other stories, she might be a hero herself, or even an evil dragon. There are all kinds of roles she can play."
Long, long ago, there was a little girl who lived in a giant's garden. The giant took special care of the flowers in the garden, and wouldn't allow anyone to pluck even a single one of them. To keep intruders out, the giant built a towering wall around it. Because of this, the little girl living in the giant's garden had never set foot outside of it even once. The giant always told her that the world outside was a dangerous place, and that the garden was the safest place she could live in.
"And then what? Did the little girl listen to the giant? I bet she didn't. If she did, then the story would end there!" "You're right. The little girl never was one for doing what she was told." "Uh-huh...?" "As for the rest of the story, well, let's save that for next time."
Traveler:
Let's take a rest.
"Cater, tell me more of the story about the little girl!" "Last time, we left off with the little girl living in the giant's garden..." "I bet she leaves the giant's garden! But how does she get out of there...?"
One day, the little girl heard the sound of a woman's voice coming from beyond the towering wall. Kind-hearted giant, I am in need of the little purple flowers from your garden. Would you please give me some? The giant refused, of course, and furiously bellowed at the woman on the other side of the garden wall to leave at once. But the woman did not leave, and from a short distance away, she lamented that she had journeyed from afar for the little purple flowers in the garden, which she needed to cure a sick friend's illness. Hearing the woman's plight, the little girl felt sorry for her and her friend. The giant had so many flowers in his garden. Surely having one or two less wouldn't hurt?
Thus, the little girl approached the garden wall and whispered to the woman that she was willing to bring the woman a few of the little purple flowers. Except, the little girl said, the giant wouldn't let her leave, and the garden's walls were so tall that she wasn't sure how she would be able to get the flowers to her from inside. From the other side of the wall, the woman told the little girl that she was actually a witch that knew many magic spells, and if the little girl could bring her the flowers she needed from the giant's garden, she could use her magic to help the little girl leave that garden...
"Did the little girl decide to help the witch? Hmm... I bet she did. Otherwise, the witch wouldn't be able to cure her friend's illness, right? But... But the giant said she couldn't leave the garden. If she left, wouldn't she get punished somehow?" "It's getting late. Let's leave that part of the story for next time."
Traveler:
Let's rest.
"Where we last left off, the witch told the little girl that she would use her magic to help her leave the giant's garden if the little girl brought her the little purple flowers she needed." "I'm really sleepy, but I want to know what happens next. What did the little girl do? Does the witch cure her friend in the end?"
Although the giant had warned the little girl of the many dangers of the world beyond the garden wall, the little girl had never seen what the outside world was like, so she didn't know what "danger" even was. She told the voice on the other side of the wall that she would help bring her some of the little purple flowers. So many identical flowers were growing in the garden, and each looked as beautiful as the next. She didn't know why the giant treasured each and every one of them so. The little girl heard laughter from the other side of the wall. Later, with a bouquet of flowers in her hands, the little girl rode a gust of wind over the wall to the world outside.
The tall witch took the little purple flowers from the little girl's hands. The little girl, thinking she had done a good deed, was very pleased with herself. But when she tried to return to the garden, she discovered that the wall, the garden, and the giant were no longer there. "Good witch, I'd like to return to the giant's garden now. Could you please use your magic to take me back?" The little girl asked. "But what can you give me in exchange now?" The witch replied.
"Huh? Then the little girl couldn't go back? I'm glad the witch could save her friend, but... I don't like this story..." "Everyone has stories that they don't like." "Then I'll tell you a story next time, Cater... I have to sleep now..."
Traveler:
Let's rest for a bit.
"It's my turn to tell a story! I've heard enough stories to tell one of my own now." "Alright, you can be the storyteller this time." "Okay. My story will also begin in the giant's garden..."
Long, long ago, in a garden full of purple flowers, there lived a prince, a princess, and a brave hero... Oh! And the ruler of the garden — a giant with a nasty temper. What the witch wanted more than anything were some of the purple flowers, but the mean giant treasured them so much that he wouldn't let anyone pick even a single one. "Kind-hearted Mr. Giant," the witch asked, "I am in need of the little purple flowers from your garden. You have so many already, could you please share just one with me?" But the mean giant refused. "Every flower in my garden belongs to me," the giant shouted, "I won't share them with anyone!"
"Kind-hearted Mr. Giant," the witch continued, "please hear my tale. I traveled here from a fountain in a far-off, distant land. An Oceanid there has fallen ill, and the scent of those purple flowers brings her comfort. If you could give me just one of them, perhaps her condition will improve..." But the giant, who didn't have an ounce of compassion in his heart, callously refused the witch's request. What did an Oceanid in a faraway land have to do with him?
"Then," the witch asked, "is there anything I can do for you? I know many magic spells, and I could use my magic to help you with someone in exchange. Will you agree to my request, kind-hearted Mr. Giant?" The giant thought it over, then said that he had lost something very important to him. If the witch could use her magic to help him find it...
"So, they made a deal?" "Yep! In the end, the witch's friend recovered and the giant found what he had lost. Isn't that a better story? At least in this story, everyone gets a happy ending..."
Traveler:
There's something else I want to ask about.
Traveler:
Let me think about it first.
Darcy:
Sure thing!
Traveler:
Then let's get going.
Darcy:
Let's go!
Traveler:
I need a little more time.
Lanoire:
Sure.
Traveler:
Let's go!
Lanoire:
Hehe, let's go!
Traveler:
Let's wait a little bit.
Lanoire:
Hmm... Then... Then I'll wait for you two here! Don't worry, I'm very patient!
Traveler:
Let's go!
Lanoire:
Hehe, let's go!
Fourmon:
"Ah! Why you... You she-devil! I remember now, I remember..."
Meilhat:
No no! You must face the audience when delivering the line, with 30% regret, 60% disgust, and 40% appreciation for having survived a catastrophe by sheer dumb luck.
Fourmon:
You should try adding up those percentages and seeing just what the total is...
Meilhat:
Don't mind that, just face the... Right, that chair is where the audience should be. You must look in that direction when saying the line...
Meilhat:
You have to imagine someone sitting over there!
Fourmon:
*sigh* Fine, I'll try again.
An Eye for an Eye
Lanoire:
Mr. Traveler, Ms. Paimon, do you see any walls? I don't see a wall anywhere around here.
Paimon:
Walls? There are no walls here.
Lanoire:
Then, are the walls somewhere really far away? Cater once told me that if they're too far away to see with your eyes, they'll look like the "horizon."
Lanoire:
Mr. Traveler, Ms. Paimon, where are we?
Lanoire:
The water here is lying flat, and there's no walls to separate it from us...
Lanoire:
Hm... That thing up in the sky must be the "moon," right? If it were the "sun," it would probably hurt my eyes like the evil sorcerers' magic.
Lanoire:
All around me are things I've never seen before... and things I've only seen in books! Mr. Traveler, Ms. Paimon, let's go on another adventure!
Lanoire:
Cater was right! Adventuring outside is way more fun than in Meropide!
Traveler:
That's right. The world outside is vast.
Lanoire:
I really envy the two of you...
Caterpillar:
Lanoire, let's discuss adventuring later. We really should find your family first...
Noailles:
Freeze, all of you! Where do you think you're going? Also, what's with that little girl?
Lanoire:
Th—The evil sorcerer found us!
Estienne:
What business is it of yours? Weren't you on leave? Patrolling with a Gardemek in your off hours won't get you promoted, you know.
Noailles:
I came back as soon as I received the report... Have you gotten yourself mixed up with them? You're making a grave mistake, Estienne.
Estienne:
Actually, I think you'll find that I'm rectifying a mistake... and saving everyone a lot of paperwork. Ms. Monglane might even invite me to dinner as thanks.
Noailles:
No... No! They're... criminals! Even if the papers with their serial numbers on them are missing, they're still criminals!
Traveler:
A little girl like this is a criminal? Are you out of your mind?
Noailles:
I'm perfectly sane. Anyone can be a criminal — little girls are no exception.
Paimon:
This guy is scary...
Noailles:
Whatever other plans you may have had, I must now escort you back to the Fortress of Meropide.
Traveler:
How about we go back first and take some time to think it over?
Noailles:
You've already dug yourselves a whole lot deeper. When we get back to the Fortress, you'll be held separately and questioned. So, don't get any funny ideas.
Paimon:
Then there's no way out of this!?
Estienne:
I can see quite a few ways, actually. If a few Gardemeks get scrapped in the process, well, that's also what happens when people break the rules.
Paimon:
You mean...
Noailles:
It would seem you have no intention of repenting. Then you leave me no choice. Gardemeks show no mercy to recalcitrant criminals.
Estienne:
Good heavens! I'm your colleague, you're not thinking of taking me in too?
Noailles:
Since you've thrown your lot in with them, you deserve the same punishment.
Lanoire:
Cater... Mr. Traveler, Ms. Paimon... *sob*...
Noailles:
Gardemeks simply get scrapped, but you... Even if you are monsters, you can still feel pain, right?
Paimon:
Is... Is this Hilichurl really Caterpillar? Paimon can't wrap her head around this...
Lanoire:
Ms. Paimon, how do you not recognize him? That's Cater...
Caterpillar:
I'm... I'm a monster in human skin.
Noailles:
A monster... I never imagined such a monster even existed in the Fortress... A Hilichurl that can talk! Who would have thought?
Noailles:
Heh, how did you manage to pull the wool over everyone's eyes?
Noailles:
What sorcery could allow a mindless creature to worm its way into our midst like a wolf in sheep's clothing...
Noailles:
Why haven't you run away yet? Are you pretending to be human? Of course, I will catch you even if you do run.
Noailles:
A dangerous monster like you...
Caterpillar:
I'm guilty. But she hasn't done anything wrong. She shouldn't be here.
Caterpillar:
You won't find her name on any sentencing documents, she is innocent. She only ended up stuck in the Fortress due to a few mishaps.
Caterpillar:
I'll return to the Fortress with you, but have Estienne take her back home.
Lanoire:
Cater...
Noailles:
The monster actually wants to make a deal with me?
Caterpillar:
I do indeed. Let her go home. As far as the Fortress of Meropide is concerned, she never existed in the first place. Her absence will not be felt.
Caterpillar:
But catching a monster like me should be a big deal, no? Fontaine hasn't seen a monster like me for several centuries now...
Caterpillar:
If you pass up this opportunity, I'll put my human skin back on and slip away into the crowd... You'll never get a chance like this again.
Noailles:
...
Noailles:
You're right. I've never seen her in the Fortress before, she's completely irrelevant.
Noailles:
But you... You're too dangerous. I can't risk... letting an evil monster like you get away...
Noailles:
We have a deal. You'll return to the Fortress of Meropide, and the girl can leave.
Caterpillar:
The guilty return to where they should be, and Lanoire returns to her family's side. Everything on the right track, as it should be.
Caterpillar:
He is someone who follows the rules. This is also in accordance with the rules.
Noailles:
Enough, monster, I've caught you now. You're all coming back to the Fortress of Meropide with me — the girl included.
Paimon:
What? But didn't you just...
Noailles:
Who would actually make a deal with a monster? Could anyone be sure that the words coming out of his mouth aren't some beguiling incantation to stunt human wisdom?
Noailles:
I won't be fooled again, so I've decided to play by my own rules. Your documents are missing? Then you'll stay in the Fortress of Meropide for the rest of your lives.
Traveler:
You have no right to bypass a trial.
Noailles:
If you want to emphasize that in your written appeal, be my guest. But until then, you don't have a choice.
Monglane:
...Welcome back.
Monglane:
Noailles filled appeal forms out for you already. But you should stay out of trouble until a final decision has been made.
Monglane:
More specifically, do not rile him up.
Monglane:
I thought I was getting a coworker who knew what he's doing, so I could be less stressed. But as it turns out, I've only gotten busier since he arrived..
Monglane:
I really want to take a vacation in Natlan.
Paimon:
Traveler, this is not the time for chit-chat! Paimon is wondering how Lanoire and the others are doing...
Monglane:
They're being kept under strict watch now. If you don't want the same treatment, then follow the rules.
Paimon:
It's you!
Estienne:
Indeed, it's me!
Estienne:
Noailles would probably call it "atoning for my sins." But I've got seniority, so he doesn't get to order me around.
Traveler:
Then what are you doing here?
Estienne:
Atoning for my sins, what else?
Paimon:
Why does Paimon get the feeling you aren't the least bit surprised? Did you already know Caterpillar's, um... do you know his true identity?
Estienne:
I only knew that he'd been here a long time. Longer than any of us.
Estienne:
As for the rest, is any of it really important? He looks like a human, and he talks like one, too. What can I say? I like chatting with him.
Estienne:
Maybe appearances matter more to me than what's inside.
Estienne:
In any case, if you're looking for Caterpillar, he's inside.
Paimon:
What about Lanoire? Is she in there with him?
Estienne:
She was taken to go fill in some registration form. But don't worry, she'll be back soon.
Paimon:
Okay, then let's ask Caterpillar... Just what's going on with him...
Caterpillar:
I'm sorry for dragging you two into this. My plan was to get Lanoire home to her family, then return on my own. But it looks like that plan was a complete failure.
Traveler:
There's a lot I want to ask you.
Caterpillar:
I imagine so.
Paimon:
You... You really are Caterpillar, right?
Caterpillar:
I am.
Paimon:
Then, um, you're a Hilichurl?
Caterpillar:
I am.
Paimon:
But.... aren't Hilichurls all, um, kinda dumb? And you looked just like a regular kid before. Ugh... Paimon doesn't know what's real anymore...
Paimon:
You said before that you looked like this because you got sick, after all, everyone has things they'd rather not tell anyone... And you're also so good to Lanoire, and she trusts you too...
Paimon:
But you're not a human at all... If you're a Hilichurl...
Caterpillar:
Then you can't trust me.
Paimon:
Well...
Traveler:
I want the answers to the questions Noailles asked before.
Caterpillar:
I'll answer all your questions truthfully.
Traveler:
When did you come to the Fortress of Meropide?
Caterpillar:
Over 400 years ago.
Paimon:
F—Four hundred years ago!? When you said you'd been here a long time, Paimon thought you meant something like three to five years...
Paimon:
But 400 years is, like, several generations, isn't it? Oh, right... You're a Hilichurl...
Traveler:
What was your crime?
Caterpillar:
If you're interested in history... I was a member of the Narzissenkreuz Ordo. I was found guilty of being an accessory to the master's scheme.
Caterpillar:
The prophecy of the apocalypse... My master believed that he could stop this future of destruction from coming to pass. We did much to prepare for this. It was a powerful magic, and also an evil plan...
Caterpillar:
But perhaps none of this is important now. The plan failed, and the Narzissenkreuz Ordo has essentially ceased to exist. Whether Fontaine is destroyed or not, it no longer has anything to do with me.
Traveler:
Just who was this master you spoke of?
Caterpillar:
Narzissenkreuz, a powerful mage. He taught me human speech and granted me memory and intelligence.
Paimon:
Was there really someone who could do something like that? Hmm... But, your appearance aside, you really do seem like an ordinary human...
Caterpillar:
Though many details of the past have faded into memory, I remember this very well...
Caterpillar:
This was a very, very long time ago. I couldn't change how I appeared to others at will then.
Caterpillar:
Many humans — some in finery, others in rags, some with curiosity, others with disdain — would all ask similar questions.
Caterpillar:
"Can Hilichurls really talk?" "Are Hilichurls really capable of intelligence?"
Caterpillar:
My master raised the Holy Blade of Narzissenkreuz high. It was a ceremonial sword, so the blade wasn't sharp, but still it glistened in the sunlight.
Caterpillar:
"Behold," he said, "even a hideous monster such as this can attain wisdom and redemption through my power as the incarnation of Narzissenkreuz."
Caterpillar:
I was one of his creations. And as a testament to Narzissenkreuz's power, I once wielded a blade for the Ordo.
Caterpillar:
But the sacred sword evidently couldn't save my master from a fate of failure and ruin. And the mystical, magical weapon... no longer exists.
Caterpillar:
And there will be no more monsters in human skin like me.
Traveler:
Why do you want to help Lanoire?
Caterpillar:
Because of "compassion"...
Caterpillar:
Humanity might be unattainable for me, but at the very least, I can imitate it. Just like how I learned to change how I appear to others.
Paimon:
Paimon doesn't get it...
Caterpillar:
Traveler, Paimon, you both innately possess kindness and benevolence. Because of this, you don't need to think twice about helping others. You simply do.
Caterpillar:
If you look at their outcomes alone, plenty of actions are indistinguishable from each other. We all agree that Lanoire shouldn't stay in the Fortress of Meropide and that she should return to her family, so we chose to help her.
Caterpillar:
Your actions come from an innate benevolence that doesn't require excessive consideration or calculation. For me, however... it is because by doing so, I will be more like a human.
Caterpillar:
Funny, isn't it? I'll never truly become human, yet I can't stop mimicking human behavior.
Caterpillar:
It's like "atonement"... As far as human law is concerned, I've long since atoned for my sins. But a human... What would a true human do?
Caterpillar:
They would never forgive themselves for the mistakes they made, the harm they caused, and the people or things they failed to save...
Caterpillar:
So, my sins can never be absolved, and I will forever be my own prisoner.
Traveler:
What do you plan to do next?
Caterpillar:
I'll bring Lanoire back to her family.
Paimon:
Huh? But... Forget about getting out of the Fortress, we can't even get past this door!
Caterpillar:
I made a promise to her... so I have to fulfill it. She shouldn't stay here any longer, especially not by my side.
Caterpillar:
The Geode Mine Shaft... It's a dangerous route, but it's feasible.
Paimon:
The Geode Mine Shaft... That's right, Clynes said that there's an opening there that leads outside...
Paimon:
So, the guards asked him to install a locking mechanism like the one at the Rift of Erosion there.
Traveler:
He also said something about having prepared a "surprise"...
Paimon:
Yikes, there's no way that's anything good! Are you sure you want to go from there? Paimon seems to remember that the research terminal there has to be operated by two people at the same time.
Paimon:
And Lanoire's so small, Paimon doesn't think she'll be able to operate it...
Paimon:
Why don't we help them, Traveler?
Paimon:
Okay!
Traveler:
I have a few more questions about the Ordo, as well...
Caterpillar:
I think there are other places better suited to discussing the history of the Narzissenkreuz Ordo. Somewhere that isn't the Fortress of Meropide, for example.
Paimon:
Then we'll just have to wait until after Lanoire is reunited with her family... Before any of that, we need to think of a way out of here. And we need to meet back up with Lanoire.
Caterpillar:
Estienne will help us open the door. But there's a limit to how much he can help us...
Paimon:
He should be at the entrance, right? Let's go ask him!
Paimon:
Um... Should we try knocking?
Maupoil:
...Going somewhere?
Paimon:
Huh? You're not Estienne!
Maupoil:
He had something to do, so he asked me to cover for him. *sigh*... When are people finally going to get it into their heads that I have my own work to do, too?
Paimon:
Oh... Th—Then can we leave?
Maupoil:
You can... but it's dangerous out there. How dangerous, you ask? About as dangerous as the mental state of the new guard, I'd say...
Maupoil:
He really is a lunatic. I had no idea that there were so many Gardemeks on the move! Not only that, people actually approve of his methods... Not that I know how serious those people are.
Maupoil:
If you want to go, you'd better be prepared... I mean, it would be best if you didn't come back again.
Paimon:
But Lanoire's not back yet...
Lanoire:
I'm here! Mr. Maupoil just brought me back.
Caterpillar:
Then there's no time to lose. Lanoire, I know we lost the last game to the evil sorcerer, but are you ready for a new challenge?
Lanoire:
A new game? You mean a new adventure? I'm ready! We can't let the evil sorcerer catch us again...
Paimon:
Looks like they're all good. Are you ready then, Traveler?
Traveler:
Yep, let's go.
Caterpillar:
Thanks for your help.
Traveler:
Not yet, I need a little more time.
Caterpillar:
Of course.
Maupoil:
Ready to leave?
Maupoil:
Ready to leave?
Traveler:
Yes.
Maupoil:
Take care.
Traveler:
Not yet.
Maupoil:
Stay out of trouble... Though I guess it's a little late to be saying that.
Paimon:
Is this the Geode Mine Shaft? Paimon's heard of it before, but it's a little different than she imagined...
Lanoire:
Wooow! What pretty rocks! Are all of these gems?
Caterpillar:
It's Arkhium. Arkhium mining operations stopped after the Fontaine Research Institute accident.
Paimon:
...Maybe we should keep our distance then.
Paimon:
So, there really is a research terminal here. Hmm... Is that a note next to it? Could Clynes have left it here? Let's see what it says!
Paimon:
Is this the "surprise" Clynes was talking about...? More like a shock!
Paimon:
Hm... To activate this research terminal, we'll need a mobile energy storage device. But once we have one, we'll get chased by some sort of flying energy thief...
Paimon:
Looks like we'll just have to beat this energy thief in a race!
Paimon:
W—We can't blame it all on him...
Lanoire:
There's going to be a race? I'll be rooting for you two!
Paimon:
Alright, let's leave this terminal to Caterpillar and Lanoire. We'll take care of the rest.
Caterpillar:
I'll keep watch. Be careful.
Paimon:
Huh? Why is it off again?
Paimon:
Did it malfunction? At least it won't explode this time... probably.
Caterpillar:
Maybe someone's catching up to us...
Paimon:
Sh—Should we go back and take a look then?
Noailles:
No need to trouble yourselves, esteemed guests.
Noailles:
You're evil, and I represent the side of justice... Even without Gardemeks, I won't let you get away...
Noailles:
Lay down your arms and surrender!
Noailles:
He's... He's just a monster! Why would you help him? Why would anyone help him?
Lanoire:
Cater isn't a monster! Why... Why would you call him that, evil sorcerer...?
Lanoire:
Ever since Mother left Meropide, Cater's been really nice to me, he's never lied to me...
Lanoire:
There are other nice people here too... but none of them are as nice as Cater. He tells me all kinds of stories, and listens to mine, too...
Lanoire:
I won't let you call him a monster!
Noailles:
Why? Justice should triumph over evil...
Estienne:
There's no such thing as good or evil here.
Paimon:
Estienne! What are you doing here?
Estienne:
So sorry about that.
Estienne:
It took me quite some time to retrieve those Gardemeks he utilized without authorization. Well done, you didn't just break the rules, but also violated regulations.
Estienne:
Now it's your turn to accept your punishment. You're coming back with me.
Estienne:
As for you guys... If you want to leave, this is your last chance. *sigh* With all the fuss he's been making, who knows what will happen later.
Estienne:
Of course, it's also possible that nothing will happen at all.
Caterpillar:
Thank you.
Estienne:
If you really want to thank me, don't come back again.
Then, with Estienne's help, the path is reopened...
Paimon:
Paimon guesses we can go now... We should be in the clear now, right? Hm... Let's get a move on before we run into any more surprises!
Lanoire:
We're leaving Meropide again? Will we ever come back?
Traveler:
Sure, if we do something bad out there.
Lanoire:
Oh, then...
Paimon:
Hey! Don't go running off causing trouble just to come back for a visit!
Lanoire:
Well then, goodbye, Meropide.
Caterpillar:
I'm sorry for dragging you two into this. My plan was to get Lanoire home to her family, then return on my own. But it looks like that plan was a complete failure.
Traveler:
There's a lot I want to ask you.
Caterpillar:
I imagine so.
Paimon:
You... You really are Caterpillar, right?
Caterpillar:
I am.
Paimon:
Then, um, you're a Hilichurl?
Caterpillar:
I am.
Paimon:
But.... aren't Hilichurls all, um, kinda dumb? And you looked just like a regular kid before. Ugh... Paimon doesn't know what's real anymore...
Paimon:
You said before that you looked like this because you got sick, after all, everyone has things they'd rather not tell anyone... And you're also so good to Lanoire, and she trusts you too...
Paimon:
But you're not a human at all... If you're a Hilichurl...
Caterpillar:
Then you can't trust me.
Paimon:
Well...
Traveler:
I want the answers to the questions Noailles asked before.
Caterpillar:
I'll answer all your questions truthfully.
Traveler:
When did you come to the Fortress of Meropide?
Caterpillar:
Over 400 years ago.
Paimon:
F—Four hundred years ago!? When you said you'd been here a long time, Paimon thought you meant something like three to five years...
Paimon:
But 400 years is, like, several generations, isn't it? Oh, right... You're a Hilichurl...
Traveler:
What was your crime?
Caterpillar:
If you're interested in history... I was a member of the Narzissenkreuz Ordo. I was found guilty of being an accessory to the master's scheme.
Paimon:
The Narzissenkreuz Ordo... We've heard of that before!
Caterpillar:
I'm surprised anyone still remembers it...
Caterpillar:
The prophecy of the apocalypse... My master believed that he could stop this future of destruction from coming to pass. We did much to prepare for this. It was a powerful magic, and also an evil plan...
Caterpillar:
But perhaps none of this is important now. The plan failed, and the Narzissenkreuz Ordo has essentially ceased to exist. Whether Fontaine is destroyed or not, it no longer has anything to do with me.
Traveler:
Just who was this master you spoke of?
Caterpillar:
Narzissenkreuz, a powerful mage. He taught me human speech and granted me memory and intelligence.
Paimon:
Was there really someone who could do something like that? Hmm... But, your appearance aside, you really do seem like an ordinary human...
Caterpillar:
Though many details of the past have faded into memory, I remember this very well...
Caterpillar:
This was a very, very long time ago. I couldn't change how I appeared to others at will then.
Caterpillar:
Many humans — some in finery, others in rags, some with curiosity, others with disdain — would all ask similar questions.
Caterpillar:
"Can Hilichurls really talk?" "Are Hilichurls really capable of intelligence?"
Caterpillar:
My master raised the Holy Blade of Narzissenkreuz high. It was a ceremonial sword, so the blade wasn't sharp, but still it glistened in the sunlight.
Caterpillar:
"Behold," he said, "even a hideous monster such as this can attain wisdom and redemption through my power as the incarnation of Narzissenkreuz."
Caterpillar:
I was one of his creations. And as a testament to Narzissenkreuz's power, I once wielded a blade for the Ordo.
Caterpillar:
But the sacred sword evidently couldn't save my master from a fate of failure and ruin. And the mystical, magical weapon... no longer exists.
Caterpillar:
And there will be no more monsters in human skin like me.
Traveler:
Why do you want to help Lanoire?
Caterpillar:
Because of "compassion"...
Caterpillar:
Humanity might be unattainable for me, but at the very least, I can imitate it. Just like how I learned to change how I appear to others.
Paimon:
Paimon doesn't get it...
Caterpillar:
Traveler, Paimon, you both innately possess kindness and benevolence. Because of this, you don't need to think twice about helping others. You simply do.
Caterpillar:
If you look at their outcomes alone, plenty of actions are indistinguishable from each other. We all agree that Lanoire shouldn't stay in the Fortress Meropide and that she should return to her family, so we chose to help her.
Caterpillar:
Your actions come from an innate benevolence that doesn't require excessive consideration or calculation. For me, however... it is because by doing so, I will be more like a human.
Caterpillar:
Funny, isn't it? I'll never truly become human, yet I can't stop mimicking human behavior.
Caterpillar:
It's like "atonement"... As far as human law is concerned, I've long since atoned for my sins. But a human... What would a true human do?
Caterpillar:
They would never forgive themselves for the mistakes they made, the harm they caused, and the people or things they failed to save...
Caterpillar:
So, my sins can never be absolved, and I will forever be my own prisoner.
Traveler:
What do you plan to do next?
Caterpillar:
I'll bring Lanoire back to her family.
Paimon:
Huh? But... Forget about getting out of the Fortress, we can't even get past this door!
Caterpillar:
I made a promise to her... so I have to fulfill it. She shouldn't stay here any longer, especially not by my side.
Caterpillar:
The Geode Mine Shaft... It's a dangerous route, but it's feasible.
Paimon:
The Geode Mine Shaft... That's right, Clynes said that there's an opening there that leads outside...
Paimon:
So, the guards asked him to install a locking mechanism like the one at the Rift of Erosion.
Traveler:
He also said something about having prepared a "surprise"...
Paimon:
Yikes, there's no way that's anything good! Are you sure you want to go from there? Paimon seems to remember that the research terminal there has to be operated by two people at the same time.
Paimon:
And Lanoire's so small, Paimon doesn't think she'll be able to operate it...
Paimon:
Why don't we help them, Traveler?
Paimon:
Okay!
Traveler:
I have a few more questions about the Ordo, as well...
Caterpillar:
I think there are other places better suited to discussing the history of the Narzissenkreuz Ordo. Somewhere that isn't the Fortress of Meropide, for example.
Paimon:
Then we'll just have to wait until after Lanoire is reunited with her family... Before any of that, we need to think of a way out of here. And we need to meet back up with Lanoire.
Caterpillar:
Estienne will help us open the door. But there's a limit to how much he can help us...
Paimon:
He should be at the entrance, right? Let's go ask him!
Paimon:
Huh? Where's Estienne?
Maupoil:
He had something to do, so he asked me to cover for him. *sigh*... When are people finally going to get it into their heads that I have my own work to do, too?
Paimon:
Oh... Th—Then can we...
Maupoil:
You want to get Lanoire out of here, right? It's not that you can't...
Maupoil:
But it's dangerous out there. How dangerous, you ask? About as dangerous as the mental state of the new guard, I'd say...
Maupoil:
He really is a lunatic. I had no idea that there were so many Gardemeks on the move! Not only that, people actually approve of his methods... Not that I know how serious those people are.
Maupoil:
If you want to go, you'd better be prepared... I mean, it would be best if you didn't come back again.
Paimon:
Got it! But... more importantly, where's Lanoire?
Lanoire:
I'm here! Mr. Maupoil just brought me back.
Maupoil:
That's right. The thoughtful, considerate Maupoil brought her back while he was covering for Estienne.
Lanoire:
Thank you, thoughtful and considerate Mr. Maupoil!
Caterpillar:
Then there's no time to lose. Lanoire, I know we lost the last game to the evil sorcerer, but are you ready for a new challenge?
Lanoire:
A new game? You mean a new adventure? I'm ready! We can't let the evil sorcerer catch us again...
Paimon:
Looks like they're all good. Are you ready then, Traveler?
Estienne:
Natural wind really feels better, doesn't it?
Estienne:
We might have fans down there, but most of the air feels kind of stale.
Estienne:
The fans in the Pankration Ring are just like Noailles. The fans are indeed needed there, but when their blades spin, they bring the same misery to everyone no matter who they are.
Estienne:
I think you know what I'm talking about.
Lanoire:
I'll be rooting for you, Mr. Traveler and Ms. Paimon!
Caterpillar:
We'll take care of things here.
Caterpillar:
Let's ask the guards first.
Caterpillar:
Now that Lanoire's back, we can set off at any time.
Lanoire:
A new adventure... I'm ready! Let's go, Mr. Traveler. We won't lose to the evil sorcerer this time!
Estienne:
If you're looking for Caterpillar, he's inside. As for Lanoire, she'll be back after she finishes filling out her registration form.
Hereafter...
Caterpillar:
Look, that's your real home over there. It's just like Agnes described — at the breezy foothills of a mountain, upon a flowery field of grass.
Lanoire:
That's it...? It's just like Mom said...
Caterpillar:
Traveler, Paimon. Why don't you take Lanoire there?
Lanoire:
What about you, Cater? Aren't you coming with us?
Caterpillar:
I'm feeling pretty tired, so I'll rest up here for a while. I'll catch up with you later.
Lanoire:
Then I'll stay with you. Once you're all rested up, we can go together.
Lanoire:
Mr. Traveler and Ms. Paimon must be tired, too. It's a shame Bran and Mr. Wolsey aren't here...
Lanoire:
...I kinda wanna go back.
Paimon:
Back where?
Lanoire:
Back to Meropide, of course!
Paimon:
Don't you want to go back to your real home, Lanoire? Look, you can see it from here. We just have to go over there, and we'll have reached the end of our adventure.
Paimon:
And speaking of which, Paimon thinks we've met your family before. Now that she thinks about it, a lot of the details add up.
You explain how you helped Earnshaw find Prince, Princess, and Hero before...
Paimon:
Earnshaw's Tasses Ragout is soooo tasty! You're gonna love it, Lanoire!
Caterpillar:
It's just like Agnes said... Look, Lanoire, there's nothing to worry about. Go home, I know Earnshaw will take good care of you.
Lanoire:
Will you go with me then, Cater? After you've rested?
Caterpillar:
Lanoire...
Caterpillar:
Lanoire, everyone has somewhere they should return to. You should go back to your real home, and I have somewhere I should go, too.
Lanoire:
Then... Then will we see each other again? At the end of the story, the characters in it all disappear... I don't think they see each other again...
Caterpillar:
Of course we will. Your adventure is only just beginning, there's still a whole wide world out there for you to explore.
Caterpillar:
This is just a temporary goodbye. We'll see each other again.
Lanoire:
Really? Really, really? I know you've never lied to me before, but...
Caterpillar:
Let me tell you a story, Lanoire.
Caterpillar:
Long, long ago... There was a mage's apprentice. He was a dim-witted apprentice, so it took him far more time than the others to learn the language of magic.
Caterpillar:
But his teacher, who was an amazing mage, wasn't the least bit concerned. On the contrary, he heaped praise on his apprentice's progress, and even entrusted him with important tasks...
Caterpillar:
The apprentice never doubted his teacher's instructions. After all, he was a great mage who taught him the language of magic.
Caterpillar:
The mage had a basin in his workshop. Actually, you could call it a fish bowl, as he kept a little fish in it.
Caterpillar:
One day, the little fish called out to the apprentice: "Hey, you over there! Nitwit! Help me out."
Caterpillar:
The apprentice was taken aback. Apart from the great mage, nobody, or no creature even, would make conversation with him like that. So, this piqued his curiosity and he asked how he could help.
Caterpillar:
As it turned out, this little fish used to live in the vast and boundless sea. By being brought here, it had been separated from its family. It had tried to ask others for help, but none had responded to it.
Caterpillar:
"I'd like to bring you home, but my teacher has forbidden me from going out..." the apprentice said. Hearing this, the little fish swam crestfallen to the other side of the basin, saying nothing further to the apprentice.
Caterpillar:
Then one day, the apprentice discovered that the little fish was no longer in the basin. Who took it away? Did they bring it home? The apprentice couldn't help but wonder.
Caterpillar:
Without the little fish, the basin was now completely empty. Just what sort of place is the "vast and boundless sea"? Before he realized it, the apprentice's thoughts had drifted to the world outside the workshop...
Lanoire:
And then what? I bet the mage's apprentice leaves the workshop!
Lanoire:
But the little fish... Did it go back to its home? The sea... That's a place with lots and lots of water, right? Does the apprentice find it?
Caterpillar:
I'll tell you the rest of the story next time.
Lanoire:
Awww!
Caterpillar:
Only listening to my stories can't be that much fun.
Caterpillar:
The next time we meet, if you don't want to hear my stories anymore, you could tell me some of the stories you hear from Earnshaw.
Caterpillar:
I think he'll have many stories he'd like to share with you.
Lanoire:
Well... then... the next time we meet, I'll be sure to have lots and lots of amazing stories to tell you...
Caterpillar:
I look forward to hearing them, too.
Caterpillar:
For now, it's time for you to go home, Lanoire. This goodbye is only temporary, we'll see each other again.
Lanoire:
Okay... then... until next time, Cater!
Lanoire:
Mr. Traveler, Ms. Paimon... Let's go!
Caterpillar:
Look, that's your real home over there. It's just as Agnes described it — at the breezy foothills of a mountain, upon a flowery field of grass.
Lanoire:
That's it...? It's just like Mom said...
Caterpillar:
Traveler, Paimon. Why don't you take Lanoire there?
Lanoire:
What about you, Cater? Aren't you coming with us?
Caterpillar:
I'm feeling pretty tired, so I'll rest up here for a while. I'll catch up with you later.
Lanoire:
Then I'll stay with you. Once you're all rested up, we can go together.
Lanoire:
Mr. Traveler and Ms. Paimon must be tired, too. It's a shame Bran and Mr. Wolsey aren't here...
Lanoire:
...I kinda wanna go back.
Paimon:
Back where?
Lanoire:
Back to Meropide, of course!
Paimon:
Don't you want to go back to your real home, Lanoire? Look, you can see it from here. We just have to go over there, and we'll have reached the end of our adventure.
Caterpillar:
A kind man named Earnshaw lives in that cabin. He's your family, Lanoire.
Caterpillar:
Look, Lanoire, there's nothing to worry about. Go home, I know Earnshaw will take good care of you.
Lanoire:
Will you go with me then, Cater? After you've rested?
Caterpillar:
Lanoire...
Caterpillar:
Lanoire, everyone has somewhere they should return to. You should go back to your real home, and I have somewhere I should go, too.
Lanoire:
Then... Then will we see each other again? At the end of the story, the characters in it all disappear... I don't think they see each other again...
Caterpillar:
Of course we will. Your adventure is only just beginning, there's still a whole wide world out there for you to explore.
Caterpillar:
This is just a temporary goodbye. We'll see each other again.
Lanoire:
Really? Really, really? I know you've never lied to me before, but...
Caterpillar:
Let me tell you a story, Lanoire.
Caterpillar:
Long, long ago... There was a mage's apprentice. He was a dim-witted apprentice, so it took him far more time than the others to learn the language of magic.
Caterpillar:
But his teacher, who was an amazing mage, wasn't the least bit concerned. On the contrary, he heaped praise on his apprentice's progress, and even entrusted him with important tasks...
Caterpillar:
The apprentice never doubted his teacher's instructions. After all, he was a great mage who taught him the language of magic.
Caterpillar:
The mage had a basin in his workshop. Actually, you could call it a fish bowl, as he kept a little fish in it.
Caterpillar:
One day, the little fish called out to the apprentice: "Hey, you over there! Nitwit! Help me out."
Caterpillar:
The apprentice was taken aback. Apart from the great mage, nobody, or no creature even, would make conversation with him like that. So, this piqued his curiosity and he asked how he could help.
Caterpillar:
As it turned out, this little fish used to live in the vast and boundless sea. By being brought here, it had been separated from its family. It had tried to ask others for help, but none had responded to it.
Caterpillar:
"I'd like to bring you home, but my teacher has forbidden me from going out..." the apprentice said. Hearing this, the little fish swam crestfallen to the other side of the basin, saying nothing further to the apprentice.
Caterpillar:
Then one day, the apprentice discovered that the little fish was no longer in the basin. Who took it away? Did they bring it home? The apprentice couldn't help but wonder.
Caterpillar:
Without the little fish, the basin was now completely empty. Just what sort of place is the "vast and boundless sea"? Before he realized it, the apprentice's thoughts had drifted to the world outside the workshop...
Lanoire:
And then what? I bet the mage's apprentice leaves the workshop!
Lanoire:
But the little fish... Did it go back to its home? The sea... That's a place with lots and lots of water, right? Does the apprentice find it?
Caterpillar:
I'll tell you the rest of the story next time.
Lanoire:
Awww!
Caterpillar:
Only listening to my stories can't be that much fun.
Caterpillar:
The next time we meet, if you don't want to hear my stories anymore, you could tell me some of the stories you hear from Earnshaw.
Caterpillar:
I think he'll have many stories he'd like to share with you.
Lanoire:
Well... then... the next time we meet, I'll be sure to have lots and lots of amazing stories to tell you...
Caterpillar:
I look forward to hearing them, too.
Caterpillar:
For now, it's time for you to go home, Lanoire. This goodbye is only temporary, we'll see each other again.
Lanoire:
Okay... then... until next time, Cater!
Lanoire:
Mr. Traveler, Ms. Paimon... Let's go!
Earnshaw:
Oh! What are you kids doing here? And this young lady is...
Earnshaw:
Strange... She looks rather like...
Together with Paimon, you describe to Earnshaw what you heard about Agnes from Caterpillar. As you speak, Lanoire supplements the tale with a few childish words of her own...
Earnshaw:
So that's what happened... That silly girl's already...
Lanoire:
Mother's not in Meropide. Is she not here either?
Earnshaw:
Yeah. She didn't like it here, so she left and never returned.
Lanoire:
Why? This place is full of things she likes!
Lanoire:
I recognized Prince, Princess, and Hero as soon as I saw them!
Lanoire:
Mom said that she was always very quick to change her mind, and she pestered her dad... Oh, I mean Grandpa, for ages until he finally agreed to get her puppies. She really liked dressing them up, but...
Lanoire:
But soon she had something else she became even more fond of, so she didn't get to watch them grow up.
Lanoire:
Why won't she come back? If she doesn't come back soon, I'm gonna grow up as well.
Lanoire:
Really? But I thought she wasn't coming back because she found something she liked more...
Lanoire:
So is this place going to be my home from now on?
Earnshaw:
That's right, child. This place is your home now...
Lanoire:
Okay... Mm, I smell Tasses Ragout!
Earnshaw:
You can eat as much as you'd like.
Lanoire:
...I'm back in my own home now. This way, I think Cater will be happy too.
Earnshaw:
"Cater"... Is he the one who took care of her? If it's alright, could you invite him to rest a while here at the cabin?
Traveler:
He's got other things to take care of.
Lanoire:
That's right. He knows a lot, so lots of people go to him for help.
Earnshaw:
Is that so? Well, that's a pity. Could you help me get a message to him then? No matter when, he will always be welcome here with open arms.
Earnshaw:
If you ever get the chance, invite him over to be our guest.
Traveler:
We'll tell him.
Paimon:
Sure thing, leave it to us.
Lanoire:
Cater and I agreed that the next time we meet, I'm gonna tell many great stories to him...
Earnshaw:
Well, looks like we've got a lot of awesome stories to prepare, then. We can't be sharing stories with him that aren't at least a hundred times more incredible than his.
Lanoire:
...Okay! A hundred times... Even Cater will be surprised!
Earnshaw:
We can reminisce about the old days while we drink tea and even enjoy some snacks...
Paimon:
You're finally back in your real home, Lanoire. You must be tired. We'll leave you to it for now.
Lanoire:
Mr. Traveler, Ms. Paimon, are you guys leaving too?
Traveler:
We've got our own adventures to go on.
Lanoire:
Okay then... When I grow a little older, can we go on adventures together? Oh, and Cater can come along as well!
Traveler:
One day, perhaps.
Lanoire:
Okay... Thank you, Mr. Traveler and Ms. Paimon. See you guys later!
Earnshaw:
You guys are leaving now? Thank you... Thank you guys... Safe journeys.
Paimon:
This should be it, right? Excuse me...
Earnshaw:
Yes? Are you hikers? How can I help you?
Earnshaw:
Strange... This kid looks a little like...
Earnshaw:
Hmm... Never mind. My eyes must be getting worse with age.
Paimon:
This may sound a little odd, but it's like this...
Together with Paimon, you describe to the old man what you heard about Agnes from Caterpillar. As you speak, Lanoire supplements the tale with a few childish words of her own...
Earnshaw:
So that's what happened... That silly girl's already...
Lanoire:
Mother's not in Meropide. Is she not here either?
Earnshaw:
Yeah. She didn't like it here, so she left and never returned.
Lanoire:
Why? This place is full of things she likes!
Lanoire:
I recognized Prince, Princess, and Hero as soon as I saw them!
Lanoire:
Mom said that she was always very quick to change her mind, and she pestered her dad... Oh, I mean Grandpa, for ages until he finally agreed to get her puppies. She really liked dressing them up, but...
Lanoire:
But soon she had something else she became even more fond of, so she didn't get to watch them grow up.
Lanoire:
Why won't she come back? If she doesn't come back soon, I'm gonna grow up as well.
Lanoire:
Really? But I thought she wasn't coming back because she found something she liked more...
Lanoire:
So is this place going to be my home from now on?
Earnshaw:
That's right, child. This place is your home now...
Lanoire:
Okay... Mm, I smell Tasses Ragout!
Earnshaw:
You can eat as much as you'd like.
Lanoire:
...I'm back in my own home now. This way, I think Cater will be happy too.
Earnshaw:
"Cater"... Is he the one who took care of her? If it's alright, could you invite him to rest a while here at the cabin?
Traveler:
He's got other things to take care of.
Lanoire:
That's right. He knows a lot, so lots of people go to him for help.
Earnshaw:
Is that so? Well, that's a pity. Could you help me get a message to him then? No matter when, he will always be welcome here with open arms.
Earnshaw:
If you ever get the chance, invite him over to be our guest.
Traveler:
We'll tell him.
Paimon:
Sure thing, leave it to us.
Lanoire:
Cater and I agreed that the next time we meet, I'm gonna tell many great stories to him...
Earnshaw:
Well, looks like we've got a lot of awesome stories to prepare, then. We can't be sharing stories with him that aren't at least a hundred times more incredible than his.
Lanoire:
...Okay! A hundred times... Even Cater will be surprised!
Earnshaw:
We can reminisce about the old days while we drink tea and even enjoy some snacks...
Paimon:
You're finally back in your real home, Lanoire. You must be tired. We'll leave you to it for now.
Lanoire:
Mr. Traveler, Ms. Paimon, are you guys leaving too?
Traveler:
We've got our own adventures to go on.
Lanoire:
Okay then... When I grow a little older, can we go on adventures together? Oh, and Cater can come along as well!
Traveler:
One day, perhaps.
Lanoire:
Okay... Thank you, Mr. Traveler and Ms. Paimon. See you guys later!
Earnshaw:
You guys are leaving now? Thank you... Thank you guys... Safe journeys.
Paimon:
Caterpillar... Wouldn't it be great to meet Grandpa Earnshaw and Lanoire right now? Are you sure about this?
Caterpillar:
She's returned to a normal world with her real family. For her, I'd say things couldn't have ended any better.
Caterpillar:
As for me... She'll forget about me in no time.
Paimon:
Hey, don't say that! You should know that you mean a lot to her too. She definitely won't forget the promise you two made to each other.
Paimon:
If you really never see her again, she will be heartbroken...
Caterpillar:
She won't. Children tend to quickly forget both meetings and farewells. This is how they grow up.
Caterpillar:
I'm simply a character in a story — brave at times, yet also an evil monster at others...
Caterpillar:
Let this fantastical story be a memory consigned to her past. She has the real world now, one that's hundreds of times better than any fantasy narrative.
Caterpillar:
Traveler, Paimon, thank you.
Caterpillar:
As I mentioned before, there are places better suited to retelling history, like the Narzissenkreuz Ordo...
Paimon:
Sounds like a very mysterious place... Where is it? How do we get there?
Caterpillar:
It is very mysterious indeed. The outside world has changed so much over the centuries... which is why you may need to seek out a new way to the Narzissenkreuz Ordo.
Paimon:
Aww, why does it have to be like that... Although, we are quite the adventurer duo, and we've been through it all! So wherever this historical ruins or mysterious place may be, it won't be a problem for us!
Paimon:
We'll find it for sure!
Paimon:
Caterpillar... Wouldn't it be great to meet Grandpa Earnshaw and Lanoire right now? Are you sure about this?
Caterpillar:
She's returned to a normal world with her real family. For her, I'd say things couldn't have ended any better.
Caterpillar:
As for me... She'll forget about me in no time.
Paimon:
Hey, don't say that! You should know that you mean a lot to her too. She definitely won't forget the promise you two made to each other.
Paimon:
If you really never see her again, she will be heartbroken...
Caterpillar:
She won't. Children tend to quickly forget both meetings and farewells. This is how they grow up.
Caterpillar:
I'm simply a character in a story — brave at times, yet also an evil monster at others...
Caterpillar:
Let this fantastical story be a memory consigned to her past. She has the real world now, one that's hundreds of times better than any fantasy narrative.
Caterpillar:
Traveler, Paimon, thank you.
Caterpillar:
As I mentioned before, there are places better suited to retelling history, like the Narzissenkreuz Ordo...
Paimon:
Oh! We've been there before!
Caterpillar:
If so, that'll save us a lot of time trying to find the way there. Let's go.
Paimon:
Okay!
Earnshaw:
You must be... Traveler and Paimon, right?
Paimon:
That's us! We've got something very important to tell you, Earnshaw. But... let's talk about it later!
Earnshaw:
Just what kind of information is that mysterious... Fine, later it is.
Earnshaw:
Are you hikers? Do you need help?
Paimon:
Uh... we're... Let's talk about this later!
Earnshaw:
Please do not hesitate if you need any help.
Caterpillar:
Please take Lanoire home.