en
Kiss of the Vicious Rose
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Scene 1
Girl's Shadow
"The sun in the sky...
Comes down from on high..."

Girl's Shadow
"The dark shadows grow, but where do
they go?"

Girl's Shadow
"Farewell, my friend, I'll see you again...
When morning comes..."

Girl's Shadow
...hmm. How did the rest of it go?

Girl's Shadow
I wonder if she remembers.

Mob Boss
...damn it, I'm out. Hey, you got any left?

Bodyguard
Pipeweed, sir? Pardon my sayin' so, but
you might be smokin' a bit too much.

Mob Boss
Shut it. I hate this time of year. Gives me
the creeps.

Mob Boss
Damn bastard, makin' me wait around
on Halloween...


Bodyguard
Maybe he just doesn't understand who
he's dealin' with, sir.

Mob Boss
He didn't look THAT dumb. 'Sides, he
practically begged me to meet with him.

Bodyguard
...something doesn't add up here.

Mob Boss
Read my mind, you did. C'mon. This is a
waste of time.

Nobleman
W-wait! Please, wait...!

Mob Boss
Finally showed up, eh? Sorry, bub.
You're too late. Find someone else.

Nobleman
No...! Please! Please, you have to help—
Cough! Cough cough...!

Bodyguard
Hey, you okay? You're run pretty ragged
there.

Nobleman
I-I'm being followed... by...
by the shadows...

Mob Boss
S-shadows?

Nobleman
T-they're after me... after me...
That's why. I had to sneak here...

Mob Boss
Are you outta your head? Tch. Lay off
the pipeweed, eh?

Nobleman
N-no, please! Here... I've brought
everything I own! Take what you want!

Bodyguard
Whoa. Coin, jewels, rare books... we could
buy a castle with all this loot.

Bodyguard
What say we at least hear him out, sir?

Mob Boss
Man, you always get like this when
there's cash involved.

Mob Boss
Arright, fine. What's this job?

Nobleman
...! Thank you. Thank you so much!

Nobleman
My family is leaving town tonight. For
Laomis, or Eastland... anywhere.

Mob Boss
Huh... gettin' away while the gettin's good,
eh?

Nobleman
If we can only find a ship, we'll live
a modest life, somewhere safe...

Mob Boss
Modest? You could live like a king if
you agreed to help the Bergarians.

Mob Boss
You must've really pissed 'em off to throw
away that chance, eh?

Nobleman
Hah! I couldn't care less about that
upstart Emperor and his dogs!

Nobleman
What I'm afraid of... what I'm afraid of is...

Girl's Shadow
The girl.

Nobleman
Eep...!

Girl's Shadow
The girl, the girl, the girl in black and red...

Mob Boss
What the hell? Where's that singing comin'
from?

Bodyguard
O-over there! A woman... a woman in the
shadows!

???
Oh my, oh my. Please don't look so
frightened.

Nobleman
Waaaah! Help me... s-save meeee!

???
That's enough. One more step, and I'll
pierce your throat.

Nobleman
A-aah...

???
If I did that, you wouldn't be able to
sing anymore. How sad.

Bodyguard
Boss! Let's get out of here. That speed...
it's inhuman!

Mob Boss
Y-you're joking, right?!

???
How sad, how sad. I really did like your
voice.

???
But it's your own fault. This is what
you get for double-crossing my master.

Nobleman
F-for...
Forgive me... please...

???
We warned you, didn't we? Betrayal would
not be tolerated.

Nobleman
P-please... spare me. At least leave me my
li—

???
I'm terribly sorry, sir. But taking your life
is my job.

Nobleman
Hrrrk...

Mob Boss
Urgh. She really did stab 'im right
through the neck...

???
Oh, just look at the mess you've made.
All your treasure's fallen to the floor.

???
Ah!

Bodyguard
S-stay back! You wanna go?!

???
You're stepping on it, sir!

Mob Boss
Huh? O-oh, uh... this coin here?

???
Yes! Thank you very much. How considerate
of you to help me!

???
I must apologize for my outburst, sirs.
It was most unbecoming.

Mob Boss
N-no, uh... it's all good. Say, you obviously
know how to handle a sword.

Mob Boss
How much for your contract?

Bodyguard
Boss!

Mob Boss
You saw her work. We could use an
assassin like her on the payroll, eh?

???
...Kuhu. I'm honored that you think so
highly of me, sir.

???
Unfortunately, I'm afraid my services
are not for sale.

???
I already have a master whom I am
duty-bound to protect.

Mob Boss
I see... that's too bad.

Mob Boss
Tch. Nothin' but misses tonight.

Bodyguard
W-well then, we'd better get going...

???
Ah, just a moment, if you please.

Mob Boss
Eh?

???
You haven't forgotten anything, have you?
Everything is in its proper place?

Mob Boss
Nah, nothin' comes to mind.

Mob Boss
Arright, missy. You take care of—

Mob Boss
Ghhh...!

Bodyguard
Boss...?!

???
That diamond in your pocket doesn't
belong to you, sir. I did warn you.

Bodyguard
Boss... Boss!! You... you little...!

???
Oh, dear. There's no need to get excited.

Bodyguard
Ghhk...

???
Honestly... to think someone could be so
greedy.

???
And not one of them bothered to tie
this bag properly. Unbelievable.

???
You need to give it bunny ears, or it won't
be secure. There, see! How cute!

???
Now then... my next target should be
coming to the capital soon.

???
Oh my, how exciting. I simply can't
wait!

???
It's been almost five years since we've
seen each other...

???
Miss Ludmilla.

Scene 2
Ludmilla
Vesh! Collapse the cliff edge!

Endless Rizette
...you won't be rid of me that easily.
I'm undying. Endless.

Ludmilla
If my sacrifice can spare their lives,
that's a trade I'm willing to make!

Ludmilla
(...this is for the best. Truly.)

Ludmilla
(I've always wanted a proper death.
To die with honor, after giving my all.)

Ludmilla
(So, this is...)

Ludmilla
(...no. No... I'm scared!)

Ludmilla
(I don't want to die!)

Ludmilla
(I can still fight! I still want to fight!
For my friends... for myself!)

Endless Rizette
So reckless, driven by emotion...
How... foolish.

Ludmilla
(Is this... my life flashing before my
eyes?)

Astrid
The day will come when we need your
strength alongside ours.

Astrid
When that time comes, I pray you will
join us. We'll be waiting.

Ludmilla
(Did I... really give my all?)

Ludmilla
(I still haven't fulfilled my promise
to Lady Astrid...)

Girl's Shadow
The dark shadows grow, but where do they
go?

Ludmilla
(A lullaby...? I know this song. It's so...
so familiar...)

Ludmilla
(From a warm memory, a long, long
time ago... no. I have to wake up...)

???
You seem to be struggling, Ludmilla.

Ludmilla
This... this voice. I've heard it before.
In... in a dream?

???
A dream? That was no dream. Nor is this
conversation.

Ludmilla
...then, I'm alive? I can... I can still fight?

???
...no. You did not survive your sacrifice.

Ludmilla
What?

???
The you who knows strength only in battle
has died.

Ludmilla
Stop it. Stop...! What are you saying?!

???
Ludmilla... do you see no value in peace?

Ludmilla
Of course I do!

Ludmilla
Peace means safe, fulfilled, long lives
for all the people of Erden. I—

???
And what does it mean to you?

Ludmilla
To me...?

???
It is past time you accepted it. You died
that day below the cliffside.

Ludmilla
Then... then what am I? Am I undead...?

Ludmilla
Am I... am I truly... alive?

???
From death comes life. For every end,
a new beginning...

Callen
Ludmilla!

Ludmilla
...!

Callen
Are you alright? You were tossing and
turning like mad.

Callen
You must have been having a nightmare...

Ludmilla
Ah... it was nothing. Halloween must be
getting to me, that's all.

Ludmilla
(The same dream, three days in a row...
but a dream is all it is.)

Ludmilla
(Calm down... breathe. You're okay.)

Ludmilla
...any word from Nagi?

Callen
Not yet... and no contact from Astrid yet,
either.

Ludmilla
I see. It may be wise to find a base
further from the Capital.

Ludmilla
We'll have to start collecting info and
supplies immediately—

Callen
You are very good at making work for
yourself. Lie back down and rest.

Callen
There is no telling when we will get
another chance to relax, after all.

Callen
And Halloween is a holiday. Even
if it is giving you bad dreams.

Ludmilla
Callen...

Ludmilla
(Bergaria's scouts fly overhead almost
every night. It's not safe to stay here.)

Ludmilla
(Callen must know that, but... she's
worrying for me and my condition.)

Ludmilla
(I appreciate it, but there's no need.
I can't fight, so I might as well—)

Nagi
Marshal! Lady Callen!

Callen
Nagi! Thank goodness. Are you hurt?

Nagi
No. Thankfully, I am not...

Ludmilla
(Hm? I would have expected some of
Nagi's usual theatrics by now...)

Nagi
...forgive me.

Nagi
I could find no information on Lady
Rizette or Sir Theo...

Nagi
Or on any other Red Dragon Knights
who may have been captured.

Nagi
Instead... I have heard a most terrible
rumor.

Ludmilla
A rumor? What is it?

Nagi
That the Hero of Erden has sworn her
loyalty... to the Bergarian Empire.

Ludmilla
Lady Astrid?!

Nagi
They say she has placed a bounty on
any surviving Red Dragon Knights.

Ludmilla
...no, that can't be.

Callen
...

Ludmilla
Lady Astrid is the right hand of the
Queen of Rigland.

Ludmilla
There's no way she would betray us!

Nagi
Of course, I do not think it is true!

Callen
That said... she may have been
captured by them. Or brainwashed.

Ludmilla
Then we have only one option.

Ludmilla
We have to return to the Capital and
rescue her!

Callen
That would not be wise.

Callen
Rigland is the most dangerous place
in the world for us right now.

Nagi
That is true. But I cannot help imagining
the peril Lady Astrid must be in...

Callen
...do you think she might have put the
bounties on us to get us to flee?

Ludmilla
Even if she did, we can't sit by while she's
in enemy hands.

Ludmilla
Don't you agree, Nagi? What would you do,
if you knew she was in danger?

Nagi
Even knowing it was a trap, I would rush
to her side.

Callen
Nagi! You cannot let your emotions rule you!

Nagi
I know, Lady Callen.

Nagi
But if Lady Astrid truly is being made
to support Bergaria against her will...

Nagi
Then I can scarce imagine how she must
be suffering, alone in that city.

Ludmilla
Nagi...

Callen
...alright. You win.

Callen
But only if we can actually find her.
Otherwise, it is all just hypotheticals.

Ludmilla
Callen...
Thank you.

Callen
I hate all the uncertainty, too, you know.
I want her to be okay.

Callen
But we are wanted criminals now. We
need disguises to start investigating.

Nagi
Disguises? Well, I daresay we couldn't
have picked a better season for those!

Callen
You really think Halloween costumes
are going to fool Bergarian soldiers?!

Callen
No. I have a spell to keep them off our
backs. But you are not going to like it.

Nagi
Oh... how terribly disappointing.

Nagi
And here I'd started dreaming up our
ensemble's frightful attire.

Ludmilla
Why aren't we going to like this spell of
yours, Callen?

Callen
Well... it is not really a disguise spell
at all.

Callen
Just a charm to make stranger's eyes
pass us over.

Callen
It should fly beneath most mages' senses,
but if we draw too much attention...

Ludmilla
The spell will break?

Callen
And everyone will see who we are,
yes.

Callen
In other words, we have to lay low and
keep to ourselves. No matter what.

Ludmilla
...you're right. I don't like this plan
at all.

Nagi
I understand the necessity, but to think
we must leave our people to suffer...

Callen
I am sorry. But it is that or risk losing
everything.

Ludmilla
...what if we used the festival for cover?

Callen
Huh?

Ludmilla
Nagi's right. Everyone in the Capital
will be wearing a disguise tonight.

Ludmilla
What if we played along, and used your
charm for a little extra security?

Ludmilla
That way, if we see an injustice we have
to correct—

Nagi
Or a maiden in most dire peril—

Ludmilla
We can act without being recognized.

Callen
...it is risky. But I know better than
to try and stop you from being a hero.

Nagi
Splendid! Halloween revelry has come
to our rescue after all!

Nagi
Might I be the one to suggest
our costumes?

Callen
I do not think I want to hear this...

Nagi
You wound me, Lady Callen. I assure
you, I shall not offend!

Nagi
For you, I envision a gown of deepest
black, crowned by fiery devil horns!

Callen
You want me to be a devil? How is that not
offensive?!

Nagi
For the Marshal, the suave yet subdued
mantle of a butler, in a trim velvet suit!

Ludmilla
I admit, I don't hate the sound of that.

Nagi
As for me... I shall be the seduction
of the night itself!

Nagi
The alluring villain maidens can't resist!
I shall be: a vampire!

Ludmilla
A vampire... frog?

Callen
Enough. We cannot waste time, we are
halfway through the night already.

Callen
I can summon these costumes, but they
will only last a few hours.

Callen
So we have to move fast. And act out
only when absolutely necessary. Alright?

Nagi
Of course! Though if a maiden should
be the one to chase me, I shan't—

Nagi
—gah?! What darkness has fallen upon
me?!

Callen
Just a little something to keep the poor
maidens safe.

Callen
Here you are, Ludmilla. Your butler
uniform. How does it fit?

Ludmilla
Surprisingly well. Perhaps I should
wear suits more often.

Callen
Excellent. And now, for me!

Callen
I suppose I can spend one night as a
mischievous little imp.

Nagi
These restricted eyes of mine... I can
barely see a thing.

Nagi
Lady Callen, might you describe what
you and the Marshal are wearing?

Callen
Not a chance, Count Frogula. We have
work to do.

Callen
Forward, march!

Nagi
I-I can see the path ahead!
Please, do not push me so!

Ludmilla
......

Ludmilla
(So we can finally return to Rigland.
To our home...)

Ludmilla
(Lady Astrid... please, be safe.)

Scene 3
Nagi
"Dear Sir Finn. I ride for the Capital
with the Marshal and Lady Callen."

Nagi
"It may be that we shall never return,
and that this is my final letter to you."

Nagi
"If so, I leave behind this, my final poem,
for your safekeeping."

Nagi
"O maidens, sweet maidens! I go now
away from thy gentle beauties..."

Ludmilla
(Nagi's not taking very well to his
costume, is he...)

Nagi
"PS. Sir Finn, I pray you find your
soulmate, as I will not be able to..."

Callen
Oh, stop being so dramatic!

Nagi
But how am I to live if I cannot express
my love for each passing maiden?

Callen
I told you, you cannot stand out too much,
or the disguise spell will fail.

Callen
And your idea of flirting stands out a
lot, so you will just have to bear it!

Nagi
This... this truly is Hell on Erden...!

Ludmilla
It may be hard, but we're doing this
for Lady Astrid. We're with you.

Nagi
Marshal! How good of you! Yes, I will
simply cherish your beauty, instead!

Callen
I...doubt that is what she meant...

Capital Guard
Hold it. Trying to come in for the Halloween
Festival, are you?

Callen
?!

Capital Guard
Access to Rigland is restricted.
Begone.

Ludmilla
Forgive me, sirs. We are servants of
House Orbonne.

Capital Guard
Orbonne... the elven diplomat?

Capital Guard
We have records of Lord Orbonne in
the city... but no word of servants.

Callen
I beg your pardon? Do you mean to
turn away his eldest daughter? Hmm?

Capital Guard
H-his daughter?! Forgive me, it's just
that we've been so short-staffed...

Nagi
Useless louts. My Lady paid a fortune for
these exquisitely spooky garments!

Callen
I've been to this festival every year since
I was a little girl...

Callen
And now you turn me away at the gates?!
It's too much!

Ludmilla
I see Rigland is a shadow of what it
once was. How tragic.

Nagi
Your lord father will be furious when
he hears of this, milady.

Capital Guard
P-please, have mercy! He'll have our
badges, if not our heads!

Capital Guard
B-by all means, please come right in!
You honor us with your presence!

Callen
Phew... well, we managed to fool them.

Ludmilla
I dislike lying, but it got us inside.
Now to search for Lady Astrid!

Nagi
I feel as though you are not much restraining
your actions, Marshal.

Callen
Careful, let's not run around just yet.
There are scouts everywhere here.

Nagi
Indeed there are...

Ludmilla
...?

Ludmilla
What... what is this...?!

Ludmilla
Heaps of rubble, scorched walls...
Like wounds in the city's flesh.

Callen
This is awful. I did not realize it was
this bad...

Ludmilla
Is this what we fought the Eternal for?
For a world where humans do this...?!

Nagi
Marshal...

Nagi
Forgive me. I did not wish for you two
to see this.

Callen
So that is why you suggested another
road in?

Nagi
I knew it was a matter of time, but I
did not want to sadden my comrades.

Ludmilla
Nagi...

Callen
I already see signs of rebuilding. The
town is not being left in ruins, at least.

Nagi
Bergaria is recruiting citizens. Giving
them food to assist with rebuilding.

Ludmilla
The Empire is rebuilding the damage
they themselves caused...?

Ludmilla
They could just have not invaded in
the first place.

Ludmilla
...no. The old barracks and armories
are still in ruins, I see.

Ludmilla
They're rebuilding the marketplace to
get coin flowing again. To them.

Ludmilla
Even this festival... is it just another way
they're pacifying the civillians?

Nagi
Another form of subjugation, dressed
up as charity...

Callen
It only looks like a gesture of goodwill.
This is the next step of the invasion.

Ludmilla
(I'm going to be sick. Using charity and
celebration as a weapon of war...)

Girl's Voice
A-aah! Hey! Look out ahead! Look out!

Ludmilla
Ah!

???
Oh, no! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I can't
see anything over these boxes!

Ludmilla
(A Bergarian soldier...!)

Bergarian
Hey, Timia! Careful with that medicine!
Don't you dare drop it!

Timia
I-I'm sorry! I'll be more careful!

Nagi
Shall I take that for you, madam?

Callen
Nagi!

Timia
Are you sure? Thank you so much!

Timia
Oh, wait a minute. You're... you're travelers
here for the festival, aren't you?

Callen
O-oh, you can tell? I'm the daughter
of a diplomat from another country—

Timia
I knew it! Um, um! Would you like to join
us as volunteers?!

Nagi
Volunteers? For what, pray tell? Assisting
with the festival preparations...?

Timia
Well, yes. We need all the help we can get
setting up, of course...

Timia
But might you be interested in helping us
with rebuilding the city as well?

Timia
We're still in the middle of it, and it's
exhausting work.

Ludmilla
I'm sorry. We don't have that kind of time.

Timia
But... but if you help, you'll get a share
of food from the Imperial Army!

Timia
The sooner Riglanders and Bergarians can
work together, the sooner we can—

Ludmilla
You hypocrite.

Timia
H-huh?

Ludmilla
How many Riglanders have you already
reeled in? Made to kneel to Bergaria?

Ludmilla
If you cared about them at all, you
wouldn't have invaded in the first place!

Callen
Hey, lower your voice...!

Timia
...who cares if it's hypocritical?

Ludmilla
What?

Timia
Maybe Bergaria caused this damage. But
people are suffering either way.

Timia
If we can fill their bellies, we do. We
even give them lodging on cold nights.

Timia
If it's hypocritical to help people in
need, then I'll gladly be a hypocrite!

Ludmilla
So you consider the invasion a necessary
evil, then?

Timia
The Emperor only wishes to unify Erden
under one banner.

Timia
Lasting peace is all but impossible in a
world as divided as ours.

Timia
I know it may seem cruel to you now, but
in time, you'll understand...

Ludmilla
Spare me. You're the ones making
lasting peace impossible.

Ludmilla
As soon as the Pandemonium ended,
your war machines started rolling out...

Ludmilla
Your Empire is built on corpses!
Your peace is a blood-soaked lie!

Ludmilla
You can keep your Bergarian charity. I'm
a Riglander until the day I die.

Timia
Huh? Wait... but you said you were from
another country...

Girl's Shadow
Haha... Fighting's a terrible habit,
you know...

Ludmilla
(...what was that?!)

Ludmilla
(A breath on the back of my neck...
Did someone sneak up behind me?!)

Ludmilla
(I don't see anything—)

Nagi
What was that presence?!

Ludmilla
(Nagi felt it too. But no one's here...
I could feel their killing intent...!)

Ludmilla
(Is this some kind of ghost?!)

Callen
Hey, um, the you-know-what is going
to break unless we leave, right now...

Ludmilla
(Callen doesn't sense it...?)

Girl's Shadow
Haha... hahaha...
Kyahaha...

Nagi
There!

Timia
...?! His costume fell off! He's a... a bikki
samurai?!

Callen
Aah, no! The spell!

Bergarian
A dark-haired woman, a child mage,
and a bikki swordsman...?

Timia
Wait... wait! It's them! It's the Red Dragon
Knights!

Timia
Everyone! Soldiers of the Empire!
Capture them, quickly!

Ludmilla
(Damn it...!)

Scene 4
Timia
Prepare yourselves, Red Dragon Knights!
We're taking you in!

Callen
Aah, look what you have done! The spell
has completely shattered!

Nagi
B-but the assassin...!

Callen
Assassin?

Ludmilla
Focus up! We have to deal with the
Empire first!

Ludmilla
Take thi—
Nngh!

Callen
Ludmilla, careful! You are not fully healed
yet!

Bergarian
Hey, that woman is weak! Let's capture her
first!

Timia
Yes, sir! I'll take her down myself!

Nagi
No, you will not!

Ludmilla
Nagi...!

Ludmilla
(Am I so weak now I can't even protect
myself...?)

Timia
How is he so fast?! I didn't even see him
move!

Callen
Ludmilla! This way!

Ludmilla
(Am I... going to sacrifice yet another
ally for my own sake? Not again...)

Nagi
You are skilled, my Lady. But not
skilled enough to match me!

Timia
Are we outmatched by one bikki?!
Grr... we won't let you escape!

Timia
This is T Squad! Bounty target located!
Requesting backup, over!

Ludmilla
What is that in her hand?! Some kind of
black box?

Callen
It is... a machine. Some kind of long-distance
communication tool?

Timia
Targets are fleeing! Repeat, fleeing!
Request closure of all gates!

Bergarian
There they are! The Red Dragon Knights!
Capture them!

Ludmilla
There are so many already...!
We're surrounded!

Callen
Then we will blast our way out!
Light, come to my hand!

Timia
S-so bright! I can't see...!

Bergarian
...hey! Where'd they go?!

Timia
You can run, but we will find you!
Do you hear me?!

Ludmilla
Phew... I've let myself go... I shouldn't be
so out of breath.

Nagi
Then this makes a fine return to training
form, does it not?

Ludmilla
Haha. I guess so.

Callen
Now is not the time for jokes, you two!

Callen
Be careful, I said! Do not draw attention
to yourselves, I said!

Nagi
I am truly sorry!

Nagi
But I felt an unwelcome presence
lingering around the Marshal...

Callen
A presence? What are you talking about?

Ludmilla
It was the strangest thing. Like there
was someone right behind me...

Nagi
It felt like a wolf, eyeing its prey...
An assassin, of that there is no doubt.

Callen
Really? I thought you just wanted to fight
the Imperial soldiers... sorry.

Callen
They must be really something, if it
took your instincts to even sense it.

Nagi
The presence is gone for now, but I am
rather worried, Marshal.

Ludmilla
...right. This time, let's be sure not to let
our disguises fall.

Nagi
Do you have a room suitable for one
knight and two lovely flowers?

Innkeep
H-huh?

Callen
Sorry, he means two women and one
pervert. Two rooms, please. Thanks.

Nagi
How cruel!

Ludmilla
This inn is bustling with festival goers.
We should be able to pick up a few rumors.

Callen
Right. Let's just take it slow and try to keep
a low profile. Okay?

Nagi
Back to my cursed, flowerless Hell...
What have I done to deserve this...

Callen
She turned into a dragon?!

Drunk
Yeah! Lady Rizette turned inna dragon,
an' burned a big mansion all down!

Callen
Come on... even rumors have to be
somewhat believable.

Nagi
You say you once won a beauty contest?!

Sexy Woman
A long time ago, yes. Now I'm just a
dried-up, faded flower...

Nagi
Perish the thought! Your beauty is such
that I would worship you even now!

Nagi
...wait, what was I meant to be
collecting information on, again?

Ludmilla
...that's ridiculous.

Man
Heard it straight from a soldier, I did.
Lady Astrid swore herself to the Empire.

Man
She's been bringin' new Bergarian
mayors to the villages near the city.

Ludmilla
She's assisting their military...?

Man
Well, yeah. S'what swearin' loyalty
means, isn't it?

Ludmilla
(Impossible. She was on our side just
a few weeks ago!)

Ludmilla
(She asked me to rest and recover,
and even praised me...)

Ludmilla
(She's never been comfortable with
lying. But then... why...)

Man
...hey. If you were in her shoes,
what would you do?

Ludmilla
What?

Man
Would you resist to the last man, or
play along to save at least a few folks?

Man
I'm from Rigland, y'know. I know we
stood no chance when they came.

Ludmilla
...right. Yes...

Ludmilla
I'd want to be with my friends, I think.
In life, or in death... whichever.

Girl's Shadow
Kuhu...

Ludmilla
...?!

Girl's Shadow
What wonderful friends you must have.

Girl's Shadow
You're a liar. Liar, liar, liar, liar.

Ludmilla
(The ghost...!)

Man
Hey. You, uh. You okay?

Ludmilla
Did you... happen to hear a woman's
voice just now?

Man
Huh? Where from?

Ludmilla
(Am I the only one who can hear her?)

Girl's Shadow
This way. Come this way.
Come along...

Ludmilla
(It's clearly a trap, but... I can't expose
these people to danger, either.)

Ludmilla
Show yourself, coward. Quit skulking
around in the shadows.

Girl's Shadow
Kuhu. Are you sure you aren't the
cowardly one yourself?

???
It's been quite a long time.

Ludmilla
Who are you? Identify yourself at once!

???
...You've forgotten me? How awful.
How simply awful of you. Kuhu...kuhuhu!

Ludmilla
What...?

???
You make friends, betray them, make
new ones... it's always the same.

???
"I'd want to be with my friends?"
Such lies. You're the worst kind of liar.

Ludmilla
No... it can't be...

???
Yes. I was your maid, once...
And once, your best friend.

???
Until you betrayed me...!

Ludmilla
I... I thought of you as my best friend, too!

Ludmilla
You're the one who betrayed me,
Clarice!

Clarice
Oh, dear. Don't shout. It makes your
lovely voice tremble so.

Clarice
Don't you think?
Miss Ludmilla?

Scene 5
Thirteen years ago...

Ludmilla
Hrrrgh... this mace... is so heavy...

Ludmilla
But that's... what makes it... hit harder.
Oof!

Ludmilla
I can't do anymore. That's enough for
today!

Ludmilla
Huff... huff... How does Father swing
this with one hand, anyway?

Ludmilla
Once I'm a Red Dragon Knight, I'll
swing it so fast, I'll—

Head Maid
Miss Ludmilla! Where are you, you wild
child?!

Ludmilla
Ah, Beatrice! I'm over here!

Head Maid
Your lord father is waiting for you.
Put that weapon down at once.

Ludmilla
Yes, Beatrice...

Ludmilla
Would it kill Father to come fetch me
himself, for once? Sheesh.

Clarice
......

Ludmilla
......

Lord Aldyne
Come now, Ludmilla. Don't be shy.
Say hello.

Ludmilla
But... isn't this a doll? She's pretty...
I guess.

Lady Aldyne
Haha, yes, she is. Go ahead and touch
her cheek.

Clarice
......

Ludmilla
They do look soft... hmm.

Ludmilla
Poke!

Clarice
Eep!

Ludmilla
Waaaah?! She's alive!

Lady Aldyne
Haha... Ahaha! Oh, my dear girl.

Ludmilla
Y-you said she was a doll, Mother!
You tricked me!

Lord Aldyne
Haha! No, she's a flesh-and-blood
human. She's our newest maid.

Ludmilla
Don't we have enough maids? Can we
really afford to hire even more?

Lord Aldyne
Now, Ludmilla. You're already ten
years old, you know.

Lord Aldyne
There are things you ought to learn,
and we believe she'll be of help.

Ludmilla
Things I ought to learn...?

Lord Aldyne
A lady must know how to dress and
how to make herself up, for instance.

Ludmilla
...I would rather learn the sword or
the axe, Father.

Lord Aldyne
Now, now. Don't say that. Poor Clarice—
and your poor mother, too.

Lady Aldyne
We feel we haven't raised you to enjoy
life as a proper lady ought.

Lady Aldyne
Clarice is well-trained in all the skills
a noble lady needs for her household.

Lady Aldyne
From cooking and cleaning to dance
and embroidery.

Lord Aldyne
She'll be teaching you all those feminine
arts before your debut.

Ludmilla
(...I hate the sound of that. Do I have
to be feminine to have worth?)

Ludmilla
(I'm their only child. If I can't find a
husband, House Aldyne will die out.)

Ludmilla
(...but I hate having my fate decided for
me.)

Clarice
U-um...

Ludmilla
What?

Clarice
Y-your hair...

Ludmilla
Huh? Ah... it must have come loose
while I was training earlier.

Clarice
P-please... allow me to tie it back up.

Ludmilla
From that day on, Clarice did my hair
every morning. It was like magic.

Clarice
...all done.
Does it meet your approval, Miss?

Ludmilla
Yeah... thanks, Clarice.

Ludmilla
Every morning, we stood together in
front of that big, old mirror.

Ludmilla
I never looked at myself. I just enjoyed
seeing Clarice look so happy.

Ludmilla
...Clarice.

Clarice
Yes?

Ludmilla
Where are you from, anyway?

Clarice
...the northern part of the Yarrell Barony.

Ludmilla
What's your favorite food?

Clarice
...I'm afraid it isn't a food, but I enjoy
rose tea...

Ludmilla
Rose tea, huh. How about hobbies?
What do you like doing?

Clarice
...I have no hobbies, Miss.

Ludmilla
Ah, sorry. I don't mean to interrogate
you. Let me tell you about myself.

Ludmilla
My favorite things are heroes who
work for their glory, and soft animals.

Ludmilla
My dream is to become a hero! But
first, I'm going to join the Knights.

Ludmilla
How about you? Any dreams of your
own? Anything is fine.

Clarice
I...
I-I...

Ludmilla
...Clarice?
Your hands are shaking.

Clarice
...forgive me!
I'm so sorry...!

Ludmilla
Ah, no, it's okay. Sorry, I didn't
mean to force you.

Clarice
No, it's...
I'm sorry.

Ludmilla
(She's terrified... she must have
worked for someone awful before us.)

Clarice
M-Miss Ludmilla?!
What exactly are you doing...?

Ludmilla
Huh? Oh, I wanted to train a bit, so I
did my hair up myself this morning.

Clarice
U-um...
That's... not acceptable...

Ludmilla
Huh?

Clarice
Doing your hair and your makeup
every morning is my duty...

Ludmilla
I see. Then I give you permission to take
the day off!

Clarice
Huh?!

Ludmilla
I train early in the morning so Father
doesn't lecture me about it.

Ludmilla
So consider yourself lucky for getting
to skip out on work this morning!

Clarice
But... I was also instructed not to allow
you to visit the training grounds...

Ludmilla
...could I convince you to let that one
go?

Ludmilla
Mother and Father think training will
make my fingers fat, or something.

Ludmilla
They haven't let me train for days.

Ludmilla
This lazing around is killing me. My
body wants to exercise!

Clarice
...I understand.

Ludmilla
Thanks! So, you can go do something
you like too.

Clarice
Huh...?

Ludmilla
If my parents get mad, just tell them
I made you do it! Okay?

Clarice
Ah... but, Miss...!

Ludmilla
Phew! Worked up a good sweat.
I feel alive again!

Ludmilla
...I hope Clarice is okay. I'd feel bad
if Mother or Father yelled at her.

Ludmilla
I'll go look for her.

Ludmilla
Clarice! Clarice?
Where could she have gone...?

Ludmilla
...ah.

Clarice
Zzz...

Ludmilla
Asleep hidden under the desk...
Was she that scared of being scolded?

Ludmilla
She's holding something...
Ah, a book of fairy tales.

Ludmilla
I remember this one. There's a lullaby,
too. Let's see... how'd it go...?

Ludmilla
"The sun in the sky...
Comes down from on high..."

Ludmilla
"The dark shadows grow,
but where do they go?"

Clarice
Mm...?

Ludmilla
Ah, I didn't mean to wake you. Sorry,
I was trying to be—

Clarice
I-I-I-I'm sorry! I-I was slacking off!
I-I'm sorry...!

Ludmilla
Clarice! It's me! You don't have to
apologize. I told you to go rest!

Clarice
Ah... young Miss.

Ludmilla
You must be pretty tired all day, if you
can sleep hunched up like that.

Ludmilla
I wrapped up training early since I
was worried about you...

Ludmilla
But I guess I should have stayed out there
a bit longer, huh.

Clarice
I-I... um...

Clarice
I-I'd best get back to work, Miss.
E-excuse me...

Ludmilla
Ah, Clarice!

Ludmilla
...she left her book behind...

Ludmilla
Oh, wait! That gives me an idea!

Clarice
Huh?
You want me to... read to you?

Ludmilla
Yeah. Would you read this to me
before I go to sleep?

Clarice
This is... that book... Ah, but I'm afraid
I don't know much about fairy tales.

Ludmilla
Really? I thought for sure you were
interested in them.

Clarice
I'm sorry...

Ludmilla
Why? It's good to be curious, and it's
good to find things you enjoy, too.

Clarice
A maid doesn't need fun while she's
working, nor should she have hobbies.

Ludmilla
Then... why don't you be my friend instead
of my maid?

Clarice
Your friend...?

Ludmilla
Yeah. Nothing wrong with having fun
when you're with a friend, right?

Ludmilla
So, uh... you know. Do you want to
read this with me... as friends?

Clarice
Um...

Ludmilla
...do you not want to be friends with me?

Clarice
...n-no.

Clarice
No...!
I would... love to be your friend...

Ludmilla
Great! Then let's take turns reading!

Clarice
"Once upon a time, there was a tall,
tall tower in the middle of a field."

Clarice
"Every evening, the tower made a long,
long shadow across the ground."

Clarice
"A princess lived at the very top.
The shadow was her only friend..."

Scene 6
Ludmilla
——...Clarice.
What happened to you?

Ludmilla
What happened to the girl you used
to be...?

Clarice
There's no need to be afraid, Miss.
I'm only a maid.

Clarice
Just a maid. Livestock, to be used and then
thrown away!

Ludmilla
I've never once thought that! Besides,
you were the one who betrayed me...!

Clarice
Kuhihi! Oh, Miss, you lie. Your words
are lies, your appearance, everything!

Ludmilla
My appearance... right, the spell. But
how did you see through it?

Clarice
Because your heartbeat, at least,
can never lie to me.

Clarice
I have very good hearing, you know.
I can hear your heartbeat from here.

Ludmilla
And that was enough for you to see
through the spell?

Clarice
Yes. How could I ever forget the
sound of your heart's blood, Miss?

Ludmilla
(I never knew...)

Clarice
Now, Miss. You are cordially invited
to Lord Alastor's mansion.

Ludmilla
Alastor?
Is he your new master?

Clarice
Yes, that's right. Would you care
to take tea with him?

Ludmilla
Since when are invitations to tea
made with swords in hand?

Clarice
Ah, do forgive me. I thought you
might enjoy a bit of sparring.

Clarice
I'm very sorry, but I must insist you accept
this invitation.

Ludmilla
So it's a kidnapping, then? Fine. Try it.
My allies will be here any minute.

Clarice
Kuhuhu! The bikki and the little elf?

Clarice
The two of them together are no
match for my master, Miss.

Clarice
You ought to hear what he has to say.
A whole world of opportunities awaits.

Ludmilla
(She seems pretty taken with him...
I'm not likely to talk my way out.)

Ludmilla
(Then... I have no choice—)

Clarice
Reaching for your mace? Bad girl.
That simply won't do!

Ludmilla
Ah! A bladed whip...?!

Clarice
Did it hurt? I'm so sorry. But naughty
girls must be kept in line, you see.

Ludmilla
Ngh...!

Clarice
Just one more.
You're doing very well, Miss. ♪

Ludmilla
Aaah...!

Nagi
Marshal!

Callen
Ludmilla!
Her arm is running with blood...!

Ludmilla
Nagi! Callen...!

Nagi
How dare you mark the Marshal's
beautiful skin! Draw, fiend!

Ludmilla
No! Don't attack her!

Callen
Light, to my hand!

Clarice
Aah!
My eyes!

Clarice
...just kidding!

Nagi
Huh?!
She's faster than me...?!

Callen
He feinted in time with my light burst,
and she still dodged it?

Clarice
I have very good hearing, you know.
I can hear your hearts beating.

Clarice
A slow moderato from the gentleman,
and a bright andante from the lady.

Nagi
Gah...!

Callen
Kyaa!

Ludmilla
(Clarice was just a maid...
how did she get this strong?)

Clarice
In battle, I become the conductor.

Clarice
I decide the rhythm of your heart... and I
decide when it falls silent!

Callen
Eek...!

Nagi
Lady Callen!!

Ludmilla
(No...
she's going for Callen's throat!)

Ludmilla
Wait! I'll go!

Clarice
Hmmm?

Ludmilla
I'll go to see this Alastor! Please...
please, spare their lives!

Callen
N-no...
Ludmilla...

Clarice
Kuhuhu! How wonderful! I see you
finally understand. Thank you, Miss.

Clarice
I have a carriage prepared for you.
Please, come this way.

Nagi
Marshal, you mustn't!
Nngh...!

Callen
Ludmilla!
Ludmilla!!

Ludmilla
(Callen, Nagi... don't come after me.
Focus on healing your own wounds.)

Ludmilla
(We fought... and we lost.
This is our only chance for survival...)

Clarice
Now, if you would allow me to see
to your wounds?

Ludmilla
You're going to bandage wounds
you inflicted yourself?

Clarice
Of course. You're my guest, after all.

Ludmilla
(Her behavior is totally erratic. I
don't know which side of her to trust.)

Ludmilla
(...this carriage certainly is opulent. Her
master must be some kind of noble.)

Clarice
This is nostalgic, isn't it?

Clarice
Anytime you scraped yourself up, I
was always the one to tend to you.

Clarice
Remember, Miss?

Ludmilla
...sorry. I'm not interested in
reminiscing with you.

Ludmilla
You're not the Clarice I knew.

Clarice
...

Clarice
...there, all done. Would you care
for a cup of tea for the road?

Ludmilla
No.

Clarice
I've grown much better at cooking
under Lord Alastor's tutelage.

Clarice
You take yours with cream, yes? It
goes so well with this rose tea. See?

Ludmilla
(Rose tea... the odor clings to my
throat. I feel like I might choke.)

Clarice
Mm, how lovely.

Ludmilla
...I see you've grown better at making
tasteless jokes, too.

Ludmilla
You prepared all this specifically to
torment me, didn't you?

Clarice
Oh, dear. You're making me so
terribly sad, Miss.

Ludmilla
(We've left Rigland, on the trade road
going north. I need to keep track.)

Clarice
...I love roses. There are so many
kinds, and they all smell so lovely.

Clarice
This perfume is called Moon's Longing.
Isn't it a wonderful scent?

Ludmilla
Stop it! I don't—
Ugh!

Ludmilla
(What... my head feels so fuzzy.
I can't... the perfume...?)

Clarice
Rest now, Miss.

Ludmilla
You... drugged me...!

Clarice
Yes. I've built up resistance, but it
seems to work very well on you.

Ludmilla
Nnh...

Ludmilla
...

Clarice
...

Clarice
I'm very sorry for my boorish
conduct, Miss.

Clarice
Allow me to look after you. I'll wipe
your brow, brush your hair...

Clarice
Gently, gently now...

Scene 7
Ludmilla
Nn...

Clarice
Ah, Miss.
You're awake.

Ludmilla
...?!

Clarice
Welcome to Lord Alastor's estate.
You must have been exhausted!

Ludmilla
After you drugged me...

Clarice
Forgive me. The location of the estate
is to be kept secret, no matter what.

Ludmilla
...well, here I am. If this Alastor
wants to talk, then get him out here.

Clarice
There's no rush, Miss. You still seem
quite tired, so why not rest?

Clarice
I know! I'll read you a story,
just like old times.

Ludmilla
Stop it...

Clarice
The Princess in the Tower...
let's go with this one.

Ludmilla
(That's... the book Clarice had when I
found her curled up under the desk.)

Clarice
"Once upon a time, there was a tall,
tall tower in the middle of a field."

Clarice
"Every evening, the tower made a long,
long shadow across the ground."

Clarice
"A princess lived at the very top.
The shadow was her only friend."

Ludmilla
(I remember... the princess in the
story was some kind of hostage.)

Clarice
"There was nothing else around the
tower, not even a single little bird."

Clarice
"All she had to look at was the sky,
the clouds, and the shadow..."

Clarice
"And she loved the gently stretching
shadow most of all."

Clarice
"One day, she saw a prince, standing
in the tower's shadow."

Clarice
"The two fell instantly in love, and the
prince made a promise to her."

Ludmilla
"Every day, I'll come to see you..."

Clarice
...you still remember.

Ludmilla
...

Clarice
..."But the prince soon tired of her,
and he broke his promise."

Clarice
"The princess was heartbroken. She
waited for him, but he never came."

Clarice
"She waited for him for 364 days,
sinking ever deeper into despair."

Clarice
"Finally, after one full year, she leapt
from the tower, and died."

Ludmilla
That's not how I remember it. Didn't
they end up marrying at the end?

Clarice
That was the edited version, made for
children. This is what really happened.

Clarice
I like this version better. Children
cling to the idea of happy endings...

Clarice
Until the real world hurts them, until
they learn how things truly are.

Clarice
I'm sick to my heart of fairy tales.

Ludmilla
Clarice...

Clarice
...there's the bell. My master is
finished with his work.

Clarice
The time has come to meet with
Lord Alastor, Miss.

Ludmilla
...fine. I—

Ludmilla
Ugh... I feel so weak...

Clarice
Kuhuhu.
What a sound!

Ludmilla
D-don't laugh...

Clarice
It's little wonder you're hungry,
after sleeping for several days.

Ludmilla
Days...?!

Clarice
Rest assured, a feast will await you
after your meeting with my master.

Clarice
But it would be cruel to make you
walk. Here, I've brought a wheelchair.

Ludmilla
...if he wants to see me so badly, he can
come here himself.

Ludmilla
It's not enough he kidnapped me, now
he wants me to come when called—

Clarice
Be silent.

Ludmilla
Aah! B-be careful!
Put that knife away!

Clarice
I will suffer no one, no matter whom,
to speak badly of my master.

Ludmilla
Clarice... what did this Alastor do to
you?

Ludmilla
This is... it isn't right.

Clarice
...

Clarice
Kuhu. Kuhuhu! Not right?
Whatever do you mean?

Clarice
Every one of us is broken somewhere,
in the body or the mind.

Ludmilla
(Broken... I guess so.
I feel broken all over, myself.)

Clarice
Now, then... shall we go?

Scene 8
Clarice
Ah, do look outside, Miss. See all
those rare roses? So lovely!

Ludmilla
(Roses... they're sensitive plants, and
have very strict requirements.)

Ludmilla
(If I can identify the cultivars, I should
be able to narrow down where I am—)

Alastor
I wouldn't bother trying, young lady.

Ludmilla
...?!

Clarice
Lord Alastor!

Alastor
I am a mage. Keeping roses alive in
any environment is child's play.

Ludmilla
(He knew what I was thinking?!)

Alastor
No need to be so tense.
I quite like you, after all.

Ludmilla
You like me?
We've hardly even met.

Alastor
But I've heard so much about you,
Marshal of the Red Dragon Knights.

Ludmilla
...

Alastor
I daresay all of Erden has heard of
your glorious exploits in battle.

Alastor
And Clarice has told me so much,
I feel as though I know you.

Ludmilla
Well, I don't know you. And I don't
care to, kidnapper.

Alastor
Ah, yes. My apologies for treating
you so roughly.

Alastor
But I simply had to know why you
fled the royal capital.

Ludmilla
...

Alastor
And that's not all I want to know... I had
heard you died. Like many of the Knights.

Alastor
Imagine my surprise when reports
came in that you had survived.

Alastor
You were expected to lead the fight
against the Empire, I believe.

Alastor
But you didn't. Instead, you handed
Lady Astrid to the enemy and fled.

Alastor
The stories I'd heard hadn't led me
to believe you would do such a thing.

Alastor
So, I would like to know why. Tell me,
and you will be free to go.

Ludmilla
(Even if he's telling the truth... I don't
think this man is to be trusted.)

Ludmilla
(But he's also perceptive enough that
an obvious lie won't work on him.)

Ludmilla
...when the attack began, Lady Astrid
ordered the Knights to flee the city.

Ludmilla
I obeyed her orders.
Nothing more.

Alastor
I see. She got you, the Knights' finest
warrior, free before capitulating.

Alastor
The Draclows always were shrewd.

Ludmilla
If you're done being moved,
could you let me go?

Alastor
Oh, no, I think not. You haven't told
me the most important part yet.

Alastor
You fought a god for Rigland, but a
mortal empire makes you turn tail?

Ludmilla
(...it looks like I can't fool him.)

Alastor
I don't believe you're lying. But if
there's anything you haven't told me...

Alastor
I lost my appetite for schemes and
skullduggery in the Imperial Court.

Alastor
I would like for my personal guests,
at least, to be honest with me.

Ludmilla
(Honest? He's got some nerve...
What does Clarice see in him?)

Ludmilla
Sorry, but I don't think I can give you
what you want. Just let me go.

Alastor
Sigh...
I had heard you were stubborn, yes.

Alastor
Clarice.
Stab yourself in the heart.

Clarice
Yes, master.

Ludmilla
Clarice?
What are you doing with that knife?

Clarice
You know exactly what.
I'll take this blade...

Clarice
And do as my master commands!

Ludmilla
S-stop it!

Ludmilla
(Gh...! My wounds...!)

Clarice
Let me go, Miss.
My master's orders are absolute!

Ludmilla
Shut up! What kind of master orders
someone to just end their own life?!

Clarice
Kuhuhu. Perhaps if I was human.
But I'm just livestock!

Ludmilla
Like hell you are!
You're Clarice! You're human!

Ludmilla
Everyone has the right to live free
and equal, no matter who they are!

Clarice
...!

Clarice
Shut up...!

Ludmilla
Urgh!

Ludmilla
(Damn it! With these injuries, she can
just throw me around as she likes...!)

Clarice
Behold, master.
My heart's finale.

Alastor
I can hear it.
It's truly beautiful.

Clarice
This is... the end...!

Ludmilla
Clarice, stop!

Alastor
...?!
This light!

Clarice
Huh...? The knife... disintegrated?
But how?

Ludmilla
W-what was that?

Clarice
Master?
Master, did you destroy the knife?

Alastor
Ha... haha...
Well, well. This is truly something...

Ludmilla
What's so funny?!

Alastor
No, it wasn't me, Clarice. It was her.
The Marshal's power, not mine.

Ludmilla
What...?

Alastor
It seems we will have to spend a while
more in each other's company.

Ludmilla
I'll pass.
Bring me back to Rigland.

Alastor
Now, now.
Humor a lonely old man, won't you?

Alastor
Why not visit the rose gardens and
rest your mind? Women love flowers.

Ludmilla
You're not even listening to me.
Not you, and not Clarice, either.

Alastor
I could say the same to you. All the
excuses and denials... I'm bored of it.

Alastor
I pity those who cannot enjoy an idle
moment to rest and relax.

Alastor
Clarice and I enjoy spending these
simple, pastoral moments together.

Ludmilla
Hah. Nobility fits you like a cheap suit.
It makes me want to vomit.

Alastor
How vulgar... and yet, much more
interesting than your petty grumblings.

Alastor
Clarice, prepare a picnic lunch for
our guest in the garden, would you?

Clarice
Y-yes, master...

Ludmilla
(Clarice...?)

Ludmilla
(She seems a little different from
before.)

Clarice
Please wait here while I prepare your
lunch, Miss.

Ludmilla
...Clarice. Why do you serve a man
like that?

Clarice
......

Ludmilla
To hurt others, yourself, for him...
Is it love? What makes you obey him?

Clarice
What does it matter to you?
You're nothing to me anymore.

Ludmilla
Clarice...

Clarice
...did you know, Miss? It turns out
livestock actually have it easier.

Clarice
I realized that when I left your house.
When I was put out onto the street.

Clarice
Every day was a fight for survival. I
wasn't even livestock, I was a rat.

Ludmilla
No...

Clarice
I had no home, no shelter. I couldn't
trust anyone I met.

Clarice
Then, Lord Alastor saved me. He gave
me back my right to live.

Clarice
He gave me power... and he promised
he would never throw me away.

Clarice
What more could I ever ask for?

Ludmilla
You say he gave you the right to live.
So he also has the right to kill you?

Clarice
...Kuhu. The truth is, I also have the
right to kill Lord Alastor.

Ludmilla
Huh?

Clarice
See these marks under my collar?

Ludmilla
Are those... curse marks?

Clarice
Yes. A runic spell, engraved in Lord
Alastor's blood.

Clarice
If we spend too long apart, the curse
will activate and kill us both.

Ludmilla
What...?

Clarice
Even if my heart's beat is stilled, the
power of the runes will bring me back.

Clarice
...but if I was told to die, I would.
For his sake.

Clarice
He gave me everything I wished for.
I never want to lose it again.

Clarice
I'll do whatever it takes to keep it
safe. Even kill.

Ludmilla
I see. Then... if Alastor commanded it,
would you kill me?

Clarice
......

Clarice
Kuhuhu. You and your jokes, Miss.

Ludmilla
Don't blow this off. I want an answer.

Clarice
...here, lie down and close your eyes.
I'll come to fetch you again soon.

Ludmilla
Hey, Clarice!

Ludmilla
...damn. She really thinks he cares
for her. I'm not getting through at all...

Ludmilla
But... for just a moment there, I saw
the old Clarice peek through.

Ludmilla
Timid, shy, and anxious... but with
kindness and warmth just below.

Ludmilla
...I want to see her again.
The way she used to be.

Scene 9
Maid
Oh, the poor young Miss.
She's been so sick for so long.

Head Maid
A full 100 days now. She seems fine
when she's resting in bed, but...

Maid
She's always been so energetic. Even
seeing her on bedrest is hard.

Head Maid
The Lord and Lady are concerned.
And so am I, of course.

Head Maid
This could have an impact on her
marriage prospects.

Head Maid
And right before her debut at the Autumn
Ball...


Head Maid
At this rate, House Aldyne could die
out entirely.

Clarice
Um, excuse me. I've finished cleaning
the parlor...

Head Maid
Ah, thank you, Clarice. Could you
bring this rose tea to the young Miss?

Clarice
Yes, ma'am.

Clarice
Miss Ludmilla, I've brought you some
bedtime tea.

Ludmilla
Okay...

Clarice
...how do you feel, Miss?

Ludmilla
No different from before.

Clarice
...I'm sure you'll recover soon.

Ludmilla
Sure...

Clarice
...I added some extra sugar tonight.
It should help you sleep.

Ludmilla
...

Clarice
Um... would you care for a story?
I'll read until you fall asleep.

Ludmilla
...sure. Anything that isn't about
knights or heroes...

Clarice
Then, how about this one?

Clarice
"Once upon a time..."

Clarice
"And they all lived happily ever after.
The end."

Clarice
...Miss?
You haven't touched your tea.

Ludmilla
...

Clarice
Miss Ludmilla?

Ludmilla
...I'm starting to dislike the taste.

Clarice
Miss. Miss Ludmilla.
Lunch is ready.

Clarice
I used quite a few fresh herbs from
the garden. I'm sure you'll love it.

Ludmilla
...I thought you weren't very good
at cooking.

Clarice
I wasn't, but that was many years ago.
Here, let's go eat in the garden.

Ludmilla
I can walk on my own...
Nngh!

Clarice
Oh, dear. I see you're still as
stubborn as ever, Miss.

Clarice
Here, use my shoulder. One step at a
time... yes, just like that.

Ludmilla
(I can't escape in this condition. I'll
have to eat up and bide my time...)

Ludmilla
...it's good.

Clarice
You think so? Really?

Ludmilla
I can't believe it. Did you really make
all this?

Ludmilla
I keep getting flashbacks to that time
you made bread for me...

Clarice
...and you thought it was some kind of
monster and hit it with your mace.

Ludmilla
Sorry. I just couldn't force myself to
recognize that as food.

Clarice
Kuhuhu. My apologies.

Clarice
But that does remind me of that time
you tried to make me practice cooking.

Ludmilla
Oh, right! When I caught that wild
Flamby and smuggled it home.

Ludmilla
But you said you felt sorry for it and
smuggled it off somewhere.

Clarice
Ah! The mother hen, yes. We had no
idea it was pregnant...

Clarice
She laid so many eggs, and the chicks
ran about breathing fire everywhere.

Ludmilla
In the end, it was just another secret
between the two of us.

Clarice
...how nostalgic.

Clarice
Ah, your plate is empty.
Would you care for tea?

Ludmilla
—that smell again!
I told you, I hate rose tea!

Clarice
Oh... you didn't have to dash it on the
ground.

Ludmilla
How many times are you going to do
this? Are you trying to upset me?

Clarice
But it's such a pleasant scent. We both
loved it, don't you remember?

Ludmilla
Yes, I used to. Before you did what
you did.

Clarice
......

Clarice
...I'll prepare something else for you.
Just a moment, please.

Ludmilla
What is this all about? She's not
making any sense.

Ludmilla
First she prepares this nice lunch,
then she pours me that tea...

Ludmilla
...no. She's not important right now.
I need to get back to the others.

Ludmilla
...nnh. That ringing in my ears...
And my vision's all blurry.

Ludmilla
Did she put something in the food?

???
No. The source of this lies solely
within you.

Ludmilla
(A hallucination?!)

???
Haha. No, I am no hallucination.

Ludmilla
Who are you?!

???
There is a way out of here.

Scene 10
Ludmilla
(This voice... it's inside my head!)

???
I say to you again:
There is a way out of here.

Ludmilla
Show yourself!
Tell me your name!

???
You have allies who will assist you,
if you but ask. Do not forget this.

Ludmilla
Allies?
You mean Nagi and Callen?

???
Let me show you.

Ludmilla
S-so bright...!

Ludmilla
What? What is this?

Ludmilla
It's like a giant map... no, not a map.
It's moving.

Ludmilla
Wind, waves, trees, lights, people...
That over there must be Rigland!

Ludmilla
Then this must be Alastor's estate.
Only two days' ride from the capital...

???
Do you see the blue light glowing from
within the living creatures of Erden?

Ludmilla
I do...!
What is that?

???
That is mana,
the source of all energy and life.

Ludmilla
Mana...?
It's beautiful.

Ludmilla
Hm? There's a huge river of it just
below the ground. What is that?

???
...your friend has returned.
Our time is up, for now.

Ludmilla
W-wait! I need to know more!
Who— What are you?!

???
...I am Erden.

???
Once, I was jealously guarded by
Arcane. Now, I need a new protector.

Ludmilla
A new protector...
You mean... me?

Clarice
Miss!

Ludmilla
Clarice...

Clarice
You seemed quite lost in thought.
Here, your orange tea.

Ludmilla
O-oh...
Thanks.

Clarice
...my master seeks another audience.
Once you've finished, we must go.

Ludmilla
(What does he want this time?)

Clarice
This way, Miss.

Ludmilla
(I feel a lot better than before.
I'm recovering well.)

Ludmilla
(I'm glad to have my strength back...
But this dungeon is pretty ominous.)

Ludmilla
(Magic tools, summoning circles,
alchemical flasks...)

Ludmilla
(Alastor said he was a mage, but
what kind of mage is he?)

Ludmilla
Hm? What's that sound? It sounds
like... grinding?

Alastor
Ah, young lady.
You appear in much better health.

Ludmilla
Alastor...
What are you doing?

Alastor
Oh, this? Just sharpening my knife.
I have a present in mind for you.

Ludmilla
...?!
I-I can't move my legs...!

Alastor
A minor stasis spell.
Clarice, put her on the table.

Clarice
Yes, master.

Ludmilla
S-stop it!
Clarice...!

Alastor
You really are something. It's been
years since I had such a subject.

Ludmilla
Bastard...! If you're going to kill me,
then just do it already!

Alastor
Oh, no. Why would I do something
so wasteful?

Alastor
I simply want to teach you.
About your mana.

Ludmilla
Mana...?!

Alastor
The magic of Erden, born of mana,
is governed by strict rules.

Alastor
These rules protect those who follow
them, ordinary magicians...

Alastor
But they can be unforgiving to those
who are not ordinary.

Ludmilla
What are you saying?!

Alastor
I am an ex-military man. I led the
Bergarian Magic Corps for decades.

Alastor
Years of dirty, brutal work, years of
death... but sometimes, I saw miracles.

Alastor
A washout mage stood alone against
an enemy force, and scattered them.

Alastor
A soldier who had died minutes before
drew breath again... that sort of thing.

Alastor
Under the right conditions, with the
right tools, humans can work miracles.

Ludmilla
(Is that what magic is capable of...?)

Alastor
But those conditions, and those tools,
are very specific, you see.

Alastor
Like an out-of-tune note can spoil a
whole movement... it must be perfect.

Alastor
And you, Marshal, resound with that
perfect music like a symphony.

Ludmilla
Who needs miracles? We work hard,
and struggle together to triumph...

Ludmilla
That's much more beautiful than any
miracle!

Ludmilla
I can't even use magic.
You must be making a mistake!

Alastor
Ah, you have yet to see your potential.
Don't worry. I'll open your eyes.

Alastor
Here is my hypothesis... and it is
almost certainly true.

Alastor
You did not die in the ravine. Instead,
you became an Avatar.

Ludmilla
An... Avatar?

Alastor
I asked you before, if you recall, why
you abandoned Rigland to her fate.

Alastor
You fled to establish a resistance,
with your newfound power. No?

Ludmilla
What "newfound power?!" Enough of
your blasted half-suggestions!

Alastor
I still don't know which Primordial you
serve, but that will come out in time.

Ludmilla
(Am I... really an Avatar?)

Ludmilla
(Then, that voice in my head...)

Alastor
Now, Clarice. Carve the runes of
binding into the Marshal's throat.

Clarice
The runes?
But why...?

Alastor
You've been so lonely lately, haven't
you? Now you'll have a friend.

Alastor
Why, she could even become your
family. She's special to you, isn't she?

Clarice
Family...

Ludmilla
Don't do it, Clarice!

Clarice
I... I want to be happy.

Clarice
I want to be...!

Scene 11
Ludmilla
Let me go! I'll never be your puppet!

Alastor
Clarice, the runes.
Make her into your family.

Clarice
...if Miss Ludmilla is my family, would
that make you happy too, master?

Alastor
Yes, it would. I'll get back everything
the Emperor stole from me...

Alastor
I need to fetch the tools. Have the
runes carved before I get back.

Clarice
Yes, master...

Ludmilla
(At this rate, I'll never escape... but I
can't move a muscle.)

Ludmilla
(If I really am an Avatar, can I counter
this binding spell somehow?)

Ludmilla
(...damn it! Nothing's happening...)

Clarice
...please don't resist, Miss.
Just let me do this...

Ludmilla
Clarice, no...!

Clarice
You'll feel so much better after the
runes are applied, I promise.

Ludmilla
Clarice. Do you understand how grave
a sin it is to steal someone's freedom?

Clarice
It's... that is...
This is to make everyone happy...

Clarice
...I can prepare some sleeping pills
for you. I'll do it while you dream...

Ludmilla
No!
I've had enough of you poisoning me!

Ludmilla
You want to bind me down. That's
why you keep stealing from me!

Clarice
...

Ludmilla
I've never felt so weak and helpless as
those months when you poisoned me.

Ludmilla
I'll never go through that again. If you
want to possess me, I'd rather just die!

Clarice
No, I—!

Clarice
...you're always so confident you're
right, Miss. I hate that about you!

Clarice
Do you realize how lucky you are to love
the thought of freedom?

Clarice
I've been someone else's possession
for my entire life.

Clarice
But I can't not be. I don't want to be
free. I don't want to be alone!

Alastor
Clarice.

Clarice
—Master!

Alastor
...how strange. I don't see a single
mark on the Marshal's throat.

Clarice
Um, I...
I-I'm sorry. Please forgive—

Alastor
Give me that knife.

Clarice
Kyaa!!

Ludmilla
Clarice!!

Alastor
In the end, a maid is only fit for
cooking and cleaning, I suppose.

Alastor
Hold still. This will hurt a bit.

Ludmilla
No... No!
Hands off... Gaaah!

Alastor
See the red stone on this wand?
Look closely. It will ease the pain.

Ludmilla
Gh...
W-what is that...?

Alastor
A tool to help suffuse your body
with magic. Now, no more questions.

Ludmilla
Stop...
Stop it...!

Ludmilla
Gaaaaaah!

Ludmilla
(I can't... My vision is...)

Ludmilla
Huh...?
Am I back in that other world...?

Ludmilla
It doesn't hurt...

Clarice
Miss...
Miss...

Ludmilla
Clarice?!

Clarice
This is... I hate this.
Master... please stop...

Ludmilla
Clarice? Clarice?!
Can she not hear me?

Ludmilla
I guess I'm having another
out-of-body experience.

Ludmilla
...I feel something.
Some kind of emotion...

Alastor
Soldiers are expendable...

Ludmilla
Alastor!

Alastor
They can be discarded anytime. Even
I, who gave my all for the Court...

Alastor
But with a Primordial's power, I can
make my glorious return. And then...

Alastor
I'll cast down all the fools who dared
to move against me.

Alastor
Haha... hahaha! That will be much
more enjoyable than tending to roses!

Ludmilla
So that's how you really feel, is it?

Clarice
Forgive me, Miss...

Ludmilla
Clarice...

Ludmilla
I feel many different emotions coming
from her.

Ludmilla
Sadness, indecision... and above all
else, a warm, gentle emotion...

Ludmilla
Aah!
That light again!

Ludmilla
Where am I?

Starving Woman
Just... just stay here and be good, dear...

Clarice
Mama?
Where are you going?

Starving Woman
Just to buy bread.
Please...

Clarice
Okay. Come back soon, okay?
It's really cold here.

Starving Woman
...I'm sorry.
I'm sorry...

Ludmilla
Is this Clarice's past? This must be
even before she came to our estate.

Clarice
Mama? Where are you? Why aren't
you back? I'm so cold...

Young Guard
Hm? Hey, you. Are you by yourself?
Where's your mama?

Clarice
She went to buy bread...

Young Guard
At this hour...? Hey, your fingers are
all purple.

Burly Guard
Probably got abandoned, poor thing.
We had another one just last month.

Young Guard
I see...
What's your name?

Clarice
I-I'm...

Ludmilla
Clarice...

Scene 12
Young Guard
I don't hear much good about the
orphanage in town.

Burly Guard
She's old enough to work.
Couldn't you take her in, my Lord?

Lord
Mm... I don't know. She looks awfully
small.

Clarice
(Who is this? Where are we?
Where's my Mama...?)

Burly Guard
If I may, a charitable act like this may
be just what's needed right now.

Lord
True, with the Empire sniffing around.
We'll have to keep up appearances...

Several years later...

Lord
Gods, not again!
You incompetent little—!

Clarice
I'm sorry, I'm sorry!

Lord
How many documents have you ruined
with your tea? Clean this up, now!

Clarice
I-I'll mop it up right away—

Lord
Don't touch those!

Clarice
Kyaa!

Lord
You're dull, clumsy, impertinent... I've
never seen a maid as worthless as you!

Lord
It's little wonder your mother threw
you out onto the street to die!

Clarice
N-no, she...
I'm sorry...

Ludmilla
How awful.
I can't bear to watch any more.

Ludmilla
It's no wonder she was so timid when
she came to our estate, after that...

Merchant
Oh, well now.
Aren't you a pretty thing?

Clarice
...

Lord
If only she was competent to match.
She's quiet, at least.

Merchant
Well, that's something. Perhaps she can
be taught to work the fields.

Lord
Do we have a deal, then?

Merchant
Oh yes, certainly. But there are some
points I have concerns about.

Merchant
Considering her nutrition, age, and
general lack of sociability...

Merchant
I could see my way to this much.

Lord
What, is that all?

Clarice
(Am I that worthless? Was I born just
to be someone else's property?)

Clarice
(I... I don't want this.
Mama...)

Merchant
She's very perceptive, as you see.
And she's quiet, obedient, and gentle.

Lady Aldyne
She does seem a little timid...
But that makes her rather cute.

Clarice
......

Merchant
She would be the perfect handmaid
for your young daughter, I believe.

Clarice
(After everything he said before...
Now he's praising me?)

Lady Aldyne
Yes, Ludmilla is so rowdy sometimes.
She could learn a lot from this girl.

Merchant
Indeed she could, madam.
Now, on the matter of price...

Lady Aldyne
That much?!

Lord Aldyne
Dear, consider it an investment for
Ludmilla's future.

Lady Aldyne
True... she'll never be married acting
the way she does now.

Clarice
(Miss Ludmilla sure is lucky, having
parents who care about her future...)

Clarice
—"The princess looked up. It was her
prince, coming to see her..."

Ludmilla
Zzz...

Clarice
Miss?
Have you fallen asleep...?

Clarice
W-what should I do? The story's not
over... what should I do now?

Clarice
I-I'll finish reading, then... I'll just
stand here out of the way.

Ludmilla
Mm... Clarice?
Why are you standing there...?

Clarice
I-in the absence of another command,
I thought it best to stay here...

Ludmilla
No need to worry about that.
You could have just gone to bed.

Clarice
No, I couldn't have, Miss.
I'm your maid, after all...

Ludmilla
Mm...
Okay then, come here.

Clarice
Huh?

Ludmilla
Here, sleep with me. You can go if you
don't want to, but it's nice and warm.

Clarice
F-for a servant such as myself to sleep
in your bed, Miss, I—

Ludmilla
Oh, enough already!
Get in here!

Clarice
Ah!
I-it's so soft...

Ludmilla
Ah, now I'm awake again. We might as
well jump around on the bed a bit!

Clarice
Ah! M-Miss!
You mustn't...!

Ludmilla
Hahaha! This is so much more fun
than doing it all by myself!

Ludmilla
Mother will definitely get angry at me,
so don't you tell her, alright?

Clarice
Kuhu... okay!
Okay!

Eight years later...

Clarice
A-are you sure, Miss?! Do you really
mean to join the Red Dragon Knights?

Ludmilla
I know how you must feel. But please
understand— this is my dream.

Clarice
...is the thought of marrying a
nobleman that repulsive to you?

Ludmilla
Do you know what my work would be
as one of their wives?

Ludmilla
Simpering through pointless parties
and exploiting the poor. That's all.

Ludmilla
Putting on noble airs makes me sick.
I'd rather die than live like that.

Ludmilla
I've trained my whole life to be a hero.
I want to make a difference!

Clarice
Miss... would you be able to take a
maid with you as a knight?

Ludmilla
I'm afraid not. I'll be living in the
Knights' communal barracks, after all.

Ludmilla
I'll be training alongside my brothers
and sisters. To have a maid with me...

Clarice
...I'll find work near the barracks.
Would that be acceptable?

Ludmilla
Clarice...

Clarice
A knight faces death every day, yes?
It could happen at any moment.

Clarice
To stay here at the estate, never
knowing if you'll return...

Clarice
I don't care what happens to me, Miss,
as long as I can be by your side!

Ludmilla
Clarice...
Come here.

Clarice
Oh, Miss...

Ludmilla
It's okay. The Pandemonium ended
13 years ago. We're in peacetime.

Ludmilla
I'll get permission for you to come
visit the barracks. Would that help?

Ludmilla
Things will work out, I promise.
Just believe in me, okay?

Clarice
Miss...

Ludmilla
Not "Miss". I've asked you to call me
Ludmilla, remember?

Clarice
......Ludmilla.

Ludmilla
There. Now, you can go for tonight.
Sweet dreams.

Clarice
Yes...

Clarice
...no. She'll be fighting bandits, and
monsters, and who knows what else...

Clarice
If she goes to the capital, I'll never
see her again. No... no, no, no!

Clarice
And if she's not here, then I'm not
needed. They'll sell me off again...

Clarice
There's no happy ending here...

Clarice
Think, Clarice. How can I protect
Miss Ludmilla and stay with her...?!

Clarice
...Miss? Why are your things all packed?

Ludmilla
...I have nothing to say to you.
Get out of my sight.

Clarice
W-why would you...

Ludmilla
Don't play the victim. I know what
you've been doing to me.

Clarice
Huh...?

Ludmilla
I haven't drank your tea for the past
month. And now I'm all better.

Clarice
...!

Ludmilla
You wanted to keep me from leaving,
so you poisoned me.

Clarice
I... I...!

Clarice
L-let me explain! I was so, so worried,
I felt like I had no choice...

Ludmilla
Enough! I don't want any excuses from you!

Clarice
M-Miss...

Ludmilla
You tried to steal my dream from me!
Do you understand that?!

Clarice
I-I... You did the same to me!

Clarice
You gave me a dream, only to tear it
away from me!

Clarice
I... I can't bear to lose you...
My one and only friend...

Ludmilla
You're the one who tore us apart,
Clarice... not me.

Ludmilla
You're no friend of mine.

Clarice
Miss!
No! Don't go! Don't leave me!

Clarice
Miss... Ludmilla...!
Ludmilla...!!

Head Maid
The Mistress is beside herself with
shock, poor thing. I can't blame her.

Maid
Clarice was always such a good girl.
Are we certain it was her?

Head Maid
Miss Ludmilla found sleeping pills
crushed up in her sugar bowl, yes...

Maid
How awful. She'll be sacked, then?

Head Maid
Of course. But I haven't seen her at
all since Miss Ludmilla left...

Maid
You don't think she ran away...?!

Clarice
Ah... aah...
Don't go... Don't go, don't go...

Clarice
Miss... where are you? Please, just...
please... let me explain... please...

Clarice
Aah...
Aaaaaah...!

Clarice
Don't throw me away again...
Don't throw me away...!

Clarice
How long has it been since I left the
estate...? I'm... such a fool...

Clarice
Ah... it's no use.
I can't even stand anymore...

Clarice
Am I going to die here, by the side
of the road? Alone and cold...?

Clarice
I wish... I could have died next to her.
Holding her hand...

Clarice
Miss... Ludmilla...
I love you...

Alastor
...well, now. Hello there, young lady.
Are you alright?

Clarice
Nn...

Alastor
Stay with me, now. You look like a
maid... who is your master?

Clarice
She's... gone...
She... she left... cough! Cough, cough!

Alastor
Well, well...

Alastor
Allow me to treat you. Come, take my
hand. Into the carriage.

Clarice
Ah...

Alastor
There, there. You've suffered a great deal,
haven't you? Here, have a warm blanket...

Ludmilla
...

Ludmilla
These are Clarice's memories...
Her life.

Clarice
I'm so sorry... I know this is wrong...

Clarice
But doing the right thing is so hard.
It's hard, and it costs so much...

Clarice
If I did the right thing, what would I
have left for myself...?!

Ludmilla
Clarice, I—
No, she can't hear me.

Ludmilla
...Clarice. When people do the right
thing, they earn trust.

Ludmilla
Trust from others, from themselves...
That peace of mind is worth any price.

Clarice
Miss... oh, Miss...
Please don't hate me... please...

Ludmilla
...I don't hate you.
I could never...

Ludmilla
...if only there was some way to
make her hear me...

Ludmilla
—The light!
I'm being pulled back!

Scene 13
Ludmilla
Ghh...!

Clarice
Miss!

Alastor
I see you're awake, young lady.

Ludmilla
Ngh... it... it hurts...!

Alastor
Don't worry, the ritual is over.
Clarice, tend to her wounds.

Clarice
R-right away.

Ludmilla
So you carved those runes into me?

Alastor
Yes, it was quite difficult. Your body
is all but overflowing with mana.

Alastor
I can hardly wait to have it at my beck
and call.

Ludmilla
Like hell...!

Alastor
The binding will take several more
rituals, all of them rather exhausting.

Alastor
Take her to her room, Clarice, and
make sure she rests up.

Clarice
Yes, master...

Ludmilla
(I can move! That stasis magic wore
off. Is there a weapon nearby...?!)

Ludmilla
Ah... nngh!

Clarice
Take it slowly!
You must be in pain.

Ludmilla
(It does hurt, but I also feel faint.
I've lost a lot of blood...)

Clarice
I'm sorry. I didn't realize the ritual
involved torture like this...

Ludmilla
Was it different when he did it to you?

Clarice
...I don't clearly recall much from
before I got these runes.

Clarice
I've just made you suffer more...
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry...!

Ludmilla
Don't worry. Rub some dirt on, spit
on it, and these will heal in no time.

Clarice
Still as rowdy as ever, I see, Miss...

Ludmilla
Come on, don't smile while you're
crying. I don't know how to take that.

Clarice
Ku...huhu...

Ludmilla
What happens once these are finished?
What has Alastor ordered you to do?

Clarice
Mostly dirty work.
Kidnapping, torture, murder...

Clarice
I can't allow you to do such things.
You must remain innocent.

Clarice
...if anyone deserves a happy ending,
it's you.

Ludmilla
Clarice. The story about the tower...
How does this ending sound to you?

Clarice
...Miss?

Ludmilla
"The prince didn't return for a long
time. The princess was distraught."

Ludmilla
"If she weren't in a tower, her tears
would have drowned the whole world."

Ludmilla
"But one night, she had a dream. The
prince was crying too, just like she was."

Ludmilla
"She knew something must have gone
wrong, and decided to go find him."

Clarice
But she'd never left the tower before.
Wasn't she afraid?

Ludmilla
Of course she was. But meeting the
prince gave her the courage to do it.

Clarice
...

Ludmilla
"As she climbed down the tower, she
knew she wasn't a princess anymore."

Ludmilla
"She wasn't going to let her fate be
decided for her."

Ludmilla
"She ran for the first time in her life.
Her feet were all bloodied and torn."

Ludmilla
"She felt many things for the first time.
The calls of the bugs in the night..."

Ludmilla
"The cool night breeze, and how
it felt to tread on her own shadow."

Ludmilla
"She felt like the world itself was on
her side, and she wasn't afraid at all."

Clarice
......

Ludmilla
"It took time, but she finally found
the prince."

Ludmilla
"He was held captive by an evil mage,
and desperately needed her help."

Ludmilla
"She asked the bugs to distract the
mage, and the wind to wake the prince."

Ludmilla
"She made her shadow huge, and made
the mage think she was a giantess."

Ludmilla
"Finally, they escaped the mage's
clutches... and lived happily ever after."

Clarice
...it's a very gallant tale, Miss.
Very much like you.

Ludmilla
Life's not like the stories. There's real
danger, pain, uncertainty...

Ludmilla
Maybe things won't end up happily.
But that's no reason not to try.

Ludmilla
Even if you're weak, even if you have
no one to rely on right now...

Ludmilla
If you can break free... the future can
change. There can be a happy ending.

Clarice
...only for people like you, Miss.
I... I don't deserve it.

Ludmilla
Everyone deserves a happy ending.

Ludmilla
If you can't believe that for yourself...
Then I'll believe it for you.

Clarice
Miss...
Why are you always...

Clarice
...thank you.

Ludmilla
No, thank you.
And, I'm sorry. For everything...

Clarice
No, no...

Clarice
...the princess had help in her rescue.
How can I be of help to you?

Ludmilla
Can you call for backup? If you can
get to the capital within two days...

Clarice
If I'm careful, I can manage one.

Ludmilla
Ah, right. That invisibility trick of
yours? It's very assassin-like.

Clarice
Haha. I've always been good at
keeping to the shadows.

Ludmilla
Okay. Go to the capital, and look for
these people...

Ludmilla
Nagi and Callen, or if possible, Astrid.
I trust all of them with my life.

Ludmilla
If you tell them the situation, they'll
surely... help...

Clarice
Miss?! She must be exhausted from
the blood loss... Rest now, Miss.

Clarice
...but what good will bringing
reinforcements here do?

Clarice
I can't live apart from Lord Alastor...

Clarice
...no. The only one who truly cares
for me is Miss Ludmilla.

Clarice
I must do what I can to protect her.
No matter the cost...!

Alastor
Clarice, could you bring me some tea?

Clarice
I've just finished brewing a pot, master.
Here, your teacup.

Alastor
Smells delicious. How is the young
lady?

Clarice
Asleep in her chambers, master. She
will be ready for the ritual tomorrow.

Alastor
Really now? Well done.
Good girl, Clarice.

Alastor
Haha... what a souvenir to bring back
home with me...

Alastor
With an Avatar by my side, I'll force
that mad dog Emperor off his throne.

Alastor
Finally, the Empire will recognize my
genius, and reward me as I deserve.

Clarice
I'm so happy to see you in such high
spirits, master.

Alastor
Haha, currying favor already, are we?
Come here, Clari—

Alastor
...?!

Clarice
Oh dear, master, you seem sleepy.
You know not to sleep at your desk.

Alastor
Don't... play dumb.
My fingers are... trembling...

Clarice
...

Alastor
You... you poisoned me. Is this how
you repay my mercy? You'll... regr...

Clarice
...he's out cold.

Clarice
Just wait, Miss.
It's time for me to get to work.

Scene 14
Ludmilla
...mm...
Did I... fall asleep?

Ludmilla
Clarice...
I wonder if she's headed for Rigland.

Alastor's Voice
Are you awake, young lady?

Ludmilla
—?!

Alastor's Voice
Could I trouble you to open the door?

Ludmilla
I refuse. I won't let you do anything
more to me!

Alastor's Voice
I see.
Then, forgive my bluntness...

Ludmilla
The door...!

Alastor
Heh. I must admit, I didn't expect
Clarice to turn her fangs against me.

Alastor
Even an abused dog will go running
back to its master, I see.

Ludmilla
Don't you call her a dog!

Alastor
Ah, friendship. It warms the heart.
Is that how you turned her against me?

Alastor
My runes should have given me total
control over her...

Ludmilla
Did you think you were all-powerful?
You're just an old man, not a god.

Alastor
Silence.

Ludmilla
Aaah!

Alastor
With enough power, a man can
become a god!

Ludmilla
(Those explosions... I have to get
behind cover and regroup...)

Alastor
Where do you think you're going,
young lady?

Ludmilla
Aah!

Alastor
Well, well. Running even with a broken
leg... how befitting of a Marshal.

Alastor
You and Clarice will both need to be
punished, of course, and strictly...

Ludmilla
(I need to get some distance between
him and me!)

Alastor
...now, then.
It's time for me to take your heart.

Alastor
A weapon that can't be aimed is
useless, I'm afraid.

Alastor
It's a shame to lose you, but I really
can't have Clarice disobeying me.

Ludmilla
Screw you...!

Alastor
Winds of eternity, heed my call.
Now is the time to dance and roar...

Ludmilla
(Another incantation! If he finishes
chanting, I'm done for.)

Ludmilla
(I need to strike back. Somehow...
Even without a weapon...!)

Ludmilla
Primordial, give me strength...!

Alastor
Scatter the moonlit clouds across the
sky, and come to my hand!

Ludmilla
(Primordial... Erden... please—!)

Alastor
...?!
You deflected my magic?!

Ludmilla
I-it worked? It worked!
Okay... okay, okay!

Alastor
Hmph, how annoying.
How about this?!

Ludmilla
...!

Alastor
Impossible! You've learned to control
your power in such a short time?!

Alastor
...then I won't hold back anymore!

Ludmilla
(This is power on a whole different
level. I can feel the air warping...)

Ludmilla
(This'll rip the flesh from my bones.
I can't defend against this...!)

Alastor
Ten-and-two directions, heed my call.
Let the red lightning—

Alastor
Gwaaah?!

Ludmilla
That shot...!
Nagi?! Callen?!

???
Jet troops, move in! Alastor Velarius
is to be captured alive!

Ludmilla
That voice...
It can't be...

Astrid
Medics! Tend to that woman!

Ludmilla
Lady Astrid...!

Ludmilla
Clarice... you made it.
Thank you.

Ludmilla
...wait. I don't see her with them.

Empire Medic
Are you alright, miss? Just hold still.
We'll treat your wounds right away.

Ludmilla
O-okay...
Thank you.

Empire Medic
Blood loss, broken leg, lacerations on
the neck... you must be in pain.

Empire Medic
We'll begin restorative treatment right
away. What's your name?

Ludmilla
Huh...?

Ludmilla
(They don't know me? Even though
my face is on posters across the city?)

Ludmilla
(...wait! Callen's disguise magic...
It's still working on them!)

Empire Medic
Excuse me?
Miss?

Ludmilla
(Of course. Alastor was a skilled mage,
and Clarice knew me from before.)

Ludmilla
(The rank-and-file soldiers still can't
tell who I am. I can use that.)

Ludmilla
I... I'm sorry.
I can't seem to recall my name.

Empire Medic
...and amnesia too. Don't worry, it's
likely just a symptom of shock.

Astrid
Velarius. Even retired, it seems the
Emperor's Viper thirsts for blood.

Alastor
What an honor it is to be known by
one so newly loyal to Bergaria.

Alastor
I've committed no crime. I prefer to
think of my activities as civil service.

Astrid
Save it for the tribunal... which will be
over very quickly, I assure you.

Astrid
There have been reports of people
vanishing in the area for some time...

Astrid
But we had no idea you were using
them as guinea pigs. Disgusting.

Alastor
That's quite enough. By my count,
I see 20 soldiers, including yourself.

Alastor
If you think that is enough to hold me,
you really ought to have studied more.

Astrid
Perhaps you do not understand. We
are soldiers of the Bergarian army.

Astrid
Retired official or no, if you attack us,
the Emperor himself will deal with you.

Astrid
Is that what you wish?

Alastor
...I hate mouthy women like you.

Astrid
Put him in chains.

Alastor
Chains?! Why, you—!

Jet Trooper
Yes, ma'am!

Empire Medic
There, your wounds are all healed.

Ludmilla
Thank you...

Alastor
Wait! Why aren't you arresting her?!

Astrid
Your hostage? Why on Erden would
we arrest her?

Alastor
That's Ludmilla Aldyne! The Red
Dragon Marshal! She's a rebel!

Astrid
You seem to be going senile. Perhaps
that will help lessen your sentence.

Alastor
N-no, wait! She's disguised!
There's a spell—

Jet Trooper
Quit your whining and walk!

Alastor
N-no, wait! Wait, I said!
All I did, I did for the Empire...!

Astrid
...how distasteful.
I also quite dislike entitled men.

Ludmilla
(That was close...)

Empire Medic
I'm sorry I can't let you rest just yet,
but can you tell us what happened?

Ludmilla
Um...

Empire Medic
We'll need your testimony to hold him
to a proper tribunal.

Ludmilla
Ah... would it be alright if I rested
first? I'm honestly exhausted...

Astrid
Let us not ask too much of her.

Astrid
She can seek us out in the capital
once she has recovered fully.

Empire Medic
Yes, ma'am.

Ludmilla
(Lady Astrid...)

Ludmilla
(All I want to know is why you turned
your back on us.)

Ludmilla
(But I can hardly ask now...)

Astrid
...

Ludmilla
...
Is there something on my face, ma'am?

Astrid
The day will come when we need your
strength alongside ours.

Astrid
When that time comes, I pray you will
join us. We'll be waiting.

Ludmilla
What...?

Astrid
The day will come when we need your
strength alongside ours.

Astrid
When that time comes, I pray you will
join us. We'll be waiting.

Ludmilla
...!

Ludmilla
(The same thing she said before.
Does she recognize me...?!)

Astrid
...let us meet again.

Ludmilla
...yes!
Someday, somewhere...!

Ludmilla
(It has to be... it has to be!
She knew it was me!)

Ludmilla
(And she's giving me a chance to escape...)

Ludmilla
(She didn't betray us, or Rigland, at all!)

Ludmilla
(So the bounties were meant to get
us away from—)

Ludmilla
...?!

Clarice
Miss...

Ludmilla
Clarice!
Thank goodness you're alright!

Clarice
Miss... I'm glad...
We could meet again...

Clarice
This time...
Did I... did I... protect you?

Ludmilla
Clarice...?
Hey! Open your eyes!

Ludmilla
Clarice...!!

Scene 15
Ludmilla
Please, Clarice.
I'm begging you, just hold on!

Ludmilla
The medics are still nearby.
I'll get them to—

Clarice
No...
I knew... this would happen.

Clarice
These runes can only be removed...
By Lord Alastor...

Ludmilla
So what?! You've always given up far
too easily! It's an awful habit!

Clarice
Haha...

Ludmilla
(The runes are flickering. Even I can
tell that's not a good sign at all.)

Clarice
Everything...
Balances out, in the end...

Clarice
I've killed... so many people. This is...
an easier death than they got...

Clarice
I'm... so happy. I was able to help you.
For the very first time...

Clarice
I've never felt... so at ease.
I'm so... so happy...

Ludmilla
Don't you talk like that!

Ludmilla
...what about me?
What about how I feel?

Ludmilla
If I lose you...
How could I ever be happy again?!

Clarice
I'm... sorr—
Cough... cough...

Ludmilla
No, Clarice. I'm the one who should
apologize.

Ludmilla
I said such awful things to you, when I
had no idea what you'd been through.

Ludmilla
If I'd known how you'd suffered, I
would never have left you alone...!

Clarice
No...
I... was in the wrong.

Clarice
But if... if I could have just one...
selfish request...

Clarice
Would you... say that we're friends?
Even if... if it's a lie...

Ludmilla
We're friends... we're friends, Clarice!
It's not a lie. It could never be a lie!

Clarice
...thank you,
Ludmilla...

Ludmilla
...Clarice.
Clarice! Open your eyes!

Ludmilla
No. No, no, no...
Primordial! I need your power!

Ludmilla
Nothing's happening... Hey!
You call yourself a Primordial?!

Ludmilla
You'll save me, but not lift a finger
for her?!

Ludmilla
Please... please!
I'm begging you...!

Nagi
There is nothing more to be found
here, I fear. Time to move on.

Callen
I cannot believe we have not found hide
nor hair of Ludmilla yet.

Nagi
Forgive me. If I had only been
stronger...

Callen
The same goes for me. Either way,
Bergaria is stepping up their patrols.

Callen
It is only a matter of time until we get
caught. If we meet up with Rizette—

Nagi
Hrrm?!

Callen
What?! What is it?!

Nagi
I spy a beauteous figure, much like
the Marshal herself, coming this way.

Callen
...it does look like her. But...
Who is that other person with her?

Nagi
...!
Lady Callen, ready your weapon!

Callen
?!

Ludmilla
There you are!
I'm so glad we finally found you.

Clarice
Thank goodness you hadn't left yet.
You're very difficult to track.

Nagi
A-am I mistaken, or is this beauty the
same woman who kidnapped you...?

Callen
What is going on here?

Ludmilla
I'll explain on the way. For now, we
need to get out of the city, ASAP.

Nagi
But what of Lady Astrid?

Ludmilla
I met with her.

Callen
You did?!

Ludmilla
It's just like you said, Callen. It's too
dangerous to reunite right now.

Ludmilla
Oh, and I have something to tell you
about Primordials, too, in time.

Nagi
Hmm? I fear I do not quite follow...

Callen
Are you sure about this, Ludmilla?
I mean about her, too, by the way.

Clarice
Forgive me, but whether you trust me
or not is immaterial.

Clarice
No matter what any outsiders say, I
will never leave my mistress's side.

Callen
Uh... okay, then. I see you have picked
up a very pushy maid, Ludmilla?

Ludmilla
...something like that. I'm sorry for
putting you two through so much.

Clarice
Please lower your weapon,
Little Miss Elf.

Callen
Wha—
Excuse you!!

Nagi
Then... then I will get to travel with
not one, but two glorious beauties?!

Ludmilla
Honestly...

Clarice
Miss?
Could I trouble you for a hug?

Ludmilla
Huh?
Right here...?

Clarice
Oh, dear!
Have you already forgotten our vow?

Ludmilla
No, but...

Clarice
...thank you,
Ludmilla...

Ludmilla
...Clarice.
Clarice! Open your eyes!

Ludmilla
Please... please!
I'm begging you...!

Ludmilla
Light...?
And such a gentle, warm light...

Ludmilla
The Primordial's power... it's flowing
into Clarice. I can see it!

Clarice
Lud... milla...

Ludmilla
Clarice?!

Clarice
Is this... really okay?
Can I... really have... a happy ending?

Ludmilla
Of course you can! Like I said...
Without you, how could I be happy?

Clarice
Miss...

Ludmilla
Can I get you anything? Water? Maybe
I should treat your wounds first.

Clarice
I'd like for you...
To hug me...

Ludmilla
Oh, um... like this? I see... you must
have been so scared. There, there.

Clarice
Yes, I was very scared... so...
I'd like 3 hugs per day from now on.

Ludmilla
Huh?

Clarice
And... I'd like to feed you one bite per
mealtime, at least.

Clarice
And... we'll have to sleep together
every night. Otherwise, I'll die.

Ludmilla
...I don't think you will.

Clarice
Oh, I'm dying...
I'm dying right here and now!

Ludmilla
Fine, fine! I'll do it all, I promise!

Ludmilla
Things have certainly gotten strange...

Ludmilla
But I suppose there are worse ways
to spend a Halloween.

Ludmilla
Now our work truly begins. Everyone...
I beg you, don't lose heart.

Ludmilla
Funny. I've had that old lullaby stuck
in my head since leaving the mansion.

Ludmilla
I wonder if it has anything to do with
finding you again... Clarice.

Ludmilla
"The sun in the sky...
Comes down from on high..."

Ludmilla
"The dark shadows grow, but where
do they go?"

Ludmilla
"Farewell, my friend, I'll see you
again... When morning comes..."

Ludmilla
"Our long night will end."

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