*: Oh, if it isn't young <pc>! You came along at just the right time! I've got a favour to ask, you see.

*: The other day I was playing with my lad—you know, messing around, as you do. Well, anyway, he's got this flurry feather that he loves, and well...fool that I am, I managed to let it blow away.

*: Luckily, the wind only blew it as far as the roof of your shed. I'd go and get it myself, but I'm not too good with heights, I'm afraid...

*: Anyway, I know you're a brave young fellow, so I was wondering if you'd mind clambering up there and getting it back for me. You'd be doing me a huge favour, I'm telling you.

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Oh. That's...unexpected. I mean, what is it the priest is always saying? ‘Be nice to others!’ Maybe you should bear that in mind next time someone asks you to do them a simple kindness...

*: I knew you'd help me out! You always paid attention to what the priest said in church—you know, that stuff about always being kind to others. You're a fine fellow, and no mistake!

*: Now, there's no time to lose! My son's desperate to get his beloved feather back—hurry on over to your shed!

*: I'm sure you've climbed onto your fair share of roofs, but just find something to clamber onto and press  to jump up there.

*: Once you've found that flurry feather, bring it back here and I'll see if I can't give you a little something in return. Best of luck!

*: Listen, you've probably got plenty to keep you busy already, but you'd be doing me a massive favour if you'd go up onto your shed roof and get my boy's feather back.

*: I'm sure you've climbed onto your fair share of roofs, but just find something to clamber onto and press  to jump up there.

*: Once you've found that flurry feather, bring it back here and I'll see if I can't give you a little something in return. Best of luck!

*: There you are, <pc>! And it looks like you've got the feather! Would you mind letting me have it?<yesno>

*: Hey, what are you playing at!? Do I really have to remind you again about all that stuff the priest is always saying about being kind to others?

*: Thanks! I knew you wouldn't let me down! I can't wait to see the look on my boy's face! Oh, and before I forget, here's a little something in return...

*: And that's not all! I've got a tip for you I hope you'll find useful. If you ever want to do someone a good turn, look for a purple speech bubble above their head.

*: Listen to what they have to say and see if you can do anything to help—it always pays to be kind to others!

*: But don't feel that just because someone's shared their woes with you, you have to help them right away. You can always come back when you want a little change of pace, or if you're not sure what to do next.

*: Anyway, thanks again, <pc>. I really owe you one. Now, just remember—whatever's waiting for you up ahead, be kind to others, and you'll do just fine!

*: When I let my boy's flurry feather get blown away, I thought he was going to disown me. You really helped me out of a tight spot, <pc>!

*: You'll always be able to tell when someone needs a helping hand. They'll have a purple speech bubble floating about their heads, just like I did.

*: If you spot any folks who look like they might need your help, make sure to have a word with them—it always pays to do what you can for others.

*: But don't feel that just because someone's shared their woes with you, you have to help them right away. You can always come back when you want a little change of pace, or you aren't sure what to do next.

*: Anyway, thanks again, <pc>. I really owe you one. Now, just remember—whatever's waiting for you up ahead, be kind to others, and you'll do just fine!

*: I came all the way to Heliodor with just one goal in mind—to catch a glimpse of two of the greatest heroes in all of history: Sir Jasper and Sir Hendrik!

*: The only problem is that they won't let me into the castle. Can you believe it? Well, if I'm not going to get to meet them in person, I suppose I'll have to bide my time by reading up on them instead.

*: You know, if you wanted to earn my eternal gratitude, you could help me find a book about the exploits of those two fabulous knights.

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Oh well, it was worth a try. I had wanted to bone up on all their tales of derring-do, but I know when to quit. I suppose I'll do some souvenir shopping and head off home...

*: Oh thank you so much! I know there's a book about my two favourite knights just sitting on a bookshelf somewhere!

*: I've taken a look around the west of the city, so maybe you should head east. If you see any bookshelves with red books in them, take a closer look—apparently, they're the ones worth reading.

*: If you do manage to find a book about Jasper and Hendrik, make sure to come back and tell me all about it, won't you? Good luck!

It's a book entitled ‘The Soldier and the Strategist – A Tale of Two Heroes’.

It appears to be all about Heliodor's two most noble and knightly heroes.

*: I've come all the way to Heliodor, so I'm not going to go home without at least learning a little more about my heroes, Sir Hendrik and Sir Jasper.

*: I just know there's a book all about them both sitting on a bookshelf somewhere in the city—there must be!

*: I've taken a look around the west of the city, so maybe you should head east. If you see any bookshelves with red books in them, take a closer look—apparently, they're the ones worth reading.

*: If you do manage to find a book about everyone's favourite knights, make sure to come back and tell me all about it, won't you? Good luck!

It's a book entitled ‘The Soldier and the Strategist – A Tale of Two Heroes’.

‘No matter how ferocious an assault the monsters may launch against Heliodor, this great kingdom shall not fall, for two heroic figures will stand in the path of any attacker.

‘The first is Sir Hendrik, a warrior without equal. Countless times has he ridden his colossal black steed Obsidian fearlessly into the heart of an oncoming assault, scattering the enemy like so many leaves.

‘He is chivalrous to a fault, and considered by many to be the greatest swordsman in the world—even the vilest, most towering troll dare not stand its ground when faced with his whirling greatsword.

‘The second half of this gallant duo is the shrewd and ingenious Sir Jasper. Regarded as the sharpest military mind of the age, he has led heavily outnumbered forces to glorious victory again and again.

‘Though as a swordsman he may be no match for Sir Hendrik, his ability to analyse any battlefield and quickly arrive at the ideal strategy for the situation at hand is unrivalled.

‘With these two great men—the Swordsman and the Strategist—to protect it, Heliodor need fear no foe.’

You found the book about the two great heroes of Heliodor! You should go and tell the tourist who was looking for it!

*: Oh, hello there! I can tell from that look in your eyes that you found that book! Go on—tell me what it said!

*: ...What's that? Sir Hendrik is the mightier swordsman, but Sir Jasper is a peerless military tactician? I'd heard as much!

*: ...And between the two of them, they've made Heliodor a nigh on unbeatable military force! Well, I never! Fancy that!

*: Ahh, I'm so glad you shared that with me! Now I feel a lot closer to my heroes—and I feel a lot safer knowing they're around to protect Heliodor!

*: Thank you so much for enlightening me! I may not have met them, but this is the next best thing! Here's a little something to say thank you!

It's a book entitled ‘The Soldier and the Strategist – A Tale of Two Heroes’.

‘No matter how ferocious an assault the monsters may launch against Heliodor, this great kingdom shall not fall, for two heroic figures will stand in the path of any attacker.

‘The first is Sir Hendrik, a warrior without equal. Countless times has he ridden his colossal black steed Obsidian fearlessly into the heart of an oncoming assault, scattering the enemy like so many leaves.

‘He is chivalrous to a fault, and considered by many to be the greatest swordsman in the world—even the vilest, most towering troll dare not stand its ground when faced with his whirling greatsword.

‘The second half of this gallant duo is the shrewd and ingenious Sir Jasper. Regarded as the sharpest military mind of the age, he has led heavily outnumbered forces to glorious victory again and again.

‘Though as a swordsman he may be no match for Sir Hendrik, his ability to analyse any battlefield and quickly arrive at the ideal strategy for the situation at hand is unrivalled.

‘With these two great men—the Swordsman and the Strategist—to protect it, Heliodor need fear no foe.’

*: So between the two of them, Sir Jasper and Sir Hendrik have made Heliodor a nigh on unbeatable military force? Fancy that!

*: Ahh, I'm so glad you shared that with me! Now I feel a lot closer to my heroes—and I feel a lot safer knowing they're around to protect Heliodor!

*: This just goes to show that there are all kinds of amazing facts just sitting in books waiting to be read! If you see a bookshelf with a red book, make sure to have a good leaf through it!

*: Waaah! Waaah! Amelia's stuck on the roof! She won't come down! Waaah!

*: Someone help meee! Amelia's stuck on the roof! You have to help!

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Waaah! You're horrible!

*: Oh thank you! Thank you so much! You're so nice! Please get Amelia down! She's scared of heights, you know!

*: Meeew!

The cat sounds distressed.

*: According to this poor nipper, her friend Amelia's gone an' got stuck on the roof.

*: You can get out on the rooftops from the item shop, but I can't leave 'er 'ere bawlin' to go an' get it, can I? Cor, wot a pickle...

*: Waaah! Waaah! Amelia's stuck on the roof! She won't come down! Waaah!

*: Poor Amelia! She must be starving!

*: Please, mister! You have to help Amelia! She's stuck on the roof! You have to get her down!

*: Meeew!

The cat's paw seems to be stuck in a hole in the roof. Do you want to help it?<yesno>

*: Miaooow!

<pc> gently removes the cat's paw from the hole.

*: Miaaaowr!

You helped the little girl's cat! Go and tell her the good news!

*: Y-You did it! You got Amelia off the roof! Thank you! Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! Here, take this!

*: If you got up on that roof, you can get onto others! You can probably even climb down chimneys!

*: Mmm! Mmmeowww!

*: So you're the 'ero who climbed up on the roof an' came to the rescue, eh? Nice one, mate! She looks pleased as punch to 'ave 'er cat back!

*: Thank you so much for getting my kitty back, mister! I'm glad you didn't get stuck on the roof too!

*: If you got up on that roof, you can get onto others! You can probably even climb down chimneys!

*: So that blue-haired chap with you is called Erik, is he? Well, he looks like he knows how to handle himself. You could have picked a worse travelling companion, that's for certain.

*: Now, tell me something—have you heard of pep powers? They're special attacks that you can only unleash with the help of your companions.

*: Basically, they're what happens when spells and abilities are mixed together in various combinations. And believe me, they're well worth learning. Heh heh! I can see I've piqued your interest!

*: Alright, let me think... Ah, of course! I've got just the one for you to try! I'm pretty sure that if you and your friend Erik put your minds to it, you'll be able to master a little cracker known as The Real Decoy!

*: All you need to do is team up and try it out on some hapless monster. You'll soon see how incredible it is. Well, what do you say—fancy giving it a try?

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Hmph. I see. So you'd rather do things alone, eh? Well, it's your loss. Trust me, there's nothing quite like a pep power. Ah, well...

*: That's the spirit! But just one word of warning—this pep power won't work unless the people performing it are pepped up.

*: And what does that mean, I hear you ask? Well, it's when you're in battle, and monsters are attacking you, and suddenly you find that you're fully focused and ready for anything!

*: That should be enough to get you there, I'm sure. Now, stop listening to me waffling on and get out there and try it! Once you've taken out a monster with The Real Decoy, come back and let me know!

*: No doubt about it, you and that blue-haired chap could pull off The Real Decoy with panache! Now, go and find a hapless monster to try it out on!

*: But just one word of warning—you won't be able to use it unless both of you are pepped up.

*: And what does that mean, I hear you ask? Well, it's when you're in battle, and monsters are attacking you, and suddenly you find that you're fully focused and ready for anything!

You defeated a monster using The Real Decoy! Head back to the soldier by the church in the Heliodorian Foothills and tell him the good news!

*: ...No! Don't say a word! You don't need to! A man with my vast fighting experience can recognise a first-time pep power user a mile off!

*: The glint in your eyes, the spring in your step, the glow of satisfaction...oh, yes! You nailed it alright!

*: You should be proud of yourself! To have teamed up with a trusted ally and pulled off a pep power is a momentous day for any aspiring warrior!

*: It feels amazing, doesn't it? Yes, there's nothing like a pep power! And I must say, I feel rather proud of having opened your eyes to their wonder!

*: Here you are. Consider this a small souvenir to commemorate this magical moment!

*: Now, don't forget—there are many more pep powers out there just waiting to be discovered. The number of ways in which spells and abilities can be combined is beyond even my imagining!

*: And don't think they're all just two-person affairs—oh no, there are some that need three of you to be pepped up before they can be performed too!

*: To cut a long story short, the more spells and abilities you master, and the more companions you meet, the more pep powers will become available to you.

*: Which just goes to show that you can't always go it alone in this life. No, there are times when it really pays to work with others!

*: There are all kinds of pep powers out there just waiting to be discovered. The number of ways in which spells and abilities can be combined is beyond even my imagining!

*: And don't think they're all just two-person affairs—oh no, there are some that need three of you to be pepped up before they can be performed too!

*: To cut a long story short, the more spells and abilities you master, and the more companions you meet, the more pep powers will become available to you.

*: Which just goes to show that you can't always go it alone in this life. No, there are times when it really pays to work with others!

*: A wedding beckons.

My son is to tie the knot,

But he needs a ring...

*: I have the gold ore,

But sadly not the talent

To craft a gold ring.

*: ...But could it be true?

Could you have a Fun-Size Forge,

And know how it works?

*: Please, forge a gold ring!

And not just a normal one—

My son demands it!

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?

You'll need to forge a +1 gold ring or better.<yesno>

*: This is a dark day...

My hopes dashed against the rocks

Like boats in a storm...

*: What a joyful day!

Now, open this treasure chest!

Take what lies within!

*: You will need this too.

Take the tome I offer you,

And study it well.

<pc> receives the book containing the recipe for the gold ring!

*: Learn the recipe.

Gather the items it lists

And craft a gold ring.

*: And if you should fail,

Use a perfectionist's pearl.

Try your hand again.

*: Forge the ring I crave.

Do not equip it yourself,

For my son needs it.

*: Please, I beg of you!

Pray, make my son's dreams come true

With a ring of gold!

*: Please, forge a gold ring.

And not just a normal one—

My son demands more!

*: I have what you need.

Just open this treasure chest,

Take what lies within.

*: You will need this too.

Take the tome I offer you,

And study it well.

*: And if you should fail,

Use a perfectionist's pearl.

Try your hand again.

*: Forge the ring I crave.

Do not equip it yourself,

For my son needs it.

*: Please, I beg of you!

Pray, make my son's dreams come true

With a ring of gold!

*: Do you have the ring?

One of refined quality,

Shining like the sun?<yesno>

*: Do not toy with me!

My son's wedding is at hand,

Time is against me!

*: A wonder, a joy!

All I had hoped for and more!

Please, take this reward!

*: I am so grateful!

My son will be overjoyed,

His wedding perfect!

*: I owe you so much!

You and your miniature forge—

A thing of wonder!

*: The sweat on one's brow,

The hammer on hot iron—

The life of a smith.

*: Art of our fathers.

A village built on this trade.

A proud tradition.

*: We need iron ore.

The mountains abound in it—

An endless supply.

*: Help us to find it!

Gather the ore we so need—

A reward awaits!

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Your words pain my heart...

Your refusal saddens me

Like autumn's first chill...

*: You are still so young,

Yet you fear effort and toil,

Lazy as the sloth!

*: Your words glow like gems!

You have a miner's spirit,

A will of iron!

*: Now, seek out that ore.

Look for crystals in the rocks.

There you will find it.

*: Find a source of ore.

Rain down blows with your hammer—

The prize will be yours.

*: Head west from Hotto.

The earth's wealth awaits you there—

Bring me what you find!

*: Seek out iron ore.

Look closely for its sparkle,

Blessing of the rocks.

*: Look out for crystals

Glittering in the rock face.

There you will find it.

*: Find a source of ore.

Rain down blows with your hammer—

The prize will be yours.

*: Head west from Hotto.

The earth's wealth awaits you there—

Bring me what you find!

*: You have found the ore!

Now, friend, I must beg of you—

Please, let it be mine!<yesno>

*: Your words pain my heart.

Yet I still have a faint hope—

You may change your mind...

<pc> hands over the iron ore.

*: ...Now I must confess—

In truth, we had enough ore.

I wished to test you.

*: You passed with aplomb!

You have a true miner's heart—

You may keep the ore!

<pc> receives the iron ore!

*: But that is not all!

I must reward you further—

This tome, too, is yours!

*: You have learned a lot—

About mining, about ore...

And about yourself!

*: A smith without ore—

Bereft as a winter nest,

Birds long departed...

*: Remember my words:

Find those precious seams of ore,

Let your hammer swing!

*: Do not fear shortage—

In time, the seam will give more,

Like new leaves in spring.

*: How much longer must I wait...? Why must the sands torture me so...?

*: ...Ah. Good day to you. You are perhaps wondering why I am standing here, yes? The truth is, I am a painter, and I am waiting for a scene worthy of being immortalised by my hand.

*: I have already envisaged the sort of image I would like to paint: a mighty, magnificent conflict unfolding in the desert...

*: Alas, the sands have yet to oblige me. There is something missing...

*: But what could it be...? The setting is perfect, and there are plenty of spitzfires... Ah, but of course—conflict! Cataclysmic, chaotic conflict in the form of a magnificent move such as Wild Side!

*: Wait—perhaps you could assist me! Venture out into the Celestial Sands and slay a spitzfire by unleashing your Wild Side—that will provide me with a tableau truly worthy of my talents!

*: Surely you will not refuse a struggling artist in his hour of need?

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Oh. How disappointing. It would have made a wonderful painting, I am certain... Still, things cannot always be as one would like them to be...

*: Oh, wonderful! A thousand thank yous! Yours is the kind of attitude that can inspire a masterpiece, I am sure!

*: Now, before you venture out into the sands, I feel that I should remind you that Wild Side can only be performed by three very specific people. That should give you an idea of its power—and its beauty!

*: If you want to know who exactly needs to be pepped up in order to perform it, simply select ‘Attributes’ from the menu and press  to find out more about your pep powers.

*: Now, get out there and show me the beauty of battle! I will ensure that you are immortalised on canvas!

*: I would like you to venture out into the Celestial Sands and slay a spitzfire by unleashing your Wild Side. That will provide me with a tableau worthy of my talents!

*: Now remember—Wild Side is a pep power that must be performed by three very specific people.

*: If you want to know who exactly needs to be pepped up in order to perform it, simply select ‘Attributes’ from the menu and press  to find out more about your pep powers.

*: Now, get out there and show me the beauty of battle! I will ensure that you are immortalised on canvas!

You unleashed your Wild Side and slew a spitzfire! You should go and tell the painter in front of the noticeboard in northern Gallopolis!

*: I saw it all! Every single moment! Even from this distance, I could sense the glorious intensity of the battle!

*: And do you know, inspiration for a title for my masterpiece has already struck—it shall be called ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’!

*: But now is not the time to be thinking of titles—I must devote all my energies to completing the work itself!

*: Ah, but before I forget, I must give you something to thank you for your assistance. Please...

*: Truly, it has been years since I witnessed such a stimulating scene! These are the moments an artist lives for! A thousand thank yous, young man!

*: I have already chosen a title for my masterpiece! It shall be called ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’!

*: But now is not the time to be thinking of titles—I must devote all my energies to completing the work!

*: And as soon as it is finished, I must devote myself to my next great project: capturing the ominous majesty of Erdwin's Lantern!

*: Oh! Good day to you! I assume you are here to sample Gallopolis's world-renowned cactus cutlet?

*: If so, I am afraid I have bad news for you—the kitchen is currently closed while I dedicate my energies to improving the recipe.

*: I am certain that a golden globule would intensify the flavour tenfold, but acquiring such an ingredient is easier said than done. The golden globes—the cacti who carry them—are extremely vicious...

*: Ah, but they would pose no problem for a young and no doubt vigorous individual such as yourself, I am sure!

*: Perhaps you could assist me? Would you be willing to hunt down a golden globe in order to acquire the golden globule I require in order to perfect my cutlets?

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Aha ha ha! But of course. A thousand pardons. I should never have made such a demand of a stranger. How terribly rude of me...

*: I shall have to make do with the ingredients I have. I will seek out other ways of improving the flavour of my cutlets. I only hope I am able to find one...

*: You will? Oh, praise the sands! I can assure you that you are about to play a crucial role in culinary history!

*: The golden globes which drop the golden globule that I require are curious beasts. They appear very occasionally alongside their cactiball brethren in combat out in the desert surrounding Gallopolis.

*: They are not the most common of creatures, I confess, but if you were to engage enough cactiballs in battle, you would be sure to encounter one eventually.

*: I only require a single golden globule. That will be more than enough for the culinary experiments I wish to perform. I pray that it will not take too long for you to find one and deliver it to me.

*: My cactus cutlets require an additional...something to take their flavour to the next level, and I am keen to try using a golden globule in my next batch.

*: However, the golden globes that drop them are curious beasts. They appear very occasionally alongside their cactiball brethren in combat out in the desert surrounding Gallopolis.

*: They are not the most common of creatures, I confess, but if you were to engage enough cactiballs in battle, you would be sure to encounter one eventually.

*: I only require a single golden globule. That will be more than enough for the culinary experiments I wish to perform. I pray that it will not take too long for you to find one and deliver it to me.

You got a golden globule! You should take it to the chef at the Aloe Beera in Gallopolis.

*: Ah! Good day to you. Does your presence here mean that you have brought me a golden globule?<yesno>

*: Oh... That is rather disappointing, I must confess...

*: But I have faith in you still! You are the only one who can acquire one for me—and I am fully confident that you will!

*: By the sands—a golden globule! Is it not so much more charming than any ordinary cactus? And its texture appears to be perfect! This will make for a most satisfying cutlet indeed!

*: Perhaps I should sample a small piece of it raw... (nibble) Hmm... (munch) Oh! It is so rich and juicy! And so very sharp—just as a cactus should be!

*: My cactus cutlets will soon taste better than ever, of that I am absolutely certain!

*: A thousand thank yous, friend! You have improved the lives of cutlet-lovers everywhere! Please, allow me to give you a little something in return...

*: Golden globes are not the only rarefied forms of regular monsters. Seeking others out would provide you with valuable experience, I am sure.

*: Ah, good day to you, friend! I am pleased to report that as a result of your heroics, my cactus cutlets are growing tastier every day!

*: I am not quite satisfied just yet, however. Rest assured that you will be the first to sample the new recipe as soon as it has been perfected!

*: Golden globes are not the only rarefied forms of regular monsters. Seeking others out would provide you with valuable experience, I am sure.

*: The city of Gondolia lies beyond this checkpoint. It is known for its busy port, and for the crowds of people that throng its streets.

*: Somewhere among those crowds is my dear little sister. She went to Gondolia to pursue her career, and has been too busy to come home since. I dearly hope that she is well...

*: Greetings, traveller. My name is Hakim. Please pardon my impertinence, but I assume you are making the journey to Gondolia? If so, I have a favour I would like to ask of you.

Hakim

I have a sister, you see. Her name is Akia, and she works in a bakery in the city.

Hakim

It seems she has been very busy of late, and has been unable to come home and visit as a result. As such, I have written her a letter.

Hakim

Unfortunately, I am not permitted to leave my post. Would you be so good as to deliver the letter to Akia on my behalf?

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Hakim

...I understand. It was most impudent of me to ask such a favour of a stranger. Forgive me, please.

Hakim

You will!? Oh, praise the sands! Only one with a truly kind heart would agree to assist a stranger in this manner!

Hakim

Here is the letter I would like you to deliver. I do not need to tell you this, of course, but its contents are very important. Do not lose it, please!

<pc> receives Hakim's letter.

Hakim

Akia works in a bakery in the north-western part of Gondolia. I would be most grateful if you could deliver the letter to her there.

*: Doge Rotondo is rightly revered as the greatest merchant in all of Gondolia. I consider it an honour to be in his employ!

*: If you are no sure what to buy, I recommend the cream cake. Is fresh from the oven! It tastes like the heaven! Molto delizioso!

*: Is so tiring, working in the bakery from the morning until the night. Now I finish, I want to eat something sweet. Allora, what I choose today...?

Hakim

Please, you must deliver the letter I gave you to my sister in Gondolia.

Hakim

She works in a bakery in the north-western part of the city. I would be most grateful if you could deliver the letter to her there.

*: ...Hm? You are looking for a young lady named Akia? Well...my name is Akia. Do you think I might be the one you are looking for?<yesno>

Akia

No? Are you sure? There are no other people of that name in Gondolia...

Akia

Oh! Is this...a letter from Hakim!? A thousand thank yous! I shall read it right away! Let me see...

‘My dearest Akia,

Are you well? I hope that your apprenticeship at the bakery is not proving to be too draining. I am certain that you will do well there.

‘After all, you have always been such a hard worker, ever since you were a little girl.

‘Now that the misery of our old life is a thing of the past, I pray that you are enjoying your freedom. I cannot wait to see you blossom into a fully fledged baker.

‘I have enclosed a few gold coins. Hopefully they will make life a little easier for you. I very much hope to see you one day soon—and to taste one of your delicious cakes! With all my love, Hakim’

Akia

Oh, poor Hakim... How he must scrimp and save in order to send me money...

Akia

I must write him my own letter in response. Wait a moment, please. It will not take long.

<pc> waits while Akia writes her letter...

Akia

I realise that this is quite the imposition, but would you mind returning to the western checkpoint and delivering this to Hakim?

<pc> receives Akia's letter.

Akia

Also, I would very much appreciate it if you did not tell my brother that I no longer work at the bakery. That is something I would like to tell him myself when the time is right.

Akia

A thousand thank yous for your kind assistance, friend. May the sun smile upon you always.

When you have time, you should go and deliver Akia's letter to her brother Hakim at the checkpoint west of Gallopolis.

*: ...Eh? ‘Akia’? A letter from my brother? No, no, no! My name is no Akia, and I have no brother! You talk to the wrong person, signore!

*: Sì, Akia work here before, but then she finish. Finito!

*: Is a shame—she is a talented baker. But she say to me she find the better job. I think now she work for Doge Rotondo as a maid.

*: Allora, I see her today, just near the house of the Doge. She seemed to be molto, molto busy. If you meet with her, say ‘ciao’ from me!

Hakim

Oh! You have returned! Did you see my sister? How is she? Is she well?

Give Akia's letter to Hakim?<yesno>

Hakim

Hm? Why will you not answer me? This is hardly very polite...

Hakim

Oh! Is this...? It is! A letter from my dearest Akia! A thousand thank yous for bringing it to me! I cannot wait to see what it says...

‘Dear Hakim,

I received your letter. Thank you. Thank you also for the money. I know that it cannot be easy for you to have to support us both.

‘If it were not for your assistance, I would be unable to follow my dream of becoming a baker. I am learning so much here. Only the other day, my master mentioned how much I had improved.

‘I will continue to work hard, Hakim. I want you to be proud of me.

With all my love,

Akia’

Hakim

Aha ha! Dear little Akia! She sounds as though she is doing well—and working hard!

Hakim

In truth, life has not been easy for her. Our father did not treat us well...

Hakim

He was once a kind and gentle man, but then he suffered a terrible injury, which made him horribly bitter. Akia and I would often bear the brunt of his frustration...

Hakim

It was not a pleasant environment in which to grow up. Which is why I want to ensure that she can enjoy her life now that she is free of it.

Hakim

Her letter has brought me great relief. I am indebted to you for delivering it to me. Please, accept this by way of thanks.

Akia

I know that it is a terrible imposition, but would you mind returning to the western checkpoint and delivering my letter to Hakim?

Akia

If you are kind enough to do so, I would appreciate it if you did not tell him that I no longer work at the bakery. That is something I would like to tell him myself, when the time is right...

Akia

A thousand thank yous for your kind assistance, friend. May the sun smile upon you always.

*: Akia, she work here before, but then she finish. Finito!

*: Is a shame—she is a talented baker. But she say to me she find the better job. I think now she work for Doge Rotondo as a maid.

*: Allora, I see her today, just near the house of the Doge. She seemed to be molto, molto busy. If you meet with her, say ‘ciao’ from me!

Hakim

Life has not been easy for Akia. Our father did not treat us well...

Hakim

He was once a kind and gentle man, but then he suffered a terrible injury, which made him horribly bitter. Akia and I would often bear the brunt of his frustration...

Hakim

It was not a pleasant environment in which to grow up. Which is why I want to ensure that she can enjoy her life now that she is free of it.

Hakim

Her letter brought me great relief. I am indebted to you for delivering it to me.

Akia

Good day to you! Please, allow me to thank you once more for your fine delivery work.

Akia

Hakim's letter brought me great comfort. It is a most pleasant feeling to know that we are connected despite being so far apart.

Akia

Oh! It is you! The one who delivered Hakim's letter! Your timing could not be better. I find myself in need of your assistance once more...

Akia

Could you deliver another letter for me, please? This time it is going to Puerto Valor, to a gentleman who lives there by the name of Valentino.

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Akia

Oh... I was under the impression that you liked nothing better than making deliveries. I suppose I must have been mistaken...

Akia

A thousand thank yous! Here is the letter.

<pc> receives Akia's letter.

Akia

In order to travel to Puerto Valor, you must sail to the north-west. Valentino will not be difficult to find when you arrive there, I am sure.

Akia

Please be aware that my letter tells Valentino everything, including the fact that I abandoned my career as a baker to come and work here.

Akia

As such, it would be a disaster for me if it fell into the wrong hands. You must take great care of it, and ensure that it reaches its destination safely.

*: ...Hm? You are a new client? Lo siento, señor. I am sorry, but I am on holiday at the moment. Perhaps you can come and see me when I am back at work, sí?

*: ...Sorry? What kind of work do I do? ¡Je je! Then you are not a client? Honestly, I think it is better if you do not know...

*: Yes? Can I help you? Ha. I doubt it. Who would require the help of a simple stable boy...

*: Of course, I was not always a stable boy. No—once I was a celebrated horseman. The name ‘Abu’ rang out from every corner of the racetrack. Until my fall, that is...

Abu

But while I may no longer be able to ride, it still pleases me to be near my beloved horses. There are certainly worse situations in which I could have found myself.

Abu

Now, that is quite enough of my tale of woe. I must return to work. I am sure to lose my job if my superiors catch me idling.

Akia

In order to travel to Puerto Valor, you must sail to the north-west. Valentino will not be difficult to find when you arrive there, I am sure.

Akia

Please be aware that my letter tells Valentino everything, including the fact that I abandoned my career as a baker to come and work here.

Akia

As such, it would be a disaster for me if it fell into the wrong hands. You must take great care of it, and ensure that it reaches its destination safely.

*: ¿Qué? You are searching for a man by the name of Valentino? Then señor, you have found him.

Give Akia's letter to Valentino?<yesno>

Valentino

So now you have found me, you have nothing to say? Ay ay ay... Please, do not waste my time. I am trying to enjoy my holiday.

Valentino

A letter for me? There is only one person who would write me a letter. It is from Akia in Gondolia, sí? Ay, it has been a very long time. Let me see what she has to say...

‘Dear Doctor,

It has been a while, has it not? My apologies for not writing since I last visited.

‘But I have good news! I finally have the money! I can finally pay you to treat my father's leg!

‘We must hurry, Doctor! Please, come to Gondolia right away!

Yours expectantly,

Akia’

Valentino

¡Mi querida! The poor dear child... Akia has still not given up the hope that Abu's leg may one day be healed...

Valentino

Ah, but perhaps I should explain. As you just heard, I am a doctor. Akia heard of my reputation, and came to me to ask if I could treat her papi's injured leg.

Valentino

But at the time, I could not help her. ¡Ay de mí! The treatment required by her papi cost far more than she could afford...

Valentino

I believe that is why she abandoned her career as a baker—she wanted to earn more money so that she could save up and pay for the treatment of her papi.

Valentino

...Unfortunately, it is impossible for me to treat her father's injury. Please, take this letter to Akia. It is very important—muy importante, sí? She must know the truth of the situation.

You've received an important letter. Deliver it to Akia on the east side of the main street in Gondolia.

Akia

Welcome back! You delivered my letter to Valentino, yes? Well? How did he react?

Akia

...What!? N-No... Surely not...! He refuses to treat my father!? But...why?

Give Akia the important letter?<yesno>

Akia

I-If this is a trick you are playing on me, then you are the cruellest man alive!

<pc> gives the important letter to Akia.

Akia

Hm? This letter is not addressed to me—it is addressed to Valentino...and the sender is...?

Akia

‘A-A-Abu’!? My father...?

Akia

Wh-Why is my father sending letters to Valentino? And why are you delivering them to me? Perhaps things will become clearer if I read it. Let me see...

‘Doctor Valentino,

I have heard that my daughter visited you, and asked you to treat my leg.

‘You must do something for me, Doctor: if Akia offers to pay for my treatment, I would ask that you refuse.

‘I would also ask that you give her the few coins which I enclose in this envelope. Tell her that they are to help her follow her dream of becoming a baker.

‘I have saved up this small sum through my work in the stables, in the hope that they might help my dear daughter.

‘I have been a terrible father to my children. Nothing I do now will ever change that. But I would like to try and help in this at least. Thank you, Doctor. Your humble servant, Abu’

Akia

I... I see... So my father knew about my plan. In truth, I thought he had forgotten all about me...

Akia

But it seems my career means a great deal to him... And here I am, having abandoned it all in order to try and help him...

Akia

He was thinking of me all along... But why make his feelings known through such roundabout means...?

Akia

I must thank you for bringing me this letter. It has brought my father and I together again, if only indirectly. Please, accept this as a small token of my gratitude...

Hakim

Akia told me that she had some very important news. I left my post at the checkpoint and came here right away.

Hakim

She has told me everything—of her attempts to pay for treatment for our father...and of the fact that she abandoned her baking career in order to do so...

Hakim

To think that she would make such sacrifices for the sake of one who treated us both so badly... Who never so much as sent either of us a single letter...!

Valentino

Akia has been saving money to pay for her father's treatment, sí? Oh querida... The poor thing... The truth is, I cannot treat her father's injuries. Es imposible...

Valentino

Ay, but I cannot be the one to tell her this. It is a matter for the family to solve among themselves, no?

Valentino

You must take this letter to Akia, señor. It is... It is very important, that is all I can say...

Akia

I left the bakery and abandoned my dream, all because I wished to earn money to pay for my father's treatment...

Akia

Little did I know that my father had also been working, despite his injury, in order to support my career...

Akia

But at last we understand one another—and that is no small thing, given the distance that was between us.

Akia

Our first priority must be to ensure that he receives the treatment he requires. My brother and I will remain by his side until he recovers.

Hakim

Akia informed me of the contents of our father's letter. I was surprised to learn that he had been working so hard in order to help her achieve her dream...

Hakim

But this does not mean that I forgive him. As far as I am concerned, Akia is the only family I have. It has always been this way, and it will always be this way.

Hakim

She is, however, very insistent... And I do not wish to let her down...

Hakim

Perhaps I will agree to join her and my father at next year's Sand National. She has expressed a wish for us to go there as a family, and to cheer on some of the horses that my father has been looking after...

Valentino

You delivered the letter I gave to you, sí? Ay, I can only hope it will help to bring that poor family a little closer together...

Valentino

It is strange though, no? Es muy extraño... People are unable to reconcile their differences without the help of a letter delivered by someone they do not even know...

Valentino

But we do not know what we have until it is gone, eh? This is as true of families as it is of everything else. I pray that your little delivery will help to heal their rift...

*: Yes, I am Abu... Do you require something from me?

Abu

...Why are you staring at me like this? Do I have something stuck to my face? We do not know each other...do we?

Abu

Please, if you do not require anything, I must ask you to leave me alone. I cannot neglect my work. For the sake of my children...

Abu

I must provide them with the money they need to follow their dreams. That is all I can hope to do for them now...

*: I was a terrible father to my children. That is why I decided to work my fingers to the bone to provide for them. I had given up on our being reconciled, but I did not want them to be ashamed of Abu...

Abu

And yet, by some miracle, they have returned to me! I cannot believe it! I feel as though I am dreaming!

Abu

They have told me of what you did, friend. I thank you. From the bottom of my heart. If it were not for your assistance, my family would be lost to me still.

Akia

Ah! It is wonderful to see you again! The world has become such a dangerous place lately, I was more than a little worried about you!

Akia

Thank you for all that you did for us—as a result of your kind efforts, we are a family once more!

Hakim

Good day to you. A thousand thank yous once again for all that you did for my sister.

Hakim

But there is something I would like to make clear—the fact that I am standing here with my father does not mean I have forgiven him.

Hakim

It is true, however, that he is not quite the dreadful man he once was... Age has...softened him... And Akia and I are no longer children, either...

Valentino

¡Je je je! No deliveries for me today, eh? It must be a tiring job, carrying letters from one corner of Erdrea to another!

Valentino

Por fortuna, you are not the only one who performs this role. In fact, I received a letter from Akia only this morning. It seems their family has been reunited, no? Ay, that is wonderful news! ¡Buenas noticias!

*: Did you know, traveller, that these fields were once part of a great kingdom? Zwaardsrust, they called it. In its heyday, its grandeur equalled that of Heliodor or Gallopolis.

*: That is, until one night, when an enormous swarm of monsters razed the entire nation to the ground. Now, all that remain are ruins. Its former glory is but a distant memory...

*: But some remnants yet linger. The souls of those who were slain on that fateful night are still bound to those ruins by the weight of their grief.

*: Twisted by their fury at the monsters who destroyed their homeland, and by their frustration at being unable to protect it, they have become monsters themselves... Deadnauts...

*: When night falls, they rise from their graves and prowl the ruins of Zwaardsrust. To atone for their failure, and to assuage their wrath, they attack any whom they encounter on sight.

*: Traveller, those fiends were once my kinfolk. I cannot bear to see them suffer so. Will you help to end their torment and allow them to rest in peace at last?

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: I see... No doubt a warrior such as yourself has more pressing issues to deal with. I only ask that once those deeds are done, you return to this place and reconsider my plea.

*: Thank you, my friend! My researches into the art of exorcism have led me to believe that my former countrymen will only find peace if they are purified by means of the pep power known as Care Prayer.

*: Your blonde-haired companion is skilled in the art of curative magic, is she not? Perhaps she might know something of this ability.

*: I would bid you explore the ruins of Zwaardsrust at night and meet with the deadnauts. Say a Care Prayer for their eternal souls before defeating them, and they will surely find peace at last.

*: If you were to say a Care Prayer for their eternal souls before banishing them to the beyond, the deadnauts—my former countrymen—would surely find peace at last.

*: I believe it is what is termed a ‘pep power’. Your friend with the long blonde hair has an aptitude for restorative magic, has she not? Perhaps she might know something of how it might be performed.

*: The deadnauts emerge from their graves at night and prowl the ruins of Zwaardsrust Castle. They are ferocious foes indeed. Be careful, traveller.

You defeated a deadnaut after blessing it with a Care Prayer and saved its eternal soul! Return to the priest near the Warrior's Rest Inn and tell him the good news!

*: The voices... Those mournful moans that have echoed through the night air for decades... They have finally fallen silent...

*: You have done it, traveller! You have laid my kinfolk to rest at long last! I cannot thank you enough!

*: Please, allow me to give you this as a token of my gratitude...

*: It is not only in Zwaardsrust that tortured souls have been bound to this mortal plane and reborn as monsters.

*: I pray that such souls may one day find peace and make the journey back to the World Tree's holy Heart—the same journey you have so kindly helped my fallen kinfolk to complete.

*: It is not only in Zwaardsrust that tortured souls have been bound to this mortal plane and reborn as monsters.

*: I pray that such souls may one day find peace and make the journey back to the World Tree's holy Heart—the same journey you have so kindly helped my fallen kinfolk to complete.

*: These days, it's not enough for a fighter just to kick butt in the arena—you gotta look good while you're doin' it too! That's why skincare's so important, man.

*: But you knew that already, right? I mean, your skin's pretty darn smooth—nowhere near as smooth as mine, but still, not bad!

*: Fightin' in the arena means performing in front of a crowd, and that means lookin' your best at all times. Bad skin's bad news out there in the ring.

*: But keepin' things blemish-free ain't easy when you're gettin' punched in the face all day. Luckily, mellow vera can do a real good job of fixin' up a fighter's cuts and bruises. Which is why I want some—bad!

*: It grows by this big waterfall out west near where Dundrasil used to be. Once you got some, you just need to squeeze it to get the good stuff out!

*: Hey, you travel a lot, right? How about you head over there and grab some for me? I'll make it worth your while...

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Heh. I get what's goin' on here—you're jealous, right? You can't handle someone havin' better skin than you? That's pathetic, man!

*: Sweet! Thanks, man. Guess you got a good heart as well as good skin!

*: Oh, one thing you should know about mellow vera is that its roots go waaay down. Even the toughest fighter'd have trouble tryin' to pull that stuff outta the ground. You'll need to cut off a piece or somethin'.

*: So you remember where I said it grows, right? You'll see it sparkling near the big waterfall out west. Cut me off a piece and bring it back, okay?

*: My skin's cryin' out for some mellow vera, man! It grows near the big waterfall out west near where Dundrasil used to be.

*: The roots go waaay down into the ground, though, so you'll need to cut off a piece. And don't keep me waitin' too long—I can feel my skin gettin' crusty already!

You got some mellow vera! Take it to the fighter who's worried about his skin—he's standing near the arena in Octagonia!

*: So did you get the mellow vera?<yesno>

*: You didn't? What a let-down... I really thought you were gonna come through for me...

*: You gotta hurry, man! Standin' here waitin' ain't doin' my skin no favours!

*: Nice! That's the good stuff, right there! You know, I'd go get it myself, but I wouldn't have the first idea how.

*: Guess it's kinda embarrassing, but hey, I'm a fighter, not a gardener! Heh heh!

*: Anyhow, I don't gotta worry about that right now—I got me enough mellow vera here to keep me goin' for a while. Thanks, man. You really helped me out.

*: I'd give you a big ol' hug to say thanks, but my skin's so rough, it'd just be all scratchy and gross. Here, take this instead...

*: Look, man! Look how silky smooth my skin is! And it's all thanks to you! I bet you feel good about yourself now, huh?

*: This is fightin' talk I know, but I'm gonna go ahead and say it anyhow—I'm lookin' even better than Golden Boy himself!

*: I got the biggest collection of fighter autographs in all of Octagonia! I've pretty much got every single one! Not bad, right?

*: Look, I don't know who you are, but you don't wanna talk to me—I'm a nobody, trust me.

*: Sure, I'd love to be like Vince, lappin' up the love in the arena...but that just ain't how things turned out for me...

*: Hey, do you know Xero the Shadow? The MMA fighter? He's the coolest! He can just, like, disappear! The other guys don't even know he's there—that's his thing!

*: Anyhow, I really, really wanna get his autograph. He's pretty much the only fighter whose signature I don't have!

*: I'm not supposed to go off on my own, though... But you can go anywhere you want, right? Hey, could you go and get his autograph for me!?

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Oh. Okay... Guess you must be busy or something...

*: Wow, thanks! So I heard he was in the last MMA tournament, which means he should still be here in town.

*: I don't know what he looks like, but I'll bet he's big and strong and mean—you know, like a fighter! You'll find him easy enough, I'm sure!

*: Anyhow, I'll be waiting right here. Bring me Xero's autograph, and I'll be the happiest kid in Octagonia!

*: I heard Xero was in the last MMA tournament, which means he should still be here in town.

*: I don't know what he looks like, but I'll bet he's big and strong and mean—you know, like a fighter! You'll find him easy enough, I'm sure!

*: Anyhow, I'll be waiting right here. Bring me Xero's autograph, and I'll be the happiest kid in Octagonia!

*: Huh? You're lookin' for Xero? Well...you found him, I guess. I don't get why you'd wanna talk to me, though...

Xero the Shadow

What!? Some kid wants my autograph!?

Xero the Shadow

No way, man! That's impossible! How come he's even heard of me?

Xero the Shadow

I mean, people don't even notice I exist—that's, like, my whole thing! I don't even get a number for the partner draw because nobody there can see me. Every time it's the same—it's like I'm invisible!

Xero the Shadow

Like...they don't even notice when I shout right in their ears... It's... Well, it's kinda lonely... All I ever wanted was a chance to fight...

Xero the Shadow

...And this kid knows who I am, huh? Heh. He might be the only one who does... Which means he deserves an autograph, I guess. Here.

You got Xero's autograph! Take it to the boy who collects autographs in lower Octagonia!

*: So? Did you get Xero's autograph?<yesno>

*: Oh... Well, keep trying! You can do it, I know you can!

*: Whoa! You did it! This is amazing! And you talked to him too, right? What kind of guy is he?

*: ...What!? People don't even notice him when he's trying to talk to them!? Sounds like he's taken the disappearing act too far!

*: But it must be sooo cool when he does it in the arena... Even you'd have trouble fighting someone you couldn't see, right?

*: You know, I think he might be my new favourite fighter! I can't believe I finally got his autograph! Thank you, mister. Here, let me give you something for what you did...

Xero the Shadow

I gotta tell you, it feels good knowing there's somebody out there who wants my autograph...

Xero the Shadow

So don't keep the poor kid waiting—go hand it over!

*: Xero's so stealthy, people don't even notice when he's standing right next to them!

*: It's supercool that I got his autograph, but what I really want to do is meet the man himself. I'm gonna go look for him some day soon!

Xero the Shadow

I was gettin' tired of not being noticed, but I guess it's my thing now. I mean, I've even got myself a fan.

Xero the Shadow

I better make sure I stay invisible—if the poor kid ever finds out what I look like, he won't be a fan for much longer...

*: Oh dear... This is turning into rather a tricky situation all round... I really need to be heading home and getting back to work, but if I don't get her what she wants, there'll be hell to pay...

*: ...Oh, sorry. This is the first holiday my wife and I have been on in years, you see. I'm always too busy with work. Anyway, I thought I'd bring her here and get away from it all for a bit.

*: But now she's saying she won't go home unless I get her a piece of floral coral! And you can't buy that stuff in shops—you have to fight a coralossus to get it!

*: I know I haven't been giving her the attention she deserves, and I really would like to try and make her happy, but fighting monsters is... Well, it's really not my cup of tea...

*: You, on the other hand, look as though you love a scrap! I don't suppose you could do the deed instead of me, could you? I'd make it worth your while...

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: ...I suppose it was rather unreasonable of me to ask. It's just that I'm at a loss here you see. ...Just how am I going to get that coral!?

*: Really!? Oh, that's wonderful! Simply wonderful! Now, those coralossus things aren't hard to find—they're all over the Costa Valor, and they're so brightly coloured, you can't miss them.

*: I really can't begin to tell you how big a favour you'd be doing me if you could find one, clobber it and bring me some floral coral so I can go home and get back to work.

*: I'm not being unreasonable, am I? If he's going to make me go home so soon, the least he can do is get me a nice souvenir to take with me!

*: And the floral coral you get from those pink monsters they have around here is just so lovely!

*: So I've told him—I'm not going anywhere until he gets me some!

*: Thanks ever so much for agreeing to help me. As I said, those coralossus things aren't hard to find—they're all over the Costa Valor, and they're so brightly coloured, you can't miss them.

*: I really can't begin to tell you how big a favour you'd be doing me if you could find one, clobber it and bring me some floral coral so I can go home and get back to work.

*: I do absolutely everything around the house, and all my husband does is moan about work! He never lifts a finger to help me!

*: That's why I've decided to put my foot down—I'm not leaving until he brings me my floral coral!

You got a piece of floral coral! You should take it to the tourist in Puerto Valor!

*: Please, you must bring me a piece of floral coral! My wife is adamant that she won't leave without her precious souvenir!

Hand over the floral coral?<yesno>

*: I dread to think how much work will be waiting for me when I get home... If I ever get home, that is...

*: Is that...? It is! It's floral coral! Oh, thank you! Thank you so much!

*: At last I'll be able to go home and get back to work! And this might even keep me in my wife's good books for a while too!

*: ......

*: Things shouldn't be like this, though, should they? My wife shouldn't have to hold me to ransom just to get my attention...

*: Look, thank you for all your help. I'm sure it was far from easy getting that coral. Please, take this—you deserve it.

*: Do you know what? I think I've learned a valuable lesson. Work is important, but nothing is more important than family. I can't believe I didn't realise that before.

*: Thank goodness we came here, eh? I'd probably never have realised how much I needed to change my ways otherwise!

*: I do absolutely everything around the house, and all my husband does is moan about work! He never lifts a finger to help!

*: That's why I've decided to put my foot down—I'm not leaving until he brings me my floral coral!

*: I've learned a valuable lesson, you know. Work is important, but nothing is more important than family. I can't believe I didn't realise that before...

*: Thank goodness we came here, eh? I'd probably never have realised how much I needed to change my ways otherwise!

*: I hear that you were the one who took on the coralossus in order to get me my floral coral. Thank you, young man.

*: You do realise that I didn't really care about the coral though, don't you? I just wanted to spend more time here with my husband.

*: Perhaps my methods were a little extreme, but I'd say they were successful. We're having a lovely time together, and our relationship is sure to be all the stronger as a result!

*: ¡No! ¡No, no, no! Without proper pepper, the flavour is all wrong! It is as simple as that!

*: Ay... Lo siento, señor. I am sorry. I should not get so angry in the kitchen, but the fact is, my speciality dish requires a pinch of proper pepper, and I do not have any!

*: You see, I always import my pepper from Gondolia, but recently they have been facing a terrible shortage.

*: It seems that a gang of vicious pirates has been attacking the Gondolian trade fleet and stealing entire cargos of my beloved spice! Curse those wicked men! ¡Los brutos!

*: Alas, they are clever as well as cruel—proper pepper is a valuable commodity.

*: Indeed, it is known in these parts as ‘oro gris’. Grey gold... I dread to think how expensive it will become if criminals are in control of its supply...

*: Señor... You are a strong and capable man, sí? Perhaps you would be willing to liberate my precious proper pepper from its pirate captors?

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Ay... I feared that you would say this. But it is probably wise that you do not engage with such vicious criminals...

*: ¿¡De verdad!? Truly, you will do this for me!? ¡Oh, gracias, señor! ¡Muchas gracias!

*: I have heard a rumour that the pirates' base is on a small island not so far from the city of Gondolia itself. That is probably where the stolen pepper is being stored, sí?

*: But señor, you must be very careful. I hear that they are very fierce indeed. Muy, muy fuerte. I would not wish for you to get hurt trying to help me.

*: I cannot prepare my signature dish without proper pepper! Por favor, señor—you must recover some from the pirates!

*: I have heard a rumour that their base is on a small island not so far from the city of Gondolia itself. That is probably where the stolen pepper is being stored, sí?

*: But señor, you must be very careful. I hear that they are very fierce indeed. Muy, muy fuerte. I would not wish for you to get hurt trying to help me.

*: ...Hm? Come to take our precious pepper, have ye? Harr harr harr! The only thing ye'll be leavin' here with is a black eye, lad!

You got some proper pepper! You should take it to the chef at the hotel in Puerto Valor!

*: I cannot prepare my signature dish without proper pepper! Por favor, señor—you must recover some from the pirates!

Hand over the proper pepper?<yesno>

*: Un poco proper pepper... That is all I need to make this hotel a great success once again... But without it... ¡Ay ay ay...!

*: ...Hm? ¡Caramba! You have brought me some proper pepper! Muchas gracias, señor, for your courage and gallantry!

*: Now I will be able to prepare my signature dish once again! Hungry customers will crowd the dining room to feast on my steak and kidney paella! The hotel's profits will go through the roof! ¡Je je je!

*: Muchas gracias once again, señor. I could never have done what you did. Please accept this gift, on behalf of myself and the hotel...

*: Now, let me take a sniff of my beloved spice's beautiful odour... Sí... Sí...

*: ¡A-a-aaa-chú!

*: ¡Ay ay ay! ¡No, no, no! My precious proper pepper—it is all over the floor! What a terrible waste! And after you went to so much trouble! So sorry, señor...

*: I could not believe it, señor. I thought my sneeze had blown all that precious proper pepper away before I could start cooking with it.

*: But it is okay! I managed to scrape up enough to prepare a batch of my delicious steak and kidney pa—a—aaa—

*: ¡...Ay! That was too close! I would have felt very foolish indeed if I had sneezed away the last of it! Aha ha!

*: ¡Hola, chico! You like bunny girls, sí? I like bunny girls very much! No one in Erdrea likes bunny girls as much as me!

*: ¡Hola, chico! You like bunny girls, sí? I like bunny girls very much! No one in Erdrea likes bunny girls as much as me!

*: I have loved them ever since I was a little boy. I saw a bunny girl so beautiful that I was obsessed from that day forward! Sí, I admit it, I am completely loco!

*: Ay, but the sad truth is that in all the years that have passed since then, I have never seen another who compared to my first bunny love...

*: But perhaps that is about to change! Chico, your amiga—your dark-haired lady friend—I think she would make a most beautiful bunny girl!

*: Could you give it a try? Could you prepare a bunny costume for her? Then I can try to persuade her to put it on!

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: ¿¡Qué!? Am I to understand that you do not share my passion for bunny girls!? ¡Qué sorpresa! Such a surprise! I thought that all young men loved bunny girls!

*: ¡Je je je! ¡Muchas gracias, chico! It is good to meet a young man who shares my passion for bunny girls!

*: Now, as I am sure you know, the beautiful bunny costume is made up of three essential elements: bunny ears, a bunny suit and a pair of fishnet stockings!

*: I will wait here while you assemble the outfit. I cannot wait to see it, chico!

*: Your dark-haired friend would make a magnificent bunny girl, chico—I am sure of it.

*: All you need do is prepare the costume. I am certain that I will be able to persuade her to try it on. Ahh, and that will make an old man very happy!

*: I will wait here while you prepare the outfit. I cannot wait to see it, chico!

*: ¡Ay ay ay! Is the transformation complete!? Has your friend transformed into a beautiful bunny girl!?

*: ¡Muy bien! Then all that remains is for her to oblige an old man and put the costume on!

*: My dear! You are so very beautiful! You look every bit as maravillosa as the first bunny girl I ever saw!

*: ¡No! Even more maravillosa, in fact! ¡Sí, chica! You are the most beautiful bunny girl the world has ever seen!

*: Not everyone can carry the bunny girl outfit, you know. It requires a certain...something. And you have it in spades!

*: You agree, sí, chico? You also know that your friend makes a perfect bunny girl!

Jade

...Hmph!

Jade stares coldly at the old man, sighs deeply, and walks off.

*: ¡Ay ay ay! Angry bunnies are even more adorable! ¡Je je je! I must thank you for your efforts, chico—take this, por favor...

*: ¡Hola, chico! Your friend is not still angry, I hope?

*: Ay, I can die happy now that I know there is such beauty in the world! I wish you a long, bunny-loving life, my young friend!

*: I don't suppose you know anything about food, do you? I'm a chef, you see. Right now I'm travelling around trying to learn more about the various cuisines of the world.

*: I came to Phnom Nonh to pick up some rainbow rock salt. I hear it's their most popular—and delicious—souvenir.

*: But when I got here, the locals told me that monsters have taken over the place they get it from. Everyone's too scared to go down there!

*: Hey—you look like you can handle yourself. I don't suppose you could go and get me some, could you? I only need a little pinch of the stuff.

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: No? Fair enough. It was a bit cheeky of me to ask, I suppose...

*: You will? Oh, that's great! Apparently they get it from a place called the Grotta della Fonte over in the Laguna di Gondolia.

*: It's some kind of cave, by the sounds of it, and the rock salt's somewhere near the middle. I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding it.

*: I'll be waiting for you here. Good luck down there—and make sure you come back in one piece, okay?

*: Apparently, they get the rainbow rock salt from a place called the Grotta della Fonte over in the Laguna Gondolia.

*: I'll be waiting for you here. Good luck down there—and make sure you come back in one piece, okay?

You got some rainbow rock salt! Take it to chef near the church in Phnom Nonh!

*: Oh, it's you! Did you manage to get the rainbow rock salt?<yesno>

*: ...You didn't? Oh, that's a shame. I've got myself all worked up about it now, though. Don't give up, will you?

*: You did!? Oh, that's just great! Can I have a look? ...That's strange. It looks just like normal salt. Let's see how it tastes...

*: Oh! Oh my goodness! This is sensational! It's...sweet! And...sour! And...a little bit spicy! Oh, it's just wonderful! It tastes of absolutely everything!

*: There isn't any other seasoning that can compete with this for depth and complexity. I'd say rainbow rock salt deserves its reputation!

*: I think it's going to open all sorts of new culinary avenues for me. I'm so glad I came all this way to get some!

*: I have to say, I don't blame those monsters for setting up camp down in that cave, either. If I had a supply of this stuff on tap, I don't think I'd ever leave either!

*: Thank you so much for going down there to get it for me. Here, take this. You've done my culinary career no end of good, I'm sure of it!

*: That rainbow rock salt you got me is mind-blowing stuff! That's what heaven tastes like, I'm sure of it!

*: Every time I have a little taste of it, an idea for a new dish pops into my mind!

*: What do you think of the lanterns, sir? I love them. I live for them. Keeping them alight is my life's work.

*: The lanterns are a symbol of Phnom Nonh, I think so. Many, many tourists come to see them, and everyone is impressed by how beautiful they are.

*: Unfortunately, some of the lanterns have been in use for a very, very long time. They are showing severe signs of wear and tear...

*: I would like to repair them, of course, but I have run out of the rainproof rayon that is required, and it is impossible for me to go and fetch more.

*: You see, the only way to acquire it is by hunting monsters called brollygaggers. If I tried to do that, it would surely end in disaster.

*: You, on the other hand... You are strong and fearless, I think so. Perhaps you could go and fetch the rainproof rayon I require?

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

*: Oh dear... My beautiful lanterns are going to fall apart if I do not repair them soon...

*: Oh, thank you sir! Thank you very, very much! You have a very big and generous heart, I think so!

*: Brollygaggers can be found in the southern part of the Champs Sauvage—but only when it is raining. Please, sir, hunt one down and bring me the rainproof rayon I require!

*: Please sir, hunt down a brollygagger and bring me the rainproof rayon I require! You will find them in the southern part of the Champs Sauvage when it is raining.

*: I fear that my lanterns will not last much longer—please hurry!

You got some rainproof rayon! Take it to the old man who tends the lanterns in Phnom Nonh.

*: My beautiful lanterns will fall apart if I do not repair them soon. Please hurry sir, and bring me the rainproof rayon I require!

Hand over the rainproof rayon?<yesno>

*: Oh dear... I must repair my beautiful lanterns before they are lost forever.

*: Oh! This is it! This is exactly what I need! Thank you very, very much, sir! The lanterns of Phnom Nonh will look as good as new in no time, I think so!

*: You have done a great thing for our village. You are a real hero, I think so. Please, accept this by way of thanks...

*: Perhaps the lanterns are not as famous as the mural or the ruins, but they are still very important to us, and they attract many, many tourists also.

*: Of course, they require a great deal of care and attention, otherwise their lights will go out—perhaps forever...

*: That is my role in life. I will continue to take good care of the lanterns, repairing them as necessary, and making sure that they remain brightly lit!

*: Perhaps the lanterns are not as famous as the mural or the ruins, but they are still very important to us, and they attract many, many tourists also.

*: Of course, they require a great deal of care and attention, otherwise their lights will go out—perhaps forever...

*: That is my role in life. I will continue to take good care of the lanterns, repairing them as necessary, and making sure that they remain brightly lit!

*: Ah, you must be ze voyageur Monsieur Médaillé told me of! I am Madame de Beauvoir, vice-principal de l'Académie. Per'aps you might be able to 'elp me with une enquête privée—a private investigation.

*: I was tidying ze bookshelves in ze bibliothèque ze other day when I made a strange discovery—in amongst ze old and dusty textbooks, I found a diary.

Mme de Beauvoir

I thought it was probably left behind by an ex-étudiante—a girl who 'ad once studied 'ere—so I 'ad a petit peep inside, but what I found zere was curieux et encore curieux. Very strange indeed...

Mme de Beauvoir

Tell me, voyageur—will you 'elp me get to ze bottom of zis little mystère?

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Mme de Beauvoir

Quel dommage... What a pity. Still, I am sure you are a busy boy. Forgive me for taking up so much of your temps précieux.

Mme de Beauvoir

Merci, voyageur! Thank you very much! Bon alors, let me tell you what was written in zis journal...

Mme de Beauvoir

‘'Ere I will bury my memories, where ze shadow of ze birch tree zat we dreamed beneath stretches in ze evening light. All zat I leave be'ind, I leave to you, my dearest friend.’

Mme de Beauvoir

It may be merely my imagination, but I cannot 'elp thinking zat zis message is meant for me.

Mme de Beauvoir

When we were girls, my best friend and I would often sit on ze swings beneath ze old birch's branches and speak of what our lives would be like when we were grandes personnes.

Mme de Beauvoir

If zis message is from 'er, zen I must know what it means. What is buried out zere in ze jardin?

Mme de Beauvoir

I would go and search myself, but hélas, during ze day I am busy with my work, and at night I cannot see where I am digging...

Mme de Beauvoir

If you would search ze jardin in my stead, I would be très obligé—very grateful indeed. Et bien, allow me to read ze message to you encore une fois:

Mme de Beauvoir

‘'Ere I will bury my memories, where ze shadow of ze birch tree zat we dreamed beneath stretches in ze evening light. All zat I leave behind, I leave to you, my dearest friend.’

Mme de Beauvoir

‘'Ere I will bury my memories, where ze shadow of ze birch tree zat we dreamed beneath stretches in ze evening light. All zat I leave behind, I leave to you, my dearest friend.’

Mme de Beauvoir

It may be merely my imagination, but no matter 'ow many times I read it, I cannot shake ze feeling zat zis message is meant for me.

Mme de Beauvoir

Voyageur, will you search ze jardin in my stead? Something is buried zere, where ze shadow of ze birch tree stretches in ze evening light, just as the diary says. I am certain of it.

You found a memory box buried in the gardens! Go back to the cafeteria and show Madame de Beauvoir!

Mme de Beauvoir

Alors, voyageur? Did you find anything in ze jardin?

Show Madame de Beauvoir the memory box? <yesno>

Mme de Beauvoir

So, you 'ave returned empty-'anded... Je vous supplie, voyageur—I beg you! Do not give up so easily!

Mme de Beauvoir

I am positive zat something is buried out zere in ze jardin. Keep looking, and I am sure you will find it finalement!

<pc> hands the memory box to Madame de Beauvoir.

Mme de Beauvoir

You found zis box? What is inside it, I wonder? Let me 'ave a little look...

Madame de Beauvoir opens the memory box and finds a red ribbon and a letter inside. She unfolds the letter and begins to read...

‘By the time you read this, I will be far, far away. The Crown Prince of Heliodor has asked for my hand in marriage, and I cannot refuse him.

‘I am to be a queen, so I cannot think only of my own happiness any more. My kingdom, and my people, must come first. I am afraid that I will no longer be myself...

‘But even though I may change, I will always carry the wonderful memories of the days we shared together in my heart. I will never forget you.

‘So I beg you, dear friend, do not forget me. Remember the girl I was, and know that you will always be ma meilleure amie, mon âme sœur. My best friend...my soulmate.

‘I give you my ribbon as a token of our eternal friendship. You always said how much you liked it. Now, it is yours.’

Mme de Beauvoir

...Ah! So it is true! It is a letter from 'er—my dearest friend!

Mme de Beauvoir

She was ze prettiest girl in ze school—la plus belle fille de l'Académie—with long, beautiful black hair zat she always tied with zat bright red ribbon...

Mme de Beauvoir

On ze day of our graduation, I learned zat she was to be married to ze prince of a faraway kingdom. I felt so betrayed. We 'ad such a terrible argument...

Mme de Beauvoir

Zat was ze last time I ever saw 'er. I 'eard she gave birth to a daughter, but was taken ill soon after ze child was born, and passed away... (sigh)

Mme de Beauvoir

I 'ave always regretted what 'appened zat night... We should not 'ave fought. She was 'appy, and I should 'ave been 'appy for 'er.

Mme de Beauvoir

So many years 'ave passed since zose jours de rêve—ze dreamlike days we spent together—but I 'ave thought about ma belle amie every day since we said au revoir...

Mme de Beauvoir

Merci, voyageur. I thank you for bringing us together once more. Voilà—take 'er ribbon as your reward.

Mme de Beauvoir

When my friend was a jeune fille, she wore it in 'er beautiful 'air. But I am an old woman now. I must follow 'er lead, and let go of childish things.

Mme de Beauvoir

Let your compagnon wear it instead. She is très belle too, wiz long black 'air just like zat of my friend. I am sure it will suit 'er just as much as it did ma belle amie.

Mme de Beauvoir

When she was a jeune fille, my friend would often wear zat bow in 'er 'air. But I am not a young girl any more—I must let go of childish things.

Mme de Beauvoir

Let your compagnon wear it instead. She is très belle too, wiz long black 'air just like zat of my friend. I am sure it will suit 'er just as much as it did ma belle amie.

*: I'm Zazie, the leader of the roughest, toughest girl gang in the Académie! We live by a single rule—don't do bad things to good people, but stuff the rest of them!

Zazie

Problem is, I've gone and broken it. Have you met Madame Waloppe, my form teacher? She's one of the good guys but I, err...accidentally stole her favourite whip and threw it down the, er...you know.

Zazie

She might seem to be all sweetness and light, but when she gets angry, she's seriously scary. If she finds out what I've done, she'll have my guts for garters...

Zazie

If I could get a replacement, I might be able to get out of this without too much trouble, but it turns out you can only make them with a Fun-Size Forge. I might as well face it—I'm stuffed.

Zazie

...Hold on—you're some kind of globetrotting adventurer, right? You haven't happened to pick up a Fun-Size Forge on your travels, have you?

Zazie

If you have, it would be amazing if you could help me out. Well? Will you make me a new whip for Madame Waloppe?

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Zazie

Fine, be that way... (sigh) What kind of gang leader am I anyway, trying to get some stranger to do my dirty work for me?

Zazie

I'll just have to take whatever punishment Madame Waloppe's got in store. That's what you get for breaking the girl gang code, I suppose...

Zazie

Thanks a million! Let's get started then, shall we? I found a set of instructions for making the same type of whip in the library. Here you go...

<pc> receives a recipe for a queen's whip!

Zazie

Madame Waloppe's a classy lady, so a bog-standard one won't cut the mustard. Sorry to be a pain, but I'm going to need a +1 version or better if I'm going to make it out of this alive.

Zazie

Oh, and don't even think of equipping it yourself! If she finds out a boy's had his grubby mitts all over her special whip, there'll be hell to pay!

Zazie

My life's in your hands, adventurer. Forge me a whip fit for a queen, and let me make amends!

Zazie

If Madame Waloppe finds out that I pinched her favourite whip and threw it away, goodness knows what kind of cruel and unusual punishment she'll have in store for me.

Zazie

If I could get a replacement, I might be able to get out of this without too much trouble, but it would have to be a queen's whip—nothing else will do.

Zazie

And it couldn't just be a bog-standard one, either. If I'm going to get out of this alive, I'm going to need a +1 version or better.

Zazie

Oh, and don't even think of equipping it yourself! If she finds out a boy's had his grubby mitts all over her special whip, there'll be hell to pay!

Zazie

My life's in your hands, adventurer. Forge me a whip fit for a queen, and let me make amends!

Zazie

Hello again, adventurer! How's the forging coming along? Have you managed to make a queen's whip that'll meet Madame Waloppe's ridiculously high standards yet?<yesno>

Zazie

...Seriously? Come on—my life's on the line here! If I don't get me a good quality queen's whip soon, I'll be completely up the creek!

Zazie

Wow! What a whip! There's no way Madame Waloppe can complain about this little beauty! This is sure to get me off the hook!

Zazie

In fact, even if she finds out what I did, she might reward me for throwing away her ratty old one when she sees this absolute corker! Tee hee!

Zazie

Thank you, adventurer. I owe you one. Here—you should have these.

Zazie

Thanks for making me that whip, adventurer! That'll stop me getting in trouble with Madame Waloppe for sure!

Zazie

In fact, even if she finds out what I did, she might reward me for throwing away her ratty old one when she sees this absolute corker! Tee hee!

*: Oh, hello there. My name's Purscilla, and I have a problem. A secret anguish that I can't tell any of my classmates...

Purscilla

Ah, but I can't tell you either! In fact, you're the last person I can tell! Please, leave me alone before I say too much!

*: I'm Bashtienne, editor-in-chief of the school newsletter, ‘Le Mini Monde’...not that you'd know it from this big, blank-blank-blank space on the noticeboard.

*: I'd just finished tacking up this month's issue when it got caught-caught-caught by the breeze and blew out of the window!

Bashtienne

And to top-top-top it all off, it was an all new-new-new format! It even had the long-awaited ‘Chère Chérie’ column—advice for the lovelorn from Madame Chérie herself!

Bashtienne

I've already taken all the letters out of the tray thing for the printing press. It would take forever to put-put-put it all together again...

I suppose I'll just have to write-write-write this month's issue off and start work on the next one... Ohhh, but it was so good!

‘DANGER!

Do not enter without good reason!’

It looks like a tattered copy of some sort of school newsletter.

None of the articles seem particularly interesting.

*: Oh, hello there. My name's Purscilla, and I have a problem. A secret anguish that I can't tell any of my classmates...

Purscilla

You look like a tight-lipped sort of fellow. If I share my deepest, darkest secret with you, will you promise not to tell anyone?

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Purscilla

I see... I'm sure you don't have time to listen to me blabber on, what with all your exciting adventuring... But if you ever do, will you let me tell you of my woes?

Purscilla

Mmmwah! Thank you so much! Now, have you heard of Le Mini Monde? It's our school newsletter.

Purscilla

Well, I heard that Madame Chérie was starting a new column offering advice to the lovelorn, so I wrote a letter to ask her about my secret passion.

Purscilla

But I'm too afraid to read her answer. What if she says that he'll never be mine? My heart would break clean in two!

Purscilla

That's why I need someone to read it for me. But I can't ask any of my classmates—they can never know the unfathomable depths of my desire!

Purscilla

Which is where you come in. Could you go and read this month's issue of Le Mini Monde for me, and see what Madame Chérie says I should do?

Purscilla

You'll find it pinned up on the noticeboard in the gallery overlooking Monsieur Médaillé's study.

Purscilla

If you can't see it, just ask Bashtienne, the editor. She's a hammerhood, so you should be able to spot her easily enough. She'll be able to tell you where to find it.

Purscilla

Please, you have to read Madame Chérie's column for me and let me know what she says! I'm too scared to read it myself!

Purscilla

You'll find the newsletter pinned up on the noticeboard in the gallery overlooking Monsieur Médaillé's study.

Purscilla

If you can't see it, just ask Bashtienne, the editor. She's a hammerhood, so you should be able to spot her easily enough. She'll be able to tell you where to find it.

Purscilla

...Whaaat!? The latest issue of Le Mini Monde blew away into the Eerie Eyrie!?

Purscilla

No! It can't end like this! If I don't find out how to make him mine, I'll surely die!

Purscilla

Please, I'm begging you! You have to go there and find it before my burning, yearning heart explodes!

*: I'm Bashtienne, editor-in-chief of the school newsletter, ‘Le Mini Monde’...not that you'd know it from this big, blank-blank-blank space on the noticeboard.

*: I'd just finished tacking up this month's issue when it got caught-caught-caught by the breeze and blew out of the window!

Bashtienne

And to top-top-top it all off, it was an all new-new-new format! It even had the long-awaited ‘Chère Chérie’ column—advice for the lovelorn from Madame Chérie herself!

Bashtienne

Were you hoping to get-get-get some advice yourself? I'm sorry, but it would take me far too long to reprint it. I've decided to write-write-write this issue off and start work on the next one instead.

Bashtienne

If you're absolutely desperate to read the Madame Chérie column, you'll just have to hunt-hunt-hunt down the one and only copy.

Bashtienne

It blew-blew-blew away in the direction of the Eerie Eyrie. I'll wager that some kindly monster has found it and stuck-stuck-stuck it up on a signpost somewhere.

Bashtienne

...Why do I think-think-think that? Because it was a masterpiece, of course! Even the meanest monster would recognise its genius, and want-want-want to share it with the whole world!

It looks like a tattered copy of some sort of school newsletter.

This must be Le Mini Monde!

<pc> takes a closer look...

‘Le Mini Monde, Issue 2238

Chère Chérie – Madame Chérie's Letters from the Lovelorn

‘Chère Chérie,

I've fallen in love with a man of a different species!

‘It was love at first sight! And now I can't get the thought of his beautiful, silky-smooth hair out of my mind! Whatever should I do?

—Kissy Lips

‘Ma Chère Kissy Lips,

Firstly, pay the boy's species no heed. Remember—love knows no boundaries!

‘What you must do is to share a secret with the target of your affections. It matters not what this secret is—the excitement of your petite conspiracy will set his heart aflutter for certain!

‘All that will be left then is to convince him that the pounding in his heart is caused by his love for you! Achieve this, and a happy future together is assured!

‘Good luck, Miss Kissy Lips. I pray for your victory on the battlefield of the heart!

With all my love, Madame Chérie’

You found the missing edition of Le Mini Monde! You should head back to l'Académie de Notre Maître des Médailles and pass Madame Chérie's advice on to Purscilla!

Purscilla

...You found it, didn't you? Your trembling lips tell me you have something important to say! Tell me—what was Madame Chérie's advice?

<pc> repeats Madame Chérie's answer to Purscilla's problem.

Purscilla

...So, I should share a secret with the target of my affections, should I? Tee hee hee! I knew that's what she would say!

Purscilla

Which is why I told you all this in the first place! ...Well? Do you see what I'm trying to tell you? Do the plaintive cries of my aching, breaking heart reach your ears? ♥<yesno>

Purscilla

Ugh, you're such a meanie! I know you know, you know! Stop toying with my girlish emotions!

Purscilla

Hmph! You've really ruined the mood now! Let's start again from the beginning, shall we?

Purscilla

I was visiting Mummy and Daddy back in Heliodor when I first saw you, racing through the long grass like a wild stallion! You looked at me and smiled...

Purscilla

Ever since that moment, I have been a prisoner to my passion! I am yours, <pc>—now and forever!

Purscilla

But you're in the middle of an adventure, aren't you? Well, don't worry about me for the time being. Let our love ripen, and it will taste all the sweeter when it's finally time for us to be together!

Purscilla

Farewell for now, my darling! Take this to remember me by.

Oh, and this—mmmmmmmmmwah! ♥

Purscilla

You must go off on your adventures, and I must stay here and complete my education. But don't worry, my darling—no matter how long cruel fate keeps us apart, I'll stay true!

Purscilla

After all, I cannot give my heart away, for it is already yours! Mmmmmmmmmwah! ♥

*: Hello! I'm Conchella, and I'm a shell slime. If anyone asks you what's got a foot but no legs, the answer is...me! Hee hee hee! I love a good riddle!

Conchella

I'm just putting the finishing touches on my most mind-bending, brain-straining riddles yet. As soon as they're ready, I'll challenge you to a royal riddle bonanza!

Conchella

Hello, traveller! It's me, Conchella! How do you fancy testing your puzzle-solving skills in a right royal riddling spectacular?

You've been asked to undertake a quest.

Will you acquiesce to this request?<yesno>

Conchella

Too busy to strain your brain, eh? Come back when your shoelaces come untied—I mean, when you're at a loose end!

Conchella

Yay! You're a first-rate recreation, traveller—a good sport! Now, let the games begin!

Conchella

Riddle me this—what sort of single-handed sword sounds like you should pilfer it?

Conchella

If you think you know the answer, equip it and come and show me!

Conchella

What sort of single-handed sword sounds like you should pilfer it?

Conchella

This riddle's an unyielding unit—a hard one—so I'll give you a clue...

Conchella

What do you think the sword would say if it wanted you to pilfer it? ‘Snatch me’? ‘Pinch me’? ...‘Steal me’?

Conchella

Oh dear, I think I've presented the pastime—I've given the game away! If you've worked out what the answer is, equip it and come and show me!

Conchella

So, you think that's the answer, do you? Let's see...

Conchella

...That's it! You've exercised the answer, traveller—you've worked it out! The single-handed sword that sounds like you should pilfer it is...a steel broadsword!

Conchella

Get it? ‘Steel broadsword’! ‘STEAL broadsword’! Hee hee hee!