A Father's Will: Restoring Horai

I may have set out my objectives...

But nothing's going to happen, if I'm the only villager.

I've got my adventure to get back to so I can't live here with you.

I suppose not... First thing I need to do is find someone else willing to be a villager.

We won't find them cooped up in here. Let's head outside.

Hey, you guys! I've just finished work on Gordon's house!

I wondered what I'd be getting. I'm the carpenter here, after all. But it's really something. You're gonna make a good carpenter, kid.

All I did was follow your orders.

Yeah, I couldn't help myself. I'm getting bossier as I get older.

No, it's been really helpful! It's like I've finally understood everything I was guessing at. Anyway, you're amazing! Can I be your apprentice?

What? I don't want an apprentice. I just came here to build the bridge.

Oh, I see...

Well, it'd be tough building it on my own. You stick with me and help out. The more hands the better.

Wait, are you saying...?

No obligation. I can manage on my own. It'll just take longer to do it.

No, no! Let me help! Let's do this! I mean, you can count on me, boss!

Hey, you. Once you've got enough materials, give them to the mayor. Once I get an official request I'm really gonna put my back into it.

Yeah, okay. Leave the gathering to me!

It's finally time. Let's call everyone and gather at the bridge.

I didn't think you'd really do it. I always thought it was impossible, but your persistence saw you through.

I think rather than persistence, it was more like I just kept doing stuff and we ended up here.

Everyone, you have worked so hard! Aldo and friends did the gathering. Hilda provided even more effective explosives. Henry produced the equipment... Rebecca by casting the metals... Terry milled the lumber. And Sylvia cheered us on when we couldn't see the way ahead.

I really can't thank you all enough.

It only went this well because you were there to lead us, Mayor Marlowe.

Thank you, Terry. When I came here I was just a child with big dreams but no plan. But thanks to Aldo and all the rest of you I was able to get this far.

Well, the mayoring business is all new to me...

What are you getting all choked up about?

It's still early days for this village.

You're right! We haven't even started building the bridge yet. Even if we all work together, it's going to take several years... No, over a decade before it's finished.

Aldo. We villagers are going to be busy for a while with building the bridge. We might not be able to treat you like a proper guest...

Hey wait, are you all gonna help me? It's dangerous work for an amateur, you know?

The people of this village aren't as soft as you think, you know.

I'm not good at heavy work, but I can make everyone lunch and keep you watered.

I see, I see. Well, do as you please. I'm gonna work at my own pace. You look after yourselves, okay?

Yes! We'll do all we can to help!

Now, let's get to work on the bridge. It'll be a long, tough struggle, but together we can do it! Aldo, I'll let you know as soon as the bridge is complete. It certainly won't happen overnight, but I know you'll keep us in your thoughts until then!

Of course I will. Okay then, I'll take a break for now.

Work hard, everyone!

Please come again! We'll all be here to welcome you!

Hey, Synth Hydra. I want to keep away from Horai for a while.

That's surprising. I thought you were quite invested in that village.

They said it'd take ages for the bridge to be completed.

So I want to leave them in peace. It's better if they don't have to worry about fussing over me.

Oh, you again! You're back on board!

She got on just a moment ago. According to the Main Cannon, she feels better roaming the world.

What a funny fickle feline you are, hahaha!

Well, if you've got nowhere better to go, how about you come along with us?

Okay, let's go. Err, Baruoki for the time being.

Very well. But erm...

Something wrong?

Look below. The villagers are still waving at you.

So they are!

Thanks, everyone! Let me know when you're done!

Departure sequence initiated. To 300 AD. Baruoki Village!

Hey, you've come at a good time.

Really? What's happened?

I realized something when I was making the fireworks for the wedding. If I use that blend in the right way, I can make even stronger explosives. Why'd it take me this long?!

What kind of explosives are you going to make?

I dream of making explosives that can be heard all over the world!

Well, I'm not quite there now. But these should be much more powerful than traditional explosives.

Does that mean they could demolish boulders we couldn't previously?

Oh, yes indeed!

That would really help! The mine has depths we haven't been able to get to. Can we use these explosives right now?!

You're very keen! Well, bring me the ingredients and I'll make some for you.

Gotcha! Okay, let's get the new explosives and see what's behind this solid rock face!

Hmm? What's this?

A notebook from an old villager? It's tattered, but some of it looks readable.

Err, let's have a look...

Oh no... The next pages are stuck together with mud. Hmm... What else can I make out?

The mayor of the village... Would that be Marlowe's father?! He might know something about this. Better go and ask him.

Hey, Marlowe. Have a look at this...

Of course, but why do you sound so troubled?

Wait, is this, ? Yes, I'd recognize it anywhere! It's my father's writing!

So it was your dad's notebook.

What does this say? "A Third Mine on the other side of the bridge..."

Could the bridge he's talking about be that crumbling one on the outskirts of the village?

Yes. It's crumbling now, but it used to be a long and beautiful bridge.

I'm afraid I'd completely forgotten about it before I saw this notebook.

You work night and day as mayor. So I'm not surprised.

A Third Mine... And better veins of ore to boot. Sounds promising!

......

What's up, Marlowe?

I'm worried about the thing in the Third Mine, "that should never have been disturbed."

Yeah. It did say something like that.

I wonder if that thing harmed this village in some way all those years ago...

What should we do? Should we give up the search for Third Mine?

No. No, we shouldn't. This is a problem that we must face if this village is to develop. We can't just ignore it.

So, what should we do about the bridge?

We have no choice but to rebuild it. But we're never going to achieve that over night. Let's consult the village. It's not something I can decide on my own.

Got it!

And there you have it...

So, you want to build a bridge all the way to that distant bank?

It will be a difficult task, so it pains me to ask for your help, but...

Hey, don't talk like that! We're friends, aren't we?

Yeah, this is no time to be holding back.

Well, I prefer breaking things to making them, but, if the Mayor's for the idea...

The villagers came together to help the Mayor achieve his dream. Sounds like the making of a good song.

If it weren't for you, Mayor, none of us would enjoy the life we have now. I don't know what I can do, but I'll help in any way I can.

My fellow villagers...

I am so grateful. I'm so glad to be building this village with you.

But even for me, this bridge is going to be a real challenge. A single look is enough to see that the height and distances involved... They're not problems we can solve with ropes and logs.

It looks like we'll need to get a master carpenter.

Most of the carpenters in Miglance are working on repairing the castle right now.

That's true... Let's look for one in Unigan.

Barkeep, another milkshake. I need another. Bring me one!

Gordon... It's almost lunch time. Shouldn't you take it easy?

I can drink whenever and whatever I want. I'm paying you, aren't I?

Tch, all right then. But this is your last one!

Hey, Barkeep. Do you know any good carpenters?

Good carpenters? You should ask the people repairing Miglance Castle.

I doubt the overseers of the works will let them go though.

I guess you're right. There's a village southwest of Baruoki that intends to build a big bridge.

Hey, Barkeep! Is Gordon here?!

He's drinking milkshakes over there. Look, your friend's here. Time to go home, Gordon.

What?!

Have you been drinking milkshakes all day again?!

Sshuddup... I've already done all my work, haven't I?

Yes, but your contract's not over yet.

Oh, gimme a break. Why do I have to do more work than everyone else?

Everyone's working hard. Everyone wants to see the glory of the great Miglance Palace restored.

Stop it. You're not gonna get some great loyalty from a carpenter on day labor.

And I've made up my mind!

About what?

I'm gonna go to that village that guy was talking about.

You heard that?! You didn't look capable...

This is nothing special for me. And I've always had sharp ears. And I'm fed up with folk round here. Come on, where is this bridge? I'll have it build in no time!

Hey, wait!

Hey, can I really take this Gordon guy with me?

Yeah... To be honest, he's a bit much for us.

Okay. But can he do the job?

I guess I should ask Terry to get him somewhere to live.