Hundred Flowers

Great... We're in trouble.

Oh? Is something wrong?

Hmm? Oh, well a group of bandits have set up shop around here lately. The bartender has been hit especially hard by it. Since they've moved in he's not been able to get his stock delivered.

That is tricky. But why do you look so troubled?

Don't you get it, Aldo? The Barkeep has the best drinks in town. People look forward to enjoying a nice refreshing drink after a hard day's work.

Oho, you get me, don't you? It's just as you say!

Heheh. Well, I feel the same way.

Do you get it now, Aldo?

I get it. After a hard day's work you need something tasty to perk yourself up. Okay, let's check out the tavern.

Welcome. I'm sorry, but I'm afraid my stock's a bit low at the moment.

It's because of the bandits, isn't it? We're here to take care of them for you.

R-Really? Thank you! I don't know why, but they only go after my stock.

In which case, we'll make sure to get to it first. Then we just wait for them to show up, and take them out. How does that sound, Cyuca?

Cyuca? Wait, are you the famed "Lone Wolf" Cyuca?!

Oh, that name's made it all the way out here. I guess my fame precedes me.

Hey, wait! Just what are you planning on doing?!

Nothing. I just want to sort out your supply problem and taste some of your famous vittles.

What is it now, Barkeep? Just before you wanted our help. Now you're accusing us?

There's a crew of all-female bandits known as the "Hundred Flowers." And word has it that the strongest, most fearsome one of the lot is a girl named Cyuca! Now I see what you're here for.

Hey, can we all just calm down a bit here? You know I really hate that nickname. I understand why you might be wary, but don't worry. I'm not here to steal from you.

...... Okay. I guess it takes a criminal to catch one. This is the list of goods I'm waiting for. Meet the merchant and give it to him. He should be somewhere in Lake Tiilen right about now.

Lake Tiilen, got it.

Mwahaha! Looks like taking the tavern stock was a good idea after all! Just as we had hoped. It's almost time to take our next delivery. Mwahaha!

Ah! N-Not again! You bandits! Please, just leave me alone!

Calm down. We're not the bandits.

We're here to take the delivery back to the bartender. Here, take a look at this.

Y-You shocked me there... I'm always getting attacked by bandits around here. Sorry about that.

Okay, then I guess you can take the stock the rest of the way.

Alright, let's head back to Ratle...

Haaah!

Wah! What the?!

Aaargh!

Ouch!

What was that... I can't see anything...

A smoke screen. I should've seen it coming. Aldo, do you have the goods?

They took it. I can't believe they got us. I got the feeling it was a young girl...

This is... Before...was that...

They dropped this flower. But it doesn't grow anywhere near here. It's from the Zol Plains. Aldo. I have an idea about these bandits. We need to go to the Zol Plains.

As I thought. They haven't changed a bit, leaving flowers at the crime scene.

Heheheh, you were the one who started it, sis. Now it's a Hundred Flowers tradition.

Sister?!

This girl is one of the Hundred Flowers. She's kinda my protégée.

Exactly! I finally found you again! I've been looking everywhere! But... To hear that you've been looking for me too... I really feel the love!

Love yes, but for the tavern. So? Care to tell me why you're only targeting the tavern's stock?

Why wouldn't we? We knew it would be the best way to get to you! Come on, come back to us! With the Hundred Flowers you can have whatever you want! And we'll all have your back!

I won't go back. I'm looking for something that even the Hundred Flowers couldn't steal.

Wh-What is that?!

You think I'm going to tell you?

You're such a meanie! But the meaner you get, the more determined I'll get! If you won't come willingly, I'll have to take you by force! Now come on, let's go!

Gyagh! I knew this wouldn't be easy.

Enough! You've stolen something precious from me, a good time at the tavern!

Yes! I always love angry Cyuca! Now what are you going to do to silly old me?!

No, I can't. I can't do this, and I can't rejoin the Hundred Flowers.

Gagh! I won't give up on you! I can't!

Cyuca, I never knew you had it so rough.

She is a bit troublesome, isn't she?

Anyway, we have the goods. I guess that's a win for us?

I guess so. Let's get back to the Ratle tavern.

Oh, thank you! Now I'll finally be able to make my famous drinks! You know there are all sorts of rumors about you, but you're not as bad as I thought! Thanks!

Huh, that's a funny way to thank me. I guess I deserve that.

(Cyuca is the cause of all this really. But maybe I should just keep quiet.)

Anyway, as thanks, here. Have one on the house. I owe you one!

Oh, now that's more like it. Okay, let's give it a try.

Are the drinks here really that nice?

Of course. I mean they all used to taste the same to me when I was younger, but now I'm older I can appreciate the flavor.

How about you, young sir? Would you like a taste?

No, I'm fine, thanks.

Yeah, I don't think Aldo's quite old enough for a flavor like this.

Tch. You're saying I'm just a kid, is that it?

Heheh... We got the bad guys, anyway. Cheers!

Which reminds me, earlier you told that girl that you were looking for something. What is it you're looking for?

Oh, that. I guess in a way it's a bit like this drink. It's something very important to me, but you might be a bit young for it, Aldo.

...So what is it?

It's a...secret!