The Old Man's Final Trial

...By the way, earlier you said you left home to become a magic user like your grandfather, right?

Yeah, that's right! I wanna be a grand sage or court magician, just like him!

Those titles don't really suit you, though. You must really love your grandfather. What do you like most about him?

Hmm... Everything? I'm sure I'll become like him if I try reeeally hard!

He must really be something to make you talk about him like that.

Yeah. And Gramps is supporting my dream, you know? He tells me I can do anything if I try hard enough! "I'll aim to be a girly girl, too, and we can see who gets there first!" That's what he said.

He really is a strange grandfather...

Hahahah! Such mean words.

Ah! Gramps!

Long time no see, Lele. How goes the training?

Wha?! Lele, your grandfather... is a cat?!

Hahaha. No, of course not. Aldo, you say such strange things sometimes♪

What???

Possession magic, my dear boy. It's an advanced version of charm magic.

I-I'm not sure I follow, but that sure is impressive.

Eheheh. Told you my Gramps was good! Hehe!

Anyway, Lele. It seems you've found some people to travel with.

They looked like fun, so I tagged along!

Oh, is that so. Friends are good to have. You can learn a lot from them.

I'm learning a lot from her too.

Hmm... It would appear that my little Lele is growing up.

I don't know how, but I do feel like I've grown up a lot!

I look forward to hearing about it. It seems I was right to send you out into the world. Lele. Could you bring your most trusted companions and meet me in Lake Tiilen? Once you get there we can start your test.

Test?

Yes. I'll be waiting for you.

Okay! Aldo, let's go!

Me?

Of course! Will you come with me?

Okay, sure. Let's go to Lake Tiilen.

Gramps! Sorry to keep you waiting!

Oh, you're here. So this young man is the one you trust more than anyone else?

So it would seem.

Gramps, this is Aldo.

I see. So, Aldo, it's up to you whether Lele takes this test or not.

You want...me to decide?

What?! Why? It's my test, isn't it?

This Aldo is the one person you trust more than any other, correct? So what's the problem?

Oh! Right. Aldo, it's up to you!

This is a big responsibility.

If you don't take the test, then your journey ends here. Lele, you'll have to come home with me.

If this is a test, then that means she can fail it, right?

Right. If she fails, it means she's not ready. She has to carry on her travels until she's ready to be independent. Until then, she can't come home, and she can't meet with me.

What! That's mean.

Of course if you passes, then you can do what you want. You can carry on traveling if you want, or you can come home whenever . Of course, you should only come home if you have souvenirs for me. Wahahah!

...... I see now. I'll let Lele take the test. Though I don't know about the souvenirs, though.

But the souvenirs are almost as important as the tests. *sob* *sob*

Gramps, just what are you asking Lele to do anyway?

Can't you let an old man have his jokes? ...Okay, Aldo. Can you tell me why you decided to let her take the test? Is it because you don't want her to go home?

No. It's because I know her. Lele's learned a lot on her trip, and I know how good of a person she is. That's why I know that she can handle any test you give her.

Oho! So that's what you think about my Lele. In that case, let's get this test underway. Listen up, Lele. You need to gather the following items: a Magma Minnow from Vasu Mountain, a Mirror Stone from the Derismo Highroad, and a Raptor Bone from the Zol Plains. Then bring them all here. Oh, and yes. Aldo, you have to help her.

What? Is that it? We should be done with that in no time, right, Aldo?

Hmm... I guess so. (This feels too easy. Why all the questions before we started...) So if we get all those things, we pass the test?

I'll decide whether you pass or fail once you get me those things. But first you have to get them.

Okay. Let's go, Lele.

Yeah, let's go!

Yay! Aldo, we got the lot!

Right... But is this really a test? How does this show how much you've grown?

Hmm? Grown, huh? I think I could've done this even before I started this trip!

Right. So I really don't know...

Hmm... Hmm... Oh! I know!

Lele, amazing! So there really is a point to this test.

I know that we can't work out the point of the test! I know that I know nothing!

That's...not helpful.

But Gramps is cleverer than both of us! I know he's set this as a test for a reason!

Right. First let's go back and hand the items over.

Yay! Aldo, we got the lot!

Right... But is this really a test? How does this show how much you've grown?

Hmm? Grown, huh? I think I could've done this even before I started this trip!

Right. So I really don't know...

Hmm... Hmm... Oh! I know!

Lele, amazing! So there really is a point to this test.

I know that we can't work out the point of the test! I know that I know nothing!

That's...not helpful.

But Gramps is cleverer than both of us! I know he's set this as a test for a reason!

Right. First let's go back and hand the items over.

A Raptor!

Yay! Aldo, we got the lot!

Right... But is this really a test? How does this show how much you've grown?

Hmm? Grown, huh? I think I could've done this even before I started this trip!

Right. So I really don't know...

Hmm... Hmm... Oh! I know!

Lele, amazing! So there really is a point to this test.

I know that we can't work out the point of the test! I know that I know nothing!

That's...not helpful.

But Gramps is cleverer than both of us! I know he's set this as a test for a reason!

Right. First let's go back and hand the items over.

Gramps, we're here!

... Meow.

Gramps? What did you say? You want a nap?

Meow!

Oh? Gramps, what's wrong?

It's just a cat. Maybe you have the wrong one?

Hmm, I don't think that's it. Maybe his spell wore off?

...Hm? Oh, sorry, sorry. Welcome back. You know when you reach a certain age, napping becomes second nature. Hahaha!

You were sleeping...

So, did you get the things I asked for?

Yes! We have them all! The fish, the stone, and the bone!

Hohoho. There they all are. Now, to determine whether you pass...

Hmm? I haven't passed yet? But I brought all the things.

No... In order to pass, Aldo has to answer this question correctly.

How about it, Aldo. Why do you think I put Lele through this test?

Wait, wait. Everything about this test has been weird.

Hmm... Yeah, you're right. It seems Gramps has only been asking you to do things, Aldo.

Right. Why me? Oh! I know! I think I've finally understood why we're doing this test!

Really?

The point of this test, is to test me!

What? What do you mean?

It's to see whether I'm the kind of person who can look after Lele, right?

Hmm. Well deduced. I'm sure I can rely on you to keep my Lele safe.

On the other hand, Lele. Did you never work out why I was making you go through this test?

Nope! It was way too hard for me! There's no way I could get it.

I see. Seems you're not fully grown up yet. You still need more time.

Oh, so then Gramps, that means... I failed?

It does indeed. So Lele, you will have to continue your journey. With Aldo, of course. Aldo, can I count on you?

Not a problem.

Hmm. It's a shame I failed, but okay! I guess I have to continue adventuring with Aldo!

Hahahah! So be it. Just like you have been doing. The test is over. So now, how about we go somewhere and catch up a bit, eh?

Okay, let's go to the Inn! There's a lot I want to talk to you about, too!

All right, let's go see if they have a room!

...Hey, Gramps. There's something I want to ask you.

Hm? Oh, Aldo. Well you know, I'm very knowledgeable about nightlife. Since we're both here, how about coming out with me? Hahahah!

Oh, no, I'm fine.

How dull. Even looking like this, you must see why I'm called the grand sage of the night...

Please, stop the messing around. I have something serious to talk to you about.

...Oh.

Gramps, can I ask, are you here to say goodbye to Lele?

...... Why would you think that?

That test earlier, it was to see if I could look after her. Does that mean that you won't be there for her?

So, you saw through my plan. Aldo, you're a sharp tack. That's right. I'm going on a journey to a faraway land.

When are you leaving?

When this possession spell wears off, I'll be heading out right away.

That soon, huh? Wait, does that mean you knew about this trip even before sending Lele out on her training?

You're right. Lele's parents are both dead. I am her only living relative. That's why it's so important that she learns how to live on her own. And now I see she'll be fine. Now that I know she has friends like you.

Gramps...

They have a spare room!

Oh, good, good. Then let's get going, Lele.

Ah! Morning, Gramps!

Gramps, you want to go back already? There's a lot more I want to talk about with you! So come on, stay another night? That way we can carry on talking looong into the night!

...... Meow.

Huh? Oh, Gramps has left already? That's a shame!

Meow!

In that case, I'll go wake up Aldo and the others! I have to become a great magic user just like Gramps! And I will!

Meow!

Meow!