The Sunshine Saga

Hey, aren't you Soira? I have a quest that might be right up your alley.

Great, I'd love to help you out. What's going on?

It's regarding a merchant we were expecting this morning. They still haven't shown up.

Could they have been attacked by monsters on the road?

It's possible. Either way, they're way behind their scheduled time. Their cargo could cause a huge incident if it falls into the wrong hands. Will you go find out what's keeping them?

What sort of lovely things is this merchant meant to be bringing?

That's on a need-to-know basis. Let's just say these supplies are vital to our knights' way of life.

Hey, Soira's one of your knights, too. I'd say she has a right to know.

But I'm away from the garrison so much, my squad mates get along fine without me.

Exactly, let's keep things simple. The merchant should have passed through the Karek Swampland, I suggest you start there.

A walk in the swamp does sound nice. We'll head on over there now.

I say, you folks there! Can you help me out? I'm in a real fix here.

Oh dear! Are you taking all these packages to the capital?

This looks like a lot for one person to carry. What do you say, Aldo?

I'm in. We can't just ignore someone in need.

Thank you so much.

There we go. All right, let's get going to the city.

What's in these boxes, anyway? It smells kinda medicinal.

Oh, it's muscle supplement. It does a great job, I'm told.

Wow. *sniff* It's really quite pungent. But medicine always smells a little bitter, right?

Uh, I think that's my perfume you're smelling.

Oh, I'm so sorry!

Muscle supplement, huh? Maybe they're planning a large-scale monster hunting program or something?

Here we are, Miss Merch, Huh? Where did she go?

Oh, you're back! Did you find the merchant?

What? You fools! Open up those boxes and show me what she gave you.

Okie-dokie...

What's the meaning of this? These boxes are full of illegal potions!

What?! There must be some mistake! We were told they were just muscle supplements.

Oh dear, I hope our merchant friend didn't pick up the wrong packages by mistake.

Soira, don't be so naïve, it was a trick! We were set up to bring this stuff into the city.

So, you scoundrels were part of the illegal trade all along!

Uh, you're the one who told us to go meet this merchant.

I told you to check up on her! We were hoping to catch her before she had a chance to sell any of this stuff.

Why didn't you say so?! We had nothing to do with this!

Dearie me, things are getting a little confusing, aren't they?

Hm? What's all this commotion? Oh, Soira. What a surprise.

Hi there, Sir Lakhesis.

We got tricked into carrying some illegal cargo by a shady merchant!

Soira does seem like the type to be fooled by such deceit. Ahem, You there, release these two. They mean no harm.

But, Milord...

Do you really believe an airhead like this could be a criminal? Stand down, soldier. I'll take over investigation of this case.

Aye, sir.

Aw, that was so kind of you, Lakhesis.

Anyone who knows you would have done the same. You're a lot of things, Soira, but you're no smuggler.

Should you have allowed that man to wander off, though?

What do you mean? Did you still have some business with him?

Not really... It's just I'm pretty sure he was planning to fence these goods.

What?! We need to get after him!

How did you know? Oh, but you're right, we can talk later. Where did he go?

Over that way, I think. Toward the Serena Coast.

We'll go on ahead. He's gonna get it for tricking us!

It would take too long to mobilize the Guard. I'll leave it in your hands.

Righty. Here we go!

Oh, there you are.

Hmph! The airhead and the goody two shoes again. The capital's defenses are truly hopeless. Smuggling into the city was almost too easy.

Ain't that the truth. I had no problem infiltrating the order.

I had a feeling you were the one behind this, Mister Phony Knight.

How did you work it out, Soira?

Well, for starters he's wearing the same scent as the merchant lady. It could be a coincidence, but it's so unique I figured there must be a connection. Plus, remember when we got back and he said "Show me what she gave you?" I thought it was strange that he suddenly knew the merchant was a woman.

Hrgh... You're a lot sharper than you look.

You're right, we do use the same perfume. We don't have a lot of choice.

It's the only way we can mask our true beast scent!

You guys are beastfolk?!

Wow, you got changed so quickly. That was impressive!

You have no idea what you're dealing with.

Behold, the power of our stim potions!

You humans are too weak to withstand their effects, but for us...

The strength of our superior bodies is boosted beyond measure!

"Superior"? We'll see about that! Ready, Soira?

Ready when you are!

Groooooorgh! How could we lose?

This power should have allowed us to destroy entire cities!

There'll be no city destroying for you. Buh-bye now!

Phew, I worked up quite a sweat. But it looks like we won, anyhow.

The whole thing was a beastfolk plot, huh? That could have gotten really out of hand.

Yep, Unigan's safe for another day. Lakhesis will be so pleased!

I hope so. We'd better go make our report to him.

Ah, you're back. Did you find the merchant?

Found and defeated her, don't you worry. Plus, there's something else you'll want to hear...

Good grief, a sleeper agent among our city guards? Sounds like you've had a tough afternoon. But your efforts have saved Unigan once again.

Oh, it was nothing, really. I just did my duty.

I must at least award you with a decoration for your valor.

Wow, like a medal? Way to go, Soira!

Yes, you've done good work. Rumors about you being a "genius" have started circulating all over town. I still find it somewhat hard to believe, though.

Yeah, me too.

How about another title? Perhaps something like "Soira, The Sunshine Knight?"

Well, I do like taking naps in the sun. It's so lovely and warm. Hmm, now you mention it, I wouldn't mind taking a nap right now...

Ha, just the attitude I'd expect from our happy-go-lucky hero.

That's just the way Soira is, and it seems to work for her.

Mmm... Maybe I'll find a nice tree somewhere to rest under.