First Love's Devotion

Oh! You're...!

What is it? Do you need assistance?

I see... This is serendipitous indeed...

What now?

I'm sorry, travelers. Would you listen to an old codger's tale?

We'll help out if we can. What's your problem?

Oh, it's nothing complicated. It's just, the older one gets, the more you realize time is short. As one of my final actions on this world, I'd like to send something to my first love. Could you help me?

Oh...how romantic.

It really is. Say, sir, what do you want us to do?

First of all I wanted to get the advice of another woman about what I should send. Miss, what do you think would be good?

M-Me?

Right. I'd like to know your opinion.

I'm afraid I won't be of too much help here. But my first guess would be some jewelry? A nice necklace or ring might do the trick.

I see. Then maybe a ring will do. I already have one of those, so could you find me a jewel to put on it, perhaps?

In that case we should head to the Vasu Mountains. I'm sure we'll find something nice there.

Vasu Mountains? Okay. Let's go.

By the way, how are we going to find jewels?

Right... People used to come here a lot to collect gemstones. Many came with hopes of getting rich quick, but perished from the heat and the monsters. I was thinking there might be someone left who could help us out.

Who? What do you mean?!

Heheh... Just wait and see.

Ye who slumbers, concealed beneath the earth, ignored by the world. Reveal yourselves to me!

Whoa! What the heck?! Are you calling on the dead?

That's right. But I'm just reanimating this body. I'm going to search the memories they have left. I hope they know something.

...... "The best gemstones can be found deep in the mountains." "But that way lies danger." "I was hurt, and ran away. But then I ended up here..."

...That's all I could get.

Incredible! I had no idea you could do that.

The memories of his death are clear in his mind, so they were easy to read.

I apologize for disturbing your peace. Sleep well. May you find eternal rest...

...Thank you, sleep well.

Wait, that old man, did he know about your power? Is that why he came to us for help?

Perhaps. My connection with the earth spirit can be of use in all kinds of unexpected ways. Okay, let's go. The gemstones will be farther into the mountains.

The place in that man's memory, it's here.

Hmm? Something's shining over there.

You're right! It's a giant gemstone!

Wait, wait! If you touch that gem...

This is the monster!

A trap left here to protect the gemstones?

I think you're right. Perhaps it was left here by someone who hid the gemstones? Maybe they wanted to scare away competitors?

Anyway, we have the gemstones. We should go back to the old man.

Hey, sir, we got the stones.

Oh, how pretty. Very pretty...

Don't you agree, miss?

M-Me? Yes, they're very pretty. I see now why people coveted these stones so much.

I see. Now could you wait here? I need to go get these cut.

...It's done.

Wow, that's quite a ring. This is sure to please anyone who gets it.

Okay, Toova. Would you...take this ring?

Wha?!

You're giving it to me?

What's wrong? Weren't you going to give it to your first love?

That's right. Is something wrong?

Then... Does that mean in all these years... you've never fallen in love?!

No, no, no. I first fell in love at the age of 10. She was a kind, gentle, mysterious older girl... I couldn't help but admire her.

Ummm...

Oh... I think I understand now. I'm sorry I didn't remember. We've met before, haven't we? A long time ago.

That's right. You haven't changed a bit, Toova. You're just as beautiful as you were then.

Say, Aldo. You know I'm a necromancer, right? There's a reason I have access to that dark magic. To put it simply, I'm a reanimated zombie.

Whaaa?!

She came to this village long ago. I've been waiting to see Toova once again. So please, take the ring. You were my first love...

In that case I shall gladly take it. Thank you.

I hope you keep it with you, always.

I will, I promise.

You're such a kind person... Okay, it's time I left you alone.

Hey, Toova. That old man said you haven't changed since he was a boy. Just how old are you...

Aldo. You should never ask a woman her age.

...I'm sorry.