The Real Me

Waaaaahhhh!

What's with the shriek all the sudden, Yipha?

My head...hurts...

Your head hurts?! Maybe we should take a break at an inn...

You're so nice, Allee... I'm so happy...

Have you caught a cold? It's a bad idea to continue on if you're not feeling well. You should get some rest.

You're probably right... Wait...no...

Having all those different kinds of drinks together one after another was a bad idea!

I was having fun at first, but then I started getting queasy. Even after a night's sleep, I still feel terrible...

So it wasn't a cold!

*sigh* I can't believe this... You only have yourself to blame.

I know, I know! But I couldn't help indulging after getting scolded by the Head Priest yesterday...

You got scolded by the Head Priest? Why?

Why?! I'll tell you why! You've got a part to play in it too, Allee!

Huh?! What do you mean?

It's because you went off and blabbed to Laky...

When he found out that I took shortcuts with the Accolade, he gave me a proper scolding!

Hmph... You brought that on yourself, didn't you?

*sniff* Maybe so, but still!

I only took shortcuts with the Accolade because I wanted to get rid of unnecessary steps and make it more efficient...

And I even added more magic to make the effect greater than had I not changed the procession! It's really nothing to get angry about!

But the Head Priest still got angry at me...

"Yipha... It seems you must relearn what it means to be a priestess." "You must enter the contemplation room and keep an all-night vigil reciting the holy book."

Can you believe that's what he said?!

Hahaha. That was a pretty good scolding...

And that's not all. When I finally left the contemplation room dead tired, he started lecturing me again... Not just about the Accolade either, but he found out about all my past shortcuts... It was terrible!

After something like that, of course I had to have a few drinks!

Seems like you haven't repent at all...

What was that about past shortcuts?

A while back I had to give a prayer at Rinde. The Head Priest told me to conduct a ritual to ensure safety from aquatic monsters, drowning incidents, and things like that...

So I completed my task, but I cut the procedures a little short...

Can you really call that completing a task?

Of course you can! I could even give a prayer for catching big fish since I shortened the other ones! Thanks to me Rinde would be happy and prosperous! They'd be catching fish by the bucketful!

Or so I thought, anyway...

Or so you thought?

The Head Priest told me...

"There are reports from Rinde about strange occurrences." "Yipha... This wouldn't have anything to do with your shortcuts, would it?" "Go back to Rinde and offer up a proper prayer to get the situation under control. Understood?"

*sniff* I really don't think it's my fault...

Strange occurrences, huh? That's not something to ignore.

I'll go along with you to Rinde.

Huh? Allee... You're so kind!

If I let you go alone, you'd probably just cut corners again. I have some responsibility in this, too.

Jeez... So that's what you were worried about?!

What did you mean you have some responsibility, too?

I know I'm in no place to say this, but there's really no reason for you to always get involved in other people's trouble. I don't think anyone could complain if you just dealt with your own problems.

Yipha...

If I'm being honest, I'm having trouble thanking you...

That was harsh!

*sniff* I suppose I've got to hurry up and deal with these strange happenings if I want to get your trust back.

Let's ask around and get some more information about these occurrences.

Good idea.

All right! I'll be a good priestess and make the people of Rinde feel safe and sound as soon as possible!

Allee! Let's head to Rinde!

H-Hold on, Yipha!

She likes to cut corners, but when she sets her mind to it, she's a good person at heart.

The boats are...returning to harbor?

Yep. Any fishing boat that goes out makes it a little ways, gets caught up in a whirlpool, and ends up back here.

According to the sailors, the boats are getting caught on something they can't see, and get dragged back.

Thanks to that, nobody has been able to go out to sea no matter how hard they try.

So the fishing boats can't leave port... Which means the fishermen can't catch fish. This is no small problem...

That's right! And there's more to it than that. Every fishing boat that makes it back is completely stripped of all its cargo.

You're kidding me?!

This is turning out to be quite a mystery...

Thanks to this, everyone is spooked. Business is bad, and we can't even sell any goods!

Priestess. Please, I'm asking for your help to set things right!

Leave it to me. I will find the cause of this problem, and ensure it never occurs again.

Fishing boats that can't go out to sea... And vanishing cargo...

It sounds like a ghost story. Ghastly spirits, apparitions and all that.

I guess so... Apparitions, huh? That sounds like trouble.

Wait, Allee... Are you...?

Are you afraid of ghosts?! How cute!

I-I'm not afraid of ghosts! They're just a pain to deal with, is all I was saying...

There you go again acting tough... Hehehe. I love ghost stories, you know? I'd always tell them to her...

Wait!

Huh? What was that about, all the sudden?!

W-W-Waaah...

I forgot... I forgot about her!

Her? A girl you used to tell ghost stories?

Yeah! She was a priestess in training at the temple... Kind of like my little sister... And...

She idolized me more than anyone!

Huh. I had no idea you had someone like that.

But you...forgot about her?

I forgot! Not about her existence, but...

My true nature... And all my shortcuts... The Head Priest found out all about that last time, right?

Y-Yeah, I guess so...

Which means?

Which means she must have found out about the true nature of the beautiful Yipha she idolized!

Waaah... This is terrible! My life...is over...

I-Yipha... Calm down for a second.

You only ever showed your good priestess side to this girl?

Yeah, if anything I always showed her my very best side. She always looked up to me...

So if she finds out about my real personality... I can only imagine the look of disappointment on her face.

Oh, I just couldn't deal with it. I hate this... I wanna go home...

Wait! That's no good. If I go back to the temple, I'm sure to run into her.

I guess I've got no choice but to live at Zuki's place!

I, uh, don't think that's possible.

But...!

"Miss Yipha!" She always called out to me with such a cute, innocent look on her face...

Miss Yipha?

Huh?!

That voice...

I knew it! Miss Yipha! And Aldo!

If it isn't Mariel! Which means... The cute little sister Yipha was talking about is...

Huh?

Hehehe! Did she really say that about me?

I'm so happy! She always used to take such good care of me!

I knew it was you, Miss Yipha!

We spoke about the Sword Faith before, at an inn in Unigan!

Huh?! So you're that swordsman from before! It's been a while, hasn't it!

Yeah, I guess it has. So you're the little sister-like person Yipha was talking about?

Huh?

Hehehe! Did she really say that about me?

I'm so happy! She always used to take such good care of me!

I knew it was you, Miss Yipha!

So you're the little sister-like person Yipha was talking about?

Huh?

Hehehe! Did she really say that about me?

I'm Mariel. I'm a priestess in training. Miss Yipha always used to look after me!

Who would've guessed...

By the way, why has Miss Yipha been looking the other way since I got here?

(Ack!)

Ah... Ahem. It has been some time, Mariel.

Though... What brings you all the way to Rinde?

S-S-Surely... There's not something you wish to say to me, is there?

(Like... "You're a traitor!" Or, "I misjudged you!")

Ah! Actually, I do.

Wh-Whatever could it be?!

Miss Yipha...

I'm glad to see that you're well! I'm so happy I ran into you here!

Ack!

Yipha?!

Mariel... You are too adorable, just as ever. I'm so proud of you, little sister.

However, is that all? You didn't come looking for me after hearing about me from the Head Priest?

The Head Priest? No, I...

I... I've ran away from home! I haven't heard anything, and I haven't returned to the temple!

I came to Rinde today to see one of my favorite cats!

H-Huh?! (Ran away from home?!)

Allee, did you hear that?! There's still a way for me to keep up this ruse!

Huh? Uh, I guess so...

Ahem...

Is that so? Apologies for the misunderstanding. Please, forget everything I've said.

Huh? Okay! By the way, did you have some work to do in Rinde, Miss Yipha?

Indeed... The temple has ordered me to conduct an investigation. Fishing boats are unable to leave port, and their cargo has gone missing. It is quite a strange set of circumstances.

Huh?! That kind of sounds like those ghost stories you always used to tell me.

Heheh... So you remember them?

There's no way I could forget!

I'd get so scared and start shaking every time. And then you'd always say...

"Don't worry, little one. Humans are far more frightening than any ghost."

Right?!

(Is that really something a priestess should say?)

Heheheh... That's right. Of course I remember as well.

No matter what awaits us, I promise to bring peace back to Rinde's harbor.

Therefore, Mariel... Don't fret, and go enjoy playing with your cat friend.

I'm sure Rinde's sailors are all happy to hear you say that too, Miss Yipha!

I'll be cheering you on! If you run into any trouble, I'll do whatever I can to help!

Aldo...

Y-Yes...?

This time we take no shortcuts. Let's clean up this mess and set everything right and proper!

No shortcuts?! You're serious about this, huh?

Of course. This is a chance to show my cute little Mariel what a wonderful big sister she has.

Let's head out, Aldo. To Serena Coast!

There we'll find the key to solving this mystery!

H-Hold on, Yipha...!

You said we'll find the key to solving this mystery at Serena Coast...

Does that mean you know the cause of these strange occurrences?

Huh? It's just a feeling...

But Mariel said it before, right? That humans are scarier than any ghost.

Well, I guess I'm actually the one that said it... But either way, that gives us a hint.

So that means humans are behind this?

I'm willing to bet on it.

Think about it. When the boats return to port, they're missing all their cargo, right?

The goal must be stealing cargo. Why would monsters go through the trouble of looting the boats every time?

And if humans are responsible, that would explain why the prayer I did last time has had no effect.

The prayer has no effect on humans?

Well, it was a prayer meant to protect against monsters, after all. Not against human misdeeds.

I see...

If humans are responsible for the cargo, what's causing the boats to get caught in a whirlpool and return to the dock?

Huh? I'm sure humans are behind that as well.

Distract the sailors with a supernatural phenomenon, and use the time that buys to steal the cargo.

All they'd have to do is...

Use monsters to get the desired result...

Hey... Think those are the criminals?!

Could be. Let's go, Allee!

Looks like there are two boats leaving from town today. Just do everything like usual!

Heheheh! Every time is just too easy. Looks like there's more quick gold to make today!

Hey! Don't think we're going to let you get away with this!

H-Huh?!

You're the criminals who are stealing cargo from Rinde's fishing boats, aren't you?

Ack! How'd you find out about that?!

You idiot! Are you trying to give us all away?!

You there... We've also heard about the strange occurrences happening in Rinde.

The boats can't set out to sea, and always end up back at port, right?

That sure doesn't sound like anything humans could do!

They very well could.

Huh?!

All they'd have to do is use a monster like the one you've got here... Right?

Just as the boats leave port, you have a monster chase after it from below the surface of the water.

After the boat gets out a ways, the monster goes under it and causes a whirlpool to form.

The boat loses its bearing, and ends up going the opposite direction.

Waiting for the moment when the sailors are busy with the unexpected change in direction...

You all use a skiff to sneak up on the boat and board it, and make off with all its cargo.

I think that about sums it up...

Urgh...

I guess that means you're our criminals! I won't let you steal any more cargo!

You think that's enough to make us back off, do you?!

We risked life and limb to tame this monster! We're gonna bleed Rinde dry!

You don't think...

We'll let you get away with that, do you?! Thanks to you guys I already got a good scolding!

Is that what you're angry about?!

This is where we end your meddling with Rinde's affairs!

I promise this, on my honor! For the people of Rinde, and for my adorable little Mariel!

What's she on about?!

Tch... If you're gonna get in our way, don't think we'll take it easy on you!

Hey, you sorry sod! Get 'em!

Eeek!

Well, well... Looks like your monster's been taken care of. No more trump card for you.

So what'll it be? If you've still got some fight in you, Allee here will be happy to take you on.

Hey, don't throw it all off on me...

Damn it... Fine! We'll stop what we've been doing! Just let us go!

Fine, fine...

If you do anything like this again, you know what's going to happen to you, right?

O-Of course we do! We'll never do this again!

Whew... Imitating the Head Priest really works wonders every time!

Rinde's mystery has been solved! Now I just need to redo the prayer and report to the Head Priest!

Another prayer, huh? Surely you won't take any shortcuts with it this time?

Of course not! Because...

Mariel is patiently waiting for me!

You always want to show your very best side when you're with Mariel.

So that's why...

I would never do anything to disappoint her.

If she saw what I was really like, she would be totally shocked...

I'm sure she would come to hate me.

Yipha...

I don't think it would be as bad as all that.

You just don't get it, Allee.

Mariel has always shown great promise as a priestess in training. Ever since she was a little girl.

Everyone said one day she'd become the High Priestess. And for some reason I was chosen to watch over her.

Why you, Yipha?

Until she entered the temple to become a priestess in training...

I was the one everyone in the temple was expecting great things from.

What?! Really?

Hahaha... I may be like this, but I'm still quite skilled, you know?

I was Mariel's first senior sister, and was like a real older sister to her...

I was, unconditionally, an amazing person from her perspective.

Every time I taught her something, she would look up to me with glistening eyes...

Looking into those eyes, I too grew rapidly to meet her expectations. I couldn't turn back from that path.

Despite my abilities, my true character is...

The real me is nothing like the person Mariel looked up to.

Yipha... Are you planning on hiding the real you from Mariel from here on out?

That's right. For her sake...

Besides...

I'm afraid that she'll come to hate me...

Even if she finds out about the real you, I don't think Mariel will change her opinion of you.

Even if she finds out about the real you, I don't think she will change her opinion of you...

......

Enough with the sob story! Let's get back to Rinde and do this ritual.

I won't take any shortcuts this time, so it'll be a rare opportunity for you to see a proper ritual in full, Allee!

I think I'd prefer for every ritual to be done properly, to be honest...

Fine, fine... Let's get back to Rinde, then.

Urgh...

Agh!

H-Hey! What's the matter? Why are you shaking like that?

Allee... I...

When I tried to do everything without taking shortcuts...

I started having withdrawal symptoms!

Withdrawal symptoms?!

*sigh* What am I gonna do? If I keep on working seriously like this, I might collapse.

I want to cut some corners. If I did things like always, I could finish this ritual in a blink of an eye...

Suck it up, Yipha! Look... Mariel's watching!

Miss Yipha! Do your best!

Ack... Mariel's radiant eyes...

Urgh... I've got this!

Thank you for the support, Mariel. I will pour my heart and soul into this ritual.

Ahem.. Well then.

I will now commence the prayer. Please remain silent for a moment...

Chapter 12, verse 8 of the holy book... In this place where life resides, the trembling waves become our cradle. I swear an oath here again. With three prayers, our oath is reforged anew. First. For life's sustenance and peaceful days, I pray for the mercy and protection of this town. Second...

Ah... What a lovely ritual.

Chapter 12 of the holy book is so long, but she hasn't missed a word, and is chanting it with such emotion.

My body feels numb from the power of her magic.

That was amazing... I got pretty bewildered there in the middle of it.

I can't believe you remembered all of that.

Teehee... You make me blush...

Having everyone involved with the harbor each give a prayer after chanting from the holy book...

That was quite a ritual...

Prayers that are said to be highly effective have many steps, and are quite the ordeal to perform!

Miss Yipha, usually you skip most of those steps and do an abridged version.

So it was quite a surprise to see you perform all the official steps of the ritual today!

Teehee... Mariel. Today, I didn't cut any corners and performed the full ritual...

Just...for...you...

Y-Yipha...

Huh...?!

M-M-M-Mariel! What exactly could you ever mean?!

Did you perhaps say something about me conducting abridged versions of rituals?

Ah...! Perhaps you have mistaken me for another priestess?

Huh? No, I was definitely talking about you, Miss Yipha.

Hehehe... Haven't you always liked to cut a few corners here and there?

W-Wait!

Wh-Why? I always made sure to be perfect in front of you, Mariel...

I always performed each ritual according to script.

Ah... I'm so sorry!

I always wanted to be a priestess just like you, Miss Yipha...

So, since we were little... I would always sneak along and watch any time you were given a job!

Huh?!

That would mean... P-Perhaps... You've seen how I really am?

Huh...? You mean how you always relax after a job's finished?

You always look like you're having so much fun when you go to drink!

*sniff* *sob*

Oh drat... My life is over...

If you already know that much about me, there's nothing more I can hide... It's checkmate... My future is dark...

M-Miss Yipha...?

Mariel... I'm sorry... I'm...

I'm no amazing priestess to look up to...

Just as you saw, I'm a heavy drinker who likes to cut corners... I'm a terrible adult...

I've let you down, haven't I? I'm sorry for hurting you...

Miss Yipha...

I've never ever been let down by you, Miss Yipha. Not even once...

Huh?!

The truth is, I always...

I always loved that free-spirited part of you!

What?!

Don't you remember, Miss Yipha?

When I was little, the Head Priest would get so strict, I would always find a hidden corner to cry in.

Every single time, you would come and find me, and take me on a walk to calm me down.

Yeah... I remember...

We'd sneak off and eat snacks together... Or take a nap under the warm sun...

That's when you told me...

You don't always have to be perfect, Mariel. Putting on a front and letting yourself getting tied down by things... All while you yourself are in pain and losing yourself because of it... It's all backwards. Prayers are for the people. It shows the pureness of your heart and the depth of your love to all people... This is the only thing that's important to remember for us priestesses.

Well said...

I suppose I did say that... But...

Those words have been with me all this time. They're why I've made it this far.

Your words gave me the wings I needed to fly, Miss Yipha.

The way you really speak, and how you like to take shortcuts in life won't change how much I respect you!

That's why, no matter what, I like you just the way you really are!

Ma...Ma...

Mal...!

Mal...?!

Mal, you're the best! *sniffle* *sob* Thank you so much!

Miss Yipha...!

Teehee... To be honest, I was always jealous of how you gave your friends nicknames.

Today marks my nickname day!

Haha... I'm glad that ended well.

Me too!

Yeah... I won't try to hide my true self any longer!

From now on, I'll be cutting corners left and right!

Hold on, I don't know if that's a good idea!

Teehee! It was a joke, Allee!

Even still, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

In times like this...

We've gotta head straight to Zuki's! Allee, Mal!

Drinks, food, whatever you want! It's all on me!

You want more already?!

I'm all for it!

Ah! But I forgot...

I'm supposed to meet with a cat girl friend today...

Oh, that's too bad... I'll be sure to invite you another day, then!

Yes, please do!

All righty, Allee! The usual spot sounds good to you, right? Back to Unigan!

Haha, sure, sounds great.

How could it be... On a special day for celebrations like this...

Hozuki's pub is closed for a special holiday!

It's too bad, but I guess there's nothing we can do about it.

Should we have a few drinks at the tavern in the middle of town?

Ngh!

Agh... That tavern?

Sounds like you're not interested.

Th-That's not it! The food's great, and I'd like to go.

But there's a chance that I might run into someone I really don't want to see...

Someone you don't want to see?

Well, maybe we should give it up for today.

B-But... I don't want to wait... I want to raise a toast today!

*sniff* Sink or swim... Let's try going to the tavern.

There's no way that person would be at the tavern at this hour, anyway...

Huh? All right, sounds fine to me.

Phew... This is great... This might be the best drink I've ever had.

That's good to hear. And what's more, Mariel said she likes you just the way you are.

Yeah!

Hehehe... I'm so happy. Even like this, there are people who like me for who I am...

I wonder if I'll be able to show him my true self someday...

Him...?

Yeah... Somebody I want to see, but also don't want to see...

Are you talking about the guy you said you might run into here?

That's right...

He's...this really serious, super grown-up guy...

I couldn't show him my true self... I'm sure he would be disgusted...

Yipha...

Is there a chance you...like this guy?

*sniff* Allee, you big idiot... Don't say stuff like that... You're making me blush...

*sniffle* *sob* Barkeep, one more!

Yipha?! If you have any more than this...

Hush up! If you try and stop me, I'm gonna have to...

Take you down to tickle town, Allee!

Ack, s-stop...!

Ah...ha...haa, ack...

Aaaargh!

Whew... Thought I was gonna die from those tickles...

And Yipha's already done for the day...

Hey, Yipha... Let's catch a breath of fresh air outside.

Huh... Allee...?

You can lean on my shoulders. Come on.

Hehe... You're always so nice, Allee... I love you...

Huh? What was that just now...?

Huh? What was that just now...?