An Elf's Job

Hey, Adol.

Aldo...

Oh my... My dearest apologies, Aldo.

Meh, whatever...

(At least she's pretty close...) (Maybe my name's difficult to remember...)

Aldo, do you have some free time? Do you mind coming with me to take care of something in Acteul?

Yeah, sure. Are you going to sell more amulets?

No, not today. There's someone I'd like to see. It seems that they've broken the amulet I gave them before. I'd like to give them a new one as soon as I can.

That's okay with me.

Could this be the special person you made the original amulet for?

You got it.

I wish she'd tell me as soon as it breaks, but she's afraid of bothering me when I'm busy. *giggle* She can be trouble from time to time...

Hold up... If she didn't tell you that it broke, then how did you find out about it?

*giggle* About that... Take a guess. How could I possibly know?

Huh? Oh, um, let's see... Maybe you can sense when the amulet breaks because it contains your magic. Am I right?

*giggle* You could say that I just know...

Well then, Aldo. Shall we make our way to Acteul?

Oh yeah, let's go give that amulet to her.

Now that we're here, where is this person with the broken amulet?

Umm...

Ahah!

Radica!

Ewella?!

*giggle* I'm so happy to see you. I get so lonely when I don't see your sweet face...

Ewella, is this the woman?

Yes, she is. Radica has been a close friend of mine since I was a child. She's a traveling fortune teller.

Wow, that's pretty cool.

My name's Aldo, a friend of Ewella. It's nice to meet you.

Likewise Aldo. But I'm rather surprised to be honest. I wouldn't expect anyone to be traveling with Ewella...

Please don't be mistaken. There's NO ONE in the world more important to me than you are... Whenever you're in trouble, no matter where you are, no matter what you're doing, I'll be there for you.

*giggle* Thanks. But you don't need to worry so much about me, do you?

Perhaps you're right. *giggle* Hey, Radica. Your amulet broke, right? I brought a new one for you. I wanted to be sure to get you an amulet to ward off evil as soon as possible.

Really?! Thank you so much!

Oh, hey Radica!

Aldo! Good to see you!

I didn't realize you and Ewella knew each other.

*giggle* We were close friends from childhood.

And as for you... You and Radica are...

Huh?

*giggle* I'm a little surprised. For Ewella to come with someone to see me...

Oh... *giggle* We are just friends traveling together.

Please don't be mistaken. There's NO ONE in the world more important to me than you are... Whenever you're in trouble, no matter where you are, no matter what you're doing, I'll be there for you.

*giggle* Thanks. But you don't need to worry so much about me, do you?

Perhaps you're right. *giggle* Hey, Radica. Your amulet broke, right? I brought a new one for you. I wanted to be sure to get you an amulet to ward off evil as soon as possible.

Really?! Thank you so much!

Oh, hey Radica!

Aldo! Good to see you!

So it was Radica that you wanted to meet up with, Ewella.

You got it. *giggle*

I'm a little surprised. For Ewella to come with someone to see me...

Oh dear... Are you jealous?

Huh?! E-E-Ewella!

*giggle* You're so cute when you do that. Since you already did the ceremony, you've no reason to be jealous of me.

H-How can you say...! Grrr... I'm not jealous even the slightest! Anyway, what brings you and Aldo to me?!

Well, you see...

Ah yes... Your amulet broke, right? I brought a new one for you.

I wanted to be sure to get you an amulet to ward off evil as soon as possible.

Really?! Thank you so much!

It's odd... Why on earth would you come running the moment the amulet breaks?

*giggle* What if something were to happen to you?

Ewella, sometimes you're just...

All I want to do is be there to help you.

Speaking of which, Radica, the job you're doing now has been quite taxing, hasn't it?

A job?

You know about that too?!

Oh... I get it. It was Ratchett again, wasn't it? Since you two have gotten so close, she tells you everything...

*giggle* Maybe...

Huh?

Sorry...I'll explain the details. Ratchett asked me to go fetch some spirit nectar.

Spirit nectar?

The spirits collect nectar from flowers and then make a special drink. It's rather difficult for humans to get their hands on it, so it often comes down to the elves. However, being the dark elf I am, I am having more trouble getting it than I expected. I'm not sure what to do, but I'll find a way...

Ah, is that right? So it's something you can only get as an elf...

Don't worry Radica. It's not your fault that you're having trouble.

So I want you to relax and leave this job to me.

Really? Are you sure, Ewella?

*giggle* Why of course. Ratchett has already filled me in on the details for this job. You've got your fortune telling business to worry about, so leave this job to us.

Thank you so much, Ewella. I used to do this job when I was an elf, and so I wanted to see it through to the end, but...

Wait, you were an elf?

Ah, yes... It's a long story... But I too, was once an elf.

I had no idea.

Don't give me that look, Radica.

As payment for my services, I'll take some of the nectar for myself. Then we can enjoy it together later if you like.

Ewella...

*giggle* Okay... Looking forward to it.

Then let's both finish our work and then enjoy some time off in Palsifal Palace. Take care of yourself, Radica.

You both be careful, too.

Well then... Let's head on over to the Corinda Plains. We should find the wind spirits there.

Right... Let's go!

Don't give me that look, Radica.

As payment for my services, I'll take some of the nectar for myself. Then we can enjoy it together later if you like.

Ewella...

*giggle* Okay... Looking forward to it.

Then let's both finish our work and then enjoy some time off in Palsifal Palace. Take care of yourself, Radica.

You both be careful, too.

Well then... Let's head on over to the Corinda Plains. We should find the wind spirits there.

Right... Let's go!

There should be some around here...

Where could the wind spirits be?

*giggle* Relax. I'll summon them.

Summon?

It's quite easy if you know the elven spell... When one uses the spell, it causes the user to...

Be considered an ally of the spirits.

Woah! You can do that?!

*giggle* Radica had the same reaction at first when I taught her the spell.

So Radica also thought the same...

She had so much trouble memorizing the spell the first time around. That's why she had to practice the spell day and night for so long. I told her not to push herself so hard... But she told me, "I wanna hurry up and learn the spell so I can play with Ewella and the spirits!" How ADORABLE is that? Since she was a child, Radica would work herself to the bone trying to learn new magics...

You've got a big grin on your face.

And finally, when she got the spell down, she became so nervous that she couldn't sleep. Then when the day came that she was going to meet the wind spirits, she got so nervous she forgot how to introduce herself. And get this, after finally meeting the wind spirits, her eyes welled up with joy and...IT WAS SO CUTE!

Haha! You must've been happy to see that.

But of course. She was always so upbeat and lovely...

While at the same time she was dignified, and her soul shown more nobly than the other elves.

When she's lost in thought, her face is fragile, yet beautiful... When she cries, her face is loving...

Y-Yeah... You really do have deep feelings for Radica.

Well... The most wonderful thing about Radica is that her best moments have yet to come. It's the same with my feeling about her...

*giggle* You're right... I can't tell you how much time Radica and I have spent together, and how deeply we've bonded. Perhaps I should tell you more about her and I...

E-Ewella? You're starting to scare me a little...

*giggle*...

L-Let's just get this nectar for Radica already.

Yes, of course. Anything for Radica.

(If I'd let her go on, we'd be here all day and night.)

Let us start the spell now.

O spirits that have dwelt here since ancient times, hear my voice and see thy form in thy eyes. My form is thine, and my hand reaches for thee... La-la-la La-la-la La-la-la... O-ho-ho-ho-ho... La-la-la La-la-la... O-ho-ho-ho-hoooo...

...Now come to me spirits♪

...... Th-That was magic? You're messing with me, right?

Not at all. That was the spell.

So that whole la-la o-ho-ho stuff... That means "come here"?

Yes, essentially.

I guess I can understand how difficult that was to memorize...

*giggle* I know, right? I wonder who made up that weird spell. Anyway, it was cute watching Radica do her best to sing the song...

But...it looks like nothing is happening.

That's not true. Just watch...

Are those what I think they are?

That's right, the wind spirits are here.

*giggle* Yes, we did. How's this year's batch of nectar?

Then I can't wait to try it out for myself.

Me?! Oh, about that... Well you see...

Hahaha... We are spirits of milk and juice of course.

Ewella?! There's no way that's gonna work!

Thank you for meeting us.

You told them a bunch of baloney... And yet they fell for it hook, line, and sinker.

It's all thanks to the spell. From here on all we need to do is go get the nectar.

Really? This is turning out easier than I expected.

Which brings up a question. Why did Radica have so much trouble completing this job? You mentioned it had something to do with her being a dark elf.

Spirits you see, don't really like dark elves very much. And no matter what magic spell one uses, they cannot hide the fact that they're a dark elf. The spirits will know immediately that the guest is not one of them...

I see...

Of course, sorry about that. Let's go.

We'd better make our way up the cliffs. The wind spirits will be waiting for us. Shall we go, Mr. Milk Spirit?

Haha... Lead the way.

Is this the place?!

I believe so... They could be a little further ahead.

It sounded like they made a good batch this year. I can't wait to try some!

It doesn't really sound like my kind of drink, but it sounds sweet and delicious.

*giggle*... I hate to tell you this, but the spirit nectar is a far too strong for humans.

It's so bitter that one taste will burn your throat and make you dizzy. But to us, it's mild and sweet, much like the taste of honey for you.

Is that right?!

You betcha. Hence why humans almost never seek out the spirit nectar. Although it seems Matchett uses the nectar to make some of her medicines, making the taste irrelevant.

Matchett?

Huh? Did I say it wrong? Ummm... Was it Patchett?

Ah no... Her names Ratchett.

That's right! Ratchett, Ratchett, Ratchett. Got it!

So no matter how close you are to the person, you still mix up their names?

It's just like I told you before. It's hard for me to remember people. I'm pretty sure I've already forgotten your name...Paldo.

Ewella... I'm Aldo...

What? See what I mean? I'm honestly trying to remember. I can't even remember the names of the elves from my home village.

Hahahahaha...

(Yeah, except you have yet to make a mistake even once when it comes to Radica's name...) (That must mean it has to do with how much she likes someone. I've got to try harder to get her to remember!)

Well, that's enough about me. The spirits have been waiting long enough for us.

Someone's in trouble!

What's going on?!

Grr... Step back guys. It's too dangerous!

It seems the nectar appeals to monsters as well. The sweet scent attracts them to no end. It must be pulling it in...

We can't allow it to drink up Radica's portion. The way she drinks the nectar, it's so cute and sweet...

You there... Get out of our way!

Looks like we chased it off.

It'll think twice about coming back, that's for sure.

Everyone, are you okay?

Hehe, you're very welcome. Perhaps you have some compliments for Mr. Milk Spirit, too?

Hahaha! Thanks!

Well, I think it's about time we split up the nectar.

It surely is...

Thank you all. Radica will be so happy.

Alright then, shall we return to the palace? I'm pretty sure Radica's done with her fortune telling as well.

You can tell that much? That amulet is no joke...

I've just got a feeling. Let's go meet up with Radica and then deliver the nectar to Natchett.

Ratchett...

That's what I thought, Ratchett... RAAAATCHEEETT...

Ewella, Aldo, thank you so much for this. Total life savers.

I barely did anything...

You needn't even ask for help from me when you're in trouble. No matter where or when, I'll be there by your side, Radica.

The same goes for me. Don't forget to let me help you from time to time.

Radica...

Now let's not waste any time and take this nectar to Ratchett.

Of course, let's go!

Uh oh... Not good.

Ewella? What's wrong?

I completely forgot... I just remembered something very important. I hate to ask this, but can you guys go ahead and take care of this for me?

Well, yes of course, but...

Is everything okay? If there's some problem, then please let me take care of it for you.

*giggle*... Thank you. But it's nothing so difficult that needs your help. It's just something that slipped my mind.

Yeah?

I'll leave the rest to you guys. Once I'm done, I'll go buy some sweets to eat with the nectar.

Okay! Gotcha.

This year's nectar is particularly potent. Perfect for my medicine!

Glad to hear that.

But as I thought, it was too difficult for me to borrow the power of the spirits. Even though you were counting on me... I ended up relying on my elven friend. I'm sorry I disappointed you.

There's no need to apologize. Hehe... On the contrary, I'm glad to hear you have friends that you can rely on.

Ratchett...

Don't forget that I'm here too. You don't need to take on everything by yourself.

Though elven stuff might be a little tricky for me...

*giggle* Thank you, Aldo.

Regardless of everything, thank you for your help. I'm sure I'll have another request for you soon enough.

Of course. Just let us know when you need something. Well then, we should be going now.

Oh, by the way...

Ratchett, you also have a darker side to yourself.

Huh? Have I done something wrong?

It's about Radica. Even though Radica and Ewella are so close... Don't you think it's wrong to talk about Radica's business with Ewella?

Well, we managed to get the job done this time, however...

What?

Listen, Aldo...

Huh?

Who is Ewella?

What do you mean?

I don't know anyone by the name of Ewella...

You're joking right?!

Oh come on! She's an elf with soft-looking hair, likes to talk about magic stuff a lot... Your friend...

Aldo, there's no one like that that I know.

That's impossible!

(Wh-What's going on here?!)