Comedy of Errors

Dammit! Nobody said anything about THEM...!

Stop running before you hurt yourself!

Crap...!

We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Your friends have already given up, so I suggest you do the same.

Grrr...! You ruined EVERYTHING!

W-Well you monsters got what was coming to you! That's what you get for selling poison herbs...!

I'll show YOU mom! I can go all by myself!

Wah?!

Ahh! Wh-Who are you...?!

Perfect timing, brat! Hey narc! Unless you want something to happen to this kid, you better turn around and start walking!

Looks like you chose the hard way...

I think I heard her voice coming from over here.

Who the, ?!

H-Hey...!

Forgive me, dear. Could you close your eyes for just a moment?

GRAAAGH...!

Zilva! How can I ever repay you?!

There's no need. The girl's safely is more than enough for me. But may I ask what you were doing out here all by yourself, little one?

I had a letter I wanted to bring to Papa...

You ran off to Rinde on your own just for that?

I see. Well if you like, shall I deliver it to him in your stead?

(That was no ordinary axe technique just now! He doesn't look like a knight or a mercenary, so just who exactly is he? He's so suspicious!)

...Excuse me, young lady.

H-Huh?! Do you mean me?!

Indeed. Are you hurt?

Nope! I'm doing just fine!

...Huh? Where did the other two go?

If you mean the mother and daughter, they've already returned to Unigan.

O-Oh yeah? Sorry, I was lost in my own world...

You're with the postal service, I take it? This must have been quite a shock for you.

(Phew! I guess that means he didn't see me trying to apprehend that cartel member! Still, I better stay on guard...)

Yep! "Whether it's monsters, wolves, or bandits, Miglance Postal can withstand it!" He got away from me so quickly, though, I, Ah!

T-Time I mean!!! Time got away from me, and then I ran into that scary bandit guy, and...!

Your organization's reputation precedes you. I am a messenger of sorts as well, so I have the utmost respect for what you do.

A messenger? You mean you work as a courier, too?

Not exactly... But I do deliver the occasional letter.

It would be rude of me to interrupt your duties any further. I take my leave.

(We were able to take down that poison herb ring thanks to his help, but I just can't shake the feeling that something's off about him.) (I'm gonna need to perform a background check and make sure he hasn't discovered my true identity.)

(That's one more for the surveillance list!)

Dammit! I leave the hideout for one minute and THIS happens! That old fart's gonna pay for what he did to my bro. Ya hear me old man?! I'm gonna break yer legs...!

There he is! I wonder what they're talking about?

I'm sure that bum is half-asleep in the tavern by now. He doesn't even eat anything, just sits there wasting away.

Is that so? I was under the impression he came here looking for work.

He WAS working himself to the bone before, but well...maybe he overdid it a little. Anyhow if you'd like to talk to him that's where he is, but I can't imagine he'll make for very good conversation.

Is he looking for someone? I wonder what he's up to...

......

...More importantly, would ya get a load of this selection?! Look at the metalwork on that saber! There isn't even a single nick or scratch from the forge. The craftsmanship is unbelievable!

...Excuse me, miss?

...Huh? Y-Yes?!

Were you looking for anything in particular today?

U-Umm... No, I was just, uh, admiring the beautiful metalwork on this sword...

Oh? You have quite the eye on you, dear. That saber dates back to around 150 AD. There aren't many of its kind left.

...Gulp! Y-Yeah! I've read all about them! Supposedly the curvature on the blade is nearly impossible to replicate using modern methods, making it incredibly durable, and...

...I'll be on my way then. I appreciate your time.

Make sure you give that loafer a good talkin' to when you see him!

...Sorry dear, didn't mean to interrupt. You really know your stuff, don't you? Have you seen this one yet? It's...

S-Sorry! I gotta go...!

Huh...? What could've gotten into her all of a sudden?

He can't be far...

Aha! Over there!

They mentioned something about the tavern... ...Huh?

Hey... Is that guy over there watching him, too? Nah, I must be imagining things!

I don't wanna believe some old geezer could be stronger than my bro, but the dude's got some moves...

...The tavern, huh? Plannin' to order an early-bird special, old man?

Ah...!

...Watch it!

S-Sorry...!

......

...What're YOU lookin' at, girl? Expectin' me to do a little dance for ya?

...What's it to ya?

Wait, a sec... You tellin' me you're after him, too?

Huh...?!

...I see. Looks like I wasn't the only one then.

Yeah, exactly. Looks like we're on the same page.

(I think I saw this chick when my bro got captured. I figured she was just a bystander, but I guess not.)

(Not surprised so many people want him dead after what I saw back there.) (Still... It's hard to believe a scrawny girl like this would be in with the cartel...)

(Welp, Bro always said not to judge 'em by their cover. I did hear there's a pretty brutal female assassin workin' for the wolves.)

(Wait?! Does that mean this chick's with 'em, too! With her on my side I'll be able to kill that old coot no problem!) (He'll pay for what he did to my bro...!)

I'm surprised to see someone from such a major organization after this guy. Whaddaya say we partner up?

(I guess he already knows what I'm after... Not surprising given his line of work.)

(What'd they tell us at training? "When the letters pile up and you're feeling the fatigue, remember to rely on your MLPS colleagues!") (As long as we work together, we'll be able to take down that axeman in no time!)

An inter-organization operation huh? I'm in!

Cool. So you're a sword user, huh?

Yep! How about you?

I like to get a little more close and personal.

Whoa! Th-That's, ! That's an original training dagger from the middle Miglance Dynasty! How in the world did you get your hands on something like that?!

Heheh, pretty sweet, huh? My bro gave it to me to congratulate me on my initiation.

Whoooaaah! Your brother must have a great eye for weapons!

Yeah, he was a good dude. But now he's gone, thanks to that old codger...

I... I'm so sorry to hear that...

...No use cryin' about it now. Let's just hurry up and find him. Looks like he went towards the tavern.

Got it!

I don't want it... Just lemme sleep.

Please, you could at least take the time to look at it...

What're they sayin'?

I can't quite make it out...

Huh? I think he just passed him something. Are they in the middle of some kinda deal?

What the?!

What's wrong? Did you figure something out?

N-Nah, it's nothin'.

(What'd he pass him just now? That better not be the herbs they stole from us!)

(So that's it huh? They took down our operation so they could start dealin' on our turf themselves.)

(But how'd they even know about what we were growin'? What's this geezer playin' at?)

(He might be a way badder dude than I first thought...)

Look, girl. This might go south pretty fast.

I know. But as long as we keep our guard up...

We're gonna need more than just us two. Lay low for a while, I'm gonna call in a favor from a friend.

H-Hey! Wait! They're gonna see you!

...No, I've gotta calm down. He's a professional, I'm sure he knows what he's doing. I'll just try and gather as much info as I can.

...An herb that'll make me feel better?

That's right. They grow in the Karek Swampland. If you don't mind waiting a bit, I'd be happy to go and fetch some for you.

Herbs?! Those herbs are poisonous! I can't believe he'd talk about them so brazenly in public!

And anyhow, We took out their entire operation! Are you telling me that was just a single outpost? Did he take out that cartel member in front of me just to throw me off the trail?! This might run way deeper than I thought... But it's my duty to protect the kingdom, and I plan to see it through!

I'll return shortly.

Your days of endangering the kingdom are over, axeman! He said he was heading back to the Karek Swampland... Is there another secret location where they're growing the herbs...?

Either way, I'll put a stop to it!

They should be growing around here somewhere...

Hmph, looks like we found where he's growing them. Now I just need to shut this down before he gets away.

...I'm not sure who you are, but I would appreciate it if you came out.

How did he, ?!

Oh? You're the young postal worker from before. Judging from your expression, I take it you aren't here to make a delivery.

I'm here to make a pickup, not a delivery!

Is that so? I don't recall making such a request...

Hand over the herbs! Now!

Oh? You're here to pick them, too?

Not to pick them, to confiscate them! Those herbs are poisonous! I won't let you use them to sow chaos in the kingdom!

Hold on, young lady. I believe there must be some kind of misunderstanding.

Have a look at this.

Oh I'll have a look, alright! Empty your pockets!

This herb grows naturally in these parts. It isn't dangerous in the slightest. In fact, it's excellent for curing exhaustion.

Curing...exhaustion?

D-Don't lie to me! You'd better explain exactly what you plan to use that for!

It's for an acquaintance of mine who works in Rinde. He left Unigan to find work, but never returned home. His family worried for his safety, so they asked me to check in on him.

The long hours at his place of employment have left him too exhausted to even read the letter his family sent.

Wait... Was he the one at the Tavern in Rinde?

So you know of him, then? I apologize for worrying you, young lady, but I assure you there's nothing to be troubled about.

I-I'm so sorry for jumping to conclusions! I can't believe I accused you of dealing poisonous herbs...

As you can see I'm getting on in years. It's hardly the time for me to be getting involved in illegal activity.

You're skill with an axe is anything but ordinary, though... I find it hard to believe you're just a civilian.

I wasn't... But that was long ago...

Shoot! I'm so stupid! There's gotta be something I can do to apologize!

There's no need, really.

I can't just pretend like nothing happened...

Hey, I know! Why don't I help you gather herbs?

I appreciate the offer, but do you not have your deliveries to attend to?

Haha, you're quite the insistent one, aren't you?

In that case I humbly accept your offer. We only need this part of the herb. Cut them down to right about here, alright?

'Kay, I think I've got it.

Th-This is harder than it looks... How did you already find so many?

It's all about experience, young lady.

......

So, uh! Are you always doing this kinda thing? It's great helping strangers and all, but isn't this a bit much?

You needn't fret about me. I simply do it because I enjoy it. And also because...

...No. Forget I said anything.

Hm...?

I think it's about time we head back. It can be dangerous out here after sundown.

Okay, I'll walk with you! The job's not finished until we've carried everything back to town!

Thank you, my dear. Shall we, then?

(He has such a mysterious air about him...) (He seems to keep a lot of things to himself, but I can tell he isn't a bad person.)

You saw that old guy just now right? He's the mark. Should be no problem for a pro like you.

...I refuse.

...Huh?

An entire cabal of assassins wouldn't be enough to take HIM out! Wh-What if he saw me just now?! I'm getting out of here. Don't contact me again!

Wait, what?! Just who in the hell IS that guy?! Even cold-blooded assassins turn tail and run at the sight of him!

Is he the head of some opposing cartel? This is gettin' a bit heavy for my taste...

Hey... Was that guy watching Elseal just now? I don't like the looks of this...

I'd like to express my gratitude once more, young lady. Those herbs really did the trick. The shopkeeper is back to his usual self.

Yep! We even got him to sit down and write a proper reply to his daughter!

I'm sure his family in Unigan will be relieved. You have my thanks.

It was nothing, really! "At MLPS, if we can deliver a smile, then it was all worthwhile!"

I'll be on my way now. Have a nice day, young lady.

...Phew. I guess he really was just a kind old man. Time for me to get going, too.

Yo.

Uwah! I totally forgot about you! Everything's been cleared up. That gentleman wasn't a bad person after all, Huh? I thought you said you were going to bring backup?

You were with the geezer in the Karek Swampland just now, weren't ya?

Well, yeah! What else was I supposed to do after you ran off and left me?

W-Wait a sec! You were watching us?! Did you hear how many he cut down?!

H-How many...?

(The herbs we brought back to Rinde were pretty heavy, so...) ...I'm guessing around 300, all by himself.

What?! H-How in the, ?!

It's crazy right?! And he did it with nothing but a pocket knife!

(Crazy doesn't even begin to describe it. Hard to believe that's the face of a guy who's cut down more than 300 men... No doubt about it, He's the real deal. Bro always said there was strength in numbers, though. As long as I keep this assassin chick on my side, I'll be able to get my revenge.)

...I'm doin' this either way. You comin' with?

Huh? No, like I said, he's not a problem anymore. There's no reason for us to keep following him...

Not a problem?! What about my brother?! He's the one who crushed my entire operation!

Look, I'm not gonna beg! I was plannin' to kill him by myself from the start. Who needs ya? Next time we meet...ya better hope its not as enemies.

...Planning to kill him? Operation? What was that all about? And what was all that stuff about his brother?

W-Wait a second! Was he NOT a fellow secret agent?! Oh my gosh! I can't believe I was so stupid! I've gotta find that elderly gentleman before something terrible happens!

...She sure ran off in a hurry. I wonder if she's gotten into some kinda trouble? I'd better hurry.

...Please calm down, sir. There must be some kind of misunderstanding. All I did was rescue a lost child from a ruffian along the road.

Shut it, geezer! You took my brother from me! You and whoever it is you work for...!

Get away from him...!

Young lady...!

Stay outa this...! You should understand this more than anyone! Family is everything in the cartel! There's no way I'm gonna let it slide!

You've got it all wrong! I don't work for a cartel!

Huh? What're you talkin' about? You told me we're part of the same kinda organization! That we both deal poison herbs!

I never said ANYTHING about poison herbs! Me and that elderly gentleman TOOK DOWN the group of criminals behind that! Are you telling me that you were one of them that escaped?!

What?! Then the ones who went after us... That was you? You took everything from me!

Get out here, Jimmy!

J-Jimmy?! Th-That thing is a monster!

I think I've seen enough...!

Aldo...?!

Are you hurt?

N-No! I'm fine!

Thank you for your assistance, Aldo.

I saw you get attacked. I'm just glad I made it in time.

Thank you for your assistance.

No problem. I'm just glad I made it on time.

You seem to be a magnet for trouble, young lady.

It's no big deal! "Thunderstorm, blizzard, or beast attack, Miglance Postal never turns back!"

Hmph. Your dedication is admirable.

Grrr! Kill 'em all!

Get ready, you two!

I'll make this quick!

You...! You tricked me! I can't believe I was working with a dirty criminal like you! If the Chief found out about this they'd have my head...! Prepare yourself, !

W-Wait a minute...! I didn't trick anybody, you just, !

GYAAAAAAGH...!

You were a great help, young man. Might I have your name?

Aldo. And you are...?

Zilva. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Thanks for the save, Aldo. That could've been bad.

But why are you here?

I happened see that rogue watching you in the Karek Swampland, so I decided to follow him and see what he was up to.

O-Oh yeah?

(...D-Does that mean he saw how much time I spent with that creep, then? I'm never gonna live this down...)

...Hm?

Is something wrong...?

Stay still for a moment.

Eh?! Wha, ?! Huh?!

You had a little blood on you from the battle earlier. I didn't want to see you dirty your clothes.

Th-Thanks...

I'd be happy to lend you a handkerchief. You'd do well to keep some pressure on that cut for a while.

...You really don't mind?

Not at all. I imagine you'll have trouble continuing on with your deliveries today in that condition. It's a demanding line of work.

Now then, I think I should be on my way. Good day to you both.

I guess I'll head out, too.

......

...Elseal? Is something wrong?

Huh? Oh! No, it's nothing! I just need to start on my next delivery...

So the sheep conceals a blade within its wool... Today brought back a flood of memories. I pray that young lady never strays from the path of righteousness. It's best she doesn't become involved with someone like myself.

...... (If only I could be that selfless when it came to helping people...)

Something wrong, Elseal?

Uwah...!

A-Aldo...! Geez! Don't sneak up on me like that! Were you spying on me again?!

N-No! You've got it all wrong! I had plans with Amy and Cyrus in Unigan today. I just happened to see you at our meetup point.

O-Oh, is that all...

What are you doing here, Elseal?

I don't really know myself... I guess I'm just waiting.

Waiting...? For who?

Ah! Elly! What're you slacking off over here for?

H-Hey! I wasn't slacking! I was just taking a little break...

Get it together! You missed two of your pickups! The Chief's pissed!

Uwah! Th-That's right...! It totally slipped my mind!

"At MLPS freight, the mail should never wait!" See ya later, Aldo!

W-Wait a sec, Elly! Geez. Where's that girl's head at these days?

Huh? Did Elseal drop this?

Hey, isn't this handkerchief...? She seemed pretty busy, so I guess I'll pass it to her next time we meet.

Over here, Aldo! Let's get going!

Sure! I'll be right there!