Blue Flower

You've been doing that for a while now. Do you really like it here that much?

I do. The sound of the wind and water are gentle, like fingertips caressing my cheek. It's a kind of tranquility you don't find in the loud and assertive cities in my era.

I get what you mean. It must be hard finding peace and quiet when there are lights and sounds coming at you from all angles.

...That's not what I mean.

As you know, I'm a bit famous back home.

I'm a bit famous back home. I'm a singer in a band, though...I don't think you know of us.

A bit?! You filled the entire Satellite Stadium with cheering fans!

...Still, this place truly is peaceful. I'd like to stay here for a while longer.

A-ha! There it is!

......

Wonder what she's up to. I know there aren't many monsters here, but still...

Aaand there's one right now.

You okay?

Yes, thank you.

I see you with a different woman every time we meet. I didn't realize this is how you get into their good graces.

That's not what's happening here!

Hah... I'm just kidding, Aldo. But your reaction didn't disappoint.

What is it you were looking for?

A blue flower for my friend's wedding.

Oh, it's something we do for good luck around here. If you give a bride four different types of blue flowers, she'll have a happy marriage.

I'm familiar with the custom. It's called "something blue" in my time.

She's always looked after me, ever since we were children. That's why I want her to be happy.

I know exactly how you feel.

You do?! I think she deserves it, more than anyone...

......

...Oops, I should be getting back to Acteul. I wouldn't want the flower to wilt.

Thank you again!

I know she might not need it, but I think we should see her back to town safely. Just in case.

That's fine with me.

It looks like none of your worries came to pass.

Yeah. I wonder if that's the friend who's getting married.

Look what I found! There was blue aster growing by the waterside. Now I've got three types for your bouquet. What do you think about having some blue Corinda roses as the last flower?

I appreciate it, but it's too dangerous for you to be leaving town on your own.

You need to be celebrating with us from the front row, so please don't do anything reckless.

I'll be fine! The Corinda Plains might be far, but we used to go there all the time as kids, remember?

...There are some things you can't say to someone because you care too much about them.

Huh? What do you mean?

I mean there's no better time than the present to show off how desperate you are to help everyone in sight.

Did you just call me "desperate"? ...Never mind. I'll talk to her.

Sorry, I couldn't help but overhear your story. I'm a traveling swordsman. If you're heading out of town, I'd be happy to accompany you.

Really? That'd be wonderful. This girl gets into all sorts of trouble.

Oh, come on. I'm not the same kid I was back then. But the help is appreciated.

Then it's settled. You'll be her escort.

Wait. You're not coming? You're the one who suggested this.

That may be true, but the roads here are unpaved. It's made me awfully tired. I think I'll have some tea in a nice, cool place while I wait for your return.

Why don't you come with us to the tavern? We were just about to head there and check on the food for the ceremony.

I'd be glad to, if you don't mind. ...Thank you. It's easier to say what's really on your mind when you've got a drink in hand.

Now, I know you'll be alone with the girl, but I expect you to be on your best behavior.

You're making me seem like a real creep here, Mildy...

Shall we, then? The tavern awaits.

......

Why not take a break here if you're tired?

Go on. I can order the food for us.

Thank you.

Why the long face? Getting cold feet before the wedding?

No, it's not the wedding itself. It's just...we'll be moving to Sarupa afterward, for my husband's job.

And my friend, the girl you met earlier, is really happy for us. But for some reason...it doesn't make me feel good. It's weird, isn't it?

No, not at all. In fact, something similar happened to me in the past...

I'm so happy for you, Mildy! You got into one of the best schools in Elzion! I'd say good luck with your studies, but I don't think you'll need it. I know you'll do just fine!

...Is that all you have to say?

Huh?

We won't be able to see each other like this after today. There's no "see you tomorrow" once I leave. ...But I understand just how little I mean to you now.

...Never mind. Goodbye.

I also moved away from a friend when I was young. She sent me off with a bright smile...

But it hurt me, deeply. It made me feel like she wouldn't miss me after I was gone.

That's exactly how I feel. I know it's wrong, but...it still makes me sad.

I wanted her to try and stop me, even if it wouldn't have changed anything. I wanted her to be sad I was leaving. I was young and dumb and hurt her feelings.

Once she was out of my sight, I regretted being so mean. I wish I had been nicer when we parted.

Do you really want to make the same mistake I did?

I...

Go talk to her, dear. You've told me countless times how important she is to you.

...Would you mind escorting me? I want to go to the Corinda Plains. I want to talk to her.

Alright. I'll make an exception for you.

It's not every day Dilmy from Paradream plays bodyguard, after all.

Any luck finding a blue rose?

I see some here, but since it's my friend's wedding, I want a big and beautiful one. Do you think we could go a little further?

That's fine, but don't go too fa...

Hey! Wait for me!

So this is the Coridna Plains... Even the ground shines like stars.

It's beautiful, isn't it? My friend and I came here often as kids.

D-Did you see that?

Aldo's supposed to be her escort. What is he doing letting her run off on her own? After her!

I found it, Aldo! The perfect rose!

Aldo...

Eep!

Looking for me?

Over here.

You know, my fans need to pay a pretty hefty price to meet me in person. And you're closer than most will ever get. You're wasting a precious opportunity, you know.

Mildy! Thank you for looking after her.

Not much of knight in shining armor, are you?

I'll take your complaints later. Right now, we've gotta get rid of this thing!

Are you two okay?

Yes... We're fine.

No, we're not! Why do you keep doing dangerous things like this?! This isn't what I want!

That's no way to get your feelings across.

B-But...

I know it's scary thinking you might not get the response you want. But you can't just leave things like this. If you don't say how you feel, all you'll be left with is regret.

You both have something you want to say, don't you?

...Very well. Let's return to Acteul. You can sort your feelings out on the way back.

Are those two okay?

They're fine. And even if they aren't, I can't be responsible that.

I...

Oh, you go first...

Okay... Well, I appreciate you getting a rose from the plains for me. But I'd been hoping to spend more time together before I left.

...I'm sorry. I was scared that if we were together, I'd end up telling you that I didn't want you to leave. That's why I was wanted to put everything I felt into the bouquet and let the flowers say it for me.

Then you need to say those things so I know what's on your mind. You're too much...

I was a little worried there, but they managed to say how they felt in the end.

You knew how they were feeling from the beginning, didn't you?

I understand a woman's heart better than a certain failure of a knight.

I know I said I'd hear your complaints after, but I don't think you have any.

Haha, I apologize. Teasing you is just so much fun.

And anyway... It's not like I could see through their façade.

Because I...

...I can read whatever's in people's hearts.