A Precious Handkerchief

Hmm... Not here either.

Ahhh! It's a cat! A caaat!

Oh no!

Aww, aren't you cute?

Is everything okay? I heard a scream.

I'm sorry if I startled you, but I just couldn't help myself! Look at how adorable he is!

I see... That was a scream of excitement, then. I thought you might be in trouble.

I'm just fine, but thank you for your concern.

He is indeed a cute cat, but he's not Mimi.

And who might that be?

Mimi belongs to my friend, who I happen to be looking for right now.

I'm afraid I don't know anyone by that name, cat or otherwise.

She said she was a traveler, but there's always a chance she comes by again. If you happen to cross paths with her, let her know a woman named Meryt is looking for her.

Of course.

I always end up looking for her whenever I come here...

It's been so long since I last saw her...

This is only my second time here, but...

I'm still shocked by how different it is from my home.

Now that I'm here, I had best make sure it was worth all the trouble of sneaking out. Normally I would try to learn more about the outside world, but... This time, I have something else I must do. I need to stay sharp.

Now. Where do I begin?

Mimi! Where are you, girl?

E-Excuse me... Um, have you by any chance seen a cat? One with a cute pink ribbon?

I can't say I have.

Where could she have gone? Oh dear, I hope she's not lost...

Is Mimi your cat?

Her name's Minette, but I call her Mimi for short... We had just found this weird bag when...

Wait. What's that in your hand?

Th-This paper?! I found it over there... Why? Is it yours?

Found it, did you? Tell me more. You can start with your name.

Wh-Why are you looking at me like that?

It's making me nervous... And are those ears on your head real? A-Are you one of the beastfolk?!

A demi-human, but beastfolk works just as well.

N-No. This is all a dream. Just a dream... Don't panic, Nina. Be confident...

Ahem. My name is Nina. I'm a designer.

A designer?

Yeah, I make clothes...like a tailor, I suppose. So, I'm always thinking about my next creation. Anyway, just before...

Okay, while we're in town, let's look for some inspiration for my next project.

What is it, Mimi?

I wonder what this bag's doing here. Someone must have dropped it...

Oh no! Everything's fallen out...

I'll just put everything back inside and... Whoa. This paper... No way. No. Way. This drawing is incredible! This is it! This is the inspiration I've been looking for!

I could embroider this on a handkerchief or something...

Sorry, Mimi! Give me a sec. I have a handkerchief on me, and embroidery takes me no time at all. I'll just whip up a quick mock-up...

Hmm, it's a little dark to work here. The light looks better over there...

So, yeah. I embroidered the handkerchief, and when I came back...both the bag and Mimi had disappeared.

I see... So that piece of paper is the inspiring artwork you were looking at?

Oh, this?

Yes. I took it to use for my embroidery sample. But I need to return it to its original owner...

Well, you're in luck. Because she's right here.

She is?

That was one of the treasures stolen from the royal, from my family.

And since it's in your possession, that might make you an accomplice!

What?! No! I already told you how I ended up with it!

Yes, but the question is whether I should believe your story or not.

In my heart, I want to believe you. Perhaps because I see no evil in your eyes. And there's something mysterious about you. You're not like other people.

Maybe it's because I'm not from around here?

A traveler, are you? That explains it. I came here in search of stolen treasure.

(Actually, I'm from way far in the future.) (But I came here to get some inspiration...)

(Not that I can tell her that, even if this is a dream. She'll get way too suspicious...)

And you just happened to find one of them. Fate must have brought us together. I will help you look for your cat while I search for the other treasure.

Th-Thank you...

If the bag and the cat disappeared at the same time... Then whatever thief the bag belongs to likely took your cat with them when they returned for their belongings.

But why would they take Mimi?

If you don't mind my saying, your clothes are rather exquisite. They're clearly made from quality fabric. If your cat's ribbon is of the same quality... They may have assumed Mimi belonged to someone wealthy. That would make her a prize in their eyes.

No!

I never realized how many people in the outside world were so driven by greed. But I am familiar enough with things out here to know they would kidnap a cat for it.

Nina. Take me to where you found that bag.

O-Okay. It was just this way, toward the edge of town.

It was just over there...

Keep lookin'! We gotta find it!

Hide!

Damn, where is it?! Wasn't that scrap of paper supposed to be some incredible treasure too?

That's what the beast who brought 'em said.

Just make sure you find it, okay? Leave no stone unturned.

I am, but I'm tellin' ya, it ain't here!

"The beast who brought them"?

That must be the one who took the treasures from my home.

Only a few merchants from my city are allowed to do business with humans. One of them must have sold the stolen objects to them.

But why would they do that?

For the thrill, I suppose. Or perhaps his trading partner asked him for it.

He was able to enjoy a lavish way of living that even residents of the town could not.

It might have made him feel something that became addicting. Does that make sense?

Um... I guess I can see how someone might feel that way.

You make a good point... I suppose it's more a question of self-control. Maybe he got swept away by this new feeling. Regardless, it's hardly praiseworthy.

But I don't think it's good to make yourself feel better by comparing yourself to others. Constantly comparing yourself to others only ever ends in pain. It goes on and on...

Or maybe it depends on the person...

I see... I can relate.

Hm?

It's no use, it ain't here. Let's just go back to the others.

After them!

Guess we're just gonna have to forget about that missin' paper and sell the treasure we have...

I think not!

There they are! And they have your cat too!

Let Mimi go!

Huh? You talkin' about this cat?

Y-Yes! She's my darling...

One of the beastfolk and a girl dressed funny...You ain't from around here, are ya?

Heheh. Sorry, but this cat's ours.

Liar! Mimi's mine!

Can you prove it's your cat? Gimme proof, and you can take the cat. Out-of-towners like you wouldn't know, but you gotta bring proof if you wanna get your stuff back.

Yeah! Prove it!

B-But...

Th-Then we should go to a third party. Someone who can judge this fairly... Then we can both present our evidence...

Yeah, ain't nobody got time for that. It's our cat, so deal with it!

I've heard enough. I will settle this matter myself!

You will regret underestimating me. I may not live here, but I am no stranger to these parts. And I know for certain there is no rule saying we cannot take back what belongs to us!

Tch! Bring out the monster!

Get her!

Th-That was fast!

You're clearly outmatched. So just...

Let's get outta here!

Wait!

Smoke bombs?! This can't be!

Did they get away?

I'm sorry, Meryt. I let my nerves get the better of me.

I let my guard down too. But we have to follow them! They must have gone to the lake!

No sign of them anywhere...

I'm so sorry. If I'd just kept my cool over what they'd said, maybe I could have helped you.

You mean when they wanted proof?

They're criminals... I should have known better than to take them seriously.

I take it there's not much crime where you come from. That's why you deal with things rationally, rather than by force.

I-I guess so... There are some dangerous neighborhoods around...but as long as I steer clear of them, there's never any trouble.

My city is the same. There are hardly any ruffians like them around. And when there are, the guards deal with them immediately.

(Come to think of it, the streets back home are incredibly safe. Almost strangely so.) (Though that just means no one knows how to cope when a major issue arises...)

Meryt?

My point is that's why I let my guard down too. I defeated one measly monster and thought that would be the end of it.

I thought I'd proven my strength and they'd surrender. But that was naïve of me.

D-Don't beat yourself up about it! You're a traveler too, right? You're just not used to their ways here.

Perhaps, but I'm more accustomed to their ways than you are. And I've been training. I let it get to my head. I assumed I would be fine, even outside my own city.

I was too confident.

Don't say that, I...

Oh!

Look! A pink thread!

Yes, it looks like a thread came loose from something or another.

I-I think it's from Mimi's ribbon! No, I'm sure it is! If you look closely, you can see how it shimmers in the light. It's custom thread, so it's got to be hers!

There's some over there, too!

Could Mimi be leaving them for you to find?

Yeah... Maybe she's scratching at her ribbon to leave us a trail.

So if we just follow these threads, they should lead us to the thieves.

Then what are we waiting for? I'm going to fight for Mimi this time!

Hah... Yes, I can see the determination in your eyes. But I want you to do something else for me.

Oh? What's that?

We're both outsiders here. So let's deal with them like outsiders. Allow me to give chase...alone.

Found you! You won't be getting away this time!

Ugh, you just don't give up!

All alone this time? Did your little friend run away?

You're makin' this too easy for us!

We ain't takin' any chances this time. Let's see if you can survive all of these!

Don't you dare underestimate me!

Are none of you brave enough to fight me yourselves?

Th-This way!

Meryt! I brought the defense force with me, just like you asked!

So these are our cat burglars? We're going to need to ask you a few questions!

Like you said, we aren't from around here. So we invited some people who are.

Thank you. That criminal organization has a lot of crimes to answer for.

We assumed they were just crooked traders dealing in stolen goods. But swindling doesn't appear to be beneath them either.

I see. Make sure you investigate them thoroughly and judge them accordingly.

Are you sure you're fine with buying back the item they stole from you?

Yes. The money I provided you should be enough to cover it.

Well, if you insist. Please let us know if anything else comes up.

Are you really okay with this?

Stolen or not, this item was sold by a merchant of my city. It's only right that I buy it back. This isn't my town, so I want to do things properly. I don't want this to cause any problems down the line.

Maybe with more experience, I'll get better at handling this sort of thing...

Aww, Mimi... I think she's trying to say thank you for saving her.

Allow me to thank you in return, Mimi. Without you, I never would have gotten my family treasures back.

That thing you bought back is one of your treasures, right?

What is it? A pretty glass marble? No, it can't be glass. I've never seen a material like it before... Is it related to the paper I found?

The gem represents a star, and the drawing depicts a constellation. They are incredibly important to my family... and my city.

Then...you should take this. It's the handkerchief I embroidered. If the artwork I based it on is that important to you, I don't think it's right for me to keep it.

Oh, my... This is incredible, Nina!

I promise I won't use the design, either.

To tell the truth, this image has no real significance on its own.

So, out of respect for your handiwork, I will allow you to use it in other handkerchiefs.

Consider it thanks for helping me learn a thing or two.

Really? Are you sure?

This picture doesn't even have anything to do with the gem it was stolen with. Whoever took it must have made a mistake.

The gem modeled on the star in this picture was lost long ago. I simply came to retrieve it to preserve the repute of the roya, of my family.

There are so many decisions to make when creating a new product. Color, materials, layout...

Oh, I know! Do you mind if I ask one more thing?

You see, there's something else that would really get my creative juices flowing.

You certainly come alive when speaking of your craft. Go on, I am listening.

Is that cat on your head an accessory? Or something more?

No, wait! Maybe it's better I don't know. The less I know, the more room I have to imagine...

The cat...

No! Don't tell me! I don't want any spoilers!

Spoilers?

That's right! No spoiling the surprise! Let's keep it a mystery!

Oh, looks like I should get going!

See you later, Meryt!

Yes... See you later.

I haven't seen Nina or Mimi since then. I hope they're doing okay.

I do really love this handkerchief.

I've learned so much about the world outside my city since then.

What was it you said? "Constantly comparing yourself to others only ever ends in pain." I wish we could talk more about those words.

Hah... No matter. If we are destined to meet again, I am certain we will.

For now, I suppose I'll take a look around this world.