Just Wanna Look Good For You

Ah! Aldo, can you wait a moment, please?

Huh? Something the matter Shanie?

I've got something I need to talk to Ratchett about. Could you wait here? I won't be long.

Sure, no problem.

I didn't realize you two were close? Having private chats and all.

Well, you see, she's continued supporting me in all sorts of ways, even after my curse was broken.

I see. Well, I'll just be hanging around here then, let me know when you're done.

Thank you... I'll be right back.

What do you think, Ms. Ratchett?

I think there's something I must tell you, Shanie. For your own good...

I'm not sure if I should tell you this, but, are you ready to listen?

Of course, Ms. Ratchett...

Sounds like it's something really important, so I'll be sure to listen carefully!

Seems you're ready... Very well, then I shall be frank with you...

I'm ready!

WHY...

HAVE YOU MADE NO...

PROGRESS ON ALDO?!

I thought you might have at least held hands together by now, but you get anxious just making eye contact with him!

Well, y-you've never mentioned this to me before, so...

Goodness me... I mean, I know you had that terrible curse and all... But to think you of all people, Shanie, would be so inexperienced in relationships... I can't believe it.

*sigh* What should I do, Ms. Ratchett?

Well, why don't you be brave, and just ask him out on a date?

A date?!

Uh... Isn't it a b-bit too s-soon for that?

Of course not! Better to strike while the iron's hot, I say!

Also, you should wear something different than what you usually wear for your date. That'll catch Aldo's attention for sure!

Something different than what I usually wear?

Well, you've got to dress to impress at times like these, as they say. You must have at least one other outfit, surely? Put some thought into it and pick something fashionable! A date is a special occasion after all.

Dress to impress... Hmm, I'd better put my all into this...

Okay! I think I know just the outfit!

Is that so? Well, would you mind showing me?

Sure! I'll go get changed right away!

Sorry for keeping you waiting, Ms. Ratchett!

Gosh you have been a while haven't you? I can't imagine what...outfit...you...

Uh...?!

When I said "dress to impress", I didn't mean in terms of combat prowess, you know. Isn't that some sort of...armor you're wearing?!

I am! Well, when you said "impress" I thought of this, my most impressive suit of armor!

I found this armor by chance when I used to go traveling by myself.

I've never really liked armor much, it makes an awful clanking noise, but for some reason I love this set!

That makes sense, I guess...

Wait...what am I saying?!

Why would you pick ARMOR of all things to wear?!

Why? Isn't it obvious, Ms. Ratchett?!

You've gotta impress your date by showing them how powerful you are!

Um...

Thinking about it, I used to see armor-clad men chatting up the ladies all the time.

I did have my doubts at first, but I thought about that it seemed the best course of action!

*sigh* Sadly, this is one of those occasions where you'd be right to doubt yourself...

Tee hee! Don't I look heroic! It really suits my magic sword too, don't you think?

I actually find it easier to cast magic in this than when I'm not wearing armor!

Oh, don't worry, I can see how "wonderful" it is for myself.

I mean, usually I'd be more interested, but given the circumstances...

Tee hee! So I've impressed even you with my powerful presence, Ms. Ratchett?

There's no way Aldo will be able to resist a date with me dressed like this!

Uh?!

Well, thank you for your advice, Ms. Ratchett! I'm off on my date, I mustn't be late!

Shanie! Just wait a...

She's gone...

I never thought Shanie was this clueless about dating. Even Aldo, as nice as he seems, is going to wonder what's hit him when she asks him out wearing plate armor...

...I wish you luck, Shanie. Stay strong.

Hey, Aldo!

Welcome back Shanie...

What's that, you're wearing...armor?

Tee hee! This is my new look♪ Well, what do you think Aldo?

Your...new look?

Hold up! That's the armor you used when you helped me open the path to paradise!

At that time, I couldn't even tell you my thoughts...

But yeah, I think it looks really good on you.

Hmm... I think that look really suits you.

Somehow it makes you look even more gallant than before.

R-Really?!

Tee hee! I knew this armor was the right choice♪

But what did you change into your armor for this time?

Well...you see...

I've got something...I want to ask you, Aldo...

And what's that?

Whether you would...go on a...

...on a?

A d-d-da...ugh!

A d-d-day trip! Will you come on a day trip with me?!

A...day trip? Where did you have mind?

Well, I thought we could uh...stroll around Acteul...you know, just the two of us? I mean...If you want to, of course!

Well I'm up for it if you are.

R-Really?! Yay!

Let's head for Acteul right away then, shall we?

Yes! Let's go!

I'll do my best for you, Ms. Ratchett!

Welcome! How can I help you today?

You deal in accessories here, don't you? May I see what you have?

So you're after an accessory, Shanie?

Yes, I'd like to pick one with you, together...

Is that...okay?

With m-me?

*sigh* I guess I have no choice, do I? I really don't know anything about accessories though, Shanie!

I'll like anything as long as it's you who's picked it. So, please, Aldo...

Hah hah! How many young ladies have I heard ask that before...

Listen lad, you'd better step up and do the decent thing here!

Okay! I'll do my best!

That's the spirit, lad!

So, what sort of accessory would you like? I've got earrings, necklaces... Also, I've just got in these charming hair pins too, they're super popular with the ladies!

Hmm. Well...

I know you'll pick something great, Aldo! You can do it!

Hmm... Perhaps... No...

It's no good! I just have no idea at all!

Hey! That's a terribly defeatist attitude! There's no point dithering in a place like this, you just gotta go with your gut and choose!

At times like this I wish I hadn't spent my life browsing swords in weapon stores...

That's too bad sonny, if a lady asks you to choose something for her, then you've gotta buckle up and choose!

Oh, I know! Let's look at the swords first!

Wh-What?!

I think I saw just the sword for you, Aldo!

See? This one's the perfect weight and length for you, Aldo.

You're right! Guess us sword wielders are on the same wavelength, huh, Shanie?

Well, I can never take my eyes off you when you're fighting, Aldo... Tee hee♪

Uh! I mean...like, because it's important to watch out for each other in battle! I wasn't just staring at you or anything!

Hah hah! You don't need to explain yourself...

Well, I'm glad you're keeping an eye on me, it's not like I can cover my own back in battle.

Clearly I'll have to repay you for finding me such a nice weapon...

Okay! Now it's my turn to choose something for you!

That's the spirit, lad! Remember, just dive in and go with your gut feeling!

I'm gonna find Shanie a sword too!

A sword?!

Really?! Wow! I can't think of anything I'd like more than a sword hand picked by you, Aldo♪

Heh, seems like they're getting on just fine. I'd best keep my nose out.

Ah, young love... Wish I had a sweetheart too!

Ah, it's nice and peaceful here. Perfect for a little stroll together, don't you think?

Yeah, I suppose it is...

Um, Aldo? There's something I've been wanting to tell you, for ages...

Something you want...to tell me?

I wanted to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for removing my curse.

You managed to see through the false me and find the real me...

For that, I'm truly grateful...

I've got a lot to thank you for too, Shanie.

What?

You believed in me, and called me your true friend too, remember?

And that's despite it being incredibly hard for you to trust men, after what happened to you, Shanie.

N-No, that was just... It was because it was you, Aldo, that I...

Shanie?

I'm sorry, Aldo...I'm all flustered right now...

Well, I guess these exchanges of gratitude can be kinda awkward...

Let's move on, shall we?

Okay...

Well well, this IS an unexpected turn of events... Since when did Aldo become such a charmer? I hope you know what you're getting into, Ms. Shanie...

I never dreamed I'd find myself out enjoying a drink in public like this ever again. I mean, I only had to so much as blink with that charm curse on me, and a horde of men would come rushing at me from nowhere.

Hah hah. I knew you wouldn't be able to resist going out despite your curse.

Still, the more the merrier in places like this, wouldn't you agree?

No no, I'm enjoying sharing a meal with you like this, just the two of us♪

I mean, I always find a feast tastes better shared, don't you?

That's right♪ I'm finding the food here tastier today than ever...for some reason♪

How about I invite some more people to come along then?

Aldo!

How could you say such a thing!

Carry on saying things like that and I'll never speak to you again!

Uh! Sorry, did I say something to offend you?

Yes, you did! Why do you keep going on about inviting others here?!

This food here is tastier than ever, while it's just the two of us...

Did you...say something, Shanie?

N-No! Nothing!

Ugh, I'm so full, I think I could live apple-y ever after...

Apple-y? Good grief...

Sorry, I mean, that's uh...pretty funny, Shanie...

Tee hee hee! Don't make me laugh while I'm eating, Aldo!

Ah yes, Shanie's sense of "humor"...

It's always been pretty groan-worthy... I asked her to draw her sword once, and she replied "But I haven't got my sketchbook!"...

Tee hee! Don't bring that up now, you're killing me!

You're so funny, Aldo...tee hee! Thanks for reminding me...

Uh...Shanie? Are you okay?

Hmm? I'm fine, I'm fine... I just feel a bit sick, that's all... Probably best I just have a sit down for a while...

I knew she ate too much! Could we get a glass of water over here, please!

Coming right up!

Ugh...I feel hot all of a sudden...I need to get out of this armor!

You can't take it off here, Shanie!

Tee hee! I'm joking of course♪ Though I imagine you'd like that, wouldn't you? Being a guy and all...

What do you take me for, Shanie...

Tee hee! I wouldn't normally tease you like this, but I'm having such a good time.

Shanie, honestly...

I'll ask the server not to bring you anything but bread and water from now on!

Aldo! There's no need for that, I'll not order anymore!

So, where would you like to go next?

I mean, I think we've seen everything there is to see in Acteul now...

*sigh* This dating business is as challenging as anything I've faced out on my travels.

Shanie?

Oh, sorry! You asked where we should go next, didn't you? Let's think...

Hey, hey! We should go visit the Fortune Teller in Ratle too!

Fortune telling? I don't really believe in that sort of stuff...

Oh come on! It'll be fun! I heard the readings are scarily accurate!

*sigh* Okay, okay. Guess it'll kill some time at least.

Fortune telling?

Hey, Aldo, how about we head for Ratle village next?

Sure, if you like. Looking to get your fortune read too, are you Shanie?

Of course! All girls want to have their fortune read at least once!

Is that so?

Absolutely! So, come on, let's head for Ratle village!

Come one, come all! Come and gaze into your future, with exceptionally accurate fortune telling the likes of which you've never seen! What's more, I'm giving out readings free of charge for a limited time only!

Hey, Mr. Fortune Teller? Could you read our fortunes please?

Ah, but of course! What would you like to know about your future?

Well, I want to know about me and Aldo's... uh...

Our...what?

Uh! W-Wait a minute!

What's up, Shanie?

Aldo, could you...uh...just go over there for a moment, please?

Huh? What's this all of a sudden?

Well, I...uh...

W-Well! I don't want you to be upset if the fortune reading is bad...

You don't have to worry about that, Shanie...

It's kinda strange that you don't want me involved when you were the one who convinced me to come, Shanie...

I know it might sound strange, but, just do this for me, please?

Hah hah! Okay Shanie, okay... I'll leave you to it, then.

Kweh heh heh... So innocent and naive...

So, my pretty, just what is this secret little request that you do not wish that man of yours to hear? What aspect of your fate do you wish to know?

W-Well...

I want to know about...me and Aldo's... love c-compatibility...

Such a simple request... Very well, I shall divine what you desire to know, are you ready?

Oh ho, I see...

It would appear you are fairly well suited to each other...

R-Really?!

Yes, however...

It would seem that if things between you continue in the same way that they have been, you will never become a couple...

R-Really?

I... I see... That's put me in quite a dilemma, hah hah...

Seems you're really quite taken with that lad, aren't you, my pretty?

Wh-What?! W-Well, I'm not s-sure whether I am or not...I think...

Yet...somehow my heart skips a beat whenever I see Aldo. I can hardly take my eyes off him...

I think about him all day, every day, it's like an obsession!

I see...

So, you want to be his one true love, am I right?

What do you mean?

Well, I can grant you what you desire.

I feel like I've heard that before somewhere...

I understand how you feel better than anyone, my pretty. Surely you wish to be happily together with your true love?

Can you really make it happen?

Indeed. Just leave it all to me... Now, come closer, my pretty.

Now, close your eyes, and focus as hard as you can on how you want things to be between you and Aldo...

......

That's it, my pretty... Now, let's grant that wish of yo––

Ugh?!

That was close... Good job I decided to wear my armor today, else things could have gone badly. Still, thankfully, that's reminded me where I heard that line from now...

You're the mage who cursed me before! I can't believe you'd have the nerve to show up here...

Hmph, pesky brat... You're lucky that wretched armor saved you from my curse.

Well, anyway, whether your armor saved you or not, my curse wouldn't have worked on you...

And that's because you've already been afflicted by a curse, somehow!

It's like he's completely forgotten...

Kweh heh heh... Well, I can't be expected to remember every pebble that I've kicked aside in my travels, can I?

Wh-What?!

Shanie! Are you all right?! What's going on?!

Careful, Aldo! This is the mage who cursed me before!

What?! You mean this guy?!

Oh, I forgot you had a man in tow. Seems to be quite a stalwart sort too... Let me guess, this is the latest victim of your charm curse? Kweh heh heh...must be fun playing puppet master with people!

Sorry to disappoint you, but that's not the case with Aldo. Besides, my curse has...

Yeah, you better believe it! Shanie's curse has...

...been removed! Ages ago!

Wh-What?! Then, Aldo, that must mean you must be her...

That's right! Shanie's my TRUE friend!

Wh-What? Y-Your true...friend?

Feh...

Bah hah hah! This is perfect!

What's so funny?!

Forgive me, but this is too funny! That curse can be broken even if the person's feelings are one way!

What are you talking about?! My feelings for her aren't one way!

Kweh heh heh! Please, you're cracking me up here!

But if that's the case, then I can have a little more fun with you!

Wh-What are you doing?!

Aldo, watch out! Run!

You're too late! Take this!

Ugh! My neck...it's burning!

No way... He's used the same charming curse on you as he did on me!

Mwa hah hah! That armor of yours is very good at reflecting curses, isn't it, my pretty?!

Which is why your little friend here will make an excellent new plaything instead!

You evil...! Remove Aldo's curse, right now!

Hah! I'll not take orders from you, my pretty!

If you want to remove his curse, you'll just have to find him another "true friend" won't you? Hah hah!

Bwa ha ha ha ha!

Stop! Come back here!

I'm sorry, Shanie, I got careless...

Don't worry about it, Aldo. But, what do we do now?!

All the girls are gonna come chasing you now!

Yeah, that's gonna be kinda problematic... but Shanie, are you okay? If my curse is affecting you, then I'd better go hide away somewhere...

No, I'm okay. I've already been afflicted with it, so I don't think it can affect me again.

It's probably best I don't look at the curse's seal on your neck, though. That's where it's at its most powerful.

Ah, good thinking... I better make sure I don't catch sight of it either, for that matter. Heh, guess we've changed places now...

This is no laughing matter, Aldo! We've got to think of a way to get that curse off you!

You're right... We'd better hurry and get looking for my "true friend" then...

B-But...surely...

But, I would have thought you'd fit the criteria of my true friend, Shanie... Yet, I'm still cursed, which must mean...

B-But...then that must mean...

He must have changed how the curse can be broken or something...

When I think about it, he expressly told us that we'd have to find my true friend to break the curse...

He must have said that to deliberately misguide us!

......

This is bad... In truth, the condition for removing the curse was to find true love... I've got to help him, but how can I tell him that now!

What's wrong, Shanie? You've not been affected by my curse, have you?!

No no! I was just thinking about how we're going to remove it...

Yeah, I'm not sure what to do either... Perhaps I should ask Ms. Ratchett for help?

Well, you're a man, and she's a woman... I don't think you'll be able to with your curse...

Ah, good point. Well, in that case... ...I guess I'll just have to hunt down that mage and force him to remove it...

You're gonna hunt him down?!

That might be for the best, Aldo!

Yes, but how are we supposed to find him now?

Let's see if we can find out anything from the magical traces the curse left behind. It didn't leave much though, so I'm not sure how successful we'll be...

Magical traces, you say?

So you can find out where the mage went just by examining the magical traces he left behind?!

That's right! I can use this armor to help me too!

I've found something!

You did? About the mage's whereabouts?!

Looks like he's in Acteul now!

So that's where he ran off to... Okay, let's go!

Did you see that man just now?

No? What about him?

......

Ah, it's nothing. Just, never seen a guy quite like that before... Anyway, let's hurry and find the Fortune Teller!

Well now, which poor sap shall I curse next?

It suppose it would be entertaining to set a cat amongst the pigeons at Palsifal Palace, and curse a nobleman... I can always go and see how my curse is working on those two fools later, kweh heh heh!

Aldo, there he is!

Found you, Mage! Remove your vile curse or prepare to pay the consequences!

You two! But...how did you find me?!

Let's just say, you might wanna be more careful when using magic!

Impossible! You mean you found me just from the traces my curse left?!

Clearly that wretched armor of yours serves you well, my pretty...

Tee hee! I'm more than just a suit of armor, you know. I'm pretty skilled at magic, actually!

Darn you! Guess you've got me cornered, haven't you?

Anyway, I've been wondering... Just why are you going around cursing people anyway?

If you were still in training it would make more sense, but what does a mage of your power get out of it?

Isn't it obvious? I take great pleasure in breaking up couples. Always swanning about, pretending to be lost in each other's eyes...

It's not fair how they rub it in my face when I'm so unpopular! Well, if I can't have a lover, then no-one can!

You take the idea of a green-eyed monster to another level, don't you?!

You can't just go round destroying other people's happiness out of jealousy!

Silence! What would a woman like you know about jealousy? Standing there with your beloved loyally by your side!

Your...beloved?

N-No, he's wrong, Aldo! I never said you were my beloved!

Uh...well, I don't dislike you either... I mean, you can be really cool sometimes!

Just...don't worry about it, Shanie, it's fine!

Grrrrrr, this is intolerable! How could my curse end up having the opposite effect?! They're supposed to be flirting with each other!

Uh-oh! Looks like we made him even madder!

Rise up, my minions!

What the heck are they?!

Seems I'll have to teach you a lesson you'll never forget! You'll never dare to cross me again after I've finished with you!

We've got to take him out, Shanie! Before he ruins anyone else's love life!

Yeah! Let's get him!

Take this!

Noooooo! My minions!

Give it up, Mage!

Kweh heh heh! Fools...

What's so funny?

I bet you thought I was just stood admiring your combat skills while you slaughtered my minions, didn't you?

Wh-What?!

Take...this!

What are you, Arrrrrrgh!

Aldo, are you all right?!

What have you done to him now?!

I've overwritten his curse with an even more powerful one! Now he's sure to attract every woman he passes, without exception!

So you're saying ALL women will be drawn to him? Then that means...!

Kweh heh heh! I'd like to see you follow me this time, swamped by an entire city of women trying to get at Aldo!

Aldo, are you okay?!

Shanie! You've got to get away from me! Now he's amplified the power of the curse, you're sure to be charmed by me too!

B-But!

We've got to remove your curse!

I wonder if I could catch this mage by myself... No, I mustn't! What if something happened to Aldo while I was gone...

Don't worry about me! You've got to get out of here!

What a delightful, trusting relationship you have! I'd expect nothing less from two "true friends"!

It will be all the more entertaining to watch it end, I can't wait!

......

Or will you confess your feelings to him right here, right now?

If you do manage to confess those deeply hidden feelings of yours, then I daresay the lad's curse will be broken for good! If they're reciprocated that is... kweh heh heh!

Your deeply hidden...feelings?

Hah hah! Are you brave enough? Given how desperately you've tried to keep them secret, I don't think so, somehow!

Y-You're right...there's now way I could tell him...

Except...now it's come to this...I guess I have no choice!

Shanie?

Aldo, there's something I...want to tell you! Uh... I... I...

Wh-What?! Surely she's not desperate enough to...

Aldo, uh... I...

Meow!

What was that?!

Whoa! What the, ?

Meow...meow!

What are all these cats doing here?

Looks like the charming curse works on cats... Hah hah! Well, well...

N-No way...

Did you say something?

But, c-cats?! This cannot be! How could my curse make you attract cats?!

What's the matter, you're not a cat person or something?

S-Silence! Don't just stand there, get rid of these c-cats, immediately!

Get rid of these cats, you say? Well then...

...then you'd better take this curse off me, hadn't you?

Ugh! B-But then...

Hey, kitties! That mage over there said he's handing out catnip!

Meowww?!

Arrrgh! Get away from me! Shoo! Shoo!

All right! All right! I'll remove your curse!

Meow...?

Looks like they lost interest in you, Aldo...

Which must mean he really did remove my curse.

Looks like it. I just checked, and it's gone all right.

I d-don't believe this! How could I let this happen...

Now we just need to attend to your punishment. The way you've treated Aldo is despicable...

N-Now wait just a second! I apologize! I'll do anything, just please d-don't hurt me! You've made me see the error of my ways! I'll not curse anyone ever again, I swear!

So he says... What do you think Shanie?

Well...okay, we'll forgive you, just this one. I'm not a vengeful sort of person, despite how horrible you've been.

I thank you! I can't believe you would forgive me after what I've done... I was foolish to curse decent folk like you!

Hmph, whatever you say, Mage...

Well, Shanie. What should we do now? Our little day out ended up turning into quite the debacle, didn't it?

...... How gullible can you get...

Forgive me, but it's time to wipe those stupid grins from your faces!

Wh-What?! You, !

Bwa hah hah! Surprised? Outraged? Shouldn't be so trusting of people then, should you?!

Take this!

Not so fast, Mage. You'll not lay another finger on Aldo.

Darn you! How did you stop my curse?!

Thanks, Shanie! I owe you one!

I was prepared to forgive you if you had just left peacefully. But betraying Aldo, who's one of the kindest guys I've ever meet, was a step too far!

U-Ugh!

I've channeled all of my power, both innately and from my armor, to rebound your curse back at you!

Arrrgh! The heat! It burrrrrrns! I thought it j-just affected the n-neck, but my whole body's on FIRE!

Uh... Shanie? Isn't that overdoing it a bit?

Don't worry, Aldo. He's only getting as good as he gives. The curse he's suffering from is only what he would have inflicted on you!

Well...I did add a little addition of my own, tee hee♪

An...addition?

*huff*... *puff*... D-Darn you! How did you manage to reflect my curse?! Get it off me, immedia, Wait... Did I just hear...?

Oh no! Not the cats! Not the CATS! Arrrrrrgh!

Is this what you meant by an "addition," Shanie?

Yep! I changed it so he'd attract cats instead of humans! Just like what happened to you, Aldo!

Liesss! You nasty little liar! I've got to get this curse off me...but how am I supposed to concentrate surrounded by these furballs!

Meoooooow!

Shoo! Shoo! Get away from meeeeee!

...... I'm not saying he didn't deserve it, but, looks like he'll be coughing up hairballs for weeks to come...

Well, good! He was horrible to you right to the bitter end! Even after you forgave him!

Heh, thanks for standing up for me Shanie, I appreciate it.

Well of course! I mean, it's you Aldo, and you mean an awful lot to...me...

...as a friend! My best friend.

Is...something the matter, Shanie?

N-No! It's...nothing!

Are you sure? You really puzzle me sometimes, Shanie...

Well...I guess that's the end of that.

Yeah... But, like you said, our day out has been kinda ruined by all this, hasn't it?

I did say that, didn't I? Talking of which, I remember you said you had something to tell me too? About your, uh...deeply hidden feelings or something?

Uh! That was... Well, you see... Uh...

What, Shanie?

Could we, uh...carry on with our day out, if that's all right with you? I wanted to visit Corinda Plains before we finished for the day.

Corinda Plains? Sure, I don't mind.

Sorry, I know it's selfish of me to ask, but thank you. Let's go, shall we?

Ah! This place never fails to impress me, it's like something right out of a fairytale, don't you think?

This place would be just perfect for a picnic... Well, it's a little dangerous, I suppose...

A picnic? It's a shame we got caught up with that mage, else we could have had one... That's if he doesn't turn up again to get his revenge...

Oh, I don't think we'll be seeing him anytime soon. I'm sure that rebounded curse has more than taught him a lesson.

Besides, if he did come after you again, then he'd have to get past ME first!

Hah hah! Thanks Shanie, of course the same goes for you too.

I mean, I've lost count of how many times you've saved me today, Shanie.

Well, we'll both have to help each other next time then, won't we♪

Sounds like a plan!

Anyway, Shanie, isn't it about time you told me what it is you've been meaning to say?

...... Aldo... Do you remember what happened last time we were here?

What happened last time we were here...?

Well, it's where you finally put an end to your curse, that much is obvious.

Thank you, Aldo. You remembered...

This is the place where I finally managed to move on from my old life...

...and begin a new one.

It pains me to think how much that mage has troubled your life up until now...

I guess it has been pretty awful, heh...

In some ways I'm grateful though...

How do you mean?

Well...it's thanks to that curse that I was able to meet you, Aldo. Also, it's what's led to me understanding how I truly feel...

How you truly...feel?

This is what I was trying to tell you before, Aldo. About...my feelings...

What...sort of feelings, Shanie?

Well, they're...a secret! Tee-hee♪

Wh-What?!

I've agonized over whether to tell you or not for ages, but I just don't feel now's the right time after all. Thanks to you, my curse is gone...and that mage won't be bothering me anymore...

...how should I put this? It feels my part in this strange series of events has finally come to an end.

But your journey will go on, won't it? Aldo?

Yeah, that's the plan. I'm on a kinda open-ended journey, who knows when it will end?

That's what I thought...

If I told you how I feel now, it would put more of a burden on you during your travels.

So, I'll keep it a secret for now! Ask me again when your journey finally comes to an end.

Okay... If that's what you wish, Shanie, then I won't press you on it. Though I shall look forward to hearing what you have to say, whenever that day comes...

Tee hee! I wouldn't be so sure about that! I think you'll find what I have to say will put you in quite a bind.

It's as serious as that is it?!

Curious now are you? Tee hee!

Well when you put it like that, how could I not be...?

Tee hee! Don't worry, when the time comes, I'll definitely tell you everything.

So, Aldo, if I'm going to tell you some day, I'd better carry on traveling with you on your journey, hadn't I? Tee hee♪

Sure, it's a pleasure to have you along, Shanie!