Puppet Princess

Are you finished?

I am. I've been coming here quite often ever since I left prison.

I'm just glad to be able to renew my oath, and to wish for the peaceful rest of my parents and sister.

Oath? Is this about that new purpose you mentioned before?

Yes. I must lead the machines. That is the life I aspire toward. That is the belief that I arrived at here.

By telling my family of it, my resolve becomes even stronger.

Oh really? I can't imagine your resolve is shaken so easily anyway.

Of course it's not. But... I can't deny, it won't be easy.

It won't?

There will be machines who feel lost, who no longer have a purpose, and I want to show them the way...

But the truth of it is, I have no way of knowing where these machines are. Some machines are completely indistinguishable from humans. Like my sister.

If I merely wander the continent in the hopes of running into them, why, it would take years to save them all.

Yeah, that's a tough one. If only there was a way to track them down.

A machinist might know how to do something like that...

But the country is gone. There are no more machinists.

Oh... So we won't find any machin⁠...

Wait a minute!

What is it? Did you think of something?

We should just go to the Land of Ro! That's where we'll find our machinist!

The Land of Ro? Are you out of your mind? Are you malfunctioning or something? The Land of Ro doesn't exist anymore. I literally JUST said that.

Um, it's kinda hard to explain... But it exists. In another world. I've been there!

What?

That's pretty hard to believe... And yet I do. You've been to stranger places.

I don't know about that...

But you're saying you can go to the Land of Ro? And you can bring me with you?

Yes, I can.

Then we must go. So that I may lead the machines... But also, so that I may once more look upon the country where I used to live.

Am I right in thinking you don't remember much from when you lived there?

My memories from before I awoke in my current state, a machine with a soul, are so very hazy. I gained my soul the same day my country perished. All I know is a land engulfed in flames.

Oh. Then please, allow me to take you to the Land of Ro.

Much appreciated.

*gasp* So... This...

I don't think I've ever seen you lost for words before, Heena.

Well, what do you expect? I may not have any clear memories of this place...

But...I still have feelings. This is the country where my parents lived. It will always be special to me. Being born at the moment of its destruction, perhaps it is strange to call it my homeland...

I don't think it's strange. You're from here, there's no disputing that. And you love this place, don't you? If this isn't your homeland, I don't know what you'd call it.

Aldo...

Besides, as far as this country is concerned, you don't have to be born here to be treated as a citizen...

What are you talking about? How can you belong to a country if you weren't born there?

Well...

Gah! Aldo!

Tsukiha!

Grr! How many times do I have to tell you, tell me when you're coming over! I miss you! Who's this? A friend? Nice to meet you!

Welcome to the Land of Ro! You are now my subject!

Huh?! What did you just say? Did you call me your subject?

Yeah? What's strange about that? You came all this way, that makes you my subject!

What's strange about that? Well, everything...

But you get it now, right? You can call this place your homeland, no issue.

That's not actually the issue right now. On what authority is she going around making people her subjects?

Huh? Are you...

Why are you looking at me like that?

I knew it! You're a machine, aren't ya?

You can tell? Most don't notice so quickly.

Yeah, well I didn't spot it straight away! You look so natural! But I've been looking at all kinds of machines for my work, so I guess I've got an eye for them now!

Your work?

Oh, then maybe we can ask you, Tsukiha.

Ask me what?

We came here looking for a machinist. Are there any skilled ones around?

Skilled ones? We've got nothing but skilled ones!

But the old man who lives over there, he's something else! He makes these super elaborate machines!

*gasp* That house!

Heena, what is it?

That's the location! I know it. I remember it, foggy though my memory may be. That's it... That's my house. That's where my parents lived.

Your house?

As you already know, we come from another world. And, well, Heena was born in our Land of Ro.

Really? So you were my subject anyway, even without asking!

......

If I visit that house...will I finally get to see them? The parents I lost before I'd even opened my eyes...

Heena...

I never imagined I'd get an opportunity like this... I need to change into something more suitable.

You do?

Wait a moment.

All right, I'm ready.

Ooh, you look so pretty!

Heena! Where'd that outfit come from?

I found it at the ruins of my old home. It was carefully packed away in a beautiful box. It must be a keepsake. I kept it with me, as a memento of my parents. I thought I should wear it if I were to meet them.

Oh, I see. I'm sure they'll like that.

Then let's get going. Thanks for your help, Tsukiha.

Teehee, it's the least I could do as lord of this place!

L-Lord? You're the head of this country? You? Surely you must be joking.

Ouch. I know I'm young, but... I guess I don't really look too much like a lord...

Well, you are new to the post.

But it's true, Heena. Tsukiha is the lord of this country.

My goodness. But she talks and acts like a little child.

A-A child?

Apologies if I offended you.

Even before I became lord, I thought I was doing a good job as princess...

But I guess you talk waaay more princess-like than I ever did!

Maybe I should start talking fancy like you!

Impressive of you to notice. My parents called me the Puppet Princess. I aspire to live up to that name.

Whoa, so you're a princess, too? We should be friends!

Friends? Sure, let's be friends. Wanna play?

Gah! So cool!

Whoa! You can't just pull your swords out like that! Someone could get hurt!

Hm. You are correct. However... The girl in Baruoki really enjoyed this. As does this girl here. Puppets were originally designed to make children happy. That's what you told me.

I did say that, but...

Now, allow me to continue!

So, are you enjoying yourself?

Yeah! This is amazing! I've never seen any machine like you before!

Heena! We didn't come here to play!

Urgh, she's not listening. I never would have predicted she'd be the type to like kids. I guess I'll just have to wait till she's done.

Phew. I'm all played out.

That was so much fun!

Glad to hear it... So, shall we head to the machinist's house now?

Sure.

I'm so jealous. I wish I could join you.

Have you got things to do?

Yeah, I was in the middle of work when I spotted you. Machines keep disappearing, and no one seems to know a thing about it... I can't turn a blind eye to this, not when I'm lord now. So I'm going about, investigating.

They're disappearing?

You probably shouldn't have been wasting time, playing with Heena...

It's crucial to take breaks every once in a while! But I wanna solve this case, so I'm gonna give it my all. On that note, I'd better be off. Let's play again sometime!

Must be tough being a lord.

Hm. The leader of this country...

Let us also make haste. I must go to fulfill my mission. Mother, Father...your Heena is coming to see you.

What in the world? Am I dreaming?

This is impossible! Heena?!

I'm sorry for startling you. But... Faint though my memories may be, I still remember your faces.

You are my mom and dad.

Is that really you, Heena? But you look...

You already noticed? But of course you did, I'd expect nothing less of my father, the machinist.

Indeed, I am not the real Heena. I do not even belong to this world. I don't really know the details... But I am from another world. I am a machine created by my father in the image of his daughter.

Oh... I must confess, I have considered creating a machine- Heena to distract from my sorrow.

But who cares about that now?

When my Heena is standing before me in the flesh...

Goodness... This is all so incredible!

I don't understand all these complicated concepts... But even if you're a machine, even if you're from another world... You are our Heena. And we are your mom and dad.

That is all I wanted. I...I guess I'm home.

Welcome home, Heena!

Even though you know I'm not the real Heena, will you still love me? I've missed you so much! How I've longed to see you!

I must say, it was quite the shock. Not just you suddenly appearing... But for you to be in that outfit... I never thought I'd get to see you wear it!

Is there some kind of significance to this outfit?

Yes, it was what she was meant to wear for her coming-of-age ceremony.

Coming-of-age ceremony?

Yes, it's an event to acknowledge that a child has fully grown up. We may call it a ceremony, but really, it's more like a party.

Isn't the Return like that, too? I guess the people of the Land of Ro really go in for this sort of thing.

I suppose so. Demons do love a good party.

So is this a traditional outfit of some sort, like what you have for the Return?

No, the coming-of-age ceremony doesn't have a set dress code. Part of the fun of the ceremony is you get to dress up and take part however you like. Individuality is greatly respected in Ro. We are diverse, not just in species, but also in tastes.

Heena was very interested in Nagsham dress and western culture. So we ordered an outfit that incorporated those designs.

But before that day came, Heena...

......

No, you came all this way here. Let's not dwell on such sad things.

Exactly! We can't help but be happy!

But, was there a reason you came to visit us?

Oh, right. I guess we should talk about that.

I actually have a favor to ask.

A way to find the lost machines?

It won't be easy, I take it?

I've never tried it myself, so I can't say for sure. But it's not impossible. If you want to distinguish between machines and people, you'll have to rely on sound.

Sound?

Machines may look human, but their inner workings are anything but. Their creaking joints simply cannot be masked. But if you want to be more certain, you'll need the help of a sorcerer.

Why a sorcerer?

I'm assuming you're looking for machines that harbor the souls of the dead, yes?

That's right. The lost, confused machines with wills of their own, that's who I want to save.

Well, spirit possession is the domain of sorcerers. Asking one will yield you the fastest results. Machines with souls will have a unique presence. I'm sure a sorcerer would be able to track them down.

That's incredible! Hope is in sight!

Will you give me a little time? I need to work out how to make you a part to track these machines. Ever since that incident, our relationship with the sorcerers has improved. I'll talk to one.

I once hated soul-bearing machines. But it wasn't their choice to be made. They are innocent in all this.

It is admirable that you want to save them, Heena.

Thank you.

It brings me great joy to hear those words from you, Father.

Well, you are my darling daughter. Now leave this to me.

There. That should do it.

You're done?

You won't be able to detect anyone far away, and you won't be able to sense anyone outside of these walls... But if you're in an open space, you'll at least know which direction to go in.

First, look for a soul's presence. Its special aura will be much alike that of specters and demons.

If you hear their joints creak, that means they're neither specter nor demon, but a soul-harboring machine.

Whoa! Now you'll be able to find all those machines you're searching for!

Indeed. Thank you, truly.

Well, I'd best try this thing out. I just need to go outside and I'll be able to detect them, right?

Yes. Go ahead.

So? Can you trace anyone?

Don't rush me. I'm trying it now.

......

Oh! I feel something! I don't know how human senses work... But I suppose it's like my ears have become sharper?

The east, I feel something to the east. It could be a machine!

So it worked? Congrats, Heena!

Thanks. Now...

......

Heena? What's wrong?

There's too many.

Huh?

All those signs...all that noise... they're echoing round and round my head and they won't stop ringing. They're all coming from the east! And they're getting closer! Why would they all be acting in unison like this? It doesn't make any sense!

Strange. I wonder what's causing it?

Wait, didn't Tsukiha say a load of machines had gone missing? Do you think that's got something to do with this?

There's only one way to find out. I have to see this with my own two eyes.

Okay, let's go. To the east of town!

Over there!

There's so many of them!

Is this what you sensed before?

Hm? I think I recognize that voice. Machines, rematches...

Ah! Are you the one who set that Karakuri samurai on us?

You know this man, Aldo?

We fought once, I guess. Though he was hiding behind a machine, like he is now.

Was it you who manipulated Tsukiha's attendants as well? How could you?

And what are you up to this time? Why have you brought all of these machines here? I thought you said you'd leave the country? Why have you come back?

What did you say?! So you're the one behind all those machine disappearances?

There's a prison in the Land of Ro?

So that's what's been going on!

No wonder we couldn't find the missing machines! I never thought to search the prison!

No way is that happening!

You'll have to get through us first!

Listen to me, machines! You have wills of your own! You don't have to aid in his brutality!

She's right! But if you insist on fighting, we will take you on!

Why are you acting so relaxed? It's over, you lost!

A simpler method?

What was that?!

War Demon... Is that you, War Demon? So you exist in this world, too. But why are you here? You're normally so faithful to your duties as prison keeper! This isn't like you!

You...monster! How could you call him a toy? Is that all the human soul is to you? Is that all a machine is to you?

What did you say?!

I am just a tool...

Heena?

I was made for humans, and I work for humans. However...

Nonsense! Machines are tools! What's next? You're going to tell me my screwdriver has feelings?

Now I understand why you didn't get that job.

What?!

You work as a repairman, but you do not respect your tools.

People don't always choose their tools. Tools can choose their people.

You don't respect your tools. You don't deserve to use these machines!

Machines, listen to me! You don't have to follow this person! If it's purpose you seek, I will be your guide!

Me? I'm... The one to show the machines their future, the leader of the puppets.

I am the Puppet Princess!

Whoa! What the?!

The machines, they've...

War Demon, you alone choose not to follow?

Very well. Let us fight. But know this: I won't give in.

I will bring you to your senses, War Demon!

I...I don't believe it. Why, this is impossible! He is the prison keeper! He was designed to stop all criminals, even demons and specters! How could he lose?

Well, when a tool can't work to its full potential, that usually implies a fault with its user. Either way, it's over now.

No... This can't be happening...

Afraid it is though. Back to prison with you, this time, as a thief. You may be my subject, but you need to reflect on your actions.

See ya, Aldo! And you, Heena. Come again sometime!

So that's that then, right?

No, not quite.

I must return these machines to their owners. And War Demon will wake up soon. I need to return him to the prison.

Yeah, you're right. I'll help you out.

Thank you. That was the first time I've ever gone so far. I think I can say I led the machines now.

Thank you for telling us who owned all those machines.

Anything to help the machines. Besides, how can I say no to you? You know, I can hardly believe you really managed to save those machines. I'm at a loss for words.

I couldn't have done it without you. I'm glad I got to thank you. And...I'm glad I got to see you again before I leave the country.

Oh... You're leaving? Where are you going? I wish you could stay here forever.

I'm afraid I cannot do that. The whole reason I asked for your help in searching for the machines is because there's so many left to save.

Ah, so your goal is to lead the machines of our world?

Indeed. I must return home and reach out to those lost machines.

Oh... If you've made up your mind, we won't stop you. But...

Will we ever see you again?

Yes, of course.

Don't worry, I'm happy to bring you here whenever you like.

I promise I will return. After all, I am your daughter.

Now then, Aldo. Let us go to the Wicked Meadow.

Wicked Meadow? You mean...

I can finally lead the machines. I need to report as such. To my mom, dad, and sister of my own world...

Sure, I understand.

Thank you.

Mother, Father, we will meet again.

So, what did you tell your family?

I let them know that I have made a step forward in my objective. I no longer need to wait for a chance to bring machines to me. I can search for and reach out to them myself. I will move forward. That is what I vowed to do.

I'm sure they'd be proud of you. We can't let another machine like your sister ever be created again.

Precisely. And the other thing we talked about...

Yes?

Oh! It's you!

Hm?

Is that you, Tsukiha?

Aldo, fancy seeing you here. And who's that next to you? Is that the Puppet Princess? Or rather... I believe your name is Heena?

It's you! From the prison! But wait...you look an awful lot like that lord from before...

That lord? Oh...

Did you go to see her?!

Oh...right. Sorry, Heena, I guess I forgot to mention! Just like how your parents existed in both worlds, so too does Tsukiha.

This is the one you escaped prison with.

Goodness. So you were lord of the fallen Land of Ro?

I was. But I was only lord for a short period after my parents left.

Before then, I was just a princess. I had no power. But I must apologize to you. I'm sorry I wasn't able to stop the fall of our kingdom.

Come now, Tsukiha, you don't need to apologize!

Indeed, you don't. It was Mi and Shin who destroyed our country. Still, this has been a strange day. To think that we'd meet a princess today. Actually, the lord of Ro was also referred to as a princess. Perhaps you're in similar circumstances?

We followed very different paths... But yes, for the most part.

I see. A princess, eh? It's not so bad.

Hm?

Tsukiha, was it? You may call me the Puppet Princess.

Huh?

You know, there are many machines out there, who've lost their country, their masters, their purpose... Some are also being used by bad people, I'm sure. I want to lead them, so that such a thing will never happen again. I am the princess of all puppets.

...... You once told me about how you woke up on the day our country fell. You haven't spent a single day in our country, yet you care so deeply for your compatriots. I commend you.

You are, without a doubt, a citizen of Ro.

A citizen of Ro, eh? Actually, the lord of Ro said something similar...

I never thought I'd hear those words come out of your mouth, Tsukiha.

Please, th-there's no need to make a big deal out of this!

Heheh. That was quite the sudden change in demeanor. Tsukiha, if you're a princess, you must understand how I feel. I must lead those who've been left behind.

I understand. I serve a similar role.

I promised the other me...

And I, too, am a princess.

Puppet Princess, the spirit of Ro lives on in us both. Let us walk this path together.

I couldn't agree more.

Aldo, I told you there was something else I said before my family's grave.

Before we got cut off? I remember.

I was thanking them, for giving me this name. Before I became me, my parents named me "Puppet Princess" once my body had been completed. I don't know what compelled them to give me such a name... But maybe it was fate. As if they knew that I would someday lead the machines.

Maybe. Because now, you really are the princess of the machines.

And now...all that's left is for me to live up to that name.

Mother, Father, Sister. Watch over me. I will bring peace to all the machines. I will be the Puppet Princess.