A Shining Self

Huh... This place seems a lot more lively than usual.

I wonder what's going on.

Aldo! Feinne! You came!

Of course we did. There's no way we'd turn down your invitation. So tell us, why'd you want us to come here out of the blue?

Because we will be holding a harvest festival here in Konium soon.

That sounds like fun!

It IS fun! After all, we're the ones in charge this year!

The harvest festival is an important event to farming families like ours, which is why we must succeed, no matter what!

Wait, you guys are from a farming family? I totally thought you were from a line of warriors who served the Beast King...

Our family has been acquainted with the Beast King since we were little, but... Only Myrus and I serve His Majesty. Thankfully, Master Guildna is a rational man who judges people based on ability and not lineage.

Whenever we have some free time on our hands, we come to help with the family business, but...

They thought you were free enough to help organize a whole festival?

Sadly...yes.

And since there's no use complaining now that we've been put in charge, we decided to make the festival one we can enjoy.

Which is why we invited you two!

We have never had humans in attendance before. However, we thought it appropriate to invite you two as it would be a good show of the Beast King's new direction.

I mean, it's not like we can just invite everyone here willy-nilly.

I'm looking forward to it already.

Yeah! And since we're here, why don't we help you prepare? The more, the merrier, as they say!

Hehe. I was hoping you would say that.

So roll up your sleeves! 'Cause we've got a lotta work to do!

Could you tell us more about this harvest festival of yours?

Gladly! Everyone comes together to pray for a bountiful harvest, we eat and drink, and have all sorts of fun!

But the main event is a dance done by one of the locals dressed as the harvest goddess.

Daughters of the farming families generally take turns playing the role of the shrine maiden, but...

Oh, don't tell me! This year it's going to be someone we all know!

Thaaat's right! It's me, your good friend, Myrus!

I've been practicing the dance day in and day out. I've seen my mom do it before, and I thought I could do it just as well myself, but...it's harder than it looks.

You're playing the lead role in the festival. I can't imagine it'd be easy.

But Master Guildna will be coming and I wanna do a good job, so you can look forward to it being a fantastic show.

And to spice it up even more, I got this year's costume from Astra Island!

Oh, you mean...

The outfit you wore during the ceremony there?

Yup! It was originally worn by warriors on the island. And battle is particularly important to beastfolk because of how much we value strength, so... They came to be worn during special occasions, and eventually during festivals.

And Aldo's already seen this outfit, right? Aww... That's no fair. I wanna see it too.

You do? Oh dear... What ever shall I do? There's still some time until the festival, so I really shouldn't...

(She's not fooling anyone...)

I guess you're right... They are supposed to be for special occasions, after all.

Feinne, I suggest asking her once more. Just to be sure.

W-Well... Okay.

I would really like to see you in your new outfit, Myrus. Are you sure there's no way to get just a little peek?

Ohhh, all right. If you really want to see it THAT badly, I gueeess I could make an exception!

But just this once, okay?

Really? Oh, thank you!

Make sure you get a good look, Feinne. It seems my sister cannot wait to show off her new outfit to everyone.

Can you blame me? Having a new look is so exciting! So exciting, in fact, I actually ripped it a little and had to have Altena fix it up for me.

But she should be finished with the repairs soon, so let's head over to her place!

What about the festival preparations?

Aldo and I can get started. I think it best we leave you ladies alone for this one. Once Myrus has had her fun, would you come find us?

Var-var... You're treating me like a child.

I haven't the faintest clue what you are talking about.

Come on, Myrus. Let's go see that outfit of yours!

Altenaaa! How're the repairs coming?

They're finished, but please take it easy. I won't be taking any blame if you destroy them before the festival.

Oh, don't worry. I'll take goooood care of them!

I'll believe it when I see it.

Feinne? You should've told me you were coming. I would've gone to get you!

Hehehe. It's fine. I'm already here!

I'll go get changed!

All right.

Sorry. I just couldn't wait to see her new outfit...

I'm reaaady!

Isn't this outfit adorable?

It fits me like a glove!

And makes me look drop-dead gorgeous!

Hehe. Oh, I'm blushing!

We haven't even said anything yet.

But you stole the words right out of our mouths!

Those clothes fit you perfectly, Myrus!

Hehe! I'm glad you think so. Actually, this outfit and I have had a looong history together.

How so?

When I was a kid, my family would often come to Astra Island. And during one of those trips, my mom wore this same outfit.

I remember that. The girl who was supposed to play the shrine maiden got injured, so your mother performed in her place.

Yup! Master Guildna happened to be there too, so he got to see her dance.

And he had all the nicest things to say about my mom!

Really? Guildna never struck me as the type to praise people so generously.

It's not like he said it all out loud. But I could tell by the look on his face and the way he acted.

Those unspoken things came straight from the heart! I saw how happy Master Guildna was with my mom's performance and got sooo jealous. I threw a whole tantrum because I wanted to wear the outfit so badly.

Didn't you get your way in the end? Though it was a child's version of the outfit.

Yes, but it wasn't the same. And I missed my chance to show it off to Master Guildna.

That's why I was so happy he got to see me wear it back on Astra Island!

That's wonderful, Myrus. Did he have lots of nice things to say about your outfit too?

......

He didn't!

That's just how Guildna is, though.

No, no, no, no. It just wasn't a good time for compliments. It's not like he didn't notice or didn't think it matched me...

Right?

Right. There's no way he'd think that!

Since you've already got it on, why not go show it off already? I'm sure he'll have something nice to say about it.

You're right. Time to find Master Guildna!

Some of the youngsters who went to get materials in Gabaraki said they spotted some beastfolk they'd never seen before.

Hmm... Could they have come from Astra Island, perhaps?

According to their description, one of them seemed to resemble Jazelle.

Isn't that the guy who competed with you for the throne?

And here I thought he would keep quiet for a little while...

There are more and more young'uns around here who don't know who Jazelle is. That's why I thought I'd let you know.

It would be quite problematic if he were able to convince them to join his side. We had better ascertain the truth sooner rather than later.

Your Majesty, leave this to me...

No. I shall go with you. Even on his own, Jazelle is a threat. Taking on a group would be far too much to handle alone.

I'll join you. We need to deal with this quick so we can get back to the festival preparations.

Please be safe, all of you.

Now then, let us be on our way...

Master Guildnaaa!

Well? Whaddaya think of my outfit?

Hm? ...It looks fine to me.

F-Fine? That's it?

...Yes? At a glance.

*sniffle* Oh...

WAAAAAAH!

Myrus! Where are you going?!

He praised my mom sooo much and I'm just "fine"?! Master Guildna, he... He...

He likes OLD people!

People will misunderstand if you go around shouting things like that.

Men are so tired of looking after their little sisters that they all want a nurturing, older partner!

Let's not go making blanket statements here...

Oh, but now that you mention it... All of the men here do have younger sisters.

Right! So tell us the truth, Aldo! You too, Var-var!

I don't know what you want us to say...

Age is trivial when discerning a person's worth. I do not see special merit in someone older than myself.

Then why don't you compliment me more?

I thought I had. What more do you want me to say?

You could say she's even cuter than usual.

You could say she looks mature.

You could say the new outfit suits her.

You could say she looks very strong.

...There, praise. And plenty of it.

Grr... But you haven't said a word!

Altena! Feinne! We need to talk, no boys allowed! We're gonna find a way to make Master Guildna tell me I'm beautiful!

Wait up!

She might be headed back to my house. Let's go.

What now? We didn't even get to tell them about Jazelle.

No matter. We can settle the matter on our own.

And Myrus has been quite busy with the festival preparations. She could use a break.

All right. Let the meeting begin!

Yes, Boss. So, what's on the schedule today?

Figuring out how to become more refined, so Master Guildna will like me! If I were more like my mom, this would be so easy.

I'd say between you and Vares, he's more like your mother, being as calm as he is.

Does that mean you take after your father, Myrus?

She's always full of energy, so you might be right.

But aren't all beastfolk like that? Even you were pretty spirited when you were young, Altena.

Oh. I think I might know what you're talking about.

When we met in the Moonlight Forest, she told off a boy who had been bullying me.

I can imagine that. She was pretty tough.

But I learned all that from you, Myrus.

You did?

Anyway, enough about me. We're here to talk about you, Myrus.

Aww. But I wanna hear more about you, Altena.

Another time. So tell us, Myrus: why did you start having feelings for Guildna? I mean, there's not much of a gap between you two now, but his real age is much older.

Curious, are you? Are you suuure you want to know? I mean, I cooould tell you...if you want.

(She's not fooling anyone...)

Well, I always respected him, and I felt indebted to him after what he did for Var-var, buuut... My feelings changed that day we heard Zestah and Brasah's parents died in battle. I saw Master Guildna praying at the ruins.

I will avenge you. And I swear to these sacred ruins of ours that no more of our brethren will fall to human hands.

I was so surprised. It was the first time I'd ever seen an adult cry. I think I was even more shocked because it was Master Guildna, who was the strongest of us all. But then I realized...even he had a weak point.

And if he was busy protecting all the beastfolk, then who would protect him? Thinking that made my heart hurt...

So that's when you decided to support Guildna.

I'd heard about Feinne from Altena, so I didn't want to fight with the humans, but I didn't have much of a choice. I was the only one who'd seen him cry, after all.

That's when Var-var and I made a promise. That we'd grow strong together.

What an incredible memory.

But don't tell Master Guildna, okay? He might not remember that it happened, but still...he might get embarrassed if he knew someone saw him cry.

By the way, Myrus, when did you stop fighting with an axe?

...I guess when Var-var started using one? I didn't wanna overlap.

I went from being a reckless little girl to a big sister who looks after reckless little boys.

But aren't you his younger sister?

Oh, that's neither here nor there right now. In any case, let's get back to the matter at hand!

How to become an older woman so Guildna will like you...right?

There's nothing I can do about my age, but I can still try to be nurturing and refined! So, how do I do that?

How about cooking delicious meals?

I can do that!

How about taking care of your family after a long day?

I can do that too!

How about making everyone smile with my cheer?

I can do that with my eyes closed!

Are you just throwing in things you're already good at?!

I can't believe it... Am I Master Guildna's type?!

I mean, I must be! I'm a big sister who looks after everyone!

I'm glad you're so confident, but what does that solve? We're back where we started.

It's probably easier to just ask him what he thinks.

I could never do that! It's too embarrassing!

Now you're embarrassed? You just declared to everyone you'd find a way to make Guildna say you're beautiful.

That's got nothing to do with this!

Please, you two. You have to ask Master Guildna what his type is!

...Fine.

Let's go, Feinne. My brother's bound to be around the village somewhere.

Thank yooou!

I wonder where Guildna could be. I haven't seen him anywhere...

Hurry! C'mon, before she runs out!

Aren't you going too, miss?

Going where?

One of the ladies in the village is giving out snacks to everyone who helps out with the festival.

Oh, that's why everyone's in such a rush.

Why don't you come too? But we better hurry before she runs out.

Are you sure it's okay for me to join?

Yeah. Vares said humans were helping with the festival too. That means you, right?

Yes, probably...

Then it's okay. So let's go!

(I really should be looking for Guildna...) (But I guess I could ask the other kids if they've seen him.)

Okay. But let's take our time. I wouldn't want you to trip.

Excuse me, sir. Have you seen Guildna around?

Oh, yes. He went off to Gabaraki earlier.

Why would he go there? Did he need something?

No. He heard Jazelle might be here on the island. So he went to Gabaraki to go find out the truth.

Isn't that the man who wanted the Beast King's throne?

There's no telling what he's up to, but there's no doubt he's a strong one. Master Guildna's the only one who stands a chance.

And I doubt he came here for the festival...

We'd better be on our guard.

Hello there. Have you seen Master Guildna around?

No, I'm afraid I haven't.

Oh, but I see you're already dressed up to play the shrine maiden. Eager, aren't we?

Hehe. What do you think? Don't I look cute?

It suits you very well. It reminds me of your mother when she was young. She was such a beauty.

Beautiful enough to get Master Guildna's praise.

Maybe you can tell me, miss... What can I do to be as beautiful as my mom? What am I lacking?

I don't think you're lacking anything, dear.

But Master Guildna didn't praise me like he did her...

You and your mother are nothing alike.

I understand you want to be more like her, but the best thing you can do is be yourself.

What?! Whenever I played tricks on people when I was a child, you told me to be more like my mom!

Well you're not a child anymore, now are you?

Hey, Altena. Did you find Master Guildna?

It seems he's not in Konium anymore. Someone said he went to Gabaraki.

I see... In that case, we'll just have to wait until he gets back.

Where's Feinne?

I saw her over there with some children earlier, but...

AHHHHHH!

Stop it! Don't you dare hurt them!

Sounds like we've got trouble. Let's go!

You okay, Feinne?

I...I'm fine, but...

Jazelle?! I thought you were in Gabaraki!

I made it seem that way to draw Guildna away. What a fool. I suppose that is what he deserves for associating with humans.

Why are you here?

I thought you were holding a festival. Is a fellow beast not welcome to join? I think it far more natural than inviting humans.

If all you wanted was an invitation, you could've just said so. Now, those kids have nothing to do with you, so let them go.

No can do. I need them to help teach you folks an important lesson: bad things happen when humans are involved.

Feinne. I need you to go get Guildna. Vares and Aldo should be with him. They should be headed toward Gabaraki.

But...

Please, Feinne. Jazelle is strong enough to hold his own against Guildna. He's not someone we can fight on our own, especially when he has hostages.

Right. I'll be back soon.

We heard Jazelle was spotted here, but... it appears the rumors were unfounded.

Correct if I'm wrong, but you aren't from Konium, are you?

Heh heh. That's right. I work for Master Jazelle.

What is he planning?

Good question. I'm sure you'll have your answer soon enough, though.

Guildna!

There's a beastman named Jazelle in Konium...

What?!

He's taken the children hostage.

Altena and Myrus are trying to hold him off, but they need your help.

We'll handle things here, Your Majesty. You take care of Jazelle!

Very well. I leave him to you.

Now then, we need to wrap things up quickly, Aldo.

Hah! You're seriously asking a HUMAN for help? Pathetic!

You too must rely on someone to get things done, no? Why have you chosen to follow Jazelle and not Master Guildna?

Because he's decided to be friends with humans. He lost to them, and he can't even turn into a beast. He's an embarrassment to our people.

Jazelle can't transform either, though. He lost that power when Guildna beat him in battle.

True, he did lose it once.

But he got it back in the ruins of Astra Island! He was chosen!

What?!

I saw the whole thing. There was a shining meteorite in the sky... And it blessed Master Jazelle!

Did the Chaos Prisma that Guildna destroyed somehow get out of the ruins? That'd be bad news.

There's a chance he'll be consumed by that power and lose control of himself. We had best hurry.

You'll have to get through me fir...

UNGH!

The difference between our power is clear. I do not even need to turn into a beast to defeat you.

All right. Let's get to Konium!

Wait, Aldo. Feinne said that Jazelle had taken children hostage.

I doubt His Majesty will need our help, but it would be best for us not to attack head-on.

Good idea. Let's rescue the hostages first.

Ungh... Even the two of us don't stand a chance...

Hold on... We'll be there soon...

Altena! Myrus!

Feinne... Guildna... Thank goodness you're here...

Sorry we're late. Let me get you two patched up...

Jazelle. If you had kept this between us, I would have let you off the hook...

But now that you've dragged Altena and the others into this, you had best be prepared to suffer the consequences.

You are the one who will suffer, Guildna. You see those children, yes? Resist me and they will lose their lives, along with your sister and her friend.

Why involve others if you bear a grudge against me alone? Am I that terrifying to you, Jazelle?

How long will you be able to speak with such confidence, I wonder.

Ungh!

Master Guildna!

Don't move. You are a hostage, too, lest you forget. Watch carefully as we bring your beloved leader to his end.

Master Guildna! Please, don't worry about us! Just fight back!

Don't worry. I will not let them harm any of you again.

But why? Master Guildna... You could beat them so easily...

(This is all my fault...) (I swore to protect Master Guildna...) (But he's always the one protecting me. And now they're hurting him...)

Heh heh... A young woman like you should not look so sad.

Then stop this already!

Are you truly so desperate to save Guildna?

Of course. I'm one of his retainers. Why wouldn't I be?!

Then let's make a deal. Depending on your answer, I will set Guildna free.

Nonsense. Don't listen to him, Myrus.

......

Tell me what you want.

Simple: I want you and Vares to surrender to me.

Don't do it, Myrus. You can't trust him!

(I wanna help Master Guildna.) (And right now, I'm the only one who can save him.) (That's why...I don't have a choice.)

Master Guildna. I'm sorry.

What are you doing, Myrus?

If I accept his offer, all this will be over.

You're right. Everyone's lives are depending on you.

But I... I'm not the kind of person who just listens to what others say and tries to work things out. Even if I did, I know it wouldn't make you happy.

That's why...!

Curse you! Have you forgotten about my hostages?!

Good grief. It isn't easy having such a reckless sister. You're lucky we made it here in time.

Var-var!

Myrus. There is no need for you to hold back. You and I want the same thing. And I will get rid of anyone who stands in our way. So feel free to go wild.

...Thanks, Var-var, but that's not quite right. I'm not the only one who should get to go wild. I mean, anyone who dares to hurt Master Guildna...

Shall answer to us both! Breathe your last!

Master Guildna! Are you all right?

That was nothing.

Besides, this isn't over yet. Right, Jazelle?

You underestimate me. Don't think you stand a chance just because those two beasts are on your side!

I was chosen by our sacred ruins! Try as you might, you will not win!

Here he comes!

How can this be... I got my power back, and still I lost... How could a beast without a fire win against me?! It seems obvious who between us is fit to wear the crown of Beast King!

Then let me explain it to you: no matter how many subordinates you have under your control, you always fight alone.

But I have others at my side.

That makes even less sense. You are so weak, you need others to help you, and yet I...

Master Guildna!

I'm fine.

No, you're not... You're injured...

As are you. But if the lead actress in the festival were unable to dance, the villagers would be greatly saddened. That is why you need to rest...

Oh, enough of that! You always worry about others first! You said you're not alone in this, so act like it! Let us worry about you!

She's right, Your Majesty.

You are a man with unrivaled strength, and it is our honor to be at your back.

Yeah. So just rest up and leave the festival prep to us.

We'll be sure everything's ready to go by the time you're feeling better.

I shall escort His Majesty to a place he can get proper rest. But I shall return to help afterward.

I leave things to you in the meantime.

All right! Let's go see what we can do around town!

Okay!

...But first, maybe we better do something about Jazelle.

Leave him to me. We should at least take out our own trash.

Well, if you're sure. But don't hesitate to call me if something happens.

How's it going? Everything ready?

Yes. It looks like we will be able to start on schedule.

Great! Then let's get this festival started!

Master Guildna! Did you see my dance?

Indeed. You did well. The villagers seemed to be enjoying themselves.

It lacked elegance, but your cheer brought a smile to everyone's face. It was a beautiful dance, one radiant like the sun.

I am certain it will bring a bountiful harvest to Konium this year.

D-Did you really just compliment me, Master Guildna?!

You needn't look so surprised. It is natural to compliment something of quality, no?

But maybe you were a little more generous than usual this time.

Altena! Feinne! Did you hear that?!

We sure did. I'm so happy for you, Myrus!

He said I captivated everyone with my adorable moves!

He said he can't believe I showed that dance to other people!

I didn't know he was so possessive...

I think she just imagined that part...

They certainly are having fun... And here I was enjoying the festival in peace.

Grr... I know she's my sister, but still! I wish Master Guildna would praise me so! I need to focus. I mustn't lose to her...

I-Is this...some kind of sibling rivalry?

Anyway, we were so busy preparing, we haven't had time to actually enjoy the festival.

Why don't we ask the others to join us?

You're right. I must reward Myrus for all her hard work too.

(I'm so glad Master Guildna finally complimented me.) (I still couldn't make his heart flutter quite like my mom could, but...) (He said my dance was beautiful.)

Hehe. That means there's still a chance!

All right! I've gotta keep working hard, for the both of us!