A Big Brother You Can Look up To

Hey, Darunis. Just getting back from your rounds?

I was actually looking for you.

I have a favor to ask.

Well...

The king told me the knights could use a hand, so here I am.

He did say help was coming, but I didn't know it'd be you, Aldo. That's going to be a big help.

So you're the help he mentioned. I'm Soira.

Aldo. It's nice to meet you.

I'd like your help patrolling the town.

Patrolling?

Yes. You see, we'll be holding a special festival in Unigan soon.

What kind of festival?

It's like a big thank you to all the citizens for always working so hard. King Miglance said he wanted to reward the people for enduring the awful battle. There will be food, sales, and all kinds of events.

I want to hand out bouquets to everyone, so I have to make sure I don't fall asleep. I know it's going to be an amazing festival.

Yeah. It sounds like fun!

I'm sure it will be. But...

But what?

But people are trying to take advantage of all the excitement. I've already received reports of damages. People have stolen goods and money, and some are even quarreling with the vendors in the next stall over.

We've been trying to strengthen our patrols as much as possible, but we just don't have enough people.

I see. So you want me to keep an eye on things on the day of the festival to make sure nothing else happens?

Exactly. That would be a really big help.

Yeah, and I thought I'd ask you if you wanted to help too.

Does that mean you can't make it?

Is that...a good thing?

Darunis! Isn't that the armor the knights wear? Where did you get that?!

Wow. You look so different, Darunis.

I don't think I've ever seen you with your hair up.

No, not at all. It's actually pretty cool.

Yeah! I'm so glad you'll be joining me. Thanks, Darunis.

Hey, Aldo. Over here.

Soira!

I see you brought Darunis with you. Everyone still talks about how much he helped out before.

The commander was so impressed that he settled a dispute without bloodshed, she gave him armor to be an honorary knight. You're welcome to join our ranks at any time.

Thank you. I will consider it.

In any case, I'm glad you're here. I know you'll be able to handle the patrols together.

There certainly are many people here, and everyone seems absorbed in the festivities. I doubt anyone would notice they had been robbed straightaway.

And that's why you're here!

Right!

By the way, Darunis...what's that vial on your waist?

Oh, this?

It's a poison.

A poison?!

Where'd you find something like that?

It wasn't me who found it, but you, Aldo.

What?! Aldo, don't tell me you were going to...

I would never!

Besides, I don't know the first thing about poison. Are you sure you're not misremembering, Darunis?

I'm not surprised you've forgotten. It was quite a long time ago, after all.

I can't find the right herbs here... Is Grandpa gonna be okay?

He'll be fine. It's just a cold, so I'm sure he'll get better.

Yeah... You're right!

There they are!

Look, Darunis! These herbs should help Grandpa get better!

Aldo... Those herbs aren't for curing colds.

They aren't?

They're poisonous.

R-Really? But they look the same as yours...

Look closely. The shapes of the leaves are different.

Oh...

Sorry I pulled you out of the ground...

There's no reason to be sad. Let's take them with us.

But they won't help Grandpa...

They won't. But I was actually looking for these.

You were?

Yeah. They can be used in hunting. Thanks for finding them, Aldo.

No problem!

Now let's get these herbs back to your grandpa.

I used the herbs you picked to brew this poison.

Are you sure that happened? I can't remember it at all.

You really are a strange one, apologizing to plants. But it sounds like you've always been trying hard to help others. I respect that.

I'll bet you can't remember because it's just another day to you.

You're a strange one, apologizing to plants. But I bet trying hard to help others just comes naturally to you.

That's probably why you don't remember it. It's just another day to you.

But to me, it remains fresh in my mind as if it happened yesterday.

I'm sure it'll stay fresh in my memory too.

There are, after all, few who would apologize to a plant for picking it on accident.

Yup.

C'mon, guys. You're embarrassing me...

Anyway, uh...why'd you decide to bring a poison with you? Isn't it supposed to be for hunting?

I consider it a talisman of sorts. It may come in handy during our patrol, but...

I pray things end peacefully without me ever having to use it.

I should get going. I've got other work to do. Best of luck, you two.

Why don't we check things out near the castle? Someone might try to take advantage of all the people passing by there.

There sure are a lot of people at this festival.

Yes, which is why we must be vigilant...

Ahhh!

It came from over there. Let's move, Aldo!

Yeah!

Now give us everything you've got!

Else we'll kill the kid!

Please, leave her alone!

Mama!

Let the girl go. Now.

Who the hell're you? If you want 'er back, give us your mon...

Did you not hear what I said? Let her go this instant.

My next arrow won't miss.

Eek!

D-Don't be cowards! Get 'em!

Are there more?

Attacking from behind? Have you no shame?

If you would harm my brother, I will show you no mercy.

Tch... Y-You two don't stand a chance! C'mon, finish 'em already!

Threaten me all you like, I won't back down. I have someone to protect!

Prepare yourself!

I've got your back, Darunis!

No. These foes should be no trouble for me alone.

Sorry, but you're my brother too. So I'm gonna help whether you like it or not.

I won't let you do all the protecting. I've got someone to protect too, y'know!

......

Hmph. You've certainly grown, as has that attitude of yours.

Very well. You take the rear, but don't you dare get yourself hurt. Do you understand?

Yeah!

Dis wasn't da deal! Youse gets da money, we's gets da food, then we's runs away. Weren't no fightin' in da plan!

Youse said dis was gonna be easy. No mistakes!

Dirty trickers! Youse tricked us!

N-No! You got it all wrong!

Youse gonna pay for lying!

Tch...

Fine! You can have 'er!

No!

I do not wish to shed blood needlessly. If you value your lives, leave now.

Damn. Those ruffians got away...

No. The hunt is over.

What?

What the hell did you do to 'im?

Have you heard of wolfsbane poison?

Ain't that thing deadly?

No way. Darunis, you didn't...

I once let a beastfolk escape because of my own foolishness.

I won't make the same mistake twice.

Darunis, stop! This isn't like you at all!

Stop it!

......

Why? Why did you do that?!

The Darunis I know is a kind person! He would settle things without resorting to violence! Even if he were hunting, he'd let an animal go if he didn't need it. He wants to live in peace with the beastfolk!

Huh? My body's...feelin' better?

What?

My first arrow was coated in poison. The second in the antidote. Anyone who uses poison should carry the cure, that is the way.

Don't scare me like that.

When you plucked these poisonous herbs from the ground, you apologized to them. Seeing that made me think of how we could coexist with nature and other living things.

This represents a promise, an oath never to kill.

Now then...

Will you turn yourselves in, or shall I paralyze you again and take you in myself? Make your choice.

I heard there were some men who took a little girl hostage. Where are they?

It's us! We did it! We're sorry! Please, take us in already!

We'll go quietly! We promise!

Turning yourselves in? Well that's awful nice of you. Too nice, if you ask me. What in the world happened here?

Well...

We simply rounded them up. If they really do regret what they've done, there is nothing else for me to say. Please take them away.

I don't know what happened here, but I'll take them to Miglance Castle.

Darunis, I'd like you to come to the castle guardroom too.

......

What crime have I committed? Were my methods too harsh?

No. I'm not going to arrest you or anything.

You're injured, so I wanted to treat your wounds. That's all.

Ah... These are merely scratches. Nothing for you to worry about.

No, Soira's right. You need to get those bandaged up. I'll go with you.

Thank you for saving me, Mister!

Anytime. Now please, enjoy the festival.

Hmph...

Is something wrong?

I'm mad at you.

Mad? What for? We completed our mission.

Yeah, but you told me not to get injured, and you got injured yourself!

Why did you protect me? If you hadn't, you wouldn't have gotten hurt. You've been stepping in to shield me all day. Do you really think I can't handle myself?

No. I've never once thought that.

But...like I said, you're my brother. And I wanted to look impressive in front of you. That's just what older brothers do.

Still...

I brought bandages.

Thank you. What happened to the men you arrested?

We're going to question them later. It seems like they'll tell us the truth, maybe because you scared them bad.

I see.

I can handle the bandages, Soira.

Well, if you're sure. I appreciate it.

Stay still, okay?

All finished.

I appreciate it.

So, what were you saying earlier... Does that mean you just see me as some weak younger brother?

Nothing like that. My words were about myself. I know you are strong.

I also know that you're not the type to let me lead the way. You're more than capable of doing things on your own.

Whenever I see you, I know I must try harder. I must get stronger. That is how I feel every single day of my life.

Because I want to be a brother you can look up to.

But perhaps that is selfish of me to want.

You said I haven't changed a bit...but you haven't either.

You're still a stubborn and proud older brother who'll never change his mind once it's made up.

Hmph...

But I think that's what makes you cool.

I see...

Still, I wanna protect you too. Because you're my friend, and my brother.

So please don't put yourself in harm's way for my sake.

Hmph...

And trust me, you won't change my mind on this.

Very well. If my younger brother asks it, I guess I can't refuse.

Really?! I totally thought you were gonna be stubborn about it, but I'm so glad I was wrong.

You've gotten older and stronger, and also far more frank. I'm at my wit's end...

Well, all I need now is for you to promise and we can put this whole thing behind us.

It sounds like you don't trust me... But I swear I will see it done.

...And that's a promise.

I can't have you getting hurt. You're my brother, Darunis.

Yes...

As you are mine, Aldo.

I'll be counting on you going forward.

And I'll keep counting on you!

Hey! Why don't we bump fists like we used to when we made promises as kids?

Ah... Please don't do that. It'll reopen the wound.

I'm so sorry! I wasn't thinking!

Even after all that, it seems like you're still mad at me...

I'm not! It was an accident!

I know. I was just joking.

Seriously?! You're teasing me now?

That is an older brother's right, is it not?

C'mon, Darunis... How long're you gonna treat me like a kid?

Don't pout, Aldo. I told you before, didn't I?

I know you're a capable man. So I'll be counting on you to have my back from now on.

I will!

(I've gone soft, not unlike someone I know...) (It isn't easy being a good big brother.)