Esper Story: Brynn

Miss Brynn.

Mr. Drew... What's up?

I couldn't help but notice your absence at breakfast and lunch today.

I guess I'm just not very hungry at the moment.

Ah... I suppose I am a bit hungry, but I don't know what to eat.

There are so many options, but they're just not really what I'm after at the moment.

If I recall correctly, you're from Utgard, right?

One of my favorite restaurants happens to be run by someone from Utgard. I hear it's quite authentic. Can I tempt you to come and try it with me?

Sure! I'd really appreciate the taste of home!

Why am I not surprised Drew would go for the classy option!

Oh, I must have given you the wrong impression, Miss Brynn. We're going to this one...

"ShrimpWay Hotdogs"we're going to ShrimpWay Hotdogs?

Correct.

I really didn't take you for a fan of "backstreet eateries", Drew.

"Backstreet eateries?"

Au contraire, Miss Brynn, I should think you'll find this food truck to be the finest example of Gyrate cuisine. Please, after you.

(Cheese tuna, bacon, mushrooms, and tomato roast... surely that's overdoing it a bit?)

What do you recommend, Drew?

"Hotdog in cheese bolognese"it's their signature dish, an absolute must-have.

Then I'll get one as well. Hey, excuse me, can we please get two cheese bolognese hotdogs?

Real Utgard food! Only back home would people use chopped parsley instead of salad dressing.

It's the best food I've had since coming to Gyrate, for sure!

I take it all back. This isn't just any old "roadside eatery".

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, Miss Brynn.

I thought you only went to fancy teahouses or something.

Beg your pardon?

Oh, nothing, I was just thinking, for such a popular street, this is the first time I've ever been here.

Well, it's not exactly downtown, but it's not too far from Gyrate either.

The Union has oftentimes selected this street for their celebratory banquets... Do you see that purveyor of fried chicken over there?

It's a particular favorite of David's, he's become a "VIP Patron", as it were. And see this fine establishment...

A new addition as of last month. Lewis doesn't hold their steak in much regard, but he has high praise for the salad bar.

You really know what makes people tick. It gives me something to aspire to, I suppose.

I'm quite sure you will far surpass me once fully settled into your new life with the Union.

(There's something remarkably gentle about you, isn't there, Mr. Drew?)

......

Drew, can I ask you something? Are you quite happy at the moment?

Why do you ask?

(Cough) Oh, take no note of that.

......

(Should I tell him? Oh, I should forget it... But I just don't know what to make of it.)

(Drew's ears are so cute! I'd love to pat them.)

(I want to reach out and touch them. But that doesn't seem very polite. I really should just forget it...)

Miss Brynn... Miss Brynn?

Oh, I'm sorry... I was lost in thought.

Drew... how about a return visit tomorrow for more hotdogs?

...Huh?

It's a deal.

I've been asking quite a lot of Drew recently. I'd like to give him a gift to show my appreciation, but what can I get him?

"Top recommendations: teddy bear pillow, organic cotton filler with a lavender liner, superb warmth and comfort..."

10,000 5-star reviews?! Well, I could just get that one...

Perhaps not... What about a gaming console?

But that's so unimaginative... This is so tough! What can I give him?

Hello and welcome to "Master Chef: Utgard". Today we're going to be cooking one of Utgard's most loved specialties...

Chilli onion rings! First off, we need to prepare the ingredients...

We start by mixing one cup of flour, half a cup of starch, and half a tablespoon of baking powder.

Then we add some black pepper, a reasonable amount of chili powder, and a pinch of salt...

My favorite - chili onion rings! And they sound so easy to make.

Cooking up an onion ring breakfast might be my best idea so far. Drew might really appreciate that.

Is it really bad if I just leave them in the middle of his desk? And what if Q comes in the meantime? He'll just think it's from the cafeteria and take it for himself.

Maybe I could cover it with a magazine or something? I'm sure Drew would notice that.

Good morning, Miss Brynn.

Oh, Drew, Mr. Drew! You're in very early!

Miss Chang Pu asked for my help watering the potted plants, hence I'm up earlier than usual.

I... I am a little surprised to see you in here. May I ask what you're doing?

I... uh, I've been put on the office tidy-up roster and it's my turn to tidy up your desk today.

Oh, I was somehow under the impression that it was David's turn this week.

(What's wrong with me? Couldn't I think of a better excuse?)

Oh, I must be mistaken. Well then, there's no reason for me to delay. I'll be on my way. See you later!

A moment please, Miss Brynn... Can you smell something unusual?

Unusual?

Indeed, a faint hint of onion.... hmm... It's quite distinctive.

!!!

"Hope this little gift brightens up your day, Brynn."

Miss Brynn, I do believe you left this gift for me?

Alright, you got me. It was my failed attempt at a surprise...

It's been some time since I received a gift from anybody! Thank you, Miss Brynn, really. Thank you.

...And what of the box's contents?

It's a classic Utgard snack. Quite a good breakfast, I think.

This is your handiwork?

I guessed maybe you haven't had it before. I thought you might like to try it.

I love your gift!

Is... something wrong?

No, not at all! It's... wonderful, Miss Brynn.

Are you alright, Mr. Drew?

A cup of water, please. Thank you.

Are you okay? Was that my onion ring?

That's insane! It's so spicy!

I followed the recipe exactly! I don't get it!

Perhaps a slight mishap in the ratio? It's nothing serious.

Apart from being a bit spicy... The taste's not all bad...

I'm sorry, Drew. This was meant to brighten up your morning.

Please don't be like that. I really do appreciate your onion rings. They'll serve me well as a valuable pick-me-up.

I certainly shan't be falling asleep when I go to check on Chang Pu's plants shortly.

Please give me a chance to make it up to you. I promise my next gift will be a million times better.

A million times better? Please, I'd be perfectly delighted to receive another batch of chili onion rings.

Oh... are you sure?

Most certainly! When I was a butler I regularly had to prepare food for my former young master.

I suggest we could try preparing one together as a shared activity. You may find me to be of some assistance.

You'd like to teach me?

Wouldn't you like to give more people the chance to try your delicious onion rings?

Thank you, Drew!

You must be Brynn! The lady, the legend, our very own rock star!

I'm flattered, but anyhow. What's going on?

I'm Mike, a director from Union TV, we're currently putting together a safety training video about the Miramon.

I was hoping that we could cast you as our lead actor and "safety promoter".

You mean me?

Yes, you! You've already got a certain amount of star-power as a rock star, and with your combination of natural talent and pre-existing popularity, why, you're the perfect candidate!

It'd really raise your profile even further while you'll also be giving back to society by promoting useful safety tips and techniques for dealing with the Miramon. It's a win-win, honestly!

I suppose so, but to be honest, I've never really acted in anything before...

Don't worry about it! I'm telling you, I can see from a mile off that you have plenty of on-screen talent! It should be easy-peasy, what with all of your stage experience.

I emailed you the script already. Just read it over the weekend, and we'll see you on Monday!

Looks like another weekend where I can't just put my feet up...

Hello everyone! Allow me to introduce myself: I'm Brynn, your safety guide. Now, if you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a Miramon attack...

Then you must make your way immediately to one of the many Rescue Centers located in every district. There you'll find our many helpful operatives standing by to provide immediate assistance.

If you're unable to reach a Rescue Center in time, then you must call our emergency number at 200-3... 3... Darnit!

Come on, Brynn! You've got this! They're filming tomorrow. Everyone will be counting on you. You only get one shot at this!

If you're unable to reach a Rescue Center in time, then you must call our emergency number immediately at 200-353381.

And make sure that you immediately... immediately... make sure that you immediately... Ah! I just can't get it right! How many times do I need to memorize this script?

Come on, come on, Brynn! You've got this. Just keep at it. Get it right and then you can sleep. If you find yourself unable to reach a Rescue Center in time...

Then call our rescue number immediately at 200-35... Bzzzzzzzt... Bzzzzzzzt...

Good morning, Miss Brynn. Up late last night? You look a little tired.

...Yeah, but it shouldn't interfere with the filming schedule.

Don't worry. We've got some amazing makeup artists on call. As long as we've got you here, then we have nothing to worry about.

Hi, Hello everyone, welcome to this safety training video on what to do if confronted by the Miramon. I'm your host, Brynn.

In the unfortunate event of a Miramon attack... Please remember to immediately get in touch with one of our First Aid, I mean, Rescue Centers located in every area...

Cut! Miss Brynn, you seem a little nervous. Please, it's alright. Relax...

(Okay, just relax, relax... You got this, Brynn.)

That's it, smile for the camera, smile. Okay, everyone, let's go again!

I'm sorry, Mike. I'm wasting everyone's time.

It's always natural to expect a bit of trouble the first time around. However...

I have a suggestion: in order to be confident in front of the camera, you first have to be confident about yourself. Actually, that's the most important thing.

"Confident about yourself"?

Yes! If I'm not wrong, Brynn, you're a very popular rock star, aren't you?

!

I think I get what you mean, Mike, thanks. Just give me one more hour and I know I can produce the perfect take!

Is everything ready? Okay! Let's go!

Tracking from camera two. Great, great! This is exactly what we want. Artistry and practical brilliance.

Wonderful, simply wonderful, Miss Brynn! I dare say this might be one of the best educational presentations I've seen in my many years of working in this industry!

Brynn, your educational video is trending online. Great performance!

I really loved the final solo, it was really creative.

I guess it all just kind of came together.

I think a lot more people are going to start watching your music after that.

I'm really happy to hear that.

By the way, I hope you don't mind, could you sign a few autographs for me? Some of my friends are fans of yours and, well...

They wanted me to ask when you're going to do the next episode.

Next episode? Oh my goodness...