Commission: Hunt (Ⅶ)

Ugh... Something's missing... It feels like I didn't get enough out of it.

The Silvercandle Carnival just... fizzled out. It was so anticlimactic that I've lost all my inspiration.

…

What's going on? Why the long faces? And Camilla too. Shouldn't she be the first one telling us to stop lounging around and get back to work?

Even she's gone quiet.

Ah, I see! You guys must be feeling worn out from all the hustle and bustle of the carnival, right? You need a break!

Not really, quite the opposite. This year's carnival was abruptly cut short due to the accident at the theatre. There wasn't a big finale... it just... ended.

It's like the fun stopped before it even got started. Honestly, it's worse than if we'd never celebrated at all.

I get it now. It's like when I try to help someone, but halfway through, I realize they've already figured it out. It's kind of a letdown!

Exactly! It's like having a brilliant idea in a dream, only for it to vanish the moment you wake up. Or a sneeze that never comes out! I don't even know how to describe it.

It all just feels... pointless.

That sounds pretty serious...

This won't do. I've got to think of something. Maybe I could get some help from someone else. Otherwise, we'll never get back to normal!

Who should I talk to...? Oh, I know! I'll ask them! They're always so composed and unfazed.

I just need to figure out how they stay so motivated and focused. I'm sure we could use their advice to snap everyone out of this funk!

I'm really counting on you three. Please bring some energy back to Icelake!

Well, I'm just a blacksmith, but it's hard to sit back and watch when Snow's so fired up about this.

I've been serving drinks and supplies during breaks, but if everyone keeps resting... that's not good either.

Mm-hmm, Snow's heart is in the right place. Icelake's always been known as the great northern metropolis in my records, but if the citizens don't get their energy back, I might have to start calling it "Great Somnopolis."

Right? That's exactly what I think. So, let's come up with something to help everyone snap out of it!

Well, from my perspective, the answer is simple...

There's only one true solution, and that is...

Yeah, I know exactly what to do...

What is it?!

FORGING! TRADING! ADVENTURE!

Those are three totally different things!

More like what each of you specializes in, not actual solutions!

Well, I didn't see that coming.

I thought you two would be on the same page as I am.

Hmm, so that's why you two never sell anything. Now I'm a little disappointed.

Wait, wait, hold on! I've got an idea. Since you all think your work can help lift everyone's spirits, I'll try each of your ideas, one by one.

Alright, let's start with me! Grab a hammer, and I'll show you how to get fired up!

You got it! But I've never done this before. Can you teach me the ropes?

It's simple, really. Just grab the hammer, take a deep breath, and... smash...

Hit it while imagining how happy people will be when they see what you've made. That's the motivation you need.

And on top of that, seeing the sparks fly with every rhythmic strike will give you a real sense of accomplishment.

Okay... I think I get it now. So, swinging a giant hammer makes you feel powerful.

Let me give it a try... Whoa, this thing's heavy...

Hmm, yeah… swinging this hammer really does make me feel... like there's power flowing through me.

Maybe I could get everyone to try forging. It could be fun!

So... tired... Can't swing... anymore...

No good. I'm wiped out. I need to sleep... Goodnight...

And I don't think this is the best way to motivate people...

Told you. Overworking just makes everyone more tired.

The carnival was supposed to help people relax, not turn into a workout. The clanging of hammers should've been the background noise, not the main event.

Is that so? Well, being in the background is fine by me. Your turn! Let's see how "trading" is supposed to lift spirits.

Hmph, you've been stuck in that forge for too long. You clearly have no idea what's been going on outside.

Follow me. And don't forget to bring that sleepyhead along.

Huh? How did I end up in the plaza? Did I swing the hammer so hard I flung myself across the city?

Are you guys okay? I didn't hurt anyone, did I?

No, you just wore yourself out.

Oh, I see... but what was I supposed to be doing again?

To breathe life back into Icelake through trading.

Oh, right! I remember now! So, what exactly do we need to do? Teach me the ropes!

Hmm… it's actually pretty simple. Create opportunities, build some suspense, start a trend. If you bait the hook right, you can reel in the passion.

Once people feel that buy-it rush, they'll work hard for it. That's how you get the energy back.

Less talk, more action. For example, I've prepared an exclusive drink just for the Silvercandle Carnival. And every purchase earns a stamp.

Collect five stamps, and you can win a limited-edition silver candlestick! There are five colors, plus a secret black version.

Come on, Snow, start shouting and get the word out! If enough people buy it, we'll bring Icelake back to life!

Oh, yeah! I'll do anything to bring life back to Icelake!

Silvercandle Carnival exclusive drink! Get your limited-edition silver candlestick! And don't miss the secret version!

One day only! Get it today or wait till next year! Come one, come all!

Hmm... Maybe I'm not shouting loud enough?

Na, it's not that... it's just... not really exciting...

What? Why not? We've got great drinks, and those candlesticks are super stylish. What's not exciting?

Well, I've already got like seven or eight candlesticks at home... plus a dozen carnival limited-edition plaques, and maybe two dozen badges or more.

During the carnival, every shop in the city had something special and limited, and the thing is, they were all great.

Everyone got carried away and bought tons of stuff... now we're all broke and full of regret.

Hearing you still pushing sales after the carnival just brings back that guilt and pain...

Oh... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...

No hard feelings. Honestly, we appreciate that you're trying so many different ways to lift our spirits.

Keep at it! I'm sure you'll figure it out!

Right! Well, you're our last hope, Lunoxplorer.

Well, I guess it's my turn now.

My answer is simple, adventure!

Everyone spent the carnival partying inside the city, but I bet they're all suffering from major cabin fever. The walls have been keeping everyone's spirits down.

So, if we can just get people outside, surrounded by nature, breathing fresh air... I'm sure it'll lift everyone's mood!

Oh! That makes perfect sense. So, if we find the best spot near Lamenting Lake and let everyone enjoy the view, that'll do the trick, right?

Exactly, you're catching on fast, Snow!

Alright, let's go!

Yep, this is the spot! The view is completely open and unobstructed. It's perfect for relaxing and unwinding.

You're right. Every time I come here, I feel completely recharged. I'm sure others will feel the same way and be energized by this place.

Help! Someone, help!

Sounds like someone's in trouble. Let's go check it out!

Th-thank you! Thank you for saving us!

If you hadn't shown up, we never would've made it back to Icelake... Boohoo.

It's okay, you're safe now! But... what were you two doing all the way out here?

It's all my fault. My sister and I live in Mist Aken, and our parents never let us leave the city.

So, we thought, with everyone relaxing during the carnival, the guards wouldn't be around. We snuck out to see what the world beyond the city was like.

But as soon as we crossed the bridge, we ran into some Filthoids. We had to hide, and the further we went, the worse it got...

We eventually got cornered, and if it wasn't for you...

I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have insisted on leaving the city. Let's go back. I never want to leave the city again...

Hmm, for most people, the world beyond the walls is still too dangerous...

I should've thought this through. The desire to explore can fuel excitement, but it's not for everyone. Let's head back.

Yep, this is the spot! The view is completely open and unobstructed. It's perfect for relaxing and unwinding.

You're right. Every time I come here, I feel completely recharged. I'm sure others will feel the same way and be energized by this place.

Help! Someone, help!

Sounds like someone's in trouble. Let's go check it out!

Th-thank you! Thank you for saving us!

If you hadn't shown up, we never would've made it back to Icelake... Boohoo.

It's okay, you're safe now! But... what were you two doing all the way out here?

It's all my fault. My sister and I live in Mist Aken, and our parents never let us leave the city.

So, we thought, with everyone relaxing during the carnival, the guards wouldn't be around. We snuck out to see what the world beyond the city was like.

But as soon as we crossed the bridge, we ran into some Filthoids. We had to hide, and the further we went, the worse it got...

We eventually got cornered, and if it wasn't for you...

I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have insisted on leaving the city. Let's go back. I never want to leave the city again...

Hmm, for most people, the world beyond the walls is still too dangerous...

I should've thought this through. The desire to explore can fuel excitement, but it's not for everyone. Let's head back.

So, even Lunoxplorer's idea didn't work...

What should we do now?

Chin up! At least our efforts helped those kids.

You're right. It wasn't all in vain.

Where have you two been? Your father and I were so worried!

We went outside the city and ran into some Filthoids. Luckily, they saved us!

Outside the city?! What were the guards doing?! Ugh... never mind, I'm just glad you're alright.

Thank you so much!

Wait a minute... You're Snow, right?

Huh? You know me?

I didn't, but I've been hearing rumors lately. Apparently, a certain Luno has been working to cheer up the people of Icelake. From the descriptions, it has to be you.

Hehe, that's right, it's me!

But… I haven't really found anything that works. Honestly, at this rate, even I'm starting to feel run down.

Oh, don't worry about that! I just heard your friends have been looking all over for you. They couldn't figure out where you ran off to. Hurry over to the Galea Theatre.

The Galea Theatre? Got it, I'll head there now!

Snow! You're back!

Ah, that triumphant silhouette, illuminated by the stage lights, is as magnificent as a giant!

Wells, Buck? And… everyone's here? What are you all doing here?

Honestly, at first, when we heard you were trying to cheer us up, we thought you were just bored and causing trouble, like usual.

But then we heard you were actually out there trying so many different things to lift our spirits. While it didn't quite work, the regulars at the Asphodel heard about it and were really touched by your effort.

You didn't have to mention the "it didn't quite work" part!

Uh, that's not the point. What matters is, we realized we couldn't just sit back while you were running around doing all the work!

So, we decided we had to do something. We couldn't let all your effort go to waste.

Then, inspiration struck, and ideas started flowing.

What Buck means is, after we talked it through, we didn't come up with anything solid, so we went to ask others for help. Eventually, we found Director Putsch.

Everyone had ideas on how to thank you, but we just couldn't decide on the best way.

So, we all gathered here to argue, scratch our heads, and have a big shouting match. But somewhere in all that chaos, the enthusiasm suddenly came rushing back!

That's when we realized, acting with a clear goal in mind can reignite everyone's spirit.

So, we decided to build a stage for the Lunos right here and throw a small dance party to officially mark the end of the Silvercandle Carnival.

More importantly, this is our way of thanking you, and all the Lunos who've been working tirelessly for us.

The backdrop isn't quite finished because we were in a bit of a rush, but I'm sure the kind citizens of Icelake will pitch in!

Wait... why Lunos? We didn't do anything special... just our usual work.

Exactly. You've always been helping others, and when everyone was feeling down, seeing you guys doing your usual thing...

, whether it's forging, adventuring, or doing business, helped spark hope. That's why everyone wants to do something for you.

...Even just doing what we always do can inspire others?

I see it now... Hehe, it looks like my constant running around with my little minion has made me quite popular with the people of Icelake after all.

Yes, of course! You're the most feared, respected, and beloved demon king, who cares for her subjects and empowers us whenever you want!

Exactly! So, I command you all, as the magnificent demon king! Get your energy back, and let the final dance of the Silvercandle Carnival begin!

Yeah!