Set Sail Through a Sleepless Night

Here, this is for you.

This is... the payment. And a letter?

Looks like you made an interesting friend. I bet there's a good story there.

Not really. Honestly... I'm still not sure what actually happened.

Putini...

Does that name mean anything to you?

Not by itself. But didn't that voice in the crate mention an opera that just played at the theatre?

Yeah, she even asked how the lead did.

Funny thing, that. There's been some talk in the tavern...

One of the regulars caught the dress rehearsal for Putini. Said the lead wasn't the same actress who performed on opening night.

They said the rehearsal lead was younger, even more talented. But in the end, the role went to the usual star.

You mean...

It's just hearsay. Nothing solid to connect these dots.

Still... if you've got time, maybe dig a little deeper. I'd like to know the truth too.

(So Camilla's in the dark too... But one thing's for sure, Giselle was acting strange.)

(That girl in the crate... could she have been the one from the dress rehearsal? And if so, did Giselle know the whole time?)

(...No use guessing. I'll have to ask Giselle myself.)

I told you so, I've been saying this from the start!

We never should've hired that dubious woman as a tutor! And we never should've let Rosalind take those blasted singing lessons!

You were the one who said she needed something to keep her busy, so she wouldn't be out roaming around all day!

I meant something to keep her home, not something that'd send her running off again and getting herself kidnapped!

And you Escort grunts, what use are you!? We finally had a lead, and you lot were too slow, now the kidnappers are gone!

...

Ugh, why am I even wasting my breath on imbeciles like you? I'll find my daughter myself!

...Phew. He's finally gone.

Please stay back, this area's off-limits.

Sorry, I heard yelling. Is everything okay?

We received a report of a kidnapping. The victim was supposedly held here, but the place was already empty when we arrived.

This property's on lockdown. If you're just here out of curiosity, I'll have to ask you to move along.

Who were those two just now?

The victim's parents, the Earl and Countess of Magnus. I get that they're worried, but they really do live up to their reputation...

Word is they were always breathing down their daughter's neck. Maybe Miss Rosalind ran off just to get some air...

Ahem... that's enough gossip. If you have any information, please report it to the Escort.

(Giselle and Miss Crate... they're both gone.)

(A kidnapping... could it have something to do with that letter Giselle left at the tavern?)

(No leads for now. Guess I'll just have to stay sharp and see what turns up.)

Da... Da da...

(So much has happened in Icelake these past few days... and now, there's even been a kidnapping.)

(Now that I think about it, some of these events might be more closely connected than they seemed.)

(Time to lay everything out... and start connecting the dots.)

(There was more to the kidnapping sixteen years ago... and Violetta may be the one who knows the truth. Giselle took her student just to force a meeting.)

(If my deductions are right, she should be with Violetta right now.)

(The letter mentioned the location. I need to hurry... let's hope I'm not too late.)

Right on time, huh.

...

What's with the silence? This isn't a courtroom. If you're waiting for a "You have the right to remain silent," don't hold your breath.

And what would you have me say? Go on, enlighten me. After a despicable stunt like this, what kind of answer do you expect to hear?

Still playing dumb, are we? Or do you actually believe your crimes are as easy to cover up as your real face? You really think a bit of powder and paint can hide everything?

Fine. Then let me jog your memory.

Sixteen years ago, in Icelake, a young man named Sig kidnapped the daughter of Fabrice Ruthford, then overseer of Glevum Pit. Her name was Enola.

When the Escort cornered him, he resisted, and accidentally set the house on fire in the struggle. Enola died in the flames. And Sig was sentenced to death.

I've heard of that tragedy. A pity, truly. May that poor girl rest in peace.

But I only arrived in Icelake a few years ago. What could any of this possibly have to do with me?

Because someone survived that fire.

A witness said there were three people in the house that night, Sig, Enola... and Sig's sister, Violet. A girl around the same age as Enola.

In the chaos, that witness managed to pull a girl from the flames, a girl he thought was Violet. But was she really?

Tell me I'm wrong. Sixteen years ago, you killed Violet in that fire, then took her name, and tricked Donat into helping you escape Icelake. Didn't you, Enola Ruthford?

...Heh. Now there's a compelling tale. Good mysteries are so rare these days.

Please, do go on. I'm dying to hear how it ends.

I spent years combing through that case. A body burnt beyond recognition... a lone survivor... it was all just a little too convenient.

All the pieces were there, but the thread connecting them all together was missing.

As luck would have it, back when I was assigned to guard Fabrice Ruthford, I once heard his daughter sing.

That voice... I'd recognise it anywhere. And that's when I knew who you really were, "Violetta of a Thousand Faces."

I tried to study your habits, even arranged for false letters to be delivered, just to keep tabs on you.

Ah, so he was one of yours.

Not quite. He really was a fan. I just gave him a gentle nudge. And thanks to him, I got the answer I needed.

Still, there's one thing I don't understand.

Swapping places with Violet, it couldn't have been possible unless both Sig and the girl went along with it. How did you convince them?

That's your big mystery? The answer's simple.

You used to serve under my father. Then you should know what it meant to defy him.

Poor Sig was already prepared to throw his life away, but knowing my father, Violet was as good as dead too.

So I offered them a way out: Once the ransom was collected, stall as long as possible while creating a distraction to buy some time for Violet.

Pathetic, isn't it? In his panic, he actually ran off on his own to hold off the Escort, hoping that a sickly little girl might somehow escape a blazing house...

I took my chance. Killed that poor wretch who stood in my way. Took her name, left behind the dump, and my father. Left behind everything that ever stood between me and the stage.

...

What's the matter, Giselle? You've chased this truth for years... and now that you have it, you don't look the least bit satisfied.

You're insane... All of this, just for the spotlight!? You killed two people! Two innocent lives!

So what will it be? Drag my sins into the light? Or take your revenge, right here and now?

...I only ever meant to reveal the truth... and turn you in to the Escort.

Vita? What are you doing here?

Get out of my way. I won't let a monster like her walk free!

(She's lost it... I have to bring her back to her senses.)

Giselle, calm down. There might be more to this than you think.

Did you not hear what she just said!? How am I supposed to calm down!?

She's not going anywhere, not with us here. Just take a breath. I have a few questions for her.

Here, this is for you.

This is... the payment. And a letter?

Looks like you made an interesting friend. I bet there's a good story there.

Not really. Honestly... I'm still not sure what actually happened.

Putini...

Does that name mean anything to you?

Not by itself. But didn't that voice in the crate mention an opera that just played at the theatre?

Yeah, she even asked how the lead did.

Funny thing, that. There's been some talk in the tavern...

One of the regulars caught the dress rehearsal for Putini. Said the lead wasn't the same actress who performed on opening night.

They said the rehearsal lead was younger, even more talented. But in the end, the role went to the usual star.

You mean...

It's just hearsay. Nothing solid to connect these dots.

Still... if you've got time, maybe dig a little deeper. I'd like to know the truth too.

(So Camilla's in the dark too... But one thing's for sure, Giselle was acting strange.)

(That girl in the crate... could she have been the one from the dress rehearsal? And if so, did Giselle know the whole time?)

(...No use guessing. I'll have to ask Giselle myself.)

I told you so, I've been saying this from the start!

We never should've hired that dubious woman as a tutor! And we never should've let Rosalind take those blasted singing lessons!

You were the one who said she needed something to keep her busy, so she wouldn't be out roaming around all day!

I meant something to keep her home, not something that'd send her running off again and getting herself kidnapped!

And you Escort grunts, what use are you!? We finally had a lead, and you lot were too slow, now the kidnappers are gone!

...

Ugh, why am I even wasting my breath on imbeciles like you? I'll find my daughter myself!

...Phew. He's finally gone.

Please stay back, this area's off-limits.

Sorry, I heard yelling. Is everything okay?

We received a report of a kidnapping. The victim was supposedly held here, but the place was already empty when we arrived.

This property's on lockdown. If you're just here out of curiosity, I'll have to ask you to move along.

Who were those two just now?

The victim's parents, the Earl and Countess of Magnus. I get that they're worried, but they really do live up to their reputation...

Word is they were always breathing down their daughter's neck. Maybe Miss Rosalind ran off just to get some air...

Ahem... that's enough gossip. If you have any information, please report it to the Escort.

(Giselle and Miss Crate... they're both gone.)

(A kidnapping... could it have something to do with that letter Giselle left at the tavern?)

(No leads for now. Guess I'll just have to stay sharp and see what turns up.)

Da... Da da...

(So much has happened in Icelake these past few days... and now, there's even been a kidnapping.)

(Now that I think about it, some of these events might be more closely connected than they seemed.)

(Time to lay everything out... and start connecting the dots.)

(There was more to the kidnapping sixteen years ago... and Violetta may be the one who knows the truth. Giselle took her student just to force a meeting.)

(If my deductions are right, she should be with Violetta right now.)

(The letter mentioned the location. I need to hurry... let's hope I'm not too late.)

Right on time, huh.

...

What's with the silence? This isn't a courtroom. If you're waiting for a "You have the right to remain silent," don't hold your breath.

And what would you have me say? Go on, enlighten me. After a despicable stunt like this, what kind of answer do you expect to hear?

Still playing dumb, are we? Or do you actually believe your crimes are as easy to cover up as your real face? You really think a bit of powder and paint can hide everything?

Fine. Then let me jog your memory.

Sixteen years ago, in Icelake, a young man named Sig kidnapped the daughter of Fabrice Ruthford, then overseer of Glevum Pit. Her name was Enola.

When the Escort cornered him, he resisted, and accidentally set the house on fire in the struggle. Enola died in the flames. And Sig was sentenced to death.

I've heard of that tragedy. A pity, truly. May that poor girl rest in peace.

But I only arrived in Icelake a few years ago. What could any of this possibly have to do with me?

Because someone survived that fire.

A witness said there were three people in the house that night, Sig, Enola... and Sig's sister, Violet. A girl around the same age as Enola.

In the chaos, that witness managed to pull a girl from the flames, a girl he thought was Violet. But was she really?

Tell me I'm wrong. Sixteen years ago, you killed Violet in that fire, then took her name, and tricked Donat into helping you escape Icelake. Didn't you, Enola Ruthford?

...Heh. Now there's a compelling tale. Good mysteries are so rare these days.

Please, do go on. I'm dying to hear how it ends.

I spent years combing through that case. A body burnt beyond recognition... a lone survivor... it was all just a little too convenient.

All the pieces were there, but the thread connecting them all together was missing.

As luck would have it, back when I was assigned to guard Fabrice Ruthford, I once heard his daughter sing.

That voice... I'd recognise it anywhere. And that's when I knew who you really were, "Violetta of a Thousand Faces."

I tried to study your habits, even arranged for false letters to be delivered, just to keep tabs on you.

Ah, so he was one of yours.

Not quite. He really was a fan. I just gave him a gentle nudge. And thanks to him, I got the answer I needed.

Still, there's one thing I don't understand.

Swapping places with Violet, it couldn't have been possible unless both Sig and the girl went along with it. How did you convince them?

That's your big mystery? The answer's simple.

You used to serve under my father. Then you should know what it meant to defy him.

Poor Sig was already prepared to throw his life away, but knowing my father, Violet was as good as dead too.

So I offered them a way out: Once the ransom was collected, stall as long as possible while creating a distraction to buy some time for Violet.

Pathetic, isn't it? In his panic, he actually ran off on his own to hold off the Escort, hoping that a sickly little girl might somehow escape a blazing house...

I took my chance. Killed that poor wretch who stood in my way. Took her name, left behind the dump, and my father. Left behind everything that ever stood between me and the stage.

...

What's the matter, Giselle? You've chased this truth for years... and now that you have it, you don't look the least bit satisfied.

You're insane... All of this, just for the spotlight!? You killed two people! Two innocent lives!

So what will it be? Drag my sins into the light? Or take your revenge, right here and now?

...I only ever meant to reveal the truth... and turn you in to the Escort.

Vita? What are you doing here?

Get out of my way. I won't let a monster like her walk free!

(She's lost it... I have to bring her back to her senses.)

Giselle, calm down. There might be more to this than you think.

Did you not hear what she just said!? How am I supposed to calm down!?

She's not going anywhere, not with us here. Just take a breath. I have a few questions for her.

Never better. Couldn't talk to him like that when I was in the Escort. Felt pretty darn good.

Who was that, anyway?

Fabrice Ruthford. Violetta's father. Still as hot-headed as he was sixteen years ago.

Then where's Ms Violetta?

Gone. Backstage was already empty by the time he barged in.

...Whoops!

S, Sorry! I didn't see you! Are you okay? Did I hurt you?

I'm fine. Just be more careful next time, alright?

Mm...

What? Something on my face?

Nothing! Hehe... Thanks for the herbs!

Time's ticking. Hurry or you'll miss it.

Oh no... Sorry! I gotta go! I'm coming, wait for me!

Herbs...? Wait, you dropped something!

You can keep it!!!

Seriously. Kids these days, always a whirlwind.

Why'd she leave this...?

A brave butterfly has broken free of her cocoon and taken wing. She's vanished into the wind, like a violet in a sea of blooms.

She may not return for some time. So take it, a parting gift, from someone who held you dear.

A parting gift...? Hmm, there's embroidery on it... Is this her name?

...Putini?

Ah, I see. So Miss Crate made it out safe and sound. Which would make you...

Shhh, I respect your choice to reveal the truth, but those who know how to keep a secret are always the most charming.

Aren't you afraid I'll come after you again?

"Violetta" won't return to the stage, but I'm not quite ready to leave. Even if you turn me in again, I won't blame you. There's still another student I have to protect.

...

...Thank you for your silence.

Then I'll take my leave. Wishing you both a lovely evening.

Hah. Knew it. A woman like her was never going to let herself get caught that easily.

You seem... almost pleased.

Do I? To be honest, I wrestled with the choice, whether it was worth ruining a gifted woman's future just to clear a dead man's name...

But I made my choice. Stubborn as ever, I guess.

Still... maybe being at peace with an open ending means I've grown.

If I'd understood that sixteen years ago... maybe no one would've had to die.

It wasn't your fault, Giselle.

I know. I'm not sad. Just... wondering what comes next, now that "Giselle the Phoxhunter" is off the case.

Acting's off the table. After watching Violetta perform, I realised the stage really isn't for me...

Well, I thought acting paid well.

Alright, alright, no need to rub it in, Detective Vita.

So, what now? Got a new plan?

Hmm... not yet. But there's time. I'll figure something out.

It's a big stage. I'll find my part eventually.

Wait, stop!

...

Fine. Go ahead.

Before that, Ms Violetta, does this look familiar?

That's...

Huh... just as I thought. You left this ribbon at Sig's grave, didn't you?

You once told me it belonged to a dear friend, and that you took to the stage to fulfil her dream.

You're a naive fool. I can't believe you actually fell for such sentimental drivel.

Maybe. Which is why I borrowed this ribbon from Donat, to find out the truth.

He told me about Violet. About how gifted she was. If not for poverty and illness, she might've been a great playwright.

Fate dealt her a cruel hand, but she never gave up. Even when she could barely leave her bed, she still found a way to pursue her dream.

She dreamed of the world's greatest actor performing her work, of her final, proudest piece reaching every corner of Atlasia.

And that piece was...

...Putini. A three-act play. Later adapted into the opera.

Good. You get it now, lying any further would only make things worse. So...

I suppose you're right. Every play must end eventually.

...Is this really the time for theatrics?

Well, if every audience were as sharp as you, mystery playwrights wouldn't have to twist themselves in knots to dumb things down.

What are you two talking about? What's going on here?

It's simple, Giselle. If she really saw Violet as nothing but a pawn, why would she take a name so close to hers?

Let me tell you the version I see: Sixteen years ago, Sig kidnapped Enola Ruthford, the girl who would one day call herself Violetta, to raise money for his sister's treatment.

While she was held captive, Enola met the bedridden Violet. And somewhere in that brief time, the two became close friends.

But it didn't last long.

Violet knew her time was running out. She didn't want her brother sinking deeper down the wrong path. So she wrote to Donat, a trusted friend of Sig's, hoping he'd intervene.

And Donat did. He reported the kidnapping... to you, Giselle. But by then, I suspect Violet was already...

Ah... strange, isn't it? I was kidnapped, yet somehow... those were the happiest days of my life.

Sig kept me tied up in a room, but he never meant me harm. He barely paid me any attention, just paced endlessly around the house.

I knew there was someone else, a girl, in the house. I could hear her humming softly, on days when her mood was light...

Perhaps Sig realised he couldn't possibly tend to two helpless people at once. So a few days in, he untied me, let me move around the ground floor as I pleased.

And whenever he left the house, I'd steal upstairs to see Violet. She'd tell me the stories she was writing... and I'd act them out, bringing the characters to life.

"My dearest, weep no tears for me, on this sleepless night, I set off in silver light."

"The wind fills my sail, the tide kisses my oar. The lighthouse aglow, 'neath the moon, oh, so bright!"

Thank you, Enola... that was beautiful. Truly. Hehe... Whenever I imagined Putini, she always looked like you, bold, radiant, and forever chasing her freedom...

Thanks! I did a bit of improvising... But I know a brilliant composer, his name's Cavaradossi. Maybe we could ask him to adapt Putini into an opera...

...Not that I'll ever get the chance to sing it.

I'm eighteen now. My father's already arranged my marriage, two months from now, to some young officer from the Alchemy Academy.

Guess I'll spend the rest of my life as a pretty trophy collecting dust in a parlour... or elbow-deep in those wretched Phoxichor canisters.

No, no... Enola, this isn't how it should be. You have a voice as sweet as a lark's... You don't belong in some parlour... You belong on a grand stage, the grandest there is.

Everyone who loves to sing... deserves their moment in the spotlight... Solarian or Charon, rich or poor...

I'll talk to my brother. I'll find a way to help you escape. My body's already giving out... and I may never finish the final act of Putini...

But Enola, promise me that you'll take the stage, and share our Putini with the world...

"Everyone who loves to sing deserves their moment in the spotlight. Solarian or Charon, rich or poor..." That was Violet's final wish, and it became the truth I live by.

...After she passed, I sang the finished final act of Putini for Sig. He was hollowed by grief, but when he heard it, his eyes lit with disbelief... and for a moment, I saw hope flicker in the ashes.

We still have a chance to honour her. Violet poured her joy, sorrow, hope, and longing into that script. I want the world to hear it, I need to make sure they do.

We were both born for the stage. Illness took her far too soon, but I'll carry her soul in every role I play, in every spotlight I step into.

So to help you escape your father's grip, and to fulfil Violet's last wish, Sig agreed to play his part in the act.

No... That can't be... If that's true, then why did she just...?

You came here convinced of her guilt, Giselle. And Ms Violetta couldn't risk provoking you, not with her student Rosalind's safety at stake.

What...?

I have a request... I won't run, I promise. Just, come with me. There's somewhere I need to go.

Fine. But don't think you can pull any tricks.

It's all been rebuilt... But to me, every brick, every stone still looks just as it did back then.

Violet... I came back to see you. And I brought our work with me.

Someone with a sharp eye pieced together our story. Strangely, I'm not scared. I feel... relieved. Maybe because, at long last, I can say this to you properly: I'm sorry. About Sig.

Thank you... for indulging me.

So, Violetta... You went along with the accusations for another reason, didn't you? Because Sig's death, that wasn't part of your plan.

Fabrice Ruthford... He was a ruthless, heartless man. The miners under him starved. His Escort officers weren't much better off.

He showed no mercy, not even to his own daughter. He dismissed everything she was, crushed her dreams, caged her spirit... and forced her into the lifeless future he had planned.

And yet... when his daughter "died," the same heartless man threw aside all legal procedure and executed the kidnapper with his own hands, knowing full well it would cost him his career.

I thought of countless ways to slip the truth to the court once I was free. I thought I could save Sig in secret. But the one thing I never imagined...

...Was that your father loved you more than you ever knew.

...There were so many times I wanted to reveal the truth. But Hyperborea was only the beginning, her story needed to reach the world. I had to keep my promise... or at least, keep trying.

So when you came to me, Giselle... I felt oddly relieved. I've trained many gifted children over the years. They can carry Putini farther and wider than I ever could.

And all you had to do... was let Giselle believe it was true. So you could finally clear Sig's name.

...I'll go with you, Giselle. But only after you release Rosalind Magnus.

For my sake... and for Sig and Violet... she must not come to harm.

...She's already left Icelake.

What?

You were her vocal teacher. You should know what she was up against.

A fledgling willing to break her own wings just to escape the cage... The two of you really are cut from the same cloth.

So all this time... you were lying to me.

It wasn't my plan. I didn't expect someone close to you would come to hire me to "kidnap" her. I just... took the chance when it came.

Pretty convincing performance, wasn't it? Maybe it's time I tried the stage.

You don't want to be a Phoxhunter anymore?

Heh. Thanks to the big stir over Lady Magnus's kidnapping, I'll be laying low for a good while anyway.

As for Violetta...

It's your call, Vita. You uncovered the truth before I could, so you get to decide what happens next.

Are you sure, Giselle?

I don't know. If we tell the world, she could lose everything, her name, her dream, all of it. But if we keep it quiet... then Sig's name will never be cleared.

I can't think straight right now. Maybe handing the choice to you really is best.

If it's your decision... I'll readily accept it.

Giselle.

I'm listening.

Can we... keep it quiet? Not bring this all to light?

Sig bore the blame, and even gave his life, so Ms Violetta could share Putini with the world. I don't think this is how he'd want things to end.

...All right. I understand.

Giselle?

I left the choice to you. So I'll respect your decision.

I'm truly grateful.

Then it's settled, I suppose.

In that case... would you both honour me with your presence at the performance two days from now? I'll have the finest seats in the house prepared.

A performance...?

Yes, Putini. Think of it as a send-off for Rosalind... It's her favourite play.

I understand why you did it, Ms Violetta. But we can't let an innocent man be remembered as a murderer even in death.

Sig's gone. But we still have a chance to clear his name.

...Thank you, Vita.

Sig did kidnap you for money. But that doesn't make him a murderer. The truth deserves to be heard.

Ms Violetta... once this is made public, it may cost you everything. Your reputation, your career...

I understand. But that's all right. I'm sorry, Violet. Our dream... will have to live on through the children now.

Then it's settled, I suppose.

One last thing...

Hm? If you're thinking of backing out, it's a bit late for that.

Nothing of the sort. I'd simply like to invite you both to a performance, two nights from now. Think of it as my swan song. I'll make sure the best seats are ready.

Your swan song...?

Yes. Putini. It all began with this play, and it's only right it ends with it too.

I'll be there.

One good seat will do.

...

Don't get me wrong, I'll be there. But considering I'm technically wanted at the moment, best I keep a low profile.

Very well. I'll speak to the troupe and have the seats arranged.

Then... I'll see you both in two days.

Good morning, Ms Violetta.

You made it. Here, your tickets.

Thanks.

Be my guest. Sharing Putini with the world was Violet's dream. She wouldn't mind a pair of seats given freely.

It's just...

You're thinking of Miss Rosalind?

Mm. I meant this to be her send-off... but I don't even know if she's still in Icelake. Or if she'll get to see the play she loves most.

Don't look at me. I've no clue where she is now either. Figured the less I know, the harder it is for her parents to track her down.

Let's hope so... Oh, Vita.

You tied together three threads no one thought related... and led them to a joyful ending. Your sharp mind and resolve are remarkable.

Which brings me to another request, it concerns another of my students. I hope you'll take the case. The fee will be fair, of course. Just visit me at the theatre when you have a moment.

But not tonight, tonight is for music, and voyage. Leave your burdens behind, and let this be a night to remember.

Whew. That was quite the show. Almost made me forget how much I hate crowded, enclosed spaces.

I think I finally get why the stage holds such magic for people.

I just hope folks stop asking me to kidnap themselves. Not exactly the career path I had in mind.

Then again, who am I to judge? I've spent half my life stuck in my own mess.

Can I ask... why are you so invested in this case?

...Do I have to answer that?

Only if you want to.

...Okay. No point playing coy with someone as sincere and kind as you.

Donat told you he turned Sig in, right? The person he came to... was me.

At first, to avoid tipping off the culprit, I planned to go in alone, talk Sig down, and get the hostage out safely. But when I realised who she was, my superior's daughter, I hesitated. Ended up reporting it up the chain instead.

And... you know the rest. Her father lost it, rejected my proposal, and launched a full-on raid.

If I'd just stuck to my plan... maybe none of this would've happened.

It might've made things a bit harder for Violetta... but at least Sig wouldn't have died for something he didn't do.

Giselle...

I get why he did it, any parent who lost their child would. But justice should come after the full truth comes to light, not before.

I didn't join the Escort for that.

Then the Escort was a fool to lose someone who actually stood for justice.

Was that a compliment?

Anyway, what's done is done. I'll see if I can reveal part of the truth, without exposing Violetta, of course.

But without Enola herself, there's no solid proof. The Escort wouldn't reopen a case over just hearsay.

The Escort? Nah, I'm not going to them. I'll tell the local papers. Let the story spread. The public makes a better jury than some dusty court records.

Will that really work...?

People love hidden truths. Believing they know more than others about what's beneath the surface makes them feel smart. I'm just going to take advantage of that.

...Whoops!

S, Sorry! I didn't see you! Are you okay? Did I hurt you?

I'm fine. Just be more careful next time, alright?

Mm...

What? Something on my face?

Nope! Hehe... Thanks for the herbs! Oh no, I'm gonna be late!

Herbs...? Wait, You dropped something!

You can keep it!!!

Seriously. Kids these days, always a whirlwind.

Why'd she leave this...? Huh, there's embroidery, is this her name...?

...Putini?

What's so funny?

If even you didn't recognise her... maybe Violetta's not the only one with a thousand faces.

Life's a play with more than one act. We'll meet again, on a new stage. Until then... safe travels, Miss Crate.

...

Morning, Vita. Why the gloomy face?

Ms Violetta...

Now, now, no need to feel sorry for me. I'm stepping down, not dying.

You simply did what anyone with a conscience would. Don't let it weigh on you. Think of it this way: you just helped a runaway find her way home, that's all.

Looks like everyone's here.

Miss Giselle, perfect timing. Here are your tickets.

Thanks. I've spoken to my old Escort contacts, they'll hold off until the curtain falls.

Much appreciated. The show's about to start, I'd better get backstage.

Let's head in too, then. I may have played a part in ending her stage career... but I've got to admit, I'm looking forward to her swan song.

Let's.

Giselle, you owe me an explanation!

Oh? And what could the all-knowing Lord Ruthford possibly need me to explain?

You told the Escort Violetta was Enola, but when I brought my men backstage, there was no one there!

Ah, that. Didn't think you'd come in person. Very hands-on of you, sir.

Don't get clever with me! Take me to Enola, now!

I think you're forgetting something, I'm not with the Escort anymore. And neither are you. I just passed on a tip... as a civilian.

So no, I don't take orders from you. But hey, you could always file a commission with Giselle the Phoxhunter.

Tch... Fine! Then I'll file one!

Great. I refuse to take the job.

You messing with me!?

Well, seeing as I'm currently a suspect in the kidnapping of an earl's daughter, let's just say my services are temporarily suspended.

Truth is, if you'd listened back then and gone with the peaceful route I proposed, none of this would've happened.

You... I was a fool to ever believe you'd find Enola.

Enola... my daughter... I'll find you myself. And you, don't ever show your face again!

Gladly.

You alright, Giselle?

Then it's settled, I suppose.

One last thing...

Hm? If you're thinking of backing out, it's a bit late for that.

Nothing of the sort. I'd simply like to invite you both to a performance, two nights from now. Think of it as my swan song. I'll make sure the best seats are ready.

Your swan song...?

Yes. Putini. It all began with this play, and it's only right it ends with it too.

I'll be there.

One good seat will do.

...

Don't get me wrong, I'll be there. But considering I'm technically wanted at the moment, best I keep a low profile.

Very well. I'll speak to the troupe and have the seats arranged.

Then... I'll see you both in two days.

Good morning, Ms Violetta.

You made it. Here, your tickets.

Thanks.

Be my guest. Sharing Putini with the world was Violet's dream. She wouldn't mind a pair of seats given freely.

It's just...

You're thinking of Miss Rosalind?

Mm. I meant this to be her send-off... but I don't even know if she's still in Icelake. Or if she'll get to see the play she loves most.

Don't look at me. I've no clue where she is now either. Figured the less I know, the harder it is for her parents to track her down.

Let's hope so... Oh, Vita.

You tied together three threads no one thought related... and led them to a joyful ending. Your sharp mind and resolve are remarkable.

Which brings me to another request, it concerns another of my students. I hope you'll take the case. The fee will be fair, of course. Just visit me at the theatre when you have a moment.

But not tonight, tonight is for music, and voyage. Leave your burdens behind, and let this be a night to remember.

Whew. That was quite the show. Almost made me forget how much I hate crowded, enclosed spaces.

I think I finally get why the stage holds such magic for people.

I just hope folks stop asking me to kidnap themselves. Not exactly the career path I had in mind.

Then again, who am I to judge? I've spent half my life stuck in my own mess.

Can I ask... why are you so invested in this case?

...Do I have to answer that?

Only if you want to.

...Okay. No point playing coy with someone as sincere and kind as you.

Donat told you he turned Sig in, right? The person he came to... was me.

At first, to avoid tipping off the culprit, I planned to go in alone, talk Sig down, and get the hostage out safely. But when I realised who she was, my superior's daughter, I hesitated. Ended up reporting it up the chain instead.

And... you know the rest. Her father lost it, rejected my proposal, and launched a full-on raid.

If I'd just stuck to my plan... maybe none of this would've happened.

It might've made things a bit harder for Violetta... but at least Sig wouldn't have died for something he didn't do.

Giselle...

I get why he did it, any parent who lost their child would. But justice should come after the full truth comes to light, not before.

I didn't join the Escort for that.

Then the Escort was a fool to lose someone who actually stood for justice.

Was that a compliment?

Anyway, what's done is done. I'll see if I can reveal part of the truth, without exposing Violetta, of course.

But without Enola herself, there's no solid proof. The Escort wouldn't reopen a case over just hearsay.

The Escort? Nah, I'm not going to them. I'll tell the local papers. Let the story spread. The public makes a better jury than some dusty court records.

Will that really work...?

People love hidden truths. Believing they know more than others about what's beneath the surface makes them feel smart. I'm just going to take advantage of that.

...Whoops!

S, Sorry! I didn't see you! Are you okay? Did I hurt you?

I'm fine. Just be more careful next time, alright?

Mm...

What? Something on my face?

Nope! Hehe... Thanks for the herbs! Oh no, I'm gonna be late!

Herbs...? Wait, You dropped something!

You can keep it!!!

Seriously. Kids these days, always a whirlwind.

Why'd she leave this...? Huh, there's embroidery, is this her name...?

...Putini?

What's so funny?

If even you didn't recognise her... maybe Violetta's not the only one with a thousand faces.

Life's a play with more than one act. We'll meet again, on a new stage. Until then... safe travels, Miss Crate.

...

Morning, Vita. Why the gloomy face?

Ms Violetta...

Now, now, no need to feel sorry for me. I'm stepping down, not dying.

You simply did what anyone with a conscience would. Don't let it weigh on you. Think of it this way: you just helped a runaway find her way home, that's all.

Looks like everyone's here.

Miss Giselle, perfect timing. Here are your tickets.

Thanks. I've spoken to my old Escort contacts, they'll hold off until the curtain falls.

Much appreciated. The show's about to start, I'd better get backstage.

Let's head in too, then. I may have played a part in ending her stage career... but I've got to admit, I'm looking forward to her swan song.

Let's.

Giselle, you owe me an explanation!

Oh? And what could the all-knowing Lord Ruthford possibly need me to explain?

You told the Escort Violetta was Enola, but when I brought my men backstage, there was no one there!

Ah, that. Didn't think you'd come in person. Very hands-on of you, sir.

Don't get clever with me! Take me to Enola, now!

I think you're forgetting something, I'm not with the Escort anymore. And neither are you. I just passed on a tip... as a civilian.

So no, I don't take orders from you. But hey, you could always file a commission with Giselle the Phoxhunter.

Tch... Fine! Then I'll file one!

Great. I refuse to take the job.

You messing with me!?

Well, seeing as I'm currently a suspect in the kidnapping of an earl's daughter, let's just say my services are temporarily suspended.

Truth is, if you'd listened back then and gone with the peaceful route I proposed, none of this would've happened.

You... I was a fool to ever believe you'd find Enola.

Enola... my daughter... I'll find you myself. And you, don't ever show your face again!

Gladly.

You alright, Giselle?