Festive Ball

Look! It's Rosabelle! We've got new stories!

Rosabelle! Over here, come on!

Sharp eyes you've got there. I've just came back, kids.

Alright, do you want the gift or the story?

I want both...

You're too greedy! I only want the story, Rosabelle!

Fine. Then I'll take the story too.

Okay, okay...

Let me think... Last time, I told you about Bifrost's most chaotic region, and the time before that, about Nebu's legendary Mercenary Viper...

Alright, this time let's talk about the Empire.

What kind of story would you like? I can tell you whatever you want.

Empire? I heard an idol from the Empire came to the Thousand Ruins Mountain before... How about a story about idols?

I'm not that interested in idols. But I'm tired of the church stuff too. I'd like a story that's not all about that.

You two demanding kids...

Luckily, I have one that fits both of your requests.

It's related to idols, and not all about the church.

Idol! Is it about Dorothy?

No, not Dorothy. But the lead guitarist and vocalist of the rock band MantiCore...

Also, the shiniest star of the Norman family, one of Augustine's three nobles, Knox Norman.

Welcome to Botley, Miss Rosabelle.

Your Grace, I appreciate you coming to welcome me.

You're welcome. And I'm just an adopted daughter of the Norman family, you can just call me Rie.

Too kind! Even without your Norman heritage, you are still the commander of the Gospel Legion...

As others have said, Miss Rosabelle, you're truly well-informed.

But here in Botley, the church's identity is insignificant. I'm simply the Norman family's adopted daughter.

It's often said that Campbell belongs to the Holy Lady, Norman to the Pope, and Victoria remains neutral.

Given your family's close ties to the Pope, how could it be insignificant?

Besides, I'm just a simple merchant, not as well-informed as you think. Honestly, I'm still trying to figure out what qualifies me to be invited to this ball.

Don't sell yourself short, Miss Rosabelle. You command the largest traveling trade caravan in Eastrise, possibly even the world. The Normans are eager to befriend you.

(She didn't mention the church. So, the Normans are just interested in my caravan... or my connections?)

(Even so, I'm still not sure I belong here. There must be another reason.)

In that case, I can rest assured. It's an honor to befriend a noble like you.

The pleasure is mine. I hope you enjoy the evening.

Alright, Miss Rosabelle, let's head to the reception room.

How rude! It's almost dinner time, and all I see is an adopted daughter?

Shh... this is the castle of the Norman family!

And Lady Rie isn't just anyone, she's the commander of the Gospel Legion. How dare you speak of her like that!

Commander? We're not even in the church!

As a Norman family noble myself, I think I have every right to express my concerns about our name.

What's he babbling about...

He's actually right. It's the proper etiquette for the direct-line noble of the family to preside over the dinner.

Sorry for the wait, we'll be starting dinner soon...

It's strange...

What?

The man who claims to be a noble of the Norman family keeps badmouthing Rie...

And it's a public event with so many people around. Is he out of his mind?

Who's out of their mind?!

When did you get here?!

Sorry, everyone, I'm late.

...Hmm?

What's going on?

Lord Knox, this man's been talking nonsense...

What nonsense are you blabbering now?!

What a disgrace! What kind of ridiculous outfit is that...

Knox, you're finally back!

Sorry I'm late, Rie. The fans kept calling for an encore...

We can talk later. It's almost dinner time, and you're definitely not going to wear that.

Go change now!

Lord Knox, you're shining like a star on stage.

Thank you. Actually, I am the star.

I am the lead guitarist and vocalist of MantiCore.

Ever heard of our band, Miss Rosabelle?

I'm not really into rock, but I know a few big songs like Silent Rock and Echo.

Those are ours!

Really? No wonder your voice sounds so familiar and pleasant.

Haha, so you're a fan after all?

I'll make sure to get you an autograph after the ball.

But now, it's time to head to the banquet hall.

... Now it's time for some music. Please allow me to lead the first dance.

Rie, would you care to open this ball with me?

My pleasure.

What a wonderful dance! You're truly perfect, Lord Knox.

Thank you, Rosabelle. May I have the pleasure of inviting you to dance with me?

I'd be delighted.

Honestly, I can hardly contain my excitement.

You can cheer all you want, just quietly. I'll do my best to make sure no one notices.

You're quite the dancer.

I owe it all to your patient guidance.

Ah...!

Dead, he's dead!

Miss, please calm down. What just happened?

He... he asked me to dance, and I agreed.

Then he told me he wanted me to stay with him tonight... I refused! He got so angry, and then suddenly collapsed.

I swear, I did nothing! When I tried to check on him... he was already dead!

I swear, I did nothing... I'm innocent...

Alright, Miss, we'll get to the bottom of this.

Guard... Who are you? What're you doing?!

I am Christie, a professional detective.

I don't remember inviting a noble named Christie to this ball.

Well, that's not important. What matters is the cause of this man's death.

You're a doctor?

No, as I said, I am a professional detective.

Dilated pupils... pale, but excited... oblivious to the approach of death...

I see. He died from an overdose of [Blissbite].

[Blissbite]?!

Are you serious? It's banned in the Empire!

Yes, the Church explicitly forbids it, but it's indeed here.

I'm certain there's more [Blissbite] on him. He probably intended to use it to... spice things up tonight.

...Check his pockets.

It's definitely [Blissbite]... But how did he get it?

...Why are you looking at me like that?

So, you're a traveling merchant.

You must know a lot about different regions, right?

Not really. Just the places I've been.

I wonder if you'd be willing to share any interesting news... Hmm?

Christie? What are you doing here?

None of your business, Miss Detective.

Who's this?

She's a detective too, but she's infamous for pursuing the truth at any cost.

Better than you, Miss 'I'll keep the truth to myself and keep everyone guessing.'

Without evidence, speculation isn't the truth. I just help others uncover the real truth.

In a rather maliciously amusing way?

Would you both mind stopping the argument, please?

The ball is about to begin.

Fine. I've already wasted too much time here.

I hope I don't run into you again tonight.

Welcome to Botley, Miss Rosabelle.

Your Grace, I appreciate you coming to welcome me.

You're welcome. And I'm just an adopted daughter of the Norman family, you can just call me Rie.

Too kind! Even without your Norman heritage, you are still the commander of the Gospel Legion...

As others have said, Miss Rosabelle, you're truly well-informed.

But here in Botley, the church's identity is insignificant. I'm simply the Norman family's adopted daughter.

It's often said that Campbell belongs to the Holy Lady, Norman to the Pope, and Victoria remains neutral.

Given your family's close ties to the Pope, how could it be insignificant?

Besides, I'm just a simple merchant, not as well-informed as you think. Honestly, I'm still trying to figure out what qualifies me to be invited to this ball.

Don't sell yourself short, Miss Rosabelle. You command the largest traveling trade caravan in Eastrise, possibly even the world. The Normans are eager to befriend you.

(She didn't mention the church. So, the Normans are just interested in my caravan... or my connections?)

(Even so, I'm still not sure I belong here. There must be another reason.)

In that case, I can rest assured. It's an honor to befriend a noble like you.

The pleasure is mine. I hope you enjoy the evening.

Alright, Miss Rosabelle, let's head to the reception room.

How rude! It's almost dinner time, and all I see is an adopted daughter?

Shh... this is the castle of the Norman family!

And Lady Rie isn't just anyone, she's the commander of the Gospel Legion. How dare you speak of her like that!

Commander? We're not even in the church!

As a Norman family noble myself, I think I have every right to express my concerns about our name.

What's he babbling about...

He's actually right. It's the proper etiquette for the direct-line noble of the family to preside over the dinner.

Sorry for the wait, we'll be starting dinner soon...

It's strange...

What?

The man who claims to be a noble of the Norman family keeps badmouthing Rie...

And it's a public event with so many people around. Is he out of his mind?

Who's out of their mind?!

When did you get here?!

Sorry, everyone, I'm late.

...Hmm?

What's going on?

Lord Knox, this man's been talking nonsense...

What nonsense are you blabbering now?!

What a disgrace! What kind of ridiculous outfit is that...

Knox, you're finally back!

Sorry I'm late, Rie. The fans kept calling for an encore...

We can talk later. It's almost dinner time, and you're definitely not going to wear that.

Go change now!

Lord Knox, you're shining like a star on stage.

Thank you. Actually, I am the star.

I am the lead guitarist and vocalist of MantiCore.

Ever heard of our band, Miss Rosabelle?

I'm not really into rock, but I know a few big songs like Silent Rock and Echo.

Those are ours!

Really? No wonder your voice sounds so familiar and pleasant.

Haha, so you're a fan after all?

I'll make sure to get you an autograph after the ball.

But now, it's time to head to the banquet hall.

... Now it's time for some music. Please allow me to lead the first dance.

Rie, would you care to open this ball with me?

My pleasure.

What a wonderful dance! You're truly perfect, Lord Knox.

Thank you, Rosabelle. May I have the pleasure of inviting you to dance with me?

I'd be delighted.

Honestly, I can hardly contain my excitement.

You can cheer all you want, just quietly. I'll do my best to make sure no one notices.

You're quite the dancer.

I owe it all to your patient guidance.

Ah...!

Dead, he's dead!

Miss, please calm down. What just happened?

He... he asked me to dance, and I agreed.

Then he told me he wanted me to stay with him tonight... I refused! He got so angry, and then suddenly collapsed.

I swear, I did nothing! When I tried to check on him... he was already dead!

I swear, I did nothing... I'm innocent...

Alright, Miss, we'll get to the bottom of this.

Guard... Who are you? What're you doing?!

I am Christie, a professional detective.

I don't remember inviting a noble named Christie to this ball.

Well, that's not important. What matters is the cause of this man's death.

You're a doctor?

No, as I said, I am a professional detective.

Dilated pupils... pale, but excited... oblivious to the approach of death...

I see. He died from an overdose of [Blissbite].

[Blissbite]?!

Are you serious? It's banned in the Empire!

Yes, the Church explicitly forbids it, but it's indeed here.

I'm certain there's more [Blissbite] on him. He probably intended to use it to... spice things up tonight.

...Check his pockets.

It's definitely [Blissbite]... But how did he get it?

...Why are you looking at me like that?

So, you're a traveling merchant.

You must know a lot about different regions, right?

Not really. Just the places I've been.

I wonder if you'd be willing to share any interesting news... Hmm?

Christie? What are you doing here?

None of your business, Miss Detective.

Who's this?

She's a detective too, but she's infamous for pursuing the truth at any cost.

Better than you, Miss 'I'll keep the truth to myself and keep everyone guessing.'

Without evidence, speculation isn't the truth. I just help others uncover the real truth.

In a rather maliciously amusing way?

Would you both mind stopping the argument, please?

The ball is about to begin.

Fine. I've already wasted too much time here.

I hope I don't run into you again tonight.