Hero Stories: Visitor from Perland

Strange, why is there a ravine here?

I had to buy an old map since I'm short on money... But there's no way an entire ravine could have appeared within just a few years!

Fine, I guess I'll just have to test my luck.

When in doubt, go straight ahead!

Oh! Oh! Oh! I found it! It looks exactly like what I saw in the book!

Red like a flame and radiant like a noblewoman's face!

It's said that if you boil and eat this for a month...

It'll smooth the wrinkles on your face and calm you...

And then you'll be young and beautiful again like you were in your youth!

This must be it! The vitality plant!

Now that I've found it, I should get back to the castle... Huh?!

Where did my backpack go? I had my map in there...

Ugh, this isn't good. It's getting dark already. If they figure out that I left the castle, they'll freak out...

Then my surprise plan will be ruined!

Okay, I can do this! Focus, Aither! Hmm... Now which direction did I come from...?

Right, I'm sure it was that way!

I knew something didn't feel right. Is fate testing me again?

Seeing the dense forest, I must have come deep into the ravine. Should I camp for the night?

But first...I'll have to get rid of any wild beasts!

Stop! I'm not a beast!

Huh...? What were you doing behind that bush?

I'm so, so glad to meet you. I was lost and had no idea how to go back...

Wow, she's adorable!

I can't believe I tried to attack her! I will never forgive myself for this!

I'm sorry if I startled you. Allow me to introduce myself...

Krrrrrrrr!

It seems there were beasts around here after all.

Huh? When did we get surrounded like this? There are too many of them.

They look hungry. Don't worry, I'll protect you.

You shouldn't underestimate Angara. They usually hunt in packs, so the longer you take, the worse your chances get.

Look! See that giant one? That must be their leader. Aim for that one.

How did she know that? She's smarter than she looks.

I'll back you up. Let's break through them.

Alright. Don't worry, just stay close!

I won't let them hurt you!

Haha. I was nervous seeing how outnumbered we were, but that was no problem at all.

Compared to the Unknown, these guys are nothing.

Wow! That was amazing! It was almost like I was watching Lady Iseria!

Lady Iseria? I've never heard that name, but she must be truly talented to be compared to me.

Believe me, you haven't seen anything yet. I still have plenty more up my sleeve.

It's weird. They're creeping backwards. Wait... I don't see their leader!

Krrrrrrrrrrrr!

Ugh... Has it been waiting for an opportunity to ambush us? That was quite a heavy attack.

But I've got to end this. No matter how much of a gentleman I am...

I don't have time to play with animals!

Judging from inside of the tent, it seems like some hunters were here recently.

Which means they probably made the path alongside the tent. It should lead us to a nearby town.

That was so scary. It was getting dark and I couldn't find my backpack...

Those Angara must have been following me the whole time. I would have been in big trouble if it wasn't for you.

I only did what I had to do.

Oh, right, and you found my backpack too!

I should be thanking you. Without your map maybe we'd be spending the night on the cold, hard ground.

Hehe. Oh! We never managed to introduce ourselves. I'm...

No, allow me. I am...

It'd be great if you could cure this bad habit of grabbing other people's hands when you're talking to them.

My, my, I almost made a bad impression again... I should stop.

Ahem. I am Violet. Renowned genius and pride of the Perland Raiders.

I'm trying to find my way to Tirel Castle. I have some things to do there.

Oh! You're heading to the castle as well? Me too!

Wait, Perland...? I've never heard of that place. And "Perland Raiders"...? But if he's heading to the castle, he probably knows who I am at least.

Oh really? That's great. Hahaha.

Hmm... He doesn't seem like a bad person, but there's something suspicious about him.

Prince Aither, you're going to meet many people in your life. And they'll treat you nicely.

At least, they'll pretend to. But you shouldn't open up to them so easily. They might be hiding something.

So please, remember these two things: watch and stay alert.

If you keep these two things in mind...then you'll be able to see who they really are.

Sir Charles is right! I shouldn't just trust anybody. I must keep some distance and hide who I really am.

Hmm, so you're a traveler. I'm... Umm... Uhh... Charles!

...Charles...? What a strange name for a girl, Ezera is such a unique place!

Haha... Such... Such a beautiful name!

How did you find yourself lost in the woods? You shouldn't be alone somewhere so dangerous.

Mmm, honestly... I was looking for a present for someone.

Oh, some kind of herb?

It's called a vitality plant. Someone who's been looking after me ever since I was a baby has his birthday in a few days.

He's always having such a hard time because of me, so he's got wrinkles now... And he keeps talking about how his body aches all over.

What a nice girl, she even keeps track of her babysitter's birthday.

Then you'll have to go back as soon as possible.

You're right, I was supposed to be back before sunset... Everyone must be really angry with me, don't you think?

Probably. But I'm sure it's only because they're so worried.

Really...?

I'm sure they'll tell you off, but as long as you're back safe, they'll forgive you.

Then maybe I should go right now...

Do you really want to be out in this forest at night?

...

Since we're heading the same direction, I'll escort you home in the morning and help you come up with an excuse. That should be better, right?

I don't think it'll make much difference...

But anyway, you said you're from Perland. Where is it?

To be honest... I've never heard of it before.

It's a country in Cidonia, a continent south of Ritania.

South of Ritania... You mean the rotten continent?

Yes. I have heard you people refer to it as the Rotted Earth...

But it's just as diverse as Ritania.

Perland especially is comparable to Ezera in power and culture...

Well... I won't... be sloppy anymore... *snoring*

Haha, she must be tired from all that fighting.

Hmm, it seems pretty safe here... I should get some shut-eye too.

It's only been a day. He can't have gone too far, search everywhere!

Yes, sir!

I've told him so many times not to go outside the castle alone...

I won't let him get away with this!

Wow, they must be searching for someone really important. Look how many soldiers there are in this small town.

Er, Charles... Why are you hiding behind me?

I knew they'd be looking for me. Sir Charles is so angry!

If I don't want to get scolded, then I need to pretend I was in the castle this whole time. But that means I'll have to sneak in first...

She must be startled by all the soldiers. Haha, how cute.

Hahaha! Why are you so afraid of them? Don't worry, Charles, they won't hurt you.

Shh! Quiet! We'll get caught!

Caught...? Why do we need to worry about that?

Over here!

Hmm? Why are they coming this way?

What are you doing here!?

How many times do I have to tell you, you need to act more responsibly! I've turned a blind eye so far, but this time...

Wait, I can explain...

No more excuses!

Whoa! Hey, scary old man. I don't know what this is all about, but calm down.

See, this kid is terrified. You shouldn't shout like that if you want the reason!

I don't know who you are, but it's none of your business. Step back. I won't repeat myself.

Actually, it is my business. Because I've promised to take this kid home safely.

So I don't care what an angry old man has to tell me.

You'll regret this.

Oh, no... I should stop them...

Wow, for an old man, you're not too bad!

Ugh... You too...

I knew Violet was strong, but I didn't know he could make even Sir Charles struggle...

Wait, is that...the Order of the Sword!?

Everyone, catch him! Don't let him get away!

Are you okay?

I'm alright. But...

I'll deal with this man, Sir Charles. I'm sure you have more important work to do.

...Yes, thank you.

Hey! Why are you taking the kid?! Who do you think you are?!

You'll need to face me now. I'm Iseria, of the Order of the Sword.

One day you'll meet someone you want to spend your life with.

Hahaha, me? We'll see about that, father. But how will I know she's the one?

You just will...

I...was a fool to doubt you, Father.

I can see you're a talented swordsman, and you don't appear to have malicious intentions...

But I think this requires further questioning. Please, follow me.

Wherever you go, my lady, I will follow.

When did he grab my hand...!?

Oh, sorry, my mistake. Please, forgive me... I'm just so enchanted by you...

How did he grab me so quickly? I didn't even notice...

Now that I think about it, I've never seen anyone wield a sword in such a style before. He could be an interesting opponent.

I have no intention of fighting you, my lady. How about we share some tea instead?

You've got some nerve to joke in this situation... Fine, if you can defeat me in a duel, I will consider it.

Haha. I've already got an entire date planned...

So you better stick to your word!

You're so beautiful...even when you're pointing your sword at me.

...Would it kill you to be serious for even one second?

I'll teach you not to take me lightly.

Stop! Please!

Aither, it's dangerous. Stay back!

Aither...? Not Charles?

I'm so sorry, Violet. My name isn't Charles.

I lied because I thought you might be a weird person. You didn't recognize me even though you were heading to Tirel Castle.

Why would I know you...? And who's Charles, then?

Ahem, I'm Charles... And this is Aither, leader of Ezera's Conclave.

My apologies, I allowed my emotions to get the better of me and made a grave mistake.

Lady Iseria, this is Sir Violet from Cidonia. He saved Aither from danger.

...Then there's no need to fight him.

W-Wait, but then who won? What about our date?

If there's no fight, there is no winner.

You can't steal my heart and just walk away like that...!

King Aither... Why did you break our promise? You promised me you would never go outside alone...

I'm sorry, Sir Charles... I just wanted to get you a present...

You're always having a hard time because of me, so...I wanted to give you this.

I read in a book that if you boil it and...

...Eat it for a month, it'll smooth the wrinkles on your face and calm you down.

How did you know that? Have you had it before?

If only I could be so lucky... I'm sure no one in the world has ever had a vitality plant before.

Why...?

Because it only exists in one of Sir Krau's old books, in a story written by an author whose name has been lost to time.

What...? You're saying it's all made up? Then what's this plant I'm holding?

Are you sure you want to leave? Aither will be back in a few days.

I wish I had the time to spare....

But I've already spent too much collecting information on Straze.

If you say so. Well then, once you get to Levulin Harbor...

I should find a big blue ship and show the captain this letter with the royal stamp on it. Correct?

*chuckling* Exactly.

Thank you for everything. If not for you, maybe I'd never have found a way back home.

I just did what I could. Oh, and the letter you asked me to send to the Phantom CIC should have arrived by now.

I let them know you had arrived in Ezera safely.

Now all you need to worry about is getting back to Cidonia safely.

Haha, I'm sure the voyage will be just fine. You shouldn't worry so much. No wonder you have so many wrinkles!

People really don't change, do they...? Wait here. Lady Iseria will be here soon with that document you asked for.

Sir Charles, here's the document you wanted... Violet? You're still here?

Oh, Lady Iseria, where have you been? I've been looking for you for weeks...

Lady Iseria. Would you escort this savior of our beloved Aither...to the harbor?

...Me, sir?

Wonderful! Let's go, Lady Iseria! I'll lead the way!

...

I didn't expect him to be so excited about it. If it makes you uncomfortable, you don't have to.

No... It's my job, after all...

Sir Charles! Please tell Aither I'll bring a dress from Perland next time I'm here!

A dress from Perland? Does he still think King Aither is a girl...?

The supplies Sir Charles provided have all been loaded. You're good to go.

Wait, Lady Iseria...

I've been thinking a lot about this. My heart beats for you...

Oh, this again... If you're ever back in Ezera, we'll talk then. I'll be leaving now, I have work to do.

Haha! "We'll talk then." That means she wants to see me again!

Ah, beautiful youth! I miss those days... *hiccuping* Alright, that's enough. Get on board! No other captain is capable of getting you to Cidonia!

I promise to return after saving Perland from evil!

Please, stay safe until then!

Heave ho! I hope you don't get seasick easily!

After all I've learned in Ritania...I'm sure of one thing.

Straze, I don't know what you're plotting, but...I'll do whatever it takes to stop you.