Hero Stories: When a Star Falls

They say the road to Aakhen is not well paved, but I didn't expect it to be this bad.

Even your clothes are a mess...

As the high priestess's clothes are very delicate and thin, they are damaged easily.

I'd hoped the rough Aakhenites would have the opportunity to behold Your Grace's elegance and beauty...

I'm alright. My appearance is not what matters.

I'm more concerned about your safety.

The environment and monsters here are so different from Constella's own. I hope you did not suffer too many injuries on our journey.

We're alright as long as you're safe, Your Grace.

Right, this is your first time on such a long journey. We're more worried about you.

If it weren't for the elders, this wouldn't have...

...It's fine. They were right anyway.

Since the high priestess is the guiding star of Constella, it is also a part of my job to guide those who are lost.

So...let's hurry. We still have a long way to go.

Though I told them things are fine, I still cannot help but have doubts.

Three ordinary merchants are in detention in Aakhen Exile Colony for smuggling.

Seeing as I've inherited my parents' position and am now the newly appointed high priestess, this is not the sort of task I would usually be involved in taking care of...

But the elders have dumped the issue onto me.

...Their intentions must be to use this opportunity as a test of my abilities.

I will solve this problem and prove to the elders that they can trust me.

Step back, I'll handle this!

Your Grace, I cannot allow that!

I agree. Please step back, High Priestess. It's too dangerous!

Really, it's fine...

Hyaaaaaap!

There are more. I imagine you two must be tired from the last battle, so I'll...

We can handle this no problem!

That's right, I feel good as new!

I-I'd like to do something, at least...

Hyaaaaaap!

Ouch... It hurts...

Ack... I should have trained harder...

Don't say that. You're doing great. Now, if you'll just let me...

No way!

We can't put you in danger! I'm willing to risk my life to save you...

Enough! How many times do I have to tell you?!

H-High Priestess...?

I've never seen her angry before...

Oops. I revealed my true feelings.

Ummm... W-What happened? Did I say something?

Ugh... I don't know what's going on. Everything's hazy. Maybe I was poisoned by the monster I fought...

I see, poison is making you confused...

If the poison is affecting your mental state, I assume you will be unable to heal yourself. We might need the assistance of another Soul Weaver...

Are there any Soul Weavers in the Aakhen Exile Colony who can help us?

That's my concern as well. I worry the exile colony is filled with criminals. They might act like they want to help you, Your Grace, but they could hurt you...

Please, don't worry so much about me. I'm alright. Haha...

But you two must be exhausted from fighting. I think we should take a break here.

Should we? Then why don't we set up camp here...

Oh, no... High Priestess, step back!

Ack!

Are you okay?!

...

He fainted! I knew it, he's been pushing himself too much...

There are too many of them, it's impossible for me to get rid of them all. Please, Your Grace, you should run while we still have time!

Don't be ridiculous! What kind of high priestess would just run away and leave an injured congregant behind?!

Let's do our best to buy as much time as we can. And let's hope that someone will pass by.

I must say, I wasn't expecting her to be this reckless. She's something else.

I know, right? That sounded like something I would say. Don't you think, Doc?

Well, it seems to me like you're already doing your part here. You didn't hesitate a moment to cut in...

Eh, who cares? You would have done the same if you had seen them first.

Who are they? Those two...

I'm not sure myself, but it seems that they're trying to help us...

Yup, we are. So you guys stay away from here.

Was that the last of them?

I've also finished treating the unconscious patient.

It's your turn now.

Oh, no. Please take care of the high priestess first.

Are you referring to this woman here? Her clothes do appear to be damaged, but I don't see any wounds.

No, Her Grace is sick. Before you two arrived, she yelled at me because of the poison...

Because of the poison? Are you sure she wasn't just annoyed?

Of course she wasn't! You have no idea how graceful and elegant she is!

She would never have yelled at me if the poison wasn't affecting her mind!

Ah... Haha...

But truly, aside from a slightly sprained ankle, she's fine...

I'm alright. You're the one who needs treatment.

Making sure my people are alright is a part of my job. And my own inadequacy is the reason you're injured.

I'm more than happy to accept momentary pain as a means of atonement.

But Your Gr!

Why are you still talking? Shut up already and let the doctor treat you.

*muffled speaking*...

Uhhh... Pardon me, Lena? I think you're making it worse.

At least let the patient breathe, won't you?

Umm... They're odd, but I'm glad they're helping us.

Sorry, that took longer than expected. Now that I'm done for the day, let's take a look at your wound.

What took you so long?! I was in excruciating pain!

...I'm sorry, who is this?

Where did my patient go? The woman I met earlier today was more...well, patient.

N-No, she wasn't!

And that's...because there was a congregant nearby! Why would I pretend to be calm and composed when there's no one around?!

Wow, Princess, you've certainly got a lot of energy. I guess you don't need the doc after all.

Ughhh, seriously! Hurry up, I'm in pain!

Hmm... Let's take a look then, shall we?

There we go. You should be fine for now.

Anyway, where were you headed? You don't look like a mercenary or a criminal, telling from your clothes.

I was on my way to meet the administrator of the Aakhen Exile Colony. Some of our merchants have been detained on charges of smuggling.

So I'm planning to leave as soon as I've gotten some rest.

Well, I don't know about you, but the other two seemed like they need a little more rest.

I thought you already treated them! What are you, a quack?

Hahaha! That's a good one! I know, he looks a little sly, doesn't he?

But this guy right here is the heir to the Damus family. You've heard of the family that only treats nobles, right?

You must be kidding. How does someone like that end up out on the streets?

I had a rather large altercation with my father and left home. Anyway, that's not important.

What I'm trying to say is that both members of your party are seriously undernourished and dehydrated.

...!

Treating wounds and dispelling magic are all I can do.

I don't know what happened to put them in this state, but they need to rest for at least a few more days.

...They've been giving me all their food and keeping watch at night, even though they must have been more tired than me.

I offered to help, but they wouldn't let me...

Now that's loyalty! I almost teared up there. So why don't you pay them back by taking care of them for a few days?

No, I don't have time to waste like this. There are people desperately awaiting my arrival.

The Aakhen Exile Colony is a dangerous place for a princess like you.

Well, luckily, I see a doctor and a warrior standing in front of me.

What if I borrow you two for three days? Of course, I'll pay the rental fee.

Borrow? Rental fee? Hey Princess, no matter how noble you are, I'm not going to let you treat me like an object.

And I still have many patients to take care of. I can't just leave.

You see, fabric in Constella is extremely expensive. You could exchange every piece of furniture in this room for a single shawl.

I'll give you this shawl as a deposit. And I promise to give you more after. What do you say?

I'm all yours, Princess.

There are no urgent patients at the moment, so I suppose I can close the clinic for a short while.

I appreciate your help.

Ahh, how nice it is to walk around without having to worry about congregants nagging me.

They would be heartbroken if they heard what you just said.

I'm not saying I dislike them.

It's more like...because I care about them so much, I can't allow them to see my true self.

Who would want to disappoint those most precious to them?

I think pretending to be someone else is more disappointing than showing who you really are, Miss "I'll do aaanything for you, my loyal congregants!"

I do not sound like that!

Anyway, don't let your guard down. This area is filled with ferocious monsters.

So this is the governmental complex?

Stop right there. You need permission to enter.

Then bring me whoever has the highest authority here. As the high priestess of Constella, I have something I must discuss with them!

Do you have an appointment?

Of course! ...Not!

Then you'll need to write an official letter setting up an appointment first.

I-I can't go back with nothing to show! Please let me in. It won't take long!

What is all this noise about?

Administrator Cerise! My apologies. She tried to force her way in to see you...

So you're the administrator of Aakhen?

She seems like a tough one... This isn't going to be easy.

Ahem, nice meeting you. I'm from Constella...

I'd heard you came here to supervise. Long time no see, Cerise.

What brings you here, Ray?

Well, this young woman is the high priestess of Constella, and some of her people have been detained for smuggling. She would like to inquire after the circumstances of their arrest.

Would you please take us to the citylord?

Father had something to take care of, so he didn't accompany me this time.

If you tell me what's going on, I will make sure word is delivered to him.

Please, High Priestess, come in.

Now, see, Elena? We've obtained the official permission of the administrator. Let's go inside.

...I thought you were acting too calm. You had something up your sleeve after all.

Haven't I told you? I'm heir to the Damus family. I know a few people.

Though I've quit talking to some of them because they're all so vain and insufferable... But Cerise is different.

If you tell her what you need, I'm certain she'll find a way to help you.

...I see what happened.

However, those merchants were arrested on site for carrying contraband.

I cannot let them go without any evidence to prove their innocence.

I'm not asking you to just let them walk free. If you send them back to Constella, we will investigate the case and punish them accordingly!

You're not taking me seriously because I've only just risen to the position of high priestess, is that it?!

As an administrator myself, I understand how much you care about your own people.

But judgment and punishment must be fair.

I cannot grant your request and release them just because someone of high authority has requested it. We have rules to honor.

She's as stiff as she looks. Should I try flashing a little money...?

Oh, and for your information, I don't accept bribes.

Should I try flashing a lot of money...?

The only way you can persuade me is by proving their innocence.

...Huh?! Can she read minds or something!?

Instead, I will allow you to visit them.

Show me proof of their innocence and I will reconsider their punishment.

...Fine.

Please take me to the merchants.

High Priesteeeeess! You've come to save us!

That's right, but if I'm going to set you all free, I'll need your cooperation.

Can you promise me that everything you wrote in the letter was the truth? That you never attempted to smuggle anything?

Yes, of course. The officer suddenly started going through our luggage and took out something we'd never seen before, and then he accused us of smuggling.

If they found the contraband in your belongings, it will be difficult to prove your innocence.

But we've never even seen it before!

I'm sure whoever the real criminal was chickened out when they saw the officer and then put it into our luggage!

Do you remember any of the people that were around you?

Come to think of it, there were some merchants who spoke with a Perland accent. They were really loud and rude, so we got into an argument...

Wait! Did they do this to us out of spite?! Those cowards!

We can't be certain, but it seems like there's a pretty high chance that's what happened.

If that's the case, we'll need to look for a witness.

We should put up wanted posters. And don't forget to advertise that we'll be providing a handsome reward.

...Looking for a witness?

*chuckling* ...Good luck, High Priestess.

Princess! Apparently these guys know something about what happened!

I witnessed a merchant in Constellan clothing arguing with some thugs.

And then I ran into them again later in a small pub. They seemed very satisfied with themselves, talking about how they got their revenge on those idiots.

Do you happen to remember what they looked like?

Ah, actually, there's no need for you to run around searching for them. They're staying at the same inn as me.

I hope you weren't lying about the special reward from Constella.

Of course! I, high priestess of Constella, guarantee!

*chuckling* ...Alright then. Follow me. I'll even testify if need be.

Great! Thanks for your cooperation!

Alright, let's get them before they can escape!

What are you doing, Ray!? Hurry up, or we'll leave you behind!

...I have a bad feeling about this. I hope it's just my imagination.

She said there's supposed to be an inn here...?

But it seems like all the shops nearby are closed...

*chuckling* ...Why are you whispering? I can still hear you.

Aaand we're here! This is where the thugs are staying.

Hey, lady. I hear you've been looking for us?

So here we are. Now, what are you going to do?

Uh, w-well...

I-I demand you...t-to prove the innocence of our m-merchants!

Hey. Look around you. Is that how you ask someone for help?

...I knew it. Was this all a trap?

Lena, listen. When I give you the sign, take Elena and run.

Ohh, looks like pretty boy over here is plotting something. Would you like to share with the class?

If you're trying to escape, you'd better give up. No one told us we had to bring you back alive.

...Seems like there are more of them. Maybe we should do what they tell us.

...

Good, good. Stay right where you are. If you do, who knows? We might spare...

Hyaaaaaap!

W-What?! Are you out of your mind?! Stay still!

...Is she trying to fight us?

I'll stall for time, run!

But we can't just leave y...

This is not a fight that we can win. It's better to back off for now and surprise them later.

...Dammit.

You little... Where do you think you're going?!

Starlight, shine bright upon his eyes!

Ack! My eyeeees!

Dammit, what should I do? Should I chase them?

There's no need. They're not important. She is.

I didn't see this coming, High Priestess. I thought you'd behave if I brought your attendants here with you.

Are you not afraid of death?

My Guardian Star will not allow me to die in a place like this.

Impressive.

...! Batisse.

Is he the boss?

I-I am Elena, High Priestess of Constella. Who is the boss here? I demand to speak to them!

If you tell me what you want, Constella will provide...

Poor thing. You still don't know your place.

Ack...!

Take her. And make sure you teach her the proper way to behave.

They've been beating her for hours and she hasn't made a single sound.

And look at her eyes. They're fiercer than before.

How...dare you...treat the high priestess of Constella like this...

This isn't what we wanted either. We would have treated you like gentlemen if you had just behaved.

My people will come save me in no time. And then...

Your people? From Constella?

Hahahaha, I knew it. You seemed way too confident.

This is just sad. They're the ones who asked us to kidnap you.

What...?

Hey, are we allowed to tell her that?

Who cares? She won't be able to go back there anyway.

What do you mean they asked for this?! The elders?! Answer me!

Oh, no no no. I thought we went over this. This is not the way you ask someone a question.

You must ask politely. Let's try again. Repeat after me: "Please, tell me."

...

What's wrong, Priestess? Are you too noble to beg?

Please...tell me. I would like to hear more details.

*chuckling* ...We received a request from elders in Constella. They told us to create an incident involving anyone from Constella.

And that they would send the high priestess to investigate the case.

So that we could get rid of her.

The elders... They sent me because they wanted to get rid of me, not because they wanted to test me...

You look confused. I like seeing that look on your face!

Honestly, I was thinking of killing you or selling you off... But now, I think it might be fun to try and tame that pride of yours.

...

Now, it's time for you to learn your...place... *snoring*

Huh? Wake up! What's...wrong...

...Nice. Everyone fell asleep.

Keep your eyes open, Elena. Stay with me.

Ray... Lena...

I'm here, I'm here. Everything is okay now. There's a guard standing by as well.

This medicine will neutralize the tranquilizer. Take it and follow me.

...

Why are you standing over there? Are you hurt?

...They told me that all of this was plotted by the Constellan elders.

That they all...betrayed me.

...What should we do, Doc? It seems like they weren't just any old kidnappers.

Elena.

Don't forget there are still people who support you.

Even if some have betrayed you, I'm certain that those who came with you are on your side.

Oh, he's right! I mean, they wouldn't have tried so hard to protect you if they were just going to betray you in the end. They even gave up their food for you.

And the doc and I are on your side too.

...I-I mean, since you risked your life for us to escape. Ahem!

You're high priestess of Constella. Do you really want your people to see you like this?

...No.

Attagirl.

So let's go back together.

The hostage is running away! Catch her!

Well, this is certainly getting complicated.

I didn't expect there to be guards involved. It seems I have no choice.

There he is! That's the boss!

Where have you been? Your butt must hurt from sitting on it this whole time!

That's funny coming from you. I seem to remember you running for your dear life not too long ago.

So come on, take me on. I never lose.

Wait, this fighting style...

Stop! Are you one of Hataan's disciples?

Hataan... You know that name. That must mean...

Yes! I, too, learned from Hataan.

He once told me about a disciple who fell onto the path of evil. It was you!

Well, it seems that he's aged. Seeing as how he accepted someone like you as a student.

Someone like me is about to kick your butt!

Heh, no need. I'm just trying to buy some time. I think this should be enough.

Wait! Where do you think you're going?!

Wherever the mask takes me. *chuckling*...

Dammit, did we lose him...?

We've apprehended most of those left around here, but it looks like some of the higher-ups had already escaped.

Tighten security. Make sure no one else gets away.

I'll hurry and return to Constella with the congregants.

I'll have to figure out what's going on there and just what it is the elders are up to.

Will you be alright?

Of course! ...Not.

But I'm the high priestess of Constella. Like Ray said, I can't just give up here.

I will come up with a solution for the people who support me.

I see. I'm glad to hear you've regained your strength.

If it's too much to handle alone, you know where to find me.

Ray... I don't know what to say...

You're aware you gave me only a single shawl as a deposit, yes? It is vital for you to reclaim your place so that you can pay me the remainder.

...Alright, alright. I didn't forget! I'll pay you the next time we meet.

Sooo...

...Take care till then, Doctor.

I don't know the details, but it appears that something serious has happened in Constella?

Everything's so chaotic these days. I feel like something is about to take place. Something big...

Yes, it almost feels like the calm before the storm.

I do hope the winds of change blow in a favorable direction.