The Mystery of Swimsuit Granny Nite-Brite

Wǒ bùnéng lǐjiě! This is unacceptable!

Oh, I'm sorry. Of course you don't know what I'm talking about, do you?

？！

It's about Sister Nite-Brite, of course.

I can't believe she got a swimsuit without talking to me first.

I mean, it's not that it doesn't look good on her. Honestly, it looks great.

But I would have really liked to help her try out some different options before she made a decision.

On top of all that, she went and grew up a little on me!

No wonder she made her way from the Inner Palace all the way up to the empress's seat! Just look at her elegance! Her beauty! Hao!

You know, I've worn a swimsuit for a pinup shoot before. I think it was titled "Honey Lake" or something?

Anyway... Hmph. If she'd only told me about this ahead of time...

...I could've worn that swimsuit again and joined her for a walk around the beach and stuff...

？！

Uh... W-well, yes, but that's not the point! I'm still getting there!

Just forget all that other stuff!

More importantly, there's something I've been really wondering about. Haven't you noticed too, Master?

Think back. What's one thing Sister Nite-Brite has always been scared of?

That's right! Ghosts! She used to be terrified of ghosts, corpses, the undead, all that stuff!

But now that she's wearing a swimsuit, she's suddenly fine around them!

It doesn't make any sense!

？！

Right!?

You're right!

Aiyaaah!

That is the question, isn't it? And a secret no doubt lies at its heart.

I cannot help but be concerned about my fellow torture enthusiast.

I do believe extreme torture may change one's personality and tastes...

...but Nite-Brite would of course be administering such torture. She would never be on the receiving end.

There's a mystery here. And this phantom thief is going to unravel it. There could even be treasure involved.

I, um, am not certain there will be any treasure that could make a phantom thief happy involved here...

...but three heads are probably better than two.

At any rate, this change in her just doesn't make sense. There's got to be more to it.

And as Sister Nite-Brite's relative (in-law), it's up to me to find out what it is.

So let's go figure it out, Master! And, uh, Ms. Phantom Thief!

There she is.

It looks like she's greeting the visitors in her area.

Yōumíng Niángniang! How good of you to come! Please, enjoy yourself!

I'm only here because you invited me... What is this place?

Isn't it obvious? This is my paradise of terror! I made it myself!

Hey, do not give me that look. I have a job for you, too.

I would like you to consult! I want your opinions on how to give this place an even more chilling underworld atmosphere!

For instance, the angle I should use to hang up my ghosts. Any opinions you have, please, tell me.

Conversely, if you would like my counsel on ways to better run your underworld, I would not be opposed to giving you the benefit of my keen insight.

Two heads of similar industries meeting to share their thoughts on working environments sounds splendid.

If that is not a mutually beneficial relationship, I do not know what is!

Uhh... (I really don't need my Gallû Spirits picking up any weird torture methods...)

Look! Now she's chatting with the Queen of Kur like it's no big deal at all!

Before, she would've been too scared of the spirits floating around her to even get close!

True enough. Whenever they spoke before, they had to shout across a distance just to make themselves heard.

Iskandaaar!

Welcome, King of Persia.

Hmm, I see you are so excited to be here that you're leaking undead hordes.

Good! That will be a perfect addition to the atmosphere! This is the perfect place for walking skeletons!

I have heard of a mouse-themed amusement park which sells fake mouse ears for their customers to wear.

So it just goes to show that a truly fun atmosphere must be fostered on the participants' side as well for it to come about naturally.

Is...kan...daaar!

Darius, party of ten thousand cavalry!

Prepare yourselves, my Torturer jiāngshī! Tonight we shall be scaring on a grand scale!

Wow. I see King Darius still has abs for days...

Er...I mean, did you all see that!?

There was a whole army of skeletons, and Sister Nite-Brite wasn't the least bit scared of them!

You are right. It was not so long ago that I ran into her in Chaldea late at night...

...and she leaped several meters back with a scream of, "Pyaaa!"

Hmm. Hmm...

Does this mean she really has overcome her fear of ghosts and stuff?

I mean, she doesn't seem like she's toughing it out. She genuinely looks unbothered.

？！

W-well, yes, it is!

But, something about this just doesn't seem right!

There may not be anything bad about all this, but I still at least want to know how it happened!

After all...

Sister Nite-Brite without her weakness is like a lychee without its sweetness!

I mean, she's so imperial, imperious, and talented...

...which is exactly why the way she quivered like a child in the face of the things that scared her was so damn cute.

But now, if she's totally fine with ghosts and spirit things, I won't be able to sneak into her room at night and scare

Ahem. I mean, deepen my relationship with her by pretending to be a ghost anymore.

I'm amazed you're still alive and in one piece.

Had anyone else tried such a thing with her, they would be missing at least twono, three limbs by now.

Grrr! That does it! It's time for my last resort!

If this doesn't work, I'll give up and accept that this is just how Sister Nite-Brite is now!

？！

This is the last thing I can try to see if Sister can still be scared.

I got it from a passing monk with a weird symbol on her hat. She saw how sad I was and gave me this to cheer me up.

Apparently, it's got something that could maybe, possibly, hopefully...

...send Sister Nite-Brite back into her adorable ghost shudders!

I have the most terrible feeling about this.

Hey, so do I. But at this point, I'll take even the faintest shred of hope.

All right, let's peel off this seal-looking talisman thingy and see what we've got!

What the...!? A giant ghost!?

Is this a new hire...? No, far too much anger for that. Plus, they're breaking everything they can see.

I see now! A business rival must have sent them here to interfere! Get them, Torturer jiāngshī!

No way. I can't believe it...

Such a massive, dangerous ghost is probably not the best way to test someone's fears!

？！

Oh, all right.

As they say, fortune favors the bold (thief). It's never too late to send a calling card.

While this does feel a little like starring in a play I produced, it is also a great chance to steal some gratitude from this area's owner!

Phew.

Thank you for your help, Master. You too, Guàidào Fūrén (read: Madam Phantom Thief)

As to the other of your group, my royal wisdom tells me there is something else I must do before thanking you.

You are responsible for this disturbance, aren't you, Yang Yuhuan?

What were you thinking!? Do you WANT me to punish you!?

(Sniff) But... But...

But what? Go on, spit it out.

But you were so, so cute when you trembled in fright, Sister Nite-Brite!

There could be no greater torture for me than knowing I'll never see that again!

THAT'S all you care about!? Such blatant egotism! I suppose that's how you got an entire nation wrapped around your finger, though.

Still, having said that...

Hmm?

I understand. I do.

Now that I am even more perfect and imperial...

...you must feel left behind, seeing me soar to heights so far beyond your reach.

Well? I'm right, aren't I?

Hm? Um, I guess...something like that?

Kehehe! Well, I can hardly blame you for that! By my very nature, I exist on a whole different level!

And now, I have reached a point where even the legendary Yang Guifei...

...looks upon me with admiration and envy!

(So she's okay with this because she's decided it proves her superiority...)

(Well, you certainly don't want for arrogance, Nite-Brite.)

All right, Yang Yuhuan, I understand how you feel.

We may not be related by blood, but we are still family.

That has not changed even now that I have become a perfect, swimsuited empress.

So worry not. Though I now possess such incredible beauty as to rival the gods themselves...

...I am still kind enough to have tea with my grandson's bride.

Then, does that mean there's still hope?

Still hope that I can sneak into your room at night and scare you by pretending to be a ghost...

...and then you'll bury your face in my chest, hitting me with your tiny fists until you cry yourself to sleep?

I-I've never done anything of the sort!

So, no! That will never happen again! Ever!

Waaah!

Well, since we've come this far, we may as well just ask:

Why did putting on a swimsuit cure you of your fear of ghosts?

H-huh? What do you mean? I've never been afraid of ghosts.

Of course. Fine. Let me put it this way, then: Why are you suddenly able to stand up to them so defiantly?

Why, because I finally remembered my Taoist arts, of course.

Kehehe, it's strange. I do not even know how I forgot them in the first place. I certainly studied them hard enough.

？！

Hm. Even in her usual child Spirit Origin, she should retain her full knowledge.

So why is she now so suddenly and conveniently able to use Taoist arts just because she is in a swimsuit, of all things?

And is that alone really enough to completely erase her fear of ghosts?

Hm.

？！

Forgive me. I was just on my way to buy drinks for my beloved when I happened to overhear your conversation.

We usually do everything together, but we've found that by occasionally going our separate ways...

...we give ourselves an opportunity to experience the unique joy of anticipating being reunited.

I see you are still enjoying all the trappings of being a couple as much as ever...and that you still smell of blood.

Hahaha, not a problem. My love these days is far stronger than any amount of blood.

At any rate, allow me to explain why I decided to chime in.

It's not an especially big deal, but I couldn't help but notice there are signs of runes here.

Where, exactly?

Why, in her, of course.

Huh!? Excuse me, Nite-Brite, but do you mind if he takes a closer look at you?

He, um, needs to observe you closely so he can help me steal your beauty. Just think of him as a stylist and pay him no mind.

Hm? Well, why not? Steal as much of my beauty as you like. I'm in no danger of running out.

Go ahead. Take a good look.

I knew it. Runes were definitely used to tamper with her Spirit Origin.

Hmm... Runes of forgetfulness, from the look of it.

I'd love to know more about those. What else can you tell me?

These aren't just any runes. They're Primordial Runes.

This must be Scáthach-Skadi's handiwork. It seems she used the three new sisters at the heart of this event to employ them.

I'm afraid I lack the skill needed to either alter or remove these runes...

...but I can use my connection to Master to temporarily manifest the information surrounding them.

It won't be easy, but I should be able to pull it off.

...Here goes.

What do you mean I cannot wear a swimsuit!?

I-I'm sorry. It's not working, and I don't know why...

Excuse me, Lady Skadi? Could we have a moment of your time, please!?

What is it?

Oh, if it isn't Scáthach-Skadi.

Yes. I am speaking to you from far away, in the North Pole, by recreating Chaldea's communications system.

At any rate... Hmm. It seems the runes do not work well on you.

As it is summer, I would love to grant you a swimsuit Spirit Origin...

...but apparently, the Primordial Runes are not especially compatible with you.

I didn't realize compatibility was a factor here.

Of course it is, as it is with all things.

Still, if we change your class, that may open up some new possibilities...

What about a Caster? You seem to have the aptitude for it.

Hmm, I don't know. I have a feeling that will not work for me.

You are right that I have the aptitude, yes. There was a time when I studied the Taoist arts very closely.

But...

But?

But they didn't work!

When rumors began going around of ghosts haunting the palace, I of course tried all manner of spells and charms.

But no matter how hard I studied, or what trinkets I wore or carried, nothing I did had any effect on them.

So I could never manage to banish the ghosts of the women I poisoned, or the political enemies I had assassinated...

... ...

That is how I learned there was no point in studying Taoist arts!

Instead, I sought a different means of salvation, a different set of teachings.

And I certainly understand that one who does not believe in their own spells can never become a Caster.

Dammit. That is one of my few memories of failure.

As much as I would have loved to mow down zombies by the score with Taoist arts, like the movie Yang Yuhuan badgered me ceaselessly about until I watched it with her...

...I simply could not do so in real life.

I see. If you know the cause of this issue so well, then we should be able to do something about it.

R-really? You can?

I certainly can. Hehe.

Leave it to me. I am prepared to do whatever it takes to make this summer a success.

If you wish to wear a swimsuit, then a swimsuit you shall wear!

Rindr, this is what I want you to do. Can you do it?

Sure thing!

Hm? Wait, Norse goddess. Let me just say one thing.

I became empress because I overcame my failures and built on my successes.

So I would prefer you not do anything to fiddle with my mind

Oho! I'm wearing a swimsuit!

Hurray!

Let me see... It seems I am in a Caster Spirit Origin.

You know, now that I think about it, I CAN use Taoist arts, can't I?

I do have the sense I am forgetting something, but since I have achieved my goal of attaining a swimsuit Spirit Origin, I am sure it is unimportant.

Now I am truly glad I decided to ask. Well done, you two!

Good, good. I am glad to see you are happy.

(Once again, incredibly pleased with herself)

？！

So, Sister forgot that she renounced Taoist arts because they didn't work on ghosts?

So it would seem.

What an elegant theft. Only a first-class phantom thief can get away with stealing a heart or mind.

At any rate, it would seem we now have our answer as to why she's suddenly fine around ghosts.

It was necessary for her to gain her Swimsuit Spirit Origin, it seems.

So then, what happens when she stops wearing her swimsuit?

The runes' effect should fade, and she'll remember what she forgot.

Oh, okay.

If it's just for the season, then I guess I can deal with it.

It's effectively the same as if putting on a swimsuit just gave her courage a boost.

Not at all!

Yeah, exactly!

？！

Sister Nite-Brite's always been a hard worker.

She'd never accept someone just swooping in and clearing an obstacle for her, no matter how much she struggles with it.

I'm sure she'd much rather work to overcome it on her own!

...Probably.

Hey! I can understand that my beauty is completely enthralling, but haven't you been staring for long enough by now!?

Oh, right. Okay.

...

I'm sorry, there's just one last thing I'd like to check. Could you face forward a little more, please?

Oh, all right.

Found him! You can turn around now!

Hm? What did you fin

Fou?

I can handle the ghost thing if it's just for the season, but that still leaves your other weakness.

I think I heard that the ghost thing was responsible for this weakness too, in a way.

Gyaaah! A caaat!?

Hmm, I see. So she's still afraid of cats even in a swimsuit.

Good. Then I should still be able to enjoy my summer.

In fact, getting to see Sister's more grown-up self reacting to cats could be really novel!

This is going to be great!

Yuhuaaan...

She locked on to me while using Torturer jiāngshī to shield herself from Fou!?

A-ahaha, why are you looking at me like that, Sister Nite-Brite? You're kind of scaring me...

It was just a little prank! You know...like putting a cat or a Pekinese on a Go board...

I only did it out of love...

I'm scaring you, am I? I see, I see.

Perfect! This whole area IS meant to be scary!

Now stay right where you are, Yuhuan!

No way! I'm outta here!

？！

Hehehe, indeed.

The secret may not have opened the way to any treasure, but I do feel better for having solved the mystery.

It is indeed wonderful to see two people getting along so well. I only hope my beloved and I can do the same for many years to come.