Episode 3, Chapter 8: A Suspicious Girl

Uh? Isn't that the merchant that Penny's mother mentioned?

Be quiet. I'm trying to listen.

...If they planted them right away, they'll sprout within a few hours.

They truly are a simple people. No one suspected a thing.

Well done. Be on your way now.

That was an insult about elves, wasn't it?

Yeah...? But, umm...

How dare you exploit my innocent friends and sisters!

Meddlers. Unfortunately, I don't have any time to waste on you.

Stop right there!

How is she not tired? Is she even human?

The plan was executed perfectly. All that's left is the finale.

Sit back and watch as this land is consumed by the Void.

Rin. Now launch.

Ahh!

Oh no, Avardan...

Your Majesty! Are you hurt?

You guys? Are you here to get in Rin and Ran's way?

I thought we were going to be good friends...

Rin! What are you doing?

Oh no... Your errand... What was it?

Rin. Let's go. Our objective is complete.

Where are you going?!

Grrrr...

Well then... Take care! Bye-ee!

Daisy! Take the queen to safety!

We'll try to do something about Avardan!

No!

Daisy! I'm sorry, but he's gone.

I can still hear Avardan's voice. It's not too late to help him!

Look out!

Grrr...

Daisy!

What did I say about being reckless!

The Queen's Power...?

It's okay, Avardan. You can rest now.

...!

Titania... you helped us, didn't you?

Ah...

Meoowwwww!

Oww... Huh?

Whoa!

...I owe you all a great debt of gratitude.

On behalf of my entire species, thank you for all that you've done.

No prob, Your Majesty! Doing the right thing's kinda our thing.

Let's go to the garden. I will tell you everything I know. And the answers you seek.

The past is repeating itself once again.

Long ago, our elven ancestors lived across the sea.

On the continent now called the Deadlands.

There, the Wound of the World opened, rent asunder by the endless strife plaguing the world.

Through that wound, creatures of the Void emerged and consumed everything.

It's said that the one who saved the world from destruction was a beastkin from a distant eastern continent.

...That beastkin sacrificed her life to mend the Wound of the World.

The world found peace once again, but the elves' home became the Deadlands.

Our ancestors had to find a new place to live. They crossed the sea and arrived in Centralia.

And right here, they built a new home, Sylvarium.

Whether it's their intention or not... the ones spreading the Void will eventually open a new Wound of the World.

Th-then what do we do?

They must be stopped... And you must find that beastkin's people.

Or... There's no telling what will happen.

Do the records say what kind of beastkin she was?

...A beastkin from the Far East.

With... fluffy ears and a tail.

That's all that we know.

Fluffy ears and a tail...? Don't most beastkin have those?

Do you know how many beastkin there are in the Far East?!

...At least we know where to go next. Thank you for the help.

Elves are also creatures of this world...

It's only right for us to join the effort to save it.

You are always welcome to come to us for help.

Daisy, I'll visit more often.

Can't I go too? I want to become an awesome adventurer like you and mom!

A pure-blooded elf like you would get swindled the moment you stepped outside, no?

That's fine! I don't mind getting swindled a hundred times, as long as I'm with you!

Ah, don't be ridiculous!

Pansy. The elves must also change with the times.

Daisy's Queenly Power has been awakened by Queen Titania's blessing...

It will be good for her to experience the world outside this village.

And even though you talk as you do... I know you won't leave Daisy's side.

Sheesh... Now, how can I say no to that?

Daisy. Give it a try for thirty years, and you have to go home if you don't like it outside, okay?

I can't wait!

Oh! This is great, Daisy!

Elves have a seriously weird understanding of time.

Branch Master! We're back from the elf village!

Ah, yes. The rascals that took my money are back.

Whoa, are you the boss here? How old are you? Fifteen-hundred?!

Aren't you a fine piece of work? Who's this rude little one?

She's my friend. She wants to be an adventurer.

Wh-what!!! Penny has a friend?!

Don't sound so surprised!

Alright... So you've recruited more trouble... Never mind. Make your report.

Umm... so... we're going to the Far East.

That's all you're going to say? The elf queen said that something called the Wound of the World would open if things keep going like they've been, but there was this ancient beastkin from the Far East who stopped it once before.

The Far East...

I know the branch master there!

Oh! I knew we could count on you, Branch Master!

I'll find you a ship heading east, so go on and take care of other business outside.

But you, rude little elf. You can stay behind. I'll get you set up as a fledgling adventurer.

So you'll be a pro adventurer by the time we get back from the Far East, right, Daisy?

Of course! Have a safe trip, Cloud and Verna!

Thank you. Make sure to stick close to Penny, okay, Daisy?

Don't worry! I'd never stand by and let Daisy get ripped off. Take care of yourselves.

Let's... uh... go treasure hunting together again... sometime.

Meow!

*Squawk* To get to Sylvarium, you must correctly answer my questions three.

First question! Is my name Titinia? *Squawk*

*Whistle* Second question! Does the spirit of light like black flowers?

*Squawk* Final question! Are there a total of five cats in this area?

Come on, you can do better. I don't plan on wasting my time here.

The order in which the fairy passed is important. You aren't confused, right?

You can't remember? Just talk to the fairy again.

The cats have moved aside. The water will become a path.