It's Gonna Be a Special Day

Commander.

We're in trouble.

No time to explain.

You need to head outside at once.

Well...

...

Just trust me. It's bad.

...

I knew we shouldn't have entrusted this to Rapi.

I would have knocked it outta the park!

Tell me about it.

I didn't think it was possible to be this bad at lying.

... Sorry.

Well, now that the cat's out of the bag, we might as well fess up.

If you would be so kind and humor us, Commander,

we'd like you to go outside.

You know what day today is, right?

I figured you would.

Nothing slips past you.

Well, suffice to say that it's a special day.

We've got all sorts of different events prepared for you in various places in the Outpost.

So hurry up and go outside.

No, we're going to stay here.

These events weren't organized for us, after all.

Besides, we've got our hands full with other stuff today.

Right, Neon?

Uh... r-right.

Since it's a special day, we decided to give the dorm a deep clean.

So go on outside, Master.

We'll see you later, Commander.

Freeze, Commander! You're under arrest!

I'll help you book him, Miranda!

Er...

Um...

You see? You both came on too strong, and you're confusing the Commander.

Oh... my bad.

Yeah, sorry!

Quiry... you're not even looking at me.

Anyway, we didn't mean to startle you, Commander.

You're not under arrest, but could you come with us to the Police Station?

*Gasp*

*Gasp*

You'll have to wait and see for yourself.

Right this way, Commander.

More or less.

There was a request that you be detained for two hours.

It's all part of the 1st anniversary extravaganza!

We're not at liberty to...

Tah-dah! Heroic entrance!

I've come to save you, Birdie!

Are you okay?

Cutey looks okay,

although I can't say the same for that window you came crashing through.

I've heard there's some kind of prison event being held

as a part of the anniversary celebrations?

Are the rumors true?!

Drake, weren't you supposed to help with preparations for a different event somewhere else?

Right you are,

but I would be remiss to sit out an event like this!

Ugh... my head.

What are you on about?

Commander is the only one who needs to be detained.

But Birdie has committed no crime!

Yet, despite his innocence, you're attempting to lock him up?

A hero will never stand for such injustice!

Maxwell.

Please explain to Laplace what day it is today.

Today is the 1st anniversary.

There are events taking place all over the Outpost.

I explained it to you several times this morning, but apparently it went in one ear and out the other.

Have no fear, Birdie!

I'll save you!

Step aside, all of you.

Oh, how I've longed for this day.

Any villain worth their salt should have a stint in the detention center, should they not?

It stands to reason that I should be the first to experience it!

Ugh, you two are like nails on a chalkboard.

Poli, Cutey has to stay here for two hours, right?

That's right.

Then I suppose it won't hurt.

Hey!

Wha...?!

For the sake of the anniversary celebrations,

how about all three of you be good and stay here for a few hours?

That was a dirty trick!

Open up this cell at once!

Yes... yeeeessss!

Dreams do come true! Mwahahaha!

Welcome, Commander!

I've been waiting for you.

You made it just in time.

Did you have fun at the Police Station?

So you enjoyed being in custody?

I'm surprised to hear you're into that sort of thing.

I can only imagine.

Hey, Greenhorn.

Boss! Good to see you!

Mighty Tools has just finished preparing for the anniversary event.

It wasn't easy keeping this on the down low.

You can say that again.

Still, we pulled through in the end, thanks in large part to Liter.

Woof woof!

Yes, you did your fair share as well, Volt.

Now, should we board?

Haha, what else?

The train, silly.

Be that as it may, today is a special day,

so Mighty Tools have worked their magic, just for you.

The other passengers have already boarded.

They're...

If we told you ahead of time, that'd take all the fun out of it.

What don't you board the train and see for yourself?

Brid is right.

Let's hurry and get on.

I can't believe I'm actually riding the train with you, Boss! This is so exciting!

Of course, and Liter as well.

Today marks the 1st anniversary of us meeting you, after all.

Since our work is done,

we are planning on boarding the train and taking a trip down memory lane.

We're going to do a loop around the Outpost.

We've made it so that you can get a clear visual of how much you've impacted the Outpost over the past year.

I hope you enjoy it!

Now, all aboard!

Eeek!

Gah!

Oh, hi Old-Timer.

We were going to surprise you,

but Mica ended up being the one surprised.

Hey, Old-Timer.

Are you surprised to see us?

Do you like this little event we planned for you?

Glad to hear it!

Oh no! I should have known. Sorry to hear that.

Yep! We wanted to go on a trip with you,

so we took a day off from the Toy Store.

It's a little different for me.

It's like Old-Timer said before; I'm interested in seeing more of this big ol' world.

Even better when I get to see it with Old-Timer and Belorta! Hehe.

Attention all passengers, please take your seats.

As you mentioned, Greenhorn, this train is technically immobile.

However, we've rigged it so that it will sway and make sounds.

On top of that, you'll be able to watch this screen

and enjoy the "scenery" outside the window.

I filmed all the footage that's being played back with a drone, for a realistic feel.

You'll feel as if you're really riding a train.

I think it's about to depart.

So many new buildings have been constructed over the past year.

Seeing them all laid out like this is kind of touching.

Oooh, look, there's our Toy Store!

It's super cute from this angle, hehe.

Commander,

I made some special candy for you for the occasion.

What is it now, Weakling?

Hi, Commander!

Why did you come here?

What?

Why is this thing so unnecessarily extravagant? It's obscene.

...

This invitation is...

I'm going.

Listen up, because I'm only going to say this once. I don't like getting involved in these irritating celebrations.

So just do what you came here to do and...

Commander, you're early!

...

Where are you going, Eunhwa?

You're not leaving, are you?

... Damn. I've been caught.

Come on, today is a special day!

It's a good thing I decided on this location, hehe.

Congratulations, you're very skilled at the most banal of things.

It's been a year since we first met the Commander, so this calls for a celebration.

Why would we commemorate such a trivial thing?

Come now, don't be like that.

Whatever. If you insist on doing something, at least make it fast. And be sure to clean up after yourselves.

Would you wait for just a moment?

The other guests will be arriving soon.

Actually, I dropped off invitations all over the place, hehe.

That way, I figured someone was sure to see them and come over.

Hmm...

Excuse me, Comman...

What on earth are you wearing?

Oh dear...

What a pretty dress!

!!

Wh-what...

What are you all doing here?

Well,

I saw how fancy this invitation was,

and I thought it was from you, so...

Uh?

If not you, who else would send an invitation using such expensive paper and such ornate handwriting?

On top of that, it is a special occasion, is it not?

So I figured I should dress appropriately for the occasion,

that's all!

Actually, I'm the one who sent the invitations, hehe.

I tried to make them as ostentatious as possible so that they would capture everyone's attention.

... Are you kidding me?

Well, that at least explains why it said to meet at the Armory.

Ugh, I should have known something was off.

I guess I'll go back...

!!

...

Well, since I made it out here, I might as well stay for a little while.

It wouldn't hurt to see what you all are up to.

I baked a special cake just for you, Commander.

That's right!

Wait just a moment. I'll bring it out.

I'm leaving. For real this time.

Me too. I've got to... er... go write in my diary.

I suddenly remembered that I had something to do, so I'm gonna head out too.

She didn't make it for us, she made it for you.

You can't leave until you eat it all.

Good luck, Commander.

You can give me those puppy-dog eyes all day, it won't change anything!

Ugh! This is cheating, I tell you!

!!

These shoe designs are positively atrocious.

They look like something that would been out of style a decade ago.

You're crazy. The shoes you're holding up are way worse.

It is much prettier if it's in the color of sea cucumber.

Are you blind?

You've got no idea how elegant this color truly is.

There's a reason people say

you can't beat simplicity.

You're not going to recommend that car crash of a tie to a customer, are you?

What are you talking about? It's not that bad!

I'm well-versed in holding all sorts of gala events on the Admire.

I've dealt with countless affluent customers, and I've seen it all.

A flashy tie that announces its presence will suit Captain best.

I'm positive!

You have no fashion sense whatsoever.

I personally recommend this suit.

It's clean, and svelte, and I think it would look great on Subordinate.

What do you think?

I think this is the perfect look for a special occasion.

Are you serious?

You're telling me you think

this suits Sweetie for the anniversary celebration?

That's right.

It's far too plain!

I've prepared something much more distinguished.

I think more vibrant colors and a tighter fit would suit Sweetie the best.

Well? What do you think?

It makes him look like a hoodlum.

How could you say something so churlish?!

Sweetie! You're here already?

Oh my goodness, where has the time gone?

I'll tell you where it's gone. We've whiled it away bickering about these clothes,

and now the surprise is ruined.

Since he's here anyway, why don't we ask him to choose himself?

That seems like the most logical solution to me.

I like it.

How are these shoes, Captain? Aren't they fantastic?

Hold on, Anchor.

We haven't even given an explanation yet.

My apologies, Subordinate. As you can see, things are a bit of a mess right now.

We wanted to fabricate an outfit that you can wear for the anniversary celebration today.

It was supposed to be a big surprise.

Aegis and Talentum each prepared a set of clothing, and we were going to choose the better of the two to give you as a gift,

but we couldn't agree on anything.

On a day like today, we didn't want to settle for anything but the best.

We were trying to get to agree on something, and one thing led to another, and... here we are.

Well...

What are you hemming and hawing for?

There's no harm in being honest.

Anchor and I pooled together all the tips that we earned from the boat parties.

We saved up for a while, and used them to buy this tie and these shoes.

It wasn't easy,

but we can't have you wearing rags on such a momentous occasion.

Exactly.

This is the first time I've ever bought anything fancy.

I even had to empty out my starfish piggy bank.

However, as soon as I imagined the smile on your face as we celebrated our 1st anniversary, I knew it would be worth it.

I've been saving up money for a while, and so that's what I used to buy these.

They're not as expensive as you might think.

You mustn't feel awkward, Subordinate. Not in the slightest.

Today is a special day for you,

and for us.

...

I'm sorry for bickering with you all earlier.

It's okay if you don't wear what I bought.

I can admit it now; the clothes that Helm brought suit you much better, Sweetie.

!

You don't have to do that, Rupee.

So you like them?

??

Oh my goodness, Commander!

Your outfit is so cool!

I heard that a few of the other Nikkes had bought you a fancy new outfit,

and I guess that's what they were referring to.

It looks really good on you.

Correct.

That's because we're preparing a special event just for you instead.

And to help with that, we've brought in back-up.

Hey there.

...

I can't with this outfit!

Don't tell me you're going to change already?

That'd be a real shame. You look really good.

Mary's right!

Have more confidence in yourself!

... I appreciate you saying that.

Fine, I'll try to put up with it a little longer.

Check this out.

This is a new playset that came out that focuses on hospitals.

It's designed to assuage the fear and reluctance people have towards hospitals,

and make them feel more at ease about being in a medical setting.

Just look at the little hypodermic needle and stethoscope. Aren't they adorable?

If the real thing were like this, much less patients would feel scared.

Well, you don't come to the hospital as often as you should,

so we thought we could conduct a little mock exam for you.

Today, the nurse is in charge of the needles.

All you've got to do is hold this syringe nice and steady,

and administer a shot to the patient.

I assume you're referring to me?

... Okay.

I'll do it.

Then, let's begin, shall we?

Now, Commander, what seems to be the problem?

I see.

First thing, we'll have to check your temperature.

Hmm...

Looks to me like you're running a fever.

Nurse, can you administer some acetaminophen?

Um... where should I put the needle?

... It's not on his butt, is it?

Don't tell me it's on his butt.

Oh, okay.

All done.

I see.

If I may...

Does it hurt when I press here? Or here?

Hmm...

I think what we're dealing with here is a stomachache.

Nurse, could you prepare the necessary injection?

Um... where should I put the needle?

... It's not on his butt, is it?

Don't tell me it's on his butt.

Oh, okay.

All done.

You pushed yourself awfully hard this past year.

Your entire body is riddled with cuts and bruises.

You really should visit the hospital more often.

It doesn't matter how busy you are, your mind and body should always come first.

Do you understand?

That's much better.

That just about does it, then.

Before you leave, though, could you help us with something?

Hehe, thanks.

Huh? I came here to help prepare for the anniversary. What are you all doing here with Producer?

Why are you all dressed up like you're in a hospital?

What kind of sick game are you all playing?

I-I just suddenly remembered I had something else to do. I better go.

They are?

Hmm... okay, if you say so.

Sorry.

Since you're here, Noise, why don't you let me examine you as well?

Uh... yeowch! That's cold!

Watch where you're putting that thing.

That's what I'm trying to tell them!

Anyway, continue.

...

Hehe... tickles.

Judging from how much you're shaking, I'd say you might have the flu.

Nurse, administer the necessary antiviral injection, if you would?

Right away.

Wait... what is this?

This is just a toy!

... Come again?

Do you hear that? Even if you have a busy schedule, make sure to visit the hospital every once in a while.

Uh... okay.

I'll be sure to do that.

I feel like I've been duped somehow...

Anyway, I better get going.

Just a second, Psycontrol.

What is it, Black Rose? Or should I say, traitor?

You've already managed to hoodwink me. What else could you possibly have to say?

Telling me there was an SSR-grade item at the hospital... I should have known better.

So what the heck is going on here, then?

We're just playing hospital game. It's all part of the anniversary celebration, hehe.

So tell me, what seems to be ailing you?

Tell me, if I sit here and let you use me as a pin cushion,

what's in it for me?

Then you really will get an SSR-grade item. A Grand Saber, to be precise.

That is tempting...

What about you, Noob? Aren't you going to give me anything?

Whatever. As a personal favor to Noob, I'll let this slide just this once.

But if this happens again, I'll get you back twice as hard.

Anyway, I feel pretty much fine.

If I had to specify something, I guess I've got a bit of an upset stomach.

Nurse, please administer the necessary injection.

Right away!

Blech.

I can't stand needles. Doesn't matter how many times I get 'em.

Be sure to visit the hospital every once in a while for a checkup.

Okay, fine. If you, playing as a healer,

can defeat the Dragon Dungeon boss without dying on the most extreme difficulty,

I'll consider listening to Mary's advice.

Good luck.

Rabbity!

It's been a while, Servant.

We came to give you a congratulatory gift!

Today is a special day, after all.

And you're the man of the hour,

so we decided to make the trip and congratulate you in person.

Alice, hand over what we have prepared.

Here you are!

Hope you like it!

It's nothing too grand, but it came from the heart.

I hope you're happy with it.

You see, Queen? He likes it!

What a relief!

What a relief indeed.

Enjoy the rest of your day, Servant.

Right on time, Partner.

I don't know about that. I'd say he came earlier than expected.

Expectations different.

We came to the Maid Cafe for a special occasion, which is that it's officially been one year since you became our commander.

Soooo, we decided to corral all the Maid For You members in one spot and celebrate.

We've been waiting here all morning for you to show up.

Usually lazy.

This time exception.

They're in the kitchen.

We put them in charge of cooking today.

Hey, can you all hear me back there?

Partner is here. We should start wrapping up.

Gah! Master is already here?

We're in big trouble!

Wait just a little longer, Master!

We're nearly finished.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Oh, us?

We're the ones in charge of hosting.

Support role.

I'm responsible for decoration.

All we've got to do is guide you to your seat and send your food over.

Very lazy. Very good.

Isn't this how it usually is with events?

...

...

...

Good call.

Okay. Good.

Fine by me, since I'm making decorations for you.

These are gonna be the best decorations you've ever seen!

Good luck.

You can have a seat here, Pal.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

We're finally done.

Good grief, how come that thing's so massive?

Good luck.

It sure is, and we made it just for you, Master.

Specially for your 1st anniversary, loaded with love.

Ooh, we also prepared some special ketchup to go with it. I'll bring it over.

Again. Good luck.

Yeah! We made it using special ingredients.

We had each squad individually prepare different ingredients.

I'll make sure to use all of it and not leave a single drop behind.

Good luck.

All done!

Try a bite.

What do you think?

Is it good?

We spent all morning on it. Do you like it?

Phew, that's a relief.

All our effort wasn't in vain.

Eat up, Master. You've got to finish it all.

Yep! And you can't leave until you finish.

Good luck.

Happy 1st anniversary, Commander!

Congrats!

You've been through a lot this past year.

Congratulations on a job well done, truly.

Over here, Commander! Come and blow out the candles.

Be sure to make a wish before you do, though.

You should wish that next year will still be full of firepower.

Why would he wish for something like that?

I would wish for the Commander and I to...

??

??

Hehe, sorry,

but wishes are something you're meant to keep a secret.

The candles are melting, Commander.

You should hurry and make a wish.

I'd say this year's anniversary celebration was a success, wouldn't you?

I can see that we caught you off guard, Master, and I'm very proud of that.

We didn't surprise you too much, did we?

And there's more! Feast your eyes on this.

This is the cake that we've been working on since this morning.

Of course!

We each poured our heart and soul into this cake.

Considering we're all pretty much neophytes in the kitchen, I'd say we didn't do half bad.

We had a couple of aborted attempts before this one, but we didn't give up, and were able to finish it.

We were a bit tight on time though.

Commander, would it be okay if I tasted it first?

We finished it just before you got here, so I didn't get a chance to taste it.

So...

Commander!

Master!

!!

It is?

You're kidding...

Whoa! It's delicious!

Wow.

It's actually pretty good.

Surely you can't be serious, Commander.

Just look at the clothes you're wearing, for one. You've probably been showered with different gifts from other Nikkes today.

Still, it's nice hearing you say that.

Will you promise to stay with us like you have this past year?

We're so lucky to be serving under you, and we want to continue doing so.

Once again, congratulations on your 1st anniversary, Commander Commander.

Did you enjoy the different events on the Outpost?

It's too bad we weren't able to enjoy them along with you,

but I'm glad that you enjoyed the cake we worked hard on.

Next year, I'll work even harder to improve so that I can be an even bigger help to you.

You can look forward to your disciple of firepower assisting you going forward, Master!

I hope you had a good time today.

You saying how much you appreciated our present

was the best gift I could have asked for, personally.

So thank you.

I hope you can continue to lead the Counters for a long while, Commander Commander.

Including myself, of course.

Ah...

Finally.

The moment has come, my love.

Now I can have you all to myself,

without any interruptions.

Hehe, my lovely man.

I was born for this moment.

I exist only for this moment.

Oh, how I've longed for this moment. It's all I've desired this past year.

Congratulations are in order, my dear.

At long last, you can have me entirely,

and I have you entirely.

Finally, finally...!

...!

Move aside!

So that's why you took off flying.

I knew you were up to something,

you sick pervert.

How dare you interrupt our 1st anniversary?!

What are you talking about?

Today is the day this man became my follower.

That's why I'm here to congratulate him.

Oh, no you don't.

Today is the day I have my love all to myself.

This isn't over.

Goodness gracious...

I'll fill the Commander in.

You ought to be thankful for my arrival.

Consider that my 1st anniversary gift.

Hey... what's wrong with this guy?

Here we are kicking up a fuss, and he's out like a light.

He's sawing logs.

Guess today was a rough day for him.

Even so, color me surprised.

Hey, wake up!

Fine, I'll let you off easy, what with it being a special day and all.

I'm outta here.

Well, well.

Noah was so excited to see you, but I guess she's none too pleased that you're not waking up.

I hope you understand.

I also wanted to give you my gift personally, but oh well.

This is a magic elixir that will make all your dreams happy ones.

I sprinkled a few extra drops so that you can have sweet dreams.

It's been wonderful having you as my follower this past year.

Good tidings, my Lord.

It's been many a moon.

...

Is he, perchance, already asleep?

Then again, the night is no longer young.

The pleasure to which I owe this visit is to wish you well at turning one year old, and...

Scarlet.

It's not that Believer is turning one, it's that he's been a commander for one year.

Ah, and so it is.

I have been partaking in my fair share of imbibement, and thus my thoughts are somewhat muddled.

Nevertheless, congratulations are in order, my Lord.

I shall gift you this fruit wine, which I brewed of my own toil.

...

One year ago today, you became a commander.

Congratul...

On second thought, you've probably been hearing this all day.

Continue to walk upon the path which you feel is righteous.

...

As long as you do that, we will meet again.

...

One more thing.

Alcohol is disastrous for your health. I'll be taking this with me.

What nonsense dost thou spew? Steady thy hand! That is intended as a gift.

Well, it's a gift you'll have to give someone else, I'm afraid.

Time truly does pass too quickly,

doesn't it, Believer?

An entire year has gone by, nearly in the blink of an eye.

All these memories I've shared with you are filling me up...

Filling me up... yes... just like that...

Gah! How can I think of such heinous things?

I must calm myself...

Oh, my mistake!

I nearly woke you up.

What I mean to say is that, I'm glad to have known you for this past year.

Let us head back.

Yes, we should get going.

See you around, Believer.