A Flower Gazing at the Moonlight

Is something bothering you?

Becoming the Master so suddenly seems to have left you quite overwhelmed.

Starting something new can be unsettling... even frightening.

Me?

I'm always by your side, Master.

I am Yomi.

A Moonflower Priestess, here to serve you.

Just as sunflowers follow the sun during the day...

Moonflowers look to the moon at night.

Can you see the white flowers blooming around us?

Their heads hang low during the day but lift up when the moon rises.

I've heard that flowers like these don't exist in your world.

You told me.

Back when you were still new to this world...

We talked about it. Remember?

No need to feel lost.

Though the ways of the world feel distant, they are closer than you think.

Though they may seem complex, they are actually quite simple.

If you simply follow the flow of fate, as you always have...

You'll adapt well, just like the Master in the records.

You still sound a little hesitant.

I suppose these are just empty words.

What should I do to give the Master some encouragement, I wonder...?

For now, let's try this...

With her arms outstretched, Yomi bounds over to me and gives me a firm embrace.

When you're going through a tough time, sometimes it's best to just forget everything and hug a friend.

There, there. Everything's okay. I got you.

Really? That's a relief.

...Master?

You are as precious to me as the moon in the sky.

I am simply a moonflower that gazes at the moon.

Unlike Yggdrasil, with its sun-like presence, worshipped simply for existing...

You have inherited the lonely fate of the moon.

If you ever need a shoulder to lean on, come find me here on a moonlit night.

I will always be here, waiting for you.

Master, I can see that you are feeling more at peace today.

Oh? It appears you have made a good friend.

Hmm... have I been pushing you too hard, Master?

I fear I might have been too eager. Forgive me if I was too overbearing.

In the end, I suppose we simply have to take things slow and wait.

Yomi?!

Why did you bring her up all of a sudden?

How should I put this... Yomi isn't a priestess who serves Yggdrasil.

I would advise against thinking too much about what she has to say.

You are the leader of the Yggdrasil Order! Of course, it is a big deal!

Basically, she is a heretic who doesn't follow our teachings, a heretic!

Excuse me? The Archives?

Going there to have a look at your own records, are you?

Hm... Very well. It's glad to see you putting in such hard work.

Even if Her Majesty ever tries to make you slack off. Don't give in, okay?

Visiting the Archives again, Master?

Yep! I've been carefully reading through every document and book I can find!

Are you looking for some specific records?

Yomi...?

Hmm, Yomi... Yomi...? I don't really recall any records of her.

Hmm, let me think...

I'm not sure about the moon, but I have seen something about a Night Priestess or something of the sort.

Let's see... Ah, here we go!

"While there are priestesses who tend to Yggdrasil and its garden during the day, there are others who prevent beasts and monsters from approaching the tree at night."

"These Night Priestesses believe that only eternal night can bring true peace to Elias."

"They claim that Yggdrasil must be lulled into an endless slumber for those beneath it to prosper in peace."

What do you think? I'm not sure what they mean by Yggdrasil slumbering, though...

Ah, well, you know how old records are.

I wouldn't know... It could just be one of those old legends...

Or maybe they were merged into the Order when it was restructured?

I bet most of it is just thrown together to sound cool. Probably something straight out of a fantasy novel! Haha!

The Head Priestess? She did?

Oh...! A heretic... that might be why there are no records of her!

The Archives are part of the Order, after all, so they wouldn't keep records on heretics.

Hmm...

The elementals have existed since the beginning of time, so they might know something...

And the elves... they're obsess with collecting intel.

I guess if you ask around outside of the Order, you might learn something.

Ah... Here, I'll give you a map!

Here you go! This is a map of the area near Sprite Kingdom.

See this part? This is the mountain where the elementals live!

Just follow the path on this map, and you won't get lost.

Some moonflowers had unfortunately taken root in the shade, so I was replanting them here.

Moonflowers thrive beneath the moon's gentle glow since direct sunlight is too harsh for them...

However, if they're kept in absolute shade with no light, they'll wither away.

They're quite delicate, these flowers.

Hmm, you're half right.

Just because I follow the moon doesn't mean I've turned my back on the sun.

The moon ultimately shines while facing the sun...

If the sun were to fade, so would the moon.

But... why did you ask me that all of a sudden?

Did the Head Priestess happen to say something about me?

I suppose she's right in a way.

I'd rather not cause any trouble for you, Master. I'd understand if you'd like to keep your distance from me.

Master...

To me, your every move is like fate itself.

If you tell me to conceal myself in the night clouds, that's what I'll do.

Other priestesses?

I'm the only priestess who serves the moon.

If anything, I suppose these moonflowers are with me.

Of course.

It's my destiny, I suppose. I knew from the start that this path would be a lonely one.

But it's not as bad as you might think.

But as long as the moon I serve is safe, I'm happy.

You're not blaming yourself, are you, Master?

Please don't.

It's all okay.

No matter where the moon chooses to go, I have no intention of standing in the way.

If you ever find yourself unable to move forward, then take a different path.

If I were to become resentful just because the moon doesn't look my way...

What meaning would my faith have?

Please continue on the path you desire, Master.

I'll be content watching you from afar, even if only through rumors.

Please just keep this one thing in mind.

If you're ever feeling exhausted, you are always welcome here.

If you ever feel weighed down from helping your friends and Apostles with their burdens...

Please remember that you, too, have a shoulder to lean on.

I will always be here under the moonlight, waiting.

Let me get this straight... you are telling me that...

You have been sneaking out every night... to see Yomi?

And you want me to understand since you believe she is not as strange as I thought?

And you'd like to bring Yomi into the Order?

......

Master?

I am afraid I have no idea what you are talking about right now.

Siiiigh...

Listen carefully, Master.

Yomi is not real!

Before I became a priestess—no, even before that—

Before either Her Majesty or I were born, there was an old tale of a sprite named Yomi.

There was a time when the Sprite Kingdom did not exist...

The sprites call that period "The Time of Fairy Tales."

It was an age before proper records were kept...

A time when only unreliable stories were passed down by word of mouth...

Back then, sprites lived in small villages, much like how the werebeasts live now...

And there is a tale from that time about a stone that fell from the sky. It was named Yomi.

It goes on to say that this stone came to life and became a priestess. But it is nothing more than a fairy tale!

And how do you know she really is Yomi?

It could just be some silly sprite pretending to be her.

I suppose that even if she claims to be the real Yomi, there is no way to comfirm it.

But logically, it makes no sense.

If she really is such an incredible being, why has she never revealed herself until now?

She was nowhere to be seen when our kingdom was nearly torn apart by the rebellion...

Not to mention, she did not lift a finger to help when we faced other crises in the past.

And now, after all this time, she suddenly appears and claims, "I am one of the Primordial Beings!"

Surely, it is only natural to be skeptical.

I can see from your expression that you are still not convinced...

Come with me. There should be some loosely organized documents down in the Order Underground.

Let's see...

Ah, here we go. Take a look at this book.

Yes!

Yggdrasil came first, of course!

I mean... I suppose that is what I suspect, anyway.

Their contents are pretty shabby... and most of them are incomplete.

This is where we store books that the priestesses never got around to completing.

Anyway, if you go to the last part of that book, there should be something about the moon.

And it mentions a priestess named Yomi.

See? This book is basically a collection of old stories passed down orally.

Whoever this Yomi really is, she's most likely just trying to trick you and use you.

Urgh... Okay, this will not do.

Whoever this fraud is, meeting with you every night and clouding your mind with nonsense... I must find out who they are.

Where do you meet with her? Tell me the location.

Alright. So if I follow you, I will meet her, correct? Then I will get to the bottom of this tonight!

Hmm... Now that I think about it...

It occurred to me that you could have dreamt up all of this nonsense, Master...

Well, it's you, so I trust you, but... this so-called Yomi has yet to show herself...

Yaaawn...

Oof... I am sleepy...

Yes, I'm only a little tired.

I cannot remember the last time I was up this late...

Would that be alright with you...? Oof... my apologies, Master.

Please wake me when you find Yomi... I will... rest up... a little...

Welcome back, Master.

And you brought a guest?

It makes me happy that you visit me so often!

What brings you here tonight?

I've been drawing water from the river.

The moonflowers need to be watered.

Urgh... Just a little... longer... mmm...

This sprite is the Head Priestess? This is the first time I've come face to face with her.

It's fine. Leave her be.

In the Order, a priestes's sleeping is considered very important, after all.

Yes, sometimes they fall asleep from tiredness, but there are other times when Yggdrasil communicates with them throught dreams.

I used to have dreams like that too, but ever since I started looking toward the moon, they've completely faded...

You seem troubled. Is something wrong?

Excuse me?

Do you believe it's important for me to prove that I'm real?

......

I understand.

If that is what you wish, I will follow that path.

I will try to wake the Head Priestess.

Something frightening might occur, but please don't worry too much...

Forcing a priestess to wake against the will of Yggdrasil is dangerous.

Please remain calm even if you witness something strange happening.

AHHHH!!! THAT IS COLD!!!

Phew, what a relief.

She was just tired. It had nothing to do with Yggdrasil.

The sky isn't falling, and no earthquakes.

How dare you! Explain yourself!

Master, did you pour water on me just because I would not wake up?!

Nice to meet you. My name is Yomi.

Yomi? You're the one the Master has been talking about?

Cease this charade and reveal your true identity!

Charade? What charade?

What is your real name?!

It's Yomi.

Sigh... You acting like this is exactly why the Master is so confused!

I expect you to explain yourself thoroughly!

Ask me anything you like, Servant of the Sun...!

Revering the sun? What do you mean?

Yggdrasil IS the sun.

It illuminates the world...

A true sun, completely different from that burning sphere in the sky.

Does she honestly consider herself the Moon Priestess?

Will you continue to insist that you are Yomi?

Because I AM Yomi. What else should I call myself?

Sigh... What a deluded individual.

That's true. I have no way to prove I am Yomi.

So does it really matter?

There's no harm in believing me, is there?

You are throwing the Order into disorder!

You are confusing the Master with your nonsense!

I am?

Yes! You speak of the sun and moon and distort our teachings!

Did I really do that, Master...?

The Master says you're wrong!

W-What?!

How can you do that to me, Master?!

You need to take a firm stance so that I can also—!

Huh? W-What are you doing?

Please do not put this on my Master.

"M-My...?"

I just can't let this go any further.

You look after Yggdrasil, Ner...

And in the same way, it is my duty to look after the Master.

What do you mean?

If Yggdrasil were wounded, how would you feel, Ner?

I would be... upset. I would track down the one responsible and admonish them.

Exactly. Now do you understand why I'm upset?

You're hurting the Master's feelings!

T-That was not my intent! I was merely—

You embrace the Master's words, actions, and achievements...

But can't you also accept their laziness, pickiness, and messiness?

As a priestess, shouldn't you be able to accept all of this?

Heh, no need to hide it from me, Master.

Looking after someone requires accepting all their different aspects.

If you ever feel like acting a little spoiled, I'll be here for you.

Urgh! This is completely irresponsible!

I-If the Master strays from the right path, we MUST correct them!

Tending to Yggdrasil is not just about watering it!

You must prune the unruly branches and remove the moss!

The same applies to the Master!

That seems selfish... Cutting things away and ripping things off...

My Master is already a perfect moon. Truly precious!

Don't you realize? Your attempt to control every single action of them is nothing more than selfish desire!

Argh... All I mean to do is offer some direction...!

Ugh... you are such a coward, too afraid to even point out a mistake!

Master, who do you think is correct in this matter?

So, who do you think is right—me or her?

Right?! I was certain I was correct!

......

Master...?

I knew it.

Urgh... how could you forsake me...?!

......!

If that's what you want, Master... I will follow that path.

I can accept any decision you make.

Hmph.

You certainly know how to say all the right things to win the Master's favor.

However, I don't think you mean any harm...

So, I guess I can overlook it and move forward.

That's totally another issue!

A priestess of the moon coming and going as she pleases at the Order dedicated to serving Yggdrasil is not normal!

Master, I cannot permit a different priestess to freely access the Order, no matter the reason!

That... Urgh...! I mean, if that were the case, I would not have much to argue, but... it is impossible!

There's really no need for others to know that I'm a Moonflower Priestess.

As long as you know, Master...

Actually, even if you didn't, I'd always look up to you.

My faith isn't that shallow.

Argh! What's that supposed to mean?!

Not at all.

I was only talking to the Master.

Ugh...! Fine then!

As long as you do not speak of the moon to the other Apostles...

I suppose I will permit your visits to the Order.

But only because the Master wishes for it! Understood?!

Um...

Thank you.

I see you're not as cold as you seem, are you?

W-What?! Of course not! I am a priestess, after all...!

Yes... me too.

Hmm...

I-I am fine! You need not worry about me!

It is a little unsettling... I am Head Priestess, after all.

Even so, since you speak highly of her, I will have to trust in your judgment.

I have also been reflecting on the limits of a priestess's tolerance...

In the end, since Yomi and I are both part of the same family, born under Yggdrasil...

I have concluded that pushing someone away just because our faith differs isn't the right answer.

......

...Yes.

Excuse me?

What has Her Majesty been saying about me?!

Sigh...

I do reflect on things, you know!

This is the first time I have served a proper Master...

And everything you say always carry a special weight for me.

There may come a day when I understand Yomi's point of view...

Or perhaps Yomi will come to understand mine...

But until then, I will respect your decisions, Master

Oh, Master! There you are.

I got a little distracted, since chatting with the Order's apostles turned out to be pretty enjoyable.

I hope I didn't say anything I shouldn't have...

I'm just so used to being alone, spending all my time watching the moon.

I think I stumbled over my words a bit and said some stupid things...

If that's what you wish, I'll do my best to get along with the other Apostles!

Please excuse me... I still have some unfinished work to attend to.

Take care, Head Priestess.

Thank you for walking me home, Master.

Yes, they have, thanks to you.

The Head Priestess always looks displeased whenever she sees me, by the way...

Perhaps it was a mistake joining the Order, after all?

You think?

If you say so... then that's how it is, I suppose.

Heh.

I know I shouldn't... but for some reason...

I feel like playing around with you sometimes.

You're so nice that it makes me think you'd put up with a little bit of harmless fun...

It's like you're the full moon to my incomplete crescent, making me feel whole.

I thought I'd be the one you could lean on...

Yet here I am, finding strength in you instead.

I think I may have overstepped... how embarrassing.

R-Right!

That's exactly what I hoped for!

We all have our own emotional burdens to bear.

And for someone like you, Master, that burden must be heavier than most.

It is my wish to help carry some of that for you.

I am a priestess who serves the moon, after all.

Who knows? Maybe it's true... just a flickering little light...

That fell from that distant night sky...?

Or perhaps... a starving black star...

Lurking in the vast emptiness...?

I don't really know myself.

I am nothing more than an Apostle who serves the moon, wishing for the day I may rise to the sky alongside it.

If you'd like, Master, I will make fiction into fact.

That... is my duty as a priestess.

Just a little farther from here and I'm home!

Please head back now, Master.

See you tomorrow at the Order again!