A Tribute for You

Master?

What are you thinking about?

That? What do you mean?

........

You are uselessly emotional sometimes.

You are not lost in thought because you messed something up... right?

Well... Because that is what I have gotten used to.

I am sorry. I think I developed a strange habit from my constant presence by Her Majesty's side.

Haha!

Let's grab it quickly! Everyone's gonna love this!

They seem really excited, running off like that.

It looks like they are taking some food and fireworks?

Do you think they are planning for a big party?

I don not know... I am not a werebeast, so I do not... Ah... Ah!

Hmm...

7, 14, 21... 91, 98! Was yesterday the 99th day...?

That means today is... the 100th day? That is strange... It seems the dates were changed...

You, Master.

It is your 100th-day anniversary. Since the day you fell to Elias and met us.

Time sure is slow when you are thinking it is slow, right?

Time sure is fast. I cannot believe it is already been that long...

Werebeasts love to make a celebration out of everything.

Their tradition is to joyfully celebrate all things—whether big or small...

But your 100th-day anniversary, that is more than good enough reason to throw a big party.

It is probably a surprise party.

I think later someone will come up and try to whisk you away with some awkward, made-up excuse.

I have some things to take care of today... So just go along with it and act surprised.

Is everyone getting on with their preparations well?

Yes, Chief!

Good, we have to prepare this party perfectly.

The preparations might be a bit delayed, but our special guest will be arriving soon!

Also, since Tig and her gang have set off on some adventure... At least they won't be causing any trouble for our dear guest!

...Hmm.

What's wrong, Chief?

The Chief's eyes have grown so big!

It looks like...someone has been watching from within the bushes!

Hiya!

Huh? The Master?! How did you find this place...?!

Why were you hiding? It is dangerous to do something like this near my tribe.

Well... Maybe it's for the better.

Since you're already here, why don't you join the party for a bit.

A very important guest will be visiting our tribe.

The wandering werebeast, Epica.

She is an incredible person wandering between werebeast writing books and songs!

You don't know who she is?

The Master wouldn't know since she only comes around once every decade.

Since the Master came from another world not too long ago.

Lost one, fret not, for your heart knows the way.

Even in solitude, many shadows dance beside thee.

Reach out, and lo! A hand will find thine own.

Do not let solitude be thy only friend—call, and yee shall be heard!

Nice to meet you, nice to meet you!

I am Epica!

I saw you there, from far away, and nearly walked on past today...

But then I saw you look so discouraged, I couldn't just keep walking!

You have to walk very carefully in the woods.

If you end up getting lost, your body and mind will get exhausted.

Mmm... Look at you!

I have never met you before, but you look like someone I already know!

That's right! Your name is not new to me! Those hushed murmurs in the forest were so accurate in describing you!

A rumor, a rumor!

The high head, depending on the viewer, exudes both a sharpness and a sense of mystery.

The torso, three to four times larger than the head, is long and stretched out...

And from that massive body, the arms hang down touching the thighs,

With legs that, contrary to the appearance, are as sturdy as tree trunks.

Some call it regal, others frightening...!

Who else could it be but the imposing presence of the messenger sent by the beautiful, towering tree that gazes down upon the world?

Master...! Are you not the Master of the Yggdrasil Order?

Seeing you with my own eyes, there is nothing that pleases me more!

When I first heard the rumor, I just thought it was an exaggeration!

Of course... I thought the descriptions of your appearance were too much.

The rumor was that the long-forgotten Master of the Yggdrasil Order had suddenly reappeared, but how could I have believed that?

As time passed and more rumors about your achievements reached me, my doubts slowly disappeared and I realized!

My epic has found its rightful main character, worthy of a grand heroic saga!

How can I not praise you? The main character also has the right to exceptional treatment, including receiving praise.

Don't be embarrassed and just accept it!

Everyone always says not to mistake yourself for the main character of the world.

But have you thought about who actually is going to be the main character?

Only you are the main character of your life. Who else could be the main character?

No one else can be the main character of my life. Everyone is the main character of their own story.

But you! You are even more significant.

Just the fact that you came into this world makes you special.

Because you are the one and only being who can keep Elias moving forward.

I want to sing your praises!

I am Epica, a bard untamed, who roams to collect, create and share tales.

But, I do not speak falsehoods with empty embellishments!

Because decorating the truth beautifully is worth much more than trying to embellish lies!

Did something unfortunate happen?

But... Humble me has been waiting for you.

A celebration is meant for the guests to enjoy, not the host...

I don't think anything is going to happen just because I'm not there.

From now on, I'll go wherever you will go. Every step you take, I'll be watching you.

This is truly a fateful day.

Today marks the 100th day after hearing the rumor of you for the first time.

As if the world had set a date for us to meet like a planned out script!

I can't forget such an important date!

So, where will you go from now on? Where does the main character's path lead?

Surely, a hero must rest when it's needed.

Just like an interlude between stories, there is no adventure without rest.

Great! Then lead the way! The steps of the great main character start now!

Good, good! Very good!

Master...!

Master? Wake up!

How can you be sleeping on such a special day?

Isn't it the 100th day since you arrived in Elias?

What are you talking about?

I think the perspective might have been different.

The day you fell on this world... and the day you became the Master...

I think there is a one day difference between the two.

That's right! The residents are quite used to strange things happening around them...

So, I don't think they would celebrate the day you appeared here.

On the other hand, the day you were appointed as the Master is truly an important day!

When I first started visiting the werebeast tribes, I was nothing but a simple wanderer!

It was when I started telling stories and singing that people started treating me like a special guest!

Hence, today is your special 100th day!

What do you say? Don't you want to see what the others are preparing for you, Master?

Let's briefly put today's tasks aside and go on an adventure with me!

It's closest and it's like your second home, Master!

What a great choice!

Ah, don't be such a downer!

Allow me to say so, but I might be right, you know.

Let's just go around as if we are on a stroll and you're showing me around town!

Oh, this must be the center of the Sprite Kingdom...!

Look over there! There's even a theater!

I should come around from time to time to see if there are any available slots to perform!

Oh, who is the one dressed so fancy...?

Oh? Master? What brings you here today?

Oh, I see you're pulling a disappearing act to avoid those morning chores, huh?

Hehe, you always know what I'm thinking!

Who are you with? A werebeast?

I am Epica!

A bard who joined the Order with the Master's guidance yesterday!

A bard?

Uh... Are you another of those bookworms?

We better not cross paths again, got it?

Ah! I usually don't get along with those who read a lot!

Same same but different!

Dearest Sprite Queen, is there something you are perhaps preparing today?

Preparing? Uhh... What do you mean?

Haha, isn't today a very special day? Are you sure you have nothing to hide?

Hide? Uh... Eeek!

Hey! Shush! I worked so hard to hide it from the Master!

Ugh... Some stranger appears out of nowhere and ruins my plan.

Ah, we already know everything! Hurry up and come clean! Hurry!

Ahh... I'm scared I'm going to get in trouble with Ner...

Mmm... Actually...

Today... Today is...

The day I get my diary inspected by Ner, so I was going to copy yours, Master.

........

I was going to secretly enter the Archives... and copy it into mine, hehe.

I've been getting in trouble every day since last week... Then an idea struck me yesterday!

Originally, I just changed the cover, but Ner found out because of our different handwriting.

Even though it's a bit of a hassle, I realized I had to be the one to write it!

W-What are you talking about...?!

M-Master?

Ahhh! Master, calm down! You can't let something like this get to you!

Uhh... B-But still...

Why is it that you would think so lowly of yourself?

Wait, no! We can't just overlook this matter.

You are the main character of this world!

Depending on the genre, there are tales of the main character being treated badly...

But that is not the genre your story of my dreams is written in!

Mmm! Okay! Maybe the sprites are the odd ones out.

I'm sure the werebeasts are planning a big event!

Hey, it's too early to give up!

Main characters always face their trials without giving up!

But isn't reality also a continuous series of trials, isn't it?

Stories and reality aren't as different as you might think.

There are bound to be realities that are brighter or darker than stories!

I know it very well. Although I would like not to...

What is life without expectations and hope?!

Even if Yggdrasil were to fall tomorrow, I would only think about a brighter future!

Maybe it's because you're the Master. You have such faith in Yggdrasil!

Logically speaking... If the roots are rotten and the lower half of the tree becomes unstable, won't it fall?

But isn't that the case for most trees?

If Yggdrasil was invincible, the Sprites and Witches wouldn't need to take care of Yggdrasil.

Anyway, let's go to the village led by Chief Diana!

We could see for ourselves before we make a decision.

Wow, if it isn't the Master.

Did you have anything to do around here?

Wait, isn't that Epica standing next to you?

It's been a while, Chief!

We were so prepared yesterday because we were told that you would be coming by...!

Did you take her somewhere first, Master?

Oh, Epica, how could you?!

Do you know how disappointed the little werebeasts were yesterday?

The children waited for a long time because they wanted to listen to your fairy tales and legends...!

It's fine, it's fine. I'm not the only storyteller around.

They probably know of my existence because the Chief already told them.

It is not who tells a tale that matters. It's the listeners that do!

Mmm... You're right...

Mmm? Ah! Come to think of it, don't you have anything special scheduled for today by any chance?

A special schedule? We do have something coming up...

Oh? What is it? Please tell me!

Mmm... I was planning to speak to you.

Even though it is late due to Epica's welcoming party, but it can't be pushed back any further.

Master... Sometime in the afternoon...

Won't you look for Tig with me?

She's probably somewhere around the forest playing, but she's been gone for three days.

She said she was going to be training hard... But I don't know if it's true... Phew.

Uhhh No! This isn't how it's supposed to be!

Huh? What do you mean?

Yes, I would be grateful if you helped me!

Okay, Master! Be safe and I'll see you later.

There is no way! I can't believe I disappointed you like this!

Uhh... Still... Maybe another place...?

Master... You look so serious

Your smileless face, how could it look so cold?

Your saddened heart, how could it be so deep?

Your ever so confused expression, how can I comfort you?

Urgh...

I'm sorry. I must have led you on for no reason.

Okay...

Mmm...

It's obvious the Master sleeping with such disappointment.

Nobody should treat the Master like this.

That's the sound of someone sleeping so peacefully, with no energy...!

I was planning to create heroic tales while following the Master on exciting adventures...!

I can't believe those are the pathetic nightmares to haunt the Master...! Maybe the mental shock was too much?

That's it! I'm going to fix this! Wait just a bit, Master!

Mmm... even though I accepted a difficult task...

I don't know where to start.

When it comes to werebeast villages I know a lot of them, but the problem is I don't really know anyone from other places.

Huh? What's this? A flyer...?

Ugh... something about this leaflet doesn't feel right...!

Reading the flyer... Is it someone who cares for the Master? Maybe I can ask for some help...?

Oh, over there... Maybe she put them up.

Excuse me...! Hey! Can I talk to you for a moment?

Mmm... Who are you?

I am Epica! I'm a bard wandering the world and collecting tales!

Mmm... Strange horn... A werebeast...? Never seen that kind.

First time seeing you.

H-Huh? What are you talking about...?

Shhh, you are part of my collection now.

Sign here.

What kind of document is this? This is just a blank page?

Blank contract... Up to me. I will do what I want.

Ahhh! Get that away from me!

Mmm... Playing hard-to-get.

How scarily frightening... It seems this one's a bit weird.

By any chance, do you know what day it is today?

Collection... An important day... Hehe... For the Master.

Collection? What is she talking about?

If it's an important day for the Master... Does it mean you know that it is the 100th day?

Mmm? 100th day? You also know...? How?

As expected... You do know. How strange... How come you're the only one who knows

Not even the Sprite Queen was aware...

The Master... is mine.

100th day is also mine. No one else shall know.

My collection. Only I get to know.

You know about the 100th day...? Weird. I changed every calendar.

Changed the calendar...? W-What have you done?!

I've been going around changing calendars for a month.

Everyone probably thinks it's the 100th day next month.

W-What...?

Next month, I'm going to switch back the calendars and make them think the 100th day has passed.

Ahhh! Why would you do that?!

Do you know how disappointed the Master is because no one knows about the 100th day?!

My precious... is hurt?

Hehe.. Very... Good...

I can heal my precious now, hehe, part of the plan.

Be quiet. As a collection piece you can't talk.

Ahhh! D-Don't come any closer! You're giving me the creeps!

Stay still. You can't run away anyways.

I-I need help! I'm terrified! Someone help me!

Should I help you?

Yes?

A-A phantom?!

Hehe, look at your face! It's so cute. Such a frightened expression is so delicious!

I don't care who you are! That Sprite is trying to harm me! Help!

Mmm, really? How unfortunate.

Don't you agree? How should I help... partner? What do you think?

Hehe...

P-Partner?! What...?!

We partnered up to trick everyone about the Master's anniversary.

Even the most obsessive Sprite alone couldn't have changed every calendar in Elias.

If I, Shaydi, didn't step up... It would have been impossible.

I had to take care of those who caught on—like you.

Eeek...! Stop everything right now! I'm not going to let you!

Ahhh? What are you going to do if I don't?

You're braver than you look.

I do not yield to villains!

Really? You should be a bit more scared. Show me a bit more range with those expressions. Hehe.

Should I leave you in the middle of the Phantom Marsh and make you sing for all eternity amongst the other phantoms?

Of course... While they mock you.

Ahhh! I don't want to go to such a terrifying place!

Hehe! Then let's take you to the Marsh of Despair.

Ugh... Is this what the grand finale of a storyteller looks like?

All I wanted to do was plan a party for the Master...!

No.

Huh? What are you doing?

My collection. Mine! Not yours!

You little...? How dare you defy me.

Old phantom can't touch my precious.

Old what...? Eeek?! Seriously!

A-Are they fighting? This is my chance! I should run away right now!

Mmm? Where are you going? My precious!!

I have to hurry up and tell the Master about this.

That all this was the doings of a strange Sprite and a strangely dressed Phantom... I have to hurry...!

I have to clear this up with the Master... and ease the disappointment!

I want to go on a heart-pounding and exciting adventure with the Master...!

I have to go to the Master as quickly as possible...!

Gah!

Wahh!

Ow... Ouch! What's your problem?!

You should watch where you're going with that nail on your head! It's dangerous!

I-I'm sorry! I wasn't paying attention!

What's this? A werebeast? Do werebeasts live in the Sprite Kingdom now?

I am Epica! A wandering bard, Spinning tales both near and fa-

Ah, I don't need an introduction.

A werebeast is a werebeast.

Your ears are long... Are you an elf?

Yeah, sure.

What's an elf doing in the Sprite Kingdom?

Epica? How nice to see you again.

Elena is here to complain about some net in Monatium being disabled.

NetWORK! Can't you remember the words you just heard?

Network?

Hmm...You're the one who joined the Order accompanied by the Master, right?

You match the description that was put in the record. Say you are Epica?

T-That's right...

I am Ner. I should have introduced myself in the morning... But I have been running around since early...

Oh... You must be the Sprite Priestess ruling over the kingdom alongside the Sprite Queen.

Yes, you are correct.

Hey, Head Priestess. Let's keep the introductions for later...

And fix our network!

Even if you keep repeating it, we do not know what you are talking about. Why do you think the sprites were behind it?

Sugar was found on the central core computer's keyboard! Who else but your queen?!

I'm telling you, there is no way Her Majesty would touch such a complicated device!

Then did you do this? You're the only ones left.

Stop suspecting the werebeasts for everything!

How was this network disabled?

Uhh... Werebeast? Would you be able to understand if I told you? Ahh, whatever.

The date appeared to be last month's and an error showed up on the network.

This isn't like the Y2K bug. Could something like this even happen in Elias?

Are you saying someone messed with the calendar?

I-If so, I know who!

What?

What are you talking about?

It was the doing of a sprite who speaks in a very sulky and gloomy way and a phantom who speaks in a sly and sinister manner!

Sulky and gloomy? Are you talking about Mayo?

Sly and sinister? The phantom... sounds like Shaydi...?

Let me tell you what I heard!

Are you saying Mayo and Shaydi messed with the calendars... to hide the Master's anniversary?

That's right! It was definitely them!

Certainly... I can see Mayo doing something like that.

I don't know much about Mayo, but Shaydi is more than capable of doing that.

She is the only one who plays such pathetic pranks on such a large scale.

Hide the Master's anniversary? What a petty little trick, haha.

What do you mean petty?! Not at all!

The Master's heart aches because no one remembers the anniversary, you see!

Even now the Master is all alone, suffering and in pain!

Ehh? Really? That sounds so pathetic.

What do you mean pathetic?! It makes sense! The Master is the main character of this world, so it makes sense to be so disappointed!

Mmm...The Master...must have been jealous and gotten a sidekick like me.

Well, you need a good sidekick if you want mental support, hehe.

It's much better than being scorned by someone, don't you agree?

Are you talking to me?

Oh, does it apply to anyone else here? I don't think it was hard to understand.

I-I am also trying very hard! It is a habit I picked up because of Her Majesty!

D-Do not fight!

Stop...! Let's just deal with this mess and throw a party for the Master...!

I expected as much, but still, there's quite the commotion here.

I was right to come here.

Q-Queen Belita! What brings you out onto the surface...?

Even an Elemental and a Dragon has come. What are you doing here? Did you team up and come to start a war?

Head Priestess, stand your ground up ahead for as long as you can! I will escape to get help!

What do you mean war?! Don't speak of something so dreadful.

Oh...?

All the leaders of the different races are gathered here? I've never seen such a rare sight before!

I don't think one of us is a leader... Why do I feel like I'm forgetting something?

Magic genius the Witch Queen! The cranky Noble Elemental! And the shimmering leader of the Dragons!

What are you all doing here?!

The Witch Kingdom was in chaos all morning because the dates had been changed on the 'Calendar of Doom'.

The calendar... "of doom"? W-What is that?

It's a calendar predicting the Eliapoc which will take place in 5341 years.

The calendar was showing last month's dates. Our plans to prevent this upcoming disaster were nearly thrown into disarray.

When we realized something similar had occurred at the same time to our neighbors after contacting them...

I personally came here to see if any other races were going through the same hardships.

Wait, what disaster? Tell me about that first! Right now!

It's something that will happen much later in the future. You all shouldn't worry. Leave it to us.

It looks like that phantom caused quite a stir.

Since it resulted in the leaders of all the races gathering and worrying like this...!

We were also just informed of the truth and were trying to deal with it, Lady Belita.

Thanks to a report from this werebeast named Epica, we found out what was happening and were just about to resolve it.

Hmm... Did she figure out the case all by herself? Werebeasts surprise me sometimes.

Great job, Epica. Is there anything you want? I will grant you a wish as a reward.

A-A wish?

I have one! One! There is something that I want!

100th day! Congratulations!

It's been a while Master.

My wish came true!

I was able to gift you a 100th day anniversary that you will never forget!

No, Master! No one forgot!

No one forgot about it! Everyone tried to remember your 100th day...

But they were just deceived by the plans of some vile individuals!

They messed with the time in Elias!

I, Epica, traversed through time to reclaim your anniversary, Master!

She is exaggerating a bit... But let us turn a blind eye to the storyteller's creative liberties.

I did it... Because I like the Master.

I did it... Because the Master is mine.

Aaah, BORING! There should have been trouble because no one knew what was going on. That would have been more fun!

That's the type of scandal that gets news covers!

Really?

Master! You are definitely the main character! How big could your heart be?

Uhh... Thank you.

Hmmm, wouldn't it be more fun to lock us up?

Anyway, I am sorry we were not able to take better care of you Master. I regret it.

I'm also sorry... Looking back, you must have been even more disappointed when we met the other night.

Humble me only came to you yesterday... But seeing everyone so close got me curious all of a sudden.

How have the past 100 days been? Do you cherish those days?

Ahem! Isn't it your 100th day? It would be meaningful to you and the Apostles to hear it!

Even though it might not have been enough in your eyes, Master...

Thank you for understanding us.

It must have been quite frustrating for you.

We have to admit that we have made a lot of mistakes.

Still... We will continue to try in the future, Master.

We would not be honest if we said we would only show you our best side.

Trying to convince you that we will not make the same mistakes in the future would not make sense.

But if you believe in us...!

We will continue trying to meet your expectations, Master!

Master! Are you trying to make us feel bad?

That's right! You are not just a guest, Master! You always take care of us...

I see, that's it. I got it.

We tried, but if that's how you felt, I guess it wasn't enough.

But please don't misunderstand one thing.

It's a fact that you are special to us.

We would never not take you seriously.

If you give us the chance, we will try to prove our worth.

I hope you will keep believing in us. We will try hard.

Ah! Wonderful vibes here!

Right! In a span neither lengthy nor brief, a tapestry of events has woven itself, as I glance back upon the journey!

That is what we name a grand adventure! As we tread upon the misty path of yonder wood, we are ever mindful of the lurking perils beneath our feet.

Though we may stray from our destined way, stumble upon a gnarled root, and tumble down...

We shall rise once more and tread upon the endless road that stretches forth before us!

That's right. The important thing is not giving up.

It's also important not to avoid mistakes and improve.

We also can't lose our will.

Master, you have always shown us these qualities... along with unwavering consistency.

Well, it's also fun playing with you, I guess? That's what I like.

What do you think, Master? Aren't you glad?

From now on let's continue spending time together for 200, 300 days... for as long as it takes!

...

......

........

That's strange.

Ner should have been here by now to scold me to go to sleep. But she's not here?

Someone is shooting fireworks outside. What's going on?

Probably the sprites. We're known for making a ruckus when playing.

Ahh, I wish a month would pass already.

I prepared a gift for the Master... Hehe, I want to hurry up and give it to- Mmm...

Mmm... *Snore*

The Master's 100th-day anniversary.

In haste, the party was summoned forth, yet all was well in the end, a merry celebration indeed!

The Master enjoyed the day with the good denizens of Elias...

And in that rather awkward moment, the Apostles bestowed upon the Master gifts brimming with the essence of their hearts.

Though the hour was late and the Sprite Queen did arrive with tears in her eyes,

She summoned her strength and, with grace, presented the Master a 'Perfect Ice Cream Cake,' its packaging untouched and pristine.

And everyone enjoyed a playful and peaceful day,

Thinking that everyone can joyfully play from now on.

........

Nobody wants an encore?