Joanne's Story

Let me just... clean up here...

And water the flower bed too...

Soon it will be time for the mass at dawn, so I should also write the hymns on the chalkboard.

Sister Joanne...?

I heard noise in the middle of the night and came to check... only to find it is you, Sister Joanne?

I thought Her Majesty had come all the way to the Order looking for a late-night snack and was rummaging through the Warehouse.

Ah, Head Priestess Ner.

What are you doing up at the crack of dawn?

What am I doing... I was preparing for the day.

Is it not... a bit too early?

I was just preparing according to the routine I'm used to... Is there a problem?

What? Routine?

Ah...!

Well, before you fell into the deep slumber, the rules were quite strict.

Many things have changed over time.

There is no need to prepare this early.

The tradition of mass at dawn is gradually fading in our current times...

Cleaning and organizing can be done after sunrise.

I-I see.

What exactly brought about this change?

Since everyone has their own work, we changed the rules one by one with the intention of fostering a life free from exhaustion.

Our current Master enjoys a more liberated perspective and is graciously easing the regulations that cause distress to the Apostles.

Master?

Hmm... as expected...! Master is indeed the one to correct the misguided teachings of Yggdrasil.

So please rest a bit more.

Our Yggdrasil Order is, I must say, a place that embodies a harmonious work-life balance.

But... I am a priestess serving Master... I feel at ease only when I do something for Master.

Even as a priestess, Master personally said that as long as you have faith in your heart, it is not necessary to endure such rigorous spiritual training.

If you do not rest properly... you are going against the Master's teachings!

The Master's teachings?

But, but...

What is it?

The lights in the Holy Chamber are on until dawn...

Ah... ahaha...!

Th-that's...

The more comfortably we work... might it not suggest that Master ultimately takes on the burden of the work instead?

Head Priestess Ner... surely... you are not placing all the work upon Master while you enjoy a life of ease, right?

I, I was also working until dawn helping Master!

I suppose so... you are awake at this hour too, after all...

......

Say, won't you pass some work on to me too?

I would be grateful to assist Master and... Head Priestess.

Sister Joanne?

Mmm... I appreciate the offer to help, but...

I think you need to adapt to this era first, Sister.

It seems like there is too much you do not know for us to just assign you work right away.

Is that so...? I understand.

Yes, Sister! So do not worry and please go rest for now!

Later on, work will pile up whether you want it or not... so do not fret too much!

O-okay.

I am... just a burden to everyone, including Master.

I suddenly appear and trouble everyone, bring disgrace...

Spared with nothing but a slap on the wrist from Master and granted forgiveness, despite being a useless burden and my tendency to avoid direct engagement.

I cannot betray that mercy. I'll work even harder.

Hmm...

Jade? What's wrong?

Mmm...

Her.

That's Joanne. Why are you glaring at her like that?

Joanne, she's the one who once brought down the Order.

I'm watching her because I don't know what she might do.

In the Order Archives?

If she had anything nefarious in mind, wouldn't she do it somewhere other than the Archives?

You think so?

It's true that Joanne committed a grave mistake, but Master personally pardoned her.

Let's not be too suspicious of her now.

Witch scribe, it's a bit surprising to hear you say that.

Aren't witches usually more suspicious and overthink things?

I would be suspicious if Joanne were a witch.

But Joanne is a sprite.

Sprites usually... have an underlying innocence at their core.

Is that so? Well, the Sprite Queen is quite innocent, I guess. So innocent it's even a problem.

Instead of just being suspicious like this... why don't you approach her and try talking to her?

If something's bothering you, ask her directly.

H-huh? Would that be okay?

Hey! Sherum! If you approach her all of a sudden like that, she might not appreciate it!

Joanne?

U-uh? Who are you...

My name is Sherum. What are you doing, sitting here in the archives right now?

I am studying Master's history and this world.

Huh? Whoa! What's going on with your face?

Those dark circles under your eyes make you look like I did the day after finishing all 23 volumes of the "Gammarillion"!

Joanne, have you not been sleeping? How long have you been here?

I-I don't know... I just thought I needed to study hard.

I need to work hard... So I do not become a burden to others.

It is not my intention to bring shame to those who have forgiven me. I wish to adapt quickly.

Hmm.

Did the Head Priestess tell you to do this?

No, the Head Priestess has not told me to do anything.

She has not assigned me any task whatsoever, telling me to adapt slowly.

Hmm.

I see what the problem is.

She's being too considerate and not assigning you anything... and that is making you more anxious instead.

Maybe... that could be it...

Don't push yourself so hard.

Reading books like that, will only have you end up wearing glasses like me, you know?

If you wear glasses, you'll become the laughingstock round here!

...Don't your glasses have no prescription, Jade?

I must have been a nuisance.

I will take my leave. You all have work to do here... It wasn't my intention to get in the way.

Ugh...

Sherum? We can't leave Joanne like this!

You're right, Jade.

It seems the "Bookworm Duo of the Archives" needs to resolve this situation.

Joanne!

Huh?

Please visit the Archives only during daytime going forward.

We close at night, so please follow that rule.

And... during the day, it'd be great if you could help us organize the books in the archive.

Feel free to read while organizing them.

You're... giving me work...?

Right! Order business is the Head Priestess's responsibility, but it is our job to manage the Archives.

Take your time adjusting... and read whatever books you want!

If you're curious or don't understand something, just ask us!

Can I really...?

Th-thank you.

And read in moderation! Develop healthy reading habits that balance with proper sleep!

Indeed. Knowledge gained from books also requires time to be organized in your mind.

So... where should I start with organizing?

For now go inside and sleep!

What are you going to see with those bleary eyes?

Come back tomorrow with a clear mind!

O-okay... with a clear mind... got it!

So you also have noticed that, Master?

Sister Joanne always looks depressed.

She also seems very tired.

Recently, I saw her secretly borrowing books from the Archives and reading until dawn.

She says it is to study the world, but... she seems too harsh on herself.

A vacation... would that be okay? If she goes on her own, would she not end up studying at the resort as well...?

Hmm... a group tour... that might be worth trying.

Alright everyone! Did you all bring your luggage?

Get your butts on the bus, gora! 'Cause from now on, the sickest tour course is starting, yarou!

A tour of Elias... It seems your intention is to let me directly experience how the world has changed over time.

I, Joanne, will give my all on this tour to not ruin that intention.

Alright!

Oi! There's no time to be dawdling around now, gora! Can't you see everyone's waiting for you?

Th-then I'll be going!

Aha! Welcome to the Elena Tour Company service, gora!

Our plan was to hit the Werebeast Village first, but word just came in that the Chow Rebel gaki are making their move. Time to reroute this ride, gora!

We're skipping the Werebeast Village and heading straight to Monatium!

Any questions?

U-Um...! Question...!

What is it?

What's the history of Monatium?

When did this place come to be? What kind of stories have unfolded here, and how big is it? What's the culture that runs through its veins?

Haaah? What kind of stupid question is that, yarou?

We didn't come here to study. We came to party, gora!

Everyone, let's kick things off with a glass of grape juice!

Woohoo! Grape juice! *Chug, chug!*

I-Is this really that tasty...?

Hey, Missy? Having second thoughts? Just chug it down!

Ahh! The taste is quite refreshing, yet sweet and sour... not bad at all.

Whoa! I'm already starting to heat up after a glass!

Miss Guide! Crank up the music!

Ugh... You're too loud, gora! You some kinda jobless kozo, yarou?! How many times you gonna ride this tour bus?!

If you won't play any music, I'll have to do it myself! Improv, oh yeah! Let's all dance!

Aaaah! Everyone shut it, gora! Dancing on a moving bus is illegal, yarou!!

Kheh...! Why's oresama here, yarou...?

Dance, dance! Kehehehe!

Was this the club I always went to with Snorky, yarou? Let's dance, gora! Huhahaha!

What is this atmosphere? Is this acceptable?

Ehehe... This vibe is super fun, right?

Everyone... This is not allowed! Please follow Monatium traffic laws...

Ehehe... Heehee...

Forget everything and enjoy the moment! Ehehe!

Dance,... just dance... Hehe...

Everyone is engaging in unusual dancing...? The atmosphere is quite intense...

Hey, you... Everyone's dancing like this... Are you seriously going to keep it all serious on your own? Ready to vibe?

Unless you want to get hit by the flash beam, that is, keke!

Is this... Monatium culture...?

Master said... to blend in with the surroundings, right...?

If I refrain from dancing... I can't blend in...!

I must dance... with all I've got...!

I-I will dance too! Dance!

Oh! Looking at how you're dressed I assumed you were the uptight kinda type, but you really got it in ya?!

Let your body follow the music... focus on the rhythm, Joanne!

Dance without shame in front of everyone...!

Uhaha! That's it! Shake it harder!

Like this! Like this...!

Go with the vibe...!

Ugh... I feel so strange... I might never be able to go back to who I was...!

Master... May I make one request?

If I may...

May I draw your countenance, Master?

Yes...

You're allowing me to? Thank you!

Since you are always busy... I wanted to draw as quickly as possible so I won't disturb you too much...

Oh, if you say so...!

Sister Joanne? Master? What are you up to here?

Nothing, Head Priestess!

J-just go back to what you were doing!

Huh? This is... a drawing?

You were drawing a portrait of Master?

Ugh, uwahhh...!

You are quite skilled at drawing, Sister Joanne.

Perhaps I could ask you to give Her Majesty some art lessons?

S-Sorry?

Is it really okay that you saw this?

What do you mean?

Because it goes against the rules....

Ah...!

You are right, there was a time when this sort of thing was taboo, was there not?

Is it okay now?

Is it permissible to create sacred representations?

Yes, that is correct, Master.

Even drawing images of Yggdrasil or the priestesses was not permitted.

But do not worry, Sister Joanne.

You may now draw without restrictions.

What a relief....

Yes...

I wanted to treasure it.

So I could take it out whenever things got hard, because I wanted to see you....

Mmm...

...I want to draw one too.

What? I-I shall draw first, Head Priestess!

I will be the one to draw first!

I will draw faster and better than you, Head Priestess!

What did you say?! I shall let you know I have won several drawing competitions!

It appears that there are no significant events occurring within the Order today.

Just water the flower beds... then go to my room and review Master's records...

Hello!! It's Ner!!

Yes, Head Priestess.

......

Huh?

Wait, what was that just now? That did not seem like the Head Priestess?

Hey, you there!

Hm? What is it?

You... you're not Head Priestess Ner, are you?

What? What are you suddenly talking about?

I'm Ner, you know?

How strange.

You look similar to Head Priestess Ner...

But your voice and manner of speaking are completely different.

Huh? How dare a mere Apostle summon the Head Priestess and waste her time?

Do you need to witness the Head Priestess's aggressive demeanor to come to your senses?

W-What?

Head Priestess Ner gets angry often, but she does not carelessly disrespect other Apostles!

Reveal your identity! Who are you really?!

N-no! Ner is really Ner!

Leave this sacred ground at once, you wicked being!

The power of Master compels you!

Wh-what are you saying? Don't come near Ner!

The power of Master compels you!

The power of Master compels you!

Kyaaa! Be quiet!

Stop glaring at me and tormenting me!

Stop the act, you wicked creature!

Kugh...

Where is the real Head Priestess Ner?

Inside here... together...

Wh-What?!

Give the Head Priestess back right now!!!!

Eeek! Speaki didn't do anything wrong! If you're such a clever sprite, go suck on some candy at the weekend farm! Hwaaah!!

Owww!!!!

Hah! I finally caught you!

H-Head Priestess Ner?

I apologize for the confusion, Sister Joanne.

This is Speaki. She is a phantom whose hobby is to imitate me.

So mean! I didn't do anything to deserve getting hit like this!

Speaki, I told you to turn it down a notch, did I not?

While I occasionally overlook this behavior, it becomes problematic if it persists.

I guess this is just a normal day at the Order?

I have read records about phantoms playing some pretty nasty pranks...

But I never imagined they would be this cunning.

Yes, that is why you must always be careful, Sister.

Speaki is the mildest of the mild.

So then... shall we go have a private interview, Speaki?

Hyeeek!! No! Please! I'll imitate someone other than Ner!

Mmm...

I cannot let my guard down even within the Order from now on.

I need to steel my resolve to protect this place...!

A lot has happened since I woke up.

Days filled with anxiety, but I think I am getting used to it now.

At least I feel like I am not a burden to Master, the Head Priestess... and everyone else in the Order anymore.

There are still some who are scared of me or avoid me...

But if I work harder and show them a new side of me, they shall gradually come around.

The time has finally come to be recognized, Joanne.

Do not be afraid and move forward!

Wh-what?

Master? What is this pile of documents...?!

I think the time has come, Sister.

I have brought some of Master's and my workload.

Unlike other common Apostles...

Sister Joanne, you are an Apostle who is also a Priestess like me, so you shall handle this kind of work too as part of your spiritual training.

Ah... haha, r-right! Of course!

Alright. I can definitely handle this much!

If I pull a few all-nighters after work hours this week, this is a doable amount.

Well... Sister Joanne is a highly capable person, so I am sure you can do it.

Do not fret about weekdays or weekends, just work hard, and that's all that matters!

W-weekends? So you mean I can work flexibly?

Ah... yes... flexible... very flexible thinking would be appreciated.

All of these documents... ugh...

N-no!!! I can handle the work assigned to me, Master!

I-I'm not intimidated! I was just a bit flustered, Master!

Please trust me! I can do this!

It does look like a lot of work...

But still, it makes me feel a bit more at ease.

I guess it makes me feel like my efforts to adapt to this new era have not been in vain?

I was afraid I would end up locked in my room, unable to do anything.

I do not know what to do with myself when you say such things, Master.

The I shall endeavor to complete the tasks assigned to me promptly.

...What?

This is just a teeny tiny portion.

As you get used to handling the work and speed up, you will end up doing more and more.

What...?

I have a great idea! How about we take turns going on vacation sometimes?

Now that three of us are doing the paperwork, we can dump it all on the remaining two and at least one person can rest!

W-wait...

I eagerly anticipate what's to come, Sister Joanne!

Please use your abilities to the fullest, Sister!

Oh... Right...