Midnight Marionette

...Where has everyone gone?

How would I know...? Oh! Maybe they're all playing a game of hide-and-seek!

We must be "it"! How exciting!

Your Majesty, please refrain from being so immature! Why would anyone do something as random as playing hide-and-seek at this time?

And more importantly... Where did all these unsettling, look-alike doll versions of sprites come from?

I have a bad feeling about this.

...Your Majesty?

Ner... that's not what's important right now...

Excuse me? Is there an even bigger problem?

Yeah... a bigger problem...!

I'm hungry!

Let's go to Ashur's Bakery for now, fill up, and then we can think about this, okay?

That's a great idea, right?!

Please do not pretend your nonsense is an urgent matter, Your Majesty.

If you don't catch up, I'm leaving you behind!

Aaaahhh!!!

Wh-What's wrong?!

The baked goods... The cakes... All of it... They all turned into dolls... This can't be happening...!

Ashur's clothes are scattered everywhere... Was she in a hurry or something?

Urgh... no way... This must be a dream... Wake up! Wake up right now, Erpin!!!

Look here, Your Majesty!

A-Ashur?!!

Th-Then... does that mean... the denizens, Ashur, the baked goods... everything... all turned into these creepy dolls...?

What do we do now...?!

Shall I tell you what you must dooo?

Ahhh! You scared me!

You must undo the doll's currrse.

Where did you pop out from, and what is this nonsense you're spewing?

A curse? Preposterous. Sprite Kingdom is under the protection of Yggdrasil. A curse could not possibly exist here!

Hmm... Is that sooo? I'm only here because you two looked so distressssed.

If you do not believe me, I can just gooo.

......

I'm really going to leave, okaaay?

...Ugh... F-Fine! I'll hear you out, so if you know something, talk.

But if this is all nonsense, you will answer to me!

My Keeper told meee... That a doll's curse has fallen upon Sprite Kingdommm.

Your... Keeper...?

Wait, who are you?

Barong.

And who's your Keeper?

The one I serve. My Keeper is always with me within this dollll.

So you're saying this "Keeper" you serve... the one inside that doll? They knew this would happen and told you in advance?

That's riiight. They live within my doll, but when they have something to say, they enter my bodyyy...

Then they speak to meee. In a voice only I can heeear.

Is that really possible...?

Of courrrse! Do you know just how amazing my Keeper is?

They even knew that this exchange would happen, toooo. That's why they told meee...

I don't know whether to believe this or not...

Your Majesty! Why would you trust some random phantom?!

But we can't just ignore her. I mean, the kingdom really has turned into a field of dolls, like we're actually cursed!

Oooh? You still don't believe meee?

My Keeper said... if the doll's curse is not brokennn...

Everything left in Sprite Kingdom will turn into dolls... and thennn...

Yes?

Soon the sugar... the Head Priestess... even the Queen will turn into dolllls...

You will all end up as tattered rag dolls with limbs hanging on by a threaaad...

And thennn... with just a little wind... an arm goes plop... a leg goes rip...

Pretty soon the heaaad...

EEEEEEK!! Your Majestyyy!

Huh?

R-right now the fate of the kingdom is at stake due to this crisis. Certainly Yggdrasil will understand going along for now.

So, for now, let us believe what Barong says...!

O-Okay! Then what do we have to do to undo this curse?!

Oh? Now you really believe meee?

Yes, we believe you, okay?

But wait... Don't tell me your little doll only told you that something like this would happen...

And left out the part about how to fix it...?

What do you take my Keeper forrr?! Of course they told me how to break the currrse. Ahem!

By the way, Queeeen...

What is it now?

Don't be so flippant with my Keeper. Do you want to feel their wrath?!

Do you even know how terrifying My Keeper isss?!

You are to address them as "Keeper" from now onnn!

What?! They're YOUR Keeper, not mine! Why the heck should I do that?!

Precisely! Besides, for all her faults, Her Majesty is still the ruler of Sprite Kingdom!

What?! What do you mean by "for all her faults," Ner? What's that supposed to mean?!

Hmph... It doesn't look like you really want to learn how to break the curse... Well, that's too baaad.

I'll let the two of you come up with something yourselllves. Not sure if you'll come up with anythiiing, though.

How unfortunate... Sprite Kingdom was a pretty nice plaaace... I suppose this is goodbye foreverrr...

Farewell, Sprite Kingdommm...

No, no, that is not what Her Majesty meant! She only thought that calling them "Keeper" when they had only just met today might make them feel uncomfortable!

Isn't that right, Your Majesty?

Ugh... Y-Yeah... Ner's right...

...Is that sooo? If that's the case, okaaay...

My Keeper is not the type to get uncomfortable over something like that, so you must call them "Keeper" from now onnn. Understooood?

Yeah, yeah... got it.

Great! Let's go and break this curse then, shall weee?!

Where do we have to go? Where is that place?

Shh! Quiet, quiiiet! No questions, no whining... just follooow!

We're heeere! This is where the Queen of Dolls liiives.

Huh? Wait, isn't this Chloe's dry cleaners?

Your Majesty, it is not a dry cleaners. It is a tailor shop. Chloe has told you this many times, with an exasperated look in her eyes.

Argh! You're both wrooong. I told yooou, this is where the Queen of Dolls liiives!

Here, have a look at this!

Yikes! What the heck is all this?!

See? These doll heads are proof that the Queen of Dolls lives here.

Ner... When did Chloe stick these things on her house...?

Once the curse is lifted and Chloe returns, I will have her remove those heads from her front door immediately.

I will ask you one last tiiime. Are you really ready to break the doll's currrse?

Why are you suddenly lowering your voice like that?! You are freaking me out!

What's this? Are you scared, Queeeen?

S-Scared? Me? No way!

Yes, Her Majesty is quite frightened right now, so please do not lower your voice like that.

I-I told you, I'm not! Why are you being like that, too, Ner?!

Hmph... Laugh while you still caaan... Once inside, you will not be able to leave so easilyyy...

What?! Why the heck are you only telling us that now?!

Whyyy? If I told you earlier, would you not have cooome? Would you have given up on breaking the currrse?

W-Well, no...

Ohooo... I see... You are more afraid than worried about saving your Kingdom from being turned into dolllls?

Wait, when did I ever say that?!

F-Fine! I'm going in! I am the Queen of Sprite Kingdom, after all!

Your Majesty...!

Don't worry, Ner! I-I'll take the lead and get rid of anything in our way!

Yes, Your Majesty! I fall for this every time, but I will put my trust in you once more.

Heehee, perfect! Now you finally look like you're ready to lift the currrse. Heeheehee.

Don't laugh! I'm being totally serious right now!

Okay, so what do we need to do at Chloe's house—I mean, the Queen of Dolls' house?

Alright, I'm going to tell you now, so listen carefullyyy.

You two need to find the Queen of Dollsss.

That's it?

Once you find the Queen of Dolls, I'll explain what you must do neeext.

Tch... Bossy, much?

Excuse me? What did you just sayyy?!

Wh-What?! I was just wondering out loud... "Who could this Queen of Dolls be?" That's all!

By the way, has your Keeper told you what this Queen of Dolls looks like?

My Keeper is far too busy to waste time explaining every little detaaail!

You will have to think and figure that out yourselvesss!

F-Fine. Ugh, I can't believe we have to use our heads just to undo this curse, too...

Hmm... Since we are at Chloe's Tailor Shop, perhaps...

Your Majesty, could the Queen of Dolls possibly be Sebastian? Chloe's always wearing that thing on her head!

...Oh, right! I just remembered what that thing looks like!

It's got those big chubby cheeks, and it's much bigger than us... Yeah, it totally looks like it could be the boss of all dolls!

Yes. I think we should look for Sebastian!

Gooosh, you do not have time to keep standing around and chatting heeere!

Hurry inside and go look for the Queen of Dollsss!

Urgh... The lights are all on, so why is it still so creepy in here?

Your Majesty, the ribbons hanging from the ceiling are suddenly moving on their own...!

Wh-Where?! Stop joking around, Ner!

D-Does it make sense for them to move on their own when no one t-touched them?!

Are you scared, Queeen? Heehee... You're stuttering all of a suddennn...

Wh-When did I stutter?! I did not, okay?!

Please stay still, Your Majesty! That bone-chilling sound from the floorboards is making this worse...!

It's not me! I've just been standing right here!

EEEEEEEEEK!!!

Your Majesty, the door! The door suddenly slammed shut!!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!

Why did the lights suddenly go out?! Ner, turn on the lights!

I do not know where the switch is!

Barong, was that you?! Did you slam the door and turn off the lights?!

.........

Ugh, I seriously thought I was going to have a heart attack... Barong!

.........

...Barong?

...Do I still look like Barong to yooou...?

Uh, what's wrong with you?

...IT IS I!!!

Whoa, you scared me!!

I am Barong's Keeeperrr! I have entered Barong's body to speak with you directlyyy.

Ah... I see...

Is that all?

Huh?

When meeting an elder, you should start with an introduction. Why are you just standing there idioticallyyy?

An introduction? Whatever, forget that!

Besides, you're just talking from within Barong anyway, right?

All these bells and whistles just to scare us... Geez!

Stop this and just turn on the lights! Where's the switch?!

Way better. It is much less scary than when we first walked in, hehe!

Ahem! Pay attention when I speak, Queeeen!

Did you two not come here to break the curse after hearing my prophecyyy?

Yes, that is correct.

But you are still far from readyyy!

Huh? Why?

Do you sprites have what it takes to undo the doll's curse?!

I shall now test you to find ooout!

Answer my two questions correctly, and I will reveal the Queen of Dolls' locatiooon.

Howeverrr—

Can we not just look around ourselves? It seems we might find it if we only search around for a bit...

Silence! I have not finished speakiiing!

However, if you answer incorrectly, or fail to answerrr...

You will remain trapped here foreverrr... as tattered old rag dolls... Understood?!

Urgh...

UNDERSTOOD?!

Aaah! Fine, we get it, so just stay still!!!

You should have said so from the start, heh...

Queen Erpin, your questionnn...

Why am I first... Urgh...

You've always been taking your cakes for granted, haven't you, Queeeen?

Especially the cakes from Ashur's Bakeryyy. You ravenously engulfed them quickly before they could see the light of day.

Those poor, unfortunate caaaaakes!

What's wrong with that?!

On top of that, because of youuu, anyone who wants cake in Sprite Kingdom has to camp outside the bakery before it even opensss.

The elementals working at the bakeries tremble in fear the moment they hear your footstepsss.

But I can't help it! They're delicious!

Tsk, tsk! Look at how selfish you are!

Just how many times did you go to Ashur's Bakery this week?

Well, every day, of course.

And you devoured every single cake they had, didn't youuu?

Well, yes... B-But there weren't that many...

In that case, confess your sins by stating the exact number of cakes you scarfed down at Ashur's Bakery this weeeek!

Eeek! How do you expect me to count all that?!

And how do you even know this, Keeper?

Well, I did a preliminary investi—I mean... Hey! Are you questioning my powersss?!

I am a being who overlooks not just Sprite Kingdom but all of Eliasss!

Urgh... Whatever! This question is unfair!

I can't even remember what happened yesterday! How am I supposed to remember all the cakes I ate over a week?!

Are you giving uuup?

N-No, but...

Your Majesty, you have five chances, so just try saying the first number that comes to mind.

You think? Hmm, okay then. I'm really just going to say the first number that comes to mind!

Umm, about... ten! Final answer!

Incorreeect...

Aaah!! Wh-Why did you stab your doll out of nowhere?!

Each time you answer incorrectly, Barong's doll gets stabbed with this naaail...

This doll is connected to Barooong.

So, when you give me a wrong answer, Queen...

Barong will feel the exact same pain as the doll being staaabbed....

The more you fail... the more she sufferrrs...

So if you do not wish for her to sufferrr... hurry up and answer correctlyyy.

Y-Yiiikes! What the heck?! That is terrifying!!! Stop it right now!

She does not look like she is in any pain at all, though...

That is... because once I return this body to Barong, all the pain will hit her at onnnce!

That's even worse! Don't torture Barong, you meanie!

Then hurry up and tell me the answerrr!!

Urgh... A-About fifteen cakes? F-Final answer!

Fifteen... How very shamelessss.

F-Fifty?

Not even close!

Come on, Keeper! At least tell me if it is higher or lower!

Of course it's higher! You call that a question?!

Oh, I know! One hundred cakes! Final answer! I got it, right?!

Wrong! Now, you only have one attempt remainiiing.

What, already?!

Your Majesty! Even if you are guessing, you cannot just throw out numbers like that!

So strange... It didn't feel like I made many guesses... You're not lying to me, are you, Keeper?

How dare you?! I am a being incapable of lyiiing!

You should have put more thought into iiit.

But I did put some thought into it...

Get your head straight and think of Barong who's suffering because of youuu... Do you feel no guiiilt?

If you get it wrong this time, you'll be the first to become a rag dollll!

What? No, I don't want that! Waaah...!!

To think that after trying to save the kingdom from a doll's curse, the Queen ends up becoming a doll herself...

What do I do?! What do I do now, Ner? I seriously don't know... Waaah...

Please dry those tears and give me a moment.

How do you expect me to do that?! I am going to turn into a tattered doll! Don't you even feel sad for me?!

I definitely heard something from Ashur a few days ago. What did she say again...?

I heard you were looking for me, Ashur? Oh, my... Are you not selling cake today?

It is not that I'm NOT selling them... I CAN'T sell them...

Why? Did you get a shipment of saccharin instead of sugar again?

No... something worse than that came through here...

Ah, I see... I did wonder where she had gone, but I see she has visited you again...

Her Majesty is determined to ruin me. I'm sure of it.

Just this week alone...

I ran a "Prices so low, it's a steal! All cakes at just 500 Gold" promotion!

I completely sold out every day.

Wow! How many cakes did you sell during the promotion, then?

I really poured my heart and soul into making them while losing sleep, so I remember the exact number. 1,044 of them!

Whoa! You must have made a lot of money then, Ashur!

That's what I thought! If I sold all 1,044 cakes, that means I made 522,000 Gold.

That's a lot of money for me! With that kind of Gold, it would be enough to cover two months of rent for my bakery—I mean, Magic School...

But the amount I actually have left is exactly half... a measly 261,000 Gold.

*Sob* I know she's the Queen, but this is just too much!

She ate half of the cakes I made by herself! Without even paying for them!

As Head Priestess, I apologize on her behalf...

If she sold 1,044 cakes, she should have made 522,000 Gold, but she only made 261,000 Gold...? So, if you divide 1,044 by half...

Five hundred... and twenty-two...?

I remember! It is five hundred and twenty-two cakes, Your Majesty! Hurry!

Okay! Five hundred and twenty-two cakes! Final answer!

Did I really eat that many? I didn't really feel like it... Urgh...

Hmm... I'm not sure about this... Having someone answer for youuu...

B-But, Ner is my representative!

What she says is basically what I say! And what I say is basically what she says!

Your Majesty, I do not think that last part is quite right.

Well, you got the answer right regardlessss. Fiiine! You have passed the test, Queeeen!

Yay! Ner, I did it!

Do not celebrate just yeeet... You still have the second test remainiiing... Hehe.

Next contestant, step right uuup!

You saw that, right, Ner?

I passed, so you can do it too!

...What? Why are you looking at me like that?

It is nothing. I believe it is better if you simply remain unaware.

Head Priestess, you are the representative of the priestesses who serve Yggdrasil in Sprite Kingdom, yesss?

That is correct.

And how exactly do the priestesses serve Yggdrasiiil?

We offer our prayers with reverence beneath Yggdrasil in the palace underground.

You must answer my question within 30 seconds, Head Priestessss...!

Sorry? And why is there a time limit for me?

To prevent cheatiiing!

It is so you cannot have someone answer for you as the Queen did earlier!

She would be of no help anyway...

Ugh! I can say smart things, too, sometimes!

...Please hurry and ask your question.

Hmm, is that riiight? Perhaps that rule was unnecessaryyy...

Anyway... Answer within 30 seconds, or you'll also be turned into a tattered doll, too!

Ugh... I understand, so please just ask the question already!

You claim to pray to Yggdrasil constantly, yet you do not value that time at allll.

Excuse me? That is ridiculous!

You and the other priestesses are always sprawled out under Yggdrasil in the garden, doing nothing but sleepiiing.

Why do you always do nothing but sleep during prayer tiiime?

And your 30 seconds start... nooow!

We do nothing but sleep? What a preposterous thing to say!

What? Everyone knows that the priestesses fall asleep under the shade of Yggdrasil during their prayersss!

Why does that surprise youuu?

Hmph... You claim to watch over all of Elias, and yet you know so litt—

Yeah, that's right.

Wh-What are you saying, Your Majesty?

The priestesses all sleep during their prayers, don't they?

Your Majesty! You too?!

You know how sincerely we devote ourselves to praying to Yggdrasil every day!

Not really. I only ever see the priestesses fast asleep every day.

Ten seconds gooone... Tick-tock, tick-tooock...

Since you're always by my side, you're often away from the Yggdrasil Order Garden...

I just assumed the other priestesses were slacking off and napping while you were gone...

Your Majesty! Are you truly doing this right now?!

If even you would believe these baseless rumors, Your Majesty, Yggdrasil would be utterly heartbroken.

Hehe... I knew iiit. The Queen knew the answer that the Head Priestess did not!

It's a good thing I prevented cheating, right?

Hmph! That is not the correct answer anyway!

Keeper, what I said is actually true. Ner is just too embarrassed to admit it.

It's not like the Head Priestess can exactly say, "Yes, we all hop on the dream train during prayers," now, can she?

I suppose that is truuue. Hehe... Okay, twenty seconds have passssed... Ten seconds left, Head Priestessss!

Grr... grrr... Arrrrrrgh!!!

Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tooock!

I am telling you, that is NOT it!!!!

We priestesses are not sleeping! We are listening to the words of Yggdrasil within our dreams!

Hmm? If you are listening in a dream, that means you are sleeping, does it nooot?

Sleeping is simply lying down and doing nothing but breathing!

But us? We are listening to Yggdrasil's words! The only difference is that we shift into the dream realm!

Can you not hear the words of Yggdrasil while awaaake?

O-Of course, I can! I'm the Head Priestess!

I am always prepared to receive Yggdrasil's words, no matter what state I am in! Ahem...

Huh? R-Really? Ner, you had an ability like that?

But I've never seen a priestess praying while conscious...

P-Please be quiet, Your Majesty!

So all those times you nap while claiming to pray, you're just slacking off?

Come on, Ner! Let me take naps too, then! I wanna slack off while pretending to pray!!!

Yeeeow! Why did you hit me?!

Sigh...!

Your Majesty, why must you only become clever at the most useless moments?!

Regardless, every single word from Yggdrasil is precious!

They must be received in an optimal state with a clear and empty mind!

So sleeping is unavoidable?

It is a conversation within a dream, not sleeping!

But from the outside, it really just looks like you're all sound asleep!

Urgh... Your Majesty, please!!

If we were truly just sleeping, we would not have received Yggdrasil's protection!

Okay, that's iiit! Your 30 seconds are up, Head Priestessss.

I believe I gave you my answer, though.

Well... I am not entirely convinced... but you do not seem to be lyiiing.

Fiiine! I'll just give you a passss!

No, you are not "giving me a pass," it is exactly as I say!

Okay, okaaay... Whoa, there... calm dooown.

The two of you still have much to dooo!

Urgh... Just tell us the location of the Queen of Dolls already!

Yeah! You saw how we didn't get flustered at all by your ridiculous questions, and dealt with them very intelligently?!

We have proven we are worthy to break the curse with this!

You cheated, so you have no reason to rush meee!!

*Cough*

The Queen of Dolls is right there on that table!

That right there, hidden under the cloth!

If I, Barong's Keeper, had not told you, you would have never found it, would youuu?

It really was right in front of our noses all along... We were right... it's Sebastian.

Ugh, you made us waste all this time with that stupid test by threatening to turn us into dolls!

Wh-What did you say?!

This is why you should never help creatures with rat-sized wings on their backs!

Do you think finding it is enooough? Do you even know what to do neeext?!

Oh, right! Barong didn't tell us what to do after this, did she?!

Apologize to her, Your Majesty. Look, they are angry because of what you said.

Hey! Shouldn't you be on my side?!

With the kingdom under a terrible curse right now, is this the time to be taking "sides"?

We must lift the curse, right, Your Majesty?

Ugh... Urgh... Fine...

I'm sorry, Keeper...

I was just so excited about finding the doll that I put my foot in my mouth...

I will behave, so help us finish lifting the curse...

Hmm...

Keeperrr...

Hmm...

Keeeeeeeeepeeeeeerrrrrr, pleaaaaaaease!!

You're sorryyy?

Yes!

How sorry are youuu?

To the moon and back!

...That's iiit?

Urgh... How about...

I'm as sorry as I feel hungry right now?

That is quite a lot of remorse, indeeeed. Very well. I will forgive you just this onccce.

So, what must we do now?

We must punish this Queen of Dollsss.

But first, I shall perform a ritual to suppress... Yes, the energy! I will suppress the energy of this evil being using my own pure and righteous spiritual energyyy!

Its energy? How?

You wouldn't understand even if I told you, Queeeen!

Hmph! Stop treating me like I'm dumb!

This ritual requires a great deal of concentration and it is very, very dangerous...

Yes, it would be best if you two waited outsiiide.

It's dangerous? Wh-What if something bad happens? What if we cannot break the curse?!

Do you not know who I ammm?

I am the one who looks down on all of Eliasss! I am Barong's Keeeeper!

So, have faith in meee.

O-Okay... But you gotta finish this quickly, okay?

I'm scared and hungry, and I wanna go back to the palace soon...

Do not worry, Your Majesty. I am here.

I shall be watching to see if your method works. If this fails, you had better be prepared for the consequences!

Hehe, got it. Hehehe...

I have arriiived!

You said you would be quick! What took you so long?

I told youuu. I had to discipline the Queen of Dolls.

Discipline it how, exactly...?

Do either of you know what is hidden inside this Queen of Dollsss?

Of course we don't! Tell us! What's in it? Urgh, I'm scared...

The seed causing the curse is planted within the Queen of Dolllls.

That's why we must burn this doll to erase the seed completelyyy.

B-Burn it? Burn Sebastian?

This is not Sebastiaaan! This is the Queen of Dolls that holds the curse!

B-But Chloe loves this doll a lot...

Is it truly okay for us to do this, Your Majesty?

Chloe will not take it well if she finds out her doll has been destroyed.

Yeah... we might lift the doll's curse, but Chloe may end up cursing us, too...

Keeper, isn't there another way? Like, what if we just smack it around a bit? Maybe it'll apologize and undo the curse?

Did you not hear me?! That is not enough! We must burn it!

Do you want the doll's curse on the kingdom gone or not?!

Or are you actually fine with the entire Kingdom turning into dolls?!

Ugh... Ner, we don't have a choice. We should save the kingdom first...

Well? Are you doing it or not?

Fine, we'll do it. Ugh... L-Let's burn it... Burn the Queen of Dolls...

Are you certain, Your Majesty? Urgh... How are we going to explain this to Chloe...?

Mmm! You will have to figure that out yourself, Queeeen.

Huh? Why me?! No way! You do it!

Listen... The curse was placed on Sprite Kingdom, so why should I be the one to burn iiit?

As Queen and ruler of Sprite Kingdom, you should set it on fiiire!

.........

Stop pouting and light it already!

Wait! If we're getting rid of it, can't we say a final goodbye on Chloe's behalf first?

W-Wait, NOOO!

Ahhh! You scared me! What's wrong, Keeper?!

Do not remove the blanket covering the Queen of Dolls!

Why?!

It is there to prevent even the slightest bit of the curse's energy from leaking ooout.

I weakened it earlier during the ritual I performed to suppress its aura...

But if you remove the blanket now, the trapped energy may end up spilling ouuuut.

So, you must not touch it!

Eek! O-Okay!

Head Priestessss, hold the blanket tightly so it does not slip off. Now, Queen, set the Queen of Dolls on fiiire.

Farewell, Sebastian... Sprite Kingdom will remember you...!

I will make sure to tell Chloe that you were amazing! I am so sorry! *Sob*

It's burning nicely...

Indeed...

Sniff, sniff... Sniff, sniff, sniff...

Why are you suddenly wrinkling your nose like that, Your Majesty?

Is this how a burning doll normally smells, Ner? Something's off about this...

*Sniff, sniff*

Oh my... You're right... This does not smell like fabric burning... *cough, cough*

It smells familiar...

Wait! This smells like...!

Yes?

Bread baking!

But it smells incredibly foul and unrecognizable, Your Majesty!

Mwahahaha!

This is the scent of the doll's curse burning awayyy! It is quite awful, isn't iiit?

Yes, it certainly is. No wonder...

That should do iiit. The seed of the curse within the Queen of Dolls must be completely gone nowww.

Still, we should check to see if it burned properly, right? I'll take a look—

NOOO!

Gosh! Why do you keep yelling?!

Remnants of the curse could leap out from any part that hasn't finished burning yet!

S-So, I, Barong's Keeper, shall take care of the rest heeere!

You just said that the seed of the curse would have burned away by now, did you not?

Just in case! I am saying there is a chance some might remaaain!

Now hurry back to the palace, you twooo. Go on, gooo!

Go home, wash your feet, and get some sleep while you wait for the sun to rise.

That's it? We're done? We can finally go back?!

...Why do I feel so uneasy about this...?

You're just overly sensitive because you're tired!

Please take care of the rest then, Keeper. Thanks!

Hmm...

Come on, Ner! Let's get out of here. I wanna rest!

Why do I feel like we were just being led around...?

O-Okay, Your Majesty! Slow down!

Yes, yes, off you go... Heeheehee...

...Are they gone? I guess they're out of sight by now?

Heehee, Sebastian belongs to me now!!

Do you have any idea how much I went through just to get my hands on this?!

I was getting a bit nervous because that sharp-eyed priestess kept being suspicious...

Lucky for me, that clueless Sprite Queen helped me pull it off.

They probably have no idea that they just burned some trash I heaped together in the form of a bear, not Sebastian!

When she almost took off the cloth earlier... I was so scared that it was all over! My act almost got exposed!

Still, I'm glad it all worked out!

Plus, since that idiotic Queen burned the fake doll herself...

That rag-peddler will blame the Sprite Queen for Sebastian's disappearance.

And she will have no idea that the real one is right here in my hands... Heehee!

This was a perfect plan! Bwahahaha!

That obnoxious rag-peddler...!

It's her own fault for constantly showing off Sebastian in front of me!

"Ah... This bunny? You want it that badly? Take it, then."

"Really? Thanks...! This is so prettyyyy...!"

"It's fine. I messed that up. It's basically trash to me!"

"H-Huh...?"

"I was going to rip it up and throw it out anyway, but if you want to take it, that's fine by me!"

Sigh...!

That smug tone, acting generous while handing over garbage...!

How dare she treat me, the Phantom of Delusion, like that?!

My doll... What is "trash" about this?!

This bunny is plenty cute...!

That fool doesn't even know what true beauty is!

Heh! Hehe! Hehehe!

Right, Sebastian? You get me, right?

Well, what do you say? I'm your new owner now.

Compared to your old owner, who treated a little doll like trash...

I am willing to work THIS hard to make a new doll friend. What do you think of that?

You are happy that I am your new owner, right?

Oh, really? Good, good... I'm so happy I could get you out of there, too! Hehehe...

Now then, shall we see just how amazing the doll Sebastian is?

I mean, that patchwork hack treasures it like crazy...

There's gotta be something special about it, right?!

Hmm...

Hmmm...

Argh...

...Arrrgh!! What the heck?!

This ribbon's black with grime and frayed... The stuffing in its cheeks is all clumped up and about to burst...

Why are the arms and legs covered in stitches?

And this flower... I wondered what it was, but it's actually a real flower?

Urgh, if I hold it the wrong way, it'll fall apart...

Her doll looks like this, and she had the nerve to call mine raggedy?!

She must have left her conscience at the Weekend Farm or something!

Ugh, I'm SO annoyed!!

I didn't pour all that money and time into this just to end up with a shabby old doll!

I was looking forward to this so much, I have been counting down the days!

From a distance, it looked fine, but up close, it's a total disaster!

Waah... What a waste of time and money!!

Okay, you dingy bear... Yeah, I'm talking to you!

Why is that jerk Chloe playing house with a grubby doll like you?!

I always knew she was just putting on a show...

"Ooh, look at me, talking to a doll I made, aren't I so deep and mysterious?"

It takes one to know one, after all.

Getting intoxicated by a fabricated "cool" version of yourself... Staying in character, unwilling to live a normal life...

That's me! The craziest phantom in these parts... the Phantom of Delusion!

I see right through all of it.

You saw it too, right? How the Head Priestess and the Sprite Queen completely fell for my act earlier?

That was all me, I'm in a different league than Chloe!

Well, anyway, that's not the point!

Chloe gave you that fancy name... It's far too good for such a mangy thing like you!

She's always carrying you around and showing you off...

That made me think you'd have something about you that made you different from a normal doll, but look at you!

Your name isn't Sebastian anymore, it's Shabs, got it?!

*Sigh* At least my bunny can be useful when I pretend to be possessed...

You're just big and heavy... And up close, you're not even that cute.

Shabs, is there anything you can do?

Let's see... Maybe if I wear you on my head like Chloe does...

Hngh...

.........

Ugh, figures. Like there'd be anything special—

Want... me?

Wh-What the...?!

Was that the Sprite Queen? Wh-What was that? Hello? Anyone up on the roof...?

.........

That's strange... I definitely thought I heard something from above...

My ears are obviously playing tricks on me!

The Head Priestess and Sprite Queen went back to the palace a while ago...

And the rest of the sprite denizens should be in Monatium on that staycation... I should be the only one here...

Hmm... Maybe I'm still reeling in shock from blowing my money and my time on this shabby doll...?

This is why you shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket...

But wait, now that I'm wearing Shabs, I think it looks way better on me than on Chloe...

Let's see if I can find a mirror nearby...

Do you... want me?

Yeah! It really does look better on me!

Chloe... sad... without me... Where is... Chloe?

Well, Chloe's off on that group trip to Monatium that I sent everyone on—wait, what?

Huh? Am I hearing things again—

If you... want me... just take... a little...

...Eeeeeek!

.........

I-It's not you, is it? Th-That wasn't you talking, was it... Shabs?

No, I'm imagining things, I'm imagining—

Want me to... cut off... my head...?

.........

Ahh! Ahhhhh!! Ahhhhhhh!!!!!

Want me to... cut off... my arm...?

Throw me... and Chloe... gets angry...

Eeeek! I'm outta here!!

What the heck kinda doll was that?!?!?!

I wouldn't take it even for free! Since when do dolls actually talk?!

What the hell is that Chloe freak, anyway?!?!

*Huff, huff, wheeze, huff*

Oh, perfect timing, Barong!

Eek! The Sprite Queen?!

Thank you, Barong! The sprites have all returned because of you!

Huh?! Oh! S-See? Didn't I tell youuu?!

I told you My Keeper would take care of everythiiing!

It might have been a rough night, but aren't you glad you listened to meee?

Yeah, totally! I really don't say stuff like this, but... Thanks, Barong!

H-Huh?

Seeing all the sprites buzzing around the kingdom... I always took it for granted before...!

But once they were gone, that's when I realized how precious it is to see this!

Urgh, what's wrong with her...? Why is she saying stuff like this instead of her usual idiotic stuff?

I... I see... Well, I'm glad it was a happy endiiing...

Hey, Barong, thanks! That was really relaxing! And that hotel was incredible!

You swing the door open, and bam! A bed the size of a pool! Then you hit the window, and bam! Your own private pool on the terrace!

I've never been pampered like that in my life! Send us again sometime!

Hm? What are you talking about? Hotel? Pool?

I dunnooo... I have no idea what she's talking about eitherrr...

Hmm... mm...

I had to run into a sprite at a moment like this?! Urgh... I'm done for...

Oh, that's right! Now, I remember!

Wh-Whaaat?

This is what I came here to check on! I got so emotional about the curse being lifted that I forgot!

Wh-What is iiit...?

BAKED GOOOOOOODS!!!

Eek, you scared me!

Your Majesty! You can't just slam into my display window like that!

It sounded like something broke out here, so I came out to see what it was!

Oh, why, if it isn't Sprite Kingdom's big spender, Barong! Welcome!

Huh? N-No... I'm not a big spenderrr...

Heh... Hehe... Hehehe...

Come on! Will you stop squishing your cheeks up against the glass?!

Hehe... Look at that airy, soft and fluffy texture!

Those aren't dolls, right? These are real baked goods?

Dolls? What are you talking about all of a sudden?

Don't even ask. Do you have any idea what kind of nightmarish night Barong and I went through for the sake of the kingdom yesterday?

Barong, you tell her. You know best.

W-Wellll... You see...

Yikes, I didn't plan for this situation when I came up with the plan... What do I say...?

Really? My day was pure bliss yesterday!

Oh, right. Come to think of it, why weren't you and the Head Priestess there, Your Majesty?

Where?

Monatium!

Barong sent every single sprite in the kingdom on a vacation to that new five-star hotel there!

I barely had time to pack before I scrambled to get there.

If I'd missed it, I would've totally regretted it. It was amazing!

Huh? What? A five-star hotel? What are you talking about?

Wait... Didn't you invite Her Majesty, Barong?

Uh... Well, you seeee...

Stop talking about the trip! Just keep it to yourself as a happy memory!

But Barong was with me last night, breaking the doll's curse...

Huh? What curse? You've been saying a ton of weird stuff for a while now...

Ah, so the thing is... This curse, we had to burn the Queen of Dolls—

Er... hahaha! Never mind, forget it!! Barong, let's just drop it.

R-Riiight! Best not to bring these things up carelesslyyy. Hehe... heh!

Huh? You two seem like you're hiding—

Stop digging!! Just know that I worked really hard on something, okay?!

A small-time merchant like you is better off not knowing all the details!

I gotta bear all the difficult and tough matters of the kingdom. That's why I'm the Big Boss—the Queen of this kingdom!

So, my loyal subject Ashur, don't you worry about a thing...

Just bring out one of every type of baked good you have as an appetizer for your hardworking Queen!

O-Oh no!

Oh, YES!!!

Oho? Ohoho! I dodged this crisis thanks to that Idiot Queen!! She actually comes in surprisingly handy!

Lalalaaa... lalalaaa What a fun outing that was!

Huh? That sounds like that clothing peddler...

Sebastian, I'm baaack!

Eeek! It's Chloe! Hurry up and open the door, Ashur! I need to get in!!!!

Okay, okay! I'll open it! Don't break my door!

Oh no! It's really Chloe!!

Her shop just had to be across from Ashur's Bakery?!

Your Majesty! I'm coming too—

Ah! How can you just go in by yourself and slam the door shut?!

Sorry, Barong. I'll leave the rest to you...!

I'll let Shaydi know that you were a wonderful phantom!

Wha-what?!

If Chloe finds out someone burned her doll...

She'll need a punching bag...

And that can't be me!! No way! I'm the Queen, right?

I'm already Ner's punching bag as it is!

Wh-What?! Since when did this brat get so sharp?!

Ashur, lock the door and draw the curtains! Hurry!

Chloe can't see me!

Ugh, fine, I'll do it! Geez, why are you making such a fuss?

No...! Let me in too! Pleeease! Eeeek!

Hm? What's with these doll heads on my door? Oh no, Sebastian! Why are you lying on the floor like this?!

Aww! You missed me, so you came to meet me at the door?! Really?!

Mhmm! Of course! I missed you, too, Sebastian! Very much!

But Barong told me that the hotel had a "no pets" policy...

And I really, really wanted to go check it out. Also, I heard they were hosting a fashion show, so how could I miss that?

That's why I had no choice but to leave you at the shop even though it made me feel really bad. I'm sorry, Sebastian...! Still, you're great at guarding the place, right?!

Eek! She's talking to that bear thing like it's normal! Yikes, it gives me the creeps!

Why doesn't she think that's weird?

Why isn't she scared...?!

How in the world did she make a doll that actually talks?!

But wait a second, have you been out here long? There's a lot of dust and dirt on your head!

Yikes... She's beating that bear thing up! S-Scary...

Huh? Someone... threw you on the ground? That's why you're dirty...?

What? They broke into my Tailor Shop... And took you away...?

Y-Yikes...!

Huh? Who? Okay...

Oh no... I need to get away! I'll be in danger if I stick around!

Huh...? Someone across the street? Who? Keep going.

I-I gotta hide! Now, Barong!

L-Let's go into that alley! Quick!

*Huff* Uuuugh...! Please don't find me... Waaah!

Waah... *Sob*

...I really thought Chloe was just playing with her doll and pretending she could talk to it...

It looked like so much fun when she was playing with her colorful doll that I just wanted one for myself...

I was just jealous of how she got to carry around a big, fluffy doll...!

But I think I have learned something I was never meant to know.... Waaaaah!

There you are.

E-Eeeek! She found—

Aaaaaaah!! I'm sorry, Chloe! I didn't burn it on purpose!

Burn? You burned Sebastian?!

Y-Yeah... But, what the heck? It looks fine... Then I didn't do anything wrong!

What the heck did you do to Sebastian?! You're not getting away with this!

Ow! Sebastian looks completely fine! That hurts! I said that hurts!

Th-The Sprite Queen?

The Sprite Queen saved me again...

Does she think the Queen is the culprit? Not me?

I'll just hide here until Chloe gets tired walloping the Sprite Queen...

I am never, ever going to covet one of Chloe's dolls again.

I only need this bunny. Yes...

My very own cute little bunny...

Huh? Really? You like that, too? Great...!

Yeah, hehe, heh... Me too. You're all I need... Heh, hehe... Heh...