Stitching Towards Utopia

WAAAAAAAAAH!

Look at this fence! If you look closely, it's made of doll arms! Waaaaah!!

EEEEEK! This bunny doll has been completely dismembered! I-It's really terrifying!!!

What? If you're scared, just don't look! Why come all this way just to freak out?

Put the poor dolls back the way they were! Fix them!

This IS the way they were! What, you want me to turn them back into cloth and stuffing?!

Waaaah... You're such a meanie! We're telling Chief Diana everything!

That you're bullying the dolls!

Hey, w-wait for me! I'm scared!

Ugh... Gosh, they're loud.

How many days has this been now?

And just when I finally found a spot with a decent view to settle down!

All of a sudden, werebeasts show up and make a huge fuss about how "creepy" and "bizarre" my house is...

If anything, more of them are hanging around my place now, using it to prove how "brave" they are!

My house is NOT a haunted house!

Excuse me... Chloe, right? It is nice to finally meet you.

May I step inside for a moment?

Huh? And you are?

I'm Chief Diana, overseer of the nearby village.

I've come because there's something I need to discuss with you.

Oh, so you're the one those noisy brats were yapping about...

Press the bell over there if you want to come in.

Oh, so this was a bell? "Press the bell," huh...?

Do I just tap it like this?

Urgh... Normally, you're supposed to push the nose and say, "Ding-dong," but I'll let it slide for today.

Come on in and make yourself at home. Want some tea?

No, thank you. I'm fine. Please excuse the intrusion.

So? What brings you here?

Um... Chloe, I'll get straight to the point.

These dolls... and the doll remains around here...? You've arranged them like this intentionally, did you not?

I put them where they're most convenient for me while I work.

Of course, I also put some thought into the interior design, too. The concept is... a harmony of elegance and the avant-garde, if you will.

Um... Er... Would... Would it be possible for you to remove them?

Huh? Remove my dolls? Why?

Well... First of all, setting up your home near our village without permission is an issue in itself...

But the bigger issue is that many of our little werebeasts are fainting at the sight of those dolls or end up having nightmares.

Moreover, these kids keep skipping their studies just to come out here and prove how brave they are. It's becoming a vicious cycle.

You are aware of this situation, are you not?

Ah, right... A few of them were just here a minute ago.

But why is that my fault? It has nothing to do with me!

I keep warning them not to come here, you know?

Isn't it your fault for failing to stop the kids from coming out this way?

Yes, you aren't entirely wrong...

But basically, you're saying that you won't remove your dolls, correct?

Hmm... How troublesome. I was hoping we could find some common ground...

*Sigh*

Don't act like you're actually thinking about it. You just have a problem with me being here, don't you?

Excuse me? Excuse me? I mean... is there any relationship in life that doesn't have its share of friction? Everyone lives by working through these conflicts.

I only wish you could do something about those scary dolls so the little werebeasts would stop coming around...

But this is how I work best! I cannot compromise on that.

Hmm... Perhaps a tall fence or something might solve it? Or—

*Sigh* Oh well. It looks like I'll have to move again.

What?

Honestly, this isn't the first time something like this has happened.

I had a similar experience near Elemental Mountain, too.

The elementals tried to kick me out because they said my place looked like a place where phantoms live.

I came to this unfamiliar place and thought I'd finally settled down...

Where the heck am I supposed to go once I leave this place now...? *Siiigh*

.........

Do you truly have nowhere else to go?

Nope. If I did, I wouldn't be here doing this.

Have you tried Sprite Kingdom...?

Sprite Kingdom? Why there?

You are a sprite, aren't you, Chloe?

H-Huh? Y-Yeah, that's right!

I just thought that it would be natural for a sprite to live in Sprite Kingdom...

I'm a little nervous about living around other sprites, though...

I don't have wings, so I'm worried everyone will look at me funny.

Did you just write it off because the land was too expensive there?

Oh! Y-Yeah! Exactly! Places near the downtown area cost a fortune!

Hmm... Maybe it's time I used that?

I have a good idea.

Why don't you take this and relocate to Erpien, Sprite Kingdom?

Wh-What is this?

It's a golden toad. It's 100% pure gold, so you'll get a very good price for it at the store.

I had originally intended to use it for my disciple's tuition...

But... *Sigh* That little rascal has become a complete troublemaker now... If I send her to school, she'll just cause problems, so I'm planning to educate her myself.

Gold? Why are you giving something that precious to me?

Is there something else you want from me, other than me leaving?

No. There is only one thing I want...

...Peace in Werebeast Village. And I hope a guest like you can find some peace of mind as well.

That is more meaningful to me than that lump of metal.

Well... With this, it might work. Are you sure I can have it?

Yes, absolutely. I have no use for it anymore.

Forget a house! With this, I could even open up a Tailor Shop!

The queen of Erpien is somewhat unusual in temperament, but she is benevolent in her own way.

If you go to Sprite Palace and explain your situation "sweetly," I'm sure she will help you get settled.

What do you say? Will you accept my proposal?

Hmm...

Alright. I'll take the golden toad and leave this place.

It is what Sebastian wants.

Sebas...? What did you say?

Oh, it's nothing! I was just talking to myself.

Then I won't drag this out. I'll pack my bags and head out by the end of the day.

Thanks for the great offer, Chief.

Oh, no need to thank me... I'm just sorry I made you leave.

I truly hope you find the perfect place for yourself and live happily.

Yeah... I'll try... To be happy.

Hnngh! So this must be Erpien...

It definitely feels more structured here than Werebeast Village was.

Hmm... this must be Food Alley, Sebastian.

This delicious smell of baked goods is everywhere... It's making my stomach growl.

Urgh... I'm hungry. I haven't eaten anything for days now.

Why is it so noisy over there?

*Om, nom, nom, nom* Sho delishus!! Waiter, I'll have five more chocolate muffins!!

Er... Your Majesty, you just had the last of our baked goods...

I told you just a moment ago that we're completely out of ingredients...

Huh? Sold out already?! But I barely ate anything!

Oh well, I guess it can't be helped. I'll just have to savor this last piece even more! Hehehe!

*Munch, munch, munch!!! Om, nom, nom, nom!!!*

What in the...?! Is that some kind of "appetite-suppressing" mukbang? Wow, what a rude awakening!

No time to dawdle. I'm sick of always walking around on an empty stomach.

Let's hurry up and find a place to live, Sebastian.

Hmmmm...

No tailor, fashion shops or apparel businesses nearby...

Moderate sprite foot traffic...

Deposit or monthly rent... I'm not exactly sure, but it doesn't seem like it'll be expensive.

Hmm, not bad.

Huh? The most important thing for us right now is the monthly rent, you say?

Don't worry. We have a very useful bargaining chip, don't we?!

Ta-da! This golden toad!

Anyway, listen closely, Sebastian, while I go over the plan one more time.

First, we need to head to Sprite Palace and get an audience with Her Majesty.

We have to file a residency application so we can officially become denizens of Sprite Kingdom.

Then we stop by a real estate office, buy or lease this building, and open a tailor shop.

Once we open, I'll take charge as the boss, handling all the tailoring and fashion consulting...

And you will promote our Tailor Shop by handing out flyers in front of the store as the Marketing Director, Sebastian.

What do you think? Sounds flawless, right?

Hehe. Stop, you're making me blush with all that praise!

If you're on board, let's go to Sprite Palace right away!

We'll file the residency application and pitch this whole business plan I came up with at the same time.

Diana definitely said that the Sprite Queen was benevolent, wise, and absolutely amazing, didn't she?

I'm starting to wonder what she's really like!

Yeah. Nope.

Excuse me? What was that?

*Crunch, crunch, crunch*

I said you can't open a tailor shop there. Are you hard of hearing or something?

I-I don't understand... Why in the world can't I? It doesn't make sense!

Listen, have you forgotten who you're speaking to here? This is MY kingdom.

If your Queen says no, you should just accept it and move on, okay?!

Besides, did I say no to everything? I gave your residency application a big fat approval right away!

I mean, we just met, and you're not even one of my denizens to begin with... Seems like you're asking for too much off the get-go!

Huh? You can't just make important decisions like this on a whim!

I even gave you a detailed business plan!

It might not be a big deal to you, Your Majesty, but it's very important to me!

Well, if you're so upset, why don't YOU try and be queen.

Ugh... She won't listen to reason. What should I do with this stubborn Queen?

Huh? We should use THAT then?

Right. I almost forgot our secret weapon... The bribe. Thanks, Sebastian!

Huh? A bribe? Why, what did you bring? Come on, let's see it!

Your Majesty, hold on to your socks, because this might just knock you off your feet.

As far as bribes go, you may have only received a few measly baked goods or some random snacks up until now...

But this is on another level!

Why all the fuss?! Stop keeping me in suspense and show me already!

This is it! A nice, plump golden toad!

A golden... toad?! Give it here!

Things like this taste best when you eat them in one bite! Ahhh...

Huh? Wait... You're not supposed to eat that!

YEEEEEEOW!!! You can't eat this!!!

That's pure gold! I thought you'd bite it to check if it was real, but why would you chomp down with all that power?!

What the...?! Did you just trick me?!

I thought it was a giant chocolate toad!

*Sigh* Unbelievable...

Your Majesty, with that, you could buy a hundred—no, a thousand chocolate toads...

Are you... doing this on purpose? Because otherwise, this makes no sense.

It's useless if I can't eat it right now!

If I go shopping for desserts with this, Ner is going to yell at me!

I don't care about gold or anything like that, so take it and get out!

...Is she actually an idiot?

Urgh... That's the Sprite Queen? Really? Is this place going to be okay?

Wait... is this some kind of territorial aggression? I've heard about this.

Is she just being unreasonable because I'm an outsider?

Why are you still standing there muttering to yourself?

It's almost time for my seventh snack, so stop bothering me and leave!

Argh... Listen, you can't just do this to folks! Have you no shame?!

Fine! Keep stuffing your face until you turn into a golden pig or whatever!

Hey! What did you just say?! Stop right there!

We have hit another dead end trying to find a proper place to live...

We've been waiting for this day for so long...

But our flawless plan was ruined because of that weird Queen.

*Sigh* Where are we supposed to spend the night, Sebastian?

I don't want to sleep out on the streets... that's just too miserable.

Maybe I'll ask a passing sprite for help...

Alright. Let's ask that sprite if there's a place to stay nearby.

Excuse me? Hello. I was wondering if there's a place to rest around here...

Sorry, I'm in a bit of a hurry. Excuse me...

Huh? Why'd she shoulder-check me?

Ugh, now I'm just annoyed and sad.

Huh? You think I should try being a bit friendlier and smile more?

Got it. There's another one coming. I'll try again with a smile.

Hello, hehehe. Heeheeheehee.

Hehehe. I'm sorry to impose, but would you mind if I stayed here tonight? I just want to rest for a bit.

E-Eeeeeek! It's a Doll Phantom!

That perfectly straight set of teeth is freaking me out!!

...What? What did you just say?! You've got some nerve!

Aaaah! The phantom's getting angry! Run!

Phantom? You're calling me a phantom?!

Forget finding a place to stay, I'll probably have an aneurysm first at this rate!

Sprite Kingdom is even weirder than I thought!

Hoo... I need to go somewhere quiet and clear my head.

But... where?

Huh? The nearby forest?

Sure, sounds good. Let's go there.

I just want to find a place to be alone with you tonight... where we can find peace and quiet.

Sigh...

I wonder where my sisters are right now...

I hope they're all doing well somewhere...

N-No, I'm not that lonely since I have you...

I wonder if my sisters have been going through a painful experience like me somewhere in the world.

I thought I had moved on, but there is still a lingering pain in my heart...

Just like we are right now...

*Sob, sniffle*...

I didn't want to cry...

I didn't want you to see me as weak, Sebastian...

But I don't understand why these tears keep falling even though I don't want them to...

*Sniff, sniff*...

Hmm...? I shouldn't be embarrassed about crying...?

You... won't leave me no matter how I look...?

Waah... Waaah!!

*Sob* Thank you... Thank you, Sebastian...

Same goes for me... *Sniffle*... Whatever happens... *Sniffle*... I'll never leave you either...

It's a promise... okay?

Sebastian...

It feels... especially warm in your arms today...

It's so cozy... and soft... Just like back then...

Those days were super nice...

I miss those days when we all used to live together in one place.

I'm tired. Sleepy... Urgh.

I'm going to sleep for a bit, Sebastian.

.........

*Sniff*...

What do I do?! What do I do now?!

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I really am. I'm sorry...!

Your arm... It's been torn off...

Does it hurt a lot...?

I'm sorry... for not protecting you...

There's nothing I can do for you... *Sob*...

Hey, sis!

Huh...? Sis...?

Chloe! There you were!

I've been looking everywhere for you! I was so worried when I couldn't find you!

You really are impossible sometimes, Chloe! Hehe!☆

Who... are you?

Me? Who am I?

Chloe, you're taking this joke a bit too far, aren't you?

You don't even recognize your adorable youngest sister?

Oh, sorry. I'm just a little out of it right now.

But how did you find me?

I deliberately hid somewhere no one would find me.

You're the easiest to spot! No matter where you are, it's easy for me to find you!!

But why are you crying, Chloe?

*Sniff, sniff* B-Because of this...

Oh, that's... the doll you really love, isn't it? What happened to its arm?

It got torn off. That's why my doll screamed. It must have been intolerable.

It must be in a lot of pain, but there's nothing I can do...

It must hate me now, right? It probably doesn't want to be with me anymore. *Sob*

That's not true! Stop crying and look at me!

All you have to do is heal the doll, Chloe!

Me...? Heal my doll...?

How?

I'll teach you a spell!

I'm your little sister, and I want you to be happier than anyone else in the world, after all!

So stop crying, okay?

A spell...?

Yes! Now, repeat after me!

No more pain! No more pain! Be happy! Be happy!

No more pain... No more... pain...?

Urgh... What is this? Are you sure this works?

Don't be so skeptical! Put your heart into it and say the spell!

It'll definitely work if you mean it!

Okay. I'll try again.

No more pain, no more pain! Be happy, be happy!

Amazing! That was perfect! You did so well!

See? The doll is grateful, too!

Oh? You're right. The torn part has been cleanly reattached...!

My doll isn't crying anymore either. It really worked!

Hehe, I love that you look happy now, Chloe! That makes me happy too!☆

Can I tell you something even more amazing?

Wh-What is it?

This spell? It's not just limited to dolls!

It can give you whatever you wish for!

So, when things are hard or sad, don't cry! Just recite the spell!

Everything that makes you suffer or feel sad will disappear!

Th-That's amazing! I had no idea!

Remember it, okay?!

If you wish for happiness, you have to be happy yourself first!

Little sis...

You're so mature. Thank you.

I'll be sure to remember this spell for happiness. I promise to never forget it.

Mhm! And when you recite the spell, think of me!

I'll appear next to you and keep you happy forever!

Hold on. I want to give you a gift, too!

Let's see... What would be a good gift...

Oh, that's right!

Huh? What are you making there?

I'm weaving these into a crown of flowers.

All done! What do you think? Isn't it pretty?

Wow! That fast? You're amazing, Chloe!

I knew you were good with your hands!

Hehe, I'm not going to deny that. Wanna try it on?

Yeah! Put it on my head for me!

You're so pretty! It looks great on you!

Hehehe. Thank you, Chloe! This is the best gift ever☆!

I'll keep it on all the time and show it off to all our other sisters!

I'm so happy! You are too, right?

Sis? Hey, sis?

Chloe?

Yeah... I'm happy too since you like it...

My sister... My little sister... My youngest sister...

.........

This is... Sprite Forest...

I guess it was all a dream.

That's right... There was a spell... A spell to make you happy...

It's so strange. It's a happy dream... But I can't seem to remember my little sister's name... Even her face is a blur... Has it been that long?

No more pain... No more pain...

Be happy... be happy...

.........

Nothing is happening...

I think it used to work back then... but now, no matter how much I wish for it, nothing comes true.

If you can't make yourself happy... you can't wish for happiness.

As you go through life, happiness only seems to drift further away.

I miss the old days when I knew nothing.

The times when seeing a single flower on the side of the road would even make me happy.

.........

Right. Let's find happiness!

I'll find my own happiness and work toward it! Sitting here like this won't change anything!

I have to live by the advice my youngest little sister gave me.

No matter what those native sprites babble on about, I'll overcome it all!

I'm moving forward!

Watch over me, my sister!

What about you, Sebastian? Are you ready too?

We'll do this together!

H-Hold it like this?

Right! Then, you put a snap into your wrists! That's all!

Snap it like this, and you can pluck the strawberry perfectly!

Ah! That's pretty easy!

Right? All you have to do today is harvest all the strawberries in this area.

Tomorrow, I'll start teaching you proper farming, so be ready!

Okay! Thank you, Kyarot.

Thanks for letting me stay here and for having me help out with your work.

Oh, don't mention it. We're friends, aren't we?

By the way, how's that traveling designer gig going? Is it manageable?

Yes. Lately I've been going all over the kingdom doing on-the-spot alterations, custom outfits, fashion consulting... things like that.

At first, I had to run around everywhere to find clients myself...

But now I'm getting folks coming to me through word of mouth!

Oh, I even have a witch and an elemental as regulars.

Oh, you're expanding your business to other regions?

Well, it just kind of happened.

One is a witch named Rollett, and I like her because she's polite, gentle, and knows exactly what she wants.

Most customers honestly have no clue what they're looking for half the time.

The other one is an elemental who is an aspiring actress. She commissioned a theater costume to wear while she practices.

She must have really loved the costume I made. She looked incredibly moved... almost tearful.

Wow, looks like you're making lots of good friends!

That's so nice to see. I feel kind of proud of you!

Bring them to the garden next time! I'll treat them to some rich, sweet coffee!

Hehe, we're not close enough to be friends yet, but thanks!

Oh, just so you know... Witches don't like rich, sweet things.

Really? Hmm... Why don't they like something this delicious?

But, Chloe... even though you're so upbeat, I'm still a little worried.

Even if you love the work, juggling two jobs can't be easy.

Are you sure you're okay?

Yeah. It's tough but manageable!

Thanks to you feeding me and giving me a place to sleep, I finally have a place to rest.

Oh, this is nothing. Besides, you're helping me with my work!

Oh, speaking of which... Just let me know when you'd like to quit the farm work.

They say a designer's hands are their greatest asset.

I'd hate for you to ruin them doing farm work.

Don't worry about that!

I'm pretty rough with my hands, even when I'm tailoring.

I suppose my hands are destined to be rough!

*Nom, nom* The strawberries are sweet and delicious. They've ripened very nicely.

This has gotta be the best perk in Sprite Kingdom!

Hehe! An unlimited supply of the freshest fruits and vegetables!

*Nom, nom* Perfect sweetness! As expected from my strawberries!

Wow, look at the time already.

I should get started on my fruit deliveries soon.

Oh? Where to?

The town square! I handle the deliveries to nearby areas myself.

I'll go then! I'm staying here for free, so I should at least do that much!

Huh? No! You don't have to!

Hmm... There is a bit of a chill in the air today, so it's making me uneasy...

I get this eerie sense that something like a big storm's about to roll in...

Maybe it's just my imagination... but my instincts have never been wrong.

What? But it's such a clear day! No way!

I'll do the deliveries. It seems like a great chance to naturally promote my traveling tailoring business to your customers, too!

Really? Well, okay then. I'll leave it to you.

Where's the fruit that needs to be delivered?

Oh, I put the baskets over there, but they might be somewhat heavy.

You mean these, right?

They're not heavy for Sebastian! I'll be right back!

Huh?! Chloe, hold on...!

At least take an umbrella... She's already gone?

I suppose it'll be fine.

Chloe may be short, but she's sharp as a tack.

I should bake a carrot cake for us to share when she returns.

U-Urgh... It's hard to see out here with this storm.

Does it always pour like this out of nowhere?

When Kyarot mentioned a storm was coming, I thought she was exaggerating, but...

Sebastian's getting so heavy from all this rain!

Aaaaaah!

It's a storm! The storm's rolling in!

A massive amount of snow is washing down from the top of Elemental Mountain! We have to get out of here before it's too late!

Argh! A storm AND an avalanche?!

Even the weather in this kingdom has gone bonkers!

Do not just stand there in a daze, everyone! Please evacuate indoors immediately!

Stay sharp and follow my directions if you do not wish to end up at the Weekend Farm!

We must think and act rationally in times like this! Please, evacuate quickly!

Ugh... All the fruit got blown away by the wind.

Should I go back to the farm?

Y-Your Majesty...?!

Her Majesty is... missing!!!

Aaaaaaaaaaah!!!

Huh? What's wrong? What did you lose?

When we left the Palace, I did have a feeling I had left something behind...

But it's Her Majesty... I left Her Majesty behind!

What are you talking about?

In the chaos of evacuating everyone, she must have gotten lost!

Now that we have managed to evacuate, I do not see her!

Our Queen... she must have realized she is all alone in the Palace by now... she must be trembling in fear...

If this storm brings an avalanche...

*Sob*... To think I left Her Majesty in such a dangerous place...! I am a failure as Head Priestess!

Head Priestess...

She looks just like I did when my first doll's arm got torn off... just crying and not knowing what to do.

I guess the Queen is to the Head Priestess what Sebastian is to me?

I can't just walk away from someone in trouble... especially when they're worried about someone who is this precious to them!

I have Sebastian by my side... Let's do this before it gets any more dangerous!

Calm down, Head Priestess!

I'll go rescue the Queen.

What? You will?

No. It is far too dangerous to head toward the Palace right now!

It's okay. I can do it!

We don't have any other choice, do we?

You will be in danger as well! If you enter the Palace now, you will be trapped by the avalanche!

It'll be fine. I told you I can do it!

I mean, if I fail and get trapped... Round up a rescue team and come save us later, okay?

A-Are you sure about this?

Yes. You monitor the situation from outside.

To think there was someone left in this kingdom who cared for Her Majesty this much...!

Oh, one moment! Please, take this with you at least!

A... gift set of snacks?

There will be no food left inside the Palace. If things go wrong, please share this with Her Majesty and hold out.

It may prove difficult to survive on those bean logs in the warehouse.

Bean logs? Well... okay.

Okay, then... I am ashamed to ask this of you, but please stay safe, and please... save the Queen...

Understood. Don't worry.

I'll be back...! Let's go, Sebastian!

Urgh, my cheeks sting from the storm!

Sebastian? Are you shielding me from the wind? Thank you!

Oh no, your arm has popped a stitch!

Once this is all over and we officially open the Tailor Shop, I'll fix your arm first.

Maybe I should give you a full tune-up while I'm at it!

I-It's an avalanche! Aaah! Protect me, Sebastian!

Oh no, I can't keep my balance!

Urgh... I've been buried in the snow... I'm cold...

*Sniff*... I can't tell which way is which, but thanks to Sebastian, I'm not too hurt...

Can we even make it to the Palace...?

If we can't get out of here... I'll...

No more... pain...

Be... happy...

That's right. We've come this far... What is there to be afraid of?

If we keep going this way, we'll start to see the Palace!

Huh? Th-This is...!

Stairs...! Are we at the Palace entrance?

W-We're almost there, Sebastian!

Let's push on just a little more! The Palace is just ahead!

I will be in pain no more...

I will be happy...!

Blech! My mouth is full of snow! Ptoo, ptoo!

*Huff, huff*... We finally made it inside...

Good job, Sebastian. We were able to make it this far, all because of—

S-Sebastian...? Are you okay?

Your hands... They're all soaked, stained, and frayed from digging through the snow...

Waah... *Sniff*

You gave up your perfection just for me.

Thank you. I won't forget your sacrifice...

Let's hurry up and save Her Majesty, so that we can fix those wounds on your hands.

I'll do whatever it takes to turn you back into the perfect doll again.

Your Majesty?! Where are you?! Tell me if you can hear me!!

We're here to rescue you, so come on out!!

You gluttonous pig of a Queen!! Where are you hiding?!

I've brought some food, so yell or something if you want it!

Snacks! I've got snacks! If you don't come out soon, I'll have them all myself!

Urrrrrrrggggggh... Snaaacksss...?

Oh, I heard something coming from the Audience Chamber!

I'll be right there to save you, Your Majesty!

She's collapsed over there!

My snacks... They're walking in...

Are you okay, Your Majesty? You look so haggard!

Maybe not...? Maybe it's a s'mores cookie...?

I don't care what it is... Let's just take a bite... Ahhh...

Huh? Get a grip, Your Majesty! Why are you trying to eat my hand?!

Here are the snacks. Have these instead!

*Om, nom, nom*...

Hehehe... Yum...

Um... You're... Chloe, right? What are you doing here?

The Head Priestess asked me to come. You'll have to spend the next few days with me.

Urgh... She did? Is she okay?

Yes, she's fine, so don't worry.

Everyone was running around everywhere... and I lost hold of her hand.

By the time I realized what had happened, I was all alone in this huge Palace...

I was so scared. I'm glad that you're here at least.

It's okay, Your Majesty. Let's just chat as we wait for the Head Priestess.

I was so hungry... I was even thinking about eating the piles of bean logs in the warehouse—mmph!

Um... I couldn't care less about that, so just eat your snack.

*Om, nom, nom* You brought only my favorites!

By the way, did you really come all this way through that avalanche just to save me...?

*Sniff* Thank you. Do you want some of these snacks too?

Your Majesty... you actually know how to share?

It doesn't happen often. J-Just this once, okay?

Ah, it's okay. I'm not hungry. You eat, Your Majesty.

You're pretty alright, aren't you? It must be hard to resist this kind of stuff when you're a sprite.

Huh? Oh, yeah, it is a bit difficult, yes!

Hey... um... I'm sorry.

Huh?

I was a bit harsh on you last time, wasn't I?

Oh, you mean when I gave my business presentation?

The truth is, a sweets shop I like is there, and I didn't want to let anyone else have that spot.

......

Maybe I saved her for nothing...

But you know? I think it would be okay to let you have it...

I don't think having one good clothing store in Sprite Kingdom would be that bad.

I'll talk to Ner and the sweets shop owner to make sure you get a spot for your shop.

R-Really?

Yep! Since it's you, I think Ner will be fine with it too.

Th-Thank you, Your Majesty!

Thank you, too, Chloe!

In that case... the contract.

Huh?

Please write up a contract.

H-Huh? A contract? Why bother with something so annoying?

If it's annoying, I'll write it up for you.

Let's see... that shop from last time, and it would be great to have the street space in front of it, too...

H-Huh?

For the deposit... these snacks should do!

A gift set of snacks is incredibly precious to you, isn't it, Your Majesty?

Y-Yeah, right now it is!

Great! Let's put some jam on that finger and stamp this!

Just put my stamp on it? Okay, sure! I'm a pretty cool queen, after all!

There! That's it, right? I've stamped it!

Finally... I've obtained a place to make my happiness real!

Sebastian, we did it!

Okay, this should be good enough to open shop...

Sebastian... This is our new roost!

We don't have to wander the streets anymore.

In this cool and warm house, I'll become the best tailor in Sprite Kingdom.

Everyone needs clothes... and while I do this...

Who knows? Maybe I'll find my sisters.

Hehe... I'm so happy and joyful... but why am I tearing up?

.........

Even if I can't find my sisters...

Sebastian, as long as I can stay with you forever, that wouldn't be so bad either.

Chloe! I'm here!

Oh, hey, Kyarot! You came!

Oh? You even brought a flower arrangement?! Thank you! It goes so well with our Tailor Shop.

Hehe!! I put some thought into it! Congratulations on your grand opening!

By the way, Chloe, have you heard the rumors lately?

Oh, you mean about the new Master of the Order?

I almost forgot about that.

I wonder what they're like. Hopefully, they don't have a weird personality like the Queen...

Maybe I'll go see them one day.

Let me know how it went once you do.

Weren't you headed to the Order? Aren't you supposed to go since you're a priestess?

Eh, I was planning on heading straight back because I'm busy with my garden.

My position is mostly honorary anyway, so they don't say much if I skip the events.

Really? Well, I guess it can't be helped.

Okay, Chloe! Hope you rake in the money! I'll head off now!

Okay! I'll go visit the garden when I have time!

For now, I need to tidy up the shop a bit more... and I still need to work on Sebastian...

Hmm... I'll find the time eventually.

Okay, then! Let's mend Sebastian first!