Yomi's Story

Hmm... They couldn't have gotten too far... They only left the Order a few moments ago...

That's a good idea. Your ideas always keep me freshly stimulated, Master.

Ah, found you! Glad that didn't take too long.

Who's that though?

Master!

As Moon Priestess, it's only natural for me to follow you. I just wanted to see how you're doing.

If it's not too much to ask... would you mind introducing your companion here?

It makes me blush to be introduced like that, Master...

Oh, yes, I've heard of you. It's an honor to meet someone so famous, Venerable Sage.

I am Moon Priestess Yomi. Nice to meet you.

Sure, go, Master. Don't worry about us. I'm not averse to making new friends.

Anyone the Master vouches for is worth getting to know.

The Master is remarkably modest for someone of such high rank, don't you think?

Yes, the Master always treats others with respect. What a great virtue!

Lady... Aya, right? Are you and the Master close?

We sure are. I have no idea what the Master thought, but our first encounter? Mind-blowing.

Excuse me? Um... You mean it was memorable, right?

Ahh... Yes, I suppose you could phrase it like that.

Meeting the Master that day opened me up to something completely new.

Opened you up to something completely new...? Ah... hehe, that sounds somewhat weird.

Mhmm, we tried various things, putting in effort until we were satisfied...

Enough! Y-You don't have to explain anymore!

I don't get it, but something tells me I really shouldn't hear the rest.

What? It's nothing that needs to be secret, but... okay.

Do you and the Master have some sort of... special... relationship?

Hmm... Yes, probably.

Simply put, we lay ourselves bare, softly sharing how we truly feel about each other...

Urgh... That makes me upset somehow...

It's shocking to realize that the moon shared such a deep connection with someone else without me knowing...

Honestly, I feel a little left out... That's quite disappointing.

It's that bad? You can join us too if you'd like...

No. While I revere the Master, my true calling is to serve and honor the moon...

If the Master has chosen you, Lady Aya, I will accept it.

While the moonflower follows the moon, the moon doesn't follow the moonflower.

O-Oh... really? I'm starting to feel sorry for some reason...

No need to feel sorry. Just...

With you, I know the Master is in good hands, so please continue keeping watch over them.

Don't worry about it. I think I was a bit dense.

I didn't know about the relationship between you two.

Please, excuse me.

Lady Aya told me everything.

That you have the kind of relationship where you lay yourselves bare and softly share how you truly feel about each other.

I know when I'm being the third wheel too...

Huh? What? Did I say something misleading...?

Oh, what?! That's how it can be taken?!

No need to be so flustered! I respect your decision, Master.

I'd hate to be the cause of any friction in your relationship.

I'll simply gaze at my dearest moon from afar, just as I always have.

Yes! We just get together from time to time and have passionate conversations.

...What? You two are saying different things.

Master, are you not taking Lady Aya's feelings seriously?

It's surprising. I'm honestly a bit disappointed.

But I suppose this is just another side to you.

Hmm-hmm-hmmmm.

The moonflowers seem to be doing much better lately.

Yes... perhaps this is the result of my bond with the Master deepening?

To be honest, it's not just the flowers that are happy...

No one's happier than me, the Moon Priestess.

Hehe... I'm not getting too carried away, am I?

Let's take a moment to sit down and relax.

I can calm down by gazing at the moon.

The lone moon.

The one that illuminates the world in the absence of Yggdrasil, the sun.

Though its light is faint, it shines upon everything equally with a gentle touch.

Yeah, I knew it. No one suits the role of the moon better than the Master.

Hello? Is anyone there?

Urgh... Where in the world am I?

I'm fairly certain I'm near Sprite Kingdom... but this forest is so thick, I can hardly find my way.

Maybe I should have listened when the Master suggested leaving in the morning.

Wandering around has left me tired... I should stop for a bit and rest.

Your miraculous light shines in the dark of night

Your mercy vast, your grace bottomless

Serving the Master is my greatest joy

Oh? Who could be reciting poetry in the forest at this hour? How intriguing.

Such a beautiful voice, and a flawless rhythm... She's remarkably talented.

And verses in honor of the Master! I love it!

I may be nothing more than a lost traveler at the moment...

But as a bard, I can't just walk away after hearing a song like this!

Phew... it's been a while since I've written a poem.

I got caught up in the moment, and the words just poured out.

No one's around to hear it, but I'm content with having this moment for myself.

Ahem!

Oh, is someone there?

They say the full moon in the night sky is like the Master.

The sounds of song in Sprite Forest stir the traveler's heart.

The earnest devotion! The heartwarming sincerity!

I, Bard Epica, offer this in reply to that nameless poem!

Hmm, it seems I wasn't the only one awake at this hour.

I was just reciting out loud to myself... I can't believe someone else heard me...

And she's a bard, no less. How embarrassing—she must be amazing at composing poems.

Even so, it's nice to see others acknowledging the brilliance of the Master.

Good to know my instincts weren't wrong.

Hoo, even the mysterious poet must have heard me at this volume.

Haha! It's quite a rare experience to exchange words through song.

.........

That aside, I wonder how I can find my way out of this forest...

A wandering bard answers the priestess's musings

The verses may differ, but their hearts align

How well you understand my dearest moon's virtue

Oh! You...!

Hehe, good to see you, Epica.

If you're lost, let me help you find your way.

Thank you! Not only is your voice lovely, but you also have a kind soul!

But tell me, how did you know I was here?

Having spent so much time by myself in the moonlit forest, I've come to know the area very well.

This area is particularly overgrown, so it's easy to get lost.

Amazing! Just as one would expect from someone who understands the worth of the Master! Your skills are truly remarkable!

And you are more upstanding than they say, Epica.

Follow me! This way leads to Sprite Kingdom.

Would you mind sharing a story about the Master as we go?

Of course! You've saved me, so I'll do whatever I can for you!

Ahem, it begins with a conversation between the Master and the Head Priestess.

The Master says...

You startled me!

Master! What are we to do if you suddenly shout like that?

This is far from your first time being swamped with work! You ought to be accustomed to it by now.

Since Her Majesty insists the sixth snack must be chocolate cake, you have to recalculate everything.

Hmm... Master, would you like to take some time off?

It was something I always handled alone when you were not around anyway, so no need to worry.

The work must have been tough on you. I do hope I haven't been too hard on you.

So take a couple of days and get some rest.

Oh, is that you, Master?

You've come to the forest on this moonlit night... Did you happen to be looking for me? What's the matter?

So... you're not here to seek my advice about something?

You're lying.

I am the Moon Priestess. Did you really think I wouldn't notice the change in the moonlight?

Do you realize how lonely you look right now?

The Head Priestess must have noticed as well... Hasn't she said anything to you?

Sigh... This won't do.

Here, lie down.

You can use my lap.

Yes. Now, hurry up.

Master! This isn't the time for pride! Loneliness is a serious problem!

If you're that embarrassed, sit down and just lean against me slightly.

Master!

I hate that it seems like I'm forcing you into this, but... please put up with it for now.

I'm perfectly aware of the distress you're feeling.

You realize that for a very long time, I've been the only priestess serving the moon, don't you?

It was very lonely. I had passion and faith, but no one to share them with, nor an outlet to express them.

There was a time when I even served someone unworthy as the moon.

They had great courage and were perfectly capable, but in the end, their greed made them reach for the sun itself.

I came to regret it only when everything had gone too far. I wallowed in self-blame and resentment.

I realized then that loneliness makes you more likely to rely on others.

There is no doubt that you are a great moon, Master. Your strength and intellect are undeniable.

But even you must feel the urge to lean on someone when times get tough.

When that happens, I hope you turn to me, and not someone else.

So that you won't repeat the mistakes I once made.

I-It's fine! I... can hold out—No, I WILL hold out! Ngh...!

.........

Uh-uh. Still eating. I'll go when I finish.

Uuugh... No fair! You're picking on me!

I'm the only one staring? Look at her!

Oh, is there something wrong, Master?

That much, I can handle, too!

Mayo, you're bothering the Master.

Hmph. Who asked you?

You're making things difficult for the Master. Stop being so stubborn and get going.

Stubborn? Tell me. What makes you any different?

There's obviously a difference between us. I'm a priestess who serves the Master.

That's why I stay close. It's for the Master's sake.

But you? You treat the Master as a collectible.

Your obsession with your collection... You're with the Master for your own benefit. Our motives aren't the same at all, are they?

I-I care for my collection, too. My precious? Top condition, always.

I know my precious more. I'm the one who should take care of them.

You're telling me you know the Master better than I do? Hmph...

You don't have anything to apologize for, Master. I think we need to make things clear right now.

Stop stalking with impure intentions... Whether it's at the Banquet Hall, the Order, or even out on the streets.

Rejected. Not even worth considering.

I knew you wouldn't back down without a fight...

How about this? Care to make this a competition?

Let's see who truly knows the Master and who is the best fit to stay at their side and assist them.

A competition... wagering my precious...?

Heh... Fine. Won't go easy.

...So you want me to be the judge?

And devote the Order's precious work hours to this nonsensical competition?

A nonsensical competition, Head Priestess? Surely, any matter involving the Master concerns the Order as well, does it not?

I don't know why, but Mayo chose Head Priestess Ner to be the judge...

I also have faith in you, Ner. You are the best choice to be our judge.

Sigh... Okay. In exchange, my decision is final. Agreed?

Agreed.

Mhmm.

Let me think... Facts about the Master...? Hmm...

How does this sound? Each of you asks a question about the Master... something you know, but the other does not.

The moment you cannot answer, the game comes to an end. Straightforward, yes?

Okay, Mayo, please start us off.

There's an Apostle who gets served the most food by the Master. Who?

It must be Queen Erpin.

Alright, Yomi, you are up—

No. Wrong. Not the Queen.

Heh... The Queen eats tons. But everyone feeds her, not just the Master.

The correct answer is the weird one in the Order Underground—mph.

The Order Underground? There's an Apostle there?

Why are you shutting me up?! Whatever, I win! Competition over!

What? To make this fair, I should be able to ask a question too! If you get it wrong, it'll be a tie!

Heh... Me? Get it wrong? Pointless.

Mayo is—

I doubt Mayo would know the location of the Master's secret chest.

Go on, let us know if you know where it—mph, mph!

Excuse me? A secret chest...?

Snack chest? That's on the shelf in the Master's room. Everyone knows!

Mmph...! Hooo! You're wrong! It's not for snacks, it's for sneaking away some relics when they come in!

Ner, it's a tie now, right?!

...That is not what matters right now.

Mayo... I wanted to ask you earlier. You have been in the Order Underground, yes?

So you trespassed onto the Order's facilities without permission? And you also know the layout of the Master's room?

N-No...!

Is that so? Very well. An investigation will reveal everything, anyway.

And Master, you took some relics, did you?

Master... You were listening when I said an investigation will reveal everything, were you not?

H-Head Priestess, please calm down. I misspoke. The Master—

Yomi, currently, I require a word with Mayo and the Master.

If you would, please allow us a moment of privacy.

Surely, you are not expecting us to overlook the Master breaking the rules, are you?

...The Master can make mistakes too. I'm sure they're reflecting on them.

B-But I won't allow you to lay a hand on the Master!

Lay a hand on them? It will only be a conversation.

I respect the Master, just as I respect your convictions, Yomi.

So please have faith in me as well.

...Okay. You are a trustworthy sprite, after all.

T-Take me with you! Let me out too!

The Sprite Queen, Erpin.

A noble being fated to lead the sprites.

One bound by duty to protect Sprite Kingdom and all of Elias.

A sprite of unparalleled wisdom and courage...

At least, that's what she should be...

Master! Gimme some strawberry cake! ASAP!

Tch, why isn't there something like a Queen Pass? Waiting sucks!

How can she be that rude and immature?

Well, I suppose it's not unheard of. Not all leaders are upstanding characters.

Still, it's precisely that sort of behavior over there that I find utterly incomprehensible...

Heehee...!

I'm not doing anything. Pfft...!

It's the earth elemental sitting next to me.

?!

Er...!

Geez, I'm telling you the truth. Why don't you actually turn around and see for yourself?!

Ahaha! Look, I poked your cheek, Master! You fell for it!

Whaaat? Over something like this? I was only playing with you, Master!

How can someone who calls herself the Queen behave so rudely toward the Master, the head of the Order...?

I know that the Head Priestess is strict with her... Why is it that nothing changes?

...It's probably because the Master is so upright and mild-mannered.

I have something to say to you. Can you spare a moment?

It's important.

No way! My order is already backed up!

Tch. Make it quick, okay?

Master, why do you put up with the Sprite Queen's spoiled antics?

I know you get along with everyone, but maybe you should keep her at arm's length?

Being the Master doesn't mean you have to be friends with the Queen outside of official matters.

It's not that I don't believe in you—I do. I just worry that her selfish and impulsive ways might put you in danger.

...Understood. I trust you, Master.

Since you're vouching for her, it must be that I just have not seen the Queen's true nature yet.

Take it to heart? Of course not. I only brought it up because I was worried about you.

Oh, hey.

Mmm, yum. Oh, get me my second favorite dish, too, will ya?

...Hold it in, Yomi. Have faith in the Master.

Seriously?! I told you before! Do my words just go in one ear and out the other, Master?

Sigh...! You're so silly, Master. I told you to remember!

I'm the one getting all those noogies, yet you're the one whose memory's falling apart!

Erpin!

H-Huh?

Immaturity is one thing, but do you really have to go out of your way like this to show how bad you can be?

Everything the Master does is in service to the Order and the Sprite Kingdom, is it not?

How dare you say such things instead of showing gratitude?!

The Master pushing themselves like this means they're giving up other things...!

Do you even understand your position, Erpin?

Have you ever considered how much trouble the Master has gone through?

You're a queen! Act like one!

Sigh... I'm sorry.

...I'm sorry, Master. I didn't know.

I really must be a fool...

.........

Master...! Did you find Erpin?

...I see.

Understood. Please have a safe trip.

Maybe I was too hard on her... She does seem to be a child at heart...

No, I still can't turn a blind eye when she treats the Master like that.

I serve the Master, not the Queen.

That's just how it is.

Sorry, we're closed today. The Master is attending to personal matters.

It is me. Ner.

Oh, hello, Head Priestess.

.........

.........

Apologies, Yomi. Her Majesty has been most disrespectful.

...No, it's fine. I'm sure you're more troubled by this than I am.

I was told that you were quite angry.

Can I be honest with you?

Yes.

I have no anger toward the Queen, despite her incompetence or shortcomings.

I know she tries. Even I can sense that much.

But sometimes she is rude to others, especially to the Master...

It really bothers me when she acts all shameless, as if she doesn't know anything.

This isn't about her abilities—it's her troublesome personality that's the issue.

I see.

Yes.

This may come off as unreasonable, but you've misunderstood something here.

Her Majesty is not that selfish.

Rather, she is someone who devotes herself wholeheartedly to those she cares for.

I can attest to this because I have spent more time with Her Majesty than anyone else.

...Please elaborate.

Her Majesty sometimes forgets...

Saying something one way may hurt someone, and acting another way may bring sorrow to others.

Such things slip her mind at times. If anyone is to blame, it is me. I should have guided Her Majesty better.

I'm not sure I completely understand.

Back when I hadn't known the Master for long...

She threw a stone and struck the Master with it as a prank.

As you mentioned, the Queen was rather shameless back then.

Even after I scolded her, she brushed it off as nothing serious.

But the next day, she came to me looking downtrodden.

She told me she had spoken with the Master, but they had not smiled at her as they usually did.

Then she said...

"I'm really sorry... I threw a stone at the Master yesterday, and now I think they're mad at me..."

She did not know what to do as tears streamed down her face.

That is when I said, "Go tell the Master your true feelings properly, Your Majesty."

The Master generously accepted her apology, and Her Majesty has not thrown stones or anything of the sort at them since.

Her Majesty is working through her past mistakes in her own way.

I understand what you mean.

Not that Erpin wasn't at fault...

But if, as you and the Master say, the Queen just doesn't know the consequences of her actions...

I might have been a bit too hasty with the way I reacted.

I'd like to apologize to the Queen and hear her out when she returns.

I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Yomi.

It's me who should be saying that to you, Head Priestess.

Oh, good. Er... I'd like to apologize to the Queen.

But... she's a little scary...

You're scared of me, Erpin?

.........

Why? I wasn't that mean to you.

I-I know that you're not bad. You're friends with the Master!

But still... you reminded me of Ner when you got angry earlier.

Your Majesty...!

I misunderstood you earlier, Erpin.

I promise not to get angry, so can we start over and have a talk?

...Okay.

I'm sorry. I was too harsh on you.

I had no idea you have been mindful of the Master in your own way.

...No, I'm the one to blame for being too thickheaded to even tell if I'm making the Master feel bad.

I only realized I might've made the Master feel bad when you pointed it out.

I heard that the Master is like Yggdrasil to you... I'm sorry, too.

I... *sniff* I apologized to the Master too... *sob!*

I don't want to cry but... I can't stop the tears... damn...!

There, there. Let it all out.

Urgh... Waaaahhh...!

...Ah, memories. When Her Majesty was little, I used to accept her spoiled whims like that too.

It'll spoil her! But still...

Once in a while? Sure...