Valerio/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

I'll prepare the tastiest dish you've ever eaten.

On Entering a Room

What ingredients do you have there?

When Quest Begins

We should prepare our battle mise en place.

It's time for prep. Are you ready?

Response to Beginning of a Quest

Let us do this quickly and efficiently.

I'm itching to put my skills to use.

When Controlling Character in Quest

Excellent choice!

When Receiving a Heal

My thanks.

You would make a fine sous chef.

When Entering a Boss' Room

Here's our main dish!

We'll not lose here!

Response to Entering a Boss' Room

Let us season this battle to perfection!

We will win—I swear it!

Upon Getting to Low Health

Well. This isn't good.

I'm overcooked...

Upon Opening a Chest

Any rare ingredients there? Caviar, perhaps?

Oof. That smells off...

Boss on Low Health

Time for the finishing touches!

Our plate's almost clean!

Boss Enters Break State

Dice this foe while we can!

Finish this! Now!

Rare Enemy Spawns

Seasonal fiends, is it?

Well, that's an interesting one.

Upon Death

Again, I have failed them...

I'm sorry, Princess...

Upon Revival

This course isn't over!

When Using Weapon/Shared Skills

Damage: The finishing touch!

Buff Self: Behold my talents.

Buff Ally: We'll all do our part.

Debuff Enemy: Let's cool that fire.

Heal Ally: Have a taste of this.

Heal Self: That warmed me to the core.

Player Uses Damaging Skill

Well, well. Look at you.

Delicious!

When Shape Shifting is Ready

One special dish, coming right up!

One shapeshift, coming up!

Shape Shifting into Dragon

Here's the daily special!

Idle During Quest

What is it? Are you hungry?

Perhaps I'll take this time to sharpen my knives.

Quest Clear

I hope you enjoyed your full course meal.

Quest Failure

I...failed again...

Home Screen Walking

What would you like to eat?

Tonight's course is...

I'll bring you good food, done right.

I need more ingredients. Hmm... Where to look?

My greatest love is making my guests happy.

Parting is a flavor of life.

Home Screen Inside

Tell me your memories, and I'll create a dish that reminds you of home.

A natural-born chef wouldn't know a thing about setbacks. I'm not like that.

Be it with sword or knife, there's a trick to putting force in your blade.

Part of a chef's job is turning unknown ingredients into high-quality dishes.

I have a soft spot for children, and often spoil them. It was the same with the princess...

I hold on to my painful memories, trusting that someday they'll mellow.

Home Screen Portrait

Take a seat and let your senses feast on the meal.

There's no ingredient I can't master!

There's nothing wrong with hair in the kitchen, so long as it's tied.

I was a knight before I became a chef. Those were happy times.

I never got to feed the princess my best, so I'd like you to have it.

Collection Portrait

The princess used this blue ribbon whenever she played with my hair.

When I started, my knife work was terribly sloppy. But I've learned and grown.

I care not for the recipe's origin so long as it is delicious.

Though I'm no longer a knight, my devotion to my princess remains. She changed me.

I now swear my devotion to you. You'll eat like royalty for the rest of your days.

At The Halidom

Let me read you today's menu...

...Yes? Are you hungry?

Tying my hair back, are you? My thanks.

New Mana Circle Unlocked

Now I can whip up an even better meal.

Mana Circle Fully Unbound

I can not wait to welcome guests from across the land.

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

A Visitor from the Past

Valerio's Restaurant
"Primula Julian"
Congrats on your new restaurant, Valerio! I am gonna nosh SO hard here! Thank you. It's a dream come true for me. Genius Chef
Valerio
We're grateful for the invitation. We haven't had a chance to enjoy your cooking since the Orichalcum Chef. Your help with that was invaluable. I daresay I owe this grand opening to you. That's why today, the whole of my culinary expertise is at your disposal. Eat, drink, and be merry, friends. My stomach ain't just rumblin', it's roarin'! Let's eat! So help me, Ranzal, if you don't leave me at LEAST ten dinner rolls... Worry not. I called in a sous chef to ensure that I could keep pace with your appetites. A sous chef? Wait, you don't mean— You rang? Dastardly Master Chef
Picaro
Seriously? THIS clown?! The same awful creep who tried to sabotage you at the cooking contest? I most certainly did not "ring," Picaro! Why are you here? To spoil my party with your despicable deeds? So rude, this one! I heard you'd opened a restaurant, and as your rival, I figured I would honor you with a personal visit. And now you have. So if you're quite finished, I believe you had best be getting on your way. I'm sure your bistro is simply falling apart in your absence. Mark my words: I WILL be back, and I WILL sample your cuisine! Just be sure not to oversalt, eh? Oho ho ho! Uh, bye, weirdo. Anyway, if your backup isn't Picaro, then who is it? Valerio! The soup stock is up! Just wait till you get a slurp of THIS! Hinomotoan Chef
Mitsuba
Oh, your sous chef is Mitsuba! What's shakin', girl? I haven't seen you since the cooking contest! Hi, Notte! With me and Valerio working together, you're in for a culinary experience you'll not soon forget! Wow. You two are really going all-out.

---

HYAAAAAAAHHH! Oh, man, that smells A-MA-ZING. Good to see you two haven't lost your edge! ...Edges? Edges. Dinner is served. This looks spectacular. I suppose I should have expected no less from such illustrious chefs. Pipple, pipple! ♪ Alberia truly is a bountiful land. Now then, shall we? Let's eat! Crisps 'n crackers, Valerio! You killed it! Man, you really are some kinda genius! Très bien! ...This is not. But I suppose it's adequate. I can't believe a former knight can cook better than me... I've dedicated my whole life to the culinary arts! Papa trained me from birth! Oh, that's right. Valerio was a knight before he became a cook, wasn't he? Quite so. As his rival, I've researched him extensively. He hails from North Grastaea, where— *ahem* Picaro. I've prepared a special tasting menu just for you. For me?! Don't mind if I do! *chomp*... Mmm, yesh, thish is... Mm? Hmmmm... NNNGHHH?! Yo, Picaro. Somethin' wrong, bud? Sp-sp-SPICYYYYYYYY! *thud* Dang. Poor dude's out cold. What did you give him, Valerio? An extraordinarily spicy dish I learned from some Taiwu natives at the castle. Consider that punishment for digging into my past without permission, Picaro. Ah, pardon, sir, but the restaurant is booked today for a private— *gasp* Y-you! I heard a culinary genius had opened a new restaurant and was hiring cooks. Where do I apply? You...don't remember me at all, do you? Have you forgotten everything that happened back then?! Valerio, what's going on here? Let's all take a deep breath and talk this over. I haven't forgotten a thing. How could I? Then how could you have the nerve to show your face in my restaurant?! Enough of this! Get out! And never darken my door again! What's gotten into you, Valerio? Forgive me, but...I'm closing early today. I'm afraid this party is over.

---

Phew! That's the last dish washed! I've finished cleaning the tables. Thank you for your help. You go home, and I'll finish tidying— Hold up. You expect us to just leave after that kerfuffle earlier? Talk to us, Valerio. Tell us what happened between you and that guy. ...Very well. I suppose if I can discuss this with anyone, it's you. And I do owe you that much. This is the story of a man who believed that so long as he held blade in hand, he could protect anything. It is also the story of a pathetic fool who failed to protect what mattered most...

Episode 2

Loyalty to the Throne

Hyaaaaah! Eeeeep! Hmph. This session is over. Captain of Mentzara's Azure Knights
Valerio
Oof... He's a real deft hand with that sword. Practically a genius! With him as our captain, our order is unstoppable. I'd follow him anywhere! I don't recall commanding you two to talk! Idle chatter is what gets soldiers killed. Y-yessir! Sorry, sir! That's enough sparring for today. We're heading home. Behind me, men! Yessir! North Grastaea
The Kingdom of Mentzara
A small, bountiful, and peaceful nation.
The knighthood of Mentzara includes a squad
of "Azure Knights" that admits only the most
talented of warriors.
The Captain of the Azure Knights is a man
regarded as a hero for the countless victories
he's achieved on the front lines.
His name is Valerio.
Captain Valerio, you've been summoned by the king! You need to go to the throne room immediately! Hm? Very well. I'm on my way.

---

Ah, Valerio. You're here. Yes, Your Majesty. How may I be of service? I have new orders for you, effective immediately. New orders, Your Majesty? I'm assigning you to guard detail for my daughter, Primia. The princess...? As the captain of the Azure Knights, I know that she will be safe in your care. Do not disappoint me, Valerio. (He must be joking...) (I'm the finest blade in the kingdom, and he wants me guarding his child?!) Your Majesty, if I may be so bold, I could suggest some candidates who would be more fit for this duty than I. I believe my talents are best suited for the battlefield. And more importantly, children are not my forte. Then this will be a fine opportunity for you. Furthermore, the princess herself— That's right! I requested you myself! Princess of Mentzara
Primia
Your Highness... Hee hee. I'm so looking forward to this, Valerio! And so began Valerio's new life as the
Princess's royal knight. Until one day...
Your Highness! Please, stop! Do try to keep up, Valerio! Your Highness, you must cease these strolls through town! Might I suggest you return to the castle to read, or perhaps— Blech, no way! Now hurry up, or I'm leaving you behind. *sigh* (I knew this assignment would be a poor fit. I'm hopeless when it comes to dealing with children!) (I was born to serve on the battlefield. Yet with a word, she was able to make me her royal knight. Perhaps with another, she can return me to my order...) Valerio? Ever in your wake, Your Highness.

---

(How does she know her way around these back alleys so well? What does she seek in a place like this?) Ah, there you are! Gather round, friends! Your Highness, what are you doing?! Here are those cookies, as promised! Cookies...? That's right. While we were walking through town several days ago, I spoke with these children, who mentioned they'd never once had cookies. Can you imagine? Thus did I promise that when next we met, I would bring them some. Did I not? You sure did, Your Highness! Just look at them all... There's gotta be five days' worth! We'll savor every last bite. Oh, splendid! I'll be sure to bring even more next time, then. That's a promise! YOU WILL?! Thank you sooooooo much! You dragged me along on this walk just so you could deliver some cookies? I did. Am I sorry? Only a little. Now tell me, Valerio: How do you eat cookies? Er... The same as the next person. I have a few when I want a light snack, perhaps paired with tea. I do the same. But for those kids, it's different. I eat that many cookies in a day, but they plan to make them last for five. And when they eat them, I'm sure they'll appreciate them more than I ever have. As their princess, it is my duty to keep them all fed and happy. To this end, I intend to grow ever stronger. Like you, Valerio. Like me, Your Highness? Just so. You are a hero of this nation! And when I grow up, I want to do my part to protect it too. So until that day comes... I beseech you, protect this country with me. Please! ...... (I've only been seeing her as a child. Why haven't I ever noticed?) (Her petite frame bears the weight of great responsibility. As an adult, it is my duty to help her bear that burden. Yet I have been thinking only of myself.) (Maybe the best way to protect my country...is by protecting her.) I understand, Your Highness. I vow to keep you safe. I stake my life upon it. Hee hee! I knew you wouldn't let me down, Valerio. Thus did Valerio spend many peaceful days
as the royal knight of Princess Primia.
Valerio was touched by the purity of Primia's
vision for her country, and gradually found
himself yearning to make her dreams come true.
But contrary to Primia and Valerio's wishes,
conditions in Mentzara were deteriorating.
Worse still, a neighboring nation had begun
to openly provoke conflict.
Suddenly, the flames of war began to kindle...

Episode 3

What This Blade Can Protect

Mmmm! Isn't the chef's vegetable stew sublime, Valerio? ...... Helloooo? Primia to Valerio! Come in, Valerio! Huh? The stew's getting cold, you know. Your mind has been elsewhere all day. Apologies, Your Highness. Our country is in peril, isn't it? ...! Father is trying to keep me blissfully unaware, but I suspect we are losing the war. Ever since it began, he won't even allow me to walk through the city. I hope those children we met are okay... Later that night, in Valerio's quarters...
*sigh* What am I doing? I must remain present, for Her Majesty's sake! (As she suspects, we are outmatched. If we lose this war, what will become of this country? Of my royal charge?) Have I grown complacent? Lost my way? (Is remaining at her side truly the best way to protect her?) (I could be on the front lines, leading our troops to victory. Would that not see her safe sooner?) What should I do? Huh? Who's there?! Was there not someone at my door? Am I merely jumping at shadows...?

---

*pant* *pant* I got the chef to make us a late-night snack in hopes of cheering him up... ...But it seems that food is the last thing on Valerio's mind. (In truth, I know exactly what he wants.) (I see the frustration on his face when our bloodied soldiers limp home from battle.) Nevertheless, I can't bear the thought of him leading them out there. He could be hurt—or worse! But I am a princess. Prioritizing my own selfish desires will not protect this country. I have to grow up. I have to be strong. A few days later...
Ah, Valerio. Your Majesty. How might I be of service? I have new orders for you. Effective immediately, you are to resume leading the Azure Knights. What? Hold on... Don't tell me Princess Primia— Indeed. I requested it myself. I said you should command the knights— that you belong on the battlefield. Your Highness, I... You must promise me one thing, Valerio. Promise that you will return home safely, and be my royal knight once more. I swear it, Your Highness. I will return to your side hale and whole! You shall depart for the front immediately, and rejoin your knights there. As you command, Your Majesty! Fight well, Valerio. Protect this land as only you can.

---

We've lost too many men. What are we supposed to do now? What choice do we have? If we withdraw at this point, our kingdom will be no more. But... Without our captain, can we really drive them back? I do believe I forbade idle chatter on the battlefield, soldier! Huh?! Captain! Why are you here? I'm here at His Majesty's behest. I've been assigned command of the Azure Knights, effective immediately. R-really?! Thank the Heavens! With you leading us again, we might truly win the day! Listen well, all of you. The only way we go home alive is to fight as if we're as good as dead. Find strength in your desperation! We will protect Mentzara, no matter the cost!

---

RAAAAAAAH! Follow the captain! What the hell?! They're moving like men possessed! Behind me, men! Remember what your fallen comrades fought and died for! Do not let their sacrifices be in vain! TO VICTORYYYY!

---

(With this sword, I will claim victory. And then I will honor my promise. I WILL protect you, my princess!) Valerio's heroism reinvigorated the Mentzaran
army. Little by little, the tide of war turned.
Meanwhile, as the princess awaited
her knight's return at the castle...
I'm finished. You can clear the plates. Your Highness? You've barely touched your food. Was it not to your taste? It didn't taste like anything. ...Pardon? What do you mean? I don't know... It looked appetizing, but... It... Nghhh... Your Highness...? Your Highness!

Episode 4

What This Blade Can't Protect

Captain Valerio, a messenger has arrived from the capital! He says it's urgent! What is it? Sir, I regret to inform you, but... What...?

---

(No... It can't be...)

---

PRINCESS! Please, lower your voice! Valer...io...? I'm right here. You've...returned... Then... Surely we've won...? Good... Everything will be okay...now... You have nothing to worry about, Your Highness. Please, just rest. I will, but... Can I ask you for one thing...? Yes? Hold...my hand... Like this? Yes... Thank you. Hee hee... It really is you, Valerio. Welcome home... ......

---

When did Her Highness fall ill? She's been eating poorly for several months now. When she abruptly collapsed, I sent for the doctor. Is there any hope she'll recover? Sadly, no. The doctor says she only has about a month left to live. I... I see. Her Highness has been waiting so long for you to return. She can't get out of bed, and she is too weak to eat. I beg you, stay by her side. Do what you can to bring her peace in what little time she has left. ...... She loved to eat so very much... And now she cannot eat anything at all. I was sure that as long as my hand could grip a blade, I could protect anything. What a fool I was... ...Wait. There is still a chance. If anyone could save her now, it's him! The next day...
You're the castle chef, yes? That's right. Did you need something? Make something for the princess out of this. What is all that? I bought a little bit of everything that the market had for sale. I trust it will be sufficient? Her Highness says that she's hungry. She wants something special to eat. But given Her Highness's condition— Are you a doctor or a chef? Stop wasting time and start cooking the princess's favorite food! NOW! F-fine! I'll make it, but I don't know what you expect to happen!

---

*cough* *cough* I'm sorry. I don't think I can eat anymore... You've barely had so much as a taste! This is your favorite, is it not? You're always raving about this vegetable stew! Yes, it was wonderful. But now... Nothing tastes good to me. That can't be...

---

I tried to tell you. She's lost her sense of taste. It's one of the symptoms of her disease. That's why she hasn't been eating normally, which has only made her condition worse. I don't want excuses! DO something! You're supposed to be a chef! What about cookies? Or sandwiches? Or foreign cuisine? Do you expect me to believe that you've tried everything?! There has to be something that she'll eat! With proper nutrition, maybe she could start to recover! ...... Please. Make her something. I'd do it myself if I could, but... Please. Please make her SOMETHING! You have no idea how much I want to see her beaming face—to watch her delight in the joy of eating once more. But my cooking... It's not going to make that happen. Later, on their last day together...
Valerio...? Yes, Your Highness. I'm right here. Take this... Your ribbon? But this is your favorite. Yes. Which is why...I want you to have it. I can't take this. I'd much rather see you wear it the next time we take one of our strolls about town. How wonderful that sounds... I'd bring home lots of tasty food... Now I understand how it feels... To truly be hungry... Then I'll take you somewhere to eat! If it would make you feel better, I'll take you anywhere! Any country on the map! Thank you, Valerio. If ever we meet again... I'd like that. Princess? PRINCESS!

---

Oh, Valerio... I'm so sorry. So that guy who was here earlier— I'm guessing he was the castle chef? What about the war? Did Mentzara endure? After Her Highness passed away, and before I could return to battle, we officially surrendered. Mentzara was annexed by our enemy, and the country my soldiers fought and died to protect was no more. In the end, I protected neither the princess nor my homeland. I was nothing more than a fool unfit to serve as a knight. So ya stopped fightin' altogether and became a cook, huh? Indeed. Back then, it galled me that I couldn't make anything to serve to Her Highness in her hour of need. I'm not seeing how this connects to you closing the restaurant early. Listen, Mitsuba, this really ain't the time... No. As a fellow chef, I want to hear his answer! You call yourself a chef, but your attitude today was despicable! As ambassadors to the world of culinary arts, it is our duty to make sure every customer's appetite is sated. It doesn't matter how much your princess meant to you. The only people you should be thinking about now are the ones waiting with empty plates and rumbling guts! Mitsuba, geez! Have a little tact, girl. No. Every word she spoke is the truth. Closing my restaurant out of anger was foolish and impulsive. I've not grown at all since I lost her. I'm every bit as weak as I was back then. To this end, I intend to grow ever stronger. Like you, Valerio. I must grow strong—as a chef, and as a man.

Episode 5

An Unforgettable Flavor

I'm sorry, sir, but the restaurant isn't open yet. Might I suggest you— ...... Oh! It's you! Listen... I'm sorry for yelling at you like I did. It's okay. I came back because I couldn't let it go either. To this day, my heart still aches knowing the princess died with an empty stomach. You were right, Valerio. I used her lost sense of taste as an excuse to stop trying. If only I'd had more skill as a chef, maybe things could have ended differently... I feel like the only way I'll ever bury this regret is by cooking now what I couldn't then. I want to study under you—the man who's become the greatest chef in the world—and ascend to greater culinary heights. Please... I'm begging you! Very well. Y-yeah? I want you to cook the princess's favorite dish—right here, right now. I will taste it, and make my decision accordingly. I think I'm a little confused. All right. Then if you don't mind me using your kitchen and ingredients, I'll get started. Hey, wait a minute! What the heck is going on?

---

Heh. Looks like we showed up right in the middle of a job interview. Feels more like a wake than an interview... Thank Heavens you guys showed up to help lift all this gloom! We were really just stopping by to drop off some of the vegetables we harvested... Aw, we got time to spare! And besides, they said they'd let us try this guy's grub! I must admit, I'm curious to see how Valerio reacts. And if another fight breaks out, we should probably be here to stop it. Just a few finishing touches, and... All finished. Holy veg-a-roni! Is that a vegetable stew? It smells fantastic! So you do remember Her Highness's favorite dish. But of course, the proof is in the pudding—or stew, in this case. I'm confident in my work. I've been training tirelessly all this time. Is that so? Well, let's try it. Don't mind if I do. Mmm... This is great! Wow! It's packed with all sorts of veggies, and each one feels like it's contributing to the overall flavor profile. There's real craftsmanship here. Hm... This isn't the way it used to taste. It's not? Does that mean he doesn't get the job? It's different now. And by "different," I mean unmistakably superior. It's good to see that you haven't been resting on your laurels. So then you're saying... Yes. The job is his, if he wants it. But I warn you: I will not stand for anything less than your best. Yes, chef! Thank you! That night...
Closing time at last. Thank you for helping out again today, Mitsuba. Hey, thank YOU for giving me another opportunity to steal all your secrets! I believe the proper way to express that sentiment would be to thank me for my guidance, but suit yourself. Now, then—any requests for tonight's staff meal? I'm all ears. Easy. I want the princess's favorite dish. Mitsuba... What? I'm just curious to try your version of it, Valerio. The vegetable stew the new guy made had a very complex, but gentle flavor. I can tell how much she still means to you both. Indeed. I will never forget her. Doesn't it hurt to hold on to those feelings? Of course. But I'm prepared to embrace that pain for the rest of my days. Is that why you hired that guy? To keep your past close at hand? My memories of the princess are not something to forget, or to move past. They will forever bring me warmth, as well as tears. Anyway, it will be good to have him here. I need the help, and he's not a bad cook. Atta boy! You know what that is? Growth. I appreciate you saying so. Now, take a seat and prime your taste buds for something truly remarkable. Taste buds: primed!

---

Thanks again for this opportunity. I'm excited to start working with you. The feeling is mutual. Now, shall we? We have a restaurant to run! Look, they just opened! Come on, Mommy, hurry up! I'm staaarving! Welcome. Right this way.

---

(No matter how many restaurants I open, there are flavors I will never, ever forget.) (I can only hope that my cooking here will touch people's hearts the way Her Highness once touched mine. Bon appétit, everyone.)