Fortune Follows Smiles

Raid Event: Fortune from Afar

Epilogue

Fortune Follows Smiles

Summary

The castle is abuzz with excitement thanks to the New Year's party, during which the winner of the hospitality face-off becomes a hot topic. When the prince recommends a draw, Botan and the other Hinomotoans accept, after which the party continues long into the night.

Dialogue

The mochi is ready, everyone. Please help yourselves. Me and Ranzal pounded it, so eat up! Don't mind if I do! *chomp* Whaaaa! H-h-hooooot! Do be careful not to burn yourself. It's freshly made, after all. Your cooking really is the best, Sazanka. This flavor sure takes me back—it's what New Year's is all about! I'm beginning to wonder if your entire reason for tracking me down was simply to enjoy Sazanka's cooking. Heh. Maaaaybe. I'm convinced there's nothing that Sazanka can't turn into a feast. That means something from you, Cleo. Your words flatter me. If there is anything on the menu that you're curious about, I'd be happy to share my techniques. In that case, show me everything. After the party, she means. ...I think. Right then! Might someone be willing to teach me how to play this game? I believe it is called "hanetsuki," yes? The decorations on this paddle are so cute, it made me curious to try it. I'll be happy to show you the ropes— but if you lose, I get to smear ink all over your face! Is that actually part of the rules?! Most games I'm familiar with don't have such punishments built in. It's not just punishment—the ink is used to ward off evil spirits. Regardless, to be besmeared with ink... Well, just don't lose, then! I'm not worried. Heck, I mastered that spinning "koma" top thingy just fine. Such overconfidence will likely end with you covered head to toe in ink, Luca. You think the master of sylvan games is gonna lose? Not happening! Since when does ANYONE call you that? Since I decided it just now! Anyway, I'm taking home the win for sure. Speakin' of which, who ended up winnin' that hospitality face-off? I believe Ieyasu's team is leading by a score of two to one. Sounds good to me. Interesting. I thought you'd put up more of a fight over your loss. Yeah, but I sort of interfered with Ieyasu and caused a whole bunch of trouble, and they STILL came out on top. What can I say? The Twelve Wyrmclans just know how to be hospitable. Alas, I fear my hospitality was insufficient. I forgot the most important point: that the one offering hospitality should also enjoy themselves. Yeah, but all the Alberian folks had a GREAT time! If one offers hospitality in name only, there is no point to any of it. Rrrgh! You are SO thickheaded! I lost, okay? Deal with it! NOOO FIGHTING! How can you fight on a day like this?! Bad humans! Bad! Hey, I'm just going out of my way to be a grateful loser! Ieyasu here is the bonehead who won't accept it. Heh... Ah ha ha! What's so funny? It's just strange that you—perhaps the worst loser I know—would be so compromising in this. It reminds me of how we used to bicker amongst ourselves as children. Yeah, because you've got a thick skull! Oh, I think you could give me a run for my money in that department. What'd you say?! It's a tie! Huh? Look, we all had an amazing time thanks to you folks. And right now, everyone is happy— including the two of you. So why do we have to pick a winner? Hmm... I suppose there is truth to that. As a person who brings good fortune, I neglected something important. What's that? In Hinomoto, we've a proverb that states, "Good fortune will come to the home of those who smile." I have always tried to bear this in mind. And yet, I thought so heavily of my duty that I neglected my own feelings. It is meaningless to bring fortune and happiness to another if you do not first possess it yourself. That's very wise. I am grateful to you for making me recall what it means to share joy with another. No, it's us who should be thanking you for bringing such a fun-filled New Year's to our doorstep. But that being said, what do you all plan to do now? We shall continue visiting various countries before returning home. I understand—although it makes me sad to think of you leaving. I am grateful that you regret our parting. Still, I hope this is but the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship. Though the distance between Hinomoto and Alberia is great, we shall ever come to your aid in times of trouble. Thank you, Ieyasu. And don't you fret! Even if this big lug goes home, I'm stayin' with you guys. Wait, what?! It's irritating that Ieyasu saw me as so weak that he couldn't tell me the truth. So I'm gonna stay around here for a while and train up. You mean here in the castle?! You know it!, Er, I mean, if that's okay with you, Euden? Botan, you mustn't declare such a thing without asking permission first. It's no problem, Botan. Welcome aboard. Ha! I'm gonna get so insanely strong my muscles will have muscles! Then I can return home to serve my master and future shogun. A very promising decision, Botan. I shall await your return. It's an absolute, ironclad, unbreakable promi—AAAAH! What is it?! Aw, poo! My mochi got cold! Bwaaa ha ha! That'll teach ya to make a big speech when there's food waitin'! On that note, let us put aside these discussions for the nonce...and continue our New Year's celebration! Yeeeeah! ("Good fortune will come to the home of those who smile," eh? Well, I know we'll have some hard times in the new year, but we're going to overcome them together.) Happy New Year, everyone.