Lucretia/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

On Entering a Room

When Quest Begins

Shall we set off?

Are you warmed up and ready to go?

Response to Beginning of a Quest

Yes, let us proceed in harmony.

Hee hee! Ready to sing!

When Controlling Character in Quest

When Receiving a Heal

Thanks!

My hero!

When Entering a Boss' Room

This is the finale!

There's not an enemy in the world that I'd lose to.

Response to Entering a Boss' Room

Yes, let us rain terror down upon this ruffian!

We shall win for certain!

Upon Getting to Low Health

My voice is a bit raspy...

No...I can still sing!

Upon Opening a Chest

Ah! What could be inside?

Treasure? How lovely!

Boss on Low Health

The enemy is weakened!

All together now—let's keep the pressure on!

Boss Enters Break State

Now, put your all into it!

Now's the time to sing a requiem!

Rare Enemy Spawns

Look! A rare enemy!

Hey, you don't see those very often, do you?

Upon Death

Looks like...I won't be giving an encore...

I wanted...to keep singing...

Player Uses Damaging Skill

Bravo! Bravissimo!

Ah! So moving!

When Shape Shifting is Ready

The dragon's ready for its duet with me!

I am in sync with the dragon!

Shape Shifting into Dragon

Idle During Quest

What a lovely day! La la laaaaaa!

A little fighting sure is refreshing!

Quest Clear

Quest Failure

Home Screen Walking

I'll do my best when it comes to fiend cleanup!

Hum de dum de doo...

Perhaps I should sing the song of the stars.

This part should be sung in allegro...

Hmm, what should I sing next?

I feel like singing a serenade!

Home Screen Inside

Why DOES everything I try to cook end up exploding...?

I had attendants once. They were worried about me being on my own.

Vixel and I were in the choir together, and often competed for solos.

There are so many kinds of sounds in the natural world. You should listen for them!

It's important for a singer to get her stress out— and fiend-hunting's the perfect way to do it!

I like to visit my hometown every now and again. It's where I started out, after all.

Home Screen Portrait

Collection Portrait

At The Halidom

Shall we sing together?

How do you do?

I must prepare for my next performance.

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

I Quit Singing!

♪♪♪ People called her the songstress of the century. Lucretia: The apex of the entire singing world— a muse with a voice as clear and pure as a bell. She was beautiful in song. She was beautiful in combat. She was like the heroine of an opera. Everyone admired her above all other musicians, and her fame and reputation were eternal. Or so it was thought...

I am no longer a songstress!

Uh, sorry. What?

I am no longer a songstress.

Everyone: WHAAAT?!

Bwa ha ha! Good one, Lucretia. Real funny prank. Here, lemme make some armpit fart noises to help ya out. There's no way THE Lucretia would just up and stop singin' like that.

I assure you, sir, this is no jest. I mean what I said.

Wait. So yer really givin' it up? Like, REALLY really?

Really really.

I can scarce imagine the commotion your impending retirement will cause. I hear your recitals are quite popular.

Popular's puttin' it lightly. Fancy noble types practically go to WAR to get a ticket to one'a her performances. Whole families have been known to compete with each other for tickets, or even flat-out steal 'em.

Notte: Wowzers. She really IS famous! Sooo...why do you want to give it up?

Did something happen?

Nothing in particular, no. I just decided I have had enough of this life. Not that it makes much difference—my upcoming performances have all been canceled already.

I imagine that's going to cause quite the stir among ticketholders.

Perhaps—or perhaps not. Either way, it's nothing to do with me any more.

Some members of an orchestra want to speak with you, Euden.

What's an orchestra doing here?

Searching for Lucretia, apparently. They claim they were scheduled to perform with her at her next recital, but then she suddenly disappeared.

Huh? But Lucretia told us her upcoming recitals had all been canceled.

(Uh oh.)

Bwaaa ha ha! I get it now. They were never REALLY canceled—that was somethin' ya decided on yer own, wasn't it?

Which is why the orchestra members are so very desperate to find her.

(Gah!)

Is this true, Lucretia?

Er... Well...

What should I tell them, Lucretia? We can't simply keep them waiting.

Tell them...that I am not here! Yes, that's it.

They do seem deeply troubled by your disappearance.

Even so! Tell them I am away.

Let's just do what she wants, Cleo.

Very well.

Well, this is a real mess.

Even if I had told them what I was thinking, they wouldn't have allowed it. They would never have accepted my wanting to leave this life.

Why are you so desperate to quit, anyway?

I simply don't wish to sing any more. I'll do anything you need in its place. Cleaning, cooking, fiend-pummeling... So long as it's not singing, you may ask anything of me! Pray just allow me to stay here—I beg it of you! In fact, until you say yes, I will not move from this spot!

What shall we do, Your Highness?

Hmm...

Please. This is the only place where I can truly get away from singing.

All right, then. You can stay.

Oh, thank you, Euden!

Ya sure about this? Ain't no way we're gonna be able to hide the world's most famous singer here for long.

I agree. A lot of people are going to be very worried.

I know. But right now, I think we need to prioritize Lucretia's feelings. I don't know what happened to make her feel this way, but it's clear SOMETHING is worrying her. I think we should do what we can to help.

Hee hee! Oh, I can hardly wait to see what new experiences life has in store for me!

Sure don't look like she's worried.

Indeed. Still, I wonder what changes having the songstress of the century in the Halidom will bring about...

Episode 2

The Domestic Disaster

What in Ilia's name happened here?!

What's wrong, Cleo?! *cough* *cough* Th-there's so much smoke!

Get some clean air in here! Quickly! Whew! That was dangerous.

What happened, Cleo?

I fear you will never believe the answer.

It took me quite by surprise as well.

Er, Lucretia? What are you doing in the kitchen?

I was merely helping Cleo with cooking when all of a sudden... Well, that. The pot has turned completely black now. Whatever did I do wrong?

You turned the heat FAR too high, is what. Were you perhaps trying to burn this castle to the ground?

How high are we talking?

Meat must be boiled over a high flame so as to make it safe for consumption, yes?

Yes, but that goal does not require a literal PILLAR of flame to achieve. *sigh* Now I need a new pot.

I'm sorry. I was merely trying to help.

That's all right. Maybe cooking isn't your strong suit. I'm sure Cleo has plenty of other things you can help with.

Well, I suppose there are no open flames involved in laundry...

Then please leave all your filthy unmentionables to my care!

What in blazes is this?!

Ah, Cleo! I readied the laundry and—ACK! Where did all these bubbles come from?!

Oh dear. I'm so sorry. ...Er, again. I wanted to make all the clothes sparkle, so I put lots of bubblegrass into the water. But then... Well, this.

*sigh* You are aware that "more" does not necessarily equate to "better", yes?

Again, my apologies. I shall clean all of this at onc—AAAAAH! ...Yes, well. It seems I slipped in all of these bubbles.

*sigh* I will clean all of this up. YOU, meanwhile, can return to the castle.

Of course, Cleo. At once. *sigh* I hate causing naught but trouble for everyone. Surely there must be SOME task that I can perform. Aha! I could help with the cleaning!

What have you DONE?!

Ah, Cleo! You'll be happy to know that I have managed to—BLARGH! Um, guys? Why is the floor wet, and why are there pieces of a broken vase scattered everywhere?

I am so, so, SO sorry.

Did you do this, Lucretia?

I thought that I couldn't possibly make a mess of cleaning, but then I knocked over a bucket of water. As I was sopping it up, I seem to have knocked a vase over as well.

How have you managed to make it through life for so long?

Honestly, I haven't had any problems until this point. Although I also have never performed housework before. I've always had attendants taking care of my daily needs.

I see. In that case, you are officially BANNED from housework. You need never try to help again. In fact, you will help by NOT helping.

What?! But I can't just do nothing! That wouldn't be fair on all of you!

Nor would us having to do extra work because you cannot handle basic tasks!

Is there truly nothing else I can do to help, Euden?

Well, if Cleo banned you from housework, that only leaves fighting fiends.

Perfect! THAT can be my contribution! Taaake...THIS! I'm not finished yet! Try this!

Astounding... She eliminated those fiends as if it was nothing!

Ya'd never know she used to belt out tunes the way she fights.

Hee hee. Do you really think so? I'm just glad to be of service.

How did you end up becoming so strong?

Right? I mean, usually someone as famous as you would have bodyguards, yeah?

I starred in an opera where I played the role of a knight princess. The stage combat training was so fun that I got hooked on fighting for true. It became something of a hobby for me. It's perfect for relieving stress.

Yer a real natural if that's a hobby.

I'm flattered to be told so by an actual flesh-and-blood mercenary. Ah! Now that I'm no longer singing for a living, maybe I could become a mercenary!

Er, you?

Is the thought really so strange?

Not strange so much as... Well, yeah. Strange, I guess.

You're firmly set on a career change, then?

I am. So let's not discuss it any further, and instead hurry back to the castle!

She does seem very sure—though it's odd she won't give a reason why.

No amount of askin' is gonna change the mind of someone actin' like that.

In that case, we'll just keep watching her for a while longer, I suppose. Hopefully she will eventually talk to us.

Episode 3

Expectations and Reality

Thank you for helping me dry the laundry, Elisanne.

Not at all; we all owe you our deepest gratitude for always washing it. In fact, I... Hmm?

What is it?

Can you hear someone singing over there?

That sounds like...

♪♪♪

Ah, Lucretia. Her voice is SO beautiful.

Yes, it's filled with warmth and kindness.

♪♪♪ ...Hmm? Oh, hello, you two. Were you listening to me?

I apologize for doing so without asking. Your voice was so beautiful that we simply could not help ourselves.

You truly are a singular talent.

Hee hee! Why, thank you.

I'm glad to see that you haven't fallen out of love with singing, at least. Elsewise you would not be able to create such joyous music.

No, you're right—I don't dislike singing. On the contrary, I love it. Singing is who I am; how could I possibly fall out of love with it?

Then why did you decide to give it up as a career? I imagine you pursued that career in the first place due to your love of music, yes?

I answer your question with another: You put much hard work into becoming a Paladyn, did you not?

Hm? Well, yes, of course. But that was my dream. I knew it would be a thorny path, but I did not let that deter me. I spared no efforts in pursuing this dream.

In much the same way, I spared no effort when pursuing my singing career. I practiced from morning to night, and sometimes on to the dawn.

Then how could you give up so easily on what you worked so hard to obtain?

Because I...I don't know what I am doing any more.

What do you mean?

I don't understand what purpose there is in my taking the stage as a songstress. Oh, that's what my fans are expecting from me, and no mistake. They expect the perfection and beauty that my songs have come to be associated with. Nothing else will satisfy them. So what would happen if I was to take the stage and sing something different?

I imagine that some of them would be quite disappointed.

Very much so. And yet, I do not sing to satisfy people's expectations—I do it because I love it. But so long as I wish to keep singing, I must be the performer people expect. The more time I spent thinking about this, the more frustrated and unsure I became.

I think I understand what you're saying. And yet, I also believe you are being more than a little naive. If you intend to make a living by singing, then answering the expectations of an audience is simply part of the job, is it not?

Oh, I know that. Believe me. And I always knew it would be difficult to keep answering such expectations. But more than anything, I wanted to sing. Now, however, I see that perhaps I wasn't as prepared for this as I thought.

I apologize if that was too forward. I know nothing about your chosen path, after all.

Your apology is unnecessary. I just fear that if this continues, I may lose the will to sing entirely.

All right, that's enough of serious talk for one day. Incidentally, are you a fan of sweets, Lucretia?

I am, actually. Why do you ask?

Because nothing cheers a person feeling low so much as sweets. Though if they aren't available, eating any food you enjoy can have a similar effect. I understand that singing is an important subject for you, which is why you are dwelling on it so. Still, it's vital to rest from time to time. Sometimes, the more desperate you are to find an answer, the easier it slips through your fingers.

Well, now that you mentioned sweets, I realize that I'm rather hungry. Shall we stop for some food?

I've baked some real treats today. I'm sure you will like them.

Thank you. I'd love to try some. Mmm! This chiffon cake is spectacular!

Heh. I knew you would like it. I put a lot of effort into making the cream just right.

The sweetness level is perfect. I think I could eat this all day. Maybe I should try making some myself.

Please don't.

Ha ha! Don't worry—I was only joking.

You never struck me as the joking type.

Really? Even I have a sense of humor, you know. Although it does feels like some time since I've tried to use it. I'd almost forgotten that I used to be able to smile like this. I suppose I have the two of you to thank for helping me to remember.

You're very welcome. Now, if you want more cake, I have plenty left.

I would love some!

Episode 4

My True Self

Someone is here to see you, Euden.

Oh? I'd better go see them, then.

Er, should it happen to be someone from the orchestra, please do not tell them that I am here.

Don't worry, I won't betray your whereabouts to anyone.

I am sorry to ask this of you.

Can I help you? ...Oh, you're that friend of Lucretia's, from—

She's here, isn't she?!

Actually I haven't—

Do not play coy, sir—I know she is here. Ever since her sudden disappearance, I have been looking high and low for her. This is the last place I have to check.

Look, I understand that you're worried, but she's—

Well, if she's not here, you won't mind me coming in and looking around.

V-Vixel! Wait!

Lucretia! Where are you?!

Vixel? Whatever are you doing here?!

I'm sorry, Lucretia. I tried to stop him.

You have nothing to apologize for. Now just what is going on here, Lucretia? Canceling all of your upcoming recitals and disappearing doesn't sound like you. You've caused a great deal of trouble for the orchestra you were scheduled to be performing with. What were you thinking?!

I'm done singing on the stage.

Is this a joke?! After how much you used to love singing, you're just going to walk away?!

It's BECAUSE I love singing that I quit! But this conversation is pointless; there's nothing you can say to change my mind. Now please go.

Not without you.

Well I'm not going anywhere!

Yes, you are!

Let's just take it easy here, you two.

...Lucretia, I'm not here on behalf of the orchestra. I'm here to help you. I know how much music means to you. As a fellow musician—as well as your friendly rival—let me give you a warning: The world of music isn't one where you can come and go as you please. I should know...

I'm aware of that, Vixel! But I'm not just "the songstress". I am Lucretia!

Lucretia!

Do you mind if I try talking to her, Vixel?

Would you? Thank you. The words of someone who has nothing to do with music might actually have a better chance of reaching her right now. Whatever she does, please make sure she she has no regrets.

I will.

This is the right thing to do, right...? Yes, of course. It's clearly the only option.

Here you are.

I apologize for rushing out as I did.

Can you tell me what you meant by what you said earlier? That part about not being the songstress. Is that perhaps the real reason you're turning your back on singing?

*sigh* I suppose there's no point in trying to hide it anymore. I didn't want to say anything because I feared it would spoil your image of me, but—

That could never happen.

You are kind to say so. As you know, people always refer to me as the "songstress of the century". But every time they call me that, I feel it's the only thing I am ever allowed to be. And that...scares me. All this time, I've tried to be what the world wants from me—from how I sing on stage to how I behave once I'm off it. All so I don't betray anyone's expectations.

But if you do that...

That's right. There's no space for any "me" other than the one other people want. The woman singing is not Lucretia. She is merely an anonymous songstress. At this rate, I fear singing will become the ONLY thing that defines me, and everything else will simply...disappear.

So that was why you gave it up?

Yes. I feel like the only way to stay sane is to make sure I am more than that. Because as it stands, if you take singing from me... Well, there's nothing left.

I see what you're saying. But do you really think it's true that singing alone defines you?

What do you mean?

Oh, you're an incredible singer. There's no denying that. But after living with you for a while, I've also learned more about you. Like your housework skills, for example. I don't know many people who could set a kitchen on fire AND somehow manage to soak the entire floor of a castle.

Please forget that ever happened.

I can't. Because it's another part of what makes you who you are.

You truly think so?

I do. There's also the fact you're strong in battle, that you're confident in your decisions, and that you're a little fragile. Those are all things that define you— there's far more to the Lucretia I know than just singing. So the idea you're nothing but a songstress is simply not true.

That's...

We think the other facets of you are just as charming as your singing, too—probably more than anyone else would. So don't be so scared to show the world who you really are. Don't you think you should live your life the way you want to?

You... You really think it's okay for me to not lie about who I am?

Of course. You should just be you.

Then I will do just that! I'll return to singing and be who I want to be! All of you know me better than anyone, so if you believe in me, so can I!

Episode 5

Sing Loud and Clear

I'm going to hold a recital in the castle!

Sorry, what?

I am going to hold a recital right here in this castle!

Everyone: Whaaat?!

But ain't ya done with singin' and all that?

I have given up on giving up.

Yer serious?

Truly, absolutely, and categorically.

It's hard to believe I'm looking at the same woman who was so determined to quit just a little while ago.

Are you certain about this decision?

Yes—and I do apologize for causing you all so much consternation. Coming here and distancing myself from singing for a while has allowed me to realize something... The one who was the most fixated on being a songstress was myself—and I have been acting like someone I'm not in order to remain one. But that ends now. From this point forward, I begin my life anew!

Notte: But why do you want to perform here? Why not go somewhere bigger?

Yes, wouldn't you prefer a large performance hall or the like?

You could have your pick of the litter— surely any venue would move mountains to host your comeback show, yes?

No, I want to sing here; this is the place that allowed me to be myself again. I don't wish to stop being a songstress, but I also don't wish to stop being Lucretia. So that's why I want a fresh start in the place where I can most easily be myself.

Then we'll be happy to help.

We'll need to do a lot of work before we can host a recital.

True. We'll need to prepare a stage, for starters.

Yeah, and call loads of people! Can't have the songstress of the century beltin' out tunes without an audience, yeah?

Notte: Leave that part to me!

Thank you all so much.

Let's all pitch in and make sure Lucretia's comeback performance is a success!

Everyone: Right!

Female Attendee: I can't believe I'm going to hear the famous Lucretia sing!

Male Attendee: I can't believe it either—I thought she'd vanished?

Hall Manager: First she disappears, and now she's singing somewhere else? What a diva!

Orchestra Member: Let us not be too harsh on her; she DID invite us here to make amends, after all. The least we can do is listen politely.

Well, slop gravy on me and call me a ham—there ain't an empty seat anywhere!

And the visitors just keep coming. Lucretia's name really draws a crowd.

......

Are you nervous?

Not at all. I'm just happy to sing again. It's been so long since I last felt happy before a performance. I have you to thank for this, Euden. I shall repay my debt with the best singing that I can deliver.

I'm looking forward to it.

Heh. Then it is time for me to begin.

Male Attendee: Ah! She's here!

Female Attendee: She's sooo pretty...

Hall Manager: That lady's got some nerve to just waltz out like nothin' happened.

Orchestra Member: Let us just be glad she's all right.

Thank you all for coming here tonight. I want to take this moment to apologize for worrying everyone with my sudden disappearance. I have always strived to be the perfect songstress—to be what I believed the world wanted me to be. I thought doing this was more important than anything—even being true to myself. But I see now that I was mistaken. I came to realize I would never be able to truly sing from the heart so long as I kept denying who I was. But I am done trying to be someone else. From this point forward, I shall sing the songs that truly speak to my heart! If you are still interested in hearing me, I invite you to stay and listen.

Spectators: ......

(Ah, but they all must be so disappointed in me... Still, I cannot blame them. I am the one who has been running from who I really am all this time.)

You can do it, Lucretia!

Euden...

Grace us with us your finest song!

Yeah! Sing till ya puke!

Female Attendee: We're with you, Lucretia!

Male Attendee: Lucretia!

Sing! Sing! Sing!

Thank you all so much...

......

♪♪♪

It's...beautiful.

She seems completely relaxed as well. Whatever was troubling her has clearly been washed away. Thank you, Euden.

Oh, this was all Lucretia.

Perhaps. I'm simply glad she was able to rediscover her passion for music.

♪♪♪

Female Attendee: You're the best, Lucretia!

Male Attendee: I've never heard anything like it! Welcome back, Lucretia!

Hall Manager: Bravo! Bravissimo! ...You there! I want her next recital booked before the night is out! Hurry now!

Orchestra Member: Yes, sir! Right away!

I'm glad that Lucretia was able to restore her reputation.

Was there ever any doubt? She's the best at what she does.

Thank you all so much for your support. I shall become a songstress once more!