Dragonyule Malora/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

Lady Starfall comes crashing in.

On Entering a Room

Shall we fan the flames of love?

When Quest Begins

Let us give the gift of love!

All sorted? Don't keep me waiting.

Response to Beginning of a Quest

Yes, let's turn on the charm!

Just say the word, dear.

When Controlling Character in Quest

Make way for Lady Starfall!

When Receiving a Heal

I'll show my thanks later, 'kay?

For me? You shouldn't have.

When Entering a Boss' Room

Let's send 'em to the stars!

Let's show them what happens when you're naughty!

Response to Entering a Boss' Room

Yes, let's make sure they remember us!

Yes, let's leave them in the cold!

Upon Getting to Low Health

I'm beginning to fade...

Oh, my head is spinning!

Upon Opening a Chest

My my, what might this be?

Hmm, now this would make a great gift.

Boss on Low Health

Oh dear, are you tired already?

Almost there...

Boss Enters Break State

Hehe! I've been known to have that effect on people.

I'm not really one for mercy.

Rare Enemy Spawns

My, what a strange creature...

Ooo, I like the look of that one!

Upon Death

No star can shine forever...

It seems my flame is...dying...

Player Uses Damaging Skill

Would you like to try that on me next? Hehe...

I know a star when I see one!

When Shape Shifting is Ready

Who needs reindeer when you can be a dragon? Hehe!

The dragon is stirring!

Shape Shifting into Dragon

Let's set our passion loose!

Idle During Quest

If you need me, I'll be checking my list.

You can't just wait. You have to take initiative.

Quest Clear

My next target will be your heart.

Quest Failure

Maybe it's time to throw in the towel...

Home Screen Walking

It feels quite nice to be the one giving for once.

I wouldn't call myself a saint, exactly...

I'll see you tonight, right? Hehe!

Lady Starfall, at your service!

To you, I give my heart.

I should scope out the chimney...

Home Screen Inside

I see the stockings are hung by the chimney already. Is someone excited? Hehe!

Why don't we all get cozy around the fireplace together?

My mother taught me everything I know; she was quite the charmer herself, hehe!

Do you need something wrapped? Here, let me pick out a ribbon.

I'll give you anything you ask for—but you know what I want, right?

In the past I've spent Dragonyule alone. Can't be playing favorites, you know?

Home Screen Portrait

What's on your Dragonyule list this year? Perhaps, some romance?

Shall we join your flame with mine?

I may toy with people's hearts on occasion, but I make a point to never hurt them.

I'm used to being showered in gifts, but giving them is new to me.

There's nothing more alluring than true and honest confessions of love.

Collection Portrait

I'm not exactly designed to squeeze through chimneys.

I need to bring gifts to everyone who helped make me this outfit. I wonder what they would like?

Seduction is about giving as well as taking.

My mother raised me on her own. I can only hope to be as kind and composed as her one day.

If you aim to charm a stranger, honesty will take much further than a silver tongue.

At The Halidom

I'll need a sled, don't you think?

Who should I ask for gift money, I wonder...?

What would YOU like from Lady Starfall, mmm?

Mana Circle Unlocked

Love can always burn hotter, hmm?

Fully Unbound

I'm at the peak of my powers, and it's all thanks to you.

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

Lady Starfall's Provenance

This Saint Starfall costume is simply sensational! Agreed! Looks like our group effort to design a costume paid off. It's not a proper holiday unless your outfit shows some spirit! It made me think I might have a future in costume-making! Aha ha. I must say, Malora—we couldn't have asked for a better model. Your proportions really bring out the best in the costume. Oho ho! Aren't you just the sweetest thing? Y'know, since you're dressed as Saint Starfall and all... Why not go whole holiday hog and act the part, too? A fascinating proposition—and trust me, I know my propositions! Now, what would Saint Starfall do? ...Aha! Gift-giving! Perhaps I'll try giving out some special gifts—a letter sealed with a kiss, or a spare key to my bedroom, or some more...worldly pleasures. Wh-which gutter did you unceremoniously scoop THAT idea out of?! Aw, you're no fun. Well, perhaps I can rustle up something a tad more... family-friendly. As in, maybe I'll quietly slip into the home of a nice, happy family, and leave gifts for them. And then... That's it, yes! And then? And then, in exchange for the gifts, I'll take the handsome man of the house back with me and make him one of my reindeer! Come on, can't you just give out presents like a normal person? But that's so blasé without anything to spice it up! Gift-giving should excite the senses and thrill the heart! I'm not sure your idea of a "thrill" is really in line with the spirit of the season. Hmm. I wonder what I can do to give my interpretation of Saint Starfall a little of that oh-so-juicy Malora zest... Excuse me! Is this the Halidom?! Oh, a visitor! Do you need something? I need you to look for someone! We haven't been in contact for several days, and...and... *sob* Something tells me there's more to this story. Let's hear it, miss. So the person you seek is a lover who disappeared. Yes. He just vanished one day without a word. I'm so worried about him... I-it'll be okay. Vanessa and the others are off gathering information right now. And they'll definitely find him, right? And then he'll come back to me... Tell me: Was this beau of yours struggling to make ends meet? Well, yes, actually. He made a mistake at work—one that he said would cost a great deal of money to compensate for... And what did you do when he told you? I gave him all the money I had, of course. And a necklace I was quite attached to. He promised he would return them to me afterwards... Bingo. Classic M.O. What do you mean, Malora? Do I have to spell it out for you? Listen up. This so-called "lover" of yours... ...... We're back. And wo-MAN, am I furious. That seems like an understatement. You'll probably feel the same in a sec. We heard something absolutely outrageous when we went out to gather info. It would seem that the only thing our missing lover swoons over is cold, hard cash. Wh-what?! So he's a— A con artist, yes. He gets close to his targets, feeds them some trumped-up line about being pressed for cash, and bam. He shakes poor ladies down for every gold piece they're worth, then ghosts 'em. He's had more than his share of victims, too. I knew it. ...Aha ha. So he tricked me. I had just arrived from Peng Lai, and he was so kind to me in my hour of need... Now I see that was all just an act. I loved him with all my heart, and he played me for everything save the clothes off my back. What a fool I am. Hey, that two-faced creep is the one who's at fault here, not you. Don't cry, okay? And yet I can't stop thinking about him. It's mortifying. Wretched. You silly girl. Love is a battle, and she who falls first loses the war. Hey, take it easy on the poor gal. However, showing due respect to the critically lovestruck is the victor's duty. He who opens the door to the realm of passion is beholden to his charge until the bittersweet end. Love is the legacy he is honor-bound to leave behind. Now you're talkin', Malora. Tell me: Would you leave this matter in my hands? I'll catch that miscreant for you—this I swear! T-truly? But we have no idea where he is. He's hidden himself quite well. That won't be a problem. Just leave it to me. Y-you certainly seem confident. What makes you so sure? My mother was a bounty hunter, so I've inherited certain...weapons from her. I'll use them to nab our swindler before you can say the word "heartbreak." Then, um... I'd really appreciate your help, Saint Starfall. Done and done. But hmm...Saint Starfall? I daresay I'm too sexy to be a saint. Meaning? Meaning that I will not be known as Saint Starfall, but as LADY STARFALL! And with that, I'm off! Ta-ta! Lady...Starfall! Yes! I may not be a particularly saintly woman, but I AM rather fastidious when it comes to matters of love. This holiday, your gift shall be the satisfaction of a stolen treasure returned, courtesy of the great and bewitching Lady Starfall!

Episode 2

Malora's Net

This...isn't much, but it might help you. Thank you! This should be enough to cover for my mistake. I don't know what I would've done without you. Marvelous! I'm glad I could help! I'll be waiting at home tonight with a big pot of that homemade stew you love so much, so don't be late! Tch. What is this, a mouse's lunch money? Cash sure don't flow like it used to. Guess it's about time I cut that broad loose. Maybe I'll give that other chick the ol' sob story next! Geh heh heh! Hey! Isn't that the guy? Yeah, he does match the description. Hey! You there! What is it? Can't ya see I'm busy here? We've got no beef with you, but we're gonna need you to come with us. Miss Malora would like a word. And we don't like to keep her waiting. PREPARE YOURSELF! Aaagh! What the heck?! I-I'm gettin' outta here! Yo, that guy runnin' this way— I think he might be you-know-who! It's the man that Malora is looking for! You there! Stop! S-stop! Let me pass! Ain't gonna happen! You're my one-way ticket to a steamy evenin' with Malora! Resistance is futile! HRAAARGH! Eeek! Honestly, what is going on?! L-looks like I managed to shake 'em. But who's Malora? Some bimbo I tricked? ...Ooh, wait a sec. Target sighted. Perf. I'll dupe this little lady, have her hide me somewhere safe, and then rob her blind when she's turned the other cheek. Geh heh heh. You there! Miss! Please, a moment! Kindness radiates from you in gossamer waves, and I find myself in need of refuge from a most dogged pursuant... Goodness, you poor thing. You know, when I look into your eyes, I see... (Geh heh... She's head-over-heels for me!) ...a perfect match for the description that Malora gave me! M-Malora again?! Wait, you can't mean...! I'm going to catch you and hand you over to Malora! You too?! But why the heck are YOU trying to capture me?! Malora is offering a reward to whoever catches you. She offers the privilege of spending Dragonyule with HER! Oh, to bask in her radiance, laughing as we roast chestnuts on an open fire... I! Must! Earn! It! HRAAH! Eeeeeeek! Where's that garbage man who makes ladies cry?! I'm gonna find his sorry mug and offer his carcass up to Malora! MALORA! MALORA! MALORA! MALORA! The heck is goin' on?! Everywhere I go, people are all about this Malora woman... Whatever the case, I can't stick around here. I gotta get going while the going's good! *wheeze* Now...that I've come this far... I oughta be fine. Wai—UWAAARGH! What in the... Is this some kinda trap?! Shoot! I'm caught in this net and I can't move! Oho ho! Oh-so-predictable, my dear pilferer. Without anywhere to hide, I expected you to leave town. The scoundrel who tricks and ensnares women is now the one caught in a trap. Aren't life's little jokes hysterical? This was YOUR doing?! Who are you?! And what the heck are you doing in that screwy Saint Starfall costume?! I'm not Saint Starfall. I am LADY Starfall, great and bewitching ally of love most pure. There's the garbage man! He's with Malora! "Malora"?! Wait, so YOU'RE the one who's been siccing all these people on me?! Don't act so scandalized, my dear. I merely offered them a reward for their services. Isn't that right, friends? YES, MALORA! I mobilized my admirers and had them set up a dragnet for you. My mother would often use this method to track down her bounties. Charm and technique that inspires people to action... These are the weapons I bring to bear, courtesy of my dear mother. Please, hold your applause. A-amazing, Lady Starfall. Hey! You're one of the women I tricked! I'm here on her behalf. And since we're having this little get-together, I called a few OTHER faces you might recognize. How could you toy with our pure hearts?! Here's that stew I promised you— Have a taste! I INSIST! YEEEOUCH! HOOOOOOT! This is payback for tricking me! TAKE THIS! And now it's your turn, my lady. Do with him as you please. Hey, hey, hey! You wouldn't hurt me like these other gals, would you...? This man... He... He... H-hey, come on, can't you let this slide? We swore our love to one another, didn't we? Please! FORGIVE MEEE! ...I will do nothing. Every second I spend concerning myself with this unsightly garbage is wasted. He can rot in a cell for all I care. N-no, not prison! You can't! Looks as though you've shaken off any lingering attachment to the man. All that remains is to retrieve what he stole. Fess up. Where's my necklace? Hurry and give it back. I'm tired of looking at you. Huh? The necklace? I pawned it ages ago. No! That was a keepsake my mother left me! Who did you sell it to? If I tell you, will you let me go? If you DON'T tell me, well... Who knows what grim fate might befall you? Oho ho! Urgh... Look, there's this guy, Count Delchi. Corrupt nobleman who buys up stolen goods. Lives in a town called Closeheide. The count of Closeheide, hm? Very well. I'll go pay him a visit and get the necklace back. Y-you'd do that? I told you, didn't I? He who opens the door to the realm of passion is beholden to his charge until the bittersweet end. Requests like this are no different. I'll handle it. Still, cozying up to the Count will be no mean feat. No matter how slippery the target, none shall elude Lady Starfall! Hmph. Sure, you might be able to outwit the Count. But necklace or no, you'll never escape the town alive. And why is that? Is there something I should know about this town of Closeheide? Closeheide Town bordering the Dyrenell Empire Listen up, soldiers! This town is a cornerstone of the Empire's defenses! Arrest any and all suspicious persons on sight! Sir! (Say, doesn't the captain seem awfully fired up today?) (Yeah, he does. And no wonder—HE's coming to make his inspections, after all.) The soldiers seem to be fulfilling their duties. Sir, the town's defenses are impenetrable! You can entrust everything to us, General! Indeed. Exercise the utmost caution. Let not so much as a single ant through. Should anyone be foolish enough to try, mete them a swift and final judgment.

Episode 3

Lady Starfall VS The General

Highway to Closeheide Y'know, I'm fine with guard duty and all, but I can't imagine who'd be dense enough to try and sneak into Closeheide right now. Nobody, that's who. And plus, the general's here right now, so they'd have to be EXTRA— Wait. Somebody's coming. Well, hello there, you studly soldier boys. I've just got some quick little errands to take care of in town, so if you don't mind... No entry beyond this point! Begone immediately or you will be cut down where you stand! That's no way to talk to a lady! Won't you pleeease let me through? Hmph. Spare me the sweet talk. You aren't getting through here, ma'am. Several minutes later... Weeell, what can you do? Oh, you ARE a naughty little kitten. Heh heh heh... And you REALLY won't let this naughty little kitten pass? Even after she's been sweeter than a saucer of warm milk? A-all right, I guess it's fine. It's not like you're a complete stranger, after all. But no causing trouble! You hear me, kitten? (Whoever said Closeheide was "impossible to infiltrate" clearly hadn't met Lady Starfall!) Why, thank you EVER so much, my big, strong soldier boys. Bye-bye, now! Hey, come on! Don't kiss and run! Let's have a little more fun together! We will have PLENTY of quality time soon, believe me. I simply can't put these errands off any longer, darling. Who cares about errands?! You've lit a fire in me, and it's not goin' out anytime soon! You have to— Just what EXACTLY does she have to do, soldier? Why, of course we'd— Wait, hold up! Y-you're... Dereliction of duty. Debauchery. Indolence. This is a stain on your honor as soldiers. You should be ashamed. (He...he's Valyx! What's an imperial general doing out in a backwater 'burb like this?!) ...... (His presence is fearsome indeed. There's no way I can take him in a head-on fight. Bluff, Malora, bluff...) Further, I can scarcely believe you'd be charmed by this woman, an ally of the Halidom, and not realize your indiscretion! Am I mistaken, woman? (Urk! The jig is up! He's not just strong— he's sharp, too! Nothing's going to get past him.) Are you deaf, soldiers? Arrest this woman. Immediately. Urk... Will you not resist? You've some backbone. Or perhaps it's something else. Well, it matters not. Come. S-sir, if there's to be an interrogation, we wouldn't want to trouble you. We will carry it out for y— You wouldn't be able to handle it. I will question her myself. ...... You're as docile as a lamb. What are you plotting, woman? Nothing at all. Tied up as I am, I hardly think myself capable of anything, much less mustering up some grand scheme. What I want to know is what you plan to do with me. Following your interrogation, I'll be sending you to prison in the capital. Look well upon the light of day, for you will never see it again. My, you underestimate me. You think you can keep ME under lock and key? Did you not see your soldiers? It would be a simple task for me to bewitch my jailers and see myself whisked far away from your prison. Indeed it would. A strong case for dealing with you right here and now, in fact. I can do you one better. A great and powerful general needs a partner, does he not? In public...and in private, I daresay? Speak plain, woman. If you spare me, I will spy on your behalf. I will bring you any information you desire, no matter how classified. And I will obey all of your orders without question, whether they pertain to work or matters more...discreet. You think these honeyed words will sway me? I am quite sure you've already sworn fealty to my brother. That I found myself in the employ of Euden is mere happenstance. And what's more, he... does not truly understand me. He is much too soft. He has not once given me a task that utilizes my ample talents. He coddles me like a pitiful hatchling. He never so much as steals a sidelong glance at me. His impertinence has sent me into a crisis of self-esteem. ...What is your point? I wish to serve one who will both understand and make ample use of my considerable talents. I care not the form that arrangement takes. YOU would certainly not show amnesty to a former enemy, would you? That's the kind of man I'd like to serve—one unafraid to raise a stern hand. ...These are your true feelings? If you do not believe me, then test them for yourself. We are alone right now. Give me any order at all, and I will obey. Hmph. You allowed yourself to be captured without a fuss because you were confident you could bewitch me.  ! You planned to find an opening and escape, or to win me over. Whichever it is, you have grossly underestimated me. D-did you really see through me so easily? Discipline is the cornerstone of any prudent military man. Do not insult me so. I will ask you this one time: What secret orders has my brother sent you here to carry out? I am here by no order of Euden's. Then you come to distinguish yourself of your own volition. What is your aim? Speak honestly, for if you do not... *sigh* You truly are the real deal. I can ply you with neither raw might nor feminine allure. I will tell you everything, so lower your weapon. My objective is a necklace, stolen from my client by a deceitful lover. I'm told that it was sold to one Count Delchi. You infiltrated enemy territory to retrieve a trinket? You might consider a better lie. What? Putting your life on the line for a tangle of foolish passions is laughable. Keep your secrets, then. I'll have you take them to your grave. You are a far more tedious man than the reports would suggest, Valyx. ...What? The necklace I speak of was given to my client by her mother as a keepsake. It's not the sort of thing whose importance can be measured against sovereign duty. And what's more, I absolutely cannot abide the theft of something so precious at the hand of false love. Hmph. You risk your life out of pity, then? Naught but naive sentiment. Unfortunately for you, I am not nearly so saccharine a woman as you take me for. I'm also here for my own sake. My pride would never allow me to forsake a love scorned. Your "pride"? You are so arrogant that you spit in the face of death? Or is that end precisely what you have desired all along? I-it is assuredly not! Only a fool would rush headlong into the hereafter! Nonetheless, I have no regrets. Where love is concerned, I will never yield. If you're going to kill me, Valyx, then do it. I see. In that case— HAAAAH! (Urk!) ...You've cut my bonds? What are you playing at, Valyx? Even I have heard of Count Delchi's fraudulent financial activities. If your aim in this city is to exact justice for his misdeeds, then I have no reason to stop you. What, so I'm free to move about the city? I will not impede you, so long as your movements concern that necklace. That said, I cannot well allow an enemy to run about my territory completely unchecked. As such, I restrict you thus: You have until sunset. If you cannot accomplish your objective by then, I will come to deliver final judgment myself. Nowhere in this city is beyond my sight. Should you fail, I WILL find you. Remember that. I have until sunset, and if I cannot achieve my objective by then, I will meet my end. Heh... You drive quite a tough bargain. If your outlandish pride is genuine, then I am certain you will accomplish your goal. Now go, and show me what your words are worth. Phew. Talk about a close call. I'm working with quite a handicap now... I need to get that necklace back before sunset. These Alberian royals certainly are a stubborn bunch, aren't they?

Episode 4

Masquerade of Intrigue

Count Delchi's Manor Dragonyule Party Venue Greetings, my lady. You look exquisite. Might I have the honor of this dance? My apologies—I'm afraid the only pleasure I'm interested in sharing tonight is rapport. And I have my eye on someone already. (There he is: Count Delchi. I have to cozy up to him and retrieve the necklace somehow.) (All before the sun sets, no less.) So you fancy the Count, hm? I would advise you reconsider. He is a man of great education whose heart lies only with those possessed of considerable intellectual stature. We ought to get on splendidly, then. I will go and introduce myself. Bah! This dreadful fracas has yet to provide me with even the barest shred of dignified discourse! Surrounded by fools, I am! How do you do, Count? Might I bend your ear for the briefest of moments? Hm? Who are you? My identity matters not. "To lay a lady's secrets bare is an act of violence, for 'tis far more charming she remain an enigma." Why, I'd recognize lines from 'The Devil's Bowman' anywhere! You are indeed a woman of taste to quote such a masterful opera! Oho ho. Your compliments suit me, sir. Pray tell me, which works stir YOUR heart? More than opera, my true passion is for literature. I am particularly smitten of late by a work called 'Edea's Tears.' Surely you've had the pleasure? Ah, yes. A work by the philosopher Codrus. I believe the famed passage is, "mourning the world aloud is the only way to change it." Oho! You've a discerning eye indeed! "To speak with gentlemen of quality, dig your well of knowledge both broad and deep." My mother taught me this. I would speak with you at greater length, Count. Surely we could parley on any number of riveting subjects, no? But of course. 'Tis a delight to discover you are not some mere fool in costume. Butler! Yes, Master. Here are your beverages. Let us drink before we speak. To the meeting of two intellectuals! Indeed. To meeting a Count of quality. I cannot believe you can speak at such length. Ha ha ha! What an auspicious meeting this is. I am no match for you, my lord. You are a paragon of refinement and taste. And this manor, decorated with such first- rate art—it's more museum than home. You make a fine curator indeed. Oho, and you have aesthetic sense, too! Collecting art is my passion. What I have displayed here is but a portion of my collection. My most exquisite treasures are housed within a room deeper inside my manor. I've just added to it a most stunning necklace of Eastern origin! Gah ha ha! Gracious! Tell me, Count, would you honor me with a tour of this room? But of course. Follow me. (Yes! That necklace is so close I can taste it...not that I'm in any hurry to do so.) And now, I present to you: my collection room. It's pitch-black, my lord. Is your collection really here? Of course. And what I've collected...is you! ...Gh! My body is going numb! Despite my appearance, I possess some knowledge of the magical arts. I've bewitched you with a marvelous spell to help you relax. Clearly you and I have a different definition of "marvelous." Hm. It would seem you've managed to resist it somewhat. But how will you fare against THIS? Urgh! Butler, put her in the usual place. And after that... Geh heh heh... *gasp* Where in the world am I? Brr, it's freezing. Rise and shine, my sweet kitten. How are you feeling? I must say, this does not rank highly among my favorite wake-up calls. You've bound this rope too tight for my liking. Oh, how I love a woman with some bite! Flattery will get you nowhere, I'm afraid. More importantly, where are we? A storage shed on the grounds of my manor. Or at least, that's what it appears to be! It is actually my secret workshop! A workshop for what, pray tell? I told you my passion is collecting works of art. That was a lie. I will one day sell the art I have amassed and use the resulting sum to bribe the Empress, assuring my rise in the world. How positively menial. You've yet to demonstrate surpassing ambition yourself. And in truth, my sights extend far beyond mere oil on canvas. My true passion is for ice sculpture. To that end, I use my magic to keep my workshop as cold as a snowy mountain. I slowly freeze my guests in here, turning them into exquisite depictions of the human form! Intellectuals, frozen in ice, bearing anguished expressions of utter despair! I am not a purveyor of art, but misery! I've dealt with a lot of men in my time, but never one as utterly perverse as you. Ha ha ha! Truly, you honor me! Now, the hour has already grown late. I must see my party guests off. It's HOW late? Wait! Has the sun set?! Long before you roused from your slumber. N-no...! (On top of being kidnapped by this perverse old man, it's long past the time I agreed upon with Valyx! This is bad!)

Episode 5

Starlight's Salvation

In order to get back the stolen necklace, Malora infiltrated the manor of a corrupt nobleman. However... Now, then! You should be nice and frosty by now. ...Hm? Still conscious, are you? *pant* *pant* Unfortunately for you, I am not so weak a woman. Unyielding to the end, I see. How long will you persist in this courageous facade, hm? (This is bad. Despite my words, I'm nearly frozen and losing consciousness.) (I'm nearly at my limit. I can't believe I'm going to meet such a miserable end. And dressed like this, to boot.) (Normally, this would be about when the Halidom gang would rush in and save me. No such luck this time, though.) (After all, I didn't tell any of them where I was going. This lone heroine gig's not all it's cracked up to be...) (Farewell, Euden... I'm still happy I was able to spend time with all of you at the Halidom...) And now, let me see the expression of utmost despair frozen across your face as you breathe your last! Bwa ha ha! M-master! What?! I was JUST getting to the good part! You must escape immediately! H-hurry! So THIS is the Count's hidden workshop. What?! You?! You seem to have toyed with more than your fair share of lives. I cannot suffer a villain like you to roam free. Why are you here, General? Bah, it doesn't matter! I need to— You'll not escape! Haaah! I will untie your bonds. Valyx? Why are you here? I told you that I would find you, no matter where you were. The appointed time is long past. Ah, so you trailed me here...and ended up saving me from that perverse man. Wait, where is the Count? Fled with his tail between his legs, has he? Butler, where is the Count? I-I don't know anything... Guilt is written on his face, plain as day. And his gaze is fixed...here. A hidden door. I see. He must have fled through here while you were assisting me. The man is shrewd. He must be outside the manor by now. I cannot believe I've allowed such a vile criminal to escape. Why, there's no need to be so down. It doesn't matter where he runs, after all. What do you mean? I know well the minds of men. Will you trust me to track him? *wheeze* That should be far enough. I'll stay here outside town until the heat dies down, and then I'll—URAAAGH! A trap?! Why is there a trap here?! Damn it all! I'm caught in this bloody net! I knew you would escape through the woods. It's almost embarrassingly cliché. H-how dare you presume to understand my intellect! Release me immediately! That's a "No" with a capital N, I'm afraid. I'm handing you over to the general. But first... I need to give you my PERSONAL thanks for the pleasure of our recent rendezvous. Wh-what do you mean, your "thanks"?! Why, by that I mean... OHO HO HO HO HO! S-stop! Don't come near me! No! NOOO! Closeheide Square Count Delchi has been incarcerated. He was rather haggard when we found him. What did you do? Oho ho. A lady never tells! Now that I've finally gotten the necklace back, we'll all live happily ever after! ...Or maybe that's too optimistic. I failed to meet the deadline we set together. Go on, Valyx. Mete out my punishment. ...... Say, I know this is strange to say to an enemy, but I have one final request. Will you return the necklace to its owner in my stead? At the very least, I would like to finish my work as Lady Starfall. So please... Do not slough off your fool errand on me. Return the necklace yourself. Huh? Does that mean...? I told you that if you could not resolve the situation by sunset, I would deliver final judgment myself...to the Count. It would hardly have been prudent of me to sit idly by and let you flounder indefinitely. Then you're letting me go?! I know not the value of love. However, I cannot adjudicate she who would wager her life in the pursuit of justice. If you do not believe my words, then think of it as amnesty granted in the spirit of Dragonyule. Valyx... Oho ho. So there's a charming man buried beneath that armor after all. Hmph. This is a one-time display of mercy. Keep in mind that when we next meet, it shall be as enemies. Oh, my. Perhaps we could even forego being enemies and simply meet as man and woman! I'm starting to feel that even with your brusque, disaffected, impenetrable exterior, you may yet be within my grasp, General. Oho ho. ...Hmph. And with that, my mission is complete. Nevertheless... Cooperating with an enemy general certainly fits the criteria for a "Dragonyule miracle," if I do say so myself. But perhaps "cooperation" is too strong a word. He and I simply kept to our principles. Now, I'm off to deliver this necklace! Though the loving sentiment it once bore has perished, the light that remains is still a thing of beauty!