Catherine/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

You called for perfection?

On Entering a Room

Permit me to aid you, my dear.

When Quest Begins

Let us push forward to the perfect victory!

All prepped for departure?

Response to Beginning of a Quest

I shall tackle it with typical splendor and ladylike grace!

Excellent. Now, carry my things, will you?

When Controlling Character in Quest

Behold utter perfection!

When Receiving a Heal

Yes, well, this is all rather embarrassing...

Excellent timing, my dear.

When Entering a Boss' Room

Let us make this a perfect finale!

One so wonderful as I will never know the sting of defeat!

Response to Entering a Boss' Room

Let us demonstrate to them the difference in our abilities!

There is no outcome better suited to me than victory.

Upon Getting to Low Health

I shall have to say "no" to defeat this day, thank you!

Me? In a tight spot? Heaven forfend!

Upon Opening a Chest

Don't think for a moment that I'LL be doing any heavy lifting.

I want for nothing. You all may divide it as you please.

Boss on Low Health

I shall grant you an end better than you deserve!

A perfect victory awaits!

Boss Enters Break State

Now! I shall show them the fruits of all my effort!

Let us be done with this!

Rare Enemy Spawns

An enemy who stands out more than me?! Impossible!

That will be perfect for my collection!

Upon Death

I leave this task... to the rest of you...

*sniffle* All of my hard work was not enough...

When Revived

Such things won't break my spirit!

When Using Weapon/Shared Skills

Damage: A brilliant strike!

Buff Self: Feast your eyes on my talent!

Buff Ally: Smarten up!

Debuff Enemy: You forget yourself!

Heal Ally: Do be careful now!

Heal Self: I'll not fall so easily!

Player Uses Damaging Skill

Splendid! Excellent! Utter perfection!

My my, aren't YOU the impressive one.

When Shape Shifting is Ready

The dragon and I will be most gorgeous!

I am a vision of perfection when I shapeshift!

Shape Shifting into Dragon

Dragon Catherine, engage!

Idle During Quest

No! My beautiful curls!

I KNEW we should have taken the horses!

Quest Clear

Ah! But that is classic Catherine.

Quest Failure

Me, lose?! I cannot believe it!

Home Screen Walking

Another perfect day!

Oho! Oho ho ho!

Time to pen a letter to Father...

My hair is mussed... This simply will not do!

Perhaps I shall go for a long ride.

My homework must also be perfect!

Home Screen Inside

The rare flower will not bloom in a day. Those words are a family credo.

A true lady always aims for ever greater heights!

I rather wish I could speak with Father more often, but he is always ever so busy...

There is no such thing as being bad at something; anyone can improve with a little hard work!

Dance skills are indispensable for high society, and mine are beyond reproach!

The luxuriant fragrance of a relaxing bath soothes both body and soul alike.

Home Screen Portrait

I've no sense for naming? Nonsense, my genius is simply misunderstood.

I've somewhat of a taste for horseback riding. Might you join me at the stables sometime?

I am the most perfect of the perfect. Consequently, I spare no efforts.

The town of Quinbell is my pride, ny treasure. An as such, it's my duty to ever improve it.

I see now that a plain Catherine also has value, and shall continue to believe in myself.

Collection Portrait

Sandy and Becky are my dearest friends, and any rogues who would hurt them shall know my wrath!

I'll not lose to that craven in a board game ever again!

A me who isn't perfect isn't me, for I demand more of myself than anyone.

We rural aristocrats are just as cultured and refined as any classical royalty.

True friendship is a thing more dazzling than any jewel.

At The Halidom

Is it time for a tea party? Excellent! Run and fetch the finest crockery!

If you have any worries, you may always speak with me, my dear.

This castle is even larger than my estate...

New Mana Circle Unlocked

As if it were possible to be more perfect!

On Mana Circle Fully Unbound

Now that I've mastered the path of perfection, I've set my sights on bettering it.

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

Birthday Blues

Happy birthday, Catherine! Oh, my! A party? And this is all for me? Thank you! I'm so happy! Mommy said we have to give you a big party 'cause you're the mayor's daughter! I beg your pardon? H-hey now, stop all that talk! Ha ha! Oh, I'm sorry, Catherine. She does love to make up stories! This is for you, Catherine! Dad said to give it to you and tell you to please do your shopping at his shop! Er, yes. Thank you.

---

(What an awful dream. I can't believe it's already my birthday again...) (The rich daughter of the mayor... I never want to be viewed through that lens again.) (It's fine. I'm no longer simply "the mayor's daughter." I'm a perfect woman who's exceedingly capable!)

---

Good morning. Er, where is Father? He left for Saint Lotier, but should return within the week. Speaking of the master, he left a birthday present for you in my care. I see. Please put it in my room. (I suppose Father won't be wishing me a happy birthday in person this year, either.) Southern Grastaea Country Town
Quinbell
Pheeew! It's finally over... My brain is absolute mush... I'm going to collapse... That's because you don't study until the night before an exam! Cramming like that always hurts your brain. Catherine's Friends
Becky and Sandy
Sandy is correct. Exams are things one must always face under perfect circumstances. It would be good of you to learn this, Becky. Aaaaanyway, now that the exam's over, why don't we talk about something FUN? That was a quick recovery! I don't believe she's learned a thing. It's your birthday soon, right, Cat? And what of it? We should put a party together for you! I must respectfully decline. Aww, AGAIN? I appreciate the sentiment, but I fear I am going to be quite busy. I told you she'd say no, Becky. But I want to celebrate with you... What if we threw you a smaller, more intimate party? Would that work? I know you're helping out with all of your father's mayoral duties, but surely you've earned a LITTLE time for fun. Well, I don't... Um... Oh look, my escort is here! Looks like my proxy mayor work calls. Ta taaa, ladies! ......

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...... (To be honest, a perfect woman such as me is barely bothered by the demands of a busy schedule.) (But I turn down birthday parties so I don't have to feel like that again...)

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Mommy said we have to give you a big party 'cause you're the mayor's daughter!

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(That birthday party was not about celebrating me as a person at all, and the memory is still sour. But...) (Oh, ENOUGH, Catherine! Get a grip! How long have you known those two? Have you ever seen even a hint of ulterior motives from them?) Sandy and Becky are my best friends, and they should not be made to suffer at the hands of my own cowardice!

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I hope they are still in the plaza. ...I want to celebrate with her... (That's Becky's voice!) ...I mean, Cat's the mayor's daughter... What? ...just give her a present and call it good! ...Cat's rich enough to get whatever she wants... And just what is THAT supposed to mean?! C-Catherine! Oh yay! Does this mean you finished all your proxy mayor duties? Spare me your churlish attempts at distraction and answer my query! What did you mean by what you just said? Uh, did I even say something just now...? Oh, RIGHT! The "rich" thing! Well, since you're pretty bucks up and the mayor's daughter and all, we wanted— To throw me a birthday party? Yeah! Becky. Shut up. You idiot. Look, Cat, it's not what you're— Isn't it, now? Huh? I thought you were my true and bosom companions, but in the end you are no better than common lickspittles. Cat, are you mad at us? Listen to us, Catherine. Becky was— Your words already came to my ears louder than cannon fire. You wish to throw me a birthday party due to my wealth and standing! Look, you're getting part of this, but you're missing the REAL part. You two sought to debase yourselves in order to curry my favor! Admit it! Are you SERIOUSLY accusing us of that?! Ugh, you are such a...PERSON sometimes! Here's a tip: Drop the deluded persecution complex for a second—you'll feel better. Oh, if only this were a delusion! I thought you two were different. Truly I did. Hey, Cat! Come back!

---

(I don't want to be in Quinbell anymore... But where can I find a place where people see me for who I am, as opposed to what I have or can be used to gain?) (Say, that's right! I could go to the people who helped with the village festival!)

---

Right, that's everything! Take these documents to the town hall and the youth organization and let them know I will be going away. As you wish, young miss. But where will you be going? To learn from a prince. Quickly, now! Ready the carriage!

Episode 2

Choosing Your Friends

Thank you for breakfast, Cleo. It was divine as always. Actually, I was hoping to talk to you for a moment. It may not be my business, but are you certain it's all right to leave Quinbell unattended for so long? Yeah, ain't you the mayor? Or, like, the substitute mayor? No need to worry! I passed out a perfect set of instructional documents to keep things running smoothly without me. Also, as the acting mayor, it is important to broaden one's horizons. That is why I decided to stay with you for a while and gain a bit of life experience! A fine plan, don't you think? That nose goes any higher in the air, she's gonna be snortin' clouds. You're welcome to stay as long as you like, but won't your friends miss you? Yes, you seemed quite close to... Sandy and Becky, was it? Oh, I think they'll get along just fine without me. Honestly, it's high time I got smarter about choosing my friends. What does THAT mean?! Ouch. That's cold. ICE cold. Cluck your tongues and wag your fingers all you like, but it's mere fact that people understand best those of their same social standing. Man, her ice just became a BURN! It is well known that those of similar birth and upbringing tend to understand each other best. Look, I ain't gonna pretend I don't get confused by human cultural stuff sometimes... But learning about new things like that is the fun part! It's not always fun. There are times when one's standing gets in the way of making a true connection. Though you deliver your point most forcefully, it is not wholly wrong. You see? In order for people to truly understand each other, they must speak with one of equal status. So who of us would count as being "of your status," Catherine? Why, a proper young lady, of course! Someone with a good family and upbringing... Highly educated... An impeccable social etiquette... Yes, that is a good place to start. Oh, I think I got JUST the lady for you... Elisanne, regarding today's fiend-dispatching mission... I hope you do not mind me joining you on this mission, Lady Julietta? M-me? A lady? Goodness... I'm bettin' Julietta and her are gonna get along like two peas in a...whatever it is that peas come in. Status should not be an issue, at least... It's Catherine, yes? Well, I'd be happy to have you join us, but as you are not a fighter, this mission might be a bit dan— No need to trouble yourself over me! I have perfect mastery over the basic fighting techniques. Plus, this is a wonderful chance for me to gain some life experience and be prepared the next time a pack of fiends deigns to invade my bucolic home. At home, my family attendants are always guarding me, so I don't get opportunities like this for proper training. All right. I expect it will be fine with Julietta and myself along. Thank you. Then I shall return to my room to prepare. I wonder what prompted her to talk of choosing friends...

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CATHERIIIIIINE ATTACK OF PERFECTION! Incredible, Catherine! Honestly, I'm rather surprised at how well you've taken to this. I could not allow myself to remain a helpless child protected by servants. I seek to keep safe my home of Quinbell, as well as the people I hold dear.

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You won't get off so easily if you make Becky cry again! As the perfect woman, I will not forgive any act that harms my friends! Oh, Cat... Thank you... Anyone of note would have done the same for a friend, my dear. Wow... Perfect AND cool... Where is your father today, Catherine? He left on a business trip to the capital. Ah, my parents are out of town, too. For one of their academic conferences? Is it another long one? With the travel time on top, I don't expect to see them again for a month. Still, as long as I have you and Becky, I know I won't be lonely!

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...... Catherine, watch out!! What...? Haaaaaaaa! Are you all right? Y-yes, thank you... What happened to the amazing fighter we saw but a moment before? My apologies: I fear my concentration escaped me for a moment. To let slip your guard for even a moment in battle is to gamble your own life. Do not let this happen again. Understood. I shall be more diligent. (I...I wasn't perfect. Not even close.)

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(Oh, I'm nothing but a fool! I left town to escape my so-called friends, and yet find I can think on nothing else!) (And now that concern has led me down the primrose path of failure...) (Perfect? Ha! It would be a kindness to name me mediocre at this point.) (There are so many amazing people here in the castle...) (Even Lady Julietta, who seemed like she was from a similar background as me...) (Yet her education, behavior, and fighting skills clearly surpass my own.) I thought myself a perfect lady that could do anything... But if I do not have that, what am I left with...?

Episode 3

Imperfect Perfection

Happy birthday, Catherine! This is for you, Catherine! Dad said to give it to you and tell you to please do your shopping at his shop!

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Well, since you're pretty bucks up and the mayor's daughter and all, we wanted— To throw me a birthday party? Yeah!

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...Another terrible dream. To think Becky and Sandy now haunt my very dreams... Oh, will the dreaded day of my birth never arrive?! (Once this birthday is over with, I can finally let go of my foolish expectation.) (...The expectation that someone will genuinely celebrate with me.)

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Well, THIS is an impressive feast for the first meal of the day. We celebrating somethin' today? I am afraid I got a touch carried away. Wait, YOU did all this?! Yerself? In fact, Catherine has quite the deft hand in the kitchen. Well, kick my butt and call me rumpy. I figured you'd have spent yer life gettin' fed by chefs at yer mansion. We do, of course, have a fantastic chef who resides on our estate. And by watching this chef at work, I learned to cook for myself. Elisanne, might you train me in the spear when you have a spare moment? I can ill afford to repeat the same mistake I committed yesterday, after all. Your desire for improvement is impressive. Naturally! Even my aspirations are perfect! Is this "bein' perfect" deal really that important to ya? 'Cause ya sure do talk about it all the damn time. Of course it is important to me, sir! Why would you even ask such a question? I was just wonderin' if maybe all this perfection stuff wasn't tirin' ya out. Wha?! I mean, yer young and dumb, and bein' young and dumb means yer allowed to make a few mistakes. I am sorry to say I do not possess such a soft line of thought. Because being perfect is all I have... Catherine, your friends are here. What?! THERE you are, Cat! Have you been staying in this castle ever since you left town? Rrrgh! Catherine, what's wrong?!

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Why did you run away?! What are you two doing here?! Can't you see I wish to be left alone?! I'm sorry, Cat. This is all my fault. I know I hurt your feelings. ...... Look, I can't claim to understand every part of what you're thinking... But I know Becky and I think of you as our very dear friend. Please, just...go home. ......

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...... ...Your friends have gone back to Quinbell, Catherine. ...... You know, you're not the same Catherine I remember from the village. You used to hold friends close, but now you talk about "choosing them wisely." All I'm saying is that if you want to talk about anything, I have a spare ear. Have you ever found your station as a prince to be...painful? Er, in what way? Surely people are constantly assessing you based solely on your title, yes? Oh sure, that happens all the time— but I wouldn't call it "painful." That title enables me to do a lot of things I'd never be able to do otherwise. Plus, for every social climber who sees me as just another rung on the ladder, I have a friend who sees me for who I am. Oh, I do envy you. In addition to carrying yourself with the true caliber of a prince, you have filled your life with allies good and true. You also have friends, Catherine. Heck, I've met them. I thought so once, but have since learned even they only see me for my situation. I am a mayor's daughter. A rich girl. A tool to be used and discarded. And I am SICK of it! That sounds hard. I'm sorry. This is why I strive for perfection: To prove I am capable of anything, regardless of my station at birth. All I want is for people to look at me and see a person of worth. Not a title or a fortunate better, but a PERSON. But once I came here, I realized I am as far from perfection as when I started. ...... In the end, I'm nothing but a rich child with a powerful father. And even those two see me that way... Catherine, that's not— Please, save your breath. People clearly see you for the man you are, which means you could never understand my plight. You're more than your birth, Catherine. Do you know how I know that? Because NO ONE is just that. We're all individuals with our own voices and our own unique value. Just try to remember that, all right? I suppose your life allows you to believe those words...

Episode 4

Memories at Teatime

...... Catherine? It's Julietta. Would you care to join me for afternoon tea? Oh, Lady Julietta. No, thank you. I am quite sated and do not—  ! It's only natural that you are hungry— you've been holed up in your room since yesterday, after all. Tea is a lady's favorite time of the day. Surely you share that notion? ...Very well. I shall join you.

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Mmm... The leaves are fine today, and the bergamot smells delightful. Do you not agree? N-no, it is delightful. The scones pair quite well with it and... Er, is this not the sort of conversation you were hoping for? What?! You said you needed to be smarter about choosing your friends. I thought you looked to interact with people from families similar to yours. Was I mistaken? People are naturally sensitive to differences in station. But those of the same standing who were raised with similar environments and expectations have no such concerns. I... I wanted to find someone who truly understood me. Someone who looked at me for who I AM, not my family. Oh, I'm sure there are many things I would relate to with you... But would your true friends not understand you better than I ever could? I thought so, once—but then I heard them say the kinds of things that live on the tongues of everyone else: "Because you're the mayor's daughter." 'Because you're rich." I once believed Sandy and Becky were the only ones who saw past my station. But now...? You trusted them. They were the first friends I could truly open up to.

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...Didja hear? Catherine scored first place in her grade on the exams this time, too. She really IS perfect! Yeah, well, I heard a rumor she asked Daddy to fix her grades. Oh my gosh, that is SUCH a rich person thing to do. How disgusting! ...... Caaaaaat! 'Grats on placing first! Impressive, Catherine. Your grades have walloped mine yet again. And you both believe I earned it? There is a scurrilous rumor about that I am having my father use his position and wealth to fix my grades. Whaaat! Come on, Cat, that's bunk. Exactly. We know your grades are the results of hard work and nothing else. *sniff* Catherine? Oh! P-pardon me... These fickle allergies are just... Wait, are you seriously so happy to be top of the class that you're crying? Wh-what? Of course not! I expected nothing less! I am perfect, after all.

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...I wanted to give myself some sort of value. Something that would shine brighter than my status as someone's daughter. So I worked hard at all that I did— studying, martial arts, social skills... Everything had to be perfect. And I thought it had worked. I thought my two friends saw me for something other than some rich kid. But I suppose that was a fantasy as well, for I was never even close to perfect. And without perfection, what merits are there to being my friend besides my social standing? ...You're just arbitrarily concluding how others will value you. What...? I went through this same thing, you know. I was terrified of falling short of expectations and disappointing people. The pain of it consumed my life. ...... But on the day my false bravado was exposed, my friends were still there. They even went so far as to compliment me and say I was an excellent Paladyn when I thought myself utterly useless. In the end, it is up to the individual to find value in things. Fascinating... What sort of things did your friends seek value in? Status? Perfection? Who, Sandy and Becky? No, they...

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They knew how hard I worked. Then your status and perfection—or even a lack thereof—won't mean a thing to them. But then why would they say...? You'll never know until you ask. I'm sure you'll find the perfect way to do it.  ! Catherine! Eugene? I thought you had returned to Quinbell! Yeah, but I had to come back! Sandy and Becky are in trouble! What?!

Episode 5

The Perfect Catherine

Sandy! Becky! Where are you?! Someone kidnapped them and took them to your manor! MY manor?! And my attendants permitted this action?! Well, uhhh... Look, we just need to hurry! (Sandy... Becky... Please be safe!)

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAAAAT! ......What. I see a cake and a magnificent feast... Wait, is this a party for ME? Eugene! What is the meaning of this? Oh! Uh, well, what happened was... I mean, told them not to! But they— Oh, leave poor Eugene alone, Cat. We forced him into this. But we knew you'd never listen to us unless we took it this far. Sandy... Cat, I am SO sorry for what I said. It came out totally wrong, and I know it really hurt your feelings. What do you mean? Well, that day you overheard us...

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Cat's always working super hard, but her birthday's coming up and I want to celebrate with her! I mean, Cat's the mayor's daughter, and you know HE won't do anything. Yeah, but we can't just give her a present and call it good. Yeah, Cat's rich enough to get whatever she wants, but only WE know her well enough to throw a party!

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Wait. Stop. STOP. THAT'S what you were talking about?! But...but I heard you say... Yeah, that's 'cause you were trying to eavesdrop on 'em from about a gazillion miles away. Th-then when you said I was rich enough to get whatever I want... You actually meant... Uh huh. There's no point in buying you a thing because you already have tons of things—so we wanted to throw a party and give you a memory! Then you should have said that! We TRIED to explain it to you, but you stomped off and went to live in some strange guy's castle. I...may have done that, yes. When you overheard us that day, you asked if I was trying to throw you a party. I said "Yeah" because we WERE trying to, but I didn't understand how you were going to take it. We were honestly just trying to do something nice for you. We know you have your hands full with running the town, and we know how much it wears you down. That's why we wanted to throw you a party with your best friends! But then we tried to get clever and keep it a secret, and it all sorta spiraled into... Well, this. So we're sorry. You have nothing to apologize for. The fault here is mine alone. Instead of listening to you as a friend, I went mad and assumed the worst. I doubted you. Yelled at you. LEFT you. Why would you even think to throw me a party after all of that? Oh, Cat. 'Cause we love you, silly!  ! Oh, and just to be super clear here, we DON'T love you because you're the mayor's daughter. Yeah, your dad could shovel dung out of stables for all we care—we think you're the greatest because you're YOU. Oh my goodness... (I see it now. What these two have valued all along...) (Was me. Catherine.) Oh, I love you both so much! Glad that's settled I'm leaving now bye. Stop right there, young man! Ugh! Let go of my sleeve! You plan to fool me and run away when my party has only begun? If you are part of this nefarious scheme, should you not stick around to the end? Her mood changed so fast I bet she got whiplash... But I suppose that's how she always is, heh.

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Happy birthday, Catherine! Thank you so much for the lovely wishes, everyone. Here, try some cake! We made it together! Sandy and me! Well, let me just sample it... *munch* Oh, it is simply divine! For real? Oh, I'm so glad! ...... Lady Julietta! Eep! Y-you weren't supposed to see me. Oh, pish-posh! Come enjoy the party with the rest of us. Yeah, the more the merrier! I'm so sorry Catherine caused you all this trouble. And what does THAT mean? Well, it's true. Heh. I am more than relieved to see you have made up with your friends. It seems you now understand what your friends value. Yes. And at the same time, I've learned what my value is. And what is that? Why, my perfection, of course! You've made up with your friends, yet still feel the need to cling to perfection?! Of course I do! In fact, this is something I realized while speaking with you. I felt that I was worthless when not perfect. But that is merely because I feel pride in my own perfection. How others assess me does not matter— I like how perfect I am, and will continue to strive for it in all things. THAT is who the person called Catherine is, and my value is more magnificent than any inherited status. Heh. It seems you've taken another step up the ladder of becoming a true lady. A perfect step! That's SO you, Cat. Ha ha! For sure! And now, let us all perfectly enjoy my birthday party! Oho! Oho ho ho!