The Show Must Go On

Facility Event: Dream Big Under the Big Top

Episode 5

The Show Must Go On

Previous Quest

A Fiendish Finale

Summary

The fiend-slaying is treated as the troupe's show, securing their victory at the festival. They decide to put on a celebratory show at the Halidom, which attracts the attention of their former members. When Annelie forgives them, they all decide to perform together.

Dialogue

Whew! We managed to beat them. The town should be safe now. We didn't just beat 'em... We beat 'em like a real circus troupe! It was a helluva show! We might've been fighting deadly fiends, but everybody had a total blast watching! And that's all the proof we need that you are now first-rate performers. ...Hmm? There's a bunch of people in front of our tent, ma'am. What's going on? Let's have a big hand for the return of the members of this wonderful circus troupe! What's this all about? That performance of yours was simply wondrous! As such, it has been decided that YOU are this year's champions of the annual circus festival! WHAAAT?! ......

...Home at last! That was pretty amazing, right?! We won the whole darn thing! Can't believe they counted our brawl as a circus performance. It is likely the result of us moving in a way that enchanted onlookers. Whatever the cause, I'm simply over the MOON that we won! And it's all because of you, Euden. Thank you. Gya! A-Annelie?! MA'AM! YOU GOTTA STOP THAT! And thanks to the rest of you, too! Wha?! Oh my. And one for you, Ranzal! Annelie, stop! GRAAAAGH! BLARGH! Now now, Liger. I didn't forget about you, you know. No need for that. *purr* Good job, Liger! It seems Annelie is equal-opportunity when it comes to who she kisses. Yeah, she doesn't much discriminate in that department. Hey, so since you won that festival dealie, does that mean you can make the tent bigger now? Of course! We'll take the prize money and do just that! ...Still, I wish we had a few more performers to fill the space. Yep. We're gonna need new blood if we hope to keep putting on shows. Hmm. We should start thinking about these new acts while the wind is at our backs. In that case, you can leave the management of the castle tent to us. We'll keep it ready to go so you can come back any time you like! You are the best and I absolutely LOVE you, Euden! Kisses are all well and good, ma'am, but let's take advantage of this situation to give a post-tour performance. What a fine idea! We'll put on an extra-special show for our new friends. Come, Fritz! We've got a circus to prepare!

Ladieeeees and gentlemeeeen! Welcome, one and all, to the fascinating, fantastical, and fabulous world of... the ciiiircuuuus! First up, we will—Huh? A-Annelie! My former performers... What are you doing here?! I though Gustav hired you all out from under me! Please let us come back! How dare you show your faces here?! We know we've no right to ask this! We felt like we'd hit a wall with our own performances, and so we jumped at that dangerous proposition of Gustav's... ...... We know we betrayed your father and you, ringmaster—and we know how shameless this request is. But we really want a chance to start over! We were so moved by the show your new troupe members put on, and that caused us to realize something... A performer shouldn't just set their sights on putting on a show that will just sell. They should aim to make people happy! So please, ringmaster! Take us back! ...Your call, ma'am. ...Well? What are you all waiting for? The show's already begun! Hurry up and find your places! I cannot believe you are willing to forgive them so readily. I told you—up on the stage, where people come from or what they did in their past doesn't matter. And I know well that these folks are all spectacular performers. Besides...the show must go on! If we stopped here, we'd lose our right to call ourselves professionals! Y-yes, ma'am! Heh. Annelie never ceases to amaze me. Distinguished guests! Our apologies for keeping you waiting far too long! While my circus colleagues prepare, I shall perform a daring display of dagger dramatics! Go get 'em, Fritz! And... Hah! Yah! Ho! Nothing but bulls-eye's! He's just as skilled as ever. And now, at long last, please welcome to the stage our ringmaster, the Sugary Star herself...Annelie! Hello, everyone! Liger and I are so excited to perform for you tonight! ROAAAAR! Hee hee hee! Liger's riding on a ball! That's so cute, I'm gonna keel over. And I know this is a bit sudden, but I'd like a moment to introduce our spectacular guest performers! Elisanne! Ranzal! Cleo! Notte! And of course, Euden! What, us?! Come up here so we can make this show together, Euden! Yeah, get up here, you crazy cat. Looks like that's our cue, everyone. Aw, yeah! I've been waitin' to get in the spotlight! It's Ranzal time! I...I think I would prefer to watch. Huh? But you were so good at tightrope walking, Elisanne! C'mon, Cleo! You too! Well, since we've come this far, we might as well see it through to the end.

Ha ha! It looks like they're all having a great time. I'm quite glad they're enjoying themselves. Oh, hey there, Annelie! Great show. We've all enjoyed the time we've spent as members of your circus. You really are something. You know that? Do you really think so? *sniff* Of cours... Um, Annelie? Why are you crying? Oh, I guess I'm just happy. I'd been feeling like I'd lost the right to call myself a ringmaster ever since all of our people decided to leave. So hearing what you just said made me feel so very happy. Well, I'm glad. *sniff* But this is no time for crying. The show must go on! And this one's not over with yet! The show must go on... We should take a lesson from that and continue our fight to restore peace until the very end!

The End