Bird of Paradise
In a certain town, the crew is tricked into shouldering a massive debt, and the Grandcypher is taken as collateral. As they stand shocked, a woman named Utsusemi approaches them and offers to help them in exchange for a favor. Though not fully trusting her enchanting smile, the crew agrees to her deal.
Lyria: ...
Vyrn: I don't think things are looking up for us...
???: Now now, wipe those gloomy looks off your faces. You're going to be representing this establishment, so you must never seem sad in front of the customers.
Seemingly indifferent to their uneasiness, the enchantingly beautiful woman leading the three skyfarers to their destination gives them a quick warning.
Vyrn: Yeah, but I mean... We've never done work like this before, so what do you expect?
???: For goodness' sake... You're so straightforward that it makes me pity you. Honesty is no virtue in this town, you know?
???: This is the red-light district, where our falsehoods feed the fires of our customers' dreams as we harvest the smoke for their money. You'll need to learn how to spin a tall tale or two.
???: Right then, this will be your new home.
???: I'll teach you the job and how to live here in this town. You'd best listen well.
Both: ...
???: Now, stop standing there looking dazed and follow me. Welcome to The Siskin's Perch, where dreams and lies converge.
With a gulp, (Captain), Vyrn, and Lyria enter the ostentatious building.
It all started a few hours prior, when the early afternoon sun could just barely be seen through the clouds.
From a small corner of a certain town located in the eastern reaches of the Phantagrande Skydom rings out an impassioned protest.
Lyria: That can't be true! We never signed anything like that! There must be some mistake!
Moneylender: Whoa there little lady, lying's not going to get you anywhere. I've got your captain's signature right here, see?
The man holds up a piece of paper on which (Captain)'s signature can indeed be found.
Vyrn: Urgh... I mean, that sure is (Captain)'s handwriting...
Vyrn: But there's no way! We never applied for any loans!
Vyrn: And what's more, there's no way we'd ever put the Grandcypher up as collateral!
Moneylender: Deny it all you want, little guy, but this signature is as genuine as can be.
Moneylender: Moreover, this clause on guarantorship is perfectly clear about what it means to become a co-signer. The contract is perfectly legitimate.
Moneylender: I lent that merchant five million rupies, and the late fee was two million.
Moneylender: Now that he's run off with the money, the co-signers—in other words you all—owe me seven million.
Lyria: Merchant?
Lyria: Oh! Could it be that...
The moneylender's words remind the trio of a job they had completed a few days earlier.
They had been asked to make a delivery to a merchant who lives on this island. Upon receiving the package, the merchant had asked (Captain) to sign a receipt.
Vyrn: No way! So that was a contract for taking out a loan, not a receipt?
Lyria: W-we were tricked! We didn't know that paper was actually a contract!
Moneylender: Tricked, huh?
Moneylender: If you're telling the truth then you've got my sympathy, but I'm running a business here. In the end, all that matters is what's written on this contract.
Moneylender: So far as I'm concerned, you give me my money and I can get out of your hair. With seven million rupies, this all goes away.
Vyrn: Okay, but how do you expect us to prepare that much money...
Moneylender: Well if you can't, then as per the terms of the contract, I'll be holding on to your ship. Till I find a buyer for it, of course.
Moneylender: She's certainly no spring chicken, but with the speed she can put out I should be able to get a decent price for her. If you're lucky, she might cover your whole debt.
- That's not an option.
Choose: That's not an option.Lyria: That's right! We could never, ever sell the Grandcypher!
Moneylender: What do you suggest then? If you can't cough up the dough and won't sell your ship, are you going to run out on me too?
Moneylender: You look like you're still kids, but if you've been making a living as skyfarers then you know what'll happen if you break a contract, right?
Lyria: W-we'll take on a lot of jobs and save up the seven million!
Moneylender: And I'm just supposed to wait until you're done? The longer you take, the more interest is going to accumulate, you know.
Moneylender: But... listen, I've got a heart just like anyone else. If you all are serious about paying me back, I can give you a little leeway.
Lyria: Really?
Moneylender: However, you've only got five days. I'm not waiting any longer than that.
Vyrn: Wha—! Seven million in five days? That's ridiculous!
Moneylender: If you don't like my offer, feel free to turn it down. Though as soon as you do, I'll head off to put your ship up for sale.
Vyrn: Rrrgh...
Moneylender: I guess that's settled then. Well, do your best. I won't get my hopes up.
The moneylender pats (Captain)'s shoulder as he makes his snide parting remark. Finally rid of the man, the crew members release a sigh, but not one of relief.
Lyria: Oh no... What do we do now?
Lyria: All the other members of the crew are off doing different jobs, so I don't think we'll be able to call anyone in to help us...
Vyrn: Darn it, that merchant had better hope we don't ever run into him again!
???: Oh dear... You all look awfully troubled.
Looking up, the three skyfarers see an unfamiliar woman smiling at them.
Lyria: Um...
Utsusemi: Ah, my apologies—I am Utsusemi, a courtesan working at The Siskin's Perch.
Utsusemi: Would you be so kind as to tell me what happened? I might be able to lend you a hand.
Though they hesitate for a moment, Utsusemi's gentle voice entices (Captain), Vyrn, and Lyria to explain what had just transpired.
Utsusemi: My word... You three really came here without any idea of what this place is like, didn't you?
Utsusemi: And on top of that, you seem to be the virtuous sort as well. Never mind a duck walking up holding a leek—you might as well have a bag of rice dangling from your neck too.
Lyria: A duck? A leek?
Utsusemi: The merchant was in league with the moneylender. Their goal was to force you to work in this town the whole time.
Utsusemi explains their situation with a sigh, then looks over the trio as if to evaluate their worth.
Utsusemi: A talking lizard, a girl who's hair is a shade of blue I've never seen the like of, and...
Utsusemi: A young man who seems handsome enough, albeit somewhat rustic. I'm hardly an expert on male courtesans, but I think it's safe to call you a rare find.
Utsusemi: It's fairly common to see people being tricked into debt and having to work in the red-light district around here.
Utsusemi: That said, I've not heard many cases of it happening to children from outside of the island.
Lyria: But then why did it happen to us?
Utsusemi: Merchants are connected to each other in all kinds of ways.
Utsusemi: A couple of children who stand out in a crowd like you are liable to catch someone's attention at some point.
Utsusemi: And on top of that, you own a nice ship, don't you?
Utsusemi: I'd bet they thought they could get quite a profit off of you and it together.
Lyria: Oh no... I had no idea someone would ever give us a job in order to trick us like that.
Vyrn: Do you think there's any way we could undo that contract, Utsusemi?
Vyrn: Like, what if we caught that merchant and made him confess that he tricked us?
Utsusemi: No, that wouldn't work.
Vyrn: Well that was fast...
Utsusemi: A contract's a contract. No matter how it got there, your name's on it, right?
Utsusemi: Even if you go plead your case to the island's authorities, they'll take his side if he has your signature.
Utsusemi: After all, plenty of people try to get out of their debts by claiming they were deceived. I'm sorry to say that you'd be best off giving up on that.
Lyria: Oh no...
Utsusemi: Come now, don't make that face. Walk around like that, and the monsters who call this town their home will be sucking the marrow from your bones in no time.
Utsusemi: ...
All right, then. I'm sure it was fate that brought me here in your time of need. Let's make a deal.
Utsusemi: I'll solve your debt problem, and you do a favor for me in exchange.
Utsusemi: How does that sound? A good deal, no?
Vyrn: How do we know you're not just tricking us like that merchant?
Utsusemi: My, how uncharitable of you. I really am acting out of sympathy, you know?
Utsusemi: It's one thing when this happens to someone from this island, but you came here ignorant of how this place works, and on top of that you aren't even adults.
Utsusemi: Before my eyes are a couple of children, still capable of dreaming without any help, who are being preyed on by grown-ups who want to take those dreams away.
Utsusemi: As a resident of this town, I have a duty to not turn a blind eye to such savagery.
Utsusemi: And on that note, how do you answer? Whether you accept my terms or not is up to you.
Unable to detect any deception in Utsusemi's eyes, (Captain) thinks for a moment and then nods.
- Please help us.
- I guess we don't have a choice...
Choose: Please help us.Utsusemi: Hehe, well aren't you agreeable. No wonder someone took you for a good mark.
Choose: I guess we don't have a choice...Utsusemi: Hehe, well aren't you hesitant. Still, you'd be best off just considering this life experience and accepting it.
Continue 1Utsusemi: Right then, let's get started.
Utsusemi: There may be no way to solve this problem taking it head on, but there are specific ways that we do things around here.
Utsusemi: If you work within our conventions, nobody can complain, and what's more, nobody can get away.
Utsusemi: Don't you worry, I'll teach you everything there is to know about living in this town.
With the looming threat of losing their precious ship, the crew members look up to see a hand reached out to save them.
Though still not able to fully trust Utsusemi and her beguiling smile, they decide to accept the potential for salvation that she offers.
No Counter to Deception
Utsusemi brings the crew to her home and workplace, The Siskin's Perch. Her job as a courtesan is to tell stories that remind her customers of their dreams. She tells the crew members that the first step to eliminating their debt is to win the townspeople to their side by obtaining their sympathy.
After a merchant tricked (Captain), Vyrn, and Lyria into taking on a massive debt, the Grandcypher has been taken from them.
The woman who offered to help them get it back, Utsusemi, guides them to a large building facing the busiest street in the area.
???: Utsusemi! Where in the skies have you been? It's almost time to start the night's work!
???: You're not just any old courtesan, understand? You're the face of this establishment, our nightflower! How about you start acting like it!
Utsusemi: Oh bother, she's found us already.
Utsusemi: You don't need to yell, Koume. I can hear you just fine.
Utsusemi: Ah, right. I won't be taking any customers tonight, so don't send anybody through to me.
Utsusemi: Don't worry, I'll make sure to bring in enough money tomorrow to make up for one night off.
Koume: You're unbelievable... Just because you make us money doesn't mean you can do whatever you want!
The irate old woman, apparently named Koume, turns her gaze to the three skyfarers futilely attempting to hide behind Utsusemi.
Koume: And who are those pipsqueaks? Don't tell me you brought those gutter rats in from who-knows-where to make them your apprentices or something.
Utsusemi: Perish the thought. These are future customers. They'll no doubt be big spenders sooner or later, so we'd be well served getting in their good graces.
Utsusemi: There's an unoccupied servant's room isn't there? I'll be borrowing that for them.
Koume: Sigh... I'll be charging you rent for it. At least be responsible when it comes to money.
Utsusemi: Yes, yes, of course. You're as inflexible as ever I see.
Koume: I'm flexible enough that your wild antics haven't broken me yet. If you don't want to pony up then behave yourself!
Utsusemi: That I most certainly can't do. I'm sorry to say that wildness is my nature.
Koume: As is your big mouth! If you aren't taking customers, then get back to your room already!
Utsusemi: You were the one who stopped me in the first place, you know.
Utsusemi sticks her tongue out at the departing old woman, then leads the crew members deeper into the building.
Upon reaching a large room in the back of the building, the crew members once again let out a sigh, this one of relief.
Vyrn: Whew... That was one scary old lady.
Utsusemi: Hehe, that's Koume's job after all. Don't hold it against her.
Utsusemi: She's this establishment's taskmaster. Her role is to keep us safe and working, so she can't have anyone thinking that she's gone soft.
Clearly amused by the crew's reaction to the old woman's attitude, Utsusemi motions for them to sit down and then takes a drag from a long, thin pipe.
Utsusemi: Right then... Now that we're finally off our feet, let's discuss how we're going to do this.
Utsusemi: You said that you have seven million rupies to pay off, right?
Vyrn: Yeah... He said he'd wait five days, but...
Lyria: We definitely can't make that much money that fast...
Utsusemi: Indeed you can't. I don't imagine there are many people who could.
Utsusemi: Now then, time for a little quiz. What is the most important weapon to have when trying to negotiate?
Lyria: The most important... weapon?
Utsusemi: Let's see... I suppose I could say that it's what you need to find work as well.
Lyria: Hmm... Is it something like acquaintances or connections?
Vyrn: Back when we first started, we got a lot of our jobs from the Knickknack Shack.
Utsusemi: I see, I see... Well, I think I can give you a passing grade for that.
Utsusemi: Connections are certainly an important weapon.
Utsusemi: However, you need three things to make them. Accomplishments, trust, and finally...
Utsusemi: Just a little bit of sympathy.
Vyrn: Sympathy?
Utsusemi: Seeing someone struggle with everything they have to get out of a tough situation makes you want to reach out and help them, doesn't it?
Utsusemi: That moneylender has more pull around here then you might expect, so as things are you won't be able to talk your way out of this.
Utsusemi: Therefore, the first thing that you need to do is inspire sympathy in the locals and get them on your side.
Lyria: I-I see... I think?
Utsusemi: Well, I've made a deal with you, so you can be sure that I'll see it through.
Utsusemi: However...
Utsusemi: Can you assure me that you'll be able to do whatever's necessary without buckling under the load?
(Captain) answers Utsusemi's serious question with a resolute nod.
Lyria: This is to protect our precious ship, so we'll do anything that we're capable of!
Vyrn: We've fought our way through jobs that were crazy like you wouldn't believe! No way anything's going to scare us now!
Utsusemi: I'm glad to hear that. At least I can be sure that you're mentally ready for what you're signing up for.
Put in good spirits by the crew's determination, Utsusemi looks out the window as she notices the streets starting to get busy.
Utsusemi: My, look at the time. It looks like everyone's opening up.
Lyria: At nightfall?
Utsusemi: At nightfall indeed. In this town, that's when the day begins.
Utsusemi: Take a look.
(Captain), Vyrn, and Lyria look out the window and gasp in astonishment.
The crowds of people walking through the street are surrounded by the light of countless lamps, the sounds of music, and the shouts of people hired to advertise various establishments.
The three stand enthralled by the sight, amazed that an unremarkable town by day could be so utterly transformed by night.
Lyria: It's so pretty! And all the sounds are so exciting!
Utsusemi: Hehe, pretty it is indeed. During the night, this town becomes the passageway to dreams.
Utsusemi: The red-light district is where grown-ups who've forgotten how to dream can reclaim that ability for a night.
Utsusemi: First they eat, drink, and dance to their heart's content.
Utsusemi: Once they've done that, then begin the midnight fables. Tales that we courtesans tell to remind them of the dreams they'd forgotten about.
Utsusemi: When dawn comes, they return to reality, waiting for night to fall again.
Utsusemi: We exist to give people the chance to dream, so that they might be released from the burdens of their daily lives and reclaim the strength to live.
Utsusemi: Thus, you could say that we courtesans are storytellers. But unlike most stories, ours have no pre-determined plot.
Utsusemi: We create our stories in order to dig up the dreams buried in each customer's heart. We're guides, in a way.
Lyria: A dream guide... That sounds so cool!
Utsusemi: Hehe, doesn't it? I'm quite proud of the work I do.
Utsusemi: And of this town as well...
After saying that, Utsusemi looks at the window for a moment as she lets out a puff of smoke.
Utsusemi: Dreams are both inescapably temporary and maddingly fragile. Moreover, the dreams one can see on their own become more and more faded as one grows older.
Utsusemi: To hold fast to a dream is your right as children. I won't stand by and watch as someone tries to steal that from you for their own gain.
Utsusemi: To well-behaving grown-ups we bring good dreams... To malicious ones we bring nightmares. That's how we do things in this town.
Utsusemi: Right then, you're going to be very busy starting tomorrow. Are you ready for this?
With an enchanting smile, Utsusemi questions the group. (Captain) answers with a solemn nod.
No Counter to Deception: Scene 2
Utsusemi has the crew members do various chores in order to earn the trust of the locals. Once she feels they've gained enough of a reputation, she tells a tragic, fictitious version of their story to one of her customers and asks him to spread it among the townspeople. Utsusemi states that the crew will be doing the same thing to the moneylender.
Four days have passed since the crew's troubles in this town began.
After waking up at dawn, (Captain), Vyrn, and Lyria have been hard at work cleaning, cooking, helping courtesans get dressed, and doing all kinds of other chores.
Lyria: Whew... We finally finished.
Vyrn: Man... I can't move a muscle. There were so many dishes to clean that my hands hurt now.
The trio had worked all day with almost no opportunity to rest until dusk.
Utsusemi: Good work. That was quite the effort you made out there, as always.
Lyria: Ah, Utsusemi. I'm so tired, and hungry too.
Vyrn: I know that we said we'd do anything, but you didn't tell us that we'd be so busy that we couldn't even eat...
Utsusemi: There's no way that we could let amateur storytellers take customers, so that was the only work we could entrust you with. And besides...
Utsusemi: Don't they say that time is money? The time you would spend resting and eating can be used to make money instead.
Vyrn: I mean, that's kinda true, but... Is there really a point to this?
Utsusemi: Well aren't you a suspicious little lizard. Tell me, have you noticed anything change since the first day you worked here?
Lyria: Now that you mention it... It seems like everyone acts kinder and starts conversations with us more often now.
Utsusemi: Hehe, they do indeed. That's because you've been putting your all into properly doing any job you're given, no matter how arduous.
Utsusemi: Because you've done such impressive work over these last few days, the people around here have come to trust you.
Utsusemi: For people to believe it, a lie needs to have a kernel of truth and fit in with what they already believe. Looking at it that way, you truly have done good work.
As Utsusemi nods, she flashes a sly smile and brings her face close to (Captain)'s.
Utsusemi: You've got all the tools you need. Next I'll teach you the techniques to use them.
Utsusemi: Come to the room that I take my customers in tonight. It will be easiest to understand by experiencing it for yourself.
Utsusemi: It's not every day that you get a chance to hear the greatest courtesan in the whole district tell her midnight fables, and for free no less.
Utsusemi: You truly are lucky, you know? Make sure that you pay close attention, because you'll need these skills later.
Though they don't really understand what Utsusemi means, the three skyfarers nod their heads regardless.
When the group enters the room where Utsusemi works, she gives each of them a piece of paper.
Vyrn: What's this?
Utsusemi: When I give the signal, you need to read the lines from that paper, starting from the top.
Utsusemi: Be sure not to say anything except what you're supposed to. No matter what happens, just look down and think sad thoughts.
Young Customer: Long time no see, Utsusemi. Isn't this a splendid night? Perfect for our long-awaited reunion.
Utsusemi: Long-awaited indeed, good sir. I've spent so many nights hoping that you would call on me since your last visit.
Utsusemi: You left me waiting for so long that I've been crying myself to sleep thinking that you had fallen in love with another.
Young Customer: Urgh... I-I'm sorry. But I would never do such a thing. You're the only one for me, Utsusemi.
Utsusemi: Hehe, I'm merely joking.
Utsusemi: It would be scandalous for me to keep such a good man all to myself, good sir.
Vyrn: (Hey, is it really okay for us to be here?)
As the crew members start to feel awkward about the situation, the man turns his attention toward them.
Young Customer: Oh? Those are some unfamiliar faces. Have you taken on apprentices?
Utsusemi: Ah, no. I happened to become acquainted with these children, and now I'm taking care of them for a while.
Utsusemi: You might know of them indirectly. Haven't you heard the rumors?
Young Customer: Ah, right. Something about a group of likable, go-getter youngsters who will take on any job.
Young Customer: Hm... I didn't expect to find out that they were under your wing. I'm a little jealous.
Utsusemi: When I heard their life story, I couldn't help but reach out my hand to them.
Utsusemi raps her pipe against an ashtray and turns her gaze to the trio.
Utsusemi: The one in the middle, their captain, was orphaned while still just a baby.
Utsusemi: After being exploited by greedy relatives, (Captain) here was dumped in a forest once nothing was left of the inheritance.
Vyrn and (Captain) are confused by the starkly nonfactual story, but keep their mouths shut.
Utsusemi: In that forest was this little dragon and young girl with blue hair, both abandoned in the same way.
Utsusemi: As fellow abandoned, they worked together as they struggled to survive.
Utsusemi: One day, a letter that (Captain)'s father had left behind led them to what remained of his old ship.
Utsusemi: That ship, the last bit of his legacy that he intended his child to inherit, had already been stripped bare by his greedy relatives and was in no condition to fly, but these children didn't give up.
Utsusemi: They gathered what materials they could by themselves. What they couldn't, they worked to buy, eventually restoring the old ship to its former glory.
Young Customer: I see... That's quite the feat to achieve at such a young age.
Utsusemi: Isn't it? And it was all because they share the dream of seeing what (Captain)'s father did for themselves.
Young Customer: A dream? What exactly is it that he saw?
Having piqued her customer's interest, Utsusemi turns to the group and looks at them meaningfully.
(Captain) realizes that it's time to read the first line on the paper, and glances at it before looking back up again.
- We want to see the ends of the sky.
Choose: We want to see the ends of the sky.Young Customer: The ends of the sky, you say? That's an impressive dream.
- It was what my father worked for his whole life.
Choose: It was what my father worked for his whole life.Young Customer: I see...
The customer solemnly nods along to (Captain)'s lines.
Seeing that, Utsusemi starts looking upon the crew members with eyes full of pity.
Utsusemi: In order to chase that dream, they journeyed here without borrowing anyone's help, but this world has no mercy for children.
Utsusemi: Every day, they would deal with adults trying to take advantage of their kindness to exploit them, and sometimes would have to fend off attempts on their lives.
Utsusemi: Even then, they refused to let hate into their hearts and worked together to overcome any hardship that befell them.
Utsusemi's recounting of the group's misfortunes is full of unexpected twists, especially to the three skyfarers who had supposedly lived through them.
At times she would shake with rage, and at times she would bring tears to her eyes as she spun the tale, keeping her customer enthralled all the while.
Utsusemi: And upon reaching this island, they were deceived by an evil trickster and saddled with a huge debt.
Utsusemi: But, as I'm sure you know by now, they have truly tenacious hearts.
Utsusemi: No matter how many times I tell them that they have to accept their fate, they refuse to give up on their dream and insist on working themselves to the bone.
Utsusemi: They're just so precious... I can't bear to watch...
Upon seeing a single tear make its way down Utsusemi's cheek as she speaks those words, the man looks upon the group with intense sympathy.
Young Customer: To think that they lived through all of that... It's rare to see children that stouthearted these days.
Young Customer: I once had a dream for myself too, but when I was around your age I had to come to terms with reality and give up on it.
Young Customer: ...
Your name is (Captain), right?
Young Customer: Your dream is a precious one indeed to be able to move Utsusemi to such passion. I want to lend my aid as well.
Young Customer: If you'd like, I can introduce you to some good work, and make sure that you're especially well paid for it.
(Captain) reflexively opens his mouth to thank the man for his help, but is silenced by a sharp glare from Utsusemi.
Pretending to be unsure of what to do for a moment, (Captain) double-checks what is written at the bottom of the paper and begins to read it out.
- We appreciate your kindness, but…
Choose: We appreciate your kindness, but…Lyria: We... We were tricked because we failed to judge that man's character, so it's our own fault.
Vyrn: Y-yeah, that moneylender is a person just like the rest of us, so I'm sure that we'll be able to talk it out with him.
Young Customer: You'll believe in the good nature of even a child-deceiving miscreant? What a beautifully pure heart!
Young Customer: Utsusemi, surely you can change their minds? I won't be able to sleep at night if I leave without being able to do something for them!
Utsusemi: Unfortunately, they're just as stubborn when I talk to them.
Utsusemi beckons for the man to come closer and then speaks in his ear.
Utsusemi: You have some influence around here, don't you? Could you spread the story of their lives among the townspeople?
Utsusemi: Inconspicuously setting children up to succeed is the best way for adults to help them, don't you think?
Young Customer: Hm... Yes, you're right. Leave it to me.
Young Customer: Thank you for a lovely evening, Utsusemi. It's a pleasure listening to you, as always.
Utsusemi: It was wonderful seeing you again. Next time, let us not part until daybreak.
After the customer leaves, Utsusemi turns to the three crew members.
Utsusemi: Right then... So what did you think of my work?
Lyria: Well... It was very impressive. Overwhelming even...
Vyrn: More importantly, most of those stories you told were downright baloney!
Utsusemi: "Baloney" is such a boorish way to put it. All that I did was show him a dream.
Utsusemi: And that, of course, is what he comes here for. Telling midnight fables never entails simply recounting events as they really happened.
Utsusemi: You'd do well to remember this. Here, deception is fantasy, and fantasy is reverie. The lies we tell in the red-light district are but fleeting dreams.
Utsusemi: We show our customers such dreams, and by doing that walk away with profit. That's the way we do things here, especially business.
Utsusemi: You ended up shouldering your debt because that merchant lied to you, right?
Utsusemi: Then you just need to abide by our conventions and show that moneylender a dream in the same way.
Utsusemi: He'll be doing the same thing, after all. Negotiations are always a contest to see who will be getting tricked and who will be doing the tricking.
Lyria: Oh... I don't really like the idea and deceiving anyone, but we have no choice...
Vyrn: But will we really be able to pull it off? We're not exactly as good as you are...
Utsusemi: My word, just who do you think you have training you? I'm the most famous courtesan on this island, the nightflower Utsusemi.
Utsusemi: Don't you worry, I'll have you ready for this in no time.
Upon hearing Utsusemi's confident declaration, the three skyfarers steel their resolve.
No Counter to Deception: Scene 3
Using the techniques that Utsusemi taught them, the crew members negotiate with the moneylender while gaining the onlookers' sympathy, and eventually trick him into signing a contract to retroactively rent the Grandcypher at an exorbitant rate. After canceling out the crew's debt, the remaining profit goes to paying for Utsusemi to take some time off. Hoping to pursue the murderer of an old friend and reclaim the guardian blade that had been used as the murder weapon, Utsusemi joins the crew on their journey.
The next evening...
As (Captain), Vyrn, and Lyria tidy up the front of The Siskin's Perch, the moneylender approaches them with a fake smile plastered on his face.
Moneylender: Hey there, (Captain). Do you have the money you promised me?
Lyria: Ah... Well...
Moneylender: What, couldn't do it after all?
Moneylender: I'd heard that you've been scraping up funds doing all kinds of small jobs, but I guess there was no way that would make you seven million.
Moneylender: Right then, I'll just be off to sell that ship, as promised. Then, I'll have you start working off what's left.
The three crew members look to each other and nod.
Then...
Vyrn: Just give us a bit longer! Another week... no just give us three days! We just need a little more time!
Lyria: Utsusemi from The Siskin's Perch convinced one of her customers to entrust us with a big job!
Lyria: Once we finish it, we'll get all the money we need! Then we'll be able to pay you back!
Lyria: So please, don't take our ship! Don't take the one place we can call home!
Moneylender: I... I see?
Taken aback by the sudden high-volume pleadings for mercy, the moneylender stands stunned for a moment.
However, he quickly regains his composure and dramatically sighs.
Moneylender: N-no, not happening! I told you, I'm running a business here.
Moneylender: In the first place, that's a big ship you've got, but it's old and pretty beat up, so I doubt it's worth that much anyway.
Vyrn: You don't understand! That ship is worth more to us than any amount of money!
As they plead with the moneylender, the crew members recall the plan that Utsusemi had laid out for them.
Utsusemi: Listen carefully. Once he shows up, the first thing that you need to do is stress that you intend to pay him back.
Utsusemi: Then, you talk about how you've earned the trust of the townspeople and been given a big job.
Utsusemi: In other words, you're telling him that you'll be able to pay him back. You need to do it really strongly, overdramatically even.
Vyrn: Overdramatically? Why is that?
Utsusemi: It won't really leave a strong impression just telling him that normally, right? You need to make a show of it.
Utsusemi: Right now, everyone's impression of you is that you're hardworking, trustworthy children. We want to emphasize that.
Utsusemi: Layering your words with emotion strengthens the impression you leave on the person you're talking to, and draws the attention of everyone nearby. Once that's done...
Vyrn: (Right, so once everyone's gathered around and looking at us...)
Lyria: (We move on to the next step... Sharing the story that Utsusemi thought up for us with the crowd!)
As curious townspeople stop to watch the argument and start talking among themselves, the trio suddenly change their demeanor and look crestfallen.
Vyrn: And after we finally made it this far... Isn't that right, (Captain)?
- I just wanted to chase after my father's dream...
Choose: I just wanted to chase after my father's dream...Moneylender: Your father's dream? Oh yeah, someone said something about that too. You're trying to get to the ends of the sky, right?
Moneylender: And in order to do that, you patched up that old ship and made her fly again. You've certainly got some backbone, I'll give you that, but...
Vyrn: That isn't all though. Right now, there's something else we absolutely need to accomplish...
Vyrn looks at Lyria, who, casting her gaze to the ground, covers her face and starts crying.
Moneylender: Wh-whoa there, what's gotten into you? What are you crying for all of a sudden?
Lyria: The truth is... I was diagnosed with an incurable disease, and don't have much longer to live!
Moneylender: Wha—
Vyrn: She's able to stay on her feet for now, but that's only because she's taking medicine for it.
Vyrn: But there's still no cure, and we can't get any more of that medicine in this skydom.
Vyrn: That's why we have to get to the next skydom over to visit a doctor who lives there as soon as possible.
Upon hearing this, the crown of onlookers starts to get louder.
Onlooker 1: Now that you mention it, she's pretty thin, and her face is kind of pale.
Onlooker 2: She's been working so hard while dealing with such a serious illness this whole time? How terrible... And she's so young too.
As the crowd chatters, the moneylender starts looking both uncomfortable and sympathetic.
Moneylender: Well, you know... I'll be in the red if I wait any longer.
Moneylender: I mean, I'm sorry to hear about that, but I still can't be sure if you can even really get the money.
Onlooker 1: Hey, I'll have you know that these kids are as straight as an arrow. They'll do any job, and fast too.
Onlooker 1: Don't make me start counting how many times one of your couriers forgot when they were supposed to show up, or we'll be here all day.
Onlooker 2: That's right! They're much more trustworthy than the people that you hire!
Moneylender: Urgh...
As if called to arms by the first two onlookers' complaints, the crowd starts shouting out praises for the three skyfarers and criticisms of the moneylender and his associates.
Confident that the crowd is now completely on their side, the trio begins the final stage of their plan.
Lyria: We won't break our promise, no matter what.
Vyrn: We've had people break their promises to us over and over, so we swore to never do it ourselves.
- So please.
Choose: So please.Moneylender: You three...
As the crew members bow their heads to him, the moneylender's heart is finally moved and, with tears in his eyes, he opens his mouth to speak.
Moneylender: Guess it can't be helped... You guys win.
Lyria: ...!
Thank you so much!
Vyrn: In that case, can we get your signature here on this contract? This will be the proof of our promise!
Moneylender: Yeah, sure. You guys are pretty mature for your age, paying attention to stuff like that.
After the sniffling moneylender puts his name down on the paper, the three skyfarers break into a smile.
Utsusemi: My, my... I guess that even a demon's eyes really can tear up, just like they say.
Moneylender: Mistress Utsusemi!
Utsusemi: Well now, this is quite the contract you've signed with these children.
Utsusemi: Right then, I hope you have their ten million rupies ready for them.
Moneylender: ...
Huh?
Utsusemi: Did you not hear me? You owe them ten million rupies for the use of their ship.
Moneylender: ...
Huh? What in the skies are you talking about?
Utsusemi: Look, it's written right here, on this paper you just signed, isn't it?
Utsusemi: Their ship... the "Grandcypher" was it?
Utsusemi: In any case, it costs two million a day to rent, and you've had it for five days, so you owe ten million. Simple math, is it not?
Moneylender: No way! Let me see that!
All the color drains from the moneylender's face as he snatches the contract away from Vyrn and despairingly reads over it.
Moneylender: Agreement to rent... Grandcypher... Two million rupies a day...
Moneylender: Th-this is invalid! I never agreed to this!
Utsusemi: Oh? But surely a merchant of your stature would never sign a contract without reading it.
Utsusemi: This is your signature written here, is it not?
Utsusemi: In other words, this is a "perfectly legitimate contract," as you would put it.
Moneylender: Urgh...
Lost for words, the moneylender turns around to look for allies among the crowd, but is met with nothing but cold glares.
Finally accepting that he is completely trapped, he lets his shoulders drop in despondency.
Vyrn: Whew! Finally free again!
Lyria: I was really worried about what was going to become of us for a while. Thank goodness that worked!
The next day, having settled their debt with the moneylender, the crew members are finally free to enjoy the open skies.
Utsusemi: Didn't I tell you? With me as your teacher, you had nothing to fear.
Having departed from her home island, Utsusemi stands on the deck of the Grandcypher.
Vyrn: But man, I sure didn't expect you to ask us to buy you in exchange for your help.
Lyria: Ms. Koume sure was angry...
Koume: What? You want to buy out her contract? With this pocket change?
When the crew's debt to the moneylender was subtracted from the moneylender's debt to the crew, there was still three million rupies left over.
The three crew members brought all of it to Koume and repeated the lines that Utsusemi had taught them, and immediately received a nasty glare in return.
Koume: Don't be ridiculous! She's our nightflower! You're going to need at least ten times this to buy her contract!
Utsusemi: I thought that you'd say that. In that case, I'll be taking some time off.
Utsusemi: Whatever this three million doesn't cover you can add to my term of service.
Utsusemi: I'm allowed to take an extended break so long as I pay for it, right?
Koume: Well, yes... How long are you taking off?
Utsusemi: Who knows? Until I do what needs to be done, I suppose.
Koume: What? You'd better not be trying to run!
Utsusemi: I'm doing no such thing.
...
You know who and what I have to chase after.
Utsusemi: Sis Kiritsubo's murderer, and the murder weapon, the district's guardian blade.
Upon seeing Koume's expression freeze up, Utsusemi gives her a gentle smile.
Utsusemi: It's not every day that a crew that travels to different skydoms shows up.
Utsusemi: I don't want to pass up this chance. You understand, don't you?
Koume: ...
You're just saying that so that I let you run.
Utsusemi: Of course I'm not. My feelings haven't changed since that day. This district is where I'll one day lay my bones to rest.
Utsusemi: Please, Koume. I promise that once I come back, I'll bring in even more money then before.
Utsusemi manages to overcome Koume's hesitation to let her go and leaves with the crew members on their journey.
Vyrn: I've been wondering—who's Kiritsubo?
Utsusemi: Kiritsubo was The Siskin's Perch's top consort before I was. She was like a big sister to me.
Utsusemi: The night before her contract was to be bought out, she was murdered by a courtesan-killer that had been on the loose for several years...
Utsusemi: In the end, the culprit was never captured, and made away with the district's guardian blade, which had been used to kill Kiritsubo.
Utsusemi: Ever since, I've been looking for a chance to leave the island in order to avenge her and recover the blade.
Vyrn: So you're saying that you used us?
Utsusemi: ...
Well, I suppose that's one way to put it. It's no lie that I felt sympathy for you though.
Utsusemi: In any case, I have my own goals, but you all are still my employers.
Utsusemi: I'll be pulling my weight as a skyfarer.
Lyria: I'm glad to hear that!
Lyria: Now that you're here with us, we'll probably never get tricked like that again.
Utsusemi: Hehe, that's true.
Utsusemi: With my skill at trick... excuse me, showing people dreams, I'll do what I can to make your journey a pleasant one.
Vyrn: You were just about to say "tricking people," weren't you? You'd better not start acting like that moneylender!
Utsusemi merely laughs at Vyrn's admonition, giving him no answer.
None among them have any clue at this time that she will one day be hailed as the greatest nightflower in all of the skies.
White Chocolate Cake