Part 5: Chapter 2-1: The Official Notice and Opportunity

Part 2-1: The Official Notice and Opportunity




The Official Notice and Opportunity

I know, but I don’t think we have a choice. We just have to improve gradually.

How’s that working out for us so far? There’s a limit to what we can teach ourselves.

I think we’ve already reached it, too. Dad isn’t much help. We need a proper teacher. A master.

A master? In this city? Anyway, all that work has made me hungry.

Hehe, very well. I’ll get something ready… ah, sorry, we’re all out of food!

We’ll just have to go shopping. We’ve got the money from those jobs, so no problem. Hmm… wait!







Ah! They caught me…

Hey, Dad. Did you use our money by any chance?

I wonder. I can’t quite recall? I did see some nice looking paints, but did I buy them? Hmm…

Raaaagh!



Guwah!

What now? We don’t even have enough money to buy food now. We need to make some Coll, quickly.

You said it. Forget dummy-daddy and let’s go look at the Plaza.

Girls! Ah, my bad! I’ll synthesize some old shoes or something and get you some food, just give me a moment!

Dad. Just be quiet, please.

Of course. I’m sorry.



Gah, this is a new low, even for him! But whining won’t fill our bellies. Off to the Notice Board… oh? Something’s going on over here…



I hope not. I hope it doesn’t mean another hike in taxes.

Right, let’s see what we’ve got today. “Alchemists Wanted”? The Kingdom of Adalet has decided to proactively attract more alchemists to work here. We are therefore happy to announce the implementing of the new Atelier Ranking System.

Ateliers will receive financial aid and a variety of other privileges depending on their rank. The rank will be determined via examinations. All who wish to take part and register their atelier should apply at the Castle.

Sue! Do you know what this means?

Yes! This system is incredible! If we increase our rank…



Hold on. Did you just say “the best atelier in the kingdom?”

Yep! Surely you’ve noticed that hardly any customers come to our atelier?

Of course. They all go to Borthayre.

I know! But it’s the exams that matter in this system. Actual ability, not customer numbers.

I see what you mean. We can win on rank, even if we aren’t popular?

Exactly. If we reach the highest rank, we’ll become the greatest in the kingdom, no doubt!

I see! Amazing! Come on then, Sue. Let’s go and sign up right away!

You don’t have to tell me twice! To the castle! We’ll be the greatest before you know!



In we go!

Just beyond that door, the road to the top awaits us!


Music: Not That I Care…

Hold on. Is that who I think it is?

Oh my. If it isn’t Lydie and Suelle. Just what are you doing here?

Hey, Lucia. We’re here to register for the Atelier Ranking System.

I see. I thought you’d probably come, just lagging behind me again! Ohohoho!



I think this will be a bit much for you two. You need to pass an exam just to sign up.

Is that so? Are you here to take it too, Lucia?

Of course not! The glorious Atelier Borthayre is exempt from such petty examinations!

We had you create the exam, after all. There’s no point in you doing it.

Heh. What was that about the glorious Atelier Borthayre again? Eh, Lucia?

Mireille! You didn’t need to tell them that! Grrrrrr… she totally ruined the moment! Hah! I’ll see you later!

Lucia storms off.

Hahaha, Lucia’s always good for a laugh. So, what do we have to do first?

Before signing up, can you introduce yourselves? I’m Mireille, by the way.


Music: I’m Counting on You Both!

I handle all general affairs for the kingdom. That includes our new Atelier Ranking System.

Amazing! You handle all of them? Really? Ah, sorry, I mean… I am called Lydie.

I’m Suelle! It’s nice to meet you, Mireille!

Very well. Nice to meet you. Twins, aren’t you? Lucia already told me quite a bit about you, actually. Hehe. It sounds like the three of you are good friends?

Hmm, we’re not exactly close friends? I mean, we’ve known her since we were kids…

I’m quite jealous of that. I don’t have any friends who I grew up with. Anyway. Shall we get down to business? As Lucia already mentioned, you need to take an exam before you can register for the system.

We heard that part. Just what kind of exam is it?

Aren’t you in a hurry! I’ll tell you now, don’t worry. Here it is!



To synthesize Dream Paintbrushes? We just have to make this item?

Yes. That’s all. A nice and simple test. Here’s the recipe for the Dream Paintbrushes.

Hmm, it looks fairly tough. I hope we can handle it.

If you want to get a rank, you need to prove yourselves. You can adjust the recipe however you like. Just bring that item back here to me, OK?

Sure thing! We’ll give it a try! Back to the atelier at once, Lydie!

I’m with you! We have to see if we can make it. Thanks for everything, Mireille! We’ll see you later!

The twins run off.

Hehehe. Let’s see how it’ll turn out…

Back at the atelier…


A Crash Course in Equipment

Lucia is a great alchemist, sure, but I still think we can do this.

Me too. The recipe is very straightforward, after all. We just need the materials. Should we head out and try to find them right away?

Sounds like a plan. We’d better make sure to take some medicine with us. We should also bring some Uni Bags. They’ll come in handy if we run into any monsters.

Sue starts synthesizing.



Sue walks to the table and leaves the Uni Bag on it. Later, Lydie walks over.

Hehehe! I’ve saved up to buy this new book! I can’t wait to settle down and… hold on! Sue!

Yes? What is it, Lydie?

What do you think! This! The Uni Bag!

Yeah, I just made that.

Then why is it lying around here? What if something set it off? Not to mention leaving stuff scattered about like this is why you never have it when you need it! I’m not just talking about bombs. Try not to leave any of your stuff lying around, okay?

Yes, fine. I’m sorry.

So long as you understand!

Lydie walks off.

Huh, Lydie’s right. I need to try harder… hold on! What’s this? A new book?



Hey, Lydie! Can you hear me, Lydie? If you’re going to lecture people, at least have the…

Uwah, sorry!



Now let’s take those Uni Bags and Healing Pads. They’re for you more than me! You need the firepower from the Uni Bags, and I can’t use the Healing Pads when fighting! So you’re on the hook for medic duties out there!



And now we’re ready to go! But before we take off… Lydie, what do we need for the Dream Paintbrushes?



Cobalt Grass, some Wood, and some Thread.



I believe we can find everything we need at the Spring-green Odahlia.


Music: Twin Birds Playing in the Fields

Let’s poke around this bush… ah, here’s some Cobalt Grass!



We’ve got the wood… what’s wrong, Sue?

Bugs! In the wood! I don’t wanna look at em, I don’t wanna look at em!

There she goes again… I don’t know why she’s so scared of bugs, but it’s time to move on. Now we just need some thread.



And off of this animal carcass… some Rabbit Fur! That counts as our thread.



We’ve got everything we need, so back to the Atelier! Let’s make the Dream Paintbrushes first thing in the morning…


Dream Paintbrushes…?

Let’s do this! Cobalt Grass, wood, and thread… it’s as easy as one, two, three!



Well… We made one, but do you think this will let us pass the exam?

I’m really not sure. They kinda look more like Nightmare Paintbrushes to me…

We followed the recipe, though. To the letter, even. Let’s show it to Mireille.

Why not? This might even be what she wants, although I’m really not sure about that…



To the castle!

The twins arrive at the Entrance Hall.

Hello, Mireille!

Ah, girls! Have you made the paintbrushes?



Hmm. Sorry. I can’t give you a pass for this.


Music: With Your Hand on Mine

Hahaha. Yes, we didn’t think so.

You’re on the right track here, but you need to make it a little bit more of your own. You can take the exam as many times as you like. Try again and come show me what you make!

Very well. So we have to put our own spin on it?

The twins walk toward the door…

So the problem was that we were too faithful to the recipe… and we need to make it a little bit more of our own… Oh?



It’s that voice from the basement! It came from the direction of that hallway to my right… What’s going on?

Lydie, we’re leaving. We need to give making these brushes some more thought.

Yes, I’m coming! I guess I really am just imagining things…

The twins go back to Lune Street, hanging out right outside their atelier.


A Mentor Drafted

Say there, you two. Can you help me?

You might be right. If only we had a master!

I agree, but there aren’t many alchemists in Merveille, let alone ones who could become…



What! Ah, sorry! What can we help you with?

I just want some directions. Is this the way to the castle?

Yes, this is the way. Are you going to see the sights?

No. I’ve been summoned by the king, actually.

Whaaaaat! From the king himself? Just who are you?

I am Ilmeria von Leinweber. Nothing less than a genius level alchemist!


Music: I’m Not Even Trying (Lydie & Suelle Ver.)

What? Is that true? You’re dazzling me! Dazzling! My head is spinning!

Sue faints.

Sue? Are you OK? Ah, it’s happening to me too! I’m overwhelmed!

Lydie, too, faints.

Hey, you two! Are you OK? Speak to me!

Some time later, after a chat and a meal…

Thanks for the food!

How did it come to this? Getting waylaid by these sisters on the way to the castle, and ending up having to feed them?

Sorry about all that. You really are amazing, though, aren’t you Ilmeria!

Becoming a certified alchemist at your age, and being invited by the king to start an atelier!
For reference, Ilmeria is 19 and the twins are 14.

The exam to get certified is super hard, isn’t it? I wish we could be like you!

Hah, don’t make too much of it. I’m more surprised to hear that you two are alchemists.

Hahaha, we can’t compare to you, Ilmeria. We just failed our exam.

You have exams here too, do you? Can I have a look at it?

Here you go, Ilmeria!

Huh. That’s a nasty little test. Whoever put that hole in the recipe knows their stuff.



What? Really? So we’ve been tricked? We botched it the first time because we didn’t think to adjust the recipe?

Incredible, Ilmeria! You saw through the trick in an instant!

Of course I did. I haven’t been an alchemist all this time for nothing.

You’re so cool! Hey, Sue, you know what…

I think I do. Pretty sure we just had the same idea, Sis. Ilmeria, can we ask you…



What?! What are you talking about?

We’ve been looking for a teacher. A master alchemist. Teaching ourselves isn’t getting us anywhere…

We have to become better alchemists, no matter what! We have to become the greatest in the kingdom! That’s our promise with our mom!

But there was no one we could ask… until now! Please, teach us how to be better alchemists!

I see. I think I understand the situation. I thought you were mocking me, for a moment. Very well. I’ll teach you, if you’re sure. But take another night to think it over. If you still feel this way tomorrow, come and see me again. Understand?

Yes! We’ll see you tomorrow, teach!

Too soon to call me that! Get out of here, anyway! You are literally making me keep the king waiting!

Sure thing. We’ll just head back home. See you again, Ilmeria!

The twins leave.

Talk about double trouble. That look in their eyes, though… I’ve seen that before. It reminds me of… her. And that title they gave me…



The twins return to their atelier.



You did? Don’t worry about it. Someone treated us to a great meal.

What?

Hahaha. Sorry, Dad. We’ll eat that tomorrow. Goodnight!

That evening…

Ilmeria said to think it over, but we aren’t going to change our minds.

Of course not! She seems really kind. I’m sure she’ll teach us all sorts of things.

Me too! This will bring us that much closer to becoming the greatest alchemists! I can’t wait!