Part 42: Chapter 7-2: Odd Jobs and Odder Clients

Part 7-2: Odd Jobs and Odder Clients

Hey, Sue… we’re still strapped for cash.

We sure are… Hey, why don’t we head to Soleil Street? This time around, we might catch wind of something there!


Memento From Her Father
Music: Camellia Sazanka (Music Box Ver.)



Ah, welcome. Tell me, girls. Have you ever heard this music before?

No, I don’t think so. Sue?

Me neither. Is there some kind of secret to that music box? Like, the music from it opens the doors to a secret treasure?

No. This music is a clue to the location of my father. The father I’ve never met.

Not even once?

Not even once. He left before I was born, so I don’t even know what he looks like.

Oh… well, do you have any other leads on him?



I see. In which case, Corneria, will you please tell us more about him?

We’ve been living here all our lives. Maybe we can help you!

Girls… Thank you so much. Let me see… From what I heard, he has the same duplication ability that I do. Oh, the clothing I wear, this music box and the melody therein are from his homeland. Does that ring any bells?

Someone dressed in the same kind of clothing as you, and with the same copy power…

Hmm. I’m pretty sure I’d remember someone like that.

Sorry, Corneria. It turns out we can’t help you after all.

No, it’s all right. I’ve been actively searching for him for more than ten years, after all. But I’m not ready to give up yet.

Hmmm.

Oh, by the way… word on the street is that you two are looking for work. I heard that Hagel was looking for something.

Ohh? Off to Hagel’s, then! Thanks, Corneria!


Hagel’s Strictly Confidential Request

Yes? What is it this time?

Well, I want some thread. As delicate as you can find, smooth, and in bulk! Lots of it!

Lots of thread? What are you planning this time?

I can’t tell you! Torture me with my own forge implements, I won’t tell!

It’s something strange again, isn’t it? The Hagel Toothbrush? The Hagel Towel?

Nothing like that! This time I’m aiming for something more…

More what?

Hah! I’m not falling for that, either! This one is top secret!

Gah, it didn’t work…

You’ll need to try harder than that to trick me! Now go and get to work, girls!

Uwah, fine, fine. It’s just going to be more worthless junk this time, though, isn’t it?

…We’ve got plenty of thread. Might as well let some of it go.



Hagel! We’ve got the thread that you wanted…

Who’s bald?! How dare you!

Uwah! I literally only said your name!

Ah! Sorry, little lady. I’m getting pretty nervous, for lots of reasons.

Huh? Anyway, please accept this delivery.

Hey, this is good! Smooth as a maiden’s hair, with great color and luster too! Hahaha! If this works, it’ll be long and flowing again…

Flowing?

Ah, nothing, nothing! Here you go, girls. Your reward.

3000 Coll received.

What? This much? All we did was bring you some thread!

It’s fine, don’t worry about it! However…



U-Understood!

Good. Everything is going according to plan!

Psst! Hey, Sue… You guessed what Hagel is planning on making, right?

Yeah. I’ve got a pretty good idea.

But why now? I don’t know how I’ll react if he comes out wearing, well, you know…

Hahaha! Let’s just leave him to it, shall we?

Let’s. Anyway, wanna hit up Atelier Borthayre next?

Go and visit Lucia, huh? Sure, why not.

At Atelier Borthayre…

This can’t be helped. I think I’ll need to force this a little… Or a lot, in fact.

Lucia, let’s have some fun! I’ve got some sweets for you again!


A Job from Lucia

What? Well, I’m not sure I’d call it “free”.

Enough time to come and see me, though. So I’ve got the perfect job for you to take!

It feels like we’re getting dragged into something here?

Not at all! Here’s the request.

Huh… Synthesis of an item. Why are you giving this to us, Lucia? You’re planning something, I can smell it!

How rude. I’m just trying to bring a little life back to your deserted atelier.

That’s a lie, 100%! But I guess we can handle a job like this.

Yeah, it doesn’t look that hard. Alright, we’ll do it for you.

Really? Thank you… ahem. I mean, go and do your very best.

Hahaha. Okay. We’ve got this.



Hmm? (She’s definitely up to something…)

She wants three Breezy Aromas. How do we… Oh! I think I’ve got a good lead!




Hehe, nicely done! Now to make three of these, as Lucia requested. We just need some Pure Oil, some aroma, some medicinal materials, and paper…



We just have to do this again… and we’re set!

Hmm… we oughta gift wrap these Breezy Aromas, right? Only the best for our childhood friend…

Eh? Well, if you say so!

Hehe… there we go! Now let’s make the delivery…


Lucia’s Con Job

Lady Lucia, we’ve got what you asked for!

Ohohoho, good work, good work! Especially for both of you. Well done.

Heheh, thanks.

Here’s your reward.

200 Coll received.

Wow, thank you, Lucia. Although does this qualify as a “reward”?

You’ve been a big help. Now then…



Yes, here it is. Please, take a look.

Very good. Your reputation is earned, Borthayre. I will pay the reward, as promised.

Heheh, thank you! Please come again!

I’ll be sure to. Time to take my leave.



Ohohoho! Make use of whatever you can! This is the world of adults, Lydie!

Hey, we can’t accept that! Right, Sue!

We fell for it too, didn’t we? Some of the blame lies on us.

You seem very calm, Sue. Normally you would be flying into a rage right about now!

I don’t fly into anything, thank you! I’m just going to let it slide this time.

That’s… a very pragmatic way to look at it. The ones who get tricked are at fault!

Uwah… Goodbye, Lucia.

See you later! Ah, one last thing. There’s still something special for you to look forward to!

Uwah! What’s this smile on my face? It’s too much! What am I turning into? …I feel really guilty, as well. I probably shouldn’t have started this.

No, really, Sue, are you fine with this?

Oh well! Let’s go home and hone our own skills. There’s some useful stuff I’ve been wanting to make, after all…



Hehe! Ever felt like we didn’t have enough room for materials out in the field?



Sue…!

Right! Let’s get started, with some Chaotic Dirt as our catalyst…



We’re going to need an Enhancing Agent, looks like.



Hehe, that’ll do the trick!



Amazing, Sue! Now we’ll never have to worry about running out of space out there again…

And I’m not done yet! I think we have what it takes to upgrade our Gathering Gloves too!



With a Ruby as our catalyst…



All we need is all the purple we can fit in here!



Now we’ll find even more rare goodies out there!

You’re on a roll, Sue! …Oh?


OHOHOHOutwitted

Haha, it’s here! Lydie, open it up!

Are you sure? Uwah, it’s full of money!

800 Coll received.

Hehe, that’s right. This is what’s called “legitimate compensation”.

What do you mean? Where’s this money from?



Tricked? I don’t know what you mean. I just collected our reward?

What? What’s going on? Can someone please explain?!

Hahah! This money is the reward for the item that Lucia tricked us into making!

Sue, you little minx! You put a note on the item, didn’t you! “This item was made by Lydie and Sue. Please pay them for it.”

Ah! That’s why you were so calm. You could have told me about it!

Trick your allies to trick your enemies! It’s Lucia’s own fault that she fell for it.

Ugh, I got chewed out by the client, and didn’t even get paid! I can’t believe this! I already had to push the deadline back. What about the reputation of my atelier now?!

I don’t know about any of that, but you brought it on yourself, “big sister”!

That’s right, Lucia! I’m angry too! I hope you feel sorry about all this!

F-fine, I am to blame for this. I do feel sorry! Please!



Did she just apologize and get angry again? I guess that’s just like Lucia, though.

Hahaha. Do you think she’ll be okay? She was talking about the deadline, and her reputation…

Hmmm, I’m sure she’ll work something out. She’s not a child, after all.

Yeah, good point. We’re on firmer financial footing, so… Let’s go spend our reward on some fine dining!

Really? Great! Food paid for with a successful plan tastes even better! Hahaha!

Lucia has acquired the skill “Borthayre’s Master”.
A new Combination Art for Sue And Lucia “Rules of Chaos” is unlocked.
This is way earlier than you’re supposed to have ANY Combination Arts period, so we don’t get an obligatory tutorial event yet. Anyway, Borthayre’s Master - Increases Max MP.

Gah! Guess I’ll drop by Soleil Street before going home and getting back to work. I need a pick-me-up after all that… I wonder if there’s anything nice on sale here… Something suited to my beauty!


Lucia, Model

Yes? Do you mean me?

I do. You are even more wonderful close up! I have something to ask you. Please, will you be my model?

A model! Ohohohoho! You have a kind eye, good sir! Of course I don’t mind. Although I doubt you can capture my beauty in a painting!

A painting? No, that’s not it. I want you as a model for one of my dolls.

A doll?

Yes. A doll for my doll theater. I’ve got the perfect role for you.

Very well! That sounds fine, too. Just make it as beautiful as you can!

Yes, you can leave that to me! Heheh, a fine test for my skills!



You’re perfect for that villainous role! The perfect face! A miracle, to find such a model!

What? A villain? Evil? I’m not standing for that! Excuse me, thank you!



No, wait! You’re not escaping! You’re the ultimate evil! I cannot let you get away!

Elsewhere in Merveille…


Ilmeria’s Cute Chick Mk. II

Oh, Firis. Sorry, but I’m a little busy right now… I’ll be done in a moment. Why don’t you come in and take a seat?

Sure, I’ll just relax here for a bit.



She really can’t sit still to save her life…



…Hmm, let’s see. Things have changed around here a little since I last saw it… Huh?



Huh, what…? Augh! Uh, th-th-that’s…!

I remember this! I gave it to you, right? Wow… It’s so nice to see you’ve taken such good care of it.

N-N-No, you’ve got it wrong! It’s a different one! A different chick!

Huh, really? You mean this isn’t Piko?

That’s right! This is Pisuke! He’s an energetic young boy, related to Piko! Piko isn’t here anymore! That’s right - and if I say she’s gone, she’s gone!

Hmm, is that right…? That’s a little sad…

Huh…?

Ilmeria, you’re telling me you got rid of Piko, aren’t you? After I gave her to you… I’ve still got the original “Gyoromaru” that you gave me… (Liane hates it, though, so I keep it shut away in a box, but still…)

Ugh…

*Sigh*… It’s hard to hear that the present I gave you just wasn’t special to you at all…

B-B-B-B-But…! But that’s… That’s not how…!



Y-You know I would never throw away a present you gave me…

Ilmeria…! Thank you! You’ve made me so happy! I hope you’ll think of her as if she were me, and take good care of her.

Uh?!

Now then! I’m feeling kind of hungry. I think I’ll have some sweets. Last time, they were here… Ah, here they are!

…Think of her as if she were Firis…?! But I always sleep with Piko…!

Mmm, these are good… You always buy the best sweets, Ilmeria…



Ah, aaaughhhh! Wh-What am I supposed to do?!

Hey, Ilmeria, you’ve stopped moving. Hurry up and finish your work so we can play.



She just passed out… Guess it falls to me to finish her job. And tuck her in…