Part 62: Chapter 9-6: Restoration

Part 9-6: Restoration


Roger’s Regrets

Dad?

You promised, right?

Ah, yes… sigh…



I met Honnete, we had both of you, and then came back here to Merveille. We promised to run the greatest atelier, and I never doubted for a moment that we’d achieve it. …But I couldn’t keep that promise. I had such confidence and yet I couldn’t save Honnete… After that, I was a wreck. Whenever I seriously tried to synthesize, I just fell apart. I tried to keep on using alchemy, but could only make jokey, half-baked things.



So that’s what happened…

Now… why did you leave us for so long? And what compelled you to put us through this challenge?

Yes… The reason I did all this, was because I was sick with how pathetic I’ve become. You’ve been making such progress and I’ve just been sitting around moping, getting left behind. Panicking, knowing I couldn’t leave it like this, I decided challenging you was the best idea. I wanted to beat you and act all fatherly… but throughout this challenge, it was all I could do to keep my hands from shaking.

Dad!

You girls are now true alchemists. Please, will you keep my promise for me? Our promise, to become the greatest alchemists in the kingdom?

…No. I don’t want that.

Sue?

Me neither. We promised Mom to run the greatest kingdom, together, as a family. Me, and Sue, and you, Dad! We have to do it together or it will be meaningless!

So don’t ask us to do anything for you! Let’s all aim to become the greatest, together!

I can’t. I couldn’t keep any of those promises… To have the greatest atelier… To travel as a family through the paintings… And, more than anything, to make her happy… I’ve failed in every promise that I made her.

You’re wrong! Mom told us! That in the end you always keep your promises!

But girls…



Got it?! The basement! Move it!

What? …Fine, fine. I’m coming.



Girls… you go on ahead. I still need some time here…

Sigh… Alright. We’ll be waiting for you back home.

Oh, right, Sue… you know who else is waiting for us back home?

Lucia! I’m sure she wants to know how the challenge ended…


Lucia Dismissed

Heheh, no need to worry. We won with ease!

You did? Well done! So… does that mean I can finally go home?

Yes. Sorry for all the trouble caused by our dad. It was fun living with you for a while, though!

Heheh, your cooking was really great, Lucia. You can come and stay anytime!

Hehe, I’ll give it some thought. Thank you for letting me stay.

…Hmm. I’m almost sad to see her go, noisy as she is.

Me too. I’m sure she’ll be back around before we know it, though.

Yeah, you’re right. Come on, let’s go to the basement.


Spirit Restored

Sure, I can do that. Hmm… there we go!

Finally! It feels like an eternity since we’ve been here last…



Yes. It’s called the “Heavenly Flower Garden”. I started painting it for Honnete… But it ended up being a tribute to her.

Say, Dad. About whether or not you’ve kept your promises… Why don’t we go and ask Mom about that?

Ask Honnete? What do you mean?

It seems that Mom is inside this painting. The fragment of her soul is still living inside it.

We met Mom inside “Etel Nepica”. But it wasn’t Mom from the past. Come on, Dad! Let’s all go together to see her!

We can’t. I already told you, this isn’t a Mysterious Painting. I did use Neige’s Paints to make it, but there’s no world in there.

That’s not true! We’ll show you!



Hold on? We went in last time!

Like I said, you can’t go inside this painting. That’s enough, girls. Just give up…



Ugh?!

It’s common not to be able to get inside at first. But there’s something we can do to fix it.

If you’ve traveled in Mysterious Paintings then you surely know what we mean, right?

Restoration…? Is that what you mean? But…

Let’s give it a try. If it doesn’t work, we’ll just try something else.

I want to see Mom again. You must do too, Dad! So let’s go see her! As a family, into this painting!

Girls…!



Don’t give up before you even try, is it? You know what, you’re right!



I’m going to let my ideas solidify. Leave the Restoration to me! Hahaha!

That’s the Dad we know and love! We’ll go and make them at once!

These’ll be the best paints you’ve ever seen! Just wait a little while!



This paint should do the trick. Some Gold Puniballs, some fruit, some oil, and some Hidden Power…

We’re making these paints so we can meet Mom again… so only the best ingredients!



Dad!


Painting Restored

Now it’s my turn to take the stage! You rest up. You don’t want Honnete to see you tired!

Hahaha, good point. We’ll leave this to you, Dad.

I’m sure you can do it, Dad. Just do your best!

Right! For my dear daughters, the artist Roger will release his greatest masterpiece!



Yawn… time to sleep like we mean it!



Hey… Hey! Lydie, Sue!



I want honey and pancakes for breakfast…

What are you talking about? Wake up! Come on, open your eyes. We’re going to go and see Honnete!

What do you mean, Dad? You’ve finished the restoration already?

Come and take a look! To the basement!

No need to tell us twice!

I can’t wait!

Uwah!



Hahaha, I’m sure it will work. You painted it, after all!

You’re amazing, Dad! I’m impressed!

Hahaha! That’s nice of you to say. It seems all my hard work has paid off.

Right. Without further delay, let’s go inside!

Yes! Time to meet Mom!