Part 28: You better come back with some great stories...and bring Joshua back with you!

-Seaport City of Ruan-

Okay. We're almost done with Ruan.





You wouldn't happen to be Lakeisha, would you?
Lakeisha: Yes, I'm Lakeish--OH! Are you the bracers?!
Yeah, we saw the posting.
Lakeisha: Good. You know a little bit of what's going on, at least. Are you all set? I'd like to go over the details.
Yeah, of course it's okay. So, what can we do for you?
Lakeisha: What I'd like to ask of you is very simple. Do something, ANYTHING, to make my husband lose at gambling!
...Uh, what?
That's it?
Win in a game of chance, is it? A most intriguing request.
Lakeisha: You heard me right. I don't care what game, just please, win against my husband. He's always been the type to get so wrapped up in whatever he's doing that he doesn't know when to stop. I mean, really? He gets a few wins in at the casino and suddenly he's convinced he's a pro gambler! And I know that one-track mind of his--if he says he wants to turn pro, anything I say is in one ear and out the other. So I'd like you to nip that in the bud before things go that far.
Ah...haha. I see. Family circumstances, huh?
Looks like you've got it rough.
Lakeisha: No, I was naive. I should have just refused when he suggested a casino trip...*sigh* No point in complaining now. Here, let me give you 1000 mira as a wager. If you wager this all on one bet, I'm sure my husband will take you up.
I sure hope so. Is your husband upstairs at the casino right now?
Lakeisha: Yes, he's made himself nice and comfortable up there. Last I saw, he was playing cards. Phelio's his name.
Understood. We'll check the card tables.
Lakeisha: Do me a favor and don't hold back. Make sure he loses decisively. Is there anything else I can help you with? Any questions?
We're okay, I think. You've covered all the basics. The real question is, how do we win the match? I mean, gambling's ultimately luck, isn't it?
Yeah, but lettin' that luck live or killin' it takes skill. Whether we can win or not depends on your match.
Strategy is the key, to be more precise.
Hmm...Guess we're in for some fun times.
Lakeisha: If strategy's what you're worried about, you'll be fine. My husband is a total amateur. He's terrible at lying! Every thought that crosses his mind is written on his face plain as day. He's not normally the kind of person well-suited to gambling.
Ah, really?
Hearing that makes me feel a little bit more confident. Maybe. All right! Let's do this thing!
That's the spirit. Nobody's ever won a game by actin' like a sore loser before the match even started.
Lakeisha: I'm in your corner, you guys. Now, get up there and knock my husband down a few pegs!

-Welcome to Le Locle-



Its equipment looks brand new. Was this established recently?
In a way. It just reopened after renovations during the Birthday Celebration.
Hey, now that I think about it, it was being worked on last time.
I see.
So, where is our high-rolling target?
Right. His wife said he'd be at the card tables...
Hmph. Bingo.



Phelio: There it is! Jack! Ooooooh, this power on the draw! I feel INVINCIBLE!
Fuego: It is your win, sir.
Phelio: Know that you fought well, my good man. I'm afraid you just had the wrong opponent. Ha ha ha ha ha ha!



That's gotta be him.
Quick, let's talk to him. If we waste any time, he's bound to get wrapped up in another match.
Ahh, right.



Phelio: Huh? What's up with you guys?
We've heard you know your way around a card game, mister. So we'd like to challenge you.
Phelio: Challenge? ME? All right, I'll bite. Question is, do you have the mira? I'm not taking any cheap bets.
Well then, how does ten whole newspapers sound? Ehh?
The wager's 1000 mira. Rich enough for you?
Phelio: Heh, that's a mighty wager. Fearless, aren't ya? Fine, I'll take you guys on. Okay, so which one of you's gonna be my opponent? Or maybe all of you wanna have a piece of the Phelimaster at the same time? That works, too. I'm feelin' lucky.
A-All at once is a bit crazy...We're not playing old maid here.
Fuego: In that case, good customers, how would you like to try a variant of poker? There are a few that allow a match to be settled over several rounds.
Sounds like just what we're looking for!
Phelio: I'll say. What are the rules?
Fuego: Both sides choose a lineup of contenders and settle the match over three rounds. Each round is normal poker, and the first team to win one match wins. However, your team can only 'fold' one time. If one team member folds, the rest have no choice but to challenge.
Phelio: And it's a three-round match, huh? Simple. Quick. Elegant. I like it. Only problem is that there's four of you.
It's not like all four of us need to play. One of us can sit this one out.
That's perfect, actually. If I can, I'd like to be the one to sit out.
You sure, Kloe?
Students are forbidden to gamble by school rules. I don't want you to think I'm trying to skip out on our job, but it is kind of...awkward for me.
Ahaha, no, I get where you're coming from. Gambling's not exactly a healthy part of your daily balanced school curriculum.
We can handle it from here, so take a load off.
Sorry for the mix-up.
And then there were three. We're well on the road to a climactic three-round match.
Phelio: Not that it would matter if there were four or even five matches. I'd win 'em all, anyway.
Fuego: Are you satisfied with the rules as I explained them?
Phelio: Yeah, I'm okay with 'em.
Sure, we don't mind either.
Fuego: Well, then, allow me a few moments to make preparations. During that time, good guests, please decide the order of your matches.
Order? So who's gonna go first and stuff? That shouldn't take us too long.
Fuego: Thank you very much.
Phelio: I'm ready whenever you guys are.



How do we want to do this?
Might I suggest that we pick based on our gambling prowess?
Uh, full disclosure, guys. I have, like, zero confidence in my card skills. I always, ALWAYS lost to Joshua.
It's been a while since I left gambling behind myself.
But, hey, this contest is all willpower. I can make do. How about you?
Worry not; I'm a man who's rife with confidence in my card game. Leave the center to me, for I am certain I can play it well.
I'm good with that.
That's one down. Olivier's second. It's between me and you now, Agate.
I'll go first. You take the end.
Whaaat...?! Wh-Why are you picking for me?
He who strikes with all his might first, wins, yes? In other words, he plans to settle things before you come into play.
Exactly. Eh, there ain't no deep meaning in the order anyway. Basically, we just gotta win.
W-Well, sure, but the pressure's on if it ends up going to the third round...
Fuego: I've finished preparing for the match. Is everyone ready to begin?
Poker faces on, comrades!
*gulp*
All right, let's do this.
Good luck, Estelle.
Y-Yeah, thanks.
C'mon, Estelle! A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.



Fuego: Poker rules in this region are as standard. However, there is a hierarchy among suits. The strongest is spades, followed by hearts, diamonds, and finally, clubs. I will now begin dealing your cards.





(Maybe I could try aiming for a 4-5-6-7-8 straight? Honestly, the odds aren't great...)
Phelio: Hahaha, my lucky streak strikes again! My first round and I've already got a great hand! Man, I've got this in the bag.



(If that truly were the case, I can assure you that he'd be much quieter about it.)
(Remember, you can't challenge an opponent who chooses to fold.)
(Ah, good point.)
(Time to start this thing off. Do I aim big, or should I aim low...?)



(One way or another, the odds aren't all that great. This is just the start, though. I should go for the safest bet I got.)
Fuego: Would you like to change cards?
Yeah, four cards.
Fuego: And you, sir?
Phelio: I'll change three.







(Yes, yes, quite the poker face, indeed. A virile man such as he simply begs for my affections by furrowing his brows so pointedly.)
Phelio: Heh heh, yes. Fell right into my hand while I was waiting. Come, good challenger. Come at me any time!
(H-He's certainly confident. But I wonder how much of that is a bluff.)
(I've got nothin' right now. I could bluff my way outta this, but if he calls it, we're done for. Do I push or do I pull back?)



(Hmph. Fold? Me?)
(Fat chance I'd ever choose to fold.)
Fuego: Would you like to challenge him?
Yeah, of course. I'll challenge here.
Phelio: Wh...?! A-Are you sure? I've got a really, REALLY great hand, so...
You sure yap a lot, you bastard. I said I'll challenge you. Shut up and decide if you'll take it or not.
Fuego: What will you do, sir?
Phelio: Hmm, what to do...I bet I could win with this hand, so I'll--



Phelio: Whaaat?!



Phelio: I-I fold! I fold! I'll fold, just please, don't do anything to me!
Hey, he said he's foldin'.
Fuego: Pardon?! *ahem* Ah, yes, so he did. With that, sir, I'm afraid you can no longer fold starting with the next round.
Phelio: *pant* *pant* Th-That was so sc-scary.
Woo! Phelio folded!
Well, it might be more accurate to say he got folded.
Hmmhmm...How very like Agate.



Now I know why you said you'd challenge him with willpower. Not only did you actually do it, you pulled through and won! Gotta admit, I'm impressed. And kinda stunned.
Yes, your recovery was remarkable. Your position was looking very dangerous for a moment there.
Yeah, I managed to work it out.
Still, we haven't won yet. Make sure you guys're ready for the rest.
That's true. We won the first match, but it only takes one win from him for us to lose the bet.
I may need the courage to stand down if the situation calls for it, in other words.
Fuego: Sirs, are you prepared for the next match?
Ah, that's my cue.
May Lady Luck favor me with her grace.
Countin' on you.
After all the talking you did, I am SO not gonna go easy on you if you lose.







(A rather uninspiring hand.)
Phelio: ...Here? No...It might come here. Hm...
(H-He seems kinda hesitant.)
(Yes, his expression is different.)
(He might have a good hand.)
(Now, what to do? Should I reach my hand out or distract my foe? Heh, either or would make for a worthy spectactle.)



(Hmm...Let's play the game of deception.)
Fuego: Will you be changing cards?
One card only, please.
Fuego: You, sir?
Phelio: I'll take two cards.





(In that case, the rest is up to my foe.)
(Man, I can't read his face at all. What the heck are you thinking, Olivier?)
(He has a surprisingly strong poker face, doesn't he?)
Phelio: All right...Yeah, I'm okay.
(He seems awfully subdued compared to before. Did he get some kinda big hand?)
(The way he's quieted down is quite disturbing...Hmmm...Now, then, what should I do?)



(Our foe's already folded once, so he will have to challenge this time. It's dangerous to corner an already wounded beast...)
Fuego: Will you challenge?
No, I'll fold. It takes cunning to know when 'retreat' becomes the more respectable strategy.
Phelio: Tch, folded, did you?
Oh? You seem quite disappointed.
If I wasted a good hand of yours, then may you have my most heartfelt apologies.
Phelio: N-No, it's nothing like that. I didn't have much of a hand either.
Fuego: As of the next round, neither side will be able to fold.
Would you look at that! He folded.
Probably figured out his opponent had the better hand.



Hmmhmm, did you see? My calm and expert assessment of the situation was flawless.
But did Phelio really have a good hand? If you'd challenged, you might have won.
I'd say it is almost a certainty that he had a much stronger hand than mine. Methinks if I had challenged, I'd be swimming in a sea of tears by now.
Don't you think that's a wee bit dramatic...?
Now that both sides have folded, neither of us can back down from the final round.
Yeah, exactly. So we're gonna settle this nice and clean in the next match.
Yeah, we'll...Wait.
Next match is my match, isn't it?
Kinda late for you to act clueless now.
Our fate is in your hands, Estelle. I shall pray for your victory with all my strength.
P-Pray, huh...?
That doesn't necessarily mean the hand of my dreams will come.
Oh, but what if it does?
Wh-What? What's going on in your twisted mind now?
Estelle, if I could provide a word of advice, hmm? If you're ever uncertain of which cards to choose, you may be better off simply tossing them to the wind.
The thought reminds me of a popular saying which illustrates my point beautifully: 'It's easier to re-bake a cake than to re-coat the frosting.'
Popular, my ass. You just made it up.
Still, why tell me any of this?
Mmm, just a hunch. Keep it at the back of your mind during your match, won't you?
Fuego: Are you ready for your final match?
Hey, it's about that time.
Heh. I pray Aidios grants you victory, Estelle.
S-Sure, thanks. (Something's bothering me...)



Fuego: We will now begin the final match.





(I don't have a hand now, but I could try to aim for a flush. How's Phelio acting this time?)
Phelio: ...Hm? I've got it! IT'S HERE! Could it be...?! N-No, it's nothing. D-Don't worry about it, really. Aaaahhh, what a cruddy hand. Oh, man, I'm done for...
(He's changed his tune.)
(Yeah, looks like he's got somethin' worthwhile.)
(Now, how will you proceed in turn, Estelle? I hope my advice fell on willing ears...)
(This is bad. Phelio looks like he's at the top of his game. Even if I complete the flush, he might come out with an even better hand.)
(With the hand I've got, though, there's not much more I can aim for outside of that flush.)
(Aaah, something in my gut's telling me to just go with what Olivier said. Throw all my cards out and start fresh.)



(Even if I finish the flush, if he's got something better, there's no point.)
(Mmmmm, never thought I'd say this, but you win, Olivier.)
Fuego: Will you be changing your cards?
Yeah...
All five cards.
Fuego: ...
(Okay. No turning back, Olivier.)
(Well played, Estelle.)



Phelio: I-I'll just swap one.
(Wh-What is he doing?)
(Heh...)



Fuego: Wh-What on earth are you doing?
Hahaha, my apologies. I simply couldn't endure the anxiety of the moment. The tension 'escaped' me, so to speak. I feel MUCH calmer now, thanks to your assistance.
(Y-You iiiiiiidiot!!)
Fuego: If you're satisfied, then, erm...! Step--*ahem*--Step back, please! I can't proceed with the game until you do.
Oh, my apologies. If you'll pardon me.



(He's an idiot, but I'm the bigger idiot for actually believing in him.)
Fuego: W-Well, then, resuming as we were...You wished to exchange your entire hand, correct, miss?
Yeah, all five.
Fuego: And, here, one card for you.
Phelio: Heeheehee...All right, come on!
Fuego: Do you have your cards? Now, if you would...Please show your hands.
Phelio: Okay, I'll show first.





A r-royal something or...?! Isn't that the strongest hand?!
Whoa, whoa! THAT hand, of all things. The odds of that are next to nothing!
It'll be hard to win against that hand.
Hmmhmm...Are you sure about that?
Huh...?
Fuego: Please show your hand as well, miss. The conclusion of a match is never known until the last card is on the table.
Yeah, yeah, I'll show. Not much of a point when I'm up against a hand like that, but rules are rules.



Fuego: Hmm...It certainly is decisive...Ah, but you have spades! In that case, your hand trumps Phelio's.
Phelio: Y-You're kidding me!
Fuego: This match is yours, miss.
W-We won...? We won!!
Woohoo! We won!!
Fuego: Please check your wager.
We...won?
Hahaha. What a splendid turn of events!
...
Wh-What is it, Agate?
Heh, I see. So that's why you were acting so shady.
Haha, come now, whatever could you mean?
Well, whatever. I'll pretend I didn't see it. It's why we won, so you won't see me complainin'.
Haha, always a pleasure to be at your service.



Let's go report to the client.
Uh, you guys...Why are you gazing at each other like that?
Isn't it obvious? Agate was so moved by my gallantry in the second round that he's been dying to make a move on me ever since.
What the--? Stop spouting r-random crap, you dumbass!
Come now, my red-maned beau. There's no reason to hide your feelings. Or are we playing hard to get? Oh, Agate, you shy~little~boy~ ♥
Uhhhhh...
D-Don't listen to him! C'mon, let's go d-downstairs and report to the client!

You now know the plot and at least 70% of the dialogue for every card-game anime ever produced. No matter when you read this.



Lakeisha: You really beat my husband?
Yeah, it was rough, but we took him down.
Here's your wager back. Your 1000 mira's doubled to 2000.
Lakeisha: Ah, that's fine. You can have that. Think of it as making up for how cheap the job pay was.
Huh? Are you sure? I mean, I'm grateful, but, you know.
Are you sure what we did is enough? I don't know if your husband will learn his lesson just because he lost against us.
Lakeisha: Even if he doesn't, I'm sure the casino will finish the job. They're professionals in their own right, after all. There's no way they'll let my husband keep on this winning streak of his.
Heh, true enough.
In that case, we'll be moving on. That okay?
Lakeisha: Yes, it's fine. You've done more than enough. I'm amazed you took a bizarre request like this as seriously as you did, but you guys have been true professionals. You've done the Bracer Guild's reputation justice in my eyes.
Heehee, thanks. We're just doing our job, but it feels awfully good to hear you say that!
Lakeisha: If anything else happens, I'll be sure to look you guys up.
Yeah, come to us any time.



Phelio: Time to win a bunch and earn it all back!
...Let's just get the hell out of here.



-A Cat Relaxing in the Sun-



Rex: I owe everyone so much, so it's my little way of giving back.




Orvid: Oh...?! This ingredient wasn't on the list.

There are six ingredients you can find for Orvid in the Ruan region: Fish Eggs...



Lucky Fangs...





Curative Horns...



Juicy Bones...



Tender Poultry, and Bird Eggs.





Orvid: Yes...Yes! This is incredible! Far beyond my expectations. I'd say the list is good enough to be considered complete. Oh, my dear bracers. What a stunning haul!
Awww! Nah, it was nothin'. Guess this means the job's complete?
Orvid: Yes, and beyond my wildest dreams! Allow me to offer you a well-earned bonus for your contributions to the culinary world. They're the cream of my trade, and I hope you'll eat each and every one of them to the last OOZING morsel.

(...)
Ah...Ahaha...Oh, ah, n-no, sir. I couldn't possibly...(Please don't make me take all this...)
Don't be a fool! That'll make enough Surprise Cookies to conquer the earth.
Orvid: Hahaha! No, I'll not hear of it! You did the job beautifully, and you WILL be rewarded for it. No need to hold back on my account. Go on! Take it!
Oh, boy...Th-Thanks.
Orvid: You've done very well this time. I'll be sure to call on you when a new job's come up. Until then!





-Obstructive Existence-



Big tough scorpions with Poison and no major weaknesses.





















-Seaport City of Ruan-



We should probably pick his brain about this new Gospel situation. I should be able to keep things under control here with just Melvin. Anyway, be careful out there!

Not bad at all.





Edwin: You're the group of bracers heading for Zeiss, yes?
Uh-huh, that's right!
Edwin: We just got word from Jean. The guild's already paid your fares. Would you like to check in now, or...?
We'll have to stick around and wait for the ship once we check in. You're all done here in Ruan, right?
We've rocked this town.



Edwin: All right! Just a little bit of paperwork for you to fill out first, if you don't mind.
Sure.


Edwin: Hmm...Okay, no problems, it looks like. Feel free to make use of the port until the next flight arrives.
Thanks!



Yes, let's.
Boy's Voice: Heeeeeey! Wait a seeeeeeeeeeec!

-Setting Off-



What are all of you doing here?
We came to say bye-bye!
Maaaan, you guys are COLD! Just takin' off without sayin' anything to us!
You guys are meaniefaces! The worst kind!
Miss Kloeeeee, why do you have to go?
Oh...I'm sorry, everyone. I was going to say goodbye, but we thought you were all out...
I get it. They were 'out' coming to Ruan! I feel kinda silly now...
Hang on, though, that'd mean Matron Theresa's...
Woman's Voice: Hmhm! I'm glad to see we made it in time.



Haha, well, duh! Like we'd miss this. We cut it kinda close, though...
Thanks to the fact that you wanted to wait till the last second to keep it a surprise, Jill...
Heeeey, all's well that ends well, right?
Actually, it was Jill who let us know you were leaving. I thought it would be nice if we could see you off.
Heheh. And pay no mind to the old man in the corner.
Oh, sir...
...Hey, Estelle? I heard that Joshua...ran away from home.
Oh...Um...
Matron Theresa told us what happened...
I see...
I'm sorry. I should've told you all...
No, it's okay.
Um...We'll pray that Joshua comes home real soon! We'll pray to Aidios every day! Promise!
I'll pray too!
It'll come true if we all do!
Oh...You guys...
Hahaha...Oh, children, thank you...
I'll throw my prayers into the pile, too.
Estelle, Kloe, you two be careful, okay?
You do need to try your best, but don't overdo it and put yourself in danger. If something happened to you, I...don't think he'd ever forgive himself.
Jill...Hans...
Yeah...I'll remember that!
Estelle, please look after Kloe. I know she seems strong, but she's still a little fragile in some ways.
M-Matron...I'm right here, you know.
Haha! Leave her to me!
I kinda suspect she's going to be helping US out more than anything, though.
Hmhm! Well.
Kloe. Use this as a chance to examine yourself and your desires. Don't fret. Simply look for the answer you've been seeking.
Yes...I will. I promise.
Bracers and students...Both aspire to the path of knowledge, in their own ways.
You two have grown immensely in the short amount of time you've been here. Always remember, you never run out of things to learn. Do not become so overconfident that you forget to learn.
If you remember that, there is no obstacle in the world that can defeat you.
We'll remember!
Yes, sir!

*BING BONG*

Er, whoops!



Everyone, take care!
Be careful, guys!
You better come back with some great stories...and bring Joshua back with you!