Some time prior to the war between the Sky Dwellers and the Astrals, Cagliostro lived as a sickly boy close to death. With the aid of her younger sister, she pursued methods to avoid her early demise regardless of how the people in village thought. After many failures, Cagliostro was able to create a new female body and transferred her soul into it. That wasn’t the end. She refined the technique and kept at her research, coining the term “Alchemy,” thus becoming the founder of the practice. Word spread as Cagliostro made her art grow, garnering awe and even disciples wishing to learn from her.
Cagliostro taught her younger sister alchemy and she continued to research with her aid. The younger sister, as talented as she was with destruction alchemy, had no interest in the immortality Cagliostro had created for herself. Once she settled down with a husband and children, Cagliostro’s sister retired from alchemy. In return for her help and out of affection for her little sister, Cagliostro bought a secluded island for her to live out the rest of her days in peace. Eventually, she was put to rest there.
One day, Cagliostro was approached by the Astrals and was promised great power in exchange for following their commands. It is unclear whether this happened before her sister’s death but Cagliostro declined and soundly trounced the Astrals when they tried to force the matter. That was not the last time Cagliostro had come to odds with others due to her infamy.
The Alchemists of Helmuth, using the image of Cagliostro’s sister as their symbol, would corner Cagliostro. They found that Cagliostro had become too wild in her actions, sullying the name of her own practice. This guild utilized their founder’s main weakness, destruction alchemy. Before she was sealed away for countless years, Cagliostro vowed to return and make heads roll.
Though her body may be tiny, Cagliostro sports an incredibly huge ego. The primary source of praise for her intellect, beauty, and power is herself. Many times, the millennia old alchemist points out the perfectness of herself to other people.
To match with the appearance of her youthful artificial body, Cagliostro raises the tone of her voice and acts the part of an adorable little girl. She even adds to it with items such as dolls or stuffed animals, aiming to fluster and beguile her audience. Cagliostro’s narcissism often shines through, jumping to the conclusion that a stranger approached her to ask her to be their poster girl in one instance.
The true Cagliostro is quick to insult, very forceful, and enjoys using violence to solve problems, to punish, or just uses it as an outlet for her easily lit temper. Outside of the crew, Cagliostro tends to talk down to the general populace and is annoyed by their low intellect.
Despite Cagliostro’s often depraved behavior and immoral means of feeding her ever present hunger for knowledge, there is a caring and fiercely loyal side to her. After traveling with the crew for some time, Cagliostro is willing to throw herself into harm’s way when Lyria or Main Character is in danger. Though, Cagliostro either doesn’t mention anything regarding it or plays it off by saying that she had an ulterior motive. It can be unclear whether this is the truth but as time goes on, Cagliostro herself admits that she has grown soft and aids the crew when she doesn’t stand to gain anything. Along those lines Cagliostro holds deep affection for her family. She became enraged when the Helmuth guild created lies about her sister, and is a strict but patient mentor to her niece, Clarisse. In rare instances, Cagliostro can become flustered with those she is close to after they display their affection to her through words or actions.
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The Beauty Sealed Away
An innocent-looking girl by the name of Cagliostro appears when (Captain) and company unlock a seal in ancient ruins. She turns out to be the founder of alchemy and, taking a sudden interest in Lyria, proposes to join the crew.
(Captain) and company had heard a rumor that a giant seal had been placed on some particular ruins.
Confident that there is a primal beast beyond that seal, the crew decides to visit the ruins.
Lyria: Hmmm... I sense a strange power... But I don't think it's from a primal beast...
Vyrn: Aw, man... So coming out here was just a waste of time? In that case let's start heading back.
Katalina: Not so fast, Vyrn. Let's just take another quick look around.
Katalina: This is a seal we're dealing with here. Maybe we just need to put in a little more effort to find it.
Lyria: Yeah! Let's keep at it, (Captain)! I'm sure if we're patient enough, we'll find...
Lyria: Huh? Wh-what did I just...
Lyria: Eek! What's happening here?
Vyrn: Th-this is bad, you guys... I think we might've undone the seal from earlier!
Katalina: Lyria! Vyrn! (Captain)! Quick! Over here!
???: Cough... Cough...
???: Finally the seal's been lifted... Looks like those scum have actually learned a thing or two...
Katalina: Wh-who are you?
???: Oh, hey! Are you guys the ones who lifted the seal for me?
Lyria: Umm... Yeah, I think so...
???: Thanks a bunch! Some mean old guys locked me up in here, so I've been suffering alll this time!
The mysterious girl greets the crew with a pleasant smile.
Katalina: Hang on... You were locked up, you say? But why exactly?
Katalina: And won't we be in trouble if these men find out the seal's been lifted? We'd best get out of here fast...
???: Teehee... Well, actually I don't think we'll need to worry about that!
???: After all it's already been a few centuries since they put the seal on me, sooo...
???: Anyone who would know the seal's been lifted is already dead by now!
Vyrn: Hmm? You lost me... What exactly are you getting at here?
???: Teehee... Come here, Ouroboros.
???: Oopsie-daisy! Just realized I haven't introduced myself yet!
Cagliostro: Haha... I am the one who first introduced alchemy into this world! I am the genius alchemist, the great Cagliostro!
Katalina: I-it can't be! The alchemist Cagliostro? By all accounts he should have died over a thousand years ago...
Cagliostro: And as far as anyone knows, I did! But yours truly has a lifespan a hundred times longer than any normal human, and this world just couldn't allow that!
Cagliostro: My longevity proved to be... inconvenient... for some people, but they couldn't kill me.
Cagliostro: Hence they sealed me away out here in the sticks.
Cagliostro: So there you have it. I'm kinda done with the whole being-sealed-away thing.
Cagliostro: Now that you know my seal's been lifted, I'm afraid all of you will have to bid farewell to this world.
Lyria: Don't tell me... You mean—
Cagliostro: Interpret it any way you wish. After all, this can only end with the lot of you in Ouroboros' belly.
Vyrn: Quit screwing around! Why should we have to die for you?
Cagliostro: Think of it as a bad turn of fate. I'm a nice person, so I'll have him swallow you whole and make sure you don't suffer.
Katalina: You don't know who you're dealing with... Do you really think we're just going to sit back and let you kill us?
Cagliostro: You wanna fight? You versus yours truly—the genius alchemist beauty? Hah, that's real cute!
Cagliostro: With my alchemy I've solved the entire world itself.
Cagliostro: Pick a fight with me, and you're picking a fight with the world's divine providence!
- So what?
- We'll beat you at your own game.
Choose: So what?Cagliostro: Well, well... I like the look in your eye. If you're trying to tell me you have no regrets, well, message received loud and clear.
Choose: We'll beat you at your own game.Cagliostro: Hehehe... Your confidence is growing on me. It comes with being young, I'm sure.
Continue 1Cagliostro: You have no intention of running away, I see. Well then I won't hold back... Hmm?
Vyrn: What's your problem! If you're looking for a fight, then bring it on!
Cagliostro: You people... I see. So that's why the seal lifted...
Cagliostro: You there, blue-haired girl. Are you from the other side?
Vyrn: Wha! Y-you know who Lyria is?
Cagliostro: By process of elimination, yes. Anything I'm clueless about must be something from out of this world.
Katalina: Have you figured out anything else about her? About Lyria here?
Cagliostro: Hmm? What are you saying? Don't you people know just what she is?
Cagliostro: Haha... I see, I see! Now I get it. Say, you know what? Let's make a deal.
Cagliostro: You want to know more about this Lyria girl, don't you?
Cagliostro: Well then I'll look into it and tell you everything I learn.
Cagliostro: In exchange... let me into your crew. Protect me from danger.
Lyria: I... Well, I do want to know more about myself... but...
Cagliostro: I could just kill everyone here, but I've taken a liking to (Captain)'s fearless glare!
Vyrn: Wh-what do we do, (Captain)?
- Welcome aboard.
- Keep your promise, okay?
Choose: Welcome aboard.Cagliostro: Yaaay! Oh goody! Thanks a bunch!
Choose: Keep your promise, okay?Cagliostro: Don't you worry! The thing about alchemists, you see... is that we're all super honest! We alllways keep our promises!
Continue 2Cagliostro: Well then! I'm in your care, (Captain)!
And so (Captain) makes friends with Cagliostro, the ancient alchemist.
But Cagliostro had a secret, and its revelation would one day send our heroes into an uproar.
Katalina: Hm? Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure the founder of alchemy, Cagliostro, was a man...
Katalina: Wait... No, I must have imagined it... Or rather, I must've been misinformed.
Cagliostro's Secret
By Cagliostro's wishes the party heads to a certain island. However, monsters block their path on the way there.
Cagliostro: S-say, (Captain). Can I ask you for a favor? Please!
Cagliostro appears unusually meek on this day.
Cagliostro: I just remembered...
Cagliostro: There's an island I'd like to stop by... Can we?
Vyrn: Watch out, (Captain)... She's definitely got some ulterior motive here.
Cagliostro: Tsk... Say that again, lizard!
Vyrn: Eep!
Cagliostro: A-anyway! I'm not plotting anything bad! Honest! Please!
Katalina: Well, we shouldn't turn her down without a good reason.
Lyria: Yup! It's only a small stop anyway. It's okay, right, (Captain)?
Cagliostro: Yay! Thanks! You're so nice, (Captain)!
Cagliostro: Unlike some lizard here...
Vyrn: If it's decided, then let's go!
Vyrn: (Captain)! We've gotta take out those monsters in our path!
Cagliostro's Secret: Scene 2
The party arrives at the village and finds imperial soldiers seeking research materials that Cagliostro may have left behind in her heyday. She shouts obscenities at the imperial soldiers, angering them and causing them to attack.
Lyria: Um... So this is the village Cagliostro talked about?
Cagliostro: Oh... I knew it... This was a huge mistake...
Cagliostro: What's going on with those soldiers?
The party arrives at the village only to be welcomed by the screams of Erste Empire soldiers.
Imperial Soldier: Do whatever it takes to find it! There's record of the founder staying here.
Imperial Soldier: The research documents that Cagliostro left behind should still be somewhere in this village!
Cagliostro: Sigh... I was only a little too late...
Cagliostro: So who are these soldiers? Was there some big ol' nation nearby?
Katalina: These are soldiers of the Erste Empire. I didn't think we'd meet them here... Let's leave before they—
Cagliostro: Hm? Erste? They're just a tiny kingdom with nothing but hillbillies! And they're called an empire? They're just a kingdom!
Vyrn: Shh! Keep it down! I don't know how it was during your time, but the empire's huge now!
Imperial Soldier: Hey, you! What did you say? We'll show no mercy to anyone who insults the Erste Empire!
Cagliostro: Humph... Bring it on, you stupid hacks.
Cagliostro: You're nothing but an eyesore! I'll show you how you're nothing but puny little idiots!
Cagliostro's Secret: Scene 3
Making trouble with her trusty partner, Ouroboros, Cagliostro is attacked by the imperial soldiers. However, their reckless assault only further stimulates Cagliostro's sadism.
Cagliostro: Hah! Is that the best you've got? Ouroboros says he wants more!
Imperial Soldier 1: Huh?
Katalina: This is surprising... I suppose your title as the founder of alchemy is no mere compliment.
Imperial Soldier 2: Don't get carried away, kid!
Lyria: Ah! Watch out! Cagliostro! Behind you!
Cagliostro: What?
Imperial Soldier 2: Heh... Don't take it personally... Blame yourself for insulting the Erste Empire...
Cagliostro: Heh... Hehehe...
Imperial Soldier 2: W-What? What's so funny!
Cagliostro: It doesn't hurt at all... Sorry, but my body's made of something special. Your puny attacks won't be anywhere close to fatal for me.
Imperial Soldier2: What!
Cagliostro: I've been alive for over a thousand years! Did you really think I'd have a normal body?
Cagliostro: I'll punish you dearly now for underestimating me. Prepare yourself!
Cagliostro's Secret: Scene 4
After chasing out the imperial soldiers from the village, the party goes to a nearby cave. Inside they find the research documents that the Erste Empire seeks—except those documents turn out to be Cagliostro's diary.
(Captain) and company manage to chase out the imperial soldiers occupying the village.
They come to a cave near the village as guided by Cagliostro.
Katalina: H-homunculus? I thought that was a legend...
Cagliostro: Well... You're half right... And half wrong!
Cagliostro: It's true that I make my bodies with alchemy, but the soul inside is, without a doubt, my very own.
Cagliostro: That's why I'm a bit different from a homunculus! Hehe! Surprised?
Vyrn: Um, I think you just completely lost us there...
Lyria: We're just glad you're okay, Cagliostro! Your wounds healed right away!
Katalina: I didn't know you kept switching bodies. So it wasn't a misunderstanding that the alchemist Cagliostro used to be a man...
Katalina: Ouch!
Cagliostro: Geez, get it into your head that Cagliostro's a cute girl now! Me, that is!
Cagliostro: If you want to talk about my old bodies, Ouroboros might have to chomp down on you! Teehee!
Cagliostro: Wait, never mind that... Yes! Here it is!
Vyrn: Hm? Is that book the supposed research documents the people from the empire were looking for?
Cagliostro: Yeah... They were probably after this...
Vyrn: Whoa! Why are you burning it? Isn't it supposed to be important?
Cagliostro: Nope. This is just my diary. A very... personal one.
Cagliostro: I don't know how they began to mistake it as some sort of research journal...
Cagliostro: The only thing here is my personal diary.
Cagliostro: That's why I can't let anyone see it at all costs!
Cagliostro: Sheesh... How dare they look at a maiden's diary! I'm actually a little angry now. Teehee.
Vyrn: What? Maiden's diary? Cagliostro, I thought you used to be a man...
Cagliostro: Ouroboros...
Vyrn: Aaah!
Satisfied with disposing of her secret diary, Cagliostro exits the cave happily.
The party catches a glimpse of the human side of Cagliostro and feels relieved in many ways.
The Alchemist's Melancholy
When Cagliostro tells the crew of the seal eating away at her body, they immediately decide to help her find the material that would break the seal.
Cagliostro drags herself about the Grandcypher with a heavy heart.
Cagliostro: Huff... Huff... Damn it all to hell...
Cagliostro: Hell... I'm almost impressed at how meticulous they were... or is it tenacious?
Lyria: Yikes! Cagliostro, is everything okay? You look like you're in pain...
Cagliostro: Ah... this is unfortunate. (Captain)... if I could speak with you for a moment...
Lyria: Cagliostro! W-what's wrong? Cagliostro!
Cagliostro: ...?
Cagliostro: Hmm? Where—
Lyria: Cagliostro! You're okay! Good to see you awake!
Vyrn: You threw us in for a loop when you collapsed all of a sudden, (Captain) especially!
Cagliostro: Ah... It's more powerful than I had anticipated. That means there's not much time left...
Lyria: Cagliostro... What's wrong?
Cagliostro: Do you recall... the day we first met?
Vyrn: Yeah! You were sealed in those ruins!
Cagliostro: That's right. And it was Lyria's power that obliterated the seal.
Cagliostro: Those scum left an additional seal in my body.
Lyria: Another seal?
Cagliostro: Uh-huh... And if we don't take action, it'll continue to corrode my body. Won't be long before I'm paralyzed.
Cagliostro: Stupid hacks sure did a number on the cutest body in the word. Ugh, walking around sick isn't what I signed up for.
Vyrn: Paralyzed? Shoot, that can't be good!
Cagliostro: Guess they don't want me walking around free.
Cagliostro: And with the seal placed directly on my body, escape's out of the question.
Cagliostro: But don't forget I am a genius. Breaking this seal would be a cakewalk, but...
Cagliostro: We need the proper materials to do so—and I'm not talking about random knickknacks you might find lying around in any ol' shack.
Cagliostro: I think I might know where we can find them though.
Lyria: Then let's go there! C'mon, (Captain).
Cagliostro: Now hold on a second... I haven't even finished. Don't blame me if you go running into trouble!
- Anything for my crew!
- Anything for you!
Choose: Anything for my crew!Cagliostro: ...
Cagliostro: Heh... Spoken like an adorable little tyke...
Cagliostro: But that passionate look in your eyes is exactly what I love about you!
Choose: Anything for you!Cagliostro: My, my! You're just bursting with affection for me, aren't you, (Captain)?
Cagliostro: Eh heh heh... You just can't help it, can you? I am a knockout cutie after all.
Continue 1Vyrn: Whatever. Let's go already! You know where the stuff is, right? Then the faster we get there, the better.
Cagliostro: Guess I'll be in your debt when this is all over... I'll show the way then—full speed ahead!
The Alchemist's Melancholy: Scene 2
Cagliostro launches an attack on the Erste Empire Alchemical Labs, overrunning the imperial troops. Yet slowly but surely, the seal continues to eat away at her.
Cagliostro: Bah, is this all of them? This doesn't even qualify as a snack for Ouroboros!
Cagliostro: Cagliostro, the genius goddess of alchemy, has come to pay you a visit! I expected a more proper welcome!
Imperial Soldier 2: Cripes... How do they not realize they're the ones being chased here?
Lyria: Ah... Ahaha... That's a good point...
The crew makes way for the location said to house materials that will help unbind the seal on Cagliostro's body.
And that location just so happens to be the Erste Empire Alchemical Labs.
Cagliostro: Hahahaha! How about I grade you on your research?
Cagliostro: I'm giving you all a big fat zero! And that calls for detention. Get ready for—Ngh!
Cagliostro: Cough... Cough... Crap... I won't last like this...
Lyria: Cagliostro! It's okay to take it easy!
Cagliostro: Oh, relax! I'm just going to have a little fun with these delightful playthings here!
Cagliostro: Now show me some spunk, and I'll show you a good time!
The Alchemist's Melancholy: Scene 3
When the party shows concern over Cagliostro's condition, she tells them of her past and expresses her conviction to push past it all.
Cagliostro: Huff... Huff... Why the heck do you need all these big, fancy buildings for such measly experiments anyway?
Cagliostro: Like I said, the materials we're looking for aren't in any ol' shop, but they're not exactly rare either. Was expecting to find some lying around here, but—
Cagliostro: Geh... Koff... Ugh...
Vyrn: Uh-oh! You okay? We'll be sure to find the stuff; you just take a break!
Cagliostro: Enough outta you... This isn't the first time I've been stuck in such a rut...
Cagliostro: Ugh... Just remembering the crap I used to go through pisses me off...
Lyria: You mean you've been in similar situations?
Cagliostro: It was a hell of a long time ago... And I'm not talking metaphorically either.
Cagliostro: I was born terribly sick in a small village with no doctors around.
Cagliostro: Everyone around said I wouldn't live past my teens.
Cagliostro: Back in those days—two millennia ago—it was a regular thing, you know?
Cagliostro: So many families had a sickly kid like me, with nothing that could be done about it.
Lyria: But you're pretty well off now, Cagliostro...
Cagliostro: Hah... I'm just lucky I happen to be a genius.
Cagliostro: That's why I pushed myself in every way possible to chuck away my old body using alchemy.
Vyrn: So that's how you turned out the way you are. It's all coming together now.
Cagliostro: Heh, no need to pity me. I'm a genius, remember?
Cagliostro: Every genius needs a good trial to prove their intellectual chops—and that just happened to be mine.
Cagliostro: And what's happening to me now is just another one of those trials.
Cagliostro: I'll show you just what a lovey-dovey cutie genius alchemist like me is capable of! Watch and learn!
The Alchemist's Melancholy: Scene 4
Cagliostro loses her life in the search for alchemical materials. The crew stands dumbfounded as she rises again, a fearless smile on her face as she dispatches the troops with ease.
The party find themselves in what seems to be a storage room for alchemical materials.
Lyria: Ah! Cagliostro! I think this is it!
Cagliostro: Oh... Hahaha! That was fast. With this, I'll—
Cagliostro: Watch out! Lyria!
Lyria: Huh?
Cagliostro: Tsk!
Lyria: Eep!
Imperial Soldier 1: Stay out of the way, you!
Cagliostro: Urgh!
Imperial Soldier 2: This is the end of the line! Haaah!
Cagliostro: Rgh!
Cagliostro: Tch... As if I didn't have enough to worry about...
Vyrn: Uh-oh... This can't be good...
Lyria: C-Cagliostro's—
Imperial Soldier 2: Humph... How dare you make such a mess of imperial facilities.
Imperial Soldier 2: So... Who's the next idiot with a death wish? Speak up now!
Vyrn: Darn it! What are we gonna do now?
???: Heh heh heh... Bwahaha...
???: Watch who you're calling an idiot.
Imperial Soldier 2: Wha! No way... Y-you were just...
Cagliostro: I believe some thanks are in order! Oh, you sad reprobates... I'm feeling quite well, and it's all thanks to you!
Cagliostro: Tiring as it may be, I should have done this from the beginning... I see I still have much to learn...
Imperial Soldier 2: Tsk... I suppose we didn't cut you deeply enough! I'll just have to fix that...
Cagliostro: Fix that? Fix what exactly?
Cagliostro: So tell me—what are you going to fix? Open your damn mouth and speak!
Imperial Soldier 1: Wh-what kind of monster are you?
Cagliostro: Monster? You seem to be lacking in manners...
Cagliostro: Nothing a bit of disciplining won't fix! Any volunteers—step right up!
Imperial Soldier 2: D-damn you... Damn you to hell!
Cagliostro: Hehehe... As if you'd stand a chance against me.
The party fells the troops like so many dominoes thanks to Cagliostro's help. They then leave the facility without any further incident.
Vyrn: Geez... I thought Cagliostro really bought the farm for a minute.
Lyria: I'm just glad she's safe! And the seal seems to be gone. Right, (Captain)?
Cagliostro: Heh. Safe? I wouldn't say that. The death you witnessed in there was real.
Cagliostro: I did indeed die... or, more accurately, my body did.
Vyrn: Wh-what the? What's that supposed to mean?
Cagliostro: I was really planning on just lifting the seal on my old body.
Cagliostro: But you know, you gotta do what you gotta do. I just stopped using the old body and used it as fodder for my new one.
Lyria: Wait... What?
Cagliostro: Well, my alchemic power already exists outside of the physical realm.
Cagliostro: So I transmuted myself outside of the physical plane, created a new body, and then put myself right back in.
Cagliostro: Of course, a soul without a body is a very delicate thing.
Cagliostro: But if you follow the laws of alchemical and magical thought, you can take some of the life energy from surrounding forces.
Lyria: ...
Vyrn: ...
Cagliostro: Anyways, it all comes down to the fact that I'm the strongest, smartest, and cutest in the world!
Flashing an audacious smile, Cagliostro finishes her long-winded explanation.
No matter the form, the crew is relieved to see Cagliostro back to her normal self.
Cagliostro's Vendetta
Out in town for a little shopping, a strange man appears in front of the crew. Upon discovering that Cagliostro is indeed the founder of alchemy, he summons a group of agents to surround the party.
One day while out shopping, Cagliostro suddenly takes (Captain)'s arm in her own.
Cagliostro: Wooow! Hey, (Captain)! D'you see that shop?
Cagliostro: I'd just love to have a cute doll like that!
Vyrn: What would you want with a doll? Is that sorta thing your hobby?
Cagliostro: Silly lizard... You've no idea, do you? It's not so much the doll that interests me.
Cagliostro: Hehe... It's just that when I ask for something... I'm adorable, right?
Vyrn: ...
Cagliostro: Me with that doll in my arms... Just imagine the picture it would paint...
Cagliostro: I never take a day off from being the cutest Cagliostro possible!
Lyria: I have to say, Cagliostro... You're passionate about the strangest things...
Cagliostro: Hehe. Alchemists just happen to be the passionate type, you know?
Vyrn: I bet you're the only alchemist doting over these dolls...
Cagliostro: Hm?
Vyrn: Eep!
Strange Man: Er, excuse me...
Cagliostro: Yeees? Anything I can help you with?
Cagliostro: Oh, I'm so sorry! If you're going to ask me to be your poster girl, I'm going to have to politely decline...
Cagliostro: You see, I'm already a member of this crew.
Cagliostro: Oh, but... I know how you must feel, wanting me to be your poster girl. I'm just so cute after all...
Strange Man: Ma'am... What would you say if I told you... that you look just like Master Cagliostro, the founder of alchemy?
Cagliostro: Wh-What? You scum. How did you look at this body and figure out who I am?
Strange Man: Well... Seems I was right... Time to put you out of your misery!
Agent: ...
Vyrn: What the heck? How'd we get surrounded all of a sudden?
Cagliostro: It must be all my crazy fans... Yeah, I wish.
Cagliostro: Heck if I know what they want... But they've got another thing coming if they think the cutest girl in the world is gonna stand for this!
Cagliostro's Vendetta: Scene 2
His agents dispatched by (Captain)'s party, the strange man reveals that he, too, is an alchemist. Anxious to bind Cagliostro, the alchemist summons a golem and sends it against the party.
(Captain) and company repel the agents and prepare to face the strange man.
Cagliostro: Would you, perhaps, allow me a question? Who are you exactly?
Strange Man: Surely one of your stature would already know...
Cagliostro: Well. We could stand here and play twenty questions. But don't you think it's a bit rude to not give us your own name?
Strange Man: I see... That is not such an unreasonable request.
Alchemist: I am but a humble member of the Alchemist Guild of Helmuth. Pleased to make your acquaintance.
Cagliostro: Humph... just as I suspected.
Cagliostro: You'd think alchemists would show a bit more respect to the founder of the art, wouldn't you?
Lyria: Cagliostro... do you know this man?
Cagliostro: No, not this numbskull in particular. But it's fair to say that his guild and I share a... common bond.
Alchemist: Yes, bonds and all they entail... We alchemists seek to preserve the dignity of the art and will stop at nothing to do so.
Cagliostro: Hah! And you do that by binding people for hundreds of years? You and your disgusting group haven't changed at all!
Vyrn: Bind? Don't tell me...
Cagliostro: That's right. These arrogant maggots from the Alchemist Guild of Helmuth are the ones who bound me.
Alchemist: I'm truly sorry to do this so soon after you've been freed, but if you would only accept your fate...
Lyria: Wait! Are you planning on binding her again?
Alchemist: You've grown too wild, Cagliostro. We cannot allow your existence to sully our art.
The man stands stolid, every fiber of his body brimming with hostility laid bare.
But Cagliostro pays no heed to the danger. A smile dances upon her lips.
Cagliostro: Hehe... You speak if you actually had any dignity.
Alchemist: Something isn't right...
Cagliostro: What do you expect me to do but laugh? Dignity... for alchemists? What sort of dignity can an alchemist have!
Cagliostro: Alchemists go where their curiosity takes them. Every secret the world holds is ripe for the plucking!
Cagliostro: Even the secrets better left alone... the mysteries better left uncovered. An alchemist brings them into the light...
Cagliostro: There is nothing more alluring than the hidden...
Cagliostro: You've felt it too, haven't you? The sheer excitement of a riddle solved?
Alchemist: If I may say otherwise... That is not what we alchemists do...
Cagliostro: Well, why not try? You're burning with curiosity, aren't you? You wish to know the deeper truths of the world...
Cagliostro: If you knew such, you would never presume to get rid of me.
Cagliostro: What's the matter? Planning to seal me again? What rubbish.
Cagliostro: Come on! Take me out already! Don't tell me you're spooked at the sight of a defenseless little girl!
Alchemist: Urk...
As much as the man grinds his teeth in frustration, he finds himself unable to move.
Cagliostro: Hehe... You can't, can you? You really can't...
Cagliostro: Not much of a surprise there. If I were to die, you scum would have a lot to answer for.
Cagliostro: You crave it with every ounce of your being, don't you—the truth that I alone have attained; the truth that you will never know.
Cagliostro: No need to hide behind that veil of feigned sincerity now that I've laid bare your laughably pathetic plot! Admit it already! Heh heh heh...
Alchemist: Th-that's enough!
Golem: ...!
Vyrn: Whoa! Looks like he summoned something against us!
Cagliostro: Heh heh heh... Some hopeless little brats just never learn.
Cagliostro: I suppose it's up to me as the founder... to show him what real alchemy is all about!
Cagliostro's Vendetta: Scene 3
The crew effortlessly crushes the golem, and the alchemist follows up by summoning Adversa, the greatest weapon of the empire. Cagliostro responds with a bold grin.
Cagliostro: That should do it.
Cagliostro: Now then... Off with you. Shoo. Never show your face around me ever again.
Alchemist: Hehe... I suppose I should apologize...
Alchemist: I should have known better than to underestimate the legendary founder of alchemy.
Cagliostro: Underestimate? What fun would that be... What other toys do you have?
Alchemist: Toys? Indeed... Perhaps I'll be back with a toy great enough to rend this world in two!
Adversa Reborn: ...
Lyria: But that can't be! It's so familiar, but something about it feels off!
Alchemist: Ah... I believe you recognize this?
Alchemist: Yes, you do... This is none other than Adversa, the armored cannon from Albion housing a primal beast!
Alchemist: The Erste Empire gathered up the primal remnants from its ashes.
Alchemist: Our guild received a call from the empire... so we researched... and we developed...
Alchemist: And eventually we managed to mass produce weapons with power rivaling the beasts themselves!
Alchemist: No matter how strong you think yourself, that's only limited to the skies...
Alchemist: But what I've summoned before you using dark essence is the power of the Astrals! You don't stand a chance!
Lyria: It's... strange... like I know it from somewhere...
Vyrn: They're working with the empire... They've gotta be some pretty big players...
Cagliostro: Hmm... I'm gonna tell you an interesting fairy tale.
Alchemist: A fairy tale?
Cagliostro: Once, ages ago, a group of shady visitors came upon me.
Cagliostro: These visitors asked me if I'd like to be even more powerful.
Cagliostro: But this power would come at a cost. The day would come when I would have to follow their orders.
Cagliostro: I declined of course. And they thought they'd be able to force my obedience...
Cagliostro: Which, naturally, brought out my ire. I gave them hell before sending them off... This was almost two millennia ago.
Cagliostro: Do you happen to know what the visitors from that time are called nowadays?
Alchemist: You... you lie...
Cagliostro: Ah, yes... The Astrals!
Cagliostro: Their primal strength was a joke. So what exactly do you plan to do with that sham of a weapon?
Cagliostro: I bet you're feeling a bit of regret. How foolish I was to challenge the invincible goddess Cagliostro. Right?
Cagliostro's Vendetta: Scene 4
By the time (Captain)'s party destroys Adversa, the alchemist has already run away. Cagliostro tells the crew about the sort of foe who'd pose a threat to her, holding on to a faint hope to one day meet such a person.
The party destroys the so-called Adversa Reborn, but by that time the man is already gone.
Cagliostro: Tsk... Ran away, huh.
Vyrn: Hey! So what was that story all about? You met the Astrals?
Cagliostro: I've been around long before the Astrals ever came to the skies.
Cagliostro: When they thought to use this world to create the primal beasts...
Cagliostro: It's no surprise they came after a beautiful genius of an alchemist like me.
Lyria: Um... So that means they tried to turn you into a primal beast...
Vyrn: And... you chased them off by yourself? Seriously?
Cagliostro: Yep... Bunch of fools they were to come after me.
Vyrn: Wait, so you're saying there's no one out there who can beat you?
Cagliostro: Not exactly... Some people just take you by surprise and bind you with clumsy seals, you know?
Cagliostro: Besides, I do have a weakness.
Vyrn: Weakness? Really? You?
Cagliostro: Yeah... There's a reason I'm the strongest after all.
Cagliostro: If those rivaling me in strength are really out there...
Cagliostro: And if they got their hands on a corrupted sort of alchemy geared toward decomposition, toward destruction...
Cagliostro: Well, naturally, they'd be my worst enemy.
Vyrn: You think there's someone like that? That sounds pretty awful...
Cagliostro: Who knows? I'd love to meet them if they're around though!
Cagliostro finishes with a impish grin.
Though such a corrupted existence would pose a natural threat to her genius, Cagliostro hopes that they might one day meet.
It's What's Inside That Counts
Cagliostro, who happens to be in the neighborhood, listens to Ladiva's plight with the kidnapped children. Cagliostro lures out one of the kidnappers and uses him to lead her right to their hideout. After she and Ladiva rescue the children, the two realize they are alike in more ways than one.
Ladiva: ...
Ladiva: ...
Ladiva: Aww... I just can't seem to find those darn culprits.
Ladiva has accepted a request to track down kidnapped children and the scoundrels that abducted them.
Ladiva was once a famed duelist who fought in the arena aboard the Jewel Resort Casino.
After a quarrel with the empire, she knew she would be a wanted fugitive and didn't want to burden her employer with the potential trouble her prolonged presence could cause.
So it was an easy decision for her when she chose to leave the ring and join (Captain)'s crew.
But the reason she volunteered to find the kidnappers has more to do with another part of her past.
She had the unfortunate experience of watching the empire steal away her sisters from her orphanage. So now she is determined to prevent other children from suffering.
However, with no clues as to the whereabouts of the kidnappers, Ladiva finds herself stumped.
Ladiva: Who knew it would be this hard to sniff out clues...
Ladiva: But I won't give up! I'll find you, children!
Cagliostro: Well, well... Look what the cat dragged
in—it's Ladiva! What are you doing in a place like this?
Ladiva: Oh, if it isn't Cagliostro. You're looking as radiant as ever.
Ladiva: But, you know, you don't have to hide your true self from me. I like you even without all that makeup.
Cagliostro: I'm not hiding anything from you. This is precisely how the world's cutest girl acts.
Cagliostro: But never mind that. What are you doing here? Doesn't seem like you're just out for a walk.
Ladiva: Me? Oh, I'm looking for whoever's responsible for the kidnappings. There's been a lot of them in this area lately.
Cagliostro: Ah... Now that you mention it, I believe I heard something similar a little while back.
Ladiva: Do you have any helpful information? Even the smallest bit helps. I won't be able to track them down on my own.
Cagliostro: Sorry. Hate to break it to you, but I only heard about it in passing really.
Ladiva: Sigh... That's too bad.
Seeing Ladiva bow her head in defeat, Cagliostro grows somewhat concerned.
Cagliostro: You said you were a duelist before, right? Sounds like this kind of job's not up your alley.
Cagliostro: So why are you so desperate? Was it somebody you knew that got kidnapped?
Ladiva recounts her tribulations with the empire to Cagliostro.
Ladiva: When I imagine how those children must be feeling, I just know I have to do something!
Ladiva: I won't let anyone else steal the love and happiness shared between family and child!
Cagliostro: I get it. How very like you.
Cagliostro: You know what, if it's captured children you're looking to help, then I,
Cagliostro—the world's most super adorable girl—am going to lend you a hand!
Ladiva: What a terrible joke. What if the kidnappers take you too?
Cagliostro: Hehe. They're welcome to try. In fact that would make quick work of this little job.
Cagliostro: But it's probably best to not get your hopes up for things like—
Young Man: Hey. You there, girl.
Cagliostro: Oh? Are you talking to me, Cagliostro?
Young Man: Yeah. Hehe. Cagliostro's a cute name.
Young Man: Oh! Totally unrelated question! Do you like candy? I was just about to hand some out. Wanna come with?
Ladiva: (Come to think of it, I do recall hearing that kidnappers like to lure children with candy.)
Ladiva: (Could this person be the culprit?)
Ladiva clenches her fist, ready to apprehend the potential criminal. But she hesitates.
Ladiva: (No. Calm down first. If you take this man on right now, you might not find out the location of the children.)
Ladiva: (Besides, what if his accomplices notice the commotion and make a run for it? I'd be right back at square one.)
The hulking duelist leans over and whispers in Cagliostro's ear.
Ladiva: Hey... Do you notice anything weird about this guy?
Cagliostro: Hehe! Course I did; don't make me laugh! But first I kind of want some proof that he's our guy.
Cagliostro: Guess this is where I do my thing. Look, I'll let him capture me. Then you follow us to their hideout.
Ladiva: You're going alone? That's dangerous!
Cagliostro: Hah! Who do you think I am? This is the fastest way.
Young Man: Um? Is this person your friend?
Cagliostro: Unh-uh! Just a regular old stranger.
Young Man: Right. Anyway, let's get going.
Cagliostro: Okay! This sounds like fun!
Ladiva: No, wait!
Cagliostro ignores Ladiva's call and leaves with the man, a sincere smile plastered on her face.
Cagliostro: Wow! Look at all the candy!
Young Man: Hah-hah! Well, go ahead! Pick out your favorite!
Cagliostro: Yay!
Cagliostro masks a quick glance around her surroundings behind an affected but gleeful expression.
Cagliostro: (Hah—I knew it all along. There are a bunch of brats here.)
Shuffling stealthily away from the man, Cagliostro makes her way toward a lone girl.
Cagliostro: Hey there! Isn't this place so much fun? I love all the candy.
Little Girl: Um... But I wanna go home. And he just tells me I can't. Why?
Cagliostro: (Well, that settles it. He's definitely the kidnapper. In that case, I don't have to hold back.)
Kidnapper 1: (Heh-heh. Collecting brats off the street just gets easier every day. So glad I got into this business.)
Kidnapper 1: (While this runt's acting good, I better...)
Cagliostro: Excuse me, mister. I've got a favor to ask...
Kidnapper 1: Oh? And what might that be?
Cagliostro: Leeet's see... How about you put your hands up and come quietly?
Kidnapper 1: Huh?
Cagliostro: Is this all of you?
Kidnapper 1: Damn it, you tricked me!
Cagliostro: You don't have the right to say that, pal. Because it's my line. So are there any other little brats running around?
Kidnapper 1: Tch... Like I'd tell you! Who do you think I am!
Cagliostro: Oh? Seems like you're the type that doesn't talk until you're met with a little painful persuasion.
Kidnapper 1: Damn it! Whatever you're going to do, just do it!
Cagliostro: Hehe. Excellent! Your wish is my command...
???: Aaaargh!
Kidnapper 1: Wh-who is that!
???: Get ready!
Kidnapper 2: Eek!
Cagliostro: Oh no... Don't tell me...
Ladiva: Hehe. Looks like I made it in time.
Kidnapper 1: Y-you're that one from before! Is this a setup?
Cagliostro: Sigh... Yep. It's you. Didn't I say I could handle this on my own?
Ladiva: Sorry about that. I tried to follow you as quietly as I could; I was worried.
Ladiva: Besides, this creep's friends were just about to get away. But I didn't let 'em. Now aren't you glad I came?
Cagliostro: Tch! So there were more. Bad guys like these nuts pop up like daisies, huh?
Ladiva: Now, let's get down to business. Where are the children you abducted?
Kidnapper 1: Tch!
Cagliostro: Seems like this one's not interested in separating those lips.
Cagliostro: Hehe. Well if that's the case, then I'll have to feed him a knuckle sandwich or two to—
Ladiva: Oh my goodness, no! You shouldn't act so violently!
Ladiva: If you hurt these men, no matter how much, they'll just repeat the same thing some day.
Cagliostro: Huh? So what do you suggest we do?
Ladiva: You just leave that to me!
Ladiva is mid-lecture about the undying nature of love, causing several of the kidnappers to tear up.
Kidnapper 2: I'm so sorry... Sob...
Kidnapper 1: Me too... We were wrong! We'll never take kids like that again!
Ladiva: Hehe. Glad to hear it.
Ladiva: I can see that you're nice people on the inside. After all, you listened very well when I was talking.
Ladiva: Surely you all remember being loved?
Ladiva: If you don't have someone like that in your life right now, well, then... I'll love you in their place!
Ladiva: So please stop these terrible acts. Promise me.
Kidnapper 1: Why... Why are you so kind to us?
The degree of bewilderment on their faces is matched only by the sheer amount of compassion displayed in Ladiva's expression.
Ladiva: You know the answer already...
Ladiva: Love!
Ladiva: Haha. That was a long day. And the children are already back with their parents.
Ladiva: Thanks to you, dear. If you weren't there, who knows how long it would've taken me to find them. Thank you.
Cagliostro: Hehe. Good thing I'm such a cute little lady, huh? They were jumping at the chance to kidnap me.
Cagliostro: But if you hadn't have lectured them, they never would've revealed the location of the children.
Ladiva: Hmm? What was that you just said?
Cagliostro: Nope, I didn't say anything.
Cagliostro: By the way... Do you ever feel like you want to be something else?
Ladiva: Well, this is coming out of nowhere.
Cagliostro: I can change a lot with my alchemy, you know—like a child into an adult. Or the masculine into the feminine.
Cagliostro: If you want, I could theoretically make that happen for you too.
Cagliostro: But it's just supposition. You don't have to—
Ladiva: Hehe. That sounds great. But I have to refuse.
Ladiva: Because my parents gave me this body. It's my treasure.
Ladiva gives Cagliostro a smile, who returns the expression without realizing it.
Cagliostro: Hehe... Hahaha! I get it! So that's the kind of person you are!
Ladiva: Oh my, I think this is my first time seeing you laugh in such a carefree manner.
Cagliostro: Haha. I guess. You've got me all confused. Not that I mind that much.
Their laughter echoes throughout the room.
Alike and yet unlike, unlike and yet alike, the pair forge a bond of friendship sure to last till the end of time.