Beautiful Genius Alchemist?
Clarisse and Cagliostro are greeted by a newcomer to the ship named Meia, who shocks everyone by trying to use "uncle" as a term of respect for Cagliostro upon learning about her past. Cagliostro later returns in a new adult form and takes Clarisse out on a fieldwork expedition.
???: I'm Cagliostro, the beautiful genius alchemist. It's lovely to meet you.
???: So tell me, Meia. I don't give the impression of an uncle like this, do I?
Meia: Huh? Oh, n-no! You most certainly don't... Miss Cagliostro.
???: Hehe. It's a little embarrassing to be addressed so formally.
???: What about you, (Captain)? I'd love to hear your thoughts as well.
Approached by Cagliostro in this new form, (Captain) struggles to process her dramatic transformation.
Clarisse: Oh my gosh...
Clarisse: (H-how did things end up like this?)
Beside the captain, Clarisse stands bewildered, reflecting on the events that had transpired a few hours earlier.
Clarisse: That's right. It all started when I asked Master if she wanted to grab some tea in the galley...
Clarisse: Here, Master! Check out this tea!
Clarisse: It's brewed from some super fancy leaves that one of the Irestill crew members brought back as a souvenir.
Cagliostro: Well, well. It does have quite a pleasant aroma.
Cagliostro: But I wonder, Clarisse—can you really tell the difference between this and other teas?
Clarisse: Huh? Uhh...
Clarisse: O-of course I can! My taste buds are super sharp, I'll have you know!
Cagliostro: Okay, then what kind of flavor do you think makes for a tasty tea?
Clarisse: Super sweet! With loads of whipped cream piled on top!
Cagliostro: I won't knock your preferences, but I doubt we can count on your palate for a subtle flavor analysis.
Clarisse: Aww, whipped cream is great! And it makes the drink look cute too!
As the pair are exchanging their usual banter, they hear an unfamiliar voice.
Meia: I'll go introduce myself to those two next, (Captain)!
Meia: H-hello! My name is Meia, and I recently began traveling with this crew. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance!
Meia: Um, as you may or may not be aware, I'm a goblin—like my elder sister, Goblin Mage.
Meia: I've come to lend a hand as part of my studies in forming connections with all sorts of people!
Meia: I may make mistakes along the way, b-but I would greatly appreciate your guidance and support going forward!
Clarisse: Wow, such good manners! I'm Clarisse. It's nice to meet you too!
Cagliostro: Hi, hi! I'm the super cute alchemist Cagliostro!
Cagliostro: If you have any questions about the ship, don't hesitate to ask! Teehee!
Meia: Thank you, Miss Clarisse! Miss Cagliostro!
As Meia gazes at the two alchemists, a thought suddenly crosses her mind.
Meia: Are you two sisters by any chance?
Meia: It's not every day one has the opportunity to meet sisters who are also crewmates. I'd love to hear more about your experiences if so.
Clarisse: Sisters? Oh, well... I guess I can see why you'd think that.
Clarisse: But the truth is, we're actually—
Cagliostro: You hit the nail right on the head! The two of us are alchemist sisters! Isn't that right, Big Sis Clarisse?
Clarisse: Wha! B-Big Sis?
Meia: Ooh! I had a feeling that was the case!
Meia: Sisters who share a passion for alchemy and even belong to the same skyfaring crew... I must say, I'm rather envious!
Clarisse: N-no, no, no! Master, you shouldn't play weird pranks on a little kid like this!
Meia: "Master"?
Clarisse: Here, Meia, let me explain. Though it's kind of a long story...
Meia: Miss Cagliostro has been living since before the War by continuously switching bodies? And she was born as a male?
Meia: And she's fought alongside not only (Captain) and Miss Clarisse, but even archangels—and against so many different foes?
Meia: Wh-whaaat?
Cagliostro: Oh, please. It was just a harmless little joke to lighten the mood for our little newbie here.
Clarisse: Hearing my own ancestor call me "Big Sis" is painfully awkward, to say the least...
Cagliostro: What was that?
Clarisse: Eep!
Clarisse: A-anyway, look! (Captain) and Vyrn are here now!
Clarisse: Boy, Meia sure is a sweet and honest kid! Even with the little mix-up...
Vyrn: Mix-up? What'd Cagliostro do this time?
Cagliostro: Why do you immediately point the finger at me, hmm?
Vyrn: Cause the self-satisfaction is written all over your face.
Cagliostro: How cruel! You're in for some serious punishment later, my cheeky lizard friend!
Amidst the lively chatter, Meia murmurs quietly to the captain.
Meia: (Captain), if I may say so again, there truly is more than meets the eye to everything on this ship...
Meia: Wait—and I dared put myself on the same level, thinking we were both little sisters! Forgive me!
Cagliostro: All that stuffy talk is a big no-no! Let's keep it casual between us cute girls. Teehee!
Meia: No, I couldn't possibly! Someone as incredible as you deserves proper respect!
Meia: Um, let me try this once more. It's an honor to meet you... Uncle Cagliostro!
Vyrn: Uncle...
Clarisse: Cagliostro...
Cagliostro: ...
Meia: Eh?
Vyrn: Huh. Come to think of it, I guess that's not totally inaccurate.
Clarisse: (U-U-Uncle?)
Clarisse: (She flipped out big-time when I called her Great-Granduncle before, so this could end poorly...)
- Cagliostro?
Choose: Cagliostro?Cagliostro: You know, I just remembered something I need to take care of.
Cagliostro: Meia, why don't you relax and have some tea with the others in the meantime?
Meia: Huh? Oh, all right.
Clarisse: And that was the last we saw of Master in her original form.
Cagliostro: Come now, (Captain). I can't tell what you think if you give me the silent treatment.
Cagliostro: Oh well. You can send me your impressions in a report later.
Cagliostro: Clarisse!
Clarisse: Eep! Y-yes, I'm listening!
Cagliostro: I'm heading out for some special fieldwork. And naturally, you're coming with me.
Clarisse: Wait, right now? But—
Cagliostro: You don't have a say in this. And with that, we're off!
Clarisse: Whaaat! Wait, Master! Don't tug on my arm like that!
Clarisse: H-h-holy cow, that's some grip! Being all grown-up made you crazy strong!
Despite their now-similar heights, Clarisse is easily overpowered and dragged away by Cagliostro.
Vyrn: What the heck was that?
Left behind without a clue, (Captain) and company can only scratch their heads in bewilderment.
A Perpetual Pursuit
Cagliostro's fieldwork turns out to be researching cuteness for her new form with Clarisse's help. As they visit clothing shops, Cagliostro reflects on the irony of creating an adult body after being told she'd never reach adulthood, while Clarisse worries that she's bothered about the "uncle" incident.
Led by Cagliostro, Clarisse finds herself heading into town on the island where the Grandcypher is docked.
Cagliostro: Hmm. I thought this was just a tiny island, but it seems there's quite a lot to see.
Cagliostro: This should do nicely. Let's go, Clarisse.
Clarisse: O-okay!
Clarisse: (Not that I have any idea what we're here for. What exactly is this "special fieldwork"?)
Cagliostro strolls leisurely around the town with Clarisse in tow.
Though she occasionally pauses to look at the passing crowds or storefronts, she makes no move to do anything further.
Clarisse: (Getting dragged around by Master is pretty much routine for me...)
Clarisse: (But there's something different about walking with her in this taller form.)
Clarisse: (I wonder if this is what having a real big sister would feel like...)
Cagliostro: Clarisse!
Clarisse: Meep! Wh-what! What's the matter?
Cagliostro: I've found a shop that looks promising. Let's pop in and check it out.
Clarisse: R-roger that!
Clarisse: They have some really cute outfits for sale. Ooh, this one's nice! Seems to be just the right size, too.
Clarisse: Is this why you wanted to come here? To look at clothes?
Cagliostro: Hmm...
Cagliostro: Say, between the outfit on that mannequin and this one here, which do you think would look better on me?
Clarisse: Huh? On you? But isn't that style a bit matur—
Clarisse: Oh, wait! You mean for your current body?
Clarisse: Hrm... You've still got a cute vibe going on, so maybe something in red would be best?
Cagliostro: I see.
Cagliostro: Then what about this bag here...
Cagliostro asks Clarisse's opinion on various handbags and garments, nodding thoughtfully after each response.
Before long, Clarisse appears thoroughly invested in the process.
Clarisse: Actually, wait! How about this one instead?
Clarisse: Oh, but pairing it with this top could make for a surprisingly good combo...
Clarisse: Whoa, this might be a bit too daring! Then again, given your current appearance...
Cagliostro: Hehe. You seem to be enjoying yourself.
Clarisse: Hey, that reminds me! What did you mean by "special fieldwork"? Are we going to be doing another study session?
Cagliostro: Oh, come now. I'm disappointed, Clarisse.
Cagliostro: You should think for yourself before asking. That's the first rule of learning.
Clarisse: Ack! Erm, let's see... Are we taking a walk for a change of pace? Or... a fresh start or something?
Cagliostro: Don't be stupid.
Clarisse: Ouch! That height boost puts my forehead right in the line of fire...
Cagliostro: The answer is—we're researching cuteness. In relation to this body, that is.
Clarisse: That one specifically?
Cagliostro: The concept of cuteness isn't so simple or shallow that it can be summed up in a single definition, wouldn't you agree?
Cagliostro: My usual body has a certain kind of cuteness, but this one calls for its own version. I have to tailor it to fit.
Clarisse: Ah, I get it now.
Cagliostro: On top of that, I wanted to incorporate some of the latest fashion trends...
Cagliostro: While getting input from a girl born and raised in this era, of course.
Clarisse: Oh, so that's what this is about. I totally thought—
Cagliostro: Thought what?
Clarisse: Th-that you'd come up with some amazing new alchemy technique or something! Aha, ahaha!
Clarisse: But enough about that! Let's go check out some other shops while we're at it!
Their next stop is a somewhat eccentric boutique, specializing in high-end, glamorous designs.
Clarisse: Wh-whoa, look at all these gemstones. Don't they add a ton of weight?
Clarisse: And wow, this price tag is insane! Can you imagine how nerve-racking it'd be to wear? What if you splatter sauce on it or something!
Cagliostro: Clothes like these aren't for everyday use. They're probably meant for parties or formal soirees.
Cagliostro: Still, it might not be a bad idea for you to own at least one outfit like this.
Cagliostro: You never know—you might get invited to a fancy event with (Captain) someday.
Clarisse: Whaaa! D-do you really think so?
Clarisse: If that's the case, then... yeah, maybe I do need one.
Clarisse: B-but these are way too sheer! Everyone would see exactly what's underneath!
Clarisse: Is this what they call sophisticated adult fashion? I-I don't think I'm ready for it yet...
Watching Clarisse wrestle so animatedly with her thoughts, Cagliostro can't help but smile.
Cagliostro: Hehe...
Clarisse: Hey! Th-that was a laugh just now, wasn't it!
Cagliostro: It wasn't directed at you. I was just thinking about how I used to fret over similar things in the past.
Clarisse: You stressed about see-through clothes too?
Cagliostro: Not that specifically. There may be a market for it, but it's not really my thing.
Cagliostro: I was talking about back when I first switched bodies...
Fixing her gaze on the array of elaborate dresses before her, Cagliostro continues.
Cagliostro: Having a new form didn't mean I automatically knew how to carry it.
Clarisse: What do you mean?
Cagliostro: I had the body of a super cute alchemist, but my gestures and behavior didn't match it at all.
Cagliostro: I needed something to hone myself into the ideal I envisioned. You understand what that something was, don't you?
Clarisse: Ohh... Cuteness research.
Cagliostro: Exactly. Hoping to learn more, I went around town with my little sister, observing people as they passed by.
Cagliostro: We visited various shops together, debating back and forth about what worked and what didn't—just like this.
Clarisse: But Master, whenever you're in your room, you always look like such a slob, sitting around cross-legged and stuff.
Cagliostro: Home is one thing. Outside is another.
Cagliostro: And if anything, that sort of gap just makes me even cuter, wouldn't you say?
Clarisse: Now that you mention it, I guess it does.
Clarisse: If you were lazing around in your room right now, it would totally give off a big sister vibe.
Clarisse: Like, "Big Sis, you left your clothes lying all over the place again!" And then it'd turn into a silly squabble or something!
At Clarisse's comment, Cagliostro falls into deep thought.
Cagliostro: (A big sister...)
Cagliostro: (I was told I wouldn't reach adulthood, yet here I am creating an adult body for myself.)
Cagliostro: Maybe there was something to that "uncle" remark after all.
Clarisse: ...!
A Perpetual Pursuit: Scene 2
Clarisse attempts to console Cagliostro, who clarifies that she wasn't upset over Meia's "uncle" misstep. Cagliostro explains that her adult body reflects her newfound feelings as a caretaker, though she hasn't decided whether to stay in this updated form.
Upon hearing Cagliostro mention the word "uncle," Clarisse is convinced.
Clarisse: (I-I knew it! Being called that really did bother her!)
Clarisse: (That explains why she made a new body and started researching cuteness to match it.)
Clarisse: It's not like you come across as an old man or anything.
Clarisse: I'm pretty sure she was just trying to show respect after hearing about all your amazing feats and whatnot.
Clarisse: A-anyway! The bottom line is, you're not uncle-like at all—
Cagliostro: ...
Cagliostro: Aren't you skipping a few steps here? I never said I was upset that she called me "uncle."
Clarisse: Huh?
Clarisse: Oh, come on! I was seriously sweating bullets!
Cagliostro: As you pointed out, given Meia's background, it's only natural that she jumped to "uncle."
Cagliostro: Considering it wasn't on purpose, I'm not about to let it bend me out of shape.
Cagliostro: Oh, but don't forget that you already used your freebie. Got it?
Cagliostro: Call me Great-Granduncle again, and you're gonna be looking at eight hours of special lessons every single day.
Clarisse: I haven't called you that since you blew up after the first time!
Cagliostro: I'm merely giving you a friendly warning. You know, just in case.
Clarisse: I value my life too much to try that again. Honestly, when Meia called you "uncle," my heart nearly stopped.
Cagliostro: Hehe. Yeah, you could hear a pin drop after that one.
Cagliostro: Even I was so caught off guard that my mind went completely blank for a moment.
Cagliostro: But you know, it wasn't the form of address that surprised me—it was how I reacted.
Cagliostro: At that time...
Meia: Um, let me try this once more. It's an honor to meet you... Uncle Cagliostro!
Cagliostro: (Uncle... Cagliostro?)
Cagliostro: (I see... Uncle, huh...)
Cagliostro: When Meia called me "uncle," I immediately understood that she was trying to capture me in my entirety...
Cagliostro: Instead of relying on what her eyes were telling her about the most adorable body in the world.
Cagliostro: I think that's why I found it enlightening rather than irritating.
Clarisse: But Master... You became a girl before you were even old enough to be considered an uncle, right?
Clarisse: So wouldn't it normally bug you to be called that?
Cagliostro: It's all about what's inside the heart.
Cagliostro: After (Captain) lifted the seal on me, we started traveling together.
Cagliostro: Along the way, a bunch of stuff happened—like, a lot—to make me see it this way.
Cagliostro: With (Captain) and the crew constantly rushing into trouble, I was basically their caretaker half the time, you know?
Clarisse: Well, of course! That's because you're super reliable, Master!
Clarisse: When things go sideways, I always know I can run crying to you, and you'll save the day somehow!
Cagliostro: Clarisse... The next time you screw up an alchemy experiment, you're on your own.
Clarisse: Urgh! I-I totally said too much, didn't I?
Cagliostro: Anyway, that's why I thought—why not create a new body that fits my current mindset?
Clarisse: Ooh, gotcha.
Clarisse: So that body is basically a reflection of you as a caretaker?
Cagliostro: That's right. My body doesn't age naturally, after all.
Cagliostro: Through my research, I came to realize that cuteness comes in many forms.
Cagliostro: That's why I decided to update my body to reflect where I am emotionally.
Cagliostro: So what do you think? Spending the whole day with this new me wasn't half bad, was it?
Clarisse: ...
Clarisse: W-well... Honestly, it felt so natural that it was almost like you'd been this way from the beginning.
Clarisse: But does that mean you're going to stay in this grown-up form from now on?
Cagliostro: Hmm, that's hard to say.
Cagliostro: My old body is without a doubt my finest masterpiece.
Cagliostro: Plus, it's only the first day, so I still need to monitor what sort of effects this form has, including on my mental state.
Cagliostro: Anyway, let's head back to the ship. I should probably explain things to (Captain) and the others.
Clarisse: Okay...
As Cagliostro elegantly sips her tea, Clarisse stares intently at her grown-up profile.
The apprentice's hands are clenched tightly, as though to strengthen her own resolve.
A Perpetual Pursuit: Scene 3
After reverting to her usual body for the time being, Cagliostro reassures an anxious Clarisse that she'll always remain her master no matter how much she changes. When Meia visits to apologize the next day, Cagliostro kindly requests to be called simply by her name.
Cagliostro: Ahh, this body really is the best. I'm practically radiating cutie power! Teehee!
Having returned to her usual form, Cagliostro takes a seat, wearing a content expression.
Her adult body has been carefully placed in a corner of the room.
Clarisse: Can't say I really get it, but I guess even souls have places where they feel more at home, huh?
Cagliostro: It's hard to put into words.
Cagliostro: But anyone would feel a little awkward if they suddenly grew taller, wouldn't they?
Cagliostro stands up and casually begins to tinker with her alternate form.
Cagliostro: I should update the body right away with the data we got from today's fieldwork.
Cagliostro: The height seems fine as is, but the overall balance could use some adjustments—
Clarisse: H-hey, Master!
Clarisse: Um, I just want to say... I like the super cute alchemist version of you!
Cagliostro: Huh?
Clarisse: In my mind, I think I'll always see you as that cutesy little girl.
Clarisse: Th-that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the grown-up you! I think it's wonderful too.
Clarisse: But, well, how do I put this...
Clarisse: Are you going to keep changing like everyone else?
Clarisse: Sorry... I know that's the natural way of things, but I guess I just never thought about it happening to you.
Clarisse: I always imagined I'd be traveling with that same super cute alchemist forever...
At Clarisse's downcast demeanor, Cagliostro lets out a small sigh.
Cagliostro: What's this? Suddenly full of uncertainties? Goodness, you're still such a child. Teehee!
Clarisse: Urgh... I can't even argue with that...
Cagliostro: I may be a super cute, genius alchemist, but as it seems you've come to realize, I'm not some immutable being.
Cagliostro: Even if my form doesn't change, my heart does. I'm constantly being shaped by both my body and the world around me, little by little.
Cagliostro: But regardless of what happens, there are some things that will never change. Any idea what I'm talking about, Clarisse?
Clarisse: ...
Clarisse: Umm... You mean, like... your name?
Cagliostro: Close, but no cigar. The correct answer is...
Cagliostro: The adorably cute Cagliostro!
Cagliostro: And the ultimate genius alchemist.
Cagliostro: Both of them are me—Cagliostro.
Cagliostro: So don't worry. No matter what, I'll always be your beloved master!
Clarisse: ...!
Clarisse: Master! Whatever happens... we'll always be together, forever and ever!
Cagliostro: All right, all right! Stop clinging to me—it's annoying!
Clarisse: Well, can you blame me? You started saying things that aren't like you all of a sudden...
Clarisse: And when you mentioned changing, I got scared you were going to run off somewhere and leave me behind.
Cagliostro: Oh, honestly. You're such a needy little thing sometimes.
After burying her face in Cagliostro's chest for a time, Clarisse suddenly lifts her head as if struck by an idea.
Clarisse: Oh yeah! Didn't you say something about your heart being affected by how people treat you?
Clarisse: So maybe if I start treating you like a baby...
Clarisse: There, there... Mama has your bottle ready...
Clarisse: That means I might get to see an even tinier version of you, right?
Cagliostro: ...
Cagliostro: Actually... I think you're better off saving that sort of thing for (Captain) instead.
Clarisse: H-huh? What are you even saying, Master!
Seeing Clarisse back to her usual lively self, a small smile forms on Cagliostro's lips.
The following day, as Cagliostro and Clarisse are chatting in the research lab, they hear a voice outside the door.
Meia's Voice: Um, excuse me! Could I speak with... um...
Cagliostro: Why, if it isn't Meia! I'm right here, so come on in—no need to be shy. Teehee!
Meia: P-pardon the intrusion!
Clarisse: What's up, Meia? Did you need something?
Meia: Well, not exactly. Um... I came to apologize for yesterday.
Cagliostro: ...
Meia: I've been thinking about our conversation a lot since then.
Meia: I remembered you saying before that it was all right to simply call you Cagliostro.
Meia: And yet, I ended up overthinking things and addressing you in such a disrespectful way.
Meia: So I just wanted to say... I'm sorry!
Cagliostro: Teehee. There's absolutely no reason for you to apologize, Meia.
Cagliostro: But seeing as how you're so concerned about this...
Cagliostro: I hope you'll just call me Cagliostro from now on!
Meia: No "Miss"? Are you sure?
Cagliostro: You bet I am! Just think of me as a friend around your age, okay?
Meia: All right, I will... Cagliostro!
Cagliostro: Attagirl! Here's to the start of a long friendship!
Ever aware of the subtle shifts within her own heart, the alchemist's journey continues.
Clarisse: (Master's looks haven't changed... but somehow she seems even cuter than before!)
When she finally reaches the end of her path, what visage will the founder of alchemy discover within herself?
Her apprentice renews her resolve to stay by her master's side until that day arrives.
