I Want to Be Like You
The Ditoria Knights are rebuilding in the aftermath of their feud with the Eligoth Knights, and on the eve of the crew's departure, Elea shares a drink with Elsine. Recognizing that Elea wants to understand the positive effect the crew had on Yuisis's personal growth, Elsine and Icas encourage her to join the crew. The following day, Elea formally asks to travel with (Captain) and the others.
Arrogante's scheme for vengeance has been snuffed out, and the Ditoria Knights are embarking on a fresh start with Yuisis as their boss.
Yuisis wants Elea, Elsine, and Icas to help oversee the progression of the new Ditoria.
The three former adversaries promise to aid Yuisis in rebuilding the family.
The estate of the former Luceria Knights still shows visible scars from the factional dispute.
Elea is among the family members working to pick up the pieces.
Elea: Phew... That about does it for this area. Next I'll remove the rubble pile that's blocking the southwest corner.
Ditoria Knight: Please get some rest, Lady Elea. Let us handle the manual labor...
Elea: Your concern is misplaced. I share the same drive to see this operation to completion as the rest of you.
Ditoria Knight: Oh, Lady Elea!
Lyria: We're back!
Yuisis: Elea, we placed an order at the Knickknack Shack for all the items on your list.
Yuisis and the crew are also doing what they can to help rebuild the Ditoria Knights.
Elea: Thank you.
Elea: I appreciate you staying back to help with everything, but...
Elea: You shouldn't have to delay your journey because of us. We can get by on our own.
Vyrn: It's all good! The more hands on deck, the faster the job'll get done.
Yuisis: Yeah, Vyrn's right on the money.
Yuisis: Besides, I'd be an irresponsible boss to delegate tasks and not lift a finger.
Elea: Finally embracing your title, huh? Haha, I'm impressed.
Yuisis: Thanks.
Yuisis: Couldn't have honed my leadership skills without you and (Captain) though.
Yuisis can't contain her smile.
There's something about that smile that transfixes Elea's gaze.
Elea: ...
Vyrn: Boy, you guys got a ton of cleaning done while we were out shoppin'.
Yuisis: That's what you get with Elea runnin' the show.
Yuisis: She's capable and has a strong sense of responsibility.
Yuisis: With Elea supervisin' things while I'm away, I'll have nothin' to fear.
Elea: ...
Yuisis: Hm? Elea?
Yuisis is about to comment on Elea's reservedness when two more people enter the conversation.
Elsine: Mm-hm. Just leave everything in Elea's capable hands. Nothing could possibly go wrong.
Yuisis: El? Why do you look so grumpy?
Icas: Ahaha, don't mind her. She's been bit by the jealousy bug.
Icas: El thinks you're putting all your faith in Elea and Elea alone.
Elsine: Icas!
Yuisis: Ah, that explains it.
Yuisis: Come on, El, I haven't forgotten how dependable you are either.
Yuisis: After all, you've been goin' around helpin' residents procure the goods they need.
Elsine: My actions contributed to this turmoil. It's only natural that I take responsibility to clean up my own mess.
Elea: You've done a fantastic job putting things in order from what I've heard. I expected nothing less from you, El... Er, Elsine.
Elsine: Mm...
Elsine turns away from Elea's eyes.
Icas: Sigh...
Yuisis: All right, that's enough blabberin' for now. Let's get back to work.
Everyone breaks off to do the tasks they were assigned.
Elea: ...
Elea: Yuisis... Look how far you've come.
However, Elea keeps this praise to herself while watching Yuisis walk away.
More time has passed since the end of Arrogante's rebellion. In that time, the Ditoria Knights' headquarters has been fully repaired.
Tonight marks the eve of the crew's departure.
Elea: ...
Elea: (Why? Why can't I get Yuisis's smile out of my head?)
Elea: (It should make me happy—and it does—but there's something else I can't put my finger on...)
Unable to sleep, Elea heads out to the garden to soak in the night breeze.
Elea and Elsine: ...!
Elsine already occupies the veranda, taking sips from a small sake cup.
Elea: There's nothing quite as elegant as moongazing with a fine sake.
Elsine: ...
Elea: Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt.
Elsine: Wait.
Elea: Yes?
Elsine: Drinking alone isn't particularly fun, so grab a seat.
Elea: You sure you don't mind?
Elsine: Yes. Besides, I can tell something's eating you. I'm open to listening if you feel like talking.
Compelled by Elsine's invitation, Elea sits down next to her.
Elsine: Here.
Elea: ...
Elsine hands Elea a cup and pours her a drink.
Elsine: ...
Elea: ...
Elsine: Sometimes it's hard to know our true feelings.
Elea: What do you mean?
Elsine: ...
Elsine: You're itching to go off with (Captain)'s crew, aren't you?
Elea: Huh?
Elsine's speculation catches Elea off guard.
Elsine: You're trying to figure out what made Yuisis blossom, and you hope to verify it for yourself.
Elsine: That's what you're thinking, right?
Elsine: I see it in your eyes whenever you look at Yuisis and (Captain).
Elea: ...
Elea takes a sip of her drink and nods.
Elea: You're probably right.
Elea: I'd like to discover the source of Yuisis's bright smile.
Elea: But I realize that's just me being selfish.
Elsine: ...
Elea: Whenever I think of Yuisis, I tell myself I should focus all my energy on remaining here to bolster the foundation of the Ditoria Knights.
Elea: I have no right to pursue personal interests. Journeying with that crew is certainly out of the question—
Elsine: Sigh... You two are so alike it's scary.
Elea: What's that supposed to mean?
Elsine: Who was it that told Yuisis to follow one's own heart? You.
Elsine: So why aren't you taking your own advice?
Elea: Well... I...
Elea: ...
Elea: I can't just leave while the family is still rebuilding—
Elsine: Icas and I are more than sufficient to handle that workload.
Elsine: Hell, we'd have more freedom without you breathing down our necks. By all means, take a vacation.
Elea: El...
Elea is stunned, but she quickly shakes out of her stupor and places her cup down.
Elea: Thank you. However, the thing I want to do most is be of service to Yuisis.
Elea: And if that means setting aside my own dreams...
Elsine: Look, Elea, if you don't—
Icas: Calm down, El.
Elsine: Icas...
Icas steps out from the shadows of the hallway and sits down next to the women.
Icas: Think of it this way, Elea. Without Yuisis, there is no future for the Ditoria Knights.
Icas: She must be protected, such that all credible threats to her well-being are completely eliminated.
Icas: You know I'm right.
Elea: Yes, which is why she's safest with (Captain)'s crew.
Icas: Yuisis is no pushover, and neither are the people in that crew. I should know.
Icas: Nevertheless, you always have to account for the worst.
Icas: Who's to say the higher-ups of the Eligoth Knights won't attempt to take revenge?
Elea: Do you think they would?
Icas: Yes. We crushed the Eligoth, severely crippling the pride and honor of its leaders.
Icas: Considering the underworld we inhabit, you think any of us would take that insult lying down if the script were flipped?
Elea: You're suggesting I accompany Yuisis on her journey as her bodyguard?
Icas: I'm not going to force you, obviously, but it would help out the family.
Icas: Not to mention you would be directly assisting Yuisis. Not a bad deal from my perspective.
Elea: ...
Elea picks up her cup and gulps down the remainder of her sake.
Elea: You make a solid argument.
Elea: Exactly the justification I need to head out into the skies.
Elsine: ...
Icas: ...
Elea: El. Icas. I appreciate you two giving me a nudge in the right direction.
Elea: I won't let your encouragement go to waste. It's time I follow through with my own wishes.
Elsine: That should've been your attitude from the very beginning. Timidness doesn't suit the Elea I know.
Icas: El and I will take care of the family. You have our word.
Elea: Well, before we make it official, I should probably ask Yuisis and (Captain) for their permission.
Elsine: That's true... Personally I think you'll be fine though.
Elsine: I have a hard time imagining Yuisis or (Captain) saying no.
With that, Elsine pours out more sake, this time into three cups.
Elsine: A toast to Elea's new life.
Elea: El...
Three cups clink in unison and are brought to smiling lips.
Their joyous faces are illuminated in the light of a silent moon.
Yuisis: I think I'll let this one play out on its own.
In the morning, Elea tells the crew she'd like to travel with them.
Vyrn: If everyone's in agreement, then no problems here!
Lyria: Yes, welcome, welcome! We couldn't be happier to have another dependable crew member!
Elea: Oh... That was quick...
Elea: And you're fine with this too, Yuisis? Don't you have any questions about my motives?
Yuisis: Haha, that's all right. I already know plenty.
Elea: ...?
Yuisis laughs with delighted mischief at Elea's look of confusion.
Elea: Very well. I look forward to traveling with you all, (Captain).
- Pleasure's ours!
Choose: Pleasure's ours!Much to their delight, the crew welcome yet another excellent member to their ranks.
Elea's steadfast ambition will surely help pave the way for the crew's future endeavors.
Older Sister's Secret
(Captain) and company wish to thank Elea for all her hard work. When Yuisis reveals that Elea is a food lover, the gang decides to cook for her, but they'll have to ask Elea what she likes in a way that won't spoil the surprise.
Elea has been flying with the crew for a while now.
Today, (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn have an important question for Yuisis.
Yuisis: You want to know what Elea likes?
Lyria: Mm-hm. We thought you might know since you're her friend.
Yuisis: I do know her preferences, but what's this all about?
Vyrn: Ever since Elea joined the crew, she's been blastin' chores left and right.
Vyrn: We figured the least we can do is get her a nice gift for putting in the work.
Yuisis: I see.
Yuisis: That's what I was thinking too actually...
Yuisis: (Hm. I do know what makes her melt, but I'd better keep that a secret.)
Yuisis makes a mental note to herself and then answers the crew.
Yuisis: Elea's a bit of a food fanatic. Wherever you go, she knows all the best places to eat at.
Vyrn: A food fanatic, eh? Speaking of which, you're a seasoned food tourist yourself, Crazy Girl.
Yuisis: Must've picked it up from her.
Yuisis: I'd often tag along on her snack outings. We'd hit up restaurants, festivals—you name it.
Lyria: Sounds like you two were joined at the hip!
Yuisis: Haha, yeah. My parents used to say we were practically sisters.
Yuisis smiles, thinking back on nostalgic memories.
Vyrn: If we go the food route to thank Elea, does she have any favorites?
Yuisis: Hm... Elea's not a fussy eater...
Yuisis: With her, it's not about having favorites. What she orders depends on her mood at that moment.
Vyrn: Huh... No wonder she likes to eat on the go. It leaves her options wide open.
Lyria: Why don't we just ask her what she's craving? But subtly, so we don't ruin the surprise.
Vyrn: I guess that'd be much faster. She's a sharp cookie though, so watch what you say.
(Captain) and the others settle on treating Elea to a meal as a way of showing their appreciation.
They invite Yuisis to join them, but she has another matter to attend to.
After Yuisis leaves, (Captain) and company put their plan in motion by setting off in search of Elea.
Older Sister's Secret: Scene 2
Elea is cleaning the mess hall when she becomes captivated by a teddy bear someone left behind. The crew uses this as an excuse to strike up a conversation, but things turn awkward, and (Captain) clumsily asks what she wants to eat. They learn she's in a pasta mood and hurry away to set up her thank-you banquet.
(Captain) and company finally spot Elea in the Grandcypher's mess hall.
Elea: ...
They peek in from the doorway, observing Elea as she works diligently on her cleaning duties for the day.
Lyria: Wow! The floors and tables are spick-and-span, and I've never seen the shelves look so organized.
Vyrn: She's really serious about everything she does. When it was my turn to do laundry, she taught me the proper way to hang clothes so they wouldn't wrinkle.
Elea: ...!
Lyria: Hm? What is she looking at?
Vyrn: Is that a teddy bear? Don't know who left it next to the shelf, but maybe she's tryin' to figure out who the owner is.
Lyria: This is the perfect icebreaker! Let's go, (Captain)!
Vyrn: Heyo, Elea. Got a problem on your hands?
Elea: ...!
Ah, no. Everything's fine.
Elea gently places the bear back where she had found it.
Vyrn: Oh... Um, cool! Glad to hear it!
Lyria: Uh-huh! That's good!
Vyrn: ...
Lyria: ...
Elea: Did you need to talk to me about something?
Lyria: N-not really! We were just passing by!
Vyrn: Yep, yep. Thought we'd pop in to scope out how the mess hall looks. No ulterior motives here. Nope, none at all!
Elea: I... see...
Elea: Well, I just finished sorting all the jars and containers. Would you like to stay and chat for a bit?
Elea: You could—I don't know—ask me about myself.
Vyrn: Oh! Sounds good to me.
Jumping at the chance, (Captain) raises a hand.
- What are you craving right now?
Choose: What are you craving right now?Elea: As in food?
Vyrn: (Uh... So much for subtlety...)
Elea keeps the crew members in suspense before finally delivering her answer.
Elea: Good question. I think I'm in a pasta mood. Haven't had it in a while.
Lyria: Okay, I'll write that down—erm, I mean... Oooh! Pasta sounds delicious!
Elea: Yeah. Can't go wrong with pasta.
With their mission completed, the crew feel a sense of relief.
They create an excuse about having to run errands and leave the mess hall.
Vyrn: Whew... Do you think she suspects anything?
Lyria: My heart was pounding the entire time, but we got the information we were looking for!
Lyria: Let's cook up an awesome pasta buffet for Elea!
The three split up their tasks, such as shopping for ingredients and goods, decorating the party room, and cooking.
"Everything has to be perfect for Elea," they think to themselves as they get the banquet ready.
Older Sister's Secret: Scene 3
In the evening, (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn surprise Elea with a thank-you banquet consisting of an assortment of pasta. To the crew members' surprise, Elea hands them each their own gift. With their bellies full, they spend the rest of the time engaged in fun conversation.
Later that night, tantalizing aromas waft from a festively decorated room aboard the Grandcypher.
Lyria: Pasta platters: check. Party decorations: check. Elea's thank-you banquet is a go.
Lyria: I hope she likes this—
Vyrn: Here she comes!
The hosts hide silently in the room, listening to the approaching footsteps.
Elea: (Captain), what did you want to talk about—
Lyria: Surprise! Thanks for being such a great crew member, Elea!
Elea: ...!
Wh-what is all this?
Vyrn: Hehe, had no idea, did ya? This is our way of payin' you back for your hard work!
Elea: You went through all this trouble just for me?
Elea: (This is far more extravagant than I expected...)
Lyria: There's no need to hold back at your own party! We heard how much you like to try different foods, so we made lots of different pastas!
Elea: ...!
Elea: If anything, you've done more for me than I have for you...
Elea: However, I won't turn down your warm hospitality.
Elea's mouth waters as she gazes at the pasta dishes lined up across the center table.
Elea: Spaghetti bolognese, penne arrabbiata, ravioli...
Elea: So many tasty options to choose from, but I think I'll start with the spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino.
Elea loads up a plate with pasta and takes a seat. She then clasps her hands together.
Elea: Let's eat.
With that said, she brings her pasta-laden fork to her mouth.
Vyrn: H-how is it?
Elea: ...!
Amazing.
Elea: The chefs really brought out the texture and seasoning in this classic recipe.
Vyrn: Phew... Nice. We got lots of pointers from the master chefs in the crew!
Elea: Thank you so much for making such an exquisite dish.
Elea: But even the tastiest dinner when eaten alone can't compare to a meal shared with others.
Elea: So why don't you all grab a plate and join me?
Lyria: Hehehe... Actually, I am pretty hungry!
Three more plates hit the table, and the four crew members have a grand old time eating and chatting.
Elea: (You know, I think I get it, Yuisis.)
Elea: (I see why you cherish this crew so much.)
Elea's emotions run high as the dinner continues on.
Elea: That was wonderful. I'm stuffed.
Vyrn: A satisfied smile is the greatest compliment a chef can get!
Lyria: Our adventures together are only just beginning, Elea!
Elea: I'm just a newcomer to skyfaring, but I promise to give it my all.
Elea: Here. I wanted to give you each a little gift.
Elea hands three wrapped bags to (Captain), Vyrn, and Lyria.
Lyria: Huh? This is for us?
Elea: Yes. A premium apple for Vyrn, a flower barrette for Lyria...
Elea: And a weapon maintenance tool for (Captain).
The hosts open their gifts and exclaim with joy.
Lyria: Yay! This is so pretty!
- Thanks a lot!
Choose: Thanks a lot!Vyrn: Hm... It's almost like you knew what we were up to...
Elea: No, just tokens of my appreciation that I bought in advance. I like to plan ahead. You never know when an opportunity might present itself.
Vyrn: Haha, you really think of everything!
Elea has a great time getting closer with the crew at her party.
Their plates are empty, but there's still plenty of time to spend together.
Older Sister's Secret: Scene 4
After the party, Yuisis unexpectedly comes to Elea's room—they have a chat over drinks. Yuisis then gives Elea a teddy bear. Elea is mortified that Yuisis knows she has a weakness for cute things, but Yuisis promises to keep it a secret from everyone. And so their already strong sisterly bond grows even stronger.
After the party ends, Elea heads back to her room to get ready for bed.
Yuisis's Voice: Elea? Are you still awake?
Elea: Yuisis?
When Elea opens the door, she's greeted by Yuisis, who comes bearing a bottle of sake and a paper bag.
Yuisis: Let's have a drink.
Elea: Right now? It's already kind of late, don't you think?
Yuisis: When did that ever stop El from attacking the bottle? Or are you sayin' I'm no fun to drink with?
Elea: Urk... You heard that?
Yuisis: Haha, don't be such a stick in the mud. Just for today.
Elea: That's sneaky, framing your "offer" in a way I can't refuse.
Elea can't help but laugh and invites Yuisis in.
They sit next to each other on Elea's bed, using a small nightstand as a table for their drinks.
Yuisis: Cheers.
Elea: Cheers.
With a hearty salute, they down their spirits in unison.
Yuisis: I heard from (Captain) and the gang about the thank-you banquet they threw for you earlier.
Elea: Yeah, though it should be the other way around. They're such a considerate bunch.
Yuisis: It's not as if you haven't been pullin' your weight around the ship.
Yuisis: I'm especially glad I can always discuss the future of the Ditoria Knights with you.
Elea: All I do is listen. You're the one with the strength to carve out a future for the family.
Yuisis: You think so? I never know what to write back to El whenever I get a letter from her though...
Elea: That demonstrates you can see the bigger picture—that there's more to consider before jumping to an answer.
Elea: Don't become discouraged. I guarantee you've become wiser.
Yuisis: Elea...
Yuisis: Haha... Here you are, still teaching me new things.
Yuisis sets her cup on the table and picks up the bag she'd brought. She rummages inside and pulls out a package.
Yuisis: This is a gift from me to you.
Elea: Thank you. May I open it?
The smiling Yuisis nods, and Elea eagerly tears off the wrapping paper.
Elea: You didn't!
A soft, fluffy friend stares back at Elea, happy to be freed of its confines.
Elea: A teddy bear!
Yuisis: Hah! I knew you'd like it.
Elea: ...!
Elea: Er... Of course I like it... Any gift from you makes me happy.
Yuisis: Haha, come clean with me.
Yuisis: I know you can't resist cute things.
Elea: Urk! H-how did you...
Yuisis: It's pretty obvious from spendin' time with you.
Yuisis: Remember how we used to stuff our faces at festivals?
Yuisis: Every time we passed by a game booth, your head would snap to the stuffed toys.
Yuisis: And you think I didn't notice when you snuck off to the accessory shop next door during our trips to the weaponsmith?
Elea: You remembered that from way back when...
Yuisis: Don't worry. I won't tell anyone. Not (Captain), Lyria... Heck, not even El or Icas.
Yuisis: This is our special little secret.
Elea: Yuisis...
Elea grins back at her good friend.
Elea: Thank you. I will treasure this bear forever.
Yuisis: You'd better!
Yuisis tenderly lays her head on Elea's shoulder.
Yuisis: Heh...
Elea: Yuisis?
Yuisis: Ah, don't mind me. Who'd have thought we'd be soarin' through the skies together, sharin' a drink?
Yuisis: Not even in my wildest dreams did I see this day comin'. I couldn't be happier.
Elea: Ah, you read my mind.
Yuisis's smile grows even wider, and she squeezes Elea in a big hug.
Elea: Haha. Oh, Yuisis. You're like a big kid.
Yuisis: No matter how old and wizened I become, you'll always be a big sister to me.
Yuisis: Can't you spoil me every once in a while?
With her head still resting on Elea's shoulder, Yuisis slowly closes her eyes.
Yuisis: Mind if I spend the night?
Elea: Well, seeing as you're already here...
Elea pats Yuisis on the head to seal the deal.
Elea and Yuisis: ...
Yuisis and Elea sleep peacefully in bed, with Elea's teddy bear standing guard.
Anyone could mistake them for blood-related sisters.
The memory of this night will be one of many they'll come to share.
White Chocolate Cake