An Afternoon with the Goddess
Fraux is approached in town by a fashion designer who begs her to model on the runway. Initially refusing due to past trauma, she reconsiders after hearing the crew's words of support. However, her conviction wavers upon learning that she'll be modeling in a wedding dress.
Lyria: Wow! Look, Fraux—it's a cute accessory shop!
Fraux: Oh, neat... I already see so many items that'd look great on you, Lyria!
Fraux: (Captain), you ought to see this too!
While docked on a remote island to resupply the Grandcypher...
The crew is taking the chance to indulge in a bit of sightseeing.
Lyria: This one would look great on (Captain), don't you think?
Fraux: Hehe, it sure would! Why not buy it as a matching pair for the both of you?
Lyria: Great idea! Let's do it, (Captain)!
Lyria: Fraux, why don't you get a matching set too for you and Rios?
Fraux: Me and... Rios?
Vyrn: Yeah, go for it! Only wish she were here with us though.
Lyria: Well, Rios has something to take care of.
Rios—a dear friend of Fraux's who was once separated from her, only to reunite through a series of extraordinary events.
She is currently away from the ship, visiting the traveling performers who once took care of her.
Fraux: That's right. Rios needs her own solo journey once in a while.
Fraux: Not to mention... seeing her choose to travel of her own free will fills me with joy.
Lyria: Fraux...
Fraux: Ah... This one would really suit Rios.
Fraux's eyes land on a colorful floral hair ornament.
Fraux: (I wonder how she'd react if I said I wanted matching ones...)
???: Inspiration has struck!
Fraux: ...?
???: Marvelous... Exquisite! Would you please kindly grant me a moment of your time, dearest muse?
Vyrn: The heck is up with this guy?
The strange man drops to one knee before Fraux, then reaches for her hand.
Fraux: Whoa!
With a graceful, effortless motion, Fraux shifts her body and seizes the man's hand instead.
???: Urk!
In the next moment, the man is sent flying and tumbles to the ground a short distance away.
Lyria: Nice going, Fraux!
Fraux: Ah! I-I'm so sorry! That was purely instinct...
Vyrn: No problem at all if ya ask me.
Vyrn: What's his deal though? Guy seems pretty worn out.
???: Ugh... my apologies. But please, won't you take a moment to listen to me?
Fraux: (He's clearly exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes... Then again, he's just a stranger to me.)
Man 1: Hey, Fraux. Would you believe I got dumped the other day? I'm so lonely... but you'll comfort me, won't you? You're a sweetheart like that.
Man 2: Hey, who said you could hog her for yourself!
Fraux, I need some comforting too! Not that I've been dumped or anything! Hahaha!
Fraux: ...
Fraux: (But that was all in the past! This person seems different... It wouldn't hurt to hear him out, at least.)
Fraux: Um... I'm Fraux. What seems to be the problem here?
???: Why, thank you so much! You see, I'm a fashion designer by trade.
Fashion Designer: And I'm supposed to debut some new designs at an upcoming show, but I've been in a terrible slump lately.
Fashion Designer: It's been three days since I've begun pulling all-nighters, wandering the streets for inspiration...
Vyrn: Welp, that explains why ya look dog-tired.
Fashion Designer: But at last I have found the ideal muse!
Fashion Designer: Miss Fraux! Would you do me the honor of becoming the model for my brand at this show?
Fraux: Me?
Vyrn: A model!
Lyria: That's amazing, Fraux! You're going to be a model?
Fashion Designer: Of course, as my muse, you'll be the star attraction! I'll have you close the show as the top model!
Fraux: I-I don't know... This is kind of sudden...
Fashion Designer: Ahhh, you couldn't be more perfect! The inspiration is pouring out of me!
Fashion Designer: I must capture this beauty on paper right away!
Lyria: Wow! Your sketchbook is filled to the brim with designs!
Vyrn: Well, guess he wasn't kiddin' about being a designer, huh.
While (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn eagerly gather around the designer's sketchbook, Fraux looks away awkwardly, unsure how to react.
- Will you do it?
- A supermodel debut?
Choose: Will you do it?Lyria: What's most important is how you feel about this, Fraux.
Vyrn: Why not give it a shot? This ain't exactly an everyday opportunity, you know.
Fraux: Hm... Well...
Choose: A supermodel debut?Lyria: A supermodel! That sounds so cool, Fraux!
Vyrn: This kinda opportunity doesn't come knockin' every day, Fraux. Just sayin'.
Fraux: Hm, right...
Continue 1Fraux: I'm glad that you've found inspiration, mister. Kudos to you.
Fraux: If I was even the least bit helpful, that means a lot to me. Feel free to use that design to create new clothes.
Fraux: But as for modeling... I just don't think it's for me. I'm not really feeling up to it.
Fraux: I'm sorry, but I'll have to decline.
Fashion Designer: Hm... That's too bad. Are you certain though? I'd make sure the pay is more than generous...
Fraux: Once again, I'm sorry.
Fashion Designer: Very well. If that is your decision, then I have nothing more to say.
What the man does next comes as a surprise to all.
Lyria: Eep! He's tearing up the design sketch!
Fraux: Wh-what are you doing? That's such a waste!
Fashion Designer: It's fine. This is no longer necessary.
Vyrn: Hold on a sec... I thought you said you were in a slump. Surely it'd be worth it to at least make the clothes.
Fashion Designer: That would be meaningless. Sure, I could take this design and make the clothes, but...
Fashion Designer: It wouldn't come close to capturing even a tenth of the inspiration I received from Miss Fraux!
Fraux: Inspiration...
Fashion Designer: You could call it a revelation! The wondrous world that has blossomed in my mind cannot be expressed with any substitute for the muse herself!
Fashion Designer: You, Miss Fraux, are absolutely essential to this vision!
Fraux: Hrmm...
Fraux: (He's far more serious about this than I thought. He speaks to me like a true professional too.)
Fraux: (Honestly, it feels kind of flattering...)
Fraux: But if I were to accept, we'd have to extend our stay on this island... and that would just end up inconveniencing everyone else...
- Don't worry about it!
Choose: Don't worry about it!Lyria: Yeah, it's no bother at all! Plus if you do this, the design won't have to go to waste either!
Lyria begins collecting the scattered pieces of the torn design sketch and meticulously pieces them together.
Fraux: Hmm... All right! In that case, I think I can give it a try!
Fashion Designer: Uoooogh! Bless my lucky stars!
Lyria: Yay! Look, the design sketch is all fixed now!
As Lyria proudly points to the restored sketch, everyone gathers to take a closer look.
Lyria: Hehe, I'm already excited just thinking about Fraux wearing this.
Lyria: A wedding dress!
Fraux: A w-w-wedding dress?
Fashion Designer: Yes! You will surely become the most beautiful bride the world has ever seen!
Fraux: Wait, hold on just a second...
The design sketch Lyria restored shows an exquisitely delicate and charming wedding dress. Fraux stares at it in shock.
Fraux: You never said anything about a wedding dress!
Fraux protests, her flustered voice aimed at stopping the designer from proceeding.
The Gift Beyond the Smile
Fraux agrees to model but doubts if someone without ties to love or marriage can embody the meaning of a wedding dress. At the venue, she practices her walk, but the designer claims "something is missing."
A man introducing himself as a fashion designer has invited Fraux to model for a show.
However, the outfit Fraux is to wear turns out to be a wedding dress.
Fraux: Seriously, I had no idea it was going to be a wedding dress!
Fashion Designer: Right then, I shall return to my atelier and finalize the design posthaste!
Fraux: Hold on a second!
Fashion Designer: Oh, yes, come to this spot tomorrow around noon. We'll go over the details of the show then.
The designer scribbles an address into the sketchbook and promptly shoves it into Fraux's hands.
Fraux: Hey, wait!
Fashion Designer: Adios for now, the world's most beautiful bride!
Fashion Designer: Waahahahaha!
Lyria: And off he goes...
Vyrn: Didn't listen to a word we said, huh.
Fraux: Ooh, what have I gotten myself into...
Fraux: Not only have I never done anything like modeling before, but a wedding dress of all things!
Vyrn: What's so bad about a wedding dress though?
Fraux: I mean... it's a wedding dress... which suggests marriage...
Fraux: I don't know a thing about romance, much less marriage... That's something so far removed from my life...
Vyrn: I mean, it's not like you're actually gettin' married, so why sweat it?
Fraux: I know, but it's still weird!
Lyria: Maybe you could go and see what exactly he has in mind tomorrow.
Fraux: Argh... Why does it seem like you've been excited about the idea this whole time, Lyria?
Lyria: Because I can already tell you're going to look absolutely amazing, Fraux!
Fraux: Guh... When you look at me with your eyes sparkling like that, how can I refuse...
Fraux: (Captain), what do you think?
- Why not hear what he has to say?
- If you're not keen on it, just say no.
Choose: Why not hear what he has to say?Fraux: Yeah... you're right. If I don't like what I hear, I can always turn him down later.
Choose: If you're not keen on it, just say no.Fraux: Thanks...
Fraux: Honestly though... I wouldn't say I hate the idea. Not completely anyway.
Continue 1Fraux: All right, I've decided! I'll go listen to what he has to say tomorrow.
That night...
Fraux: A wedding dress... Marriage, huh...
Fraux: Hey, Devil. Suppose I get married one day...
Fraux: Would you kill the person I'm marrying?
The Devil: ...
Fraux: No response, huh? How unfair.
Fraux: Sigh... I can't imagine myself doing this after all...
The Devil: Is there meaning to a piece of cloth?
Fraux: There is. For people, anyway.
Fraux: I do see your point though, Devil. I mean, why stress out over a piece of cloth, right?
The night quietly passes as Fraux struggles with her mixed feelings.
The next day, Fraux and crew visit the location written on the note, arriving at a magnificent hall.
Lyria: Wow! So this is where the show's going to take place?
Assistant: Yes, right here in the main hall. Now then...
Assistant: Sir! The model has arrived!
Vyrn: "Sir"? Is that guy actually some kinda bigwig?
Fraux: Hard to say... Though I guess you could say he has a sort of commanding presence.
Fashion Designer: Pleasure to see you again, my muse! Ready to become the world's most beautiful bride?
Vyrn: Nope, no way this guy could be a bigwig.
Fashion Designer: Do you see that? That's the runway. You'll be coming out from behind that curtain over there—
Fashion Designer: Strike a pose around this spot, turn gracefully, and of course, don't forget your dazzling smile!
Fraux: A d-dazzling smile...
Fashion Designer: The design of the dress you'll be wearing has just been finalized. I have fabric samples here that—
Fraux: Uh, actually... I'm not sure if I'm really cut out for this...
Fashion Designer: Nonsense! My eye for these things is impeccable! Would you like to see the fabric first? Or perhaps the design sketches?
Fashion Designer: Behold—the wedding dress that will turn you into the vision of perfection!
With absolute confidence, the man pulls out a design sketch.
The finery depicted in the illustration is intricate and elegant, radiating stunning beauty even just as a drawing.
Fraux: ...!
Lyria: Wooow... That's amazing! It's so beautiful!
Vyrn: Guess you weren't kidding about bein' a top-notch designer.
Fraux: (It really is such a gorgeous dress...)
Fashion Designer: Heheh, I'm glad you like it. Now then...
Fraux: Hm, I dunno... It doesn't seem right for this incredible dress to be wasted on a complete amateur like me...
Fashion Designer: This design exists because you're the model.
Fraux: ...!
Fashion Designer: So do yourself a favor and ease your concerns. I created this design with you in mind.
Fashion Designer: There's no chance you won't look absolutely stunning in it. Now, let's have you walk the runway!
Fraux: Guhhh...
Lyria: Looks like Fraux's giving in.
Vyrn: Yep. Guy's pretty persistent.
Fraux stands backstage in her usual outfit, waiting nervously for her turn to walk.
Assistant: All right, get ready. This is only practice, so loosen up a bit! Three, two, one... go!
Fraux: (Um, I've only learned the basics, but I just have to imagine that I'm walking down a narrow battlefield...)
Though inexperienced as a model, her inherent beauty and athletic ability serve her well.
She strides confidently down the runway, her steps remarkably poised and composed.
Fraux: (Okay, here's where I turn... but first, I stop and smile!)
Fraux: (And now the turn... then back to the wings!)
Fraux: W-well? How did I do?
Lyria: Amazing, Fraux! You were great!
Vyrn: Heck yeah! You totally looked the part!
- You were beautiful!
- You were so cool!
Choose: You were beautiful!Fraux: Really? I was kind of nervous, but I'm glad it didn't show!
Choose: You were so cool!Fraux: Heheh! Maybe I should do another turn just for fun!
Continue 2Fashion Designer: Hm...
Fraux makes a strong showing on the runway.
Fashion Designer: No... Something is missing...
But contrary to expectations, the designer, who should have been the first to celebrate, mutters to himself in uncertainty.
The Gift Beyond the Smile: Scene 2
The designer describes Fraux's walk as "too perfect," lacking a natural quality. Determined to improve, she wrestles with doubts until her friend Rios returns and takes her to a flower field to clear her mind.
Fraux: Huh? Did I do something wrong?
Vyrn: Weird. I thought you did great.
Fashion Designer: Oh, no, no. In truth, it was a fantastic walk.
Fashion Designer: Fraux, you were beautiful. From your smile to your posing—everything was flawless! You left no room for error!
Fraux: Huh... Then what exactly was the problem?
Fashion Designer: Hmm... how do I put this? It was too strong, I suppose. In a way, too perfect.
Vyrn: Er... How's that a bad thing?
Fashion Designer: Well, it's not. Strong women are beautiful. But...
Fashion Designer: How should I say this... it felt slightly... out of step with the image of the dress I designed...
Lyria: Didn't you base the design on Fraux though?
Fashion Designer: Indeed, I did... But why, then? Was I hallucinating after so many sleepless nights?
Fashion Designer: No! Preposterous! My muse could never be an illusion! But if that's the case... then...
Vyrn: Uh-oh, he's spiraling into his own little world...
Fashion Designer: What if I completely redesign everything right now...
Assistant: What? No, you can't do that! We've already created the pattern!
Fashion Designer: True, but if I start over right away, surely—
Assistant: It's impossible! We've already ordered the fabric, and the show is just around the corner!
Assistant: We simply don't have the option; there's no way we'd make it on time! Wait, are you even hearing me?
Fashion Designer: But my inspiration is being stifled!
Assistant: Sometimes you need to compromise! That's part of being a pro!
Lyria: Oh my...
Fraux: Um... May I say something?
Fashion Designer: Ah, Miss Fraux. Rest assured, my desire to make you my model remains unwavering—
Fraux: Good. I'm happy to hear that.
Fashion Designer: Yes, so there's no need to be modest and say a wedding dress wouldn't suit you, because—wait, what?
Fraux: I've decided that I want to see this through after all. So I'd like you to finish the dress just the way you envisioned it!
Fraux: Leave the walk to me! I'll make sure to embody everything your dress deserves. You'll see!
Assistant: Wait a second... What happened to the doubtful model from earlier?
Fashion Designer: A very good question. This is a rather sudden change of heart.
Fraux nods deeply, her expression now brimming with determination.
Fraux: Being told that "something's off" simply for smiling... That really—
Assistant: See? She's mad! You just had to say something rude after going through the trouble of scouting her!
Fashion Designer: I-I couldn't help myself...
Fraux: —lit a fire in me!
Assistant: Huh?
Fraux: I understand now—you aren't just looking for a pretty model.
Fraux: I'll give it my best shot! I'm going to bring the house down in that wedding dress!
With that, Fraux smiles confidently and strides out of the hall with her head held high.
Fraux: (Okay, so I came out all bold and confident, but...)
Fraux: (I have absolutely no idea what makes me "off.")
Fraux: (Guess I'll just have to figure it out somehow before the show!)
Fraux: Well, no looking back now!
Fraux begins studying up on marriage.
Fraux: (Phew, I finally mustered the courage to enter a restaurant full of couples...)
Fraux: (I hope I don't come off as nosy, but observing the other couples ought to give me some pointers.)
Fraux: (I'm bound to learn something from this!)
The couples around her are exchanging tender smiles and enjoying their meals, radiating warmth and affection.
Fraux: (Everyone seems so happy... so at ease. I think I can mimic that.)
Fraux: (That couple over there must be married... They look at each other full of affection like it's second nature...)
As Fraux pulls off a delicate and almost floral smile, her radiant expression draws attention from the other diners.
Fraux: Hm...
Fraux: (Even if I imitate their expressions and movements, it still feels like I'm nowhere near getting it right...)
Fraux: (All right! Next time, I'll approach this from a different angle.)
A few days pass by.
Fraux: Hmm... "Love is something you fall into"?
Fraux sits deeply engrossed in the romance novel she bought during her trip to town.
Fraux: This boy lost his life because he made his confession without any regard for the circumstances...
Fraux: It should've been obvious what would happen, but that didn't stop him...
Fraux: Is love really such a great thing?
The Devil: It makes one easier to deceive.
Fraux: Huh? Are you saying falling in love makes people more likely to get tricked by beings like you, Devil?
The Devil: ...
Fraux: That sounds awful... I definitely wouldn't want that...
Fraux: Thinking about love—a subject I only have a superficial grasp on—is starting to feel like a waste of time...
Fraux: Plus I have to convince that designer too...
Fraux: Sigh... It's so complicated...
As Fraux mumbles to herself and flops face-first onto the bed, she hears the sound of lively footsteps approaching.
She instantly recognizes those footsteps.
Rios: I'm back! So, Fraux, did you miss me while I was gone?
Fraux: Rios! Welcome back! How was it—did you get to meet with the troupe madam?
Rios: Yep, we met. She looked as healthy as ever! Still had that air of authority about her too.
Fraux: Hahaha... I'm glad to hear that.
Rios: ...?
Rios: Fraux, you seem worn out. What's going on?
Fraux: Huh? Nothing at all! You're the one who must be tired after such a long trip, Rios.
Rios: Heh, trying to keep secrets from me now?
Fraux: N-no, that's not it...
Rios: All right, all right, it's fine. Don't worry about it. I know you better than anyone else, after all.
Fraux: Rios...
Rios: Come on! Sitting here moping around in your room is just going to make you feel worse.
Fraux: W-wait a second! Rios!
Rios grabs Fraux by the hand and pulls her outside.
The Gift Beyond the Smile: Scene 3
In the flower field, Rios suggests the designer might have been drawn to how Fraux naturally smiled around (Captain) and the others. This reminds Fraux that in that heartfelt moment, she was picking a gift for Rios, which is the hint she needed to discover what she's "missing."
Rios: Come on, Fraux! Just give in already and spill the beans. What's going on?
Fraux: Sheesh, Rios...
Fraux: (This feels unreal... The field of flowers, the clear blue sky, Rios by my side—it's all just like back then.)
Fraux: (Somehow, all the things I've been worrying about feel so tiny and insignificant right now.)
Fraux: The thing is, I was approached by this fashion designer the other day.
Fraux explains how she was invited to walk in a fashion show.
Despite a successful trial run, the designer still felt that something was off.
The Evoker felt compelled to answer the designer's sincerity with her own resolve.
Yet at the same time, she couldn't shake off her lack of confidence in wearing a wedding dress.
Fraux: And soon, I began studying things like romance and marriage.
Fraux: But I didn't really learn much in the end...
Rios: Hmm?
Rios: Someone actually told my dear Fraux that she's off? Hah! That designer sounds like quite the perfectionist!
Rios: But knowing you, Fraux, I'm sure this has got you pretty worried... So, what kind of expression did you make?
Fraux: Expression?
Rios: You know, on the runway! What face did you walk with?
Fraux: Huh? You want me to do it now? That's kind of embarrassing!
Rios: You're gonna be in a fashion show, and you're getting embarrassed now? Come on, three, two, one—
Fraux: Whoa-whoa, gimme a sec!
Though flustered, Fraux quickly strikes a pose, her smile composed and elegant.
Rios: Wow! You are breathtaking! That's the Fraux I know!
Fraux: Ehehe!
Rios: At the same time though, you're totally trying way too hard to look cool.
Fraux: Ugh... Okay, I'll admit it. But I mean, it's supposed to be a show, right?
Fraux: I thought looking as cool and as beautiful as possible was the point, you know?
Rios: Let's not forget you were told something seemed "off."
Fraux: Sigh... Yeah.
Rios: What exactly were you doing when that perfectionist of a designer decided to approach you anyway?
Fraux: Huh?
Lyria: Wow! Look, Fraux—it's a cute accessory shop!
Fraux: Oh, neat... I already see so many items that'd look great on you, Lyria!
Fraux: I was out shopping with (Captain) and the others.
Rios: Ah, I see. A shopping trip, huh...
Fraux: We were just looking at accessories though; nothing special comes to mind.
Rios: Nope, that must be it.
Rios raises her index finger and gently waves it in front of Fraux's face.
Rios: You see, I can't picture myself getting married either. And I don't really get romance all that much.
Rios: But I do have people I care deeply about. People I really like. I think everyone does.
Fraux: Right...
Rios: Exactly. The way you naturally smile and look like you're having fun when you're with people you care about...
Rios: That's probably the inspiration behind that perfectionist designer's idea for his perfect dress.
Fraux: I don't know about "perfect"...
Rios: Of course it's perfect! After all, you're the one who'll be wearing it.
Rios: But seriously...
Rios: When you're with (Captain) and the others, you seem so carefree. It's really adorable.
Fraux: Wh-what? Really?
Rios: Yep, that's the truth. And it's almost enough to make me jealous!
Rios: Aawww, how I wish I could've gone shopping with you too, Fraux!
Fraux: Sheesh, someone's full of jokes today...
Fraux: (Actually...)
Fraux: Ah... This one would really suit Rios.
Fraux: At the time, I was actually thinking about you, Rios, while picking out a gift.
Rios: Wait, what? You're such a sweetheart, Fraux!
A beaming Rios throws her arms around Fraux. Flower petals scatter in the wind around them.
Rios: Geez, you seriously adore me, don't you?
Fraux: Well, of course I do.
Rios: Aw, you're so cute. I just love this side of you!
Rios: I dare say you never cease to amaze me with your picturesque beauty and sweet, floral charm, Fraux.
Fraux: You're too much...
The two girls laugh in unison among the blooming flowers.
Their smiles spring from a place of pure, unwavering affection for each other.
The Gift Beyond the Smile: Scene 4
On the runway, Fraux trades her confident expression for a soft, natural smile, captivating the audience. The designer watches with pride as his vision comes alive. At the runway's center, Fraux's gaze locks onto Rios, who is smiling at her with quiet joy.
Rios: C'mon, hurry it up! Models need to arrive early, don't they?
Fraux: I know, I know! You, on the other hand, are just a guest, so there's no rush for you, Rios.
Rios: I'm worried about my best friend. See how compassionate I am?
Rios: Oh, by the way... Were you able to figure out what was "off"?
Fraux: Mm-hm... I think I did. Thanks to you.
Fraux: I have a pretty good idea of the part of me they want to see in the show!
Rios: Yeah? Glad to hear it. Oh, and before I forget—
Rios: What was that present you picked out for me? You haven't given it to me yet.
Fraux: About that...
Fraux: The designer interrupted us in the middle of shopping, so I never actually got the chance to buy it.
Rios: Awww! Well then, next time we can go shopping together! Let's get matching clothes or accessories or something!
Fraux: Hehe... Sounds like a plan!
And so, the curtain on the fashion show finally rises.
Lyria: (Captain)! It's Fraux's turn!
Fraux: ...
The air in the venue shifts with a collective murmuring.
With her characteristic confident smile and her graceful stride, Fraux looks dazzlingly beautiful.
Upon reaching the center of the runway...
Fraux: Haha...
Like a flower blooming softly, Fraux's expression turns into a shy, gentle smile.
Audience: Ohhh!
Fashion Designer: Yes, yes! Simply marvelous!
Fashion Designer: She managed to find just what I was looking for!
Lyria: Fraux is so beautiful! I can't take my eyes off her.
Vyrn: Phew... Looks like that's true for everyone here.
Amid a crowd full of admiration for Fraux, there is one young woman watching with pride.
Rios: Naturally.
The satisfied smile that blooms on her face is one that only Fraux would notice.
Fraux: (Heh... What a perfect smile!)
From the runway, Fraux looks only at her—
At the person she cherishes more than anyone else.