To Bigger Thrills
Izmir arrives at the Cerulean Spa alongside (Captain) and crew. Much to Izmir's excitement, (Captain) takes her into a steaming sauna, where they run into a less-than-enthused Lunalu. The artist is seeking inspiration through stimulation, but the sauna hasn't been doing much for her. Believing Lunalu to be craving more heat and sympathizing with that desire, Izmir attempts to come up with ways to help her.
This summer's hottest spot in Auguste is the Cerulean Spa.
Crowds of young people flock to its lavish facilities, eager to relax in sauna rooms and pools.
Izmir: Hehe, there are so many people here... Sunbathing on the beach is nice, but this place has its own delights.
Soaking inside a jacuzzi, Izmir murmurs contentedly as she glances around.
Continue 1Lyria: Hehe, the bubbles feel really nice, don't they?
Continue 2The woman happily murmuring inside a jacuzzi is Izmir.
Icy powers at her disposal, she is the guardian of a perpetually frozen cave on a snowy mountain.
She froze anyone who approached the cave, earning herself the moniker snow queen from the frightened villagers living nearby.
The crew took on a bounty for her head, but after seeing her kind, pure-hearted nature, gave up their quest. Izmir then asked to join their merry band.
Izmir: I have, in some small way, performed my task. So then, will you take me with you at least until your next mission is complete? No?
From that point onward, Izmir has been accompanying (Captain) and friends on their journey.
Her real name is Larana, though only (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn know this.
Lyria: Hehe, the bubbles feel really nice, don't they?
Continue 3Cagliostro: Not only that, but this place is stylish and sheltered from the sun. A girl couldn't ask for more.
Cagliostro: Thanks for the invite, (Captain).
Izmir: I offer my thanks as well, (Captain). This summer is looking to be as thrilling as the last.
Izmir: Can we try that heated pool next? I believe it houses wine instead of water.
Cagliostro: Now that sounds interesting. Count me in.
Lyria: All right, let's...
Lyria: But wait, if we leave, Deliford won't be able to find us when he comes back.
Lyria's concerned words remind the group that Deliford left to order drinks and hadn't come back yet.
Vyrn: Wonder where he is, considerin' the staff members already brought our drinks to us.
Izmir: Maybe he was swept away by the crowd and fell into a pool, or something like that...
Lyria: He might've gotten lost among all the people... (Captain), should we go looking for him?
- He'll be fine.
- It couldn't hurt to check on him.
Choose: He'll be fine.Cagliostro: (Captain)'s right. He could be relaxing in the hot springs by himself for all we know.
Cagliostro: We'll run into him eventually if we stick around the facilities.
Choose: It couldn't hurt to check on him.Cagliostro: Hah, that old coot's a fully grown adult who doesn't need looking after.
Cagliostro: Besides, you told him to kick back and enjoy his vacation however he wants to, remember?
Cagliostro: He could be doing just that, so we should focus on having our own fun.
Continue 4Izmir: Cagliostro is correct.
Izmir: Come, (Captain)... We should seek our own excitement.
Izmir: Hmm...
Floating on the water's surface, Izmir hums to herself in thought.
Lyria: What's wrong, Larana?
Izmir: Nothing is... These pools have been nice, but I find myself craving something more intense.
Izmir: I keep thinking back to the burning rays of the sun when we spent time on Auguste's beach.
Izmir: Another scorching experience like that would be amazing...
Lyria: Hmm, so you want to go somewhere hotter?
(Captain) and friends spend a moment pondering.
Vyrn: Oh, I know! (Captain), you said there's a sauna here, right?
Izmir: A sauna? What is that?
- It's a place hotter than the beach.
- It's a place that's swelteringly hot.
Choose: It's a place hotter than the beach.Izmir: Truly? I am intrigued...
Choose: It's a place that's swelteringly hot.Izmir: Hehe, sounds wonderful... I adore those kinds of places, as you might know.
Continue 5Cagliostro: Guess our destination's decided. (Captain), lead the way.
Following the captain, the group arrives at the sauna.
They find themselves greeted by a familiar face when they enter.
Lunalu: Why hello, everyone. Come to refresh yourselves too?
Lyria: Lunalu! Sorry to barge in like this.
Lunalu: It's totally fine. You're not interrupting anything. I was just doing a bit of thinking by myself.
Lunalu scoots into the corner and sits down again.
Meanwhile, Izmir stands at the entrance with stars in her eyes.
Izmir: So this is a sauna...
Izmir: The hot air sticks to the back of my throat whenever I take a breath...
Izmir: Who knew such a place existed?
Vyrn: Haha, guess Winter Wondergirl likes it here! Good call bringin' us over, (Captain)!
Izmir: If only we could remodel my room so I could sleep in a similar environment.
Lyria: Mmm... Being in here for too long always makes me dizzy though.
Cagliostro: That's because you're not supposed to spend long periods of time in a sauna.
Cagliostro: Usually you leave once you heat up enough, then cool off outside or in a cold water bath.
Cagliostro: That's how you refresh yourself here.
Izmir: I don't understand. Why would you purposely seek out cold water after warming your body?
Cagliostro: It apparently does wonders for your skin and helps you lose weight. Beauty requires patience, after all.
Cagliostro: Though if you don't care about that, I've heard that food tastes more delicious after a refreshing sauna.
Lyria: Oh my gosh! We have to test that!
Lyria: Let's give it a try, (Captain)!
Cagliostro's explanation has Lyria bouncing in excitement.
But Izmir is more preoccupied by the curled up form of Lunalu in the corner.
Izmir: Um, Lunalu... Forgive me for being presumptuous, but is something bothering you?
Izmir: I don't think I've seen anyone on vacation look sullen before.
Lunalu: Well, that'd be because I'm not here on vacation.
Lunalu raises her head up slightly to answer Izmir's question.
Lunalu: I came to the Cerulean Spa hoping to find inspiration for my latest work.
Lunalu: But I've been making less progress on my manuscript than I thought I'd be.
Lunalu: So I figured I'd try using the sauna to discover my aha moment...
Izmir: Judging by your expression, I take it that idea isn't going well.
In response, Lunalu solemnly nods.
Lunalu: I need something that gets my blood pumping.
Lunalu: A hot sauna's nice for kicking back, but... What I'm looking for should light a fire under my behind.
Cagliostro: In that case... Yeah, a sauna heated by light-type magic isn't going to cut it.
Cagliostro: You won't find the kick you're thirsting for here.
Izmir: Does that mean she should try going to a hotter sauna?
Cagliostro: That's certainly an option, but raising the temperature might not be the best solution.
Cagliostro: I'm pretty sure baking her body would just add physical pain onto her plate, in addition to the writer's block.
Lunalu: That... sounds likely. But it's okay. I've still got other stuff to try besides the sauna.
Lunalu: Thanks for listening to me. I'll see you guys around.
Izmir: Something which lights a fire beneath you...
Izmir: I understand what it's like to desire that.
Izmir mutters to herself as she watches Lunalu exit the sauna.
Izmir: I always wished for it... And (Captain) and everyone granted it.
Izmir: It's my turn to do the same for someone else.
Her quiet declaration is absorbed by the steaming air.
Inside her heart, a new fire roars to life.
Passion Born from Ice
Izmir and Lunalu follow Cagliostro on a tour through the Cerulean Spa's beauty and relaxation area. The ladies change into sauna ponchos and enter a sauna, but the stimulation isn't enough for Lunalu. Right as they run out of options, a nearby staff member advertises aroma loyly and aufguss sessions, which Izmir knows to be thrilling experiences. She grabs her friends by the hand and approaches the staff member.
(Captain) and crew are spending their vacation inside the Cerulean Spa.
For the present, Izmir, Cagliostro, and Lunalu have split from the others and are perusing on their own.
Cagliostro: All aboard Cagliostro's Ultimate Beauty Tour!
Izmir: I'm not sure what you're talking about, but it sounds very exhilarating.
Lunalu: Beauty, huh? Just hearing that word is enough to make my stomach churn...
Lunalu: Considering I've lived a life of paper and ink, I don't think I'm prepared for this...
Cagliostro: Hah, you act as if I'm bringing you to a funeral.
Cagliostro: Let me explain—inside the Cerulean Spa, there's an area called the Ultimate Beauty Corner.
Cagliostro: It specializes in relaxation and beautification. I was thinking we could explore over there today.
Izmir: Oh... So we won't be visiting the sauna at all?
Cagliostro: We can go later. Just follow my lead and trust me for now.
Cagliostro: Are we good to go? Then let's move!
Lunalu: Yeowch! That hurts! What kind of massage is this!
Lunalu: You're going to rip the flesh right off my bones!
Cagliostro: Nngh, to finally experience a traditional Auguste massage...
Cagliostro: I'd heard it was like being skinned by an experienced fisherman, but I didn't think it'd be this intense...
Izmir: Phew, this is as invigorating as being tossed around by stormy waves. How fascinating.
Lunalu: Pant... Wheeze... Exercising in a steam bath... was the last thing I expected to be doing today...
Cagliostro: Don't push yourself too hard. We're not trying to strain your body.
Cagliostro: The goal is to get your blood pumping and metabolism going. It should help your body retain warmth better and loosen those muscles.
Izmir: Oh, that works out wonderfully. My legs grow cold easily, you see.
Izmir: And the colder I get, the paler I become, to the extent that I appear unhealthy.
Cagliostro: I totally understand what you mean. Glowing skin is a must-have for every cutie!
Lunalu: It's hard to focus without good blood flow and body temp, so I try to keep an eye on myself while working on manuscripts.
Lunalu: Which reminds me. One of the inn staff told me yesterday that soybean tea is good for that type of stuff.
Lunalu: They have some available in the lounge next to the entrance. Maybe we could check it out later.
Cagliostro: Okay, ladies, are we all done changing?
Izmir: I am, though these clothes are very strange.
Izmir: It's as if I'm wearing towels that are stitched together. The shape reminds me somewhat of a yukata.
Lunalu: This is a sauna poncho, isn't it? I saw a bunch of them for sale at a nearby store.
Cagliostro: Right you are. I figured if we're going to visit all the saunas, we may as well dress appropriately.
Cagliostro: It's more fun that way, right?
Izmir: Hehe, it's finally time for the saunas. I've been waiting for this.
Izmir: (Nothing in the tour so far has given Lunalu the flash of inspiration she seeks.)
Izmir: (I still believe the proper stimulation can be found within the saunas.)
Izmir harbors a quiet hope that the saunas will hold the key to Lunalu's dilemma.
But her hope soon starts to fade.
Lunalu: Hmm...
Izmir: Lunalu... You're frowning. Is this sauna also not to your liking?
Cagliostro: We've cleared almost every sauna in the Beauty Corner, but that furrow in your brows hasn't gone away.
Scowling, Lunalu shakes her head.
Lunalu: Every single one we visited was nice.
Lunalu: But something was lacking!
With a mighty scream, Lunalu raises her hand and clenches it into a fist.
Lunalu: I just need, like, a catalyst that'll kick me into next week! Make me absolutely lose it!
Cagliostro: Uh-huh... Well, sorry to say, but most of the saunas here are for casuals.
Izmir: A catalyst to make you absolutely lose it, you say?
Izmir: Should I take that to mean you want to experience even hotter temperatures?
Izmir: (The most sweltering experience I had since coming here was...)
Izmir: But what was the name of it?
She searches her memory of the few days prior, but the right words elude her.
Staff Member: Attention, please! The Beauty Sauna is now offering our aroma loyly and aufguss services!
Staff Member: Any interested patrons, please head toward the sauna area!
Izmir: Right, that was it!
The announcement comes from outside the sauna at the perfect time.
With a spark in her eyes, Izmir grabs Lunalu and Cagliostro's hands and pulls them toward the advertising staff member.
Passion Born from Ice: Scene 2
The aroma loyly and aufguss session proves to be just the thing Lunalu needed. However, her happiness is short-lived as she learns the spa only offers these sessions twice a day. Izmir grows disheartened as well, but Cagliostro hands her a flyer that advertises saunameister lessons and explains that, if Izmir passes, she can hold self-aufguss sessions whenever she likes. Warming up to the idea, Izmir agrees to learn.
In the midst of their tour around the spa's facilities, Izmir and friends hear an intriguing advertisement.
They walk up to a staff member, who smiles upon their approach.
Staff Member: Hello there! Interested in our world-famous aroma loyly?
Cagliostro: Aroma loyly, hm? You've definitely piqued my curiosity!
Izmir: You're referring to the scented oils used in saunas, correct?
Staff Member: Indeedy! Currently we're offering an oil made from a medicinal herb that stimulates perspiration.
Staff Member: Combined with the heat our aufguss brings, it's sure to be a refreshing experience!
Izmir: Increased perspiration in addition to more heat sounds wonderful. I'd love to participate...
Lunalu: But what's an aufguss? Do you guys know what that is?
Head tilted in confusion, Lunalu looks at Izmir.
Izmir: I do, and I believe it's exactly what you've been seeking this entire time.
Izmir: (Captain), myself, and some of the others participated in one held by Agielba before.
Izmir: He fanned spectacular waves of heat that felt fierce enough to scorch my body.
Izmir: Perhaps a similar experience can serve as the catalyst for inspiration...
Lunalu: Huh. I guess I've never given that a shot before.
Lunalu: Why not? Let's do it.
Cagliostro: Hah, you have absolutely no idea what you're in for.
Staff Member: Everyone ready? Let's get started with our aroma loyly and aufguss!
Staff Member: Hrah!
Lunalu: Wha... Agahhh!
Cagliostro: Impressive... It's like I'm boiling in one of Valtz's underground ruins...
Izmir: Oh, what delightful, steamy gusts!
Their session begins in earnest.
When they finally step out of the sauna, their bodies are brimming with new life.
Izmir: Truly, nothing can compare to the sensation of being washed away by an amazing, blazing torrent...
Cagliostro: Their essential oils were top-class too. So, Lunalu, did that do the trick?
Lunalu: That. Was. Incredible! I've never felt more alive in my life! It's like I've been reborn!
Lunalu: My next idea's coming soon, I just know it! I'm keeping my pen and paper ready!
Izmir: Hehe, I'm glad it seems to have worked.
Lunalu: I wish I knew this kind of thing existed earlier...
Lunalu: I would've dropped by here every time I got stuck.
Izmir: Maybe you can keep visiting between manuscripts from now on.
Lunalu: Huh, I'll go ask actually, since that staff member's still around.
Lunalu, fully taken with her new experience, inquires when the spa usually offers its special sauna services.
Upon hearing the answer, both Lunalu and Izmir's shoulders sag in great disappointment.
Lunalu: Aufguss time only comes twice a day...
Lunalu: I won't be able to participate that often between work sessions...
Izmir: It is indeed a shame...
Izmir: You would have to make specific plans to go and take out the time to do so.
Izmir: (After we finally found the right thrill for her too.)
Izmir: (As for what I can do for her...)
Cagliostro: Hey now... Don't you think you're throwing in the towel too early?
Cagliostro reappears, returned from wherever she had disappeared to while Izmir and Lunalu were busy.
Izmir: Do you have another idea at hand?
Cagliostro: A potential one, probably. I just found this nearby.
She hands Izmir a sheet of paper.
Izmir: This is a flyer for a training course... to become a saunameister?
Cagliostro: Yep. You know about self-loyly right?
Izmir: I don't, but I assume it's related to saunas.
Cagliostro: You're right on that front. A self-loyly is basically a loyly you perform yourself, without a saunameister to guide you.
Cagliostro: Turns out the Cerulean Spa allows for them.
Cagliostro: And if you take that training course, you'll be allowed to do a self-aufguss too.
Izmir: In other words, you're suggesting that I...
As realization sets in for Izmir, Cagliostro gives her a confident grin.
The alchemist leans in close to whisper out of Lunalu's hearing range.
Cagliostro: It's obvious to me that you really want to give Lunalu the kick that she's been wanting.
Cagliostro: And who's to say that only a pro can turn the heat up?
Cagliostro: You've got plenty of fire yourself—more than enough to get Lunalu going.
Izmir: You want me... to be the one to do it?
Cagliostro: It's up to you, of course. I've done my part.
Izmir looks at Cagliostro, glances at Lunalu, then directs her gaze back toward the flyer.
With growing confidence, she eventually nods.
Izmir: All right. I'll do it.
Izmir: I may be a "snow queen," but even I can light a fire under someone else!
In contrast to her cool appearance, a fire blazes in Izmir's eyes.
She is ready to become a saunameister.
Passion Born from Ice: Scene 3
The next day, Izmir has mastered the art of aufguss as well as making the cold water baths even colder for maximum stimulation, becoming a popular saunameister for the spa. When Lunalu finally experiences the fruit of Izmir's labors, she is hit with renewed passion and is able to create a new manuscript that evening. A few days later, Izmir gives (Captain) and friends their own aufguss session, and expresses her happiness at being able to share her passions with others.
The next day, Lunalu and Cagliostro make their way toward the sauna to participate in a self-loyly.
Lunalu: It's kind of crazy that Izmir managed to learn everything in a single day.
Lunalu: Though I've no doubt that she's going to perform perfectly.
Cagliostro: It would've taken me two or three days to master, I wager.
Cagliostro: I suppose we'll see how she does when we get there. The right sauna should be over there...
Cagliostro: Huh... Why are there so many people around?
An enormous line of women snakes out and around the front of the sauna.
Staff Member: Ahem! Our aufguss isn't going anywhere, so please line up in an orderly fashion!
Staff Member: Please, no pushing! Ah... You two are...
The staff member organizing the line walks up to Cagliostro and Lunalu.
Staff Member: Friends of Izmir, right?
Staff Member: She told me to show you in once you've arrived! This way please!
Lunalu: U-um, one question first. What is going on here?
Cagliostro: It wasn't half as busy yesterday. What changed?
The staff member blinks in surprise, then smiles.
Staff Member: As you both probably already know, Izmir went through the training course yesterday.
Cagliostro: Yeah, that's why we're here: to see the results of that.
Staff Member: I'm proud to say that she passed with more than flying colors! She mastered the aufguss in a flash!
If the staff member's account is to be believed, Izmir stunned everyone with her instant mastery over steam.
Once dawn broke this morning, she started performing aufguss after aufguss.
Staff Member: She's so good at it, rumors of her mastery spread like wildfire throughout our patrons.
Staff Member: "Come see the new aufguss woman in the Beauty Corner sauna! Gentle yet passionate! Graceful beyond compare!"
Staff Member: The cold water baths are also colder than before, and everyone's been loving the extra icy chill.
Cagliostro: That would definitely explain the overnight fame.
Staff Member: I've been managing the lines and handing out reservation tickets ever since.
The door to the sauna opens, revealing an Izmir who's been clearly hard at work.
Izmir: Cagliostro. Lunalu. Thank you for coming.
Cagliostro: Yo, Izmir. This is quite the excitement for a newcomer in the aufguss business.
Izmir: It is, isn't it? I never expected such a large number of visitors.
Izmir: But it's nice to receive confirmation that I'm doing well.
Izmir: I should be able to provide Lunalu with the appropriate thrill.
Cagliostro: Hah, I can't wait. With the cold water baths being extra cold, this is sure to be a breathtaking event.
Izmir lights up as Cagliostro finishes speaking.
Izmir: Hehe, you already noticed, I see. I don't like cold water baths, but...
Izmir: Once I realized a greater difference in temperature extremes could enhance refreshment, I used my ice magic.
Izmir: The staff members inspected my work and confirmed that it's safe to use.
Lunalu: W-wow, you really went all out...
Lunalu's eyes widen in astonishment as she learns of Izmir's thorough preparation.
After a bit of hesitation, Lunalu opens her mouth to speak again.
Lunalu: But why'd you put in so much effort?
Lunalu: You're one of the nicest people I know, but still...
Lunalu: You seem oddly invested in this.
Izmir: Hehe, the answer's simple: I resonated with your desire for heat and intensity.
Walking up to Lunalu, Izmir takes her hand.
Izmir: To be swept up in unforeseen passions that make your whole body sing...
Izmir: We both seek the same thing, though for different purposes.
Izmir: (Captain) and the others helped me by bringing us to hot places. Thanks to them, my summer's been filled with thrills.
Izmir: I only wanted to do the same for someone else.
Izmir: I'm sorry... Has my selfish wish been a bother?
Lunalu: Izmir!
Lunalu, moved almost to tears, squeezes Izmir's hand.
Lunalu: I promise you've been nothing but the best of help! In fact, your passion's been fueling me to new heights!
Lunalu: Just you watch—I'm going to produce my greatest work ever because of you!
Lunalu's declaration draws a bright smile out of Izmir.
Izmir: I'm glad to hear it... Well then, I suppose it's time to set you ablaze.
Izmir: Then take you for a dip in ice-cold water.
Izmir leads Cagliostro and Lunalu into the sauna for their aufguss.
Later that evening, Lunalu's pen flies across paper as the artist fervently creates her next title.
A few days later, (Captain) and company show up to the sauna, having been invited by Izmir.
They sit entranced as they experience the refined movements of Izmir's aufguss.
Vyrn: Whew... This sure is different from Agielba's, but in a good way! Talk about turnin' up the heat!
Lyria: Larana's so pretty... I feel like I'm melting just by watching her...
- It's like she's dancing for us.
- She seems to be having a blast.
Choose: It's like she's dancing for us.Lyria: Right? She's having a great time! I kind of want to join in and dance too!
Vyrn: Everyone's spellbound, by the looks of it... Winter Wondergirl's doin' her name justice.
Choose: She seems to be having a blast.Vyrn: Isn't she supposed to be on vacation though? This looks more like she's workin' a part-time job to me...
Lyria: Heheh, so long as she's enjoying herself, I don't see a problem. Right, (Captain)?
Continue 1Izmir: Mhmm... I am having the time of my life.
Taking a break, Izmir speaks to (Captain) with a slight blush dusting her cheeks.
Izmir: I'm the happiest I've ever been, I think.
Lyria: You are?
Izmir: Yes. Before now, I've only been on the receiving end of these thrills.
Izmir: It feels great to be able to share them and bring joy to others as well.
Izmir: But that's enough talk. Let's keep going while the coals still burn hot... Are you ready, (Captain)?
Izmir waves her hand and flits away, returning to her dance-like movements.
Only the rising steam can match the fire of her steps.
Raspberry Chocolate Cake