Lonely Nights
Late one evening, (Captain) and Vyrn run into Leona wandering the palace alone. Conversing with Cain reveals that Leona hasn't slept well since her fiancee, Abel, passed away. Eager to help Leona at least relax a little, everyone bands together and convinces her to join them for the upcoming summer festival.
???: ...
Leona senses the sudden presence of someone nearby.
Leona: Huh?
Leona: Oh, there you are, Abel.
Leona: Where in the world have you been? It feels like you've been gone for a while, but I don't know why...
Leona: By the way, you won't believe this—Cain's now buddy-buddy with Reinhardtzar.
Leona: You remember him, right? The leader of those outlaws? He turned out to be a better person than I thought he'd be.
Leona: It's harder to catch Cain on his own now though. I'm happy for him, don't get me wrong, but I can't help but feel a little lonely...
Leona: Oh! We also met an incredible crew of skyfarers from another skydom!
Leona: They're very strong-willed, lively people. It's fascinating to see what they can do.
Leona: ...
Leona: Hey... Why aren't you saying anything? You've been strangely silent this whole time.
Leona: Silent and distant. You're so far away. Why don't you come closer, Abel?
Abel: ...
Leona: Huh? What? Did you say something, Abel?
Abel: ...
Leona: Abel? Where are you going? Take me with you!
Abel: ...
Leona: Wait! Don't leave me, Abel!
Leona: Abel!
Leona: Abel!
Leona: ...
Straining her eyes, Leona peers around the dark room and searches every which way.
But nobody is else is in the room. With a tired sigh, she gives up and slips out of bed.
Vyrn: Yawn... I can't wait to go back to sleep...
Midnight in the Volkshield Palace in the Idelva Kingdom is still and silent.
Walking through the palace's halls, (Captain) and Vyrn spot a familiar figure.
Vyrn: Huh? Ain't that Leona over there?
Leona: ...
- Good evening.
- Staying up tonight?
Choose: Good evening.
Choose: Staying up tonight?Leona: What? Why are you two walking around this late?
Vyrn: We got thirsty and woke up. There wasn't any water left in our room, so we snuck into the kitchens. Sorry about that, by the way.
Leona: So that's why. There's no need to apologize. Feel free to enter the kitchens whenever you want.
Vyrn: What about you? What're you doin' up this late?
Leona: I wanted to enjoy the evening breeze for a bit.
Vyrn: Hmm... Haven't we done this song and dance before? You sure you're not havin' trouble sleepin'?
Leona: I-I'm fine. I'm actually about to return to my room.
Vyrn: Really? If you say so.
Leona: If there's nothing else, then... Good night, (Captain), Vyrn.
Without waiting for a response, Leona turns and rushes away.
The next day...
Vyrn: And that's what happened last night. I dunno about you guys, but I'm a little worried.
Cain: That Leo... Can't say I'm surprised.
Reinhardtzar: ...
After hearing Vyrn share last night's events from start to finish, Cain speaks up.
Cain: Sigh. I actually saw Leo wandering around the night before yesterday too.
Hearing that, Reinhardtzar speaks up as well.
Reinhardtzar: The night before that one I spotted her wandering around the castle alone.
Lyria: In that case... How has Leona been getting any rest?
Cain: I'm willing to bet she's getting none at all. She's been like this since my brother died.
At one point in time, Leona was engaged to Abel, Cain's brother.
He lost his life when the Torhid Kingdom was destroyed, and his death left deep scars within Leona's heart. Even now she has yet to heal.
Cain: It's likely that she starts thinking about my brother when she tries to sleep.
Cain: That's why I've told her before to take a vacation and get some rest. Not that my words amounted to anything though.
Leona: Wh-wh-what do you mean, "get some rest"! I'll have you know that I sleep like a baby straight through the night!
Leona: More importantly, how is the training with the new recruits going? You did plan out a regimen, right?
Leona: As a general, you should be worrying about the soldiers! Not me!
Cain: She's... never been very good at lying, so she always changes the subject.
Vyrn: Oh man... What should we do? I don't think she's gonna last at this rate.
Cain: I might have an idea, but I'll need your guys' help.
Cain: If I tell her to take it easy, she won't listen to me. She won't even consider the idea of taking a breather.
Cain: But maybe she'll listen to you guys, or at least hear you out. I hope so anyway.
Vyrn: Count us in! What'd you have in mind?
Cain: There's actually a summer festival coming up soon, and I'd appreciate it if you could help me find the perfect yukata for Leo.
Lyria: Wow! A summer festival! That sounds so fun!
Cain: The plan is to gift her a yukata and invite her to the festival. She won't be able to refuse if it's you guys doing the asking.
Vyrn: What a strategy. Blockin' off her escape route first, huh?
Cain: Haha! Exactly! It might be a little underhanded, but hopefully we'll be able to get Leo to take a load off.
Cain: How about it, (Captain)?
- I'm in!
- Leona definitely needs a break.
Choose: I'm in!Cain: Thanks! I knew I could count on you!
Choose: Leona definitely needs a break.Cain: Right? She's gonna keel over at this rate.
Cain: We've gotta force her to take a breather, one way or another. I'm glad you understand the situation.
Continue 1Vyrn: All right! We got no time to waste! Let's head into town and find Leona the perfect—
Leona: What? Find me the perfect what?
Cain: Holy smokes! Leo!
Everyone clams up at the sudden appearance of Leona, refusing to speak even as she stares at each one of them in turn. Eventually, she fixes her suspicious gaze on Cain and approaches him.
Leona: Oh Caaaaiiiin. Are you keeping secrets with your friends? That's not very nice.
Cain: Leo... Uhm... I...
Vyrn: We're sorry...
Everyone else has trouble coming up with a plausible explanation for what Leona overheard.
Lyria: Uhm, about that! We were just talking about how we wanted to go to the festival with you, Leona!
Cain: Sigh... Well, there you have it. We were hoping to give you a change of pace since you refuse to stop working for even a second.
Leona: Wait, what?
Cain: That's all that was. Right, everyone?
Purposely leaving out their concerns over Leona's sleeping habits, Cain shoots a look at (Captain) and the others to signal them to do the same.
(Captain) guesses that Cain doesn't want to put unnecessary pressure on Leona and simply agrees with Cain's words.
Vyrn: Y-yeah. He's tellin' the truth.
Leona: Thank you for your concern, really. But I'm fine. I have duties to attend to, and I can't put them aside.
Cain: Now hold on, Leo. Did you forget there's a general here? As general, it's my duty to make sure my troops get some rest.
Leona: That's not playing fair, Cain. You probably dragged the others here as well to make it harder for me to refuse, didn't you?
Lyria: No, he didn't! We really want to go to the festival with you!
Lyria: We thought it'd be nice to get you a yukata to wear too...
Leona: Lyria... I appreciate the sentiment, but you don't need to go out of your way for me.
Leona: Besides, I already own a yukata.
Lyria: T-then! I want to see you wear it, Leona!
Leona: Huh?
Startled by Lyria's sudden request, Leona takes a half step back, prompting Cain to go on the offensive.
Cain: Haha! Now there's an idea! Why don't you go put it on right now? C'mon, please, Leo?
Leona: What? W-wait...
Unable to refuse the combined might of Cain and Lyria, Leona reluctantly begins the process of donning her yukata.
Leona: I put everything on right, I think?
Lyria: Oh my gosh! You look so pretty!
Leona: T-there's no need for flattery. Geez, this is embarrassing...
Vyrn: It's not flattery! You really do look amazin'! You think so too, right, (Captain)?
- Absolutely stunning!
- I can't wait for the festival now.
Choose: Absolutely stunning!Leona: Even (Captain)... You don't need to flatter me so much.
Lyria: Won't you join us for the festival, Leona? I really think it'll be fun if everyone goes together.
Leona: Lyria...
Leona ponders silently to herself for several moments before finally giving a small nod.
Leona: You know what? You're right. Maybe I will go.
Choose: I can't wait for the festival now.Leona: What? Even (Captain)...
Leona ponders silently to herself for several moments before finally giving a small nod.
Leona: I suppose it wouldn't do for me to reject an invitation from (Captain).
Continue 2Lyria: Yaaay! We get to go to the festival with Leona!
Cain: Heck yeah! Than it's decided!
Reinhardtzar: ...
Cain: Hey now, what are you being all quiet for? You're coming with us, Reinhardtzar.
Reinhardtzar: Don't joke around with me. Why do I have to come?
Cain: Haha! Don't be such a stick in the mud. We just said it'd be more fun if everyone went together, didn't we?
Lyria: Yes! It'll be so much fun! I can't wait!
Leona: Heheh.
Leona has never been interested in taking a break from her duties or giving herself a chance to relax.
But she feels that it might not be so bad if (Captain) and the others are the ones making her do so.
Though she may not verbalize that thought, it shows through the gentle smile that forms on her lips.
Even If Sleepless
(Captain) and company enjoy the festival, and even Leona seems to be cutting loose a bit. However, a chance meeting with a stallkeeper who seems to recognize Leona throws a wrench in their relaxation, and everyone rushes to find him in the monster-filled forest.
(Captain) and company arrive at the summer festival in town with the unrested Leona in tow.
Though their true goal is to help her sleep well again, telling her that would only cause unnecessary pressure.
At the very least they can offer her a change of pace and maybe even have a bit of fun at this festival.
Leona: Excuse me. I'll take eight of those meat skewers. Ah, wait, actually make that ten!
Leona: Would you guys like some? These skewers are pretty good.
Vyrn: Yeah! If you don't mind...
Leona: Then let's order some more! Excuse me!
Vyrn: (Wait a sec, does that mean that those first ten were for herself?)
Cain: Haha! Leo, you're gonna get even taller if you eat that much!
Leona: Leave my height alone! It's not like I can grow more at this age anyway!
Leona: Besides, I have a perfectly normal, healthy appetite.
Cain: Reinhardtzar, you're gonna have some of these skewers too, right?
Reinhardtzar: Huh? Oh. Sure.
Lyria: Hehehe. I'm glad Leona seems to be having fun.
It almost seems as if they can relax and put aside their worries. But only almost.
Reinhardtzar: ...
Cain: Hey, what's wrong? You've been strangely quiet for a while.
Reinhardtzar: It's nothing. I just thought I recognized someone over there. I have no idea who or why though...
Cain: Over there? You mean the man in charge of that stall? I guess he does seem kinda familiar.
Stallkeeper: ...
As Cain and Reinhardtzar stare at the man, Leona approaches his stall.
Leona: Excuse me! Seven sausage plates please. Oh, and with extra sauce.
Stallkeeper: Welcome! Seven plates, right? Comin' right... up?
Stallkeeper: Huh? You're...
Leona: What? Is something wrong?
Stallkeeper: O-oh... Sorry, my mistake. Nothing's wrong. I'll just get your seven plates ready.
Cain & Rein: ...?
Vyrn: Hey, Leona. Did you know that guy back there from the stall?
Leona: No, I don't think I've ever met him before.
Cain pushes through the crowd at that moment and rejoins their group.
Cain: Leo, (Captain), everyone, can I talk to you for a second?
Cain: Something about that stallkeeper bothered me, so I went over there to take a look at him, but he's flown the coop.
Leona: What do you mean, "he's flown the coop"?
Cain: Sigh. I don't know why, but it sounds like he's gone into a forest where monsters are known to live.
Vyrn: Say what! We gotta go after him!
Cain: I figured it'd be easier to find him with more eyes to look, so I came to ask for your help.
(Captain) stands and nods firmly.
Vyrn: We're with you! I don't know what's up with him disappearin' in the middle of the festival, but we can't just leave him out there!
Seemingly shaken by his encounter with Leona, the stallkeeper disappeared into a highly dangerous forest.
Though no one knows his reason for doing so, (Captain) and company head for the forest, determined to bring him back to safety.
Even If Sleepless: Scene 2
The stallkeeper reveals that he once knew Abel and owed him a great deal. However, upon seeing Leona, the guilt and shame of disappointing Abel came crashing down and drove him to come die in the forest. Leona, infuriated that someone would use Abel as an excuse to die, begins to reproach him, but they are interrupted by monsters.
Far from the excitement of the festival, the forest air is filled only by the sound of parting grass and a man's labored breathing.
Stallkeeper: Pant... Pant... Why am I like this? Am I going to keep running away even until the very end?
Stallkeeper: I guess I will... I don't have much longer until the monsters come eat me alive...
Cain: Say what? Hey, old man, don't tell me you came here to die?
Stallkeeper: Holy moly! Wh-wh-what are you people doing here?
Leona: We came to bring you back to safety. Good grief, what in the world would compel you to do this?
Reinhardtzar: I remember now. This man is...
Right before Reinhardtzar can reveal the man's identity, he quickly glances over to Leona and closes his mouth.
Leona: What?
Reinhardtzar: Never mind.
Stallkeeper: The truth is... I'm someone who owed a lot to Abel.
Leona & Cain: What?
Reinhardtzar: ...
Stallkeeper: I used to be a bandit a long, long time ago. Nothing like Reinhardtzar, either. I was the worst kind of bandit there was.
Stallkeeper: Then on a day of banditry like any other, this Abel guy shows up all by himself.
According to the man's story, Abel appeared before the bandits' headquarters one day demanding that they surrender and disband.
It goes without saying that the bandits didn't even give Abel a chance to finish before they started attacking him.
However...
Stallkeeper: He wiped the floor with us. By the time I came to, it was nighttime. To this day I still don't remember what exactly happened.
Stallkeeper: All I know is, that guy just walked over, handed each of these guys he just beat a glass of liquor, and told us to drink.
Cain: Haha! That sounds just like him.
Stallkeeper: Hehehe, he said it was from the royal stores... I gotta admit, it sure was tasty.
After that, Abel and the bandits formed a strange sort of friendship.
Stallkeeper: You're Abel's fiancee, right? Leona, if memory serves. I saw you walking around town with him once.
Stallkeeper: Heh. What a blast from the past. Abel used to get drunk and tell us over and over about how beautiful you looked in a yukata.
Leona: He said that?
Cain: That still doesn't explain why you're out here trying to die. What does my brother have to do with this?
Stallkeeper: Sigh... After everything else he'd already done, Abel found me honest work. And I tried my best at it, at least for a short while.
Stallkeeper: But I didn't last. I've got no grit in me.
Stallkeeper: I'm just an idiot that causes trouble no matter where I go, and I've never been able to hold a job for long. This stall-keeping stuff probably won't last much longer either.
In other words, the man harbors unresolved guilt toward Abel, who had given him a place in society.
After Abel passed away, the guilt only grew from knowing someone great had died while a good-for-nothing like himself still lived.
Stallkeeper: I lost the job Abel went out of his way to get me... Since then I've been living with this uncomfortable feeling gnawing at my chest.
Stallkeeper: And you know, when I saw you today, I couldn't even look you in the eyes. I realized I'm just not somebody that can function in society...
Cain: And that's how you decided you'd had enough and ran here to be monster food?
Stallkeeper: Yeah... I let Abel down once, and I only keep letting him down. I'm a complete failure of a person, and I don't deserve to live—
Leona: Don't you dare blame a dead person for your failure to love yourself!
Stallkeeper: ...!
Leona: Did he say you had to push yourself to the limit? Or that you had to feel guilty for being alive while he isn't?
Leona: Do you think he cared that much about that job or your position in society? Because I know he cared about something much more important than that.
Leona: So don't...
Leona: (Wait... What... am I saying?)
As soon as Leona's voice falls silent, the drawing of (Captain)'s weapon resounds in its place.
Monster: Groooar!
Vyrn: Whoa! We got company!
Cain: Shoot... They have us surrounded. We're gonna have to split up to cover all sides.
Cain and Reinhardtzar stand together on one side while (Captain) and Leona prepare themselves on the other.
Stallkeeper: Just leave me and run! I never meant to drag any of you into this—
Leona: Don't even start with that! If you're truly concerned about us, then value your own life first!
Stallkeeper: ...?
Leona: Or did you forget that's the life that Abel saved?
Leona: We all owe our lives to someone else. The least we can do for them is to treasure people the same way they did, including ourselves!
Leona: Otherwise... What was the point of their efforts?
Vyrn: Heads up! Monsters incomin'!
Leona: They've got another thing coming if they think I'll let them take a life that Abel saved!
Even If Sleepless: Scene 3
After the monsters are taken care of, the stallkeeper realizes the truth in Leona's words and vows to keep living in honor of Abel. Later that evening, Leona prepares herself for another sleepless night before running into (Captain) and company already waiting for her.
After checking that there are no more monsters, Leona nervously approaches the stallkeeper.
Leona: Uhm, I must apologize. My words earlier were too harsh, not to mention—
Stallkeeper: Not at all! In fact, thanks to you, I think I can turn my life around!
Stallkeeper: Really, thank you! I was so focused on myself, I never once thought about what Abel would have wanted.
Stallkeeper: I won't forget that. No matter how bad things get or how much of a mess I am, I'll keep on living the best I can! For Abel!
Vyrn: Hehe! Go for it, old man! Ain't this great, Leona?
Leona: Y-yeah, it is...
Leona: What? You were trying to help me with my sleeping problem?
Cain: Yeah, we thought it'd be a nice change of pace to bring you to the festival.
Cain: Although I guess in the end all we did was put my brother on your mind again... Who would've guessed we'd run into something like this?
Lyria: We were hoping to help you have some fun...
Leona: ...
Leona: Thank you, everyone. I feel like I'll be able to sleep tonight.
Vyrn: Huh? For real?
Leona: Yes. How could I not? I was lucky enough to hear a story of Abel's I didn't know.
Leona: And I really appreciate that you were concerned enough to do all this for me. So I'm feeling plenty relaxed now and ready for rest!
Leona: But the festival isn't over yet, right? I wonder if there's any skewers still left.
Vyrn: Hehe! You're as hungry as ever!
Cain: ...
Leona throws herself into enjoying the festival once more, this time knowing the concerns of her friends.
Watching her have fun, (Captain) and company are able to relax.
However...
Later in the evening, while a few guards stand at attention and the rest of Volkshield Palace falls into quiet slumber, Leona remains awake and alone in her room.
Leona: I'm sorry, everyone.
Despite her friends' worrying, Leona is unable to fall asleep. Guilt eats away at her.
Eventually, she puts on her yukata one more time and leaves her room.
Leona: Sigh...
Leona: Don't you dare blame a dead person for your failure to love yourself!
Leona: We all owe our lives to someone else. The least we can do for them is to treasure people the same way they did, including ourselves!
Leona: Why did I say those things? I don't have any right to—
Vyrn: Hey! There she is. What's up, Leona!
Leona: W-what? What's going on? Why are you all up this late?
Lyria: Hehe. We thought you'd be awake again tonight, so we waited for you here.
Leona: B-but I said that I would be able to sleep...
Vyrn: About that... We had a little talk with Cain while you went off to buy some more skewers.
Cain: Sigh... Such a bad liar. She changed the subject again. Now I know she's not gonna be able to sleep tonight either.
Lyria: I guess Cain saw right through you.
Leona: You're right... You guys really got to see all sorts of bad sides to me today.
Vyrn: Hmm. Why are you having such a hard time sleepin' anyway?
Leona: I keep dreaming of Abel.
Leona: And every time I see him, I think of the country and the brother he left behind, and I just...
Leona: Those feelings build up and pull at me, and after that I can never fall asleep.
- Wake me up if you can't sleep.
- You don't have to be alone.
Choose: Wake me up if you can't sleep.
Choose: You don't have to be alone.Leona: Huh?
Vyrn: Exactly! Just wake us up next time!
Lyria: We probably can't do much to keep you from feeling sad, but...
Vyrn: The least we can do is make sure you're not alone! That's what (Captain) said!
Lyria: Yes! (Captain)'s the one who came to us all and suggested it!
Leona: (Captain), you... Even if we're awake together, there's not much to do at night.
Vyrn: You sure about that?
Cain: Leo, there you are. Guess you really didn't fall asleep after all.
Leona: Cain?
Cain: Oh, nice! You're wearing your yukata! Perfect timing!
Leona: It really has been a while, so I figured I'd wear it a bit more... But wait, why does that matter? And what are you holding?
Cain: Behold! Fireworks, courtesy of a contact of Reinhardtzar's!
Reinhardtzar: He says it like I didn't have to wake up an old comrade-turned-craftsman in the middle of the night.
Cain: Why don't we get started? Actually, now's a good chance for all of us to wear our yukatas. Should we change first?
Leona: H-hold on a minute! We can't just set off loud fireworks this late!
Reinhardtzar: Hmm. Then how about using these instead?
Cain: Oh-ho, sparklers? Yeah, we won't make much of a ruckus with these.
Cain: Whaaat? Mine died again! Why do mine all fizzle out so fast?
Reinhardtzar: Heh. Because you flail around too much when you're excited.
Leona: Hehe, you've got that right.
Leona: (Captain), thank you for today.
Leona: If you keep being so kind to me, I might actually take you up on your offer and wake you up one of these nights.
Vyrn: Go right ahead! (Captain) is serious about it!
Leona: Reinhardtzar, I need to thank you as well.
Reinhardtzar: Me?
Leona: You recognized the stallkeeper before the rest of us, didn't you? And you knew he was somehow related to Abel.
Leona: I saw you look at me and then keep yourself from saying anything. You were being considerate, weren't you?
Reinhardtzar: Who knows...
Leona: Hehe. Thank you.
Leona: Everyone else too... Really, thank you all.
Grateful more than ever for the bonds between them, Leona finds that the night can be peaceful even if she does not sleep.
And then, in the glow of her sparkler's ephemeral light, she catches sight of her most precious person. To him, she quietly conveys her conviction to keep on living.