The Unyielding Lover
After delivering supplies to a summer retreat, Nier learns of a white rose that is said to eternally bind two people. While searching for the rose, Nier is accosted by skirt chasers, who in turn are chased off by Anthuria. She helps Nier pick out her first yukata, and the two strengthen their friendship—as well as their rivalry for (Captain)'s affection.
The crew has been tasked with delivering supplies to a summer retreat.
It's an easy job that they complete with aplomb, so (Captain) and company decide to stick around and relax.
Each crew member heads off to do their own thing, with Nier electing to take a stroll around a nearby lake.
Death: Do yoo not intend to spend time with the others?
Nier: Not right now at least. I want to see if I can find it first.
Client: Yep, it's quite the old wives' tale actually, though some people say it's more creepy than endearing.
Client: We're known for having roses that bloom all year round. However, there's one—and only one—white rose that blossoms once a year.
Client: As the story goes, picking that particular rose and giving it to someone special means the two of you will be together forever.
Nier: So if someone does find that rose, they're allowed to pick it?
Client: Sure. Whoever finds it first may do as they wish with it.
Client: But please don't go uprooting any other roses aside from the white one.
Nier: I want to go look for the white rose. Will you help me, Death?
Death: Koo kee kee! Of course I will! Yoor wish is my command, my beloved.
Nier: Thank you. Okay, let's be on our way.
Given the sheer number of roses growing along the lakeshore, Nier considers it to be the perfect place to begin her hunt, but other hunters are out on the prowl as well.
Skirt Chaser 1: What's up, babe? Lookin' for something? Like, say, a good time?
Nier: ...
Nier: (Not this again. I don't have time to deal with these people.)
Nier: Um, I'm sorry. I have some... business to take care of. I'm not interested in hanging out...
Skirt Chaser 2: Yeah, yeah, that's what they all say. Don't be mean to your heart and deny what it really wants.
Nier tries to brush past the men, but one of them grabs her arm.
Nier: Hey!
Skirt Chaser 1: We didn't say you could leave.
Nier: L-let go of me! I—
Skirt Chaser 2: Don't pretend like you don't like it. Once we get bored, we'll dump you for another toy, and you'll be free to go.
Nier: Of course you will... Because you just can't help yourselves, can you?
Nier: Amoral people like you deserve to be erased. Death, get—
???: Guards! Over here! Two creeps are harassing a woman!
Skirt Chaser 1: ...!
The two men immediately flee from the scene, unleashing a torrent of curses on their way out.
Anthuria: Phew... That could've gotten real messy.
Nier: Anthuria? Where are the guards?
Anthuria: When I saw you were in trouble, I kind of just reacted. Luckily my bluff paid off.
Nier: I see... Thank you.
Nier: (I don't think she noticed that I was about to summon Death.)
Nier: (Death didn't have a chance to draw blood, so there shouldn't be any way for (Captain) to find out about what almost happened and get angry with me.)
Nier: (So it's fine. Everything is... fine.)
Anthuria: More importantly, did they hurt you? I thought I saw one of them grabbing your arm.
Nier: Oh, yeah. One of them did, but don't worry. I'm okay.
Anthuria: That's a relief. It's such a shame that unruly fans and pickup artists can be found anywhere these days.
Nier: Really? Do you deal with those kinds of people a lot?
Anthuria: Yeah, unfortunately. Certain fans take things a step too far, and dealing with them is always a hassle.
Nier: You too, huh? I also seem to attract the wrong sort of attention.
The two crewmates let out a deep sigh of frustration at the same time, which then gives way to giggles.
Anthuria: Hey, here's an idea. Why don't we stick together in case other creeps try their luck? You know, strength in numbers?
Nier: Um...
Anthuria: Oh, unless you already had plans? In that case, I'll—
Nier: Actually, I wouldn't call it "plans" per se... But I was in the middle of looking for a white rose...
Anthuria: Wait, as in the white rose the client mentioned?
Anthuria: I see. Well, I'll join you if you'll have me. Two pairs of eyes are better than one, yes?
Nier: I... I guess I'm fine with that, but are you sure you want to come along?
Anthuria: Sure as sure can be. I was hoping for a chat partner anyway. Plus I'm curious about the story myself.
Anthuria: It might help to ask the townsfolk if they know anything else about the rose. Shall we head back real quick?
Nier nods, and they set off for town.
Nier: Practically everyone's wearing a yukata. I just noticed you're wearing one too...
Anthuria: Apparently we arrived in the middle of a festival, so I figured I'd dress for the occasion.
Anthuria: Besides, it's easy to forget how to put one on if it sits in the closet for too long. I'm glad I got to shake off the rust since everyone's planning on checking out the festivities later.
Anthuria: And I'd never forgive myself for looking anything less than immaculate in front of (Captain).
Anthuria: What about you, Nier? Saving yours for later?
Nier: Um, no... I don't own a yukata. There never seemed to be a good time to wear one.
Anthuria: Well, this is as good of a time as any if you ask me. Wanna go browse?
Nier: Okay... I'll follow you.
After getting directions to a yukata shop, the pair make their way over and step inside.
Anthuria: Ready to strut your stuff?
Nier: Um, almost... Okay, I think I'm ready.
Nier: Did I... do this right?
Anthuria: Eh... Stand up straight, arms slightly up.
Anthuria fidgets with Nier's yukata, correcting her rookie mistakes.
Anthuria: Sash needs to be fastened tighter here... Let's go ahead and close the top so it's less puffy... Voila. Much better.
Anthuria: Now you're looking fantastic. Very cute.
Nier: Th-thank you. Do you think... (Captain) will also tell me I look cute?
Anthuria: ...
Anthuria: Hey, can I ask why you're so eager to find the white rose?
Nier: I guess it's my way of making a wish to the heavens. The truth is I... I like (Captain)...
Anthuria: ...
Nier: I don't want the captain to leave me. I would do anything for (Captain).
Nier: And I mean anything—even sacrifice my entire being. That's how strongly I feel.
Nier: But I'm filled with this anxiety at the same time.
Nier: I fear that (Captain) will one day discard me like those men at the lake planned on doing.
Anthuria: (Captain) would never—
Nier: I know. That's not who (Captain) is. But the notion is stuck in the back of my head.
Anthuria: Which is why you want to bet on that rose.
Nier: Yeah... Whatever will help lessen my insecurity, even if just a little—
Nier: Um, is something wrong, Anthuria? You don't look too happy...
Anthuria: To tell you the truth, I... I also have the hots for (Captain).
Nier: Huh?
Despite it being a warm day, Anthuria's confession casts a chilly pall over the two.
Nier: Are you... going to take (Captain) away from me?
Anthuria: At the end of the day, it's (Captain)'s call. Not that I expect anyone to outduel me for the captain's affection.
Anthuria: If you must know, (Captain) and I have already... s-spent the night together, so...
Nier: Gasp! Y-you have?
Nier: B-but I've also spent a night with (Captain)... I even showed off a side of me no one has ever seen...
Anthuria: You what?
Another heavy silence ensues. Then without warning, Nier cracks an awkward smile.
Nier: Haha, it's like we're two rivals competing for love in some kind of romance novel.
Anthuria: Yeah, we sort of are when you put it that way. Then let's take a page from that book and promise to keep this a fair competition.
Anthuria: And whomever (Captain) ultimately picks, we'll respect that decision. Agreed?
Anthuria: Because I just want to see that (Captain) is happy.
Nier: Sure, sounds good to me. But I doubt anyone loves (Captain) as much as I do.
Nier: Not you or anyone else.
Anthuria: That's my line. You'll see how much I l-love (Captain) too.
Nier: Erm... Your face just became super red...
Anthuria: I-it doesn't matter! L-let's just decide on where to go next!
Nier: Huh? You still want to hang out with me even after making our wager?
Anthuria: Why not? It's true we're rivals in love, but we're still crewmates... and friends, aren't we?
Nier: Friends?
Anthuria: Or... not? Maybe I was just hoping that'd be the case.
Nier: N-no, I didn't mean it that way... I just wasn't expecting it...
Nier: I never had friends growing up because of my family.
Nier: The only people who have ever spent quality time with me are (Captain) and a few others in the crew, so I'm really glad to hear you say that.
Nier can't hold back her grateful tears any longer and soon her cheeks are wet.
Anthuria quietly strokes Nier's head to help calm her down.
Anthuria: I'll wait for you outside, okay?
Death: What would yoo like me to do, my beloved? Will she be a problem?
Nier: No, Death. Anthuria is my precious friend who recognizes me as an equal.
Nier: What's more, I won't do anything that will cause (Captain) grief. So no.
Death: Very well.
Nier: Death... Ever since we started traveling with (Captain), our world has really changed.
Nier: I never thought I could make any friends, let alone a fellow challenger for someone's feelings. It's like I'm living in a storybook...
Nier: And honestly? I think I like it.
Death studies her pactbearer. She's proud of this version of Nier, who seems to have found a new confident voice.
You Belong with Me
The next day, Nier enjoys eating and shopping with (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn at the town festival. She sets her sights on a ring that can be won from a festival game, but both she and Death fail the challenge. (Captain) is able to win it for Nier, and as a favor, slips it on her finger, much to the Erune's delight.
With plenty of free time to spend, the crew books this day to partake in the town's festival.
Vyrn: Oh yeah, where'd you go yesterday, Nier? We didn't see you at all.
Nier: Um... Do you remember the story the client told us about the white rose? Well, Anthuria and I went searching for it.
Vyrn: Teamed up with Fire Girl, huh? Now there's a combo ya don't see every day.
Nier: She chased away some guys who tried to hit on me. And after that...
Lyria: After that you found the rose?
Nier: No, even with Anthuria and Death helping out, I couldn't find it.
Vyrn: Yeah, this retreat has a ton of ground to cover.
Lyria: By the way, I noticed you're wearing a yukata today, Nier!
Nier: Uh-huh. Anthuria picked it out for me. Do I... look good?
- Definitely. Fits you to a tee.
Choose: Definitely. Fits you to a tee.Lyria: I agree! Pink is totally your color, and the pretty rose pattern looks so good on you!
Nier: Oh no, I don't think I can handle that much praise... but thank you.
(Captain) and the others can't help but beam upon seeing the grin on Nier's face.
From that point on the crew hop from stall to stall, with everyone buying whatever food or souvenirs that suits their fancy.
Nier stares intently at a white-colored drink that (Captain) has purchased.
Nier: What is that?
Lyria: It's called amazake! It's sweet and made from fermented rice. You've never had it before?
Nier: No... At least I don't think I have.
- Would you like a sip?
Choose: Would you like a sip?Nier: Really? If it's all right with you, then don't mind if I do...
Nier brings the cup gingerly to her lips and samples the beverage.
Nier: It tastes... interesting.
She returns the cup to (Captain), her expression unreadable.
The captain chuckles and proceeds to take a sip too.
Nier: U-um, (Captain)? That's where I...
Lyria: What is it, Nier? Your face is turning red...
Nier: N-never mind. It's nothing.
Nier: ((Captain)'s lips touched where my lips touched... It's not exactly the same, but a kiss is a kiss.)
Nier: (But the fact that (Captain) didn't notice kind of irks me...)
Lyria: Ooh, briny-bites! Let's get some!
Nier: Aren't those dango?
Vyrn: Hm. Never heard of amazake or briny-bites? You don't go to a lot of festivals and such, do ya?
Nier: A-actually, quite a few people have taken me to festivals.
Nier: They bought things for me with the expectation of getting something in return.
Nier: But this is completely different. It's my first time sampling festival food as part of a group rather than as someone being taken along for the ride.
Having previously learned about Nier's past, the crew understands why she feels the way she does.
Vyrn: Okey dokey. Today we're gonna show you the ins and outs of festival-going.
Vyrn: Starting with the food. Here, try a briny-bite.
Nier jabs a briny-bite with a toothpick and pops the whole treat into her mouth.
Lyria: Oh no! Not all at once! You're supposed to—
Nier: Aaaah! H-h-hot!
Death: Are yoo all right, my beloved!
Nier: Hwawah! Adah! Watah!
(Captain) immediately thrusts a bottle of water into Nier's shaking hands.
Nier: Glug... glug... Aah... Th-thank you, (Captain).
Death: My beloved...
Nier: Don't worry. The inside of my mouth is kind of numb, but I'm otherwise fine.
Lyria: I'm so sorry, Nier. I should've told you everything before you started eating.
Lyria: The inside of a briny-bite can be incredibly hot, so it's best to let it cool off a little first.
Nier: So it seems...
Vyrn: I mean, eatin' anything that's pipin' hot is a good way to melt your mouth.
(Captain) carefully picks out a briny-bite that isn't steaming and holds it in front of Nier's mouth.
- Say "ah."
Choose: Say "ah."Nier: Er... S-surely I can eat it on my own?
Vyrn: Ya better scarf it down before it slides off the toothpick.
Nier: O-okay. Ah...
Lyria: How was it?
Nier: I'd say it's... delicious.
Nier: (Hm... I don't get it. I wasn't this self-conscious when (Captain) fed me that time I was sick...)
Nier: (Wait a minute... I just realized I drank from (Captain)'s water bottle too.)
Lyria: Nier, your cheeks are flushing red again. Did you burn your mouth a second time?
Nier: N-no, I didn't. Please just... ignore me...
Nier: (I guess I've... finally realized how much I like (Captain)...)
Death: Say "ah," my beloved.
Nier: Th-that's not necessary, Death.
Death: But I wish to feed yoo too... Can I not?
Nier: W-well... If you insist. Ah...
Death: Is it delectable?
Nier: Yes, very much so, because it came from you, Death.
Death: Koo kee kee kee! What joy! I am happy to have served my beloved!
Vyrn: Boy, those two always get along great.
Lyria: Yeah. It's super easy to see how much they care for each other.
Nier: Of course we do. That's because Death is... very dear to me.
Nier: Candy carving? What's that?
Vendor: See the shape that's partially etched into the square piece of candy? You wanna cut along its outline with this pick.
Vendor: If you can carve the entire shape out without cracking it, you win a prize.
Nier: I see... Oh!
As Nier scans the row of prizes, her eyes stop on one item in particular.
Vyrn: See somethin' you like?
Nier: Y-yes. Do any of you mind if I give this game a try?
In fact, everyone decides to give it a go.
Lyria: Phooey. Mine cracked.
Vyrn: Ditto.
Nier: ...
Lyria: You're almost there—
Nier: Oh...
Vyrn: Aww, you were so close. That sucks.
Nier's dejection only lasts briefly before she gets an idea.
Nier: Death.
Death: Yes, my beloved?
Nier: Will you try this for me?
Vyrn: Pretty sure that's not what Death is for...
Lyria: Ahaha... She must really want that prize.
The primal beast listens intently as Nier explains the rules of the activity.
Death: As yoo wish, my beloved.
Death gets to carving, though not with the provided pick but with the primal's own scythe.
Lyria: Wow! Even with such a big blade, Death is making short work of that complicated shape.
Vyrn: So far so good.
Nier: You can do it, Death!
Death: ...!
I mustn't fail my beloved's expectations.
But perhaps due to the pressure Death may have felt, she makes a fatal mistake on the final stretch.
Death: Aaaah! Forgive me, my beloved! Please forgive me!
Nier: It's okay, Death. I couldn't do it either.
Vyrn: Hey, (Captain), what're you up to? You haven't said a word yet, buddy.
They turn around to see that the captain is hyperfocused on the task at hand and has completely tuned out the rest of the world.
With a hand as unwavering as their resolve, (Captain) makes the final cut, successfully freeing the intact shape from its mold.
Vendor: We have a winner! Congratulations. Now which prize would you like?
Without hesitation (Captain) selects a ring, the very one Nier had been eyeing, and presents it to her.
Nier: (Captain)? What are you doing?
- It's what you wanted, right?
Choose: It's what you wanted, right?Nier: Y-yes, but... can I really have this?
No matter how many times (Captain) nods, Nier still can't believe her good fortune.
Finally she accepts the ring and squeezes it tightly in her palm.
Nier: Thank you, (Captain). Can I... be greedy and ask for just one more favor?
Nier: Will you... Will you put the ring on my finger? Actually, maybe that's crossing the line...
Despite her own doubts, Nier glances at (Captain) with hopeful eyes.
(Captain) chuckles and slides the ring onto Nier's left index finger.
Nier: ...
The Erune raises her hand to the sky, admiring the small band as it glints in the sun. She has never looked happier in her life.
You Belong with Me: Scene 2
When Nier loses the crew in the crowd, she begins to panic. While Death is off searching for them, a skirt chaser from the previous day bumps into Nier, knocking her ring out of her hand. The man grabs the ring and runs off, with Nier giving chase.
(Captain) and company continue to make the most of their festival visit. But as the day wears on and visitors steadily increase, the jostling throng starts to get overwhelming.
Nier: This crowd is ridiculous, (Captain)...
Hm? (Captain)?
Hearing no response from the captain, Nier turns to where her fellow crewmates should be but aren't.
She yells out their names, but her voice is drowned out by the cacophony of the festival.
Nier: I can't believe we got separated... This can't be happening...
Nier: ...
Nier: I have to find them.
She forces herself to suppress the sense of dread welling in the pit of her stomach and dives into the sea of people.
Nier: Huff... Huff... Where are you, (Captain)?
Nier looks everywhere, but she can't find any signs of the crew.
Faced with grim reality, a dejected Nier sinks to the ground and trembles.
Death: Are yoo all right, my beloved?
Nier: ...
Nier: (I was abandoned like this before, many years ago.)
Nier: (They said they were tired of me. Those words still ring in my ears...)
Nier: (Has the crew grown tired of me too?)
Nier: (No, they wouldn't just toss me aside. They promised me they wouldn't.)
Nier: (They said they'd be with me forever...)
Nier: (They haven't abandoned me. They haven't... abandoned me. So why do I feel sick to my stomach?)
Nier slides (Captain)'s ring off her finger and clutches it to her chest.
Nier: Tell me it'll be okay, Death. Tell me the others haven't rejected me.
Death: They have not, my beloved. They promised me they would be with yoo always. They know the consequence for breaking that promise—a pitiless execution by scythe.
Death: That is why yoo have nothing to worry about.
Nier: Yeah... You're probably right. Thank you, Death.
Death: I will go search for them. Please rest here, my beloved.
Death: Should anything happen to yoo, call my name, and I will come at once.
The primal beast disperses into a black haze and soars off into the sky.
Nier: (I'll have to make it up to Death later for being such a nuisance.)
Nier: ...
Nier: (Death asked me to wait here and rest... But what if...)
A chilling, disturbing thought begins to worm its way into her mind, causing Nier to furiously shake her head.
Nier: Sitting around doing nothing is a bad idea that will only lead to more ugly thoughts. I have to get out there and search too.
Nier: Oops. I'm sorry—
A man rushing by bumps into Nier, knocking the ring from her hand.
Skirt Chaser 2: Hey, watch where you're—
Skirt Chaser 2: Wait, I know you! Well, well, well... Yoink!
The man snatches up the ring and escapes into the massive gathering of festival revelers.
Nier: Hey! That's mine! Give it back!
Nier immediately runs after the man, disappearing into the crowd herself.
You Belong with Me: Scene 3
The ring thief and his cohorts have lured Nier into a trap. When the ring gets tossed into a field of withered roses, an enraged Nier summons Death to punish the men mercilessly but nonlethally. Once (Captain) and company finally catch up to her, she rejuvenates the rose field, which exposes her lost ring, as well as a double-headed white rose. She gives one rose to Death and the other to (Captain).
Nier somehow manages to stay on the heels of the man who stole her ring.
Chasing the thief to an open field, she hasn't yet realized the trap she's been lured into.
Nier: Huff... Huff... Give me back my ring! It means a lot to me, and—
Nier: Huh? You're the same guys from before...
Skirt Chaser 2: Couldn't get our handsome faces outta your head, huh? It killed us that we didn't get to play last time.
Skirt Chaser 3: Damn, this the shy little bunny that got away? Helluva score.
Skirt Chaser 2: I tried tellin' you, man. Somethin' about her's got me buzzin'.
The men laugh at their own tasteless banter and close in on Nier.
Nier: Stay where you are! And give me back my ring!
Skirt Chaser 2: What, this cheap thing? Sure, you can have it back—fetch!
The man turns away from Nier and chucks the trinket.
It quickly vanishes into the night, presumably landing somewhere in the distance.
Nier: Noooo!
Stricken with despair, Nier's legs give out, and her anguished face becomes drenched in tears.
Skirt Chaser 1: Ahahaha! Dude! You broke her!
Skirt Chaser 3: Now that's the stuff. I love the taste of agony, and we couldn't start the party without a bit of spice.
Nier: Why...
Skirt Chaser 1: Why what?
Nier: Why did you do such a horrible thing?
Nier: Why did you steal something so precious to me? Why do you... scorn me?
Skirt Chaser 3: Because it's freakin' funny? "Boo-hoo-hoo, my poor feelings, I'm sho shad." Every chick does it, and it's hilarious.
Skirt Chaser 1: We're proud devotees of the one-and-done model. It's the best way to maximize fun.
Skirt Chaser 1: I saw those cute girlfriends you were hanging out with in town. Wouldn't be fair to them if you got to hog us all to yourself.
Nier: ...!
Skirt Chaser 1: But who knows. Maybe if you manage to tire us out on your own, we won't—
Nier: Not only do you treat me as disposable, you intend to destroy everything I've ever cared about.
Nier: Despicable. Absolutely despicable.
Nier: They believe in me. Accept me.
Nier: And anyone who even thinks about hurting my crew deserves to perish. Erase them. Erase them all.
Nier: Death.
Death: How dare yoo bring suffering to my beloved. I will show yoo no mercy...
Skirt Chaser 2: The hell is that thing!
Nier: I'm sorry for interrupting your search for the others, Death. I know you were doing it for my sake.
Death: Fear not, my beloved. I found them, and they are coming as we speak.
Nier: Ah, I see. Then we have to make this quick.
Death: Koo kii, koo kee kee kee. Those who upset my beloved shall vanish from the face of this realm.
Nier: Wait, Death. Don't kill them.
Death: Why not?
Nier: While I'd love to rid the world of these creeps, you said (Captain) and the others are on their way here.
Nier: I'd rather die than make a mistake that would cause them to loathe me.
Nier: Just do your best to cripple them... No, better yet, make sure they'll never be able to do anything awful ever again...
Death: Yes, my beloved.
Soon the choir of crickets humming their nightly song is hushed by shrieks and screams yet unheard by mortal ears.
Nier: Where is that ring...
After exacting judgment on the men, Nier had dropped to her hands and knees to scour the ground for her ring.
- Nier!
Choose: Nier!Nier: (Captain)?
Vyrn: There you are. Boy, ya really had us worried back there—
Vyrn: Whoa, yikes! Your hands are covered in blood!
Lyria: Oh my gosh! Is everything all right? What happened?
Nier: ...
Feeling the eyes of her friends boring into her, Nier breaks down in tears.
Nier: I'm so sorry! Please forgive me! I'll do anything!
Nier: If you're the one to choose my fate, (Captain), then I don't care how you punish me! Just...
Nier: Just don't hate me! Don't get rid of me!
Nier desperately clings to (Captain). As the others untangle her from the captain and try to calm her down, they ask her to explain from the beginning.
Lyria: I'm sorry you had to go through all that...
Vyrn: H-hang on... If these guys ain't movin', and your hands are bloody...
Nier: We didn't kill them—that's the truth. I wouldn't want to jeopardize my relationship with you.
Nier: I got these cuts from digging through the carpet of roses looking for the ring.
Lyria: But I don't see any roses here.
Nier: Everything here is withered now, but I'm pretty sure this used to be a field of roses.
Nier: All these dried-up thorny stalks are kind of a dead giveaway—ouch!
Vyrn: Hey, c'mon! Stop! Don't make the cuts worse!
Nier: I... I need to find that ring... It was a gift from (Captain)...
Lyria: But it's too dark to see anything. Why don't we wait until the sun comes up?
Vyrn: Too bad there's no way to clean up this field to make searching easier.
Nier: Actually... Maybe there is...
The crew watches on in puzzlement as Nier approaches the incapacitated men and places her palms on their sides.
Skirt Chaser 3: Gyaagh!
Skirt Chaser 2: Yaaargh!
Their pained screams grow increasingly anemic as their bodies shrivel up like raisins.
Conversely, Nier's lacerated hands gradually return to their supple form, and the lifeless field blossoms anew.
Vyrn: Nier! What the heck are you doin' to 'em!
Nier: I borrowed some life force from them and the surrounding weeds to rejuvenate the flowers.
Nier: Oh, um, I only bled them enough to ensure they can't harm anyone else. They won't die.
Nier: (Some of their body parts have been... necrosed by Death, but at least they're still alive. That balances it out... right?)
Lyria: Wow, look at that! All the roses and plants are growing back nice and strong.
Nier: That should do it... Hopefully the search will be a little easier on my hands now... Hm? What's that?
A single long stem rose has branched off near the top and germinated two pure white blooms. Hanging from one of its leaflets is a piece of metal that sparkles in the moonlight.
Nier: It's my ring. It was right here. Thank goodness it didn't get scuffed up.
She picks it up and presses it lovingly to her cheek.
Lyria: Hooray! I'm so glad you found it!
Lyria: Hm? Say, isn't this the special rose the client told us about?
Vyrn: Probably. Never occurred to me it could've wilted before ever blooming.
Vyrn: Looks like we got a two-for-one deal.
Lyria: Nature works in mysterious ways I guess.
Nier: Um... Do you think I can... pick them?
Lyria: Sure! The client said it was okay, didn't he?
Lyria: He said whoever finds it first gets to keep it.
(Captain) confirms Lyria's recollection with a nod.
Nier: Great. Okay, Death. Can you split them nice and neatly for me?
Death: Understood.
Death: Will this do, my beloved?
Nier: Yes, thank you. I want you to have this one, Death.
Death: For me?
Nier: The white rose is meant to be given to someone you cherish, so that they'll never leave your side.
Nier: And you're that someone, Death. I never want to be apart from you. So... will you accept it?
Death: Without question, my beloved! I'm so happy! I will be with yoo forever!
Nier: Yep!
Nier: And as for the other rose, I want (Captain) to have it.
(Captain) says okay and takes the rose.
As soon as the stem touches (Captain)'s hand, Nier throws herself forward, wrapping her arms around the captain and squeezing with all her might.
Nier: It's yours now. I will never leave you.
Nier: And you'll always be with me... Forever... and ever... and ever...
The outpouring of Nier's feelings comes from the bottom of her heart.
(Captain) nods along, all smiles.
But (Captain) hasn't caught on to the true implications behind her words, whatever those implications might be.
