Our Style and Our Substance/Story

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Our Style and Our Substance - Opening

Two brides, Lilico and Lamouralla, run away together in the middle of their respective arranged marriages in what comes to be known as the "Double Wedding-Break." Some time afterward, the Grandcypher docks at Port Breeze and Kolulu, following Manamel's advice, decides to take the opportunity to find her own style of fashion.

Perched among blossoming flowers, birds sing of spring's arrival.

On this fine day, a newly married husband and wife are about to take their very first step toward starting a life together.

Priest: You may now kiss the bride.

Groom: ...
Are you ready?

Bride: ...

Under the gaze of the attendees, the bride quietly closes her eyes, when suddenly...

???: Hold it right there, if you please!

Bride: Huh?

???: Whew, that was close... But if you haven't done the kiss yet, then it's no marriage, no foul.

Bride: No marriage, no foul?

Groom: Does marriage count as a foul?

The intruder points dramatically at the bewildered new husband.

???: You there, handsome gentleman! It's not too late to consider taking me instead!

Groom: A-are you talking to me?

Bride: ...
An acquaintance of yours?

Groom: No, not in the slightest...

???: Well, you're in for a treat then! Pick lil' old Lams here and I can assure you that every day will be a blast!

Bride's Father: Who in the blazes are you? And why are you in a wedding dr—

Well-Dressed Man: Hold it right there!

Bride's Father: And who are you?

A man drenched in sweat enters the already chaotic chapel.

Well-Dressed Man: Hrgh... Huff... I'm Lamouralla's, that is to say, that girl's groom.

Well-Dressed Man: What in the skies were you thinking, running away in the middle of our wedding like that! Our parents are livid!

Lamouralla: Well, I've only just met you today...

Lamouralla: And more importantly, I saw a wonderful gentleman at the next chapel over!

Groom: I'm afraid that I'm not interested.

Lamouralla: Goodness gracious! Instant rejection!

Bride: Hehe...

Groom: I think that's the first time I've ever seen you smile, Lilico.

Lilico: My apologies. She just seemed like an amusing person... Striking and colorful, like a fish cake.

Groom: Like a what?

Lamouralla disregards the still-bewildered groom and lets out a dejected sigh.

Lamouralla: Well, if I've been rejected, then I suppose that's that. But since I'm already here...

Lilico's Father: Hey, that's enough! Go back to your own wedding already!

Ignoring the man's objections, Lamouralla walks unhesitatingly up to the altar and reaches her hand out toward Lilico.

Lamouralla: Let's get out of this place, together.

Lilico: Y-you're talking to me?

Lamouralla: Maybe this is none of my business, but... Miss, you aren't in love with that man, are you?

Lilico: ...!

Lamouralla: I'm about to get forced into a marriage I'm not interested in too, you see.

Lamouralla: So, since there's two of us, I was thinking that pulling off a double wedding-break would make for a hellralla entertaining story!

Lilico: Hellralla?

Lilico's Father: Get her out of here already, Lilico! Are you trying to throw away everything I've sacrificed to make this happen?

Lilico: ...

Lilico looks back and forth between her enraged father and Lamouralla's outstretched hand.

Lamouralla's Father: Lamouralla! What in the skies are you—

Lamouralla: Oh, shoot!

Lamouralla: We'd best go, go, go!

Lilico: Whoa!

Lamouralla grabs Lilico's hand and sprints for the exit.

Lamouralla's Father: Bwagh!

Lilico: We kind of just knocked your father over... Are you sure that's all right?

Lamouralla: No, not at all! We should have knocked yours over too!

Lilico: Hehe... You really are amusing.

Lamouralla: Now, let's get going! Off to every corner of the sky, in search of wonderful boys!

Lilico: Oh, I think I'll be passing on that last bit.

Lamouralla: Lams is... freeeee!

Lamouralla's Father: This is a catastrophe! My daughter's ruined her wedding!

Lilico's Father: What a coincidence... So has mine!

Lamouralla's Father: I must catch them, or it will be a stain on the reputation of House Lovemore!

Lilico's Father: Let us work together. House Reyer's ancestral ambition must be achieved!

Sierokarte: ...

Sierokarte: M-my, my, my... This was quite a wedding I happened to attend...

Some time has now passed since the tale of Lamouralla and Lilico's "Double Wedding-Break" shocked the bridal industry.

In a cabin on the Grandcypher, which is currently docked at Port Breeze, someone else is about to receive quite a shock.

Manamel: I'm back.

Kolulu: Ah, welcome home!

Manamel: Gaaah!

Manamel returns to her cabin to unexpectedly be confronted with Kolulu's smiling, ghastly white face.

Manamel is a seventeen-year-old girl who is traveling in search of her long-lost sister. She devotes much of her energy to embodying her own idea of cuteness at all times.

The incident on Ovuque Island put into motion a series of events that will eventually lead her to her sister, but that meeting has not yet come to pass.

Kolulu is an often hungry but always good-natured eleven-year-old girl. She has recently become interested in everything related to fashion.

Manamel: Kolulu, did you use my makeup?

Kolulu: Yes!

Manamel: For goodness' sake! Your skin color is different from mine, so using the same products won't get you anywhere.

Manamel: The line of foundation that I use puts out a lot of color variations, so we should be able to find something that works for you.

Manamel: And you applied it terribly. You have to use a powder puff, especially around your nose and such.

Kolulu: I see! There sure is a lot to learn about makeup!

Showing no concern with the fact that her face is still as white as a sheet, Kolulu starts excitedly writing in her notebook.

Ever since she met Manamel, Kolulu has been filling in this "Dressing-Up Manual" page by page.

Manamel: Remember, Kolulu, there are as many ways to be stylish as there are people in the skies.

Manamel: Everyone has a different base to work with, from their skin tone to their skeletal structure to their ear-type.

Manamel: Looking at what other people are doing is important, but so long as you're trying to copy them, you'll never make it. You have to find your own style of fashion.

Kolulu: I see, I see... My own style of fashion...

Kolulu: Understood! I'll make sure to find it while we're staying on this island!

Kolulu: But first, I need to find something to eat...

Manamel: Hehe... Let's go the mess hall.

Kolulu: Indeed!

Manamel: Kolulu, wait! Your face is still white!

Manamel rushes off to catch Kolulu before someone else sees her.

Ahead of the two girls lie many shocking occurrences and misadventures.

Manamel: Naked ramen?

Manamel will find herself speaking words far from her idea of cuteness.

Kolulu: By boys, you mean... Not girls?

Kolulu will catch a glimpse of a world so alien to her own that she reacts philosophically.

Mahira: How are pasta and ramen different anyway?

Everyone: Wha?

Everyone involved will end up being faced with an even deeper philosophical question.

These two girls are still totally unaware of the unforgettable events that lie before them.

Back to top

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 1: Carbonara and a Naked Pervert - Episode 1

During the "Grand Spruce Up," a period where the Grandcypher is docked at Port Breeze to be renovated and refurbished, the members of the crew are going about spending their time as they please. Kolulu visits the accessory shop where Manamel is working, "Original Horizon," and meets Lamouralla. After a soldier appears and attempts to capture Lamouralla, Kolulu ends up being dragged along as she escapes.

After having a pleasant breakfast and preparing to go into town, (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn are discussing what they'll be doing today.

Vyrn: How 'bout we go look for plates and stuff, then?

Lyria: That's a good idea! Our crew is really big now, so we need to make sure we have enough!

We'll need cabinets to store them in too.

Choose: We'll need cabinets to store them in too.

Vyrn: Yeah, that's true! We'd also better get some of those cloths we put them on to keep them from shaking too much when the ship moves.

The trio is heading into town today not to resupply or look for work, but rather just to shop.

The crew of the Grandcypher is currently docked at Port Breeze, giving them access to one of the most prosperous districts in all the skies.

They intend to stay here for an extended period of time to organize and refurbish the interior of their ship.

The crew refers to this regular event as the "Grand Spruce Up."

As (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn walk down the hall, they come across two crew members.

Mahira: It doesn't look like this heater's broken anywhere. I think it's just worn down.

Chloe: OMG, you're literally amazing! It looks like you're not out of the game yet, Miss Heaty!
ヾ(≧ー≦)ゞ

Mahira is a sixteen-year-old Divine General, the Queen of the Roosters, and an expert on all things mechanical.

Chloe is an enthusiastically talkative sixteen-year-old girl who loves freedom and cuteness.

Lyria: Are you checking the heater in the corridor for us, you two?

Mahira: Yes. I was hoping that I could help out with the spruce up somehow, and it seemed like it needed some work.

Vyrn: Yeah, it's been acting up. Lately I've been shivering every time I have to go to the bathroom at night.

Chloe: I know, right? And it whirrs so loud! Like, what are you, a boar from my village? lol

Mahira: Hmm... It looks like I'll be able to fix this with what I have in stock.

Mahira: Are you okay with me taking this to our room, Chloe? It might end up smelling a bit like oil.

Chloe: No problemo! ☆(*´ω`)b
Actually, do you mind if I help? I wanna bedazzle it up!

Mahira: Cluck... You want to befuddle it?

Chloe: Not befuddle, bedazzle, lolz! I wanna put some pretty decorations on it!

Mahira: I see... I'm afraid I'm not very knowledgeable about that sort of thing.

Vyrn: Oh yeah, you two are sharing a room during the spruce up, aren't you.

Chloe: Yeah! I'm so hyped to be with one of the Divine Generals! They're, like, some of my favorite heroes!

Because some rooms need to be emptied to be inspected during the Grand Spruce Up, many crew members end up sharing their room with other people.

Mahira: Right then, let's carry Miss Heaty back to our room.

Chloe: Roger that! (`・ω・´)ゞ
I'm gonna make you the most adorbz thing ever, Miss Heaty!

Vyrn: Good grief... I get the feeling that they're going to spend more time decorating it than fixing it.

Metera: So what? This whole "Grand Spruce Up" thing is at least half a vacation, isn't it?

Utsusemi: Indeed. Thanks to that, we've been able to get out and make some money in town.

From behind (Captain) walks up Metera, a free-spirited and gaudy twenty-five-year-old genius archer who was born on an island of guardians.

Next to her is Utsusemi, a twenty-four-year-old courtesan who speaks of dreams to her customers throughout the night and represents the Siskin's Perch as their nightflower.

After helping the Grandcypher's crew discharge of a debt they were deceived into taking on, she took leave from her work to travel with them.

Vyrn: Yeah, I guess that's kinda true. Lots of people are just doing whatever they want.

Vyrn: You two have been going out somewhere every night ever since you were roomed together, haven't you? It's not anywhere dangerous, right?

Utsusemi: Hehehe... What a cheeky little lizard, asking ladies about what they're doing at night.

Vyrn: Hey, I'm just worried about—

Kolulu: Ah, good morning, everyone!

Metera: Oh? Are you going somewhere, Kolulu?

Kolulu: Indeed! I'm going to visit the accessory shop where Manamel is working!

Utsusemi: Ah, so she's working in town during the spruce up too, then.

Lyria: Yes, at an accessory shop called "Original Horizon." Sierokarte owns it, doesn't she?

Kolulu: Indeed, I'm going to Ori-Hori! I finished cleaning, so I thought that I would go out to play!

Kolulu: See you all later, everyone!

Metera: Enjoy your day!

Metera: And on that note, I think it's time for us to head out too.

Vyrn: Dodgin' my question, huh... Well, just don't come crying to me if you get in trouble!

Utsusemi: Don't worry about us. We won't be doing anything dangerous.

Metera: Hehe, Vyrn is always so serious and fun to mess with.

Metera & Utsusemi: Got your tail!

Vyrn: Argh, get off me for skies' sake!

Lyria: Haha... Metera and Utsusemi are so in sync!

Kolulu: Ungud, Ungud, Ungud City!

Kolulu: This place sure is filled with fashionable people... I suppose I should've expected no less of the district where Manamel works.

Kolulu hums happily as she walks down the busy street.

This is the Ungud Castle District, one of the most prosperous areas in Port Breeze and a gathering place for fashionable young people.

Though many places in Port Breeze are known for their commerce, none compare to the amount and variety of clothes and accessories that are found here, making it the birthplace of many new trends.

Kolulu: Here it is! The accessory shop, Original Horizon...

Kolulu: Here, I'll be able to find my own style!

Though the three-story store is by no means small, it is so cramped with customers that even moving around is difficult.

Kolulu: Hmm... With so many people around me, finding Manamel may prove difficult.

Kolulu: Oh? This bracelet section isn't very crowded.

Kolulu: Oh? We can try these on? Then I think that I'll see—

As Kolulu reaches out toward the shelf...

The Two: Ah!

She and another customer inadvertently grab the same item at once.

Kolulu: (My, what a fashionable person!)

Lamouralla: You're interested in this accessory?

Kolulu: Ah, no, I... Please, be my guest!

Just as Kolulu is about to let go of the item, a man in armor suddenly calls out to the girl.

???: I've finally found you, Miss Lamouralla!

Lamouralla: Argh, one of my father's men! Why are they here?

Lamouralla: Little ol' Lams has gotta get out of here, I must say!

Kolulu: Whaaah!

The customer, apparently named Lamouralla, runs off with the item still in her hand, dragging Kolulu along with her.

Lovemore Soldier: You're not getting away, Miss Lamouralla!

BF Candidate A: Just leave this to us!

BF Candidate B: Run for it, Lady Lamouralla!

Lamouralla: Oh my! Boys truly are nice to have in a pinch!

Lamouralla: Oh, right, I have to buy this!

Lamouralla: Here's my payment! You can keep the change!

Clerk: Whoa, this is heavy! Is this pouch filled with rupies?

Clerk: Miss, wait!

Disregarding the clerk's plea, Lamouralla bursts out of the front door with Kolulu in tow.

In the same shop, on a different floor—

Distant Scream: Why you... Naked pervert of a woman!

The sound of another raised voice rings out at the same time, but it fails to reach Kolulu's ears.

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 1: Carbonara and a Naked Pervert - Episode 2

Kolulu and Lamouralla enter the cafe "Flip-Flop," where Lamouralla explains that she's a runaway rich girl and thinks of fashion merely as a tool to help her accumulate potential boyfriends. After the two girls bond over their shared culinary preferences, Lamouralla agrees to help Kolulu shop for clothes the next day.

At the accessory shop Original Horizon, Lamouralla and Kolulu had happened to grab the same item simultaneously.

As they spoke, an unfamiliar man suddenly appeared and attempted to capture the young Draph.

Having fled alongside her in the heat of the moment, Kolulu enters a nice cafe with Lamouralla.

Lamouralla: I'm so sorry about that. I didn't mean to get you caught up in my problem...

Kolulu: What was all of that, if I might ask? Who exactly are you being chased by?

Lamouralla: My father has sent his men after me. I'm what you might call a runaway rich girl, I suppose.

Lamouralla: Sigh... I've been managing to hide for a while, but I guess he's finally found me.

Letting out a sigh, Lamouralla spreads the menu out on the table.

Lamouralla: Well, let's put that matter out of our minds and get something in our stomachs!

Lamouralla: Order whatever you'd like! I'll treat you to lunch as an apology for getting you into this mess!

Kolulu: Oh no, I couldn't! Manamel told me that I must never accept food from strangers—

Kolulu: Ah...

Lamouralla: Hehe, at least your stomach is honest. In any case, we're surely at least acquaintances by now!

Lamouralla: This is my favorite cafe, Flip-Flop! Quite the stylish name, don't you think?

Lamouralla: It apparently becomes a bar after nightfall! Once I'm an adult, I'll be able to sit at the counter over there and elegantly sip cocktails!

Lamouralla: Everything on the menu is delicious, but I recommend the carbonara! Oh, do you like carbonara?

Kolulu: Y-yes...

Lamouralla: Then that's what you should get! Ah, excuse me, we're ready to order!

Kolulu: (Her energy is incredible. She's almost as loud as...)

Kolulu briefly thinks about the loud heater set up in a corridor of the Grandcypher.

Lamouralla: In any case, you're quite the fashion lord, aren't you?

After ordering her food, Lamouralla looks at the accessory on the table.

Lamouralla: Truly on the cutting edge to think of using a Draph horn accessory as a bracelet.

Kolulu: Huh? A horn accessory?

Lamouralla: Oh? You hadn't realized?

Kolulu: As much as it pains me to admit, I hadn't... So that's why there weren't many customers in that area.

Kolulu: Sigh... At this rate, I'll never be able to find my own style...

Lamouralla: Your own style? What do you mean by that?

Lamouralla: Fashion is just about doing whatever makes you popular with boys, isn't it?

Kolulu: B-boys?

Kolulu: By boys you mean... Not girls?

Lamouralla: ...
Is that a philosophical question?

Kolulu: I mean, but, well...

Ignoring Kolulu's embarrassment, Lamouralla stands up and spins around on the spot.

Lamouralla: This is my own original "Eating Boys for Breakfast" outfit!

Lamouralla: Sweet, girly, and straightforward! The combination of white and pastel pink makes for an enticing shortcake style!

Kolulu: Shortcake style?

Lamouralla: These fancy frills pull them in, and then the gap between their cuteness and the sexiness of the lace covering my cleavage gets them hooked!

Lamouralla: Every boy I pass is sure to look twice, no, thrice!

Lamouralla: Fashion exists so that you can love and be loved freely!

Kolulu: You use fashion to have romances with boys?

Lamouralla: Those boys who protected me earlier were two of my one hundred potential boyfriends!

Kolulu: O-one hundred?

Kolulu: Surely you're loving a bit too freely!

Lamouralla: Teehee! Well, I do have a number one candidate, for what it's worth.

As Kolulu tries to process what Lamouralla is saying, their meals arrive.

Lamouralla: My, how wonderful it looks! Let's dig in while it's hot!

Kolulu: (She eats boys like she's eating this pasta?)

Kolulu: (Hm... It seems that whatever she's saying is beyond me...)

With a thoughtful expression, Kolulu reaches for the grated cheese, but...

Both: Ah!

Lamouralla: So, you like adding lots of cheese?

Kolulu: A mountain of it, in fact.

Lamouralla: Do you mix it all in? What about the egg?

Kolulu: All mixed in, and the egg too.

Lamouralla: Me too! I'm so with you on that, I must say!

Lamouralla: My father becomes ever so furious, saying that it looks vulgar, but I couldn't care less!

Kolulu: It truly is the best way, isn't it? Mixing it up lets the hot pasta on the bottom melt the cheese perfectly!

Kolulu: And the dish isn't truly done until the egg is mixed into every bit of it!

Lamouralla: Hehe, you've become quite chatty all of a sudden.

Kolulu: Hah, I don't believe that you're one to talk.

Lamouralla: You've got me there!

The two girls pour a huge amount of cheese onto their pasta and bask in the steam as they mix it in.

Kolulu: Ahh, it smells so good...

Lamouralla: Right then...

Both: Time to eat!

Both: Mmhh!

Kolulu: It tastes so good! The cheese and pasta are so pleasant on the tongue and the saltiness of the bacon accents them perfectly!

Lamouralla: And the sharp taste of the black pepper is quite nice too! If it was a boy, he would have a cool, standoffish personality!

Kolulu: I apologize for thinking of a heater earlier.

Lamouralla: What are you talking about?
Um... I'm sorry, your name was...

Kolulu: Kolulu!

Lamouralla: Kolulu! What a wonderful name!

Lamouralla: I'm Lamouralla Lovemore, a free-spirited fifteen-year-old!

Lamouralla: Please feel free to call me Lams!

As the two girls keep talking, they find that they get along splendidly, like pasta and sauce.

After their plates are cleared away, Kolulu looks intently at Lamouralla.

Kolulu: Um... It seems to me that you are much more knowledgeable than I am about fashion.

Kolulu: Would you be willing to show me around the shops here tomorrow?

Lamouralla: My! Well, I do quite like people who will straightforwardly ask me on dates!

Lamouralla: However, I'm afraid I already have plans with one of my potential boyfriends tomo—

BF Candidate A: Lady Lamouralla, I'm so sorry! Could we reschedule our date tomorrow for another day?

Lamouralla: My!

BF Candidate A: We dealt with your pursuer without a problem, but he managed to get a blow in on me and it will take me a few days to heal.

Lamouralla: Oh no! Let me take you to the hospital right away!

BF Candidate A: No, there's no need for that! Why don't you take this chance to go out with your new friend?

BF Candidate A: Right then, see you later! I like to go on dates in town too, so come see me sometime!

After watching the man leave, Lamouralla turns back with a bashful grin.

Lamouralla: Well... Would you mind if I go shopping with you tomorrow after all?

Kolulu: Not at all! I would be happy to have one so wise in the ways of fashion at my side!

Lamouralla: Hehe, I suppose this kind of thing could be nice once in a whi—

Lamouralla: Wait, look at the time! I'm sorry, I have a date with my number one candidate!

Lamouralla: See you tomorrow!

Kolulu: L-Lams? What about this horn accesso—

Lamouralla: It's yours!

Lamouralla pays for their meals and dashes out of the door.

Kolulu isn't able to react quickly enough to do anything but watch her disappear.

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 1: Carbonara and a Naked Pervert - Episode 3

Some days before Kolulu and Lamouralla first meet, Manamel has begun working for Original Horizon at Sierokarte's request. There she unknowingly meets the chain's district manager, Lilico, and gets into a fierce argument with her over their respective outfits. Sierokarte breaks their fight up and suggests that Lilico work at the New Ungud branch for a while as Manamel's mentor.

At the same time that Lamouralla was rushing out of the accessory shop, Original Horizon, with Kolulu in tow...

Manamel: Why you... Naked pervert of a woman!

Manamel had been letting out a furious yell.

To see what led to such an outburst, one must look a little farther back into the past.

Customer: Thank you so much! I never would have been able to pick such cute earrings without your help!

Manamel: Hehe, I'm glad that you like them. I'm sure that your boyfriend will praise them on your date tomorrow.

Customer: Will he really notice, though? I feel like this kind of thing is mostly for our own satisfaction...

Manamel: And that's why he'll notice! If your girlfriend seems cheerful, you'd look to see if something's different, wouldn't you?

Customer: Hehe, you might be right. I'll make sure to display a bit of self-confidence, then!

Manamel: Go get 'em, girl! Thank you for shopping with us!

Shopkeep: You only just started working here, and you're already our best-known employee, Manamel!

Manamel: Am I? I'm not doing anything particularly impressive.

Clerk: In what way? You determined her ear type and level of fur to figure out the best type of earring for her, and so quickly too...

Manamel: She was an Erune like I am, after all. I still need to learn more about how to help Draph and Harvin customers...

Manamel: Since I'm working at such a large shop that has dedicated spaces for Humans, Harvins, Draphs, and Erunes, it would be a waste to not be able to make use of that.

Shopkeep: You sure are raring to learn, huh... It makes me sad that you'll have to go back to your crew eventually.

Clerk: I know, right? Okay, I'm going to give it my all too!

Shopkeep: (As expected of Siero... What an incredible talent to identify in a skyfarer.)

Shopkeep: I was quite surprised when she brought Manamel here for the first time...

Sierokarte: And on that note, this is Manamel, who will be working here at Ori-Hori's Ungud branch starting today!

Manamel: Wha—(Captain)? This is the first I'm hearing of this?

Siero was very insistent...
I'll buy you something to drink later.

Choose: Siero was very insistent...
Choose: I'll buy you something to drink later.

Manamel: I can't work in a shop! I'm a stubborn, solo-flying girl! Do you think that I'm going to be able to put up with customers?

Sierokarte: Oh yes, there's not a doubt in my mind!

Sierokarte: This is our flagship store, situated in the hotbed of fashion, the Ungud Castle District...

Sierokarte: I've been hoping for quite a while to enlist your knowledge of fashion here, Manamel!

Manamel: I mean, I appreciate your confidence in me, but I have to look for my sister-boo.

Sierokarte: It will only be for as long as you're docked here. We'll pay you well, and you'll be able to buy everything in the store at half-price!

Manamel: I make a point of buying whatever I decide I want regardless of the price!

Sierokarte: Hehehe... That attitude just makes me want you here even more...

Sierokarte: How about you just try working for one day? Then you can decide what to do from there yourself.

Manamel: For goodness' sake! All right, but it'll be one day and that's it!

Shopkeep: (Thank goodness she ended up taking a liking to this place...)

As the shopkeeper nods to himself with a smile on his face...

Shopkeep: Hm? Could that be...

Manamel: That customer is looking around like she's searching for something...

Manamel: I'll go talk to her!

Shopkeep: Ah, Manamel, wait a mo—

Manamel: Welcome. Are you looking for something?

Lilico: ...

Manamel: U-uhm... Is there something on my face?

Lilico: Your outfit is... Yes, that's definitely a bit too flamboyant.

Manamel: ...
Excuse me?

Lilico: It's true that we let our staff wear whatever they want for the most part, but we need to keep some semblance of a unified brand image.

Lilico: If one staff member stands out too much, it could have a negative effect on the whole company. Could I ask you to tone it down a bit?

Manamel: (Excuse me? Who does she think she is, complaining about my super cute outfit all of a sudden?)

Manamel: (She was talking about the company, so maybe she works at a different branch?)

After thinking for a bit, Manamel decides to push back.

Manamel: If you weren't aware, many people here in Ungud are fans of unique fashion.

Manamel: I don't know how things are where you work, but this level of fashion is best for the customers around here.

Lilico: Hold on, local trends are something you consider for things like choosing what product to put on the shelves.

Lilico: It's common sense to standardize your customer service across all ar—

Manamel: Oh don't be silly, are you telling me we should lower the level of our service when we already know how to do things around here?

Manamel: You need to start thinking more flexibly. What are you, midwinter hair wax?

Lilico: Wha—

Lilico: No, you've just become so flexible that your brain's turned to mush! Like the lard they use in ramen at Gorimatsu!

Manamel: I'm... Wait, what?

As the two get more and more agitated, their faces get so close that they can feel each other's breath as they yell.

Lilico: Our selling point is our wide variety of items! If we let our staff walk around in crazy outfits, then we could have people feeling like it's difficult to shop here!

Lilico: And honestly, you don't even look like you work here! How is someone supposed to walk up to you and start asking questions?

Manamel: Well, what about you? Do you dress like that in front of the customers?

Lilico: Huh? Well, I suppose I'd wear something like this if I worked the floor.

Manamel: Oh? So you're helping them pick out clothes while naked, then?

Lilico: What? In what way am I naked?

Manamel: You seem to think that I'm expressing myself too much, but your clothes are expressing nothing!

Lilico: ...!

Manamel: You've assembled an outfit made entirely of items from DFVZ, which is a pretty popular high fashion brand these days, and that makes you look pretty chic at a glance...

Manamel: But everything you've picked is just as safe as could be, and it doesn't even look like you're flaunting your wealth.

Manamel: Walking around in a dry, flavorless outfit like that is no different from being naked!

Lilico: What's wrong with being safe? Clothes don't need to express anything in the first place!

Manamel: Did you never take any history lessons? Fashion has always existed to distinguish yourself from others, like by having people of different classes wear different colors!

Manamel: If the designers of those clothes saw you turning their individualist high-brand pieces into such a mass-produced mess, they'd create an ocean with their tears!

Lilico: Well, that sounds like a great place to swim naked to me! Whereas you would probably get weighed down by all your style and self-expression and drown!

Lilico: No matter how much you dress it up, fashion is just a bunch of cloth, powder, and metal in the end, understand?

Lilico: I don't know what you want to protect, but you're trying way too hard!

Manamel: Wha—

Manamel: Why you... Naked pervert of a woman!

Lilico: Over-dressed, over-decorated woman! Caked-up little dolly!

As their argument starts to cause a disturbance, the shopkeeper pushes his way through the crowd toward them.

Shopkeep: Um, could you two please calm...

Manamel & Lilico: But she...

Sierokarte: You two... You know we're in front of customers, right?

Manamel: Siero! This stubborn clerk is—

Sierokarte: This is Lilico, your district manager.

Manamel: Huh?

Lilico: Yes, I'm in charge of all the branches around here. Oh, did you not know that?

Sierokarte: Lilico? What exactly are you acting smug for?

Sierokarte: Do I need to remind you again that we're in front of customers?

Both: Eep!

Realizing how mad Sierokarte is, the two meekly follow her into the break room.

A little while later, all the staff members gather in the break room and stand before Sierokarte and Lilico.

Lilico: I'm your district manager, Lilico. It's good to meet you all.

Clerk: Wow! Miss Lilico is so cool!

Manamel: Huh? In what way?

Clerk: She's one of the biggest stars in our company, don't you know? She was vital in the opening of several of our newest locations. And on top of that, she's really kind and has a level-headed personality.

Lilico: No talking during the meeting, please.

Clerk: Yes ma'am!

Sierokarte: I came here today with Lilico to see how this branch is doing, and it seems like business is booming!

Shopkeep: Yes, indeed. Manamel has been a huge help.

Lilico: However, from the perspective of the company as a whole, I feel that her actions here are concerning.

Manamel: Grr...

Seeing the two start to stare each other down again, Sierokarte steps forward with a gentle smile.

Sierokarte: Hmm... All right, I understand where you're coming from, Lilico.

Sierokarte: In that case, how about we have you work here for a while as Manamel's mentor?

Lilico: M-me? But I don't have that much experience on the floor...

Sierokarte: There are some things that you'll never learn from working behind the scenes, you know?

Manamel: Hah, that's certainly true! I'll teach you everything you need to know about fashion!

Lilico: You do realize that I'm the mentor here right, Manamel?

Sierokarte: Hehe... Well then, shopkeeper, I'm leaving them in your hands!

Shopkeep: I think I feel an ulcer coming on...

Both: ...!

Despite their different philosophies on fashion, Manamel and Lilico now have to work together.

Who can say what will become of their conflict, or of the shopkeeper's developing ulcer?

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 1: Carbonara and a Naked Pervert - Episode 4

That night, Kolulu and Manamel return to the cabin that they're sharing and exclaim opposing feelings about how their respective days went. In order to relieve stress, Manamel brings out a whole cake to eat with Kolulu. At the same time, Lamouralla and Lilico have also returned to the home they share and are enjoying speaking of how their respective days went. However, their fathers are also lurking nearby, engaging in a dark conspiracy.

That night, Manamel and Kolulu are in their room, preparing to sleep.

Kolulu: That was a great day!

Manamel: That was an awful day!

Kolulu looks at Manamel, who is striking strange poses while laying on a mat she's placed on the floor.

Kolulu: Uhm... You're imitating a fish about to be gutted, right?

Manamel: ...
I'm not imitating anything. I'm just stretching before I go to bed.

Manamel: High-quality sleep is vital for cuteness, so I have a routine to help me relax before bedtime.

Manamel: And unlike most things, I can't just let Vega take care of this.

Vegalta: ...

Manamel's dagger, Vegalta, is quietly making her bed.

Kolulu: I always go to bed first, so I never noticed...

Kolulu: But you've wet your hair, spread mud all over yourself, affixed a soft, green mask to your face, heated some oil, put on strange socks...

Kolulu: And now you're exercising. Exactly how many steps do you have to take before you sleep?

Manamel: You're talking about my hair oil, clay pack, medicinal face pack, aroma oil, and compression socks, right?

Manamel: I also have Vega replicate the sound of water flowing to help me fall asleep easily.

Kolulu: My word! You sure are thorough!

Manamel: Staying cute all the time requires a decidedly un-cute amount of effort.

Kolulu: Wise words as always, Manamel! I should write that down in my notebook!

Manamel: ...

As Kolulu looks on her with admiration, Manamel casts her eyes down.

Lilico: I don't know what you want to protect, but you're trying way too hard!

Manamel: ...
What's so wrong with trying hard?

Kolulu: Did you say something, Manamel?

Manamel: No, nothing.

Manamel: ...
I was thinking of doing some special self-care tonight. Would you join me, Kolulu?

Kolulu: I'm not sure what that means, but I'd be happy to help however I can!

Manamel: Good!

Manamel grins as Vegalta brings out a large box.

Manamel: Tada! It's the chocolate cake that's been the talk of Ungud lately! I bought one whole!

Kolulu: My! Its aroma is so sweet!

Kolulu: But are we going to eat it this late? Is that not said to affect your skin?

Manamel: Beauty's most dangerous enemy isn't calories, it's stress!

Manamel: Let's eat this together, Kolulu! The best way to deal with anger is to binge on sweets!

Kolulu: Thank you for this food!

Manamel: Wai—Hold on, I wanted to take the first bite!

Not bothering to cut the cake into slices, the two girls start eating from it directly with forks and Vegalta.

As they go through the sizable confection at an impressive pace, they tell each other what their respective days had been like.

On that same night, Lilico has finished work and returned home.

Lamouralla: Welcome home, Lilico!

Lilico: I'm back.

Lamouralla: Oh my, are you tired? Shall I give you a shoulder massage?

Lilico: Hmm... I think I'll actually take you up on that.

Lilico collapses into a chair and Lamouralla begins her massage.

Lamouralla: I didn't think you would actually accept. You must truly be tired.

Lilico: You said it... I want to crawl into bed right this instant...

Lamouralla: You can't do that! You need to remove your makeup and take a bath!

Lilico: Yeah, I bet that's what that girl's doing right now... I imagine she's set up a crazy excessive night routine for herself. Heck, she might even be doing stretches...

Lamouralla: I don't know who you're talking about, but there's nothing excessive about removing your makeup.

Lilico: I mean, it's just a pain, isn't it?

Lilico: Makeup is just about being up to par, right? Using it is considered default, so if you don't, people will look down on you.

Lilico: I mean, I get that I work in the fashion industry, so obviously I have to put some effort in.

Lilico: But I don't know why I should be expected to "express myself" through something I'm only doing to fit in to society.

Lamouralla: You never show any interest at all in either boys or fashion, after all.

Lilico: Yeah. The only reason I work with accessories is that it seemed profitable.

Lilico: Oh yeah, that's the spot...

Lamouralla: That's Lams' patented pressure point! All the boys love it!

Lilico: How are things going with that number one potential boyfriend of yours?

Lamouralla: Wonderfully, of course! This morning I was shopping in preparation for our date...

Lamouralla: Then I met one of my father's men, as well as a girl...

Lilico: One of your father's men! And a girl?

Lilico: All right, it's my turn to massage. How about you go into a bit more detail?

And so, Lamouralla and Lilico, like their new acquaintances on the Grandcypher, talk late into the night.

In yet another part of Ungud on that same night, the hustle and bustle of the daytime has disappeared, leaving only three adults to disturb the silence of night...

Lilico's Father: So you're saying that you haven't seen our daughters, Sierokarte?

Sierokarte: Well, things have been quite hectic these days... I can't really say one way or the other.

Lamouralla's Father: I believe that House Lovemore has cultivated an excellent relationship with you and your associates. We considered you close enough to invite to our daughter's wedding, after all.

Sierokarte: Indeed, you have! I assure you that I would very much like to continue doing business with your family!

Lilico's Father: ...

Lamouralla's Father: Hmm... One of my men had reported seeing her around here, but...

Lilico's Father: You can trust your man, Mr. Lovemore. Sierokarte is lying.

Lamouralla's Father: What?

Lilico's Father: I can tell. We're both merchants after all, even if I can't claim to be of her caliber.

Lamouralla's Father: Then you'll be wanting to advance that project? I can provide you with all of the support that you need, but...

Lilico's Father: Just leave it to me. Sierokarte is a tough nut to crack, so we'll need extraordinary means to oppose her.

Lilico's Father: (If I can only complete the Archipelago Annihiloid, then surely...)

The disturbing conversation between the two daughter-bereft fathers fades unheard into the night.

Back to top

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 2: Salt for Fried Eggs - Episode 1

Mahira and Chloe, who are also sharing a cabin during the spruce up, end up discussing fashion while repairing one of the ship's heaters. Mahira has historically shown little interest in such things, but Chloe's explanations pique her interest and she agrees to go looking at clothes and accessories with her. After making their way to the Original Horizon Manamel works at, they bump into Kolulu and Lamouralla.

The next morning...

Chloe: Mmhh... Yawn...

Mahira: Ah, good morning, Chloe.

Chloe: Up already, Mahipi? (っ ̯ -｡)
What're you doing on the floor?

Mahira: I was making some schematics for Miss Heaty. I thought that I could add some functions while I was doing these repairs.

Chloe looks at the schematics while still rubbing her eyes.

Chloe: OMG, you put little eyes on it! Like, cuteness overload much?
(*´∀｀)

Mahira: I thought it might be a good idea to add the same type of expression panel that Joy has so it can visually confirm the temperature.

Chloe: You're such a go-getter, Mahipi! As the Head Decorator, I'd better make sure I don't fall behind!

A fire lit in her heart, Chloe takes some decorations from a box and places them on the diagram.

Chloe: How's this look! I went for a kind of cutesy style!
(･`ω´･)

Mahira: Wow! They're a bit gaudy, but it all works well together, somehow.

Chloe: Yeah, it's kind of like putting together outfits! You just gotta be conscious of how you use colors and not skimp on the final touches!

Mahira: Fashion, huh... I'm afraid I don't know much about it.

Chloe: For real? (･ω･`)
Not too big on clothes and stuff?

Mahira: I'm pretty lazy about them, yes. The whole concept just seems like it exists in a different world from me and my machines.

Mahira: Even this priestess outfit is just something that I happened to have at hand when I lived at the Rooster Temple, so it doesn't really count as fashion.

Chloe: Hold up there, Mahipi! That's not true at all!

Mahira: Cluck?

Chloe smiles and starts explaining.

Chloe: The Divine Generals' outfits were supposedly all the same way back when.

Chloe: But people thought it would be way more rad if you could see each temple's character through their outfit, so bit by bit they got changed.

Chloe: The way that outfit contrasts white and scarlet with each other and accentuates it all with those feathers is, like, totes fabulicious!
(≧ω≦)

Mahira: You don't say... You sure do know a lot about it, Chloe.

Chloe: Hehe, it's one of my fav hero's outfits, after all. ☆

Chloe: Moreover, little items and stuff based on the Divine Generals' outfits start trending all the time.

Chloe: Dressing in folklore style is actually wicked fashionable!

Mahira starts examining her own clothes in the same way that she was examining the schematics earlier.

Mahira: What an interesting thing to think about. I had no idea that this outfit I'm always wearing could be considered stylish.

Chloe: I know, right? (*´艸`)
No matter how little someone cares about clothes, they still wear them just like everyone else, right?

Chloe: No matter how lazy you are about it, we're all riding the waves of fashion!

Chloe: Well, I'm just repeating what Korwa said to me, lolz.

Mahira: ...

Mahira: What do you think of this outfit? It's kind of just thrown together, but I wear it pretty often because it's comfortable.

Chloe: Ohmygod, are my fave hero's visuals OP or what?

Chloe: You for real just threw that together? I'm, like, pretty sure that you're a literal genius, Mahipi!
(*´Д｀)

Chloe: The gap between the rich, warm impression that its brown color gives and the cuteness of the collar and sleeves is totes adorbz!

Chloe: The accents on the skirt are super cute, and the way you used layers in the whole thing is amazing too!

Chloe: And that's not even mentioning those socks! They're so bueno that your cuteness is already flying through the cosmos. lol

Chloe: Like, you've got your charm overflowing like miso broth that's boiling over!

Mahira: S-surely that's going too far? I'm starting to feel a bit embarrassed.

Chloe: One-piece dresses are simple, so you can find them throughout history...

Chloe: But the minidress type that you're wearing is probably the kind that was really trendy in my mom's generation and is now considered a classic.

Mahira: I see... After going from a trend to a classic, it made its way to the kind of store that I would visit and finally to me.

Chloe: Correctamundo! Σ(ﾟﾛﾟ｣)
Your wit's, like, way too quick lmao.

Mahira: There's a similar process for technology. Revolutionary developments gradually become commonplace and eventually reach the people.

Chloe smiles at Mahira as the young Divine General nods to herself.

Chloe: Hey, Mahipi? What do you think about going to look at some clothes and stuff with me?

Chloe: We can look for stuff to dress Miss Heaty up in too!

Mahira: That might be a good idea. I suppose I could spend some time learning how to design an outfit.

After Mahira finishes her task, Chloe takes her to the Ungud Castle District.

Chloe: Hey, isn't that the shop that Manamaru's working at?

Mahira: It looks like an accessory shop. I bet that we could find things to decorate Miss Heaty with there.

As always, business is booming at Original Horizon.

Mahira: Oh my... It's like the Rooster Temple during New Year's.

Chloe: You've gotta know how to walk through places like this, or you'll totally get nowhere. Just follow me!
(･`ω´･)

Mahira tries her best to keep up with Chloe as she elegantly weaves her way through the crowd.

They reach a corner of the shop where the shelves are filled with a variety of unusual stones and crystals.

Chloe: Hey, look—parts for handmade crafts! I actually make accessories and stuff myself pretty often. Lol

Mahira: We may be best off making our decorations for Miss Heaty from scratch.

Mahira examines the shelf and reaches out toward a crystal that had caught her eye.

The Four: Ah...

Chloe: ZOMG! (≧▽≦)
Did the two of us just have a cute-chicks-think-alike moment?

Mahira: Yes, but it's not just us...

Kolulu: Why, if it isn't Chloe and Mahira!

Lamouralla: I'm feeling another fated meeting coming on!

The four girls meet each other's eyes in the brightly lit store.

As the loom of destiny begins to weave...

Lilico's Voice: Starting my break!

The sound of another voice on a different floor does not reach their ears.

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 2: Salt for Fried Eggs - Episode 2

Meanwhile, Lilico is spending her lunch break at her favorite ramen shop, where she runs into Manamel. Acknowledging the talents they had seen in each other after working together for half a day, they almost start to get along, but start fighting again over their respective ramen orders.

Lilico: Starting my break!

Clerk: See you later!

Lilico: I'm Lilico Reyer, a twenty-four-year-old district manager. Legally, I'm divorced.

Lilico: My favorite phrase is "Between you and me." It's an incantation more magical than actual magic that can make any deal go smoothly.

Lilico: My least favorite phrase is "Free Upsizing." It feels like a waste to pass it up, so I always get a larger serving when I see it, but I end up regretting it every time.

Lilico: But today, that throne was usurped by a single word.

Lilico: We were preparing to open for the day. I started working on the sales floor for the first time since my initial training, so I was a little bit nervous.

Manamel: Not that shelf, boss. That's the Draph tag.

Shopkeep: Ah, you're right! I almost missed that.

Clerk: Do these necklaces go on the second floor, Manamel?

Manamel: They normally do, but shouldn't they be in the promotions display right now?

Clerk: Oh yeah! Thanks!

Lilico: This annoying brat, Manamel, seems to actually be pretty competent.

Lilico: Her manager and coworkers all put their trust in her, and every task she's given, she does well.

Lilico: Consequently...

Manamel: ...

Manamel: ...!

Lilico: Wha—

Manamel: What do you think of my performance, Na... Lilico?

Lilico: What were you just about to say? It better not have been "naked"!

Manamel: Oh, of course it wasn't! I would never do something like look at you and think "Naked District Manager"!

Manamel: But I guess seeing you in that outfit reminiscent of unflavored candy is a little distracting.

Lilico: Well, you can rest assured that your poisonous monster costume is distracting me too.

Both: ...!

Clerk: For goodness' sake! You both look wonderful, so why do you have to fight like that...

Lilico: Naked, naked... And what would be so wrong with being naked?

Lilico: I've started hating the word "naked" more than any other.

Lilico: The best thing to do on days like this is head over to New Ungud and get some noodles.

Lilico: I come here to Gorimatsu and wash my stress away with their fatty ramen.

Lilico: Man, that smells good as always. Let's get in there and...

Manamel: Ah.

Lilico: Huh?

Manamel: Curse you, Siero! Did you recommend this place to me just so that I would run into Lilico?

Manamel: Sigh... I thought I'd heard the name Gorimatsu somewhere before...

Both: ...

Lilico: You're pretty good at the job. That's honestly impressive, considering your lack of experience.

Manamel: Huh?

Lilico: Well, you know... This restaurant is kind of like a second home to me, so my spirit is mellow like ramen broth.

Manamel: ...

Manamel: Well... I'm learning a lot from watching you talk to vendors and stuff, Lilico.

Lilico: Huh? O-oh, thanks.

Lilico: (I guess she might have a cute side to her after all.)

Lilico: Right then, let's order.

Lilico: One ramen, chef's recommendation, lots of fat and oil.

Manamel: One small ramen, lots of scallion, as little oil as possible.

Lilico: Huh?

Manamel: Wh-what?

Lilico: You're decreasing the oil?

Manamel: Yeah, what's it to you?

Lilico: This place is famous for its lard! Can't you tell by the smell? There's no way you can just walk in here and ask for less of it!

Lilico: That order is basically naked! Naked ramen, you hear me?

Manamel: Naked ramen?

Manamel: H-hah! What's wrong with customizing my order?

Manamel: The oil is just noise to me! I want to properly enjoy the scallion!

Lilico: ...

Lilico: It looks like I'm just going to have to fulfill my responsibility as your mentor by taking you to eat ramen every day and teach you the proper way to enjoy it!

Lilico: New Ungud isn't the safest place, but it's mostly fine during the day...

Manamel: No thank you! I am absolutely not eating ramen every day!

Lilico: Have it your way! I was wrong—you don't have a cute side to you!

Manamel: Sorry, but I'm my super cutest on every side!

Lilico: Despite how irritated I had become, my ramen was still delicious.

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 2: Salt for Fried Eggs - Episode 3

Kolulu, Lamouralla, Chloe, and Mahira make their way to the cafe Flip-Flop, where they end up talking about Mahira and Kolulu's interest in fashion. At Mahira's suggestion they all try out each other's outfits, causing the conversation to turn to the differences between Humans, Harvins, Draphs, and Erunes. Lamouralla leaves, saying that she has a date with her number one boyfriend candidate, and enters a flashy establishment where none other than Lodi is awaiting her.

Kolulu, Lamouralla, Mahira, and Chloe had happened to meet while shopping at Original Horizon.

After moving to the cafe Flip-Flop, they explain what they had been doing there to each other.

Lamouralla: My! So you two are in the same crew as Kolulu, then?

Mahira: Yes, we are. We had come into town looking to design some fashion.

Kolulu: You've taken an interest in fashion too, Mahira? I'm glad to have gained another ally!

After everyone introduces themselves, Chloe gets right down to business.

Chloe: First things first, Lallana, I totally dig your outfit. Like, how cute can you get?

Lamouralla: Oh, you can tell? It's perfect for catching boys!

Chloe: Whoa, we've got a carnivore here, ROTFL! But I can stan how open you are about it!

Mahira: Um... I'm sorry, are you saying that Lamouralla eats boys?

Kolulu: So it seems. She gobbles them up like carbonara, apparently.

Chloe: Like, carefully, bite by bite?
(･∀･`)

Lamouralla: All mixed together until my plate is clean! And with plenty of cheese, of course!

Mahira: I always put hot sauce on my carbonara, for what it's worth.

Kolulu: My word, how adult of you! I'm not that fond of spicy foods...

Mahira: It tastes better than you might think. It does make your lips puff up, though.

Lamouralla: Why, that sounds wonderful! Perhaps I should start coating my lips with a bit of hot sauce.

Chloe: Oh, some of the latest cosmetics are like that! They've got pepper in them that makes your lips, like, actually puff up!

Kolulu: Oh? That seems like it would sting though...

Lamouralla: Wouldn't it be hellralla funny if you kissed a boy while wearing that, and he started blowing on his lips?

The girls keep getting further and further off topic until around when they order dessert.

At that point, they finally come back to talking about Mahira's interest in fashion.

Mahira: Would you all mind if I made a bit of a suggestion?

Mahira: What if we all tried on each other's clothes?

Kolulu: Each other's clothes?

Mahira: If I want to design something, I need to understand how it works.

Mahira: In this case, what I need to know is my own body's specs.

Lamouralla: I don't really get it, but is it something like wearing your boyfriend's shirt?

Chloe: More like figuring out your personal colors or body type, maybe?
(･ω･`)

Mahira: I think so?

Mahira: This may be an unconventional way to do it, but having something to compare to seems like a good way to determine those kinds of things.

Kolulu: I see... You can't tell what's unique about certain foods unless you compare them, after all!

Chloe: And more importantly, it sounds like a blast! I'm thinking this idea's, like, totally fire. ☆

After accepting Mahira's proposal, the four girls leave the cafe and go to Mahira and Chloe's cabin on the Grandcypher.

After drawing lots to determine who would wear whose clothes, they trade them on the spot.

All Four: Wow!

Kolulu: Chloe's clothes don't cover the armpits!

Lamouralla: My horns! My horns won't go through!

Mahira: There seems to be a lot of excess cloth here I'd need to do something about...

Chloe: Yeah, this isn't happening. But it's super cute. ☆

Kolulu: Well, we tried, but...

Lamouralla: We seem to have forgotten that we have a Draph, an Erune, a Harvin, and a Human here!

Chloe: Shame I couldn't wear it! (ノω≤。)
But it was cute, so no complaints!

Mahira: My apologies. That was a soft-boiled idea.

Lamouralla: A Draph woman can wear a Human's clothes with enough determination, but only a Harvin can wear Harvin clothes.

Kolulu: But you didn't seem to be able to put on my clothes, even though we're about the same height.

Lamouralla: Well, Draph clothes have to either button up all the way or have hellralla stretchy collars, you see!

Kolulu: Oh, so your horns don't get stuck?

Lamouralla: Precisely! Girls with straight horns can sometimes have it easier, but curly ones like mine tend to get stuck all the time.

Chloe: Only Draphs have horns, after all. It must be nice that you can totally deck them out with accessories, but they're, like, super annoying to take care of, right?

Lamouralla: They sure are. Now that I think about it, I suppose that none of you have probably ever heard of horn care oil or horn fragrance.

Mahira: You were covering your armpits, weren't you, Kolulu?

Kolulu: Yes... They were completely uncovered, for some reason...

Chloe: I'm so sorry, were you cold? (＞人＜;)
My armpit foundation is insulating, so it never bothers me...

Lamouralla: Armpit foundation?

Chloe: Yeah, I wear both back and armpit foundation. Is this, like, Erune-only stuff?

Chloe: The back and the armpits are what we're staking our lives on, visually! You'll never catch me out and about without them looking perfect!

Mahira: Not your ears? I had assumed that would be what you focus on.

Kolulu: Now that you mention it, I sometimes see Manamel put something on her armpits too...

Chloe: Whoa, Kolulun! (〃ﾉдﾉ)
You can't go around talking about people's armpit makeup!

Kolulu: O-oh? My apologies.

Kolulu tilts her head, confused at Chloe's sudden embarrassment.

Mahira: This is my first time looking at myself as material to work with. It's quite the novel feeling.

Kolulu: Hmm... Now that I see that there are some clothes you can't wear, I feel like I'm understanding fashion less and less.

Kolulu: Should one wear what looks good on them, or what one wants to wear?

Lamouralla: No matter how much you like an outfit, if it doesn't help you play with boys, then there's no point!

Chloe: Haha, there's no distracting you, girl!

Lamouralla: But of course! Playing with boys is my freedom!

Lamouralla pulls out a notebook and examines her tightly packed schedule.

Lamouralla: Well, I had best take my leave here. I have a date with my number one potential boyfriend!

Mahira: Well, there she goes.

Chloe: She's got dates in the morning, afternoon, and evening... She's, like, more carnivorous than a velociraptor!
(ﾟДﾟ)

Kolulu: Still... I wonder why she's so determined to obsess over them?

Lamouralla leaves the Grandcypher and makes her way to a certain restaurant in New Ungud.

Staff Member: We've been awaiting you, Lady Lamouralla!

Lamouralla: The same as always, thank you!

Staff Member: Understood! Thank you once again for your request!

Lamouralla checks into the gaudy establishment as if she had done so countless times before and is greeted by a certain man.

???: Thanks for waiting, my princess!

Lodi: It's your number one candidate, Lodi!

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 2: Salt for Fried Eggs - Episode 4

That night, Manamel and Lilico run into each other again at Flip-Flop during its bar hours, where Utsusemi and Metera are working. Utsusemi and Metera are endlessly amused by the two's bickering born of their polar-opposite values. Even later, Nereus—one of the leaders of the criminal organization Navis—visits her subordinate Lodi, who she has been having work at a certain type of gaudy restaurant.

Some time after the girls leave, the cafe Flip-Flop closes for the day.

But after the sun sets, the bar Flip-Flop opens its doors for business.

Approaching said doors are two distinct figures.

Lilico: To think that I'd end up running into you twice in the same day...

Manamel: Siero told me that two of my crewmates were working here.

Lilico: Sigh... It seems she wants us to get along no matter what.

The two simultaneously let out an exasperated breath and open the doors to the bar.

Customer: Meeting you is the only thing I live for these days, Utsusemi!

Utsusemi: Hehe, what a lucky lady I am to have such a fine man desire me so.

Customer: Oh, I just can't resist you! All right, put another drink on my tab!

Manamel: Utsusemi sure does look good as a bartender.

Lilico: She's become quite famous here recently.

Metera: Ah, hello, Lilico. I've never seen you bring someone here befo—

Metera: Oh, it's Manamel. Did you come to visit us?

Utsusemi and Metera have been working at Flip-Flop when it turns into a bar at night.

Manamel: You two seem to fit in awfully well here.

Metera: We could say the same of you. It seems like we all found good workplaces.

Manamel: Well, it was good...

Lilico: What are you looking at me like that for?

Metera: Oh? This looks like it could be funny. Fill me in!

The three women walk past the counter and sit down at a table.

Manamel: Aren't you working, Metera?

Metera: Oh, don't worry about it. I'll take your order though.

Metera: Lilico, you'll have our famous shio ramen like you do every night, right?

Manamel: Guh! When you already had ramen for lunch?

Lilico: Got a problem with that? This place's ramen is my fuel.

While they wait for their food and drinks, Manamel and Lilico explain their situation to Metera.

Metera: Hm... So you're arguing over whether to obsess over fashion or only put in enough effort to fit in...

Metera: That's quite an endearing thing to argue about.

Manamel: Don't just smile about it! Which side are you on, Metera?

Metera: Well, you can tell from one look at me that I'm not trying to fit in, that's for sure.

Lilico: Huh? You're not just dressing gaudily because you're working at a bar?

Metera: No, not at all. I'm always me.

Manamel: Hehe, no surprise there. I knew you would be on my side, Metera!

Utsusemi: All right, here's your shio ramen.

Utsusemi: You all seem to be enjoying yourselves. Let me in on the fun, won't you?

Lilico: You aren't always dressed like that too, right?

Utsusemi: Of course not. I wear these clothes as part of my job.

Lilico: Thank goodness! You're the same as me then!

Utsusemi sits down at the table as well and the group converses for a while.

Lilico: Don't be ridiculous! Salt is all you need on fried eggs!

Manamel: What? You obviously need ketchup!

Lilico: What could you possibly need that salt doesn't provide? You don't need to get adventurous with your eggs!

Manamel: If you don't like adventure, then feel free to stay holed up in your room. I'll enjoy my sweet, delicious eggs!

Utsusemi: You two just can't seem to find any common ground, can you?

Metera: What was it you were arguing about earlier? How to eat carbonara?

Utsusemi: Having similar tastes in food can be the first step to anyone getting along, but...

Manamel & Lilico: Another berry smoothie, please!

Each has already emptied three glasses, but Manamel and Lilico's arguing shows no signs of abating.

Both: ...

As they slowly become tipsy, Metera and Utsusemi light-heartedly egg the two belligerents on.

Utsusemi: By the way, would you two say the most important thing in life is money or family?

Metera: Ooh, a classic! You've gotta have that one!

Lilico: Do you even need to ask?

Manamel & Lilico: Family.
Money.

Both: Hehe...

Metera and Utsusemi glance at each other and giggle as the situation develops just as they had anticipated.

Manamel: Obviously it has to be family! My sister-boo is the world to me!

Lilico: I'm not going to say that's wrong for you, but for me, it's probably money.

Utsusemi: You're something like the leader of a business, aren't you? It's no surprise that you'd stake your life on your skill with money.

Lilico: I wouldn't say I'm staking my life on it. I guess it's reassuring to have, that's it.

Manamel: Then what is important to you?

Lilico: Well... that's...

Lilico: ...

Manamel: ...?

Metera: Anyway, you're right—you definitely need ketchup on your family!

Manamel: You mixed them up!

Lilico: Metera, your cheeks are really red! Are you drunk?

Metera: No, no, not really. I'm just having more fun with this than I have in a while.

Utsusemi: I think you two might be more entertaining to pick on than the little lizard...

Manamel: We're somehow getting marked for something?

Metera: Well, I guess we'll let you off for now... Make sure to come back tomorrow, all right?

Utsusemi: Together, of course.

Manamel and Lilico glance at each other as the two women grin at them.

Later that night, two ominous figures are meeting in New Ungud.

Lilico's Father: This place sure is crowded considering how late it is. It's no wonder they call it the town that never sleeps.

Lamouralla's Father: I saw a rat over there! I can't believe that a daughter of House Lovemore might be spending time in such a place!

Lilico's Father: In any case, let's ask around.

Lilico's Father: Excuse me, miss.

Nereus: Yes? How can I help you?

Lilico's Father: Have you seen the girls in these portraits?

Nereus: Yes, I have.

Lamouralla's Father: Right, of course... Wait, what?

Nereus: I saw them very near to here. They were quite beautiful, so I remember them well.

Lamouralla's Father: Rgh... Then Sierokarte must have been lying to us after all!

Lilico's Father: Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Lodi: Was that a good idea? One of those portraits was of a customer.

Nereus: There's nothing that you need to worry about. You just need to do the task given to you as an Auditor.

This elegantly smiling woman is Nereus, a Chairman of the criminal organization Navis.

The man at her side is her subordinate Lodi, one of the organization's Auditors.

Lodi: This business about raising funds is just a cover story, right? Why would you make me do something I'm so ill-suited for as serving cus—

BF Candidate A: I'm back, Miss Nereus! I bought us drinks!

BF Candidate A: I'm so happy that you invited me today! I felt bad lying to Lamouralla about being hurt, but your grown-up charm...

BF Candidate A: Oh? Are you in the middle of something?

Lodi: ...
What exactly are you trying to do here?

Nereus: As long as they meet the conditions, this staff's ability can function on any character, that's all.

Under the bright lights of the entertainment district, two darknesses cross paths.

Lodi and Nereus walk away, leaving the man standing bewildered on the street.

Back to top

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 3: Predation and Warm Milk - Episode 1

The next morning, Lamouralla is thinking about what Lodi said about freedom to her and ends up calling off her date with a boyfriend candidate to go shopping with her new friends from the Grandcypher. They all decide to make an outfit for Mahira based on an article of clothing she took a liking to, resulting in the Divine General taking on a whole new look. Mahira speaks of there being more to fashion than appearances, causing Lamouralla to think about her own style of fashion.

The next morning, Lamouralla is enjoying a cafe date at Flip-Flop.

BF Candidate B: These pancakes sure are good! Do you need more syrup?

Lamouralla: (I bet that Kolulu and her friends will be going shopping soon...)

BF Candidate B: What's up? You seem a bit distracted today.

BF Candidate B: You visited your number one yesterday, right? Did something go wrong?

Lamouralla: Huh? Oh, well...

Last night, Lamouralla was sitting with Lodi at a table decorated with many glistening jewels.

The luxurious restaurant was filled with well-dressed women being served on by men with gaudy appearances.

Lodi: Thanks for coming to see me again. ☆
You're not coming more often than you can handle, right?

Lamouralla: Don't worry about that! I'm just glad to make you happy!

Lodi: You went shopping with some girls today, right? Was it fun?

Lamouralla: Yes, very much so! We traded clothes!

Lamouralla: But... Going out with girls is no good.

Lamouralla: Doing this is where my "freedom" is!

Lamouralla takes out her notebook and scoots closer to Lodi.

Lodi: ...
That notebook is packed with the times and places of the dates you have planned, right?

Lodi: Telling where to go and when... It's almost like my shift schedule.

Lamouralla: I... I'm sorry, what exactly might you mean by that?

Lodi: ...
Hey, Lams. Why not try throwing your plans to the wind once in a while?

Lodi: I think that you have the capability to enjoy real freedom.

Lamouralla: Real freedom?

Lamouralla: Why did Lodi suddenly say something like that...

BF Candidate B: Hey, you know you can tell me anything if you have something you need to do, right?

BF Candidate B: After all, I love how free you are, my lady!

Lamouralla: ...!

Meanwhile, Kolulu, Chloe, and Mahira have gathered in the Ungud Castle District.

Chloe: All right, everyone! Time to put together a fire outfit for Mahipi!
(≧▽≦)

Kolulu: Indeed!

Mahira: I'm sorry to take up all of your time with this, everyone.

Chloe: Don't be! I'm just happy to be here, you feel me?

Lamouralla: Might I take part in your shopping as well?

Mahira: Lamouralla? I thought you were busy preying on boys?

Lamouralla: Well, I put that off a bit...

Lamouralla: But if I see a hot one, I'll make a beeline for him!

Mahira: I see. For my part, I regret to say that I have no idea what direction I want to fly yet...

Chloe: That comes later! For now, just roll up to a shop and go with your gut!
ヾ(≧ー≦)ゞ

Chloe leads them to a clothing store with a low ceiling and short shelves.

Lamouralla: Oh my! I had no idea that there was a Harvin specialty shop over here!

Chloe: Real fashionistas can work their magic with Human children's clothes, but amateurs are best off starting here, you know?

Mahira: I was thinking about this yesterday when we traded clothes too, but I think I really like the concept of specialized things.

Mahira: The idea of, for example, a tool that only its creator can use is particularly alluring to me.

Kolulu: Like how you're making the Clucket go to the cosmos, but also things like the Cherp-and-Chop that's specifically designed to cut vegetables?

Mahira: Yes, something like that. Rather than getting good at fashion, I like the feeling of using something to its full...

Mahira: Cluck?

Mahira stops and looks at a particular article of clothing.

Lamouralla: Has something caught your interest? But this section is for...

Mahira: Indeed... I don't think this kind of thing counts as fashion.

Chloe: Stop right there, Mahipi! Who're you letting cramp your style?
(･`ω´･)

Chloe: If that's what caught your eye, let's make it the main item of this fit!

Kolulu: In that case, what do you think of this hat? Don't you think they'll go well together?

Chloe: That cap? Yes with a side of yes! Here, try it all on with this shirt.

Lamouralla: Ah, in lemon yellow? I think she should try that in pink as well!

Mahira: Ahaha... Nice to see everyone so freely making suggestions.

Lamouralla: ...!
Freely, you say?

Chloe: Oh yeah we are! Worrying about balance comes last!

Kolulu: For now we'll bring everything we see that seems nice!

Mahira: Very well then. We'll test everything to see what works best with my frame.

Lamouralla: ...

The four girls begin working toward achieving their objective of putting together an outfit for Mahira, sometimes quite seriously, sometimes less so.

Mahira: What do you think?

The Three: Wow!

Mahira: These very durable-looking clothes that I chose, um...

Chloe: Overalls!
(*´∀｀)

Mahira: Right, those. I apologize, my memory's always fuzzy.

Mahira: In any case, I initially was interested in them because they looked like they would be well suited to mechanical work.

Lamouralla: They were in the work clothes section, after all.

Mahira: Indeed. I never thought that you all would be able to make an outfit so wonderful around them.

Kolulu: You look truly excellent! It fits you well, Mahira!

Chloe: Oversized overalls can be real too, but going tight here was the right call! It's really complementing your coolness.

Mahira: Well, I wanted to put safety first there. It's easier to use tools this way.

Chloe: Wow, the professional perspective! Well, work clothes becoming trendy is actually, like, pretty common in fashion.

Chloe: But don't worry—thanks to the shirt, nobody's going to think you're just wearing work clothes!

Lamouralla: Oh, that's what I picked! Pink's really what you want to get the boys!

Kolulu: Don't forget about me! I suggested the hairstyle!

Kolulu: I thought that this might make it easier to work, and it's novel to see you with all of that hair up out of the way.

Chloe: And you know that I was on fire with the accessories and color-coordination!

Mahira: Thank you all very much. I'm truly grateful for this.

Mahira examines her reflection in the shop's window.

Mahira: I didn't have any idea that there was so much more to fashion than appearances.

Lamouralla: There is?

Mahira: Indeed. Today's spring weather, how these overalls came to this store's shelves, how you picked all of these things out for me...

Mahira: Just like machines, what you see isn't everything. It's the result of all kinds of events and circumstances...

Mahira: That just seems... cool. Sorry, my vocabulary is a little soft-boiled.

Chloe: No, no, I get you! (σ´-ω-`)σ
You're not showing it, but you're actually feeling pretty hyped, aren't you?

Mahira: That's right! I feel like I could fly to the cosmos right now.

Mahira: Flap flap...

Mahira starts flapping her arms like wings.

Lamouralla: ...

Lamouralla: (My wings are...)

Beside the young Divine General, Lamouralla quietly gazes at her reflection in the shop window and examines her own outfit.

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 3: Predation and Warm Milk - Episode 2

Lamouralla leaves the cafe to meet Lodi again. Later at Original Horizon, Vegalta reacts to something, causing Manamel to dash out of the store and search for her sister in New Ungud. Lilico is taken aback by the sight of Manamel stopping to fix her makeup during her mad search. She then bumps into Lamouralla leaving Lodi's establishment. Unable to think of what to say to Manamel, she merely tells her that she needs to escort Lamouralla home and goes.

After putting together an outfit for Mahira, the girls make their way to Flip-Flop.

As they eat, Lamouralla tells the group about her number one potential boyfriend.

Kolulu: You say that he's as handsome as an idol?

Lamouralla: Yes, he is! I was truly shocked the first time I saw him!

Chloe: OMG, tell me more! (≧▽≦)
Where do you typically meet him?

Lamouralla: In New Ungud. I'll be going there tonight as well!

Mahira: I think I remember (Captain) telling me that New Ungud can be a bit seedy.

Lamouralla: Perhaps, but it's no problem if you know what to do!

Lamouralla: Well then, it's about time for my date!

Chloe: What's the plan, everyone? I'm thinking that this calls for some sneak—

Lamouralla: Oh, and don't you dare follow me!

Kolulu: Ahaha... It seems she saw right through you.

Mahira: She seemed a lot more energetic than she did when talking about the rest of her prey.

Chloe: He's her number one candidate, after all! Man, I wanna fall in love too!

Meanwhile, at Original Horizon, Manamel and Lilico are getting along about as well as ever.

Manamel: Proper earrings are absolutely more important! They allow for so much more variety.

Lilico: But the clip-on kinds are so much simpler, aren't they? We should be devoting more space to them.

Vegalta: ...!

Lilico: Wh-what! Are you going to use that dagger to pierce my...

Manamel: Vega? What are you reacting to?

Manamel: I've gotta go!

Lilico: Wha—
Hey, you're still on the clock!

Vegalta suddenly shoots off, and Manamel immediately follows.

But as she pursues her dagger, Lilico chases after her in turn.

Manamel: Pant... Pant...

Lilico: Where are we... New Ungud?

Vegalta halts and stops glowing in the middle of the entertainment district.

Manamel: Is she here? Is my sister-boo here?

Lilico: S-sister-boo?

Manamel: Sister! Sister!

Manamel starts pushing her way through the crowds to search for her sister.

She runs around in a frenzy, unhesitatingly searching through garbage dumps and narrow alleyways.

Lilico: Manamel? Who are you searching for?

Manamel: I'll finally be able to meet you! Sister... Oh, Sister!

Manamel: Hehehe, I'd better make sure my makeup is perfect...

Lilico: ...

Seeing Manamel suddenly take out a mirror and start adjusting her appearance, Lilico is shocked into silence.

Lamouralla: Lilico? What are you doing in New Ungud?

Lilico: Lams? What are you doing in New Ungud?

Lamouralla: I'm here to experience freedom, of course!

Lilico: You know it's dangerous here at night. You shouldn't be walking around alone.

Lilico: Manamel, I have to go take this girl home.

Manamel: Huh? Oh, okay. I'm staying here.

Lilico: ...

Watching Manamel behave in a way that she's never seen before, Lilico struggles to determine how she should respond.

Unable to think of something to say, she ends up silently walking away with Lamouralla.

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 3: Predation and Warm Milk - Episode 3

Later when Lilico visits the bar Flip-Flop, she is convinced to open up to Utsusemi. She reveals she is hung up on her lack of passion for anything and finds Manamel—who has strong, unique preferences concerning all things—to be blinding in contrast to her, and Utsusemi empathizes with her position. At the same time, Metera locates Manamel, who's still searching for her sister, and brings her back to the Grandcypher. There Metera suggests that Manamel depend on her friends more.

Lilico comes to Flip-Flop, which is now operating as a bar for the night.

Lilico: ...

Utsusemi: Ah, Lilico. Why are you alone? Didn't we say to bring Manamel with you?

Utsusemi: Well, I suppose I've lost Metera to some errand or other myself.

Lilico: ...
The usual, please.

Utsusemi: ...

Utsusemi looks at Lilico for a while, then beckons her to the counter.

Utsusemi: How about you eat over here tonight. All my other customers just left.

Lilico: All right, but I'll be gone too once I'm done with my ramen.

Utsusemi watches Lilico sit down at the counter and blows a puff of smoke from her pipe.

Utsusemi: ...
Tell me what happened.

Lilico: Huh?

Utsusemi: Speaking of dreams to customers isn't my only job, after all.

Utsusemi: To listen to them tell of their reality and then blow it away like a puff of smoke is another trick I have up my sleeve.

Lilico: Utsusemi...

Lilico: All right then, I suppose I can drink for a bit. Give me a vodka buck.

Taking a sip from the glass that Utsusemi hands her, Lilico lets out a sigh.

Lilico: ...
I like ramen, but the truth is that I'm not all that specific about it.

Lilico: I don't try to customize it, and to be honest the only reason I have so much of it is that I can't be bothered thinking about what else to eat.

Utsusemi: ...

Lilico: Whenever I see someone that's truly passionate about something, I almost reflexively think that there's something wrong with them.

Lilico: I wonder what they could possibly be getting out of spending their energy to try so hard.

Utsusemi: Are you talking about Manamel?

Lilico: ...

Manamel: Sister! Sister!

Manamel: Hehehe, I'd better make sure my makeup is perfect...

Lilico: She looked like she was ready to offer up everything she had to meet her sister.

Lilico: I just... don't understand that kind of thing.

Utsusemi: ...

Lilico: She's so strong that it's stressful to be with her.

Lilico: It feels like I'm being criticized for being empty.

Utsusemi sets Lilico's ramen down in front of her, and she starts slurping it down.

Utsusemi: I think that I understand how you feel, in a way.

Lilico: Really? You're not just about to tell me a "dream" to make me happy, right?

Utsusemi: I've served a lot of customers. Ones who have obtained everything to come to me, and ones who have given up everything to come to me too.

Utsusemi: I feel guilty saying this, but... I don't get why they drive themselves to such lengths.

Utsusemi: However, I still truly enjoy talking to them regardless.

Lilico: But why, if you can't understand them?

Utsusemi: Well, I'm afraid I can't tell you that. I don't know myself, after all.

Lilico: Seriously?

Utsusemi: You just need to get a little glimpse, like how you take peeks at the kitchen to see the ramen being made.

Utsusemi: In the same way, take a closer look at Manamel and what makes her tick. You might see something different than what you expect.

Lilico: ...

Utsusemi: It's just like ramen broth. Even if it seems like flavors are being added haphazardly, there's a very delicate balance being kept.

Lilico: Utsusemi...

Lilico: You sure know a lot about ramen.

Meanwhile, Manamel is still searching for her sister in New Ungud.

Manamel: Sister! Where are you? Where are you?

Metera: Manamel! Look at you, you're a wreck!

Manamel: My sister is here! Vega told me!

Metera: I'm not the one you're looking for, but I'm a big sister myself, for what it's worth.

Metera: Now come on, we're going home to the Grandcypher!

Metera picks up Manamel almost forcefully and flies her back to the ship.

Metera: Here's some warm milk.

Manamel: ...
Thanks.

Metera: Have you calmed down a bit?

Manamel: Yeah...

Metera: Do you have any idea how much attention you were attracting? The whole town was talking about the girl shouting in the street.

Manamel: ...
I'm sorry.

Metera: I don't want an apology. I want you to rely on us.

Manamel: Huh?

Metera: Well, it's not like I don't understand, you know? Doing everything yourself has always been your style.

Metera smiles gently as she looks over Manamel's face.

Metera: Yep, very cute. You're as cute as can be.

Manamel: O-of course I am. I wouldn't be me if I wasn't cute.

Metera: What about me? I've got it going on too, don't I?

Manamel: Yeah... Though not as much as I do, of course.

Metera: Haha, I like your confidence!

Metera: I used to be even more flashy. I hated the other villagers so much that I wanted to show that I was different from them.

Metera: I think that I was treating my makeup like armor, or maybe a weapon back then.

Manamel: ...
If wearing something that you like can make you stronger, than what's wrong with that?

Metera: That's true enough. But hasn't being in this crew taught you the same lesson it taught me by now?

Metera: The world isn't full of enemies.

Manamel: ...!

Metera: Instead of just fighting all of the time, you need to find allies you can depend on.

Metera: At the very least, you can be sure that I'm on your side. And that's nothing to sneeze at, you know?

Manamel: ...

After staring up at the sky for a while...

Manamel silently takes a single sip of the warm milk that Metera gave her.

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 3: Predation and Warm Milk - Episode 4

In the alleyway behind Lodi's workplace, Nereus questions why he gave Lamouralla advice. At the same time, Manamel returns to her cabin and has a realization upon seeing the way Kolulu purely enjoys fashion. When a rampaging heater suddenly bursts into the room, Manamel, Kolulu, Chloe, and Mahira work together to calm it down.

Back in New Ungud, the city that never sleeps...

Lodi is spending his break standing listlessly behind the restaurant.

Lodi: ...

Nereus: It seems your "impersonation" of Lodi the top idol is proving quite profitable.

Lodi: It's gone unexpectedly well. Both the staff and the customers recognize me instantly, but then assume that there's no way the real Lodi could be here.

Nereus: In any case, you've proved yourself quite adept at interacting with customers. Weren't you averse to dealing with people one-on-one?

Lodi: It seems my conversations with Lavirita have paid off. Being able to determine how wealthy a customer is by their clothes and speech lets me—

Nereus: I'm referring to the advice you gave to that regular of yours.

Lodi: ...

Lodi: ...
Hey Lams. Why not try throwing your plans to the wind once in a while?

Lodi: I think that you have the capability to enjoy real freedom.

Nereus: You say you have no hope, no despair, and no desires, and reject all passion, so much so that you resent that you were born a person.

Nereus: So why would you give her such advice?

Lodi: For the same reason that I follow your orders, Producer.

Lodi: I possess no passion, yes. But I believe that I can at least serve as fuel for those who do.

Nereus: So you acknowledge your own defect and would act for the sake of the world?

Nereus: You never cease to interest me. Despite being a void that cannot know passion, you understand what it is...

Lodi: I am simply not so arrogant as to pretend to be something I'm not.

Lodi: Like that failed attempt to create a person does.

Nereus smiles at Lodi and hands him an energy drink.

Nereus: You are a person, no matter how much you deny it.

Lodi: ...
You know that I don't like anything with a distinct taste...

Manamel: I'm back.

Kolulu: Welcome!

Having returned to her room, Manamel starts her nightly routine.

Kolulu: We bought clothes for Mahira today!

Manamel: Oh, you and the group you mentioned yesterday?

Kolulu: Indeed! Mahira ended up looking quite charming!

Kolulu: I can't wait to find my own style!

Manamel: Your own, huh...

Manamel puts down her beauty products and turns to look at Kolulu.

Manamel: Why exactly do you want to become fashionable, Kolulu?

Kolulu: Huh? Why?

Kolulu: Because it's fun, of course!

Manamel: ...!

Kolulu: I'll never forget the first time you took me to an accessory shop...

Kolulu: When I put on that bracelet, it made me feel like I had transformed into a whole different person, even though it was such a tiny change.

Kolulu: Is it not the same for you?

Manamel finds herself unable to face Kolulu's innocent gaze.

Manamel: For me... For me, fashion is...

Kolulu: Whoa!

Suddenly the door is knocked off its hinges and something enters the cabin.

???: ...

Manamel: Oh em gee! My fragrance oils!

Kolulu: Is this... the corridor heater?

Mahira: My apologies. Miss Heaty the Bedazzled seems to be acting up.

Chloe: Mahipi and I were fixing up and glitzing up Miss Heaty here, and...

Mahira: It kind of went on a rampage.

Manamel: What do you mean "kind of"!

Kolulu: It's quite cute, though!

Miss Heaty: ...!

Chloe: Oh yeah, totally, but we've gotta calm it down! Help us out here, you two!
(＞人＜;)

Mahira: We don't want to do that here though. Let's lure it up to the deck first.

Back to top

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 4: Runaway Lady Lamouralla - Episode 1

During their lunch breaks, Lilico and Manamel bump into one another at the same ramen shop again. They each order what the other girl had during their last visit to the establishment and enjoy some friendly chitchat.

Manamel: Good morning...

Clerk: Good morning!

Manamel greets her coworkers the following morning, rubbing her eyes all the while.

Lilico: Morning, Manamel. Let's—

Utsusemi: In the same way, take a closer look at Manamel and what makes her tick. You might see something different than what you expect.

Lilico: ...

Manamel: What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?

Lilico: Nuh-uh... Let's give it our best today.

Manamel: That's the idea. I'm always at my bestest for work.

Lilico visits the ramen shop Gorimatsu alone for lunch.

Lilico: You know what, chef? I won't be having the usual today.

Lilico: Instead, I'll have a small portion of ramen loaded with scallion. And please use only the bare minimum amount of oil.

Completing her order, Lilico lets out a sigh.

Manamel: Urk!
Didn't expect to see you here two days in a row!

Lilico: Manamel? Right back at you!

Manamel: ...

Manamel: I'll have mine with extra thick oil and plenty of fatback.

Lilico: ...!

Manamel takes a seat next to Lilico.

Manamel: Sounds like you ordered yourself some butt-naked ramen.

Lilico: And here I thought that the oil is just noise to you.

Metera: Instead of just fighting all of the time, you need to find allies you can depend on.

Manamel: Meh, thought it wouldn't hurt to try and broaden my horizons a little, you know?

Their gazes meet, only to then turn away from each other in the next moment.

Lilico: Mind if I ask you about yesterday?

Manamel: Why ask for permission first? Just fire away.

The two absentmindedly watch the chef wrestle with the pots and pans in the kitchen.

Lilico: So you're traveling in search of your sister, huh? I heard from Siero.

Manamel: Yep... I've been searching for my sister-boo all alone ever since I got separated from her at a young age.

Manamel: She's the most amazing person in the world and means everything to me.

Manamel: My sister-boo never missed a chance to pull me up, tell me how cute I am.

Lilico: ...!

Manamel: While she was out and about, I'd be making my own clothing at home and putting on makeup to surprise her when she got back...

Lilico: You did all that as a kid?

Manamel: Mm-hm. Anything to impress my sister-boo.

Manamel: When I first set out on this journey, I made sure to look cute at all times so she'd be able see me at my best.

Manamel: But at some point, I got to thinking that I'll never see her again if I don't look adorable.

Manamel: Not just that, but I also had to constantly prove that I was strong and dependable.

Lilico: Manamel...

Manamel: I was really pissed when you said I'm too much of a tryhard the day I met you, Lilico.

Manamel: 'Cause you hit the bull's-eye with that remark. What a lamer I am, huh?

Manamel lets out a faint chuckle, after which their ramen arrives.

Both: Let's eat.

Lilico: Hm, I'm not so sure about all the scallion. Kind of cancels out the kick from the oil.

Manamel: While my bowl's got too much of a kick from the oil. It's a miracle you manage to stay thin eating this stuff.

Though knitting their brows, they continue to partake in their ramen.

Lilico: So this is what it tastes like. Not exactly my kind of thing.

Manamel: Not a big fan of my ramen either.

Lilico: But you customized the order to your personal liking thinking it'd taste great, right?

Lilico: I think there's some merit to that.

Manamel: ...!

Manamel: Fair point.

Manamel wipes her mouth before continuing on.

Manamel: I'd better go to Flip-Flop tonight. I promised to show up last night only to bail.

Lilico: Full of integrity, aren't you, Manamel.

Lilico: To make up for leaving early yesterday, you did show up early in the morning to clean up the backroom.

Manamel: So you saw. Good—hope that scores me some bonus points with you.

Placing their empty bowls on the counter, they each get up in their own time...

And begin making their way toward the same shop.

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 4: Runaway Lady Lamouralla - Episode 2

Kolulu and friends are surprised to find Lamouralla meeting with Lodi in a fancy establishment. At nightfall, Lilico and Manamel visit Metera and Utsusemi at Flip-Flop. In conversing with them, Lilico realizes she lacks a sense of self compared to the others.

One peaceful afternoon, Kolulu, Chloe, and Mahira are walking down a main street.

Lamouralla: All righty!

Chloe: What's Lallana up to with such a big bag?

Kolulu: Lams, is everything okay?

Lamouralla: Oh, hey!

The girls approach to get a glimpse of what looks like drinking glasses with a golden glow in the bulging bag.

Lamouralla: I'm on my way to a date with my number one candidate!

Mahira: Wow... Is it customary to bring that many glasses to a date?

Lamouralla: Sure! There's going to be an event today, and we need to spice things up!

Kolulu: What sort of event might—

Lamouralla: See you girls later!

Lamouralla takes off, leaving the three to trade confused glances with each other.

Mahira: Do you think...

Chloe: What say we go have a look-see?
(･ω･`)

All nodding in agreement, they follow behind Lamouralla.

Arriving at the brightly shining storefront, Chloe takes a step forward from the group for a peek inside.

Lamouralla: How about we celebrate with an orange juice glass tower!

Lodi: Sounds like my idea of fun! Thanks for carrying this all the way here, Lams!

Chloe: ZOMG! That is amazeballs!
(ﾟДﾟ)

Having returned to Original Horizon from their break, Manamel and Lilico deal with the steady stream of customers.

Lilico: If you need help picking out an item, the lady with the fancy hair over there's the one you want to talk to.

Manamel: The clerk over there with the purple underlights should be able to answer any questions concerning incoming shipments!

Shopkeep: I'm actually seeing some semblance of teamwork from them today! Color me surprised!

Clerk: On that note, is it just me, or does Manamel kinda reek of grease today?

After work, the two head for the usual bar.

Utsusemi: Welcome to Flip-Flop. So the two of you are together today.

Lilico: Hey, Utsusemi. I'll have the usual.

Utsusemi: You somehow look more refined today. Like you're more sure of yourself.

Manamel: Must be all that oil.

Lilico: Oh, gimme a break!

Manamel: Metera's not around today?

Lilico: Oh, you're right. Did she take the night off?

Utsusemi: Hehe... Good question...

Metera's Voice: Someone called for me?

Manamel: Ah, Metera—

Manamel: Metera!

Metera: You look like you've just laid eyes on the goddess of beauty.

Lilico: That's just how beautiful you are...

Manamel: Natural makeup, I take it? That clean look suits you so well. I didn't realize you had a wardrobe to match.

Metera: Heheh. Makes for a nice change of pace, don't you think?

Metera: I'd be setting a terrible example if I laid on the makeup real thick after telling dear little Manamel how important it is to get makeup right.

Manamel: Metera...You did all this just to show me how it's done?

Utsusemi: Haha... She might be showing off right now, but you should've seen how embarrassed she was in the back room.

Utsusemi: Told me to call for her when you girls showed up so that other customers wouldn't—

Metera: Enough, Utsusemi! You weren't supposed to tell them that!

Utsusemi: On the contrary, I feel like that's exactly what I'm supposed to do here.

The three get a chuckle out of seeing Metera blush.

Metera: Well, how about it? Ready to go for a more au naturel look?

Manamel: Nuh-uh.

Metera: What gives!

Manamel: I've already decided I need to be at my cutest at all times.

Manamel: That means going beyond base makeup with a timeless look for my eyes while prettying up every part of myself—from my ears all the way to my fingertips, no cap!

Manamel: That said though... I wouldn't mind some hot milk every now and then to shake things up.

Metera: Hiding your true feelings, are we? Nah, it's more like you're too true to yourself.

Lilico: Yep, that's my Manamel!

Manamel: Oh em gee! Don't talk like I'm your boyfriend just because we went for some ramen together!

The girls enjoy a peaceful night together, with their frequent laughter broken up by the occasional friendly squabble.

Lilico: ...

Lilico: (It's great how they've each got a handle on who they really are deep down...)

Lilico: (Me on the other hand? I have no sense of self to base my makeup on...)

Unfortunately, no one notices the melancholy in Lilico's expression.

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 4: Runaway Lady Lamouralla - Episode 3

Lodi suggests to Lamouralla that the freedom she seeks is not with him. Outside the establishment, Kolulu and the others learn that every single one of Lamouralla's potential boyfriends works in a shop similar to this one.

Having gotten a peek inside, Chloe describes what she saw to Kolulu and Mahira.

Kolulu: So her number one candidate is someone who works at this establishment?

Chloe: Sure seems like it. Probably entertains the guests like Utsusemi does.

Mahira: You think maybe Lamouralla doesn't know that and thinks that's what a date is?

Kolulu: She's being tricked! We have to let her know before—

BF Candidate B: Ah! You're the girls who've been hanging out with Lamouralla lately.

Chloe: And aren't you, like, one of the guys she's eyeing for a BF?

Kolulu: We've got trouble! She's being duped in this store!

BF Candidate B: What do you mean?

Fancy lighting and lively conversation permeate the inside of the shop.

Lamouralla takes a seat at a table with Lodi and starts rubbing his shoulders.

Lamouralla: What do you think, Lodi? Lilico loved the idea!

Lodi: Aren't you kind of overdoing it today?

Lamouralla: It's fine! I mean, today's your birthday after all!

Lodi: A birthday event, huh... Like I said though, even I don't know when my real birthday is.

Lamouralla: I don't mind! What matters is that we get to celebrate you together!

Lodi: Must be what it means to have freedom.

Lamouralla: Huh?

Lodi: Even when I take time off, I literally don't do anything. Or more like, I can't think of anything to do.

Lodi: Freedom's nothing more than torture to someone without an ego.

Lamouralla: Freedom is... torture?

Lodi: Of course, that doesn't apply to you. You're the type of person who can be chatting about how to eat pasta and be having a total blast.

Lodi: If you ask me... you're not going to find the freedom you seek here.

Lamouralla: Aw, that's not true! I'll show you just how free we are tonight!

Lamouralla: You'd better be ready!

Lamouralla: Let's see now...

BF Candidate B: Fooled? No way! Lamouralla's practically a VIP around here.

Kolulu: Huh?

BF Candidate B: You mean you don't know? Well, I must say I'm surprised.

Scratching his cheek in consternation, the man chooses his next words carefully.

BF Candidate B: She's a loyal customer around these parts, visiting about a hundred of us in the biz.

Mahira: Meaning you're also in the business...

BF Candidate B: That's right! I work in the place across the street.

BF Candidate B: Even if she can't come at night during my work hours, she might invite me on a date during the day.

Chloe: So, like, all her potential sweetie-poos are guys who work in these places?

Kolulu: B-but you came to the rescue when we were under attack at Ori-Hori!

BF Candidate B: Of course we did. Anything to save our precious lady.

BF Candidate B: We're all huge fans of the freedom-loving Lamouralla!

Kolulu: H-how could...

BF Candidate B: No need to be so surprised... If you consider her background, it really is a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Mahira: Her background?

BF Candidate B: You don't know about that either, eh? Sorry, but that's a bit too personal for me to be talking about.

BF Candidate B: Say hello to her for me, will ya?

With that, the man returns to the establishment across the street...

Leaving Kolulu and friends alone in this vibrant, thriving city.

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 4: Runaway Lady Lamouralla - Episode 4

Lamouralla explains to the girls that because she was forced into an arranged marriage as a daughter of House Lovemore, she figured that interacting with boys would be a good way to express her freedom. After fending off against pursuers sent by her father, Lamouralla exclaims she's already grasped freedom for some time now.

Late that night, Lamouralla parts with Lodi and steps out into the streets.

Chloe: Lallana!

Lamouralla: Oh, hey, guys... What are you doing out here?

Mahira: Sorry, we followed you here. And then we got worried...

Lamouralla: ...

Kolulu: As long as you were having fun, Lams, I didn't plan on saying anything.

Kolulu: But seeing that look on your face now, I realized I can't stay quiet.

Lamouralla: Wh-what's that supposed to mean? I had a hellralla great time celebrating a boy's birthday—

Kolulu: Why? Why do you obsess over spending time with men?

Chloe: Girl's got a point. This really the freedom of love you talk so much about?

Lamouralla: Hm, you must've heard from one of my boyfriend candidates then.

Lamouralla breathes a deep sigh, then looks straight at the girls.

Lamouralla: Like I said before, I'm a runaway rich girl.

Lamouralla: My family built a fortune during my grandfather's generation, making us nouveau riche.

Mahira: Nouveau riche...

Lamouralla: All the money in the world couldn't buy us highborn lineage or status.

Lamouralla: Desperate to keep up appearances, both my grandfather and father had the family adopt the mannerisms and manner of speech of the aristocracy.

Lamouralla: In that sense, I was an invaluable asset to them.

Lamouralla: Father... Won't you please reconsider my marriage?

Lamouralla's Father: What an odd thing to ask. Your union with the man of that noble family would be a huge boon for House Lovemore.

Lamouralla's Father: For the sake of all of us, be sure to be on your best behavior once you've moved into your new home.

Lamouralla: ...

Lamouralla: Being confined to the mansion, I was being taught every day how to better serve my future husband despite having very little interaction with men.

Lamouralla: So I made up my mind to make a break for freedom on the day of my wedding!

Kolulu: All the time you spend around boys must be your way of expressing your freedom...

Lamouralla: Exactly! I'm more than just a pawn in my family's games!

Chloe: Why go to those sorta shops though?

Lamouralla: W-well...

Lamouralla: Heck if I know! How else am I supposed to learn about guys!

Mahira: Lamouralla?

Lamouralla: I've been ingrained with all this knowledge but don't have any actual experience! Truth be told, the average guy on the street kinda scares me! Not to mention I'm clueless about the outside world!

Lamouralla: The one thing I had was money from selling the personal belongings I brought with me!

Lamouralla turns back to look at the glitzy establishment she was at earlier.

Lamouralla: All I ever wanted in this city was a bit of freedom...

Kolulu: Lams...

Kolulu is cut short by an unexpected interruption.

Lovemore Soldier: We've found you, Miss Lovemore!

Lamouralla: Eep!

Chloe: Lallana!

Kolulu: That man's with House Lovemore!

Lamouralla is quickly dragged off to an alleyway.

Lovemore Soldier: We're bringing you back to your father. Please do not resist.

Lamouralla: ...

Lamouralla: (I guess I was never meant to have freedom after all...)

Lamouralla: (This must be fate...)

Kolulu: Stone Breaker!

Lovemore Soldier: Urk!

Mahira: Cock-a-doodle-dum. Wing-a-doodle-fly.

Lamouralla: Wha? I-I'm floating...

Lovemore Soldier: Who the heck are you guys!

Chloe: No one messes with my friends! They don't call us heroes for nothing!
(#`Д´)

Kolulu: There's no way we're handing over Lams!

Lovemore Soldier: Rgh!

Lamouralla: Q-quite strong, aren't you...

Mahira: We are skyfarers after all.

As things calm down a bit, Kolulu flashes a smile.

Kolulu: You already have freedom, Lams!

Lamouralla: Huh?

Kolulu: When I first met you, I couldn't believe how stylish you were!

Lamouralla: Stylish? This clothing?

Lamouralla: Funny thing is, I only made this out of desperation for guys to notice me...

Kolulu: So you say, but if you ask me...

Mahira: You're so much more, Lamouralla.

Mahira: You're like a baby chick flapping her wings, hoping to reach the skies. And I think that's so cool.

Chloe: She said it! (*´∀｀)
I still remember you being hella hyped when we went shopping!

Lamouralla: Me? Hella hyped?

Kolulu: Mm-hm! You definitely were!

Welling up with emotion, Lamouralla looks at the shop once more.

Lodi: If you ask me... you're not going to find the freedom you seek here.

Lamouralla: I suppose that I've been living paralyzed by the shadow of my father... No, by the shadow of freedom.

Lamouralla: ...

Lamouralla: I'm going to say goodbye to Lodi and the other boys tomorrow.

Lamouralla: Will you listen to what I have to say after that?

Lamouralla: I mean, while we're enjoying some spaghetti carbonara at Flip-Flop.

Chloe: Whoo-hoo-hoo! (ﾟ∀ﾟ)
I am, like, so there, Lallana!

Mahira: Me too.

Kolulu: Me three! I can't wait to fill my plate with grated cheese!

Under the cover of night in a corner of New Ungud, the four girls come together in excitement.

Lamouralla: Thanks, everyone...

For the first time ever in this city, Lamouralla smiles from the bottom of her heart.

Meanwhile, a figure watches them from the shadows.

Lovemore Soldier: Forgive me, Master... She's too well-defended...

Lamouralla's Father: Just our luck... As I recall, the members of that crew are good friends of Sierokarte.

Lamouralla's Father: Ah, how it pains me to think that my daughter, as a lady of House Lovemore, would stoop to such indiscretion.

Lilico's Father: As for Lilico, she's been spotted working at an accessory shop owned by Sierokarte.

Lilico's Father: Taking after her dad, it seems... Why must raising a daughter be so difficult?

Lamouralla's Father: I wish I could answer that!

Lamouralla's Father: We'll just have to retrieve the both of them before they embarrass our families any further!

Back to top

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 5: Freedom's Restraints - Episode 1

After bidding farewell to Lodi, Lamouralla celebrates her newfound self with the girls at Flip-Flop. Meanwhile at Original Horizon, Manamel and Lilico show exceptional teamwork. The sudden appearance of Lilico's father comes as a surprise to all.

The following morning, Lamouralla meets Lodi in front of his workplace before opening hours.

Lamouralla: I'm sorry to say this, but... I won't be coming to see you anymore.

Lodi: ...

Lamouralla: Phew! I'm gonna have to drown my sorrows in orange juice!

Chloe: Way to go, Lallana! You're gonna feel like a million rupies when we're done cheering you up, so no worries!
(^_-)-☆

Mahira: That was very mature of you to say your proper goodbyes.

Kolulu: Filling up your tummy is the best way to beat stress! Now's the perfect chance to try it!

They each order plenty of their favorite foods at Flip-Flop.

Kolulu: I've always found you to be a charmer, Lams!

Kolulu: I'm sure you'll have plenty of opportunities to find the right man for you!

Chloe: Word! Any guy who doesn't see the diamond you are is seriously missing out!

Chloe: Of course, he'd have to prove his worth by running away from his workplace and sweeping you off your feet!
(ﾉ`Д´)ﾉ

Lamouralla: Hm, sounds almost like something I might've done before!

Mahira: Really?

Lamouralla cracks a smile and relates the day she ran away from her own wedding ceremony with Lilico in tow.

Lamouralla: The moment I found out her situation was the same as mine, I just couldn't help myself.

Kolulu: Lilico, huh... I'd love to meet this friend of yours someday, Lamouralla!

Lamouralla: Sure, I'd be happy to introduce you. She's my first friend ever... And now we're practically family!

Amid their lively conversation, dishes are brought out to their table one after another.

Lamouralla: By golly! My hand slipped!

Mahira: Oh no... Some of the juice spilled onto your clothing...

Lamouralla: What a problem this has turned into!

Lamouralla: I'm going to have to ask all of you to help me pick out a new set of clothes!

Chloe: Ahaha. Lemme guess, Lallana... You totally did that on purpose, yeah?

Lamouralla: Hehe, who knows.

Kolulu: Ah! We'd better get your current outfit cleaned soon!

Kolulu: Because you look incredible in that too!

Lamouralla: Aw... I almost feel guilty for spilling the drink on purpose when you tell me that with a sparkly look in your eyes.

Mahira: You know, this just gave me an idea... Maybe I can invent a device that does laundry.

Chloe: All righty! Let's talk Operation Cutie-Up Our BFF! ☆

They continue chatting away, happy to be in each other's company.

Bound by only their imaginations, the girls are feeling as free as birds.

Lodi: ...

Some time after Lamouralla's departure, Lodi is standing absentmindedly in an alleyway.

Nereus: Feeling envious of the peppy, free-spirited girl?

Lodi: No inorganic being would willingly become a sheep.

Nereus: People can change. Of course, that goes for you as well.

Lodi: ...

Lamouralla: I'm sorry to say this, but... I won't be coming to see you anymore.

Lodi: ...

Lamouralla: But you should still know...

Lamouralla: It might have been just work for you, but the time we spent together couldn't have been more real.

Lamouralla: I... I won't forget you.

Lamouralla: Thank you, Lodi!

Lodi: (She was all teary-eyed yet said that with a smile... Why?)

Business is good as usual at Original Horizon.

Clerk: Lilico! A customer's asking for you!

Lilico: Me?

Lilico's Father: Nice to see you're doing well, Lilico.

Lilico: ...!

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 5: Freedom's Restraints - Episode 2

While shopping, Kolulu gets to see Lamouralla in a new outfit, which the girls helped to pick out, and realizes something about her own fashion. Just then, men dispatched by House Lovemore catch them unawares and snatch Lamouralla. Sierokarte and Manamel show up saying Lilico has also been taken, and the group splits up to look for the girls.

The Three: Ooh!

Nice!

Totes adorbz!

Having slipped into a new outfit, Lamouralla's eyes sparkle as she views herself in the mirror.

Lamouralla: This is really me...

Chloe: Foxy and cute! You could totally pass for a spring fairy!

Lamouralla: A one-piece dress in a calming floral print... I haven't picked out something like this for myself in a long time!

Chloe: Yay! Go, me! Looks like I was right to go with the open-shoulder design!

Lamouralla: We can definitely agree on that! You have an incredible eye for all things fashion, Chloe!

Kolulu: How do you like the newsboy cap? I figured it'd be a great match for your outfit, while also heightening the spring aesthetic!

Lamouralla: I fell in love with it the moment I put it on! I appreciate how you took my horns into consideration too.

Mahira: Are you enjoying the footwear? It took me a while to come up with the concept, but using thick-soled sandals as a base—

Lamouralla: Absolutely stellar work, Mahira! They're so comfortable to move around in that I could go for a picnic right now!

Mahira: Happy to hear it... Since you move around a lot, I focused on comfort and mobility.

Chloe: Operation Cutie-Up Our BFF is a success! Great job, team!

Lamouralla: Yes! I couldn't have come up with such a splendid outfit idea by myself.

Kolulu: Thanks to our teamwork...

Mahira: Just like machines, what you see isn't everything. It's the result of all kinds of events and circumstances...

Kolulu: (That's it! That's the answer I've been looking for!)

Lamouralla: I suppose I can call this my Farewell-to-Boys Outfit! I love it so, so, sooooo hellralla much already!

Chloe: Love the name! lolzorz

Lamouralla: I'll be right back! Need to pay for it!

Just as Lamouralla takes her leave of them, two familiar faces pop in.

Manamel: Kolulu! Please tell me you know a girl named Lamouralla and where she is right now!

Kolulu: I do, actually... She should be at the counter...

Sierokarte: Oh, that can't be good. The Lovemore Group's—

Lamouralla's Voice: Eeek!

Kolulu: Lams?

Kolulu and friends run in the direction of the scream.

But instead of Lamouralla, they find only a large hole in the wall.

Chloe: No way... This can't be happening...

Sierokarte: I'd suspected that the mercenaries Lord Lovemore hired were pretending to be common citizens...

Sierokarte: But I didn't think he'd go so far as to do something brazen enough to affect his house's reputation.

Kolulu: Rgh! We have to go save her!

Mahira: Wait, for starters, how do you both know about Lamouralla's situation?

Manamel: We just went through something similar... Lilico was captured by House Lovemore's private troops.

Kolulu: Lilico... Lams's friend!

Sierokarte: There's no time to waste. I'll explain on the way!

The girls head to the nearby port, suspecting that the two groups of kidnappers might try to rendezvous there.

Manamel and Kolulu make for the pier on the western end...

While Sierokarte, Mahira, and Chloe make for the harbor on the eastern end.

Mahira: So, Sierokarte, you've been keeping an eye on Lamouralla and Lilico all this time?

Sierokarte: Mm-hm. Ever since they ran from their weddings.

Sierokarte: In Lilico's case you could say I lucked out, since she's been such a huge help at my accessory shop.

Manamel: Siero somehow sniffed out that Lamouralla's and Lilico's dads had partnered up to look for their daughters.

Kolulu: So you've been sheltering them ever since they got to this city?

Chloe: I can't believe their dads forced them to get hitched! So not cool!

Mahira: Lamouralla went along with it to uphold her family's status...

Mahira: While Lilico resigned herself to it for the sake of her family's finances.

Sierokarte: Unfortunately, arranged marriages are fairly commonplace due to various circumstances.

Sierokarte: But when I witnessed their daring getaway from the wedding up close, I knew I had to help.

Sierokarte: What's more, I had to keep an eye on the Reyer Group for another reason.

Kolulu: Manamel, you didn't know how Sierokarte and Lilico knew each other?

Manamel: Nope. I didn't know that Lilico escaped from a wedding until Siero told me a minute ago.

Manamel: Geez, Lilico! You could've told me...

Manamel: (Can't imagine what was going through your mind coming to this city...)

Manamel races through the streets of Ungud, her thoughts filled with Lilico.

Eager to talk things out, Manamel is determined to find her friend.

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 5: Freedom's Restraints - Episode 3

The two fathers attempt to escape from the island on a skyskimmer with their daughters in tow. Lodi is already waiting by the skyskimmer and wastes no time in saving the girls. Lilico, however, says that she needs no freedom and goes along with her father. Lamouralla is devastated by this.

A carriage drives through a forest some distance away from the city.

Lilico's Father: Quite impressive how House Lovemore can so easily hire mercenaries on a whim to retrieve our daughters.

Lamouralla's Father: Though I had wished to not resort to such means... It defeats the original purpose of improving the family's reputation.

Lamouralla's Father: Sigh... I know not whether to be baffled or upset that my daughter would make me go this far...

Both: ...!

Lying at the feet of the two fathers are Lamouralla and Lilico, bound and gagged.

Lovemore Soldier: The mercenaries report that the targets are moving as predicted.

Lamouralla's Father: Splendid!

Lamouralla's Father: It's a good thing I followed your advice, Mr. Reyer!

Lilico's Father: Sierokarte knows the lay of the land. It's only natural that they'd think to look for us where airships usually take off.

Lilico's Father: They wouldn't possibly think to look for us in the mountainous region to the south, where a skyskimmer awaits.

The fathers are rocked around in the carriage; bold, fearless grins plastered on their faces.

The skyskimmer's shadow comes into view as they approach the clearing.

Man's Voice: Sucks to be you.

Lilico's Father: Huh? That voice came from the trees above—

Lodi: A makeshift port in the forest, eh? Pretty ingenious plan, really makes use of all that money you've got!

Lodi: Too bad for you, a good stage always calls out to me!

Lamouralla: ...!

Lamouralla's Father: You... You must be one of those critters always buzzing around my daughter!

Lodi swings Parashu, releasing Lamouralla and Lilico from their constraints.

Lodi: I'm just here to take back my precious princess.

Lamouralla: Lodi!

Lamouralla: B-but why?

Lodi: Like I said, I don't care for my own freedom, but I'm definitely all in when your freedom's on the line.

Lilico: ...!

Lamouralla's Father: Why, Lamouralla! Why do you choose to defy your father!

Lamouralla: I love and respect you, Father, but enough is enough!

Lamouralla's Father: Hm?

Wobbling as she gets to her feet, Lamouralla points at her father.

Lamouralla: You do whatever it takes to get things done, value your riches more than anything else, and live freely...

Lamouralla: I want to be like that too—difference being that my riches come in the form of my friends!

Lamouralla's Father: Don't talk back to your father. No matter how you try to spin things, you are a daughter of House Lovemore!

Lamouralla: Of course I am! But that doesn't make me your pawn!

Lamouralla: I'll decide how I want to live!

Lamouralla's Father: Ngh!

Lamouralla's Father: Gah! Get her, men!

Mercenaries: ...

Lodi: No talking in the audience when the show's on... I made sure of that.

Lamouralla's Father: E-eek!

Lodi: Best tuck tail and run now. Never set foot on this island again.

Lilico's Father: Doesn't look like we have a choice, Mr. Lovemore. Shall we get going?

Lamouralla's father nods in agreement and dashes toward the skyskimmer.

Lilico's father, however, turns back one last time before boarding it.

Lilico's Father: Lilico, I went to check out the shop you've been working at.

Lilico's Father: I have to say it's pretty lifeless there—not that different from you, to be honest.

Lilico: ...!

Lilico's Father: You may have found new friends, but you're still the same person deep down.

Lilico's Father: Have a good, rational think on it. That's what you're good at after all, eh?

Lilico: ...

Lilico's father steps onto the skyskimmer. Its engine turns on, blasting wind into the surroundings.

Lamouralla: Let's go back, Lilico! To our room!

Lamouralla extends a hand to Lilico on the ground.

Lamouralla: Let's get out of this place, together.

Lamouralla: So since there's two of us, I was thinking that pulling off a double wedding-break would make for a hellralla entertaining story!

Lilico: ...

Lamouralla: Lilico?

Reaching for Lamouralla's hand...

She brushes it away, stands up on her own, and boards the skyskimmer.

Lamouralla: Wha?

Lilico: ...
I'm sorry, Lams.

Lilico: Freedom was never my thing.

Standing in shock at what has just transpired, Lamouralla watches the vessel slowly take off.

Lamouralla: No! Wait—

The Draph's plea is all but cancelled out by the rumbling engine noise.

Lilico: ...

Lamouralla's Father: What the! Why is your daughter—

Lilico's Father: Do you understand now, Lilico? You exist to serve as the kindling for my ambitions in life.

Lilico: Yes, Father... I know.

Lilico looks down at the increasingly distant city of Ungud.

Lilico: (Goodbye, Lams, my dear friend...)

Lilico: (And goodbye to you too, fashion junkie...)

Lilico: (Live freely, for my sake as well...)

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 5: Freedom's Restraints - Episode 4

Lilico returns to the Reyer estate for a feast with the man she was originally supposed to marry. While the man is willing to give her some time to sort out her feelings, Lilico proclaims she is ready to proceed with the wedding on the very next day.

Lilico: I was always very free from a young age.

Lilico's Father: I'll give you a monthly allowance. You're free to go anywhere in town and use it as you like.

Lilico's Father: However, if you would rather have me hold onto the money, I will invest it to bring in even more money.

Young Lilico: But we could end up with less money. Because investments come with risks. We have to be careful.

Lilico's Father: Exactly. Spoken like a true child of House Reyer.

Lilico: House Reyer was a prominent merchant family that fell to ruin.

Lilico: Despite its long history of business experience and know-how, we had run low on capital.

Young Lilico: Morning, Father... Are you heading out already?

Lilico's Father: Ever heard the saying "the early riser gets the rupies"? Well, your ancestors have always been firm believers in it.

Young Lilico: How many rupies does the early riser get?

Lilico's Father: Point is, money seeks company. Particularly the company of those who are already well off.

Lilico's Father: I'm going to find a way to bring money into the family... and restore House Reyer to its former glory.

Lilico: Father poured his blood, sweat, and tears into the fulfillment of that goal.

Young Lilico: ...

Lilico: And I was there to watch it all happen...

Lilico's Father: Napping at the desk, are we? I know we only just got off the ship, but you're being far too lax for a soon-to-be-bride.

Lilico: I'm sorry, Father...

At the Reyer estate on a certain island...

Lilico awakens to the familiar sight of her own room.

Lilico's Father: We will be having dinner with your husband-to-be shortly. I couldn't get you a proper dress for the occasion, so what you're wearing now will have to do.

Lilico: Yes, Father...

Lilico's Father: My apologies for any trouble my daughter may have caused.

Groom: Oh, there's no trouble at all.

Groom: I was just thinking perhaps Lilico simply needs some time to embrace the idea of marriage...

Lilico: That won't be a problem.

Groom: Huh?

Lilico's Father: There, you heard it yourself. I've already discussed with your parents about holding the ceremony tomorrow.

Groom: Tomorrow?

Groom: Lilico is a truly wonderful individual... I could not be more fortunate to have her. But—

Lilico's Father: Well then, that's that. Let us enjoy the family feast tonight.

Lilico: ...

Having resigned herself to her fate, Lilico quietly takes a seat at the dinner table.

Though the spread is a fancy one, she dines in an indifferent, detached manner.

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Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 6: Your Will - Episode 1

Kolulu and friends catch up with Lamouralla, who blames herself for having dragged Lilico away from the wedding in the first place and thus ruining her life. Kolulu responds by putting on a fashionable new outfit of her own devising to showcase how much interacting with Lamouralla and the other girls has changed her for the better. Instilled with new confidence, Lamouralla is determined to have a proper talk with Lilico.

Kolulu and friends spot the skyskimmer that Lilico takes off on.

Following the trail of smoke, they come to the mountain clearing in the south where a dejected Lamouralla sits on the ground.

The girls return to Flip-Flip with Lamouralla in tow.

Metera and Utsusemi, there to help out with the afternoon shift, join the others at the table.

Manamel: Lilico made the choice to get on the ship?

Lamouralla: Yes... She left saying she has no need of freedom.

Utsusemi: I'm reminded of something Lilico once told me.

Lilico: Whenever I see someone that's truly passionate about something, I almost reflexively think that there's something wrong with them.

Lilico: I wonder what they could possibly be getting out of spending their energy to try so hard.

Utsusemi: She seemed bothered that she couldn't find anything to engross herself in.

Manamel: ...!

Manamel: Then what is important to you?

Lilico: Well... that's...

Manamel: She was so understanding every time I popped off. If only I'd done the same for her...

Manamel grits her teeth, recalling Lilico's melancholy expression.

Metera: Didn't Lilico come here in the first place to get away from an arranged marriage?

Sierokarte: Mm-hm... The marriage was strictly political, as she hardly knew the other person.

Sierokarte: If she's returned home, I believe that marriage will proceed as originally planned.

Manamel: Then we have to go save her right away—

Lamouralla: Actually, this might be for the best...

Chloe: Lallana?

Lamouralla: On that fateful day, she didn't grab my hand.

Sierokarte: She didn't? But I was sure I saw the two of you holding hands during your escape...

Lamouralla shakes her head, recalling the events of the day.

Lamouralla: I remember it well... Lilico was struggling to make up her mind, then my father showed up.

Lamouralla: Oh, shoot!

Lamouralla: We'd best go, go, go!

Lilico: Whoa!

Lamouralla: I grabbed her wrist forcefully... You could almost say I kidnapped her.

Lamouralla: And today... She brushed my hand aside.

Manamel: ...!

Lamouralla: When I looked into her eyes that day, I could instantly tell her situation was the same as my own.

Lamouralla: The difference between us was her level of resolve, I'd say.

Chloe: Wut?
(o_O)

Lamouralla: My mother was in a similar situation, having been wedded to my father through an arranged marriage. But she lived happily by his side.

Lamouralla: She had the resolve to settle into her new life.

Lamouralla stares intently at her own hands.

Lamouralla: I snatched Lilico of my own accord... She might've been perfectly content if I'd just let her be.

Lodi: Freedom's nothing more than torture to someone without an ego.

Lamouralla: She wasn't even looking for freedom...

Lamouralla: Oh, what have I done... It's all my fault! Her life is ruined now because of me!

Mahira: Lamouralla...

Though unsettled to see their friend in such distress, the girls are unsure how to respond.

Kolulu: ...!

Chloe: Wha? Kolulun! Where are you going?

Kolulu: Wait for me here! I won't be long!

Kolulu suddenly storms out of the shop, leaving the others behind.

Mahira: Um... So Kolulu's been gone awhile now...

Manamel: Could she have run into some danger?

Kolulu's Voice: Thanks for waiting!

Just as the girls begin to worry, the door swings open and in comes an enthusiastic Kolulu.

Manamel: K-Kolulu? What's with the new look—

Kolulu: I bought the full set just now!

Kolulu: This is my idea of fashion... What do you think?

Lamouralla: Kolulu? This is no time to be mucking around—

Kolulu: I'm not playing! I put everything I have into choosing this outfit!

Kolulu: Manamel's focus on individuality, Mahira's attention to functionality, Chloe's eye for pleasing color schemes...

Kolulu: And Lams's emphasis on charm—I took everything I learned into account!

Lamouralla: ...!

Kolulu: I'll ask again. What do you think of my idea of fashion?

Lamouralla: In a word, cute.

Kolulu: Ehehe, you bet I am!

Kolulu: How could I not be cute when I got all my fashion advice from you guys!

Mahira: Cluck... You mean we're your inspiration?

Kolulu: That's right! I'm not sure how to put this, but...

Kolulu: I love you all so much! I'm lucky to have you guys as friends!

Kolulu: There's also the others I've spent precious time with...

Kolulu: Getting to know everyone has been a blessing. Just like how the taste of food changes with a sprinkling of grated cheese...

Kolulu: I've changed too!

Kolulu: I wouldn't be wearing something so cute right now if I hadn't met you, Lams!

Eager to convey her feelings, Kolulu tightly grasps Lamouralla's shaking hands.

Lamouralla: Y-you think so?

Kolulu: Absolutely, Lams! So please stop thinking that you ruined Lilico's life.

Chloe: Heck yeah! I speak for all of us when I say knowing you has turned us into better versions of ourselves, Lallana!
(･`ω´･)

Mahira: Even with differing talents and backgrounds, we can still come together to be positive influences on each other.

Lamouralla: Guys...

Lamouralla: Still though... I pushed Lilico into something she didn't wish for...

Lamouralla's own ensemble comes into view as she casts her gaze downward.

Lamouralla: ...!

Kolulu: Are you going to say you ruined your own look too?

Lamouralla: Kolulu...

Manamel: I'm sure everything's fine, no cap.

Manamel: Lilico told me herself that people change by interacting with others.

Lamouralla: She said that?

Manamel: Uh-huh. She ordered a bowl of non-greasy ramen topped with oodles of scallions when I bumped into her at the restaurant.

Lamouralla: Wow! That's definitely a big change from her usual.

Lamouralla lifts her face and heaves a deep sigh.

Lamouralla: Humph!

Chloe: Hold up, Lallana! Why would you go and slap yourself like that!

Lamouralla: I haven't been myself.

Lamouralla: I am... the free-loving lady Lamouralla Lovemore!

Kolulu: There we go, Lams! Nothing beats that smile on you!

Lamouralla: I can't thank you all enough.

Lamouralla's eyes widen with joy, a tinge of uneasiness in her expression.

Lamouralla: To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what I should do.

Lamouralla: But one thing I know I definitely want to do is find Lilico and talk things through!

Lamouralla: I hope you girls don't mind me asking you to escort me there.

Kolulu: Gladly!

All respond to Lamouralla's request with a smile.

They rise from their seats, ready to begin a search for Lilico.

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 6: Your Will - Episode 2

When Lilico's wedding ceremony is cut short by Lamouralla and the others, she explains that she'd rather just follow her father's wishes since she has no ego or passions of her own. Just then, a giant mecha known as the Archipelago Annihiloid, created by House Reyer, shows up to snatch the bride and groom.

Lilico's Father: Tell me, Lilico. What is it that you really, really want to sell?

Young Lilico: W-well...

Young Lilico: Um... I could probably come up with a few business proposals—

Lilico's Father: Listen, Lilico. You want to find one particular product that you really care about.

Lilico's Father: Devote all your attention to that one product, and your passion will shine through to the end customer. It's an age-old tradition of House Reyer's.

Young Lilico: ...

Lilico's Father: Your ancestors generally went with something meant for military use, but you're free to choose anything you'd like—anything at all.

Lilico's Father: Well, Lilico? Do you have something in mind?

Young Lilico: I... Um...

Lilico: Even if I'm not fit to be a merchant of House Reyer...

Lilico: I can at least become the merchandise myself.

Priest: Now, once again, you may kiss the bride.

Lilico: (Strange... Why am I suddenly having flashbacks?)

Roused from daydreams of the distant past, Lilico takes in the view before her.

Groom: ...
Are you ready?

Lilico: ...

For a moment, Lilico's eyes fixate on the large, white doors beyond the wedding aisle.

They are sealed shut, as if closing off the world outside.

Lilico: (This is how it should be...)

She gently shuts her eyes, ready to receive the groom's incoming kiss.

Lamouralla's Voice: Hold it right there, if you please!

Lilico: ...!

The doors burst open, allowing rays of sunlight to pour in.

Lamouralla: If you haven't done the kiss yet, then it's no marriage, no foul, right?

Lilico: ...!

Lilico's Father: You again! What are the guards doing?

Manamel: Guarding, as they should be.

Guard: ...

Metera: At least they were up until a moment ago.

Behind Lamouralla are Manamel, Metera, Utsusemi, and a slew of collapsed guards.

Lilico: You guys!

Lilico: Please don't get in the way! I'm okay with getting married!

Manamel: Nuh-uh! You're gonna have to try much harder to convince us!

Utsusemi: Like I said before, Lilico, being a good listener's part of my job.

Lamouralla: Why, Lilico? There's no need to get married for the sake of someone who just wants to use you!

Lilico: ...

Lilico clenches the hem of her dress as she lowers her gaze.

Lilico: Lams... You wouldn't understand.

Lilico: For someone empty on the inside like me, freedom doesn't mean a thing!

Lilico's Father: I'm going to find a way to bring money into the family... and restore House Reyer to its former glory.

Lilico: Father poured his blood, sweat, and tears into the fulfillment of that goal.

Young Lilico: ...

Lilico: And I was there to watch it all happen...

Lilico: I was numb to emotions even then!

Lilico: You could give me all the freedom in the world, and I still wouldn't know how to express myself!

Lilico: I went searching, digging, diving into what makes me tick! Yet here I am just as clueless as when I started!

Lilico: Figured it couldn't possibly be any worse to just go with what my father wants!

Lamouralla: Lilico...

Lilico's Father: My child has no passions of her own. That's why she's better off as the kindling for my ambitions.

Lilico's Father: Daughter of House Lovemore, what gives you the right to interfere in a matter that Lilico is perfectly content with?

Lamouralla: ...!

Lilico's father does not mince words. Just then...

Sierokarte: Get away from here, everyone!

Metera: Sierokarte? Kolulu's group is here too...

Mahira: We looked into the surrounding area and made a terrifying discovery.

Sierokarte: House Reyer keeps a secret weapon underground for cases of emergency...

Lilico's Father: Too late.

The very ground they stand on begins to shake, causing a loud, rumbling noise.

The structure housing the ceremony venue is blown to rubble as something underground activates, clouds of dust filling the air.

Annihiloid: ...!

Manamel: Oh... em... whaa...

A massive shadow manifests on the empty lot that served as wedding grounds only moments earlier.

Lilico's Father: ...!

As all stand dumbfounded at the sight of the mecha towering over them, Lilico's father enters the cockpit.

Both: Eep!

Lamouralla: That thing just grabbed Lilico!

Lilico's Father: Haha! Good thing the groom's family isn't in attendance!

Lilico's Father: As long as I have the newlyweds with me, everything's going to work out just fine!

Lilico's Father: Hehe... Gwahahaha!

Amid the confusing mess of a situation, the man's shrill laughter pierces the air.

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 6: Your Will - Episode 3

Lilico's father reveals that the completion of the Archipelago Annihiloid's construction was possible thanks to funds from House Lovemore, and he plans on selling the mecha to buyers all over the world to restore House Reyer's reputation. Lamouralla, however, is focused entirely on convincing Lilico to return with them of her accord—a task the Draph triumphs in.

During the crew's conversation with Lilico, an unexpectedly massive guest bursts onto the scene.

While shielding the wedding attendees, the crew tries to make sense of the situation.

Chloe: ZOMG! Taking on a giant mecha might as well be on the level of the Hundred Falsies Challenge!

Manamel: Like, what even is that humongous thing! Lilico's dad being able to pilot it is crazy sus!

Sierokarte: It's a weapon that House Reyer had been building over a very long time...

Sierokarte: Or rather, its development was said to be such a monumental failure that it led to the family's downfall.

Sierokarte: Still, I had a personal suspicion that it still presented a threat and kept tabs on the weapon...

Lamouralla: How's a failed weapon standing before us!

Lilico's Father: I have the very generous donations from your father to thank for that.

Lamouralla: My father?

Lilico's Father: When I mentioned needing funds to resume construction of a weapon that'd help us find our daughters, he didn't hesitate for a second.

Kolulu: That's just evil! You used his money for your own selfish ends!

Lilico's Father: While somewhat unstable, what matters is that the prototype is working!

Lilico's Father: By selling the completed product to countries and black markets all over the skies, the restoration of House Reyer's former glory will no longer be a dream!

Lilico's Father: Of course, they will want to see it put through the wringer to confirm its effectiveness in combat...

Lilico's Father: This is perfect! I needed to eliminate the interlopers daring to interfere in my daughter's wedding anyhow!

Lilico's Father: How fortunate! I get to take out a famous crew and our trade rival Sierokarte in one go—and be justified in doing so!

Chloe: Ew... His bad guy vibes are through the roof!

Eyes fixed on the giant weapon, the girls take steady steps back.

Lamouralla: Um... Just one thing, Mr. Reyer...

Kolulu: Lams, no! Don't get any closer—

Lamouralla: I or anyone else couldn't care less about your stupid ambitions!

Lilico's Father: What?

Lamouralla: Lilico was finally willing to speak to me about the thoughts she'd been harboring for the longest time!

Lamouralla: And I won't let anyone get in the way of something so precious!

Lilico: Lams...

Chloe: Whoo! Hero Lallana ftw!

Lamouralla: Mahira, any chance you can get me to Lilico with that floating power of yours?

Mahira: An aerial escort... I've never done that before. This could be fun.

Kolulu: Leave the big guy to us!

With Mahira's assistance, Lamouralla flies up to the mecha's hand where Lilico is.

Lilico's Father: Rgh! What foolishness!

Lilico: It's too dangerous, Lams! Get down!

Lamouralla: If you want me to get down, then you'll just have to come with me!

Lilico: I don't care for freedom! As long as you're free, then—

Lamouralla: My freedom means nothing if you're not a part of it!

Lilico: ...!

Lamouralla: You've been saying you have no sense of self, Lilico, but I beg to differ!

Lamouralla: Since you eat so much ramen, you take extra steps to make sure that your breath stays fresh!

Lilico: H-huh?

Lamouralla: Whenever you put off taking a bath for so long that I say that I'll take one first, you say you'll go first after all!

Lamouralla: Truth be told, that's quite a nuisance. I'd rather you just get in the bath as soon as you're ready.

Lamouralla: Though I do have to say I appreciate you moving about like a spy when preparing for work in the morning so as not to wake me!

Lilico: Not like any of it matters now—

Lamouralla: Let's take the focus away from you for a second!

Lamouralla: I... I just want to be with you, Lilico Reyer!

Lilico: ...!

Lamouralla: Freedom, passions—whatever you want, I'll find it for you!

Lamouralla: Come now, grab my hand!

Lamouralla extends a hand to Lilico midair.

Lilico: You're too much, Lams...

Lilico: Just when I thought my fate was sealed...

Lilico continues to waver, unsure whether to take Lamouralla's hand.

Vegalta: ...!

Lilico: This is... Manamel's dagger?

Attached to the Vegalta, now planted on the mecha's hand, is a slip of paper.

Manamel: I still have so much to learn from you, Lilico. You haven't forgotten you're my mentor, have you?

Manamel: Come back to us already.

Lilico: Manamel...

Noticing Lilico's gaze from above, Manamel turns away.

Groom: Grab her hand, Lilico.

Lilico: Huh?

Groom: You were exhilaratingly beautiful when you ran from the wedding that day...

Groom: Go. I'll manage in my own way somehow.

Lilico: ...

Lilico: Well, I suppose that marriage won't work if the both of us aren't for it.

Unlike the last time, Lilico reaches out to take Lamouralla's hand and grabs it tight.

Sparks fly the moment their hands make contact as the power of floatification takes effect, and Lilico leaps off the mecha's arm.

Lamouralla: Lilico!

Lilico: Lams!

Their hands are interjoined as they slowly descend to ground level.

Lilico: Oh boy... As much as I appreciate you, you've made such a big mess of my life...

Lamouralla: Then I'll just have to take full responsibility and make sure your life gets straightened hellralla out!

Metera: Gleaming Pulverize!

Lilico's Father: I-impossible! You damaged my Archipelago Annihiloid!

Kolulu: Phew... It stopped moving!

While Lilico and Lamouralla are making their landing, the crew successfully pacifies the threat.

Utsusemi: Welcome back, Lilico.

Manamel: Whew, hope the trouble was worth it.

Lilico: Guys...

Lilico: I'm so sorry. I'll treat you all to ramen to make up for everything.

Lamouralla: Haha, sounds like you're just hungry for some ramen!

The girls revel in hearty laughter on the ruins of the wedding ceremony grounds.

Lilico, standing in the center of the debris, puts on the purest smile of them all.

Groom: W-wait a second... I think everyone forgot about me...

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 6: Your Will - Episode 4

Lilico exclaims to her father that she will decide her own worth and abandons the wedding. The Archipelago Annihiloid suddenly enters its deadly burst mode, putting all of Port Breeze at risk. Kolulu and friends step up, ready for a showdown.

The crew confirms the safety of the groom and wedding attendees, then guides them to safety.

Annihiloid: ...

Lilico's father comes out of the now-silent mecha.

Lilico's Father: House Reyer's future! My hopes and dreams...

The man drops to his knees in front of the mecha, black smoke rising from its wreckage.

Lilico: I'm sorry, Father... for heightening your expectations only to then disappoint you.

Lilico's Father: To think my daughter with no passions of her own would go on to douse my own fire...

Lilico: Truly... I was never cut out to be a House Reyer merchant. Becoming the merchandise was the best I could do.

Lilico: Only thing is... I want to be the one to put a price tag on myself!

Lilico: Meeting everyone here has shown me another way.

Lilico's Father: So I see...

Lilico's Father: Do as you wish. House Reyer is finished at any rate.

Lilico's Father: There's no reason for you to follow the family teachings anymore.

Lilico: Father? You mean—

Mahira, who is inspecting the mecha, suddenly turns pale.

Mahira: This is a bad sign...

Mahira: Watch out, everyone!

Annihiloid: Burst mode... Awakening... Awakening...

Kolulu: Uh-oh! Please don't tell me the mecha's still operational!

Lilico's Father: Oh no! The autopilot that I've been developing must have gone haywire, causing it to take on its archipelago-annihilation form!

Manamel: I don't have a clue what that means!

Lamouralla: Whatever the case, we're obviously in danger!

Lilico's Father: The mecha must be stopped, or Port Breeze will be blown to bits!

Metera: What is wrong with you! Why would you create something so dangerous?

Lilico's Father: Forgive me... My desire to make it stronger got the better of me...

Annihiloid: Lock on...

Mahira: It sees us as a problem and is getting ready to fire.

Lamouralla: Ngh... There's so much more I wanted to talk to you about, Lilico!

Lamouralla: Like all my potential boyfriends were actually just doing their jobs as professional entertainers, so I still don't have any actual experience dating men!

Lilico: I'm sorry, what? Are you really dropping that Archipelago Annihiloid-tier bombshell on me right now?

The two cling tightly to each other amid the catastrophic situation.

All: ...

The others stand boldly before them.

Kolulu: Relax! We're going to make sure you two get to embark on this new chapter in your lives!

Manamel: Yeah, we're not gonna let a single mecha ruin things for us. Right, Vega?

Vegalta: ...!

Metera: My body was getting restless from so much relaxation anyway. Might as well take this chance to go all out.

Utsusemi: You've threatened my precious customers. I hope you're prepared to face the consequences.

Annihiloid: Eliminate... Eliminate...

The crew faces the fearsome threat head-on.

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Our Style and Our Substance - Ending - Episode 1

With the crisis averted, life returns to normal for all. At work, Lilico adopts a look that she feels better expresses herself, and gets praised for her fashion sense. She tells Manamel and Sierokarte about her intentions on surpassing her father as a merchant someday. A farewell party is held at Flip-Flop the night before the Grandcypher is due to take off. Elsewhere, Lodi and Nereus have a little chat on a street corner.

The crew stops the rampaging annihiloid, thereby ending Port Breeze's impending crisis.

Only days later, life returns to normal for the girls in Ungud.

However, that does come with some changes.

Manamel: Good morning.

Clerk: G'morning!

Lilico's Voice: Morning, everyone.

Shopkeep: Ah, Lilico! Good—huh?

Lilico: What's wrong? You look like you got served a bowl of chicken ramen when you asked for pork ramen.

Manamel: Oh, it's just... You're looking a lot more minimalistic than usual.

Manamel: I thought you might take this chance to go all fancy like me!

Lilico: Nah, I'm fine going with a simple and comfy look—no fancy brands, no struggling to fit in.

Lilico: Simple is best, as they say... Function over form.

Manamel: You think? But that's the total opposite of cute!

Clerk: I have to say, Lilico... You're looking pretty stylish in your own way.

Lilico: Huh?

Clerk: Normcore, I think it's called? Perfect for the quiet luxury lifestyle.

Clerk: Anyway, you're definitely rocking the look!

Lilico: But standing out was the furthest thing from my mind—

Shopkeep: Whatever the case, you look great. It's as if those clothes were made for you.

Lilico: Aw, not you too!

Lilico: Hm... Fashion's such a weird thing.

Manamel: Meh, whatever... They're not wrong...

Lilico: Wait, did you just—

Manamel: Well then, let's get to work!

Lilico: Come with me to lunch today! Ramen at Gorimatsu!

Manamel's Voice: I think I'll pass!

Lilico: Heheh... Guess there's no changing her in the end.

Sierokarte: Good morning, Lilico.

Lilico: Siero... How's my father doing? I heard he was being questioned...

Sierokarte: Oh, he's already returned to the Reyer estate. We're mostly done cleaning up around here.

Sierokarte: Seems your dad had plenty of contingencies in place... It's quite impressive, I'd say.

Sierokarte: Also, he promised not to interfere in your love life anymore.

Lilico: I see...

Lilico's Father: Do as you wish. House Reyer is finished at any rate.

Lilico's Father: There's no reason for you to follow the family teachings anymore.

Lilico: I imagine he'll probably try to start some other business...

Sierokarte: Hm, I wonder about that. He took a huge blow from the recent series of events.

Lilico: Rather, that's what I'd like to see him do...

Lilico: I'll turn Ori-Hori into something so great that he'll have no choice but to see us as a rival.

Lilico: And I'm going to do that my way!

Sierokarte: Lilico...

Sierokarte: Hehe, sounds good to me! I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do!

Lilico: Thanks, Siero!

Kolulu: Good morning!

Lamouralla: Oh, Kolulu! I might've said this before, but you couldn't look more classy in that outfit!

Kolulu: Ehehe! You too, Lams!

Amid the pleasant chitchat at Flip-Flop, two plates of spaghetti carbonara arrive at their table.

Kolulu: The first time we ate together somehow feels like such a long time ago.

Lamouralla: I know what you mean! It feels like we've known each other forever!

Kolulu: But... the Grandcypher's set to take off tomorrow...

Lamouralla: I can hardly believe tonight's party is going to be our goodbye...

The two take turns sprinkling grated cheese onto their plates as they continue dining.

Lamouralla: I'm happy you were able to find your own brand of fashion, Kolulu.

Kolulu: How could I not be cute when I got all my fashion advice from you guys!

Kolulu: Mm-hm! I think I'm going to continue changing for the better as I meet more and more people!

Lamouralla: Haha! You know that means you're going to run into the problem of love someday too.

Kolulu: Er... Maybe in a few more years...

Lamouralla: Yeah... I'd also like to spend some precious time with those close to me instead of worrying about growing up.

Lamouralla: Which means planting my feet on the ground with Lilico and taking things one step at a time!

Kolulu: Even if it means a fresh start, I'm sure you'll get to where you want to be in no time at all.

Lamouralla: Ahaha... You know, you're probably right.

Kolulu: We might be saying goodbye tonight, but we can keep in touch via letters!

Lamouralla: Yes, I'd like that very much!

That night, the girls rent out Flip-Flop to hold a farewell party.

Metera: Wha? Kolulu, you guys were coming to the shop every day this whole time?

Kolulu: Yeah... I had no idea you and Utsusemi were working here at night!

Manamel: Hehe, who woulda guessed we were coming to the same place—Lamouralla for pasta and Lilico for ramen.

Lilico: Something wrong with ramen?

Manamel: Nuh-uh, not at all!

Mahira: How are pasta and ramen different anyway?

All Seven: Wha?

Kolulu: Good question... What is different about them?

Chloe: Hrm... (；－ω－)
One's got soup, and the other doesn't?

Mahira: But I heard you can also order ramen without the soup... Plus pasta soups are also a thing.

Utsusemi: Now things are getting interesting. Maybe it's like how dreams and reality are nothing more than two sides of the same coin?

Lamouralla: Wait, so is this another philosophical question?

Lilico: Let's not overcomplicate things! The heart of ramen lies in the soul!

Manamel: Boo, I say! Pasta's cute, and ramen's not cute! 'Nuff said!

Lamouralla: This is definitely a philosophical question, isn't it!

Mahira: Let's see... The ratio of base ingredients such as flour should be the first angle to approach from...

Metera: Wait a sec... Are you actually writing mathematical formulas on the table? Please stop! I'm the one who's gonna have to clean that up later!

Kolulu: I'm happy to eat either one! They both taste great!

Though the eight girls were coming to the shop every single day, this is their first time sitting at one of its tables together.

Their boisterous confabulation continues late into the night.

Meanwhile, two figures are walking down the streets of New Ungud.

Lodi: It's finally over. Never been this exhausted over an assignment.

Nereus: Though it must be said that the developments throughout this particular tale have left an indelible mark on you.

Lodi: You think so? All I did was watch, you know.

Nereus: Tell me... Why did you go to save your customer that one time?

Nereus: She was no longer your patron, and I ordered nothing of the sort.

Lodi: ...

Lamouralla: I... I won't forget you!

Lamouralla: Thank you, Lodi!

Lodi: I wanted to forget everything. Had to settle things my own way to do that.

Lodi: Producer... Your freedom is my freedom. I need no other functionality.

Nereus: ...

Saying that with a downcast expression, Lodi takes his leave of the glamorous city.

Our Style and Our Substance - Ending - Episode 2

Many friendships were formed during the Grand Spruce Up—a fact that quickly becomes evident upon the crew's return to traveling the skies. Meanwhile, Lamouralla and Lilico continue to live in Ungud, often basking in each other's company as real sisters might.

After a substantial amount of time getting things in order in Port Breeze, the crew returns to journeying through the skies.

One day, the Grandcypher hallway is feeling especially warm.

Miss Heaty: ...

Chloe: Aah... Love how you keep me warm, Miss Heaty!
(´-ω-`)

Mahira: Miss Heaty's force of attraction is on the level of a kotatsu... It's so comfy, I could stay here all day.

Vyrn: Hey, whatcha two doin' sittin' in the hallway?

Lyria: Oh! What an adorable-looking heater!

Chloe: Totes McGotes! Had a total blast making it with Mahipi!

Mahira: I added some quality-of-life features too. The automatic temperature adjustment should be especially handy.

Vyrn: Must've been awfully tough with everything that went on durin' the spruce up.

Mahira: Awfully tough? Hm, more like awfully good.

Chloe: Gave us a chance to become besties! Makes me so happy, I could dab!
UwU

Mahira: The spruce up might be over, but we still find ourselves visiting each other's rooms and going out for food together.

Chloe: Same with the other girls. I mean, I spot Metera hanging out with Utsusemi a lot.

Two crew members are enjoying a drink at Raduga, the Grandcypher's subgalley.

Utsusemi: You couldn't have looked more pure and lovely in that outfit, Lady Metera.

Metera: Oh, stop teasing me, Utsusemi!

Metera: How about yourself? Doesn't it feel a little suffocating being clad in the same nightflower garb all the time?

Utsusemi: Nuh-uh. Wearing this is as natural as breathing to me.

Metera: Oh yeah?

Metera: You know, I wouldn't mind drinking with you when you're not done up sometime.

Utsusemi: "Sometime"? Hehe... For a good friend like you, let's try "right now."

Utsusemi: Be right back... Need to wash off this makeup—

Metera: Wait! I've gotta psyche myself up first for the big reveal—

Utsusemi: Hahaha.

Metera: Huh?

Utsusemi: Just kidding... Nightflowers like me don't wake up from dreams that easily.

Metera: Really, Utsusemi? Another jab at me?

Metera: Vyrn, where are you when I need you? Kolulu would work too!

Metera: I don't want to be the only one who gets teased tonight!

Kolulu is in Manamel's room. They are looking through a fashion magazine together.

Kolulu: Ooh! I'd love to try on a soft, silky dress like this sometime!

Manamel: A balloon dress, huh... I think you'd look great in it. It might come off as pretty formal though, so you might want to balance that with an accessory or two.

Kolulu: Hm, maybe I can use the horn accessory I got from Lams as a bracelet.

Manamel: Sounds one-of-a-kind, but sure, that'd probably work!

Kolulu: Manamel, is everything okay?

Manamel: Huh?

Kolulu: Oh, it's just... You seemed a bit bothered somehow.

Manamel: Oh em gee... Here I was acting the part of mature big sister, but you saw right through me.

Manamel: But I'm fine, really!

Manamel: I'm gonna keep on keeping on with my idea of cuteness. Because that's what'll get my sister-boo to notice me.

Manamel: Other people might find it restrictive, but this is everything to me. I don't need to change.

Kolulu: Manamel...

Kolulu: It's so cool how you're sticking to your guns! Cute too!

Manamel: Heheh, you can say that again!

Kolulu flips to the next page, and a special column in the corner catches her eye.

Kolulu: Huh? What's this about? "Lilico Reyer on the Soul of Noodles."

Manamel: Look at that, a ramen pic! Mm, I can almost smell the oil wafting from the page!

Manamel: I just remembered—Lilico wrote about this in her last letter.

Lilico is seated by the desk in her room in Ungud, scribbling something onto paper.

Lamouralla: Lilico!

Lilico: Careful, Lams! The ink could spill when you hug me out of the blue from behind!

Lilico: Besides, didn't I tell you not to come at this hour when I'm writing my columns?

Lamouralla: Have you forgotten I'm the free-loving Lady Lamouralla? Your luck ran out the moment you handed over a set of keys.

Lilico: Sheesh... Just when I thought I got my own place, now you're gonna be showing up every day?

Lamouralla: I'll more than make up for it with my very, very special massages—designed to make sure you never feel tired, Lilico!

With a hearty grin, Lamouralla begins rubbing Lilico's shoulders.

Lamouralla: I never thought you'd be taking on the role of professional ramen critic while being the district manager at Ori-Hori.

Lilico: Siero recommended me for the job. Honestly, I wasn't too sure at first either...

Lilico: It's nice to see you carving out your own space too at Flip-Flop.

Lamouralla: Ehehe... The free pasta they give us daily makes me one happy worker!

Her face beaming, Lamouralla spins the chair around to have Lilico face her.

Lamouralla: So... are you okay with how things turned out? With our new life together?

Lilico: Hm? Why so serious all of sudden?

Lamouralla: I mean, we're always going on about what it means to be free and to pursue your passions, and...

Lilico: Come to think of it, that hasn't really come up in our conversations for a while now.

Lilico: Which means... we're practically living the dream, right?

Lamouralla: Lilico!

Lamouralla takes Lilico into her arms from the front this time.

Lilico: So happy to have met you, Lamouralla Lovemore!

Lamouralla: My thoughts exactly, Lilico Reyer!

Still in each other's loving sisterly embrace, the two revel in joyous laughter.

The chair continues to spin round and round, as if celebrating their new start in life.

Just like the day they met, birds are chirping outside the window amid flowers in full bloom.

Having the freedom to pursue one's hopes and dreams will surely continue to be a hot topic among many in Ungud for a long time to come.

The End

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Cast

Our Style and Our Substance/Story

Our Style and Our Substance - Opening

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 1: Carbonara and a Naked Pervert - Episode 1

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 1: Carbonara and a Naked Pervert - Episode 2

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 1: Carbonara and a Naked Pervert - Episode 3

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 1: Carbonara and a Naked Pervert - Episode 4

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 2: Salt for Fried Eggs - Episode 1

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 2: Salt for Fried Eggs - Episode 2

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 2: Salt for Fried Eggs - Episode 3

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 2: Salt for Fried Eggs - Episode 4

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 3: Predation and Warm Milk - Episode 1

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 3: Predation and Warm Milk - Episode 2

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 3: Predation and Warm Milk - Episode 3

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 3: Predation and Warm Milk - Episode 4

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 4: Runaway Lady Lamouralla - Episode 1

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 4: Runaway Lady Lamouralla - Episode 2

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 4: Runaway Lady Lamouralla - Episode 3

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 4: Runaway Lady Lamouralla - Episode 4

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 5: Freedom's Restraints - Episode 1

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 5: Freedom's Restraints - Episode 2

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 5: Freedom's Restraints - Episode 3

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 5: Freedom's Restraints - Episode 4

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 6: Your Will - Episode 1

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 6: Your Will - Episode 2

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 6: Your Will - Episode 3

Our Style and Our Substance - Chapter 6: Your Will - Episode 4

Our Style and Our Substance - Ending - Episode 1

Our Style and Our Substance - Ending - Episode 2

Cast

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