Divine Dragon's Coveted Shine
Tired after helping with the crew's year-end shopping, Payila returns to her room to relax and bask in her treasure collection. Lilele stops by and invites Payila to attend an outdoor concert being held by a local idol. Drawn by the sparkle in Lilele's eyes, Payila agrees to tag along.
One afternoon, a few days before the new year, a figure teeters through the Grandcypher's corridors.
Payila: Pant... Wheeze...
Payila: I didn't realize end-of-the-year shopping would be so grueling...
Univa: You say that, but we shikigami carried the bulk of your shopping bags.
Payila: Yes, and? I can't help that a round-trip excursion from airship to emporiums exhausts all my energy...
Payila: But despite the burden, refusing a direct request from my treasured (Captain) goes against my nature.
Univa: I suppose it does. And it was supposed to be an opportunity to build up your physical strength too.
Payila: Oh, spare me. I'm exhausted enough already. Go fetch my loungewear.
Without delay, Univa procures a set of pajamas from nearby drawers and helps Payila get changed.
Payila: Phew... Now I can finally relax.
Payila plops onto an immaculate sofa and rests her chin in her hands, tilting her head around to take in the room.
Payila: Hehe... My new collection in this room grows by the day.
Payila: How can I resist the gleam that seems to emanate from within my prizes? Like this jewel here. Univa, if you would.
Univa: Of course. Here you go.
Accepting the cloth fetched by Univa, Payila, her own eyes sparkling, begins to polish the jewel.
Payila: Ah, true bliss... Nothing shall stand between me and lavishing attention upon my precious trove.
A knock comes from the door, though the treasure hoarder pays it no heed and continues to work at the jewel.
Univa: If I may, ignoring a visitor while on this ship might be perceived as a slight on (Captain)'s honor.
Payila: Urk... Just when I finally had a moment to myself. Fine, let's see who it is.
Univa opens the door to reveal Lilele smiling brightly on the other side.
Lilele: Hiya, Payila! I was wondering if you wanted to join me for something!
Payila: If it isn't the ramen girl. What is this "something" about?
Lilele: Geez, as much as I love ramen, I'd appreciate it if you remembered I'm an idol too!
Payila: So I take it this isn't about ramen?
Lilele: It isn't! I'm headed for an outdoor concert to celebrate the end of the year. I really want to see a local idol named Yuki there!
Lilele: Hehe, I was hoping you'd join me for the show!
Payila: Pass.
Lilele: What? You didn't even take a second to think about it! I could've sworn (Captain) told me you were free for the rest of the day...
Lilele: Well, I guess I'll go by myself since I wanna see her sparkly new outfit! I bet it's going to shine as bright as that jewel in your hands!
Payila: Oh? Tell me more about this local idol of yours.
Lilele: I'd love to! Yuki started dancing and singing and stuff to help bring life back to her town.
Lilele: She works so hard that she inspires me to do better too! But what I love most of all is how she lights up the whole stage with her smile!
Payila: Hehe, speaking of lighting up, when you talk about her, your eyes sparkle as if they were precious gems.
Payila: Very well, you've captured my interest. Take me to this outdoor concert of yours.
Lilele: Ooh! Awesome! I'll wait out here for you to get dressed, and then we can go!
Payila: No need to wait. This outfit will do.
Lilele: Oh, um... I guess there's no dress code, so it's probably fine?
Payila: Then lead the way.
Payila: Hehe, I'm curious to see how brightly this idol of yours will shine.
Divine Dragon's Coveted Shine: Scene 2
Once the outdoor concert finishes, Payila and Lilele are invited backstage, where Payila notices a cursed mirror. The local idol, affected by the mirror, explains with a wicked smile that she keeps it around to boost her confidence. Payila, fascinated by the intense emotions contained within the mirror, decides that she wants it for her collection.
After agreeing to attend the end-of-the-year concert with Lilele, Payila now stands in front of an outdoor stage.
Payila: Pant... I just... wave my arms like this?
Lilele: Yeah, exactly! The more you show your support, the brighter Yuki will shine!
Despite her haggard breathing, Payila continues to move with the crowd. An electric energy fills the air by the time the performance finally draws to a close.
Idol: Hehe, thanks for cheering your hearts out, everyone!
Fan 1: I love you, Yuki! That was so much fun!
Fan 2: Heck yeah! What a way to close out the year!
Lilele: Wow, she really blew me away this time too!
Payila: Wheeze... I can't... lift my arms...
Lilele: I guess the whole routine's pretty exhausting if you're not used to it, huh?
Payila: Regardless, I enjoyed seeing the glimmer in everyone's eyes—though they still don't quite compare to the lustrous gems in my collection.
Lilele: That just goes to show how much everyone wanted to see Yuki today!
Lilele: But... was it just me, or did she seem a little distracted?
Idol: Oh gosh, is that really you, Lilele? And... you're Divine General Payila! I can't believe you came to see me!
Payila: Lilele's fervor for you motivated me to come see you for myself.
Idol: Wow, for real? But Lilele's been an idol way longer than me! I'm flattered!
Lilele: Your new outfits are so awesome, I always make sure to check them out! The one you debuted today was super pretty!
Idol: Oh, thank you. Say... How would you like to join me backstage and see them all up close?
Lilele: I'd love to! As long as that's really okay with you!
Payila: Hehe, there's that sparkle in Lilele's eyes again. Consider my interest piqued. I'll join you.
Following Yuki's lead, Lilele and Payila head toward a tent behind the outdoor stage.
Suspicious Man: Tch... Hurry up and go away already.
Lilele: This is the one you wore for your first concert! I still remember it like it was yesterday.
As Lilele loses herself in a sea of bedazzled fabric, something catches Payila's eyes. Walking over to a nearby table, the Divine General picks up an old handheld mirror.
Payila: This mirror is beautiful. Something about it feels... unique beyond its extravagant gold embellishments.
Idol: That's, um, a personal item...
Lilele: Hm, the design is definitely extra, but it doesn't seem like your style.
Sidling up to Payila, Lilele peers into the old-fashioned mirror.
Lilele: Gah!
The face that greets her is so unsightly, it almost appears to be an entirely different person.
Lilele: That's not what I look like at all...
Idol: Well, that's because it's another version of you. A worse one.
Payila: My face appears twisted too. The copy staring back at me is truly unpleasant.
Payila gazes closely at her own reflection with a pensive calm.
Payila: I'm curious. Why would you keep something so demeaning around?
Idol: A good question... From the start, I was always just an ordinary girl. I was never fit to be an idol.
Lilele: What? That's not true.
Idol: But when I use this mirror and see the ugliest parts of myself...
Idol: Hehe... It boosts my confidence, knowing this hideous face has survived the stage time and time again.
The idol's lips curl into an unsettling smile—one that sends a chill down Lilele's spine.
Payila: What a disturbing expression.
Lilele: I'm starting to think this might be a cursed mirror...
Payila: A cursed mirror?
Lilele: I heard about it in a folktale before. I didn't think it could actually be real.
According to Lilele, there once was a noblewoman who was known far and wide for her unparalleled beauty.
Cognizant of her own charms, she grew arrogant and did as she pleased, until the day she crossed a magician and was placed under a curse.
Trapped in a hideous form, she spent the rest of her days mourning her visage in a mirror. It's said that even after death, her hatred lingered in that very mirror.
Payila: A mirror cursed by that woman's bitterness, hm? I was correct to assume it unique.
Payila: Her grudge was so deep-seated that it warps the reflections of others...
Payila: Hehe, this mirror is a treasure worthy of my collection. You should give it to me.
Lilele: Wha... Why would you want a cursed mirror! It's messing up your reflection too!
Payila: The objects that I seek aren't limited to conventional standards of beauty.
Payila: Whether it be hatred or love, I am captivated by anything that carries with it strong, undiluted emotion.
Payila: I will have this mirror. But not for free, of course. I'm prepared to offer suitable compensation.
To emphasize her point, Payila presents an expensive-looking jewel.
Idol: I don't care what you've got. I need this thing to be able to take the stage!
Payila: You drive a hard bargain. Very well, I can sweeten the deal.
Idol: No, you're not listening. If I don't have the mirror, I...
Manager: I can't believe this! I overheard everything from outside!
Lilele: Wh-whoa, you're Yuki's manager!
Manager: I knew something has been warping her smile lately! So it was all because of this mirror!
The manager snatches the small mirror and raises it high above her head.
Payila: Stop! Unhand my treasure at once!
Ignoring Payila's protest, the woman swings the mirror down as hard as she can.
Divine Dragon's Coveted Shine: Scene 3
Noticing the commotion, some fans stop by and offer words of genuine support to the idol, who is moved to tears. Captured by the beautiful scene, Payila declares them all her precious treasure and trounces a thief attempting to sneak backstage. She receives the mirror for safekeeping and returns home immediately after, exhausted but eager to lavish (Captain) with attention.
Idol: Stop it! This is your fault! You're the one who forced a normal girl like me to become an idol in the first place!
Yuki shoves her manager right out of the tent, barely saving the mirror from being damaged.
Fans: ...
Stepping out of the tent, Yuki and the others are greeted by anxious fans staring back at them.
Idol: (Oh, crap!)
Payila: It seems these tents are woefully poor at keeping conversations private.
Idol: Uh, it's not what you think... I was just kidding around!
Fan 1: But... you've looked kind of stressed lately...
Fan 2: I've always liked you just the way you are. So it doesn't make a difference to me!
Idol: Huh?
Lilele: You know, it's our job as idols to brighten up everyone's days.
Lilele: But at the same time, everyone else brightens up our days too! Don't you feel the love?
True to Lilele's point, all of Yuki's fans gaze upon their idol with concern and affection.
Payila: Hehe, look at all those bright, compassionate eyes.
Payila: Their adoration is genuine. I guarantee it.
Upon hearing Payila's words, the idol breaks out into tears.
Idol: I've been such an idiot... I'm so sorry...
Idol: Sob... I completely forgot how happy everyone looked during the first concert I ever did...
Fan 1: Oh, Yuki, we'll always be your fans forever!
As the idol and her fans weep together, Payila watches on with a smile.
Payila: What a magnificent scene—one worthy of my high standards.
Payila: I've decided that you all will become a part of my trove.
Idol: Your... what?
Lilele: Er, how do I explain this... Payila collects "beauty"—people included—as part of her treasure collection.
Payila: In other words, everything here is under my protection. I won't allow anyone to lay a hand on what is mine.
The Divine General finishes her statement with a sharp glare in the direction of the man attempting to sneak into the tent.
Suspicious Man: Tch... How'd you know I was here?
Payila: "Heaven's reach is limited, but its retribution is not." Did you truly think a commotion like this was enough to distract me?
Payila: Now tell me. What business do you have in that tent?
Suspicious Man: An idol's possessions sell for a fortune, and today it's what's-her-face's turn.
Lilele: Wait, I think I know this guy! He must be the one robbing all the performers lately!
Payila: On top of attempting to steal my treasure from me, the fact that you are ignorant of her name adds insult to injury. Prepare to be disciplined.
Backstage Burglar: Wha... Hey! I haven't even nabbed anything yet!
Backstage Burglar: Gaaah!
Lilele: Whoa, that's enough! He's gonna kick the bucket at this rate!
Payila: This is far from enough. All who attempt to tarnish my treasure deserve a fitting punishment.
Idol: Eep! Payila, I promise you've already done plenty! Could you please rein it in?
Payila: Hm... I suppose I should respect the wishes of the one who was wronged.
With the burglar taken into custody, a considerably calmer Yuki checks that her manager is all right before approaching Payila.
Idol: Thank you so much for helping us. I thought it over for a bit, and... knowing the town is doing better because of my efforts makes me feel like I can move forward.
Idol: I don't need this mirror anymore.
Payila accepts the proffered object with a satisfied grin.
Payila: My thanks. I'll be sure to keep it under lock and key for everyone's benefit.
Payila: Hehe, yet again I'm amazed by the splendor of such unadulterated hatred...
The incident comes to a close without further fanfare, and Payila returns to her room aboard the Grandcypher.
Univa: I'm not certain (Captain) appreciates being pet like an animal.
Payila: Heh, this is my well-deserved reward for actually going outside not once but twice today.
Having summoned (Captain) to her room, Payila now lounges on the sofa, idly playing with the captain's hair.
Payila: Hehe... I cherish every single strand of hair on your head, for you rank among the most precious of my treasures.
Payila: Speaking of which, I should give your hair a good brushing. A collector must take care of her possessions, after all.
Payila: Univa, bring me that lacquered comb we bought not too long ago, won't you?
Univa: Right away.
Taking the comb from Univa, Payila's outstretched hand hovers just over (Captain)'s head.
Payila: I don't feel like moving. Bring your crown closer to me.
Payila: Hehe, isn't this comb nice? Only the best will do to ensure my trove shines its brightest.
Payila: Hm, this should do. Tilt your face toward me.
Payila: Good, very good... Every bit of your excellence is on full display.
Payila: There truly is no brilliance like yours...
Payila: Hehe, nothing brings me more bliss than showering my treasures with affection.
Payila: Oh, that's right. Are you thirsty? I completely forgot to bring out the tea. Univa?
Univa: Understood.
The shikigami quickly brews two cups and places them in front of (Captain) and Payila.
Payila: There you are. Take your time and savor it.
Payila presents the cup as if she had brewed it herself before stretching out across the sofa once more.
Payila: Don't mind me. I'll be lying here peacefully, admiring you as a tea-sipping piece of art.
- Satisfied?
- I should get going...
Choose: Satisfied?Choose: I should get going...Payila: What? Don't be ridiculous. I've barely started to relax yet.
Univa: I believe you are troubling the dear captain, Payila.
Payila: Surely (Captain) doesn't have any pressing matters to attend to. I already wrapped up our shopping earlier.
Payila: You can spend a little more time with me, can't you?
Payila: Come, lie down next to me. I don't mind the tight squeeze.
Unable to find an excuse to leave, (Captain) crawls onto the vacated sliver of sofa.
Gazing serenely up at the ceiling, the captain settles in for an extended session of Payila's pastime: being lazy.
