Scenario:Carmelina - Homecoming Madness

Homecoming Madness

As Carmelina receives her death sentence at court, the crew recalls how it all began. Carmelina received a performance request from an orphanage situated in Astley Kingdom, where she once served as court jester. Hoping to learn why she was previously abandoned by the jester troupe, she accepted—unaware of the consequences.

---

Judge: For the crimes of deceiving the people, disrupting the order of the nation, and conspiring to overthrow the state...

Judge: The court finds the defendant, Carmelina, guilty. The defendant is to be burned at the stake.

The moment the sentence is passed, chaos erupts as screams fill the courtroom.

Nobleman: Burned at the stake? You're kidding! What did Carmelina ever do to deserve this!

Woman: Humph! Well-deserved justice! This woman ruined my family!

Man: You're a deceiver and corrupter of hearts! This is the moment that justice finally catches up to you!

Carmelina: ...

Amid the uproar, voices of dissent against the verdict are drowned out by hateful remarks, cries of lamentation, and general confusion.

In one corner of the heated gallery, Vyrn clenches his fists tightly in frustration as he watches the events unfold.

Vyrn: Darn it! Everyone's just sayin' whatever they want!

Lyria: It's awful how we can't do anything but stay silent...

Lyria: I know we promised Carmelina, but this doesn't feel right...

Lyria bites her lip, her gaze fixed on Carmelina's upright, resolute figure.

Although Carmelina's expression is not visible, her stately pose captivates the attention of (Captain), who reflects on the days leading up to this moment.

It all began a few weeks ago. Things started peacefully enough.

Carmelina: A request to do a charity performance?

Lyria: Yes! Apparently, the client saw your acrobatics in town and quickly became a fan!

Lyria: They want you to perform for the children at an orphanage they're supporting. It'll mean the world to them!

Carmelina: Really? Wow, I'm so happy they liked my show!

Carmelina: Okay, no problem! I'll take the job! So where's the location?

Vyrn: Oh, I think it's a foster home in the Astley Kingdom.

Carmelina: What?

Carmelina's eyes widen in shock upon hearing that name.

Carmelina: The Astley Kingdom... You mean that Astley Kingdom?

Vyrn: Whaddya mean? Is it supposed to be some famous place?

Carmelina: Hmm, famous might not be the right word, but I used to be part of the Astley Kingdom Court Jester Troupe!

Lyria: Wow! Wait, is that the same jester troupe that left you behind on one of its expeditions?

Carmelina: Yep, that's the one! Wow, it's been ages. I wonder how everyone's doing?

As Carmelina's nostalgia-tinted gaze drifts off into the distance, a trace of concern flickers across Lyria's expression.

Lyria: Um... Carmelina, do you want to go back to the jester troupe?

Carmelina: Hm, I dunno... Sure, I still find myself missing the castle's food every now and then...

Carmelina: But honestly, the food here with the crew is just as good! Plus, performing shows all over the skies is really fun.

Carmelina: And I've made so many new friends just traveling with you guys.

Carmelina: Right, Happy?

Happy: Graaah...

A lion named Happy rubs against Carmelina's hand.

Happy is her companion, acquired during a circus event hosted by the Jewel Resort.

Carmelina: Yeah! That's why, for now at least, I don't really feel like going back to the troupe!

Carmelina: Still, there's one thing I want to ask the troupe's leader directly.

Vyrn: Yeah? What's that?

Carmelina: I want to know why they left me behind! I've never stopped wondering about it, and I still don't have a clue why!

Lyria: That makes sense... Not knowing the reason something like that happened can weigh on you.

Carmelina: Exactly! I thought I'd use this opportunity to finally get some clarity and get it off my mind!

Vyrn: I hear ya...

Vyrn: In that case, we'll ask the client to make sure you can meet the troupe members!

Carmelina: R-really! Are you sure? It's not a bother?

Lyria: It's no problem at all! Honestly, we're curious about why they left you behind too...

1. We'll give them a scolding if we gotta!

Choose: We'll give them a scolding if we gotta!

Lyria: Yes! We're on your side no matter what happens, Carmelina!

Carmelina: Ahaha! Thanks a ton! It's so reassuring to hear that!

Carmelina: But first, since I've agreed to perform, I need to make sure I give the kids at the orphanage a show they'll never forget!

Carmelina: All right! If that's the plan, I better come up with a new trick or two to really wow everyone!

One month later, for the first time in years, Carmelina sets foot on the island she once called home.

Little does she know that this return will lead to a monumental event—one that will challenge and threaten everything she knows.

Homecoming Madness: Scene 2

Upon arrival at Astley Kingdom, Carmelina and crew are accused of being a witch and her coconspirators before being taken away. With the help of a mysterious benefactor who turns out to be Carmelina's former ringmaster, the crew escapes to his tavern, where he reveals that the acrobat's past behavior has led to their current predicament.

---

Carmelina: Hi there! I'm Carmelina, an acrobat!

Carmelina: I've returned to the Astley Kingdom for the first time in ages on a mission with the crew, but—

Soldier 1: Freeze! Surrender peacefully, and we won't make this difficult.

Lyria: W-wait, please! We only got here just now!

Carmelina: For some reason, as soon as we reached the capital, we were surrounded by soldiers! Talk about a dilemma!

Carmelina: What's going to happen to us now?

Soldier 2: Hey, who in the skies are you talking to!

Carmelina: Ah—sorry, sorry. Guess I was just trying to escape reality for a second!

Carmelina: So, Mr. Soldier, can you please explain why this is happening?

Carmelina: Like she said, we just arrived, and we haven't even entered the city yet...

Soldier 1: Humph. Don't play dumb, witch!

Soldier 1: You brought disorder to this kingdom and corrupted its people—you can't pretend to have forgotten your sins!

Soldier 1: And you're not the only one we have our eyes on.

Soldier 1: The ones who came with you—the skyfarer, red lizard, and girl with blue hair...

Soldier 1: You all stand accused of conspiring with the witch to overthrow the state!

Lyria: What!

Vyrn: That's crazy talk! This is literally our first day here!

Soldier 2: Yet you brought the witch into our kingdom—that much is true!

Lyria: Well... Yes, we came here with Carmelina, but...

Lyria: We didn't come here intending to cause any harm!

Soldier 2: Hah! As long as you're working with the witch, your words carry no weight!

The soldier draws his sword, pointing it menacingly at Lyria.

Lyria: Eek!

Carmelina: Stop! Stooop! You really shouldn't point such dangerous weapons at an innocent girl!

Soldier 1: Hah! Unfortunately for you, our orders don't require us to capture you unharmed.

Soldier 1: We've been told to use force if necessary, even against women and children.

The soldier's voice, firm and unyielding, leaves no doubt that he isn't bluffing.

Vyrn: Psst, Hoops... What exactly did ya do to these people?

Vyrn: They're way too mad for there not to be some kinda reason behind it!

Carmelina: Honestly... I have no idea!

Carmelina responds to Vyrn's hushed question with visible confusion and takes a step forward to address the soldiers.

Carmelina: Sure, I used to live in this kingdom a long time ago... But ever since the jester troupe left me behind, I haven't returned even once!

Carmelina: So I have no idea what you're talking about when you say I'm bringing disorder, corruption, or whatever to the country!

Soldier 2: Don't bother feigning ignorance, Carmelina! You've been marked as one of this kingdom's most wanted criminals!

Lyria: A wanted criminal?

Vyrn: See? You must've done something to land yourself in serious trouble!

Carmelina: Wait—wait! It's all a big misunderstanding! This is the first I've heard of any accusations like that!

Carmelina clasps her hands around a nearby soldier's hands, gazing up at him with teary eyes.

Carmelina: I promise, I know nothing about this situation! There has to be some kind of mistake...

Soldier 2: Oh...

Carmelina: Mr. Soldier, please—I just want to resolve this misunderstanding! Won't you help me?

Soldier 2: Oh... Mm...

Soldier 1: Hey, snap out of it! She's using her usual tricks to deceive you!

Soldier 2: Ack! Witchcraft! You're out of line!

Carmelina: Eek!

The soldier, having nearly been beguiled by Carmelina's words, pulls free, forcefully separating himself from her.

Lyria: Carmelina, are you okay?

Soldier 2: Phew... Blast this witch! How frustrating!

Soldier 1: Enough talk! If you don't want to get hurt, surrender at once!

The soldiers continue to close in, tightening their formation around the crew.

Vyrn: This is bad! No matter what we say, these guys aren't listening! If this keeps up, we'll really get arrested...

Lyria: Oh no... What should we do?

Carmelina takes a deep breath as she makes up her mind.

Carmelina: Well, I guess there's no other way... I'll be the decoy—

Soldier 1: What the!

Following the sudden sound of explosions, the entire area is engulfed in white smoke.

Vyrn: Perfect timing! Better use this chance to hightail it!

The crew prepares to make a getaway amid the confusion.

Soldier 2: Hack... Cough... You're not getting away!

Lyria: Aiiee!

Carmelina: Lyria!

As a scream sounds from behind, the others turn to see a soldier, despite being blinded by the smoke, manage to grab Lyria's arm.

Vyrn: Hey! Let Lyria go—

???: Let's get things sorted here, shall we?

Soldier 2: Ack!

A dull, metallic clang resounds as the soldier restraining Lyria crumples to the ground.

Lyria: Huh? What?

???: You guys! Stop standing around and come this way, quickly!

Vyrn: But...

???: We can talk later! Unless you prefer to be locked up in a filthy cell, I suggest you listen!

(Captain) and company are unsure what to make of the voice shouting from beyond the smokescreen.

Carmelina: Oh, I think I know who that is! Trust me, it's okay!

With a wink, Carmelina leads the crew by the hand, running through the smoke to safety.

Lyria: Where are we?

The group arrives at a secluded tavern, hidden underground, deep within the city's alleys.

Carmelina: Wow, this place brings back memories! It hasn't changed at all!

Vyrn: You've been here before?

Carmelina: Yep! During my time with the jester troupe, I used to come here a lot.

Carmelina: The owner of this tavern is the troupe's leader.

Carmelina: And the person who just saved us is probably...

???: Sigh... You haven't changed a bit, Carmelina. Everywhere you go, trouble follows.

Carmelina: I figured it was you! Long time no see, Ringmaster!

The man, his face concealed by a mask, enters with an air of exasperation.

Ringmaster: Honestly, having you around makes life far from dull—that's for sure.

Carmelina: Aww, you're too kind!

Ringmaster: I wasn't complimenting you in the slightest.

Ringmaster: So, I take it this group is the skyfaring crew that picked you up?

Ringmaster: I've heard about your situation. It must've been quite a mess.

Vyrn: No kidding! As soon as we arrived in town, we were accused of conspirin' with a dangerous criminal and surrounded by soldiers...

Lyria: Um... Do you know why Carmelina has been declared wanted?

Ringmaster: Of course. This outcome was inevitable; I've seen it coming for a long time.

Carmelina: What? But I don't recall doing anything wrong...

Ringmaster: I'll bet. To you, those actions were entirely innocent and done with little thought.

Ringmaster: But I warned you multiple times, didn't I? I told you to be wary of how people might misinterpret your behavior.

Carmelina: Gulp...

Ringmaster: Listen carefully, Carmelina. The trouble you're facing now stems from your past actions.

Ringmaster: You ignored every warning given to you, and now innocent people are being dragged into this mess because of your carelessness.

The ringmaster's words carry a cold tone as he admonishes Carmelina, whose reluctant expression reveals her discontent mixed with guilt.

Homecoming Madness: Scene 3

The ringmaster explains that Carmelina's performances had charmed several men, including royalty, sparking jealousy and political turmoil that nearly led to war. To defuse the situation, he faked her death and abandoned her on a distant island.

---

Lyria: You mentioned Carmelina's past actions, but what exactly happened?

Ringmaster: It's no one particular incident... In fact, there were plenty of them!

Ringmaster: Surely you've noticed her captivating one man after another wherever she goes?

Memories of the crew's first encounter with Carmelina come flashing back.

Carmelina: But you'll come again, right?

Imperial Soldier 1: Y-you bet!

Ruffian 1: That's it. That's Carmelina's special move.

Ruffian 2: Yep. No man can stand up to that.

Lyria & Vyrn: Ah...

Carmelina: Huh? Someone help me out here. I have no idea what the ringmaster's talking about.

Ringmaster: You know, Carmelina, I've told you this time and again.

Ringmaster: Your sense of personal boundaries being completely out of whack is one thing, but on top of that, you're so overly charming in every way that it's actually frightening.

Ringmaster: You need to exercise restraint to avoid making unnecessary enemies. Despite all the times I've said that though, it seems you haven't changed a bit.

The ringmaster looks at (Captain) and the others' reactions, lets out a small sigh, and gazes into the distance as if reminiscing about the past.

Ringmaster: The ability to captivate others is a powerful weapon for an entertainer. I completely understand that.

Ringmaster: In fact, once this girl made her official debut, she quickly rose to become the star performer of our troupe.

Ringmaster: However, just as excessively overwhelming talent can bring happiness to people, it can also bring misfortune. In this girl's case, it was unfortunately the latter.

Carmelina: Whoo—now that's what I call a success! Peace!

Men's Voices: Uuooogh! Carmelinaaaa!

Carmelina: And that's it for today! Thanks for coming to see me, everyone!

Awaiting Carmelina after she bows and steps off the stage is a well-dressed man.

Crown Prince: Ah, Carmelina. Today's show was wonderful as always.

Carmelina: Hello, Prince! Always a pleasure to have you visit!

Crown Prince: How fleeting time is when I am watching you perform. For shame...

As the crown prince lowers his gaze in disappointment, Carmelina steps closer, taking both his hands in hers and leaning in slightly.

Carmelina: Don't look so sad! The evening after next, I'll be performing in the town square...

Carmelina: It'd really make my day if you could come watch!

Crown Prince: Ah... of course!

Crown Prince: Wait—I'm sorry, but I believe I have a dinner scheduled for that day...

Carmelina: Oh, really? That's too bad, but if you already have plans, it's okay—I understand.

Carmelina lowers her eyebrows and glances downward sadly, a gesture that stirs deep protective feelings in the crown prince.

Crown Prince: No... it's fine! There'll be no problem at all!

Crown Prince: Without fail, I will come to see you... I mean, see your performance!

Carmelina: Really? That makes me so happy! Promise, okay? Pinky swear!

Crown Prince: Pinky swear... Hehe...

???: ...

Ringmaster: As a performer, Carmelina captivated people regardless of their social status, gender, or age.

Ringmaster: However, her behavior toward the opposite sex offstage caused many misunderstandings and resentment among people.

Ringmaster: The more men became enchanted by her, the more people grew hostile toward Carmelina, eventually directing malice toward her.

Carmelina: Nom nom, yum yum!
What's for dinner, I can't wait!

???: Watch out, Carmelina!

Carmelina: Huh?

The moment Carmelina comes to a pause, a large vase falls from above and shatters right before her.

Carmelina: Eek!

Harlequin: Carmelina! Are you okay?

Carmelina: I'm fine! Thanks to your warning, I'm right as rain!

Harlequin: Thank goodness...

The woman lets out a sigh of relief, then glares at the spot where the vase likely fell from.

Harlequin: That dress! There's no mistake—it's that nasty duchess, Veronica!

Harlequin: Even for nobility, there are limits to what's acceptable and what's not!

Carmelina: Hey, calm down! No one got hurt, after all.

Carmelina: Besides, we don't know for sure if Veronica was the one who dropped the vase, do we?

Harlequin: Of course it was her! We know she's been harassing you constantly!

Carmelina: Well... Veronica certainly likes to push my buttons, but I don't think she's responsible for everything.

Carmelina: From what I can tell, there are at least ten people regularly dogging my steps, but I don't know much beyond that.

Carmelina: Anyway! I'm totally fine, so you don't need to worry!

Ringmaster: Carmelina, as usual, brushed off any harassment she faced as if it were nothing.

Ringmaster: That attitude ended up provoking people even more, and the harassment against her kept escalating.

Carmelina: Mm-hm. I dealt with things like needles hidden in my shoes, my costumes being ripped, and getting poisoned bread or sweets as gifts!

Vyrn: That's way beyond harassment! It's a miracle you're still alive!

Carmelina: What else was there... Oh, tampering with the props I use for my street performances.

Lyria: Yikes... Some of those tools can be dangerous, and one mistake could lead to a serious accident.

Ringmaster: Exactly. That's why we tried to pull her off the stage temporarily until things cooled down.

Ringmaster: But back then, she just wouldn't listen to a word I said.

Ringmaster: She kept insisting, "I perform for the people who support me," and in the end, she stayed onstage the whole time.

Ringmaster: In hindsight, that decision was a mistake, no matter how you look at it.

Jealous and bitter people grew angry at Carmelina's indifference to their hostility and began openly criticizing her.

On the other hand, those who admired Carmelina became furious at the critics and started attacking them in retaliation.

Without Carmelina's awareness, these small conflicts grew larger and larger, eventually involving the entire country.

Ringmaster: Civil war, you say?

Broker: Yeah. Recently, there've been skirmishes popping up everywhere between her most ardent fans and the anti-Carmelina faction.

Broker: And the word is that these small conflicts are about to escalate, eventually involving the entire country—no, the whole island—and turning into a massive war.

Ringmaster: No way... Is the situation really blowing up that badly?

Broker: I am not exaggerating in the least.

Broker: Did you know? Even the king and crown prince are completely infatuated with Carmelina, attending every single one of her shows.

Ringmaster: What? You must be joking...

Broker: Not at all—it's the truth. They're quite notorious among her loyal fans, and people even spot them around town frequently.

Ringmaster: Wait, wait, hold on. Are you telling me that they attend more than just her shows at the royal court?

Ringmaster: You mean to say they also show up for her street performances and the private gigs she takes on?

Broker: Exactly. And naturally, during those times, they get no work done. Now, guess who has to take care of the official duties of government?

Ringmaster: Well... It would have to be Her Majesty the Queen.

Broker: That's right. But even the queen's efforts to cover for them have limits.

Broker: As it stands, domestic affairs might not be openly discussed, but with the king and crown prince in such a state, things have become a complete mess.

Broker: There's even talk that Carmelina is being blamed as a force disrupting the peace of the country, with some people beginning to call for her execution.

Ringmaster: Sigh... I had no idea the situation had gotten this bad.

Broker: Personally, I love Carmelina's street performances and hope she continues working with your troupe for years to come, but...

Broker: You know what they say—where there's smoke, there's fire. You'd better act quickly before things spiral out of control.

Ringmaster: Yes, you're right... I'll keep it in mind.

After the information broker departs, the ringmaster remains behind alone, letting out a deep sigh while gazing at the dim ceiling above.

Ringmaster: The time has come. Underestimating that girl's nature was my mistake.

Ringmaster: It was in that moment that I made my decision.

Ringmaster: With her talent, even if she's cast out alone, she won't simply waste away or die.

Ringmaster: To quell the chaos gripping the country... To protect both the members of my troupe and Carmelina herself...

Ringmaster: I decided to leave her in a faraway place and declare that she died in an accident during a performance.

Homecoming Madness: Scene 4

The revelation of Carmelina's survival reignited unrest among the country's citizens, turning her into a wanted criminal. (Captain) suggests fleeing to avoid execution, but Carmelina insists on taking responsibility and announces her decision to surrender.

---

Ringmaster: That is the root cause behind what Carmelina started in this country back then, and its effects continue to this day.

Lyria: I'd heard about how Carmelina was harassed in the past, but...

Vyrn: Boy, all this about Hoops sounds totally nuts. Everyone has really had it rough, huh...

Carmelina: I had no idea things had gotten to that point.

Carmelina: Why didn't anyone tell me? If you had just let me know, I could have...

Ringmaster: Explaining the situation would have only led to you trying to clear up the misunderstandings and making everything worse.

Ringmaster: Surely even you realize how you would have reacted.

Carmelina: Well, yes...

Ringmaster: It would've been like pouring oil on the fire, which is why none of us told you anything.

Ringmaster: What's more though... is that I wanted you to find happiness somewhere far away, oblivious to what had gone down.

Ringmaster: Your talent for captivating people and your skills as a performer are genuine. I didn't want you to abandon those gifts by learning the harsh truth.

Carmelina: ...

After observing Carmelina, the ringmaster lets out a resigned sigh as he gazes into the distance.

Ringmaster: And that's why I exiled her and told the people of this country that she died in an accident during a performance while on tour.

Ringmaster: The shock of her "death" luckily quelled the civil unrest, but then other issues arose.

Ringmaster: Her most devoted fans lost all hope in life and became hollow shells.

Ringmaster: Seeing family members and significant others like that bred hatred toward Carmelina—for taking hold of their loved ones' hearts even in death.

Ringmaster: After witnessing the misery around them, individuals who had been neutral began fearing Carmelina as a destructive force capable of ruining their country.

Ringmaster: On the positive side, since she was "dead," the country and its people did eventually begin to calm down.

Ringmaster: That is—until rumors spread of Carmelina being booked to perform street acts at a certain orphanage, despite supposedly having died.

Vyrn: Does that mean her resurfacing is what's causing all this anger against her again?

Ringmaster: Exactly. And this time, it's far worse. The voices criticizing Carmelina massively outnumber those supporting her.

Ringmaster: Because of that, the situation has reverted to the same volatile state as before.

Ringmaster: At this point, even the king can no longer suppress the opposition's voices.

Ringmaster: To make matters worse, the crown prince's fiancee—the duchess—and the queen herself have directly filed objections against Carmelina.

Lyria: And that's why Carmelina has been branded a criminal now?

Ringmaster: Yes. And it doesn't stop there. If caught, she'll likely be sentenced to death.

Carmelina: What?

Vyrn: No way! An execution?

Lyria: You can't be serious! That's going too far!

Ringmaster: My thoughts exactly. But as mentioned earlier, this is the second time the country has faced such chaos.

Ringmaster: Even if Carmelina didn't intend for this, she was the spark that ignited it all.

Ringmaster: To restore peace to the country, such extreme measures have become necessary because of the deep rift among the people.

Carmelina: ...

Lyria: Carmelina...

Lyria approaches the pale, crestfallen Carmelina, trying to comfort her.

Seeing this, (Captain) begins to question things internally.

1. Did the client know all this?

Choose: Did the client know all this?

Ringmaster: No. Your client wasn't aware of Carmelina's circumstances at all.

Ringmaster: He merely invested in the orphanage and rarely visits this island.

Ringmaster: The client only learned about this country's situation and Carmelina's past a week before the performance.

When the crew accepted the request, the orphanage staff had been informed Carmelina would be coming, but...

It seems upper management at the orphanage, as fans of Carmelina, secretly pushed forward with plans to ensure the performance would happen.

Ringmaster: As the saying goes, "the walls have ears," and someone accidentally let the information slip, leading to the current chaos.

Ringmaster: Once he learned of the situation, the client immediately sent a letter to warn you and request the performance's cancellation.

Vyrn: A letter? Don't think we ever saw it...

Ringmaster: I imagine you didn't. See, this is the state that the letter returned to the client in.

The ringmaster pulls out a mud-covered, crumpled envelope.

Vyrn: Whoa, what a mess! It's completely ruined!

Ringmaster: This particular letter also happens to be one I personally sent to notify all of you myself.

Ringmaster: The warrant for Carmelina's arrest only applies within this country. That's why certain parties need her to come directly to them.

Ringmaster: They're determined not to let this chance slip through their fingers—no matter what.

Lyria: That's so awful... How could it come to this?

Lyria: Carmelina only wanted to create joy through her acrobatics...

Vyrn: Based on what we're hearin' though, Hoops isn't entirely without fault here...

Vyrn: Still though, don'tcha think these folks are kinda overreacting?

A heavy silence descends upon the group as (Captain), taking everything into account, makes an important decision.

1. Let's leave the island.

Choose: Let's leave the island.

Vyrn: Yeah... I'd say that's the right call.

Lyria: If we stay here, Carmelina could end up captured... or worse.

Ringmaster: Agreed. You should leave quickly before the port gets completely locked down.

Carmelina: No... I can't go.

Vyrn: Wha... You realize what you're sayin', Hoops!

Lyria: If you stay, you'll be arrested and... and maybe even face execution!

Carmelina: I know. But after hearing the ringmaster's story, I realized something.

Carmelina: If it's because of me that the people of this country have lost their smiles, then I need to take responsibility.

Carmelina takes a deep breath before looking at the others, her eyes filled with resolve.

Carmelina: That's why... I'm going to turn myself in.

1. Wha?

Choose: Wha?

All Four: Whaaat?

The room is momentarily filled with silence—a silence that is quickly broken by everyone's shouting, loud enough to crack a bottle of wine.