Scenario:Carmelina - The Spectacular Closing Act

The Spectacular Closing Act

Having turned herself in, Carmelina is visited in prison by the noblewoman Veronica, who is still bitter over her fiance—the crown prince—prioritizing Carmelina over both the queen's and her own birthday. Realizing Veronica has never seen her performances, Carmelina is strangely looking forward to her execution day.

---

Carmelina: Huh, so this is what a prison cell feels like.

True to her own words, Carmelina gave herself up and was swiftly put on trial, where she was sentenced to execution by burning at the stake.

She was then detained in a dungeon deep beneath the castle, where she awaits her final moment.

Carmelina: Aw, this mattress is so stiff! I'm going to wake up with aches all over.

Carmelina: Sigh... I miss my comfy bed on the ship...

Letting out a sigh at the cold, hard sensation, Carmelina absentmindedly gazes at the dark ceiling for a while.

???: My, my, how pitiful you look. Finally, we've caught the little homewrecker!

Carmelina: Huh? You're...

The women who had stepped into the cell, their laughter ringing with haughty disdain, are adorned in strikingly elegant finery—a stark contrast to the dank, oppressive confines of the dungeon.

Carmelina: Um... Who might you be?

Noblewoman: What nerve! Don't you dare claim ignorance of the name of Veronica, treasured duchess of the kingdom!

Carmelina: Vero...

Carmelina: Oh, yeah! I remember now!

Carmelina: You're the duchess who used to bully me all the time with your group of followers!

Veronica: Grr... You're just as infuriatingly good at rubbing people the wrong way as ever!

With her teeth clenched, Veronica draws a steady breath and clears her throat, her sharp glare locking onto Carmelina.

Veronica: Humph. Last time, I was outdone by that shyster, but this time there's no escape for you.

Veronica: If you care about your skyfarer friends, I advise you not to pull any more funny business.

Carmelina: Wait, so you're basically keeping them hostage? Wow, you'd go that far?

Carmelina: I don't recall doing anything that would earn such deep hatred from you.

Veronica: Hah, there you go again. If your actions aren't deliberate but rather unconscious, that just makes you even worse!

Veronica: Every time you came to the castle, you seduced—without any restraint—noblemen's sons, soldiers, and even servants.

Veronica: And worst of all, you deceived my fiance, the crown prince himself!

Carmelina: What? I didn't do anything of the sort!

Veronica: You may have intended it as "promotion," but thanks to you, many couples ended up breaking off their relationships.

Carmelina: Promotion...

Advice offered by the ringmaster earlier comes rushing into Carmelina's mind.

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.

Carmelina: Ah...

Veronica: It seems you finally realize what I'm talking about.

Carmelina: Well, yes, the ringmaster's been nagging me about it for a long time...

Carmelina: But I just wanted to express my gratitude to everyone. I didn't mean anything else by it!

Carmelina: Besides, everyone genuinely supports me too. That's all there is to it!

Veronica: "Genuine support," huh...

Veronica: But should that really be worth disrupting their time with their families and significant others?

Carmelina: Huh?

Veronica: Do you remember what the crown prince once said when you told him the date for one of your shows?

Veronica: He mentioned having a dinner scheduled for that day.

Those words spark a memory within Carmelina's mind.

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

Carmelina: So, if you could come watch, I'd be so happy!

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: Oh! Yeah, now that you mention it, I do remember him saying that!

Carmelina: So that dinner he mentioned—it was with you, wasn't it?

Veronica: Exactly. And it wasn't just any dinner—it was an incredibly important one celebrating both my birthday and the queen's.

Carmelina: Oh...

Veronica: But both His Majesty and the crown prince canceled on us that day, choosing instead to attend your show.

Carmelina: What? That's awful!

Veronica: And it's all your fault, for seducing the crown prince!

Carmelina: Wait a second! Aren't we mixing up two completely different things here?

Carmelina: I never once asked anyone to cancel important plans just to attend my performances.

Carmelina: Even back then, I clearly said, "If you have plans, it's okay—I understand!"

Veronica: Silence! The crown prince and king prioritized you over keeping their promises to us, so the blame lies with you!

Carmelina: What... That's not very reasonable...

Noblewoman: All day, whether during meals or even more intimate times on occasion, your supporters speak of nothing but you.

Noblewoman: Every time they hear about one of your performances, they cancel prior engagements just to attend your show.

Noblewoman: Who wouldn't grow more and more resentful at having to deal with that?

As the noblewoman speaks with rage, faint tears glisten in her eyes, causing Carmelina to fall silent.

Veronica: It's undeniable that your presence has destroyed the relationships and happiness of many individuals.

Veronica: Carmelina, you are a blight upon this land—a witch who has led this kingdom to ruin.

Carmelina: But... I never meant for any of this to happen!

Veronica: Your intentions don't matter in this situation.

Veronica: As the future queen and as someone whose fiance you stole, I demanded the harshest punishment—and my request was granted.

Veronica: In other words, you've been officially recognized as an enemy of this country, a criminal to be punished.

Veronica speaks with clear disgust in her tone, and Carmelina sighs as if resigned to fate.

Carmelina: I see. Now I understand why you dislike me, and why you had been harassing me.

Carmelina: But... can I ask just one thing?

Veronica: What is it?

Carmelina: Have you ever attended one of my street performances?

Veronica: What? Of all the things you could ask...

Veronica exhales in disbelief, exchanging glances with the noblewomen accompanying her before turning back to Carmelina.

Veronica: The crown prince once said that watching your show would make me understand, but I refuse to believe that nonsense.

Veronica: Why would I ever willingly watch the performance of the temptress who stole my lover?

Carmelina: ...

Veronica: Not even if you piled up gold or jewels—I'd never waste my time watching the crude acts of someone like you.

With those words, Veronica and her entourage leave the cell, their footsteps fading into the distance.

Carmelina: Wow... That really ticked me off.

Carmelina mutters to herself, but rather than showing anger, her expression is oddly cheerful.

Spinning around lightly in the cell, a faint smile graces her lips.

Carmelina: But in a way... people like them are the most fun to surprise.

Carmelina: Hehehe... This is getting exciting!

The Spectacular Closing Act: Scene 2

The day before Carmelina's execution, (Captain) and the others grow uneasy about her cheerful demeanor. She reveals her plan to turn the execution into a performance and make everyone smile, thereby proving that she is nothing more than an entertainer.

---

It is the day before Carmelina's execution.

Thanks to the ringmaster's mediation, (Captain) and company have been granted permission to meet Carmelina in her underground cell.

Carmelina: Glad to see you guys! How's everything going? No one's been bullied or harassed, I hope?

Lyria: We're perfectly fine! How about yourself, Carmelina?

Carmelina: All good on my end! If anything, I'm just starting to miss warm meals and soft beds!

Vyrn: You know, the king issued a decree that every citizen's gotta be there when things go down tomorrow.

Carmelina: Really? My first—and last—stage performance on such a grand scale. It'll be nice to have everyone watch it!

Carmelina's cheerful response leaves the group exchanging worried glances.

Vyrn: Hey, Hoops. About that plan of yours... are you really gonna go through with it?

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

1. Wha?

Choose: Wha?

All Four: Whaaat?

Vyrn: What? Are you serious!

Ringmaster: Wait a second—are you out of your mind? Surrendering is as good as tying your own noose!

Lyria: No, absolutely not! If you insist, we'll stop you by force if we have to!

Carmelina: Whoa, whoa, calm down, guys! I have zero intention of giving up the ghost—none at all!

Carmelina: But if I flee now, both I and the people of this country will be left with lingering doubts and frustration.

Carmelina: That's why I want to prove that, as a performer, my only intention is to bring joy—nothing more!

Vyrn: If you surrender though... you know what's gonna happen, right?

Lyria: Yeah, that's the most important part! Even the ringmaster said you'll be executed if you turn yourself in!

Carmelina: Of course I get that. But you see, I've been thinking... this might actually be a great opportunity.

Vyrn: Huh? Whaddya mean?

Carmelina: Well, the entire nation is going to attend the execution of a major criminal who "tried to ruin the kingdom," right?

Carmelina: People who were my fans, those who hate me, those who don't like my performances...

Carmelina: People who've never even seen my acrobatics in action but carp about me based on rumors, or people who don't even know I'm a performer...

Carmelina: If I can turn all those indifferent or angry faces into surprised ones and bring out their smiles, wouldn't that be amazing?

Vyrn: Hrm... I mean, when you put it that way, maybe. Still though...

Carmelina: Also, I'm really mad.

Carmelina: It's fine if people harass or bother me—I've got thick skin.

Carmelina: But dragging you guys and other innocent bystanders into it is too much.

Carmelina: Most unforgivable of all is how they disappointed the kids who were excited for my performance at the orphanage! That's crossing the line!

Seeing the unyielding resolve in her eyes, the crew members exchange troubled glances.

Lyria: I completely understand how you feel, and I'd love to cheer you on, Carmelina, but...

Vyrn: Yeah, there's no way we can just agree to this.

Carmelina: Haha! Didn't I say? I have absolutely no plans to die!

Carmelina: Don't worry! The whole situation has given me the perfect idea for a one-of-a-kind show!

Carmelina flashes a bold, confident smile.

Carmelina: The ringmaster is going to help me out, isn't he? So it'll definitely work out!

Lyria: Even so, there's always the chance something could go wrong... and you might actually... you know... die.

Carmelina: Oh, you're such a worrywart! Don't you trust me?

Lyria: No, it's not like that! I know you're an incredible acrobat, but...

Carmelina: C'mon! Enough of the gloom and doom already! The more you stress, the bigger your worries will grow!

Carmelina: I'm going to perform the role everyone expects on the grand stage...

Carmelina: And then—bam!—deliver the biggest surprise ever to razzle and dazzle everyone! That's the mark of a first-rate showman!

Carmelina: So get ready, okay? You're all in for the most spectacular performance of my life—a grand comedy like you've never seen before!

Despite Carmelina's cheery promise, the crew's lingering anxiety remains.

The next day, the fateful stage is finally set for the curtain on destiny to rise.

The Spectacular Closing Act: Scene 3

On the day of her execution, Carmelina becomes the center of attention as she is about to be set ablaze. She escapes unscathed to triumphant fanfare, and with the help of Lyria, Vyrn, and Happy, delivers a spectacular surprise performance.

---

The brilliant azure sky stretches overhead as the solemn toll of the execution bell echoes, marking the grim occasion.

Carmelina: Wow, look at all these people! I can't believe the whole country came out for me!

The execution grounds are filled with citizens eager to witness the resolution of a tumultuous chapter involving the once-renowned performer.

Nobleman: Ugh... sniffle... Carmelinaaaaa! I don't want this to happen!

Crown Prince: This execution feels wrong... It must be stopped at once!

Woman: Your Highness! What are you saying? Remember, this is the woman who created chaos and turmoil across the entire nation!

Man: Y-yeah, exactly! My family was torn apart because of all this! She deserves this punishment!

Hearing the mixture of tearful cries and scornful remarks, Carmelina takes a deep breath, standing tall despite being bound to the pillar of the execution stage.

Carmelina: Thank you for gathering here today, everyone!

Carmelina: My ultimate performance is about to begin...

Carmelina: So keep watching until the end and don't look away!

Nobleman: Sniffle... Okay, Carmelina, if that's what you want...

Crown Prince: Yes... As difficult as this may be, we must not avert our eyes.

Veronica: Humph. Even now, she remains endlessly irritating.

As the crowd stirs, the bell rings once again, and the firewood and straw surrounding the execution stage are set aflame.

The fire quickly spreads, engulfing Carmelina.

Nobleman: No... Carmelina...

Noblewoman: Phew... Comeuppance for the witch at last. The prince and various lords bewitched by her should be back to normal soon enough.

Veronica: I couldn't agree more...

Veronica: Wh-what could that possibly be about!

What suddenly echoes is a cheerful fanfare, wholly unfitting for execution grounds.

Carmelina's Voice: Three...

Woman: ...?
Who was that?

Carmelina: Two...

Crown Prince: That voice... It's Carmelina's!

Carmelina: One...

Nobleman: Carmelina! Carmelina!
Uuooooogh!

Carmelina: It's showtime!

From the center of the swirling flames bursts forth a single dark figure.

Carmelina: Ta-da! I've conquered the inferno and emerged victorious! Peace!

Men's Voices: Uuoooooogh! Carmelina!

Veronica: Eh?

Noblewomen: Whaaat?

Amid the chaos of cheers and stunned silence, Carmelina flashes a huge grin and stretches her arms wide.

Carmelina: Hehehe! Were you all surprised? Fortunately, the show's only just getting started!

Carmelina: With the flames roaring behind me, I'll make sure to set all your hearts ablaze!

Men's Voices: Uuoooooogh! Carmelina!

Carmelina: Now then, behold my trusty ol' Moon Halo— the sharp and dangerous tool that rips and tears...

Carmelina: Hyaaah!

The Moon Halo is hurled straight into the swirling flames, where it becomes engulfed in fire and then—

Carmelina: Huh?

Contrary to expectations, the flaming weapon flies past Carmelina and hurtles straight toward Veronica.

Veronica: Eek!

Faced with the approaching ring of fire, young ladies scatter in panic, while Veronica stands frozen in fear.

Carmelina: Just kidding!
Gotcha!

Veronica: Huh?

Leaping high into the air, Carmelina snatches the Moon Halo mid-flight, spins gracefully, and lands right in front of Veronica.

Carmelina: Ta-da! That's what I call a success! Peace!

Veronica: Grr... Why, you!

Carmelina: Were you surprised? I'm sorry for scaring you!

Carmelina: To make up for it, I've prepared a special surprise just for you! Will you accept?

Carmelina snaps her fingers in a playful gesture.

Nobleman: What the... Where'd she come from!

Lyria: Ta... Ta-da! Surprise, surprise!

Yggdrasil: ...

Carmelina: Leading into...

Carmelina & Lyria: Flowers, flowers, everywhere!

Noblewoman: Ah... They're beautiful!

Veronica: ...

Yggdrasil: ...

Veronica: Erm...

Veronica hesitantly accepts a bouquet from the primal beast.

Veronica: Th-thank you...

Yggdrasil: ...

Carmelina: Hehe. Looks like Yggdrasil couldn't be more pleased that you accepted her gift.

Carmelina: Moving on... Next up is a performance with the kingdom's court jester troupe!

Amid a flurry of flower petals, Carmelina joins the others in the troupe to present an awe-inspiring show.

The stage, which had been prepared for something far more grim, is now filled with the cheers and energy of the crowd—a sight no one could have anticipated.

Noblewoman: Amazing... So this is the type of performance my husband always talked about...

Veronica: ...

Carmelina: Now, now! For the finale, let's bring out a mysterious flying lizard and an oh-so-scary lion for a spectacular collaboration!

Carmelina: The lizard is going to toss a ring high into the air, and if the lion catches it perfectly, make sure to give them a big round of applause, all right?

Vyrn: Gah, I ain't no lizard!

Happy: Graaaah...

Vyrn: All right then, Happy! Let's do this!

Vyrn sends a metallic ring soaring into the air, and Happy leaps with great force to catch it, landing gracefully.

Happy: Gwaaar!

Carmelina: Whoo! Can I get a "peace" from everyone?

Audience's Voices: Peeaace!

Carmelina: Hehehe! That's it for today's show! Thank you for coming, everyone!

Men's Voices: Uuoooooogh! Carmelina!

And so, the surprise show that began with an execution concludes amid a storm of cheers and applause from the crowd.

The Spectacular Closing Act: Scene 4

After the show, Carmelina forgives her critics, reconciles with the nobles, and has her death sentence revoked. She completes her orphanage performance and sets off with (Captain), vowing to transform the crew into a unique circus troupe.

---

Carmelina: Whew, that was fun! Thanks for the help, everyone!

Having finished the show, Carmelina steps down from the stage and rushes over to (Captain) and the others.

Lyria: Mng... I was so nervous... Now that it's over, my whole body is trembling...

Ringmaster: Honestly... Turning an execution into a circus performance—what an outrageous idea you came up with.

Vyrn: For real! I couldn't believe my ears when you first brought it up, but hey, it went off without a hitch!

Carmelina: Ehehe, I have you guys to thank for that!

Veronica: Ahem, excuse me...

Carmelina turns toward the voice to see Veronica standing there, accompanied by several hangers-on.

Carmelina: Veronica? What's wrong?

Veronica: Carmelina! I offer my sincerest apologies!

Veronica bows her head, and the others around her follow suit, leaving Carmelina blinking in surprise.

Carmelina: Huh! Wh-what's going on here?

Noblewoman: Your performance made me realize the mistakes I've made.

Noblewoman: My entire life, I've never experienced something that stirred my heart so deeply until today.

Noblewoman: After seeing something so extraordinary, it's no wonder gentlemen would be utterly captivated by you.

Veronica: Driving you to the brink of execution was unforgivable on our part.

Veronica: Even so... I still had to apologize to you. I am truly sorry, Carmelina.

Carmelina: No, it's fine. Just knowing that you enjoyed my performance is more than enough!

Carmelina: Come on—let's make up with a handshake! Squeeze tight!

Veronica: Hehe... Thank you, Carmelina.

Watching the scene unfold, some of Carmelina's most ardent fans snort indignantly, clearly displeased.

Crown Prince: See? We've been saying all along that Carmelina did nothing wrong!

Nobleman: Exactly! And yet, you ladies acted like Carmelina was the villain and tried to have her executed. You should be ashamed of yourselves!

Noblewoman: What did you say?

Veronica: You lot... Do you even realize who's responsible for creating this mess in the first place?

Carmelina: All right, all right—no fighting allowed! It would be such a waste to ruin the wonderful mood we've built up today!

Carmelina steps into the midst of the brewing conflict, calming the women while shooting the men a sharp, piercing glare.

Carmelina: You know, I'm really mad at you all right now!

Groupies: Huh?

Carmelina: I've heard about what was happening. You skipped out on promises with your significant others just to come watch my shows, didn't you?

Nobleman: Ugh...

Crown Prince: Well...

At Carmelina's pointed question, the men look visibly uncomfortable and avert their gazes.

Carmelina: Listen, I'm an entertainer. My job is to make people happy and put smiles on their faces.

Carmelina: Which is why the thought of me being the reason behind anyone harming or upsetting others is just disheartening.

Nobleman: Y-yeah, I see what you're saying...

Man: Now that you mention it, after my wife found out that I'd been skipping work to attend your shows, that was when she decided to leave me...

Crown Prince: And my mother fell ill from having to take on all the additional responsibilities that my father was shirking...

Crown Prince: As for myself, I neglected to celebrate my fiancee's birthday just so I could watch you perform...

Reflecting on their actions, the men lower their heads earnestly, visibly repentant.

Carmelina: I'm really happy that you support me from the bottom of your hearts, but you need to treasure your time with your families and loved ones, okay?

Carmelina: Next time, bring the people who matter to you and watch my show together. Promise me that, will you?

Carmelina: And if you break that promise, I'm banning you from attending my shows!

Groupies: O-okay!

Carmelina: Good, good—what lovely responses! And with that, case closed! Peace!

Following this reconciliation, Veronica and the other nobles agree to cancel the execution.

And so, the tumultuous episode that shook the Astley Kingdom ends in grand fashion, ushering in a period of true peace for its people.

Having successfully concluded their initial goal—a performance at the orphanage—the crew once again take to the skies.

Vyrn: Phew... This request tired me out way more than the good ol' monster hunt.

Lyria: Yeah... There were times I got really anxious, but I'm glad everything turned out okay in the end!

Vyrn: On that note, you sure you're cool stickin' around with us, Hoops?

Carmelina: Hm?

Carmelina, who had been playing with Happy on the deck, responds with an inquisitive tilt of her head.

Vyrn: I mean, back when we were leavin' the island, didn't the ringmaster say you could return to the troupe anytime?

Vyrn: Not to mention the locals seemed pretty bummed to hear that you'd be travelin' again.

Carmelina: Yeah, I see what you mean. But you know, I never did plan on going back in the first place...

Carmelina: I think the ringmaster was just saying that out of courtesy. Chances are he didn't actually think I'd rejoin the troupe.

Vyrn: Well, if ya say so.

Carmelina: Mm-hm! Besides, there's always a chance I could take on another request and visit them again!

Carmelina: Truth be told, I have a dream of my own I've been meaning to fulfill.

Lyria: A dream?

Carmelina: Yep! And see, that dream is something I absolutely can't achieve without being beside you guys!

Vyrn: Do tell. Whaddya have in mind, exactly?

Carmelina: Well...

Seeing Carmelina speak with a rare serious expression, (Captain) and the others instinctively straighten their posture.

Carmelina: My dream is to gather even more unique performers and make this crew the most one-of-a-kind circus troupe in the skies!

Carmelina: I mean, we already have primal beasts, a talking lizard, and a cast of incredibly unique individuals—there's no way any other troupe could compare!

Vyrn: Hold on a sec! Since when did we become a circus troupe?

Carmelina: Traveling with you guys has shown me that we could absolutely become leaders of the scene!

Carmelina: I mean, just look at the show we put on the other day. The crowds went wild, didn't they? It's fine! We totally got this!

Vyrn: Except we're not a circus troupe...

Carmelina: Oh! Of course, I haven't forgotten that all of you have your own goals for this journey.

Carmelina: Regardless, wouldn't the journey be so much more fun if we surprised, delighted, and brought smiles to the faces of everyone we met along the way?

Lyria: Well... I suppose that's true!

Lyria: That time I called out Yggdrasil before the audience for an act...

Lyria: I was super nervous, but it was a lot of fun!

Carmelina: You see? Once you experience that energy, you just want to spread the joy more and more, right?

Carmelina: Of course, I won't force the issue... But if you guys ever feel like taking a breather, I'd love it if you joined me for an act or two together sometimes.

Carmelina: So, what do you say? Pretty please?

Vyrn: Guh...

Faced with Carmelina's pleading, tearful expression, Vyrn stammers and nervously turns to (Captain) for backup.

1. We'll be the number one circus troupe!
2. Only if I can stay in the background...

Choose: We'll be the number one circus troupe!

Vyrn: Wha—hey! Why are you so into this idea all of a sudden?

Carmelina: Hehe, (Captain), you'd absolutely become a star performer in no time! Maybe knife-throwing would suit you best?

Vyrn: Hold it! We're not quittin' as skyfarers, are we? Please tell me we're not... (Captain)?

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: Only if I can stay in the background...

Carmelina: Eh? Well then, I guess I'll have Vyrn and Lyria pick up the slack instead!

Vyrn: Wait, what? Why does it have to be me!

Lyria: Yikes... I-I'm not really comfortable being in the spotlight either...

Continue 1

Carmelina: Hehe, I can't wait! Performing together with you guys is gonna be so much fun!

Vyrn: Hold up! Can't you listen to what people are sayin' for once!

The lively voices of the crew echo as the Grandcypher sails into the distant skies.

Carmelina gazes into the endless expanse of blue, her heart swelling with excitement for the future yet to come.