Scenario:Florence - The Diamond of Dalmore

The Diamond of Dalmore

Florence has a conversation with the fashion designer hosting the event, during which Gawain makes an inappropriately blunt statement. Fortunately, Florence manages to salvage the mood with a thoughtful follow-up comment, deeply impressing the fashionable sorceress that she's brought along.

---

Arriving at the party, Florence takes in the masses of fashionable women gazing at the various dresses on display.

Florence: This is quite a turnout. I would expect no less of the fashion designer that's taken Wales by storm.

Gawain: Even so, there's a surprising amount of people here. And they all seem totally relaxed, unlike everyone we saw at the capital...

Tor: We had the same idea that you did, Lord Gawain.

Gawain: What does that mean?

Tor: The current situation weighs heavily on our citizens.

Tor: Therefore, we wish for them to participate in events like these and relieve their stress.

Tor: That is what Lord Aglovale thought would be good for our people, and they have obliged him.

Gawain: So while I was just thinking about the knights and sorcerers, you've gone and done it with your whole country, have you?

Gawain: Aglovale continues to impress.

Gawain: I'll have to tell the archduke about what he needs to learn from Wales once we get home.

Florence: And now you've acquired new knowledge in addition to friendship. Aren't you glad you came along, Gawain?

Gawain: Hah! Enough of that—how about you go have some fun? We wouldn't want to put Tor's effort getting that invitation to waste.

Florence: Hehe, I suppose you're right. I had better go enjoy myself.

Florence makes her way over to the dresses with the fashionable sorceress in tow.

Looking at the elegant yet novel designs, she feels a sense of elation welling up from her heart.

Florence: If I could spend a day in town wearing a dress like this, I'd be walking on clouds the whole time.

Sorceress: I'm so with you on that, Lady Florence!

As the sorceress finishes speaking, a man enters the venue.

He begins to wave to the attendees and individually exchange greetings with many of them, all while exuding an air of sophistication.

Florence: That must be the man responsible for these dresses... In other words, the fashion designer who invited us.

Sorceress: Oh? I think he's headed our way.

Fashion Designer: Excuse me madam, would you happen to be Lady Florence?

Florence: Huh? Y-yes, I am...

Fashion Designer: Oh, I just knew it! You're exactly like Lord Tor described you, as lovely as a flower in full bloom!

Florence: A-a flower? You flatter me...

Fashion Designer: Come now, your beauty is a gift from the heavens! Please, raise your head and let my unworthy self witness it for just a bit more!

The man's shameless torrent of praise causes Florence to feel self-conscious.

Fortunately, Tor and Gawain are already on their way to lend her a hand.

Tor: I understand your enthusiasm, but you're embarrassing her.

Fashion Designer: Ah, Tor! My apologies. As soon as I saw her I just couldn't stop talking.

Gawain: That was certainly a storm of flattery. Not something you get to experience every day, huh?

Florence: Oh please...

Tor: I'm very sorry about that, Lady Florence.

Tor: In any case, this man is our host, the most popular fashion designer in Wales.

Fashion Designer: It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Florence.

Florence: And you as well. I'm truly grateful to have been invited to this wonderful party.

Florence: And I'm quite surprised to learn that you're just as skilled at flattery as you are at design. It seems that you were born with more than one gift.

Fashion Designer: Hahaha, indeed I am! I see that you're as brilliant as you're reputed to be as well!

Florence: In any case, these dresses are truly wonderful. Are they all unique pieces?

Fashion Designer: Yes, they are. I'm afraid that I don't have the funds to begin mass production yet, so everything is made-to-order.

Fashion Designer: However, I plan to one day sell my works across all of the skies under my own brand.

Fashion Designer: I suppose that my next step should be aiming to hold a party like this in Dalmore.

Gawain: I mean, our countries are allied now, but we're still dealing with the threat of the cabal.

Gawain: With how the head of the House of Wales has a handle on every part of his nation, you guys can do things like this over here, but...

Gawain: I can't say that I'm in favor of throwing any parties in Dalmore at the moment.

Everyone: ...!

Gawain: Hm?

Gawain's inappropriately serious response causes everyone to awkwardly freeze in place, but he remains blissfully unaware of that fact.

Sorceress: (Lord Gawain... Do you really see no problem with just saying that? Right here?)

Florence: Well... It would certainly be difficult for us to match Lord Aglovale's mastery in enacting his policies...

Florence: But I'm sure that we'll be able to bring back much of what we learned on this trip.

Florence: Hopefully we'll be able to carve out enough leeway that we can have some kind of event for our people—even a short one.

Florence: As such, I hope that you will be patient with us until then.

Florence: I give my word that we'll bring our country to a state where we can host a wonderful party like this one.

Fashion Designer: Of course! I will be waiting eagerly!

Sorceress: (Nice recovery, Lady Florence!)

Gawain: ...

Sorceress: (I know that Lord Gawain wasn't trying to be rude, but...)

Sorceress: (I'm worried that as his public responsibilities increase he's going to keep causing problems like this.)

Sorceress: (I think it's safe to say that all of the sorceresses and knights wish that he could pick up some of Lady Florence's tact.)

Florence's quick follow-up comment has put everyone back at ease, but another problem quickly arises.

Staff Member: Sir, there's an emergency!

With the arrival of a distressed staff member, those assembled brace themselves for bad news.

The Diamond of Dalmore: Scene 2

The fashion designer asks Florence to stand in for a model who's fallen ill. Though she at first resists the idea, Gawain and Tor convince her to accept. Despite all being stunned by how good the dress looks on her, she finds herself struggling with anxiety as she waits for her turn on the runway.

---

Staff Member: Sir, there's an emergency!

Fashion Designer: Come now, you mustn't lose your composure. You'll frighten everyone.

Staff Member: Oh, I'm so sorry! It's just that...

The employee whispers something in the fashion designer's ear, and his jaw drops.

Fashion Designer: Wh-what!

Gawain: What was that about composure, again?

Florence: I'm sorry to pry, but could you tell us what happened? I would very much like to help, if there's anything that we can do.

The designer grasps at Florence's hands with tears in his eyes.

Fashion Designer: You see... We're meant to unveil a spectacular dress tonight... but the model for it has fallen ill.

Gawain: Well there's no need to cry about it. Just put the thing on another model.

Fashion Designer: It's not that simple! Not just anyone can wear that dress!

Fashion Designer: Only someone with enough elegance and dignity to represent a whole country could possibly pull it off!

Tor: He created the dress with that model specifically in mind. I don't imagine that it would be easy to find a replacement...

Florence: A model, you say...

As she surveys the crowd of well-dressed women attending the party, Florence has an idea.

Florence: I think that I might have a solution. You have so many fashionable women here...

Florence: Why not seek a volunteer from among them? You could have an impromptu audition to determine who has what you're looking for.

Fashion Designer: An audition, you say...

Fashion Designer: No, I have a better idea! I'll scout my model!

Florence: It's up to you either way. Whatever the process, I hope that you find—

Fashion Designer: Lady Florence! Would you be willing to become my model?

Florence: Huh?

Florence: What? I-I couldn't possibly be a model! I mean, it's... it's out of the question!

Fashion Designer: Not in the slightest! You have exactly the elegance and dignity that I'm looking for!

Fashion Designer: I can't imagine entrusting this role to anyone else! Please, I beg you!

Florence: I'm... I'm sorry to disappoint you, but no matter what you say...

Reluctant to turn the enthusiastic fashion designer away completely, Florence finds herself unsure of how to respond.

Gawain: Heh... Didn't you just say you were willing to do anything to help out? I don't see a good reason to say no now.

Florence: Gawain! I can't believe you're enjoying my embarrassment...

Tor: I understand that he is asking much of you, Lady Florence.

Tor: However, I would also ask you to take up this role, if possible.

Florence: For goodness' sake... Not you too, Tor!

Tor: If the famed Lady Florence of Dalmore were to help Wales's most popular fashion designer in his time of need...

Tor: That connection between state and citizen would help make our alliance even stronger.

Tor: Such a novel occurrence would help greatly in setting a new tone for the relationship between Wales and Dalmore.

Sorceress: I agree completely! I can tell already that I'm witnessing a legend in the making!

As everyone looks at her with great enthusiasm in their eyes, Florence folds.

Florence: All right then...

Fashion Designer: Oh, how wonderful!

Florence: But if I'm not as suitable for it as you imagined, be sure to say so immediately.

Florence: I don't want to end up tarnishing this wonderful party.

Fashion Designer: Of course! Now quickly, come this way!

Bursting with excitement, the designer does a little jig and leads Florence to the changing room.

Florence: ...

Everyone: ...

Florence: Well, what do you think?

Fashion Designer: Oh my... It's perfect!

Fashion Designer: Fate must have guided me to create this dress so that you would one day wear it, Lady Florence!

All are astounded by how well the dress accentuates Florence's natural grace and charm.

Florence: You flatter me too much. That said...

Florence: I must admit that I'm quite happy to be able to wear this beautiful dress.

Fashion Designer: Right then, Lady Florence, let's get you ready!

With the designer's call to action, his employees start working with Florence to prepare her for the reveal.

After getting her acquainted with the staff members and other models, they start teaching her about the schedule and how to walk on the runway.

Florence does her best to adapt despite being unaccustomed to every aspect of the job.

Florence: ...

Model: Your steps are far too beautiful for a beginner... You must have natural-born talent. Normally I'd be jealous...

Model: But honestly? I'm completely blown away!

Despite the abundance of praise, the tension doesn't disappear from Florence's expression.

Florence: (I thought the nervousness would pass with time, but it seems it won't be that easy...)

Fashion Designer: All right everyone, it's almost go time! Feel the energy and let it flow!

Model and Staff: Yes sir!

Florence: (Now, how should I deal with this...)

In contrast to the excitement of everyone around her, Florence tenses with unease.

The Diamond of Dalmore: Scene 3

Florence remembers a piece of advice she once gave to the fashionable sorceress, helping her overcome her anxiety and put on an excellent performance. After hearing from Gawain that he wants to help develop all kinds of culture back in Dalmore, she renews her determination to win a new era of peace for her country.

---

Florence: ...

Gawain: So even you get nervous sometimes, huh?

Florence: Of course I'm nervous. I hope you don't think this is as simple as walking out and back while wearing the dress.

Gawain: Hah. Well, I'm looking forward to your performance, Miss Supermodel.

Florence: Oh that inconsiderate...

Florence: This is no good. I should get some fresh air.

Florence breathes the night air in deeply, hoping to ease her nerves.

Florence: (I really didn't think I would be this anxious.)

Sorceress: Lady Florence! They're saying it's almost time to...

Sorceress: Oh dear, you don't seem very well... Are you all right?

Florence: I can't say that I am. I feel like these nerves are going to kill me.

Sorceress: Think about all of the tough situations that you've gotten yourself through, Lady Florence!

Sorceress: I'm sure that you'll be able to pull this off perfectly!

Florence: ...
Yes, I suppose you're right.

Florence: As Dalmore's head sorceress, I need to go out there and give a performance that everyone can be proud of!

Though her face is still drained of color from nervousness, Florence takes the younger girl's hands into her own and smiles reassuringly at her.

Florence: So make sure that you witness me from the audience.

Sorceress: (Even though her hands are shaking... There's so much determination in her gaze!)

Seeing Florence's resolve, the sorceress is suddenly overwhelmed with emotion and begins to cry.

Sorceress: L-Lady Florence... I'll always look up to you!

Florence: Oh my, what's wrong?

As Florence hugs the sorceress and strokes her hair, an old memory surfaces.

She recalls that she personally trained this sorceress back when she was a new recruit.

Sorceress: I-it will be a pleasure working with you today, L-L-Lady Florence!

Florence: Yes, likewise.

Sorceress: I-I've always wanted to be a kind and powerful sorceress like you, my lady... Sniffle...

Florence: Oh my, what's wrong? Come now, wipe your tears with this.

Sorceress: I'm so sorry! I was just so excited to talk to you that my emotions got the better of me...

Sorceress: And I'm so worried about whether I'll be able to use magic well in front of you that I feel like I'm going to burst!

Florence gently speaks to the sorceress as she strokes her head.

Florence: Take a few deep breaths, close your eyes, and relax... Now, conjure up an image of your ideal self in your head.

Sorceress: ...

Florence: See how you naturally begin to smile and relax?

Florence: With that in mind, let's get started.

Sorceress: Yes ma'am!

Florence: (Hehe, she'll end up disappointed in me if I can't take my own advice from back then.)

Florence starts taking deep breaths, then closes her eyes and lets the tension leave her muscles.

She focuses on picturing her ideal self, letting the anxiety slip away as if it had never been there in the first place.

Florence: Right then, let's get going!

As the main event begins, the models start walking on the runway in their predetermined order.

Finally, the time comes for Florence to reveal the dress that was made to serve as the party's centerpiece.

Florence: Hehe...

Gawain: Oh?

Tor: A performance befitting of a top model.

Sorceress: Agreed! As expected of Lady Florence!

Fashion Designer: Oh my word! Excellent, I say!

As they watch Florence's fantastic performance, those in the audience make their approval evident.

Fashion Designer: I owe the success of this whole event to you, Lady Florence. You truly are the diamond of Dalmore!

Florence: Oh, you're such a flatterer.

Fashion Designer: Not at all! I mean that from the bottom of my heart! I wish I could take it out of my chest right here and show you!

Tor: I know that the reveal went well, but getting so excited is a bad habit of yours.

Fashion Designer: Ah yes, quite so... My apologies, Lady Florence!

Florence: That's all right. I'm grateful you provided me with such an interesting experience in the first place.

Fashion Designer: Lady Florence... If you're willing, I would like you to have that dress.

Florence: Y-you wish to gift it to me? N-no, I couldn't possibly accept something so wonderful...

Fashion Designer: Seeing you in it brought a light to my eyes.

Fashion Designer: I realized I created that dress purely so that it might be worn by you! So please, I beg you to accept it!

Florence: But...

Gawain: If he feels that strongly about it, just take the thing.

Florence: As an official of Dalmore, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to accept a valuable gift from a citizen of Wales.

Florence: However... How about we do this instead?

Florence: I'll wear this dress whenever I'm invited to parties.

Florence: Then I'll be sure to tell anyone who asks where it came from and who made it.

Tor: I see, so you'll become a walking advertisement for him.

Florence: Indeed. If I do that, then it should be acceptable for me to take it.

Gawain: I mentioned that I can't condone throwing parties or anything in Dalmore, but that's only for now.

Gawain: In time, I hope we'll be able to imitate Wales and put effort into developing all kinds of culture.

Gawain: Once our country resolves its most pressing problems, I'll be sure to talk to Archduke Hyland about it.

Gawain: I'll probably be able to convince him that he wants to have Wales's most famous fashion designer host a party in Dalmore.

Florence: Gawain...

Gawain: Then our own people will get to see your hidden passion for fashion.

Florence: Oh, why must you always... But still, I'll be quite reassured to have your support.

The designer bows his head in sincere gratitude, deeply moved by Florence and Gawain's proposals.

The next day, the siblings start their journey back to Dalmore with their subordinates in tow.

Gawain: Hey, Florence, can I ask you something?

Florence: Of course, what is it?

Gawain: I was just wondering how you went from being a nervous wreck to a perfect model so quickly yesterday.

Florence: Oh, it was simple.

Florence: I just focused all my energy on envisioning the perfect performance and making the reveal a huge success.

Florence: In other words, I used self-suggestion to push through. Hehe, our minds are built more simply than we tend to think.

Gawain: You say that like anybody could do it, but I doubt someone who isn't a trained sorceress could have pulled it off so easily.

Florence: Is that so?

Gawain: More importantly, why didn't you try using that trick on me before resorting to a curse?

Gawain: You know, you could've told me to focus on imagining myself being humble.

Florence: Such advice can only help someone humble enough to listen in the first place.

Gawain: ...
Humph.

Florence: Hehe, it seems we're in agreement.

Rejuvenated from her short vacation, Florence silently vows to once again devote herself to achieving peace.

Only time will tell when the opportunity to wear that wonderful dress again shall arise.