Scenario:Juri - Nonstop Punch Lines

Nonstop Punch Lines

Juri becomes the crew's comedy consultant for the second Grandcypher Stand-Up Contest, doing his best to share his expertise. Once his duties come to a close, he looks for Farrah so he can pass on a message from Katalina, but can't find her among the crowd. As he searches, he realizes he hasn't spoken with her lately.

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Some time ago, Fediel of the Six Dragons established the first Grandcypher Stand-Up Contest.

Now a second one is being held. News of the legendary contest's return travels fast.

Juri: (How did things come to this?)

Eugen: To help prepare you guys for the contest, I brought along a special expert in the subject!

Juri: H-hello. Juri Eckard, reporting for duty. I'll be serving as your comedy consultant for the time being...

Juri: (That's not a sentence I ever thought I'd be saying in my life!)

Eugen: It's not every day we're lucky enough to have a pro comedian on the ship! Any advice you've got for us'd be much appreciated!

Juri: W-wait a moment. You told me all I had to do was observe!

Juri: I am no professional either! I only performed once onstage!

Orchid: But you left everyone in the audience smiling... Your skills are real.

Apollonia: I realize we're asking much of you, but we could honestly use the help. As frustrating as it is to admit, we know next to nothing about humor.

Juri: Urk...

Juri: (These two used to be central figures of the Erste Empire... To think I'd be asked to teach them comedy.)

Juri: (But Erste could use more smiles and laughter right now, couldn't it? Especially after everything everyone went through.)

Juri: Understood. As a former imperial soldier—no, as someone who spent some time studying comedy, it would be only right of me to share my knowledge.

Juri: I only hope that my limited expertise can be of use...

Recalling his time participating in the King of Manzai Awards as part of the comedic duo Fiery Soul, Juri offers what advice he can.

Despite his own reservations, his expertise proves to be extremely helpful.

Juri: Next, I'd like to discuss a unique strength the two of you possess.

Orchid: Unique strength?

Juri: Indeed. That is...

Juri: As Lauphit would put it...

Juri: You're both so serious it's funny!

Apollonia: So serious it's... Is that even possible?

Juri: According to Lauphit, the more serious one is, the funnier the joke lands once the punch line hits!

Juri: If you can manage the whole routine without cracking a single smile, which I know you can do, then you'll have the audience in tears.

Apollonia: Following that logic, purposefully trying to entertain would produce the opposite effect, then?

Juri: It's not that you're incapable of attempting that angle. I'd just advise utilizing your strong suits to your advantage first.

Apollonia: You do bring up a good point... Comedy is more complex than I originally thought.

Juri: Yes, that's exactly the serious energy we're looking for! Keep going!

Juri & Eugen: Thank you for coming!

Apollonia: I'd heard the old man was helping as their manager, but I never expected him to join the practice routine too.

Orchid: They even drew a crowd... Everyone's smiling.

Apollonia: I'm inclined to attribute that to Juri. It's no wonder he made a name for himself as a comedian in Namvia.

Juri: (If I can put Erste's good name on the map, then I shall do it, even as a comedian!)

Juri: Though I hope everyone remembers that's not my main profession!

Juri: Ahem. M-my apologies for the outburst. If there's nothing else, I'll be taking my leave.

Juri: I should probably check in on Farrah now that I have a moment...

Eugen: Got something else to do? Sorry to make you stick with us for so long.

Juri: Oh, it's quite all right. I have a message to pass on from Katalina, but she said it wasn't urgent...

Juri casts his gaze over the crowd on the deck, but doesn't spot the face he's searching for.

Juri: (She's not one to miss out when a crowd gathers...)

Juri: She's not here either... Where could she have gone?

Juri: Shopping, maybe? But what would she be shopping for?

Juri: ...

Juri: I have no idea...

Juri: (Now that I think about it, I haven't spoken with her lately...)

Juri: Farrah? Hello?

What started as a day full of laughter takes a turn as Juri frantically searches for his missing friend.