Scenario:Lecia - A Journey Free from Duty
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A Journey Free from Duty
(Captain) takes Lecia and Monika to a park. Coming upon a fork in the road, Lecia chooses a route comprised of stepping stones over a brook, where Monika slips and falls into the water. Lecia blames herself for the mishap, but (Captain) jumps into the water to play, relieving the tension and giving the others a new fun activity to join in on.
By pure coincidence, (Captain) has run into Monika and Lecia while docked on an island.
The three decide to have a day out together, but secretly, (Captain) has also been assigned a task.
Monika: Please, (Captain). Could you do what you can to make sure she has fun today?
In hopes of giving Lecia the most enjoyable experience possible, (Captain) leads the group to their next location.
Monika: Nice choice, picking out this park full of greenery. I appreciate that the woodland paths are also well maintained.
Monika: Nature's nice, but I've had enough of stumbling through the wild on Sephira Island.
Lecia: Seeing woods like these always reminds me of Lumacie.
Monika: Lumacie? Why Lumacie?
Lecia: Because of the time I spent with (Captain)'s crew.
Memories of Lumacie Archipelago, the Erste Empire, and incidents surrounding dark essence surface for (Captain) as well.
Monika: Ah, that's right! You were on (Captain)'s ship at the time.
Lecia: Did... you forget that was on your orders?
Monika: Hahaha, it was, wasn't it?
Spurred on by Monika's curiosity, the conversation turns to the various adventures of (Captain)'s crew.
Lecia: This sure brings back memories...
Eventually, the three come upon a split in the path. One trail leads to a sunlit forest, while the other heads toward a quiet brook.
Lecia: A fork in the road... Which way should we go?
Monika: Hmm, how about... whichever way you want to!
Lecia: Oh, I... All things considered, I think the honor should go to (Captain).
Choose: I'll go whichever way you choose.
Lecia: I see. Then I suppose we can go down this path...
Lecia points toward the brook, where stepping stones dot the trail to the opposite shore.
Monika: Crossing the river, are we? An interesting choice!
Lecia: So... who wants to go first?
Monika: I'll guard our rear while you lead the charge, Lecia! Together, we'll prove the might of the Crew of Enforcers!
Lecia: I'm not exactly sure how this proves anything... But all right. You can leave the vanguard to me!
Lecia: Hup! Hah!
(Captain) follows after, effortlessly leaping from stone to stone.
Lecia: Ah!
Just as Lecia loses her footing, (Captain) jumps forward to catch her at an astonishing speed.
Lecia: Th-thank you, (Captain)... That was a close one.
Lecia: I can't believe I slipped so easily... I've still got a long ways to go...
Lecia: O-oh, um, (Captain)? You can let go of me now!
Monika: Yo! Hoy!
Monika: Are you okay, Lecia? Nearly gave me a heart attack back there!
Monika: I'll show you how it's done! Behold my masterful river-crossing abilities!
Lecia: She is very into this...
Monika's Voice: Waaah!
Lecia: Monika!
Completely missing her target, Monika lands on both feet directly into the shallows.
Lecia: O-oh no!
Lecia rushes over to her companion and begins to fret over her soaked clothes.
Monika: Haha... It's not that big of a deal. Only my legs are wet...
Choose: You're like her younger sister, Monika.
Monika: Wha... Is this payback for earlier?
Lecia: Sorry, Monika. This wouldn't have happened if I'd chosen the other trail.
Monika: There's no need for you to apologize. I'll dry off in no time anyway.
Lecia: But... you could've gotten seriously injured. I don't know what I would've done if...
Monika: H-hey, now you're blowing this way out of proportion!
Lecia: ...
Both: Wha...
Lecia: (Captain)! What are you jumping into the river for?
Choose: C'mon! Let's play in the water!
Monika: ...!
Monika: I didn't know you liked splashing around so much, (Captain)! Allow me to join you!
Lecia: Monika? Not you as well!
Monika: You heard the captain. Now we have no choice but to get soaked!
Choose: Lecia, hop in. No need to be shy.
Lecia: ...
Lecia: Right. If you two insist...
Lecia: Oh, it's cold!
Monika: Haha! Who cares about being wet when you can have this much fun?
Monika: This takes me back... I wouldn't have realized this without you, Lecia!
Lecia: Y-you're the one blowing things out of proportion now. Geez.
Lecia: But I do agree. This feels nice...
Lecia: Look, Monika! There's a gigantic crab over there!
Monika: Oh? That sounds like worthy prey. Let's catch it!
Lecia: She's so excited... Well, (Captain), I suppose we shouldn't keep her waiting.
Lecia: Hehe...
Lecia: Now we're all dripping wet, but I suppose it doesn't matter.
The three enjoy a beautiful day in the river, until the sun sets on the horizon.
A Journey Free from Duty: Scene 2
After Monika cheekily leaves Lecia alone with (Captain), she speaks of how she compares herself to her father, the Blue Knight, and her insecurities. (Captain) points out that Lecia is her own person, to which Monika reappears and proudly declares that she likes Lecia just the way she is. Lecia, feeling much better afterward, decides to be more honest with herself and takes the two somewhere she wants to go.
By the time they finish playing in the river and dry off their shoes, the sky is dyed dusk red.
Monika: For our final location... I think Lecia should choose.
Monika: It's only right, since (Captain) and I already picked where we wanted to go.
(Captain) agrees and gives an encouraging nod to Lecia.
Lecia: ...
Lecia: No, it's fine. I enjoyed myself plenty today.
Lecia: Please, you two should choose. There's nowhere in particular that I want to go to anyway...
Monika: You don't have to hold back on our account. We're here to relax together.
Lecia: No, really, it's... fine. I'm fine.
Monika: Is that so...
Monika: Oh nooo, I suddenly feel the need to relieve myself.
Monika: I think I spotted a bathroom thataway. Could you wait here in the meantime?
Lecia: Did you really see a bathroom all the way out here?
Monika: Well, I saw, um... You know. Caught a glimpse of something, at least. Be right back!
Lecia: Huh? Oh... There she goes. I suppose we've no choice but to wait.
Lecia: ...
Lecia: (Captain), I appreciate all you've done for me today.
Lecia: What with the parfait, and catching me in the river... Thank you, truly.
Lecia: You really are something else, (Captain). Always so strong and daring, but also kind.
Lecia: No wonder you always do such a perfect job leading your crew...
Lecia: Huh?
With a sheepish grin, (Captain) explains they're far from perfect, having soaked their shoes earlier to catch Lecia.
Playing in the river was part of a ploy to hide that fact.
Lecia: Wha... I-is that so?
Lecia: I see, so even you can slip up sometimes...
Lecia: But I... I'm not even close to my ideal self.
Lecia: As you know, I have a duty to lead the Fourth Fleet and maintain order in Phantagrande.
Lecia: I'm proud of the work I do, and I'm lucky to be supported by everyone around me, including Monika and my father.
Lecia: But occasionally... I have this nightmare.
Lecia: In it are all the comrades I failed to protect—people that were hurt on my behalf and even lost their lives.
Lecia: I keep thinking to myself that... if my father were in charge, no one would have been hurt.
Lecia: That's why I declined the award. I can hardly accept the recognition when I can scarcely acknowledge myself.
Lecia: Especially when I know that the Blue Knight would keep everyone safe and get the job done. I constantly wonder what he would have done different...
Lecia: While I...
Choose: You are Lecia. That's all.
Lecia: Oh...
The words bring to mind a conversation they shared back in the empire-occupied Amalthea.
Lecia: Do I truly deserve to be the child of a great hero?
Lecia: Will I ever amount to anything?
Lecia: You said the same thing to me before...
Lecia: That's troubling to hear. I suppose I haven't changed much since then.
She smiles awkwardly, before taking a breath and centering her gaze on (Captain).
Lecia: Even now, choosing my own path frightens me. There's no answer necessarily waiting at the end, or a way to know I'm headed in the right direction.
Lecia: But still...
Lecia: There's no choice but to push forward, is there?
???: You know, I like you just the way you are.
Monika: Kind, hardworking, a little bit clumsy... Smart, strong-willed, and serious when it counts. All of you, even your faults.
Monika: Because they make up who you are.
Lecia: Monika?
Monika: I'm back. Sorry for taking so long.
Lecia: Wh-when did you... Were you listening this whole time?
Monika: I caught some of it, yes. Apologies, but...
Monika: I also wanted to know how you truly felt.
Lecia: ...
Lecia: I, well...
A sudden distinctive growling fills the air, interrupting the conversation.
Lecia: Ah!
Lecia: U-um, that wasn't... It's not what you think!
Monika: Hehe...
Monika: Hahaha! We did spend the entire day running around. It's only natural that you're hungry!
Lecia: Hnngh... You don't have to laugh that much, Monika.
Lecia: ...
Lecia: (Captain). Monika.
Lecia: If I may, there actually is somewhere I'd like to go.
A Journey Free from Duty: Scene 3
Lecia brings (Captain) and Monika to a small eatery and reveals she's rather fond of drinking. While (Captain) nurses juice, Lecia and Monika get to drinking, with Lecia quickly growing tipsy due to her low tolerance. The conversation changes from heartfelt thanks, to drunk teasing and whining as the night goes on.
Following after Lecia, the group arrives at a fairly small eatery.
Inside the dimly lit space, the walls are lined with shelves and shelves of glass bottles.
Monika: Now that is a lot of alcohol! I can get on board with this place.
Lecia: Um... (Captain), I've never told you this before, but...
Lecia: I'm actually really fond of drinking. I fell into the habit after watching my father indulge in the occasional glass.
Monika: You won't hear me complaining. I'm happy to drink if you are.
Monika: Excuse me, can we get two glasses over here?
Lecia: (Captain), how do you feel about having juice made from the same grapes? At the very least, you can join us in a toast.
This time, Lecia orders something true to her heart, and their drinks arrive not long after.
Monika: Oh, this is good! Not too harsh, and easy to drink.
Lecia: It's got a nice floral scent, on top of being light and refreshing...
With a slightly envious gaze, (Captain) watches the two enjoy their wine.
Lecia: I'm starting to feel a little guilty, doing this right beside (Captain).
Monika: This type of brazen behavior is just who you are. I think it's fine to be that way while you're off duty.
Lecia: Fair enough. It'd be nice to just be myself for today.
Lecia: So... Sorry for leaving you out, (Captain).
Lecia: We can share a glass together, once you're old enough.
Smiling at (Captain), Lecia takes another sip of her drink before turning her attention to Monika.
Lecia: Monika, I wanted to thank you for earlier.
Monika: Hm? Whatever for?
Lecia: That whole charade with going to the bathroom. You left us alone to talk for my sake, didn't you?
Monika: Wh-who's to say?
Lecia: Honestly, I'm happy to know you care so much.
Monika: Lecia... While we do get along fairly well, we're first and foremost coworkers.
Monika: So I realize there are things you can't talk to me about. I never intended to pry into your personal matters.
Lecia: ...
Monika: But still...
Narrowing her eyes and steeling herself, Monika downs her glass in one go.
Monika: It seems like I can't stand being on the sidelines while you suffer.
Lecia: I'm... sorry, Monika. It's just that I respect you so much.
Lecia: I never wanted to act selfish or seem weak in front of you.
Lecia: After all, I've yet to—
Monika: Doesn't matter.
Lecia: Huh?
Monika: Our jobs, our obligations, our positions... Even the Crew of Enforcers. None of it matters.
Monika: None of those things could define... how much you mean to me.
Lecia: Monika...
Lecia: Hehe, you sure you should be dismissing those other things like that?
Monika: Who's going to stop me? I'm just being myself for today.
Lecia: ...
Monika: Ahem. That's enough of that. I think (Captain) might be feeling a little left out.
Lecia: O-oh, right...
Lecia: It's not that we were ignoring you, though. We were only able to speak so honestly because you were here, (Captain).
Monika: That's true. Today was all thanks to you, (Captain).
Lecia: I'm curious what's been on your mind, now that we're having such a frank conversation.
Lecia: Is there something you'd like to talk about? Seek advice on? I'd be more than happy to listen, given how much you've done for us.
As Lecia flashes a mischievous smile, (Captain) asks to hear more about the Blue Knight.
Lecia: My father?
Monika: I have to admit, I'm curious as well. You're one of the few people with a close connection to him...
Lecia: I don't mind sharing, but I don't really have much to share.
Lecia: I suppose I could tell you about his adventuring days, back when I was young...
Lecia: Ehe, and then... Father and I met up with my mother in Amalthea... Or was that me and Moni... Monika?
Monika: I completely forgot she has no alcohol tolerance.
Lecia: Ehe... Hehehe... Monikaaa!
Monika: L-Lecia, I think you've had enough to drink! And stop clinging to me like that!
Lecia: Heeey, were you listening to me? Hello?
Monika: Q-quit poking my face!
Lecia: Then I'll just have to poke (Captain)'s instead.
Lecia: Hm? What's wrong? You're going red in the face.
Lecia: What are you looking away for? Don't be like that! Why aren't you paying attention when I'm talking?
Lecia: Nuh-uh! That's not allowed!
Though an escape attempt was made, (Captain) is unable to avoid another poking onslaught.
Monika: Lecia, you're going to poke a hole through (Captain)'s cheek at this rate! Listen, why don't we go back to talking about Captain Walfrid?
Lecia: No! I hate him!
Monika: Wha...
Lecia: He's a big... meanie... who never comes to see me... Hiccup...
Monika: Yeah? But if you actually hated him, why would you want to see him?
Lecia: Because I love him!
Monika: ...
Monika: She's been keeping everything bottled up for too long, huh?
Lecia: Come on, (Captain), the night's still young!
With the moon shining bright overhead, their daylong respite continues on.
A Journey Free from Duty: Scene 4
After being carried to her room, a sleepy Lecia asks (Captain) to stay a bit longer. She speaks fondly of the time she spent with the crew, before inviting (Captain) to one day join her on a journey with no goals in mind or answer to find. The next morning, Lecia, feeling refreshed, parts with (Captain) and informs Monika that she'll accept the award.
Inside a room aboard the Grandzweiss, flagship of the Fourth Fleet, two figures watch over a third.
Illuminated by moonlight, the last figure dozes happily away.
Lecia: Zzz...
Monika: Looks like she's finally calmed down.
Monika and (Captain) have spent their time making sure Lecia is okay after dragging her back to her room.
Once Monika takes her leave, (Captain) starts heading for the Grandcypher.
Lecia's Voice: (Captain)...
Lecia's Voice: (Captain), are you still there?
Lecia: Oh, good... You haven't left yet.
Peeking into the room, (Captain) finds Lecia awake with covers strewn about, her gaze fixed on the captain.
Lecia: (Captain), would you mind... chatting with me a little longer?
Not minding whatsoever, (Captain) takes a seat on a nearby chair.
Lecia: You can sit a bit closer.
Lecia: Hehe...
Lecia: How much do you remember about my time on the Grandcypher?
Lecia: I still remember everything clearly, almost as if it were yesterday.
Lecia: With how many people come and go on your ship, I'm sure I was just another guest to you. My stay was very brief, after all.
Lecia: But it left a lasting impression on me regardless.
Lecia: I never could've predicted that I'd leave the Crew of Enforcers behind to go fighting an empire and primal beasts...
Lecia: Those days were so far removed from my normal everyday life, I almost couldn't believe they were real.
Lecia: Almost like a dream—one I couldn't get enough of.
Illuminated by the moon, she smiles bright enough to light up the rest of the room.
Lecia: (Captain)...
Lecia: One day, once you've met up with your father and worked out matters with Lyria, Vyrn, and everything else...
Lecia: Would you travel the skies with me?
Lecia: It's not fair if only my father and the others get to adventure by your side.
(Captain) smiles in return, agreeing without hesitation.
Lecia: You should... too...
Lecia: Right now, you're focused on meeting your father... Traveling with a goal in mind.
Lecia: But wouldn't it be nice to journey with no direction in mind or answer to find?
Lecia: Just a trip with your friends to see all the islands and skydoms out there, for no particular rhyme or reason...
Lecia: We could even see my mother along the way... She'd be so surprised...
Lecia: I also...
The night goes on as the two speak of future dreams.
Gradually, (Captain)'s eyelids grow heavier and heavier, until the captain can resist sleep no longer.
???: Up...
???: (Captain), it's time to wake up.
Lecia: Good morning, (Captain).
Lecia: Are you in pain anywhere? You fell asleep in the chair, though I did move you to the bed after...
Lecia: Oh no... Careful now. There's no need to push yourself.
Lecia: I would've preferred to let you rest longer, but unfortunately, we're set to leave port soon. I'm sorry.
Lecia: (Captain)...
Lecia: Do you remember what we talked about last night?
Lecia: I see...
Lecia: I'm afraid I've forgotten... But that's the nature of dreams, isn't it?
Lecia: Though in your case...
Lecia: I'm sure you'll remember for the both of us.
Lecia: Oh? Is that so?
Lecia: Well, I'm afraid I've also forgotten. But that's the nature of dreams, isn't it?
Lecia: Though in your case...
Lecia: I'm sure you'll recall everything and remember for the both of us.
Continue 1
Lecia: Now, it's nearly time for our departure. Take care on your way back, (Captain).
The morning sun shines overhead as the day begins.
Once Lecia gives the signal, the Grandzweiss takes off with several other airships trailing behind it.
Lecia: Monika.
Monika: Hm? What is it?
Lecia: I've decided to accept the award.
Monika: You will? That's excellent news! I'll have someone send a message to Captain Walfrid straight away!
Lecia: Wait. I'd rather tell him directly, given the occasion.
Lecia: I can even brag a little about my accomplishments while I'm there.
Lecia: All right.
Clapping herself on the cheeks, Lecia looks to one particular ship below.
Lecia: One day...
Her words fade into the wind as the Grandzweiss heads toward their next duty.
Smiling to herself, she keeps her gaze trained on where she entrusted her dreams, until she can only see blue skies on the horizon.