Scenario:Manu Ponumau - Run Ragged, Driven to the Brink
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Run Ragged, Driven to the Brink
Now a crewmate, Ponumau browses a stack of requests. She takes interest in one about renovating an old cafe and declares her plan to create an illustrated storybook cafe—as the perfect place to slack.
A few days pass after the laid-back Ponumau joins the crew.
(Captain) brings her what will be her first request.
Vyrn: So yeah, we've got all kinds of jobs comin' in. Think you can handle this urgent monster hunt?
Manu Ponumau: Nwaah. I'll pass.
Vyrn: Aw, come on. Every time we bring you a job, you just dodge it like this.
Lyria: Could it be... that you're feeling unwell?
Manu Ponumau: Nope. I'm fine. Very fine. So fine that. I need to take it easy. You need energy. To relax properly.
Vyrn: You just wanna slack off!
Manu Ponumau: Nwuh-uh. Proper slacking. Is a necessity. It prevents fatigue.
Manu Ponumau: Hey, I know. How about. We all slack together? Starting with a nap.
(Captain) expresses disapproval.
Vyrn: Let's not forget the client's countin' on us...
Manu Ponumau: Diligent as ever. No surprise there. (Captain). A model skyfarer.
Manu Ponumau: A very tired model skyfarer.
Lyria: Ah... Now that you mention it, we've had a lot of requests lately...
Manu Ponumau: Exactly. Slacking is a must. Every so often.
Vyrn: I mean, we want you to be well-rested too, but we already accepted the job...
Manu Ponumau: Fighting while tired. Loses its purpose. If you just. Get hurt anyway.
Vyrn: True enough... Come to think of it, we might have other crew members available...
Manu Ponumau: Nwehe. Leave it to them. It's not too late. Let's start relaxing.
Manu Ponumau: I'll prepare bedding. For a nap. Go buy snacks. And juice.
Manu Ponumau: And a storybook too. The Electric Eal vs. Deepflight Oyster Saga. Volume 2. I'll give you the money.
Vyrn: Hold on a sec, Slacker Girl. You're tryin' to let (Captain) rest, right?
Manu Ponumau: Yes. That's why I'm working hard. To improve the quality. Of the slac—I mean, rest.
Vyrn: Looks to me like you're just sendin' (Captain) out on errands...
Manu Ponumau: Nweh... Not true... Rest is important.
Ponumau averts her gaze and freezes awkwardly.
Vyrn: You can dress it up however you want, but you just wanna slack off, yeah?
Manu Ponumau: Nwaaah... Must I really. Do the job?
Vyrn: Ya gotta do somethin'. I mean, you've been lounging around for days already.
Manu Ponumau: Nweeeh, nweeeh. I just want to. Take it easy...
Manu Ponumau: Must you trample? On my right. To relax?
Vyrn: Wha? You were just about to make us run errands.
Manu Ponumau: Nweeeeeh...
Ponumau reluctantly looks through the stack of requests and takes interest in one.
Manu Ponumau: Hm? What's this request?
Vyrn: Oh, they want to renovate an old cafe and turn it into a relaxation space in town.
Manu Ponumau: Nwaah? Let me see... A relaxation space? For those with. Busy lives? Oh?
Lyria: They want ideas from someone who's traveled to many islands! And the renovation costs are covered by the client.
Manu Ponumau: I see...
Manu Ponumau: (Nwehe... Nwehehehe... This is my chance.)
Manu Ponumau: (A relaxation space. Sounds too mild. What we'll make is...)
Manu Ponumau: (The ultimate slacking space!)
Manu Ponumau: (On someone else's money too!)
Manu Ponumau: Nwehe. Nwehehehehe...
Vyrn: Slacker Girl?
Manu Ponumau: We're taking this request. No time to waste. Let's go.
Vyrn: What's with the sudden change in attitude? I've got a bad feeling about this... Still better than continuin' to loaf around, I guess.
And so, Ponumau heads with (Captain)'s group to meet the client.
Client: Thank you so much for accepting the request! Please, have a seat.
Sitting down in the cafe to be renovated, Ponumau points at a storybook on the shelf.
Manu Ponumau: Nwuh. What's this...
Client: Oh, I collect illustrated storybooks as a hobby. Some customers enjoy reading them while having a coffee.
Manu Ponumau: Good taste. I also love. Sky Realm storybooks.
Client: Oh, really? I'm glad to hear they're loved even by earthdwellers.
Manu Ponumau: Illustrated storybooks. My first form of entertainment. In the Sky Realm.
Manu Ponumau: They're fun. Fascinating. Warm. Exciting.
Manu Ponumau: Hard to believe. They're just fiction. The skydwellers birthed. A new dimension. Through their wisdom. Their great wisdom.
Client: You like storybooks that much? I used to collect them too—enough to fill an entire shelf, as you can see.
Manu Ponumau: Nwuh-uh. Not enough. Not even close.
Client: Really? For a cafe, I felt it was quite a lot...
Manu Ponumau: Nwun. Come often, and you'll finish them all. Fast. And besides...
Manu Ponumau: You have Volume One and Three. But Volume Two is missing. The Electric Eal vs. Deepflight Oyster Saga.
Client: Ah... I wonder where it went. I wasn't very careful storing the storybooks...
Vyrn: Admit it... You just wanna read Volume Two for yourself.
Manu Ponumau: Yes. It's the perfect companion. For lounging around.
Manu Ponumau: Illustrated storybooks. Juice. Soft cushions... Everything you need. For ultimate relaxation.
Manu Ponumau: Nwehehe. Just imagine. Spending a whole day. Like that. What happens. The next day?
Client: A whole day? I'd probably feel like I overdid it...
Manu Ponumau: Nwehehe. Amateur. Properly done. You feel. Like a new person.
Lyria: Well, it's true that resting a lot helps you recover...
Vyrn: (She's been resting every day up till now though.)
Client: I... I see! So fully relaxing is the key to staying energized... How enlightening...
Vyrn: Enlightenin', huh? If ya say so...
Client: Well, thing is, I'm a merchant at heart. I can't stand staying idle. I don't really understand how to relax...
Client: Living such a busy life, I seem to have forgotten how to rest. I want this to be a place for people like that.
Manu Ponumau: Nwehe. You're in luck. I'm a leading expert. In the field of relaxation.
Client: Yes, I sort of figured that already!
Vyrn: Nah, she's just lazy.
Client: Hahaha, whatever works! If the business turns a sufficient profit, I'll grant you lifetime access in addition to the mission reward.
Manu Ponumau: Nwuh! Lifetime... access?
Manu Ponumau: Nwaaah! I'll do it. I'll give it. Everything. I mean it.
Vyrn: She's all in now...
With a sudden spark in her eyes, Ponumau pulls out a blueprint.
Manu Ponumau: Amateurs. All of you. Learn how it's done. From a bona fide expert.
Client: Why, that is most reassuring! Take it away, Ponu!
Manu Ponumau: Nwehe. Nwehehehe... Very well, my junior. Revere me. As your senior.
Vyrn: (Here comes the senior thing again...)
Manu Ponumau: Now then. Gentlemen. Gentleladies. Behold. The grand renovation plan.
Client: Already? You've thought of something?
Manu Ponumau: We already have. The basics. Illustrated storybooks. Food. Drink. Tables. Chairs.
Manu Ponumau: So I've reached. One conclusion.
Manu Ponumau: Let us build. The ultimate slack—ahem. Relaxation facility.
Manu Ponumau: An illustrated storybook cafe.
Run Ragged, Driven to the Brink: Scene 2
Construction on the storybook cafe begins, but Ponumau's frequent breaks slow progress, worrying the client. However, the relaxed pace allows the carpenters to refine their work. The finished cafe proves popular, but (Captain) receives word of trouble.
Lyria: An illustrated storybook cafe...
That's a cafe where you can read as many illustrated storybooks as you like, right?
Manu Ponumau: Yes. First time I entered one. In the Sky Realm. I learned. What paradise is.
Client: I see. Then we just need to add to the storybook collection!
Manu Ponumau: Nwuun. That alone. Still falls short. Of ultimate relaxation.
Manu Ponumau: So first. We add a drink bar. And of course. All-you-can-eat snacks.
Manu Ponumau: Most important. Is comfort. Reclining sofas. Hammocks. Private rooms. And so on.
Manu Ponumau: The hammock room. Should have a skylight. Let sunlight pour in. Perfect. For drifting off.
Lyria: Wow, that sounds so relaxing...
Manu Ponumau: Plus a. Big shared bath. And a sauna. After reading for long periods. Your eyes. Your shoulders. Get tired. This is for recovery.
Vyrn: A bath and a sauna? That's not a cafe anymore—that's an inn.
Manu Ponumau: Vyrn, good idea. For a junior. The illustrated storybook cafe. Will allow overnight stays. It never closes.
Client: I see... In that case, perhaps we should adopt a system like an inn, charging an upfront usage fee.
Client: That way, customers can relax without worrying about money every time they order something or use the sauna...
Manu Ponumau: Nweeeh! Not bad. Junior. You're starting to understand. Relaxation.
Client: Heck, maybe I am. Haha!
Vyrn: You two sure are gettin' along. You don't hafta react to every little thing she says, y'know.
Client: Still, with this level of facilities, the cost goes beyond renovation into full construction. Can we really cover it with just usage fees?
Manu Ponumau: Have no fear. I am a leading authority. On relaxation. We will appeal to skydwellers. Directly.
Manu Ponumau: I'm certain of it. We'll recover the costs. In no time. It'll be profitable. Definitely. Nwehehehe.
Client: Hmm... So you say, but even experienced merchants are affected by timing and luck...
Manu Ponumau: Like you. There must be many. Who've forgotten. How to rest.
Manu Ponumau: And especially. After the Grand Uplift. Many are exhausted. They'll all come here. I'm sure of it.
Client: I see... Then as far as timing goes, this might very well work!
Client: I still don't fully grasp the appeal of saunas or hammocks... but I'll take your word for it, Ponu.
Manu Ponumau: Nwehehe. Good mindset. Keep at it.
Vyrn: (This isn't just her senior act... She's gettin' totally carried away...)
And so construction of the illustrated storybook cafe begins. Ponumau takes charge of directing the workers on-site.
Carpenter: Awaiting your next instructions, Boss!
Manu Ponumau: Nwem. Wait a moment. First. Let me brew tea.
Vyrn: It's not even noon, and you've already taken three breaks!
Manu Ponumau: It's fine. To build a relaxation facility. The workers. Must relax too.
Client: Is that really how it works? We do have a schedule to keep...
Manu Ponumau: Rush. And that rushed feeling? It seeps into the place. Everyone. Take a break. There's tea.
Carpenter: R-right... Then I'll take you up on that...
Vyrn: We really gonna be okay? Doubt we're gonna see much progress at this rate...
Due to the overly relaxed pace, the client and (Captain)'s group begin to feel uneasy.
Carpenter: Boss, may I suggest something? If we adjust the skylight design like this... it'll improve the lighting.
Manu Ponumau: Nweh. Good. The sun is important. Approved.
Carpenter: I thought of it while relaxing with tea. Heh, breaks really do help.
Manu Ponumau: Nwehe. Exactly. Room to breathe. Important. You see things. Differently.
Carpenter: Haha, that's true. I rarely get time to think like this, so it's actually fun!
Lyria: Wow... Everyone looks so happy.
Vyrn: Yeah... Feels especially calm for a worksite.
Manu Ponumau: Nwehehehe. You see, juniors? The power of relaxation. Is undeniable.
Client: I understand now... This is the value of relaxation I've been overlooking.
Client: At this rate, it seems better for me not to interfere. I'll leave everything to you, Ponu.
Manu Ponumau: Rest easy. Let's take it slow... Nwehehe.
Lyria: Haha. You look so happy, Ponumau.
Manu Ponumau: Nweh. It reminds me. Of the past...
Manu Ponumau: Since I was little. I've always been slow. At walking.
Manu Ponumau: No matter how hard I tried. I couldn't keep up. I never got to see. The same sights. As everyone else.
Manu Ponumau: But one day. I found a bug. Carrying a shell. Moving as slowly as me.
Manu Ponumau: Everyone else went ahead. But I stayed there. Watching it until nightfall.
Manu Ponumau: The patterns on its shell. The way its feelers moved. The more I watched. The more fascinating it became.
Manu Ponumau: That's when I realized. It's okay. To be slow. It's even more fun. To just take it easy.
Manu Ponumau: So let's relax. Rushing doesn't lead. To anything good.
Manu Ponumau: Indulge. In relaxation. Your body. Will thank you. Nwehehehe.
Lyria: I see... I feel like I understand you better now, Ponumau.
Vyrn: Still sounds like an excuse for slackin' off, but this time I actually buy it.
Carpenter's Voice: Boss! The wall's painted up nicely!
Manu Ponumau: Nwem. I'll go take a look.
Lyria: It looks like this will come together into a wonderful illustrated storybook cafe.
Client: Yes. Choosing your crew... Choosing Ponu for this was the right call. I'm looking forward to its completion.
Construction of the illustrated storybook cafe proceeds at a relaxed pace, until finally...
Lyria: Wow, the cafe got so much bigger!
Vyrn: They really expanded it... Well, we've got comp tickets, so let's go in.
The crew visits the illustrated storybook cafe about a month after its completion.
Lyria: Wow, there's a huge line even outside!
Vyrn: Looks like it's a big hit! Though it's a shame Slacker Girl didn't come see it herself.
Lyria: Yeah. She was already gone from the ship by the time it was finished.
Vyrn: I still remember that ridiculous note she left behind...
Manu Ponumau: I've been working. Too hard. I'll be taking a break. For a while. See you. Regards.
Vyrn: We checked in on her from time to time during construction, and she was slackin' off a ton...
Vyrn: Meh. The cafe's a huge success, so I guess it's fine. Let's go enjoy it ourselves first!
Lyria: Yes! We haven't done so in a while, so let's relax to our hearts' content!
However, days after enjoying the cafe, the crew receives a message from the client.
Vyrn: What now? I don't get all the details, but it sounds like there's trouble at the cafe.
Lyria: Ponumau isn't here either... Let's hurry and check it out!
Gripped by a sense of foreboding, (Captain) and company rush toward the illustrated storybook cafe.
Run Ragged, Driven to the Brink: Scene 3
Ponumau's excessive breaks had tripled construction time, putting the project in the red. She works tirelessly selling handmade sauna hats to turn a profit and maintain her honor as a senior slacker, then collapses from exhaustion and is gently laid in a hammock.
Hearing that trouble has broken out at the illustrated storybook cafe, the crew rushes over.
Client: Ah, (Captain)! Sorry to trouble you. I only just arrived myself, but...
Client: It seems there is a customer who's been staying here for over a month without paying...
Client: Perhaps the place was simply too comfortable. In any case, I'll go speak to the customer directly.
The crew joins the client for a talk with the long-term guest.
Client: Excuse me. Do you have a moment?
Manu Ponumau: Nweh? Well, well. Long time no see. I've been enjoying myself. To the fullest.
Vyrn: So you're the one squatting here!
Manu Ponumau: Nwehehe. This hammock room. My favorite. Sunlight pours in. Through the skylight.
Vyrn: We came because we heard there was a freeloader causin' trouble this whole time...
Manu Ponumau: Freeloader? How rude. I have a lifetime access pass.
Lyria: Come to think of it, I do remember that promise...
Client: Yes, I did say I would grant lifetime access if the illustrated storybook cafe turned a sufficient profit.
Manu Ponumau: See? I'm merely exercising. My rightful privilege.
Client: Well... I did say if it turned a sufficient profit. It pains me greatly to say this, Ponu, but...
Client: We are deep in the red.
Manu Ponumau: Nweh!
Vyrn: Wha? But there was a huge line outside even today. It's this popular and still losin' money?
Client: Yes. The construction costs were very high. Building materials were expensive at the time, and the large bath in particular has steep upkeep costs.
Manu Ponumau: Nwuh. Nwuh-nuh... The large bath. I use it. Daily. It's great. Beyond great.
Manu Ponumau: The construction costs. Were within expectations. In the red? Maybe. But "deep in the red"?
Client: A fair assessment. However, the construction period ran three times longer than planned, so labor costs for the carpenters rose enormously.
Vyrn: Three times longer?
Lyria: Ponumau did take a very relaxed approach to building it...
Manu Ponumau: Nweh... That can't be...
Manu Ponumau: Nwuh... L-let's stay calm. Even a huge deficit. Can't be that outrageous. I think.
The client pulls out a finely detailed ledger from his bag.
Manu Ponumau: The losses are... Nwooh... Tens, hundreds, thousands...
Vyrn: Whoa. You could buy an airship with that kinda money...
Manu Ponumau: Nweeh... Ahh...
Manu Ponumau: ...
Lyria: Eep! I think she's fainted with her eyes still open!
When (Captain) rouses Ponumau, her tail droops miserably.
Manu Ponumau: To sum it up... Because I slacked. We ended up. Deep in the red?
Vyrn: Yep, pretty much.
Lyria: The deficit is unfortunate... but I think so many customers showed up because it was built at such a relaxed pace!
Manu Ponumau: Lyria. You kind junior. I could cry.
Lyria: O-oh please, it's nothing! We enjoyed ourselves there too the other day with the complimentary tickets!
Manu Ponumau: Nwah... To have my junior. Feeling sorry for me. How shameful.
Manu Ponumau: I was so sure. Of myself. I may have. Misled you.
Manu Ponumau: Have no fear. I am a leading authority. On relaxation. We will appeal to skydwellers. Directly.
Manu Ponumau: I'm certain of it. We'll recover the costs. In no time. It'll be profitable. Definitely. Nwehehehe.
Manu Ponumau: Ngwaaah. I am no senior. I need a hole. Made for me. To crawl into and sulk.
Manu Ponumau: Time would pass. Everything would weather away.
Manu Ponumau: And then. Once everyone had forgotten. I'd crawl out. Of the hole. Quietly. And set off. For some unknown island...
Vyrn: Come on, don't be so dramatic. The client's the one we should be feelin' sorry for. Help him make the place profitable.
Manu Ponumau: Nweh... You're right. Esteemed senior. Vyrn.
Vyrn: Whoa. You're takin' this hard...
Manu Ponumau: Nghghweeeh... I'm not taking it hard. At all. Not in the slightest.
Instead of stamping her feet, Ponumau repeatedly headbutts the wall.
Manu Ponumau: Nwah. Nweh.
Lyria: W-wait! You'll put a hole in the wall!
Manu Ponumau: Nwaagh... You're right. And I'd mess up. My masterpiece. Of a hat, too.
Manu Ponumau: I understand now. This isn't over. I'll restore my honor. As a senior. And claim my lifetime access pass!
Vyrn: Whoo! Looks like you've finally got your mojo back!
Manu Ponumau: Hm. Just watch. All you've seen. Till now. Was the prelude. From here on out. You'll see. My true strength.
Lyria: Yes! Go, Ponumau!
From that day on, for the sake of the illustrated storybook cafe's sales, Ponumau holes up in her room and begins working on something.
Manu Ponumau: Only one solution. I'm a slowpoke. But I know hats. From making so many helmets.
Manu Ponumau: Sauna hats. Mass production!
As Ponumau immerses herself in making sauna hats in her room, several days fly by in no time.
Manu Ponumau: How many days. Has it been? I've made a hundred. But the unit price. Is far too low. A drop in the bucket.
Manu Ponumau: Nwuh... I know. I'll change every design. One of a kind. In the whole world. A sauna hat. Made just for you.
Manu Ponumau: This is it. Triple the price. Ten times the work. Nweh... That scares me.
Manu Ponumau: Nwahahah. Even so. I'll do it. If I say I'll do it. I'll do it!
Manu Ponumau: Three hundred delivered!
Client: Ponu, you haven't been sleeping lately, have you? If we scale down the facility and remove the hammocks, we could at least cut costs...
Manu Ponumau: Nwuh-uh. No compromises. On quality. Must remain ultimate place. To slac—I mean, to relax.
Manu Ponumau: So I still need. Twelve hundred more! Nwah. Ah. Ahh...
Vyrn: You're practically falling over already. Fine then, we'll help too.
Manu Ponumau: It's fine. I was only. Observing the floorboards. Beneath my feet.
Vyrn: Oh, great. Even your excuses are gettin' flimsier...
Manu Ponumau: No help needed. If I accept help. I'll never regain dignity. As a senior.
Some time passes. One day, news on the results of the exhausted Ponumau's efforts reaches her ears.
Client: Ponu! We're in the black! Look at the ledger!
Manu Ponumau: Nweh?
Vyrn: You did it, Slacker Girl! This all started because of your own mess, but I saw how hard you worked in the end!
Manu Ponumau: Nwah. Ngwaaagh... My honor as a senior. Restored. And my lifetime access...
Client: Yes! Our number of regulars has exploded, and future profits seem stable too. Of course, I will grant you lifetime access as promised!
Manu Ponumau: Nwaaah. Thank goo—
Manu Ponumau: ...
Vyrn: Aw crud, she fainted!
Lyria: Eep! Maybe all the exhaustion hit her at once...
Client: I'm terribly sorry... If it was going to make her work until she fainted, I should have kept watch from the start so she wouldn't slack off...
Vyrn: Nah, you've got nothin' to apologize for.
Lyria: Ahaha... Ponumau really is talented at slacking off...
Vyrn: It's a matter of pacin' herself. If only she'd worked steadily from the beginning...
Choose: Guess this is just Ponu's pace.
Vyrn: Yeah, maybe so. She never did seem especially deft. That might be exactly it.
Vyrn: Well, she worked hard in the end. Let's put her to bed in the hammock room she loves so much.
Lyria: We have to carry her very carefully so we don't wake her!
Choose: Maybe steady work just isn't her style.
Lyria: Good point. If she hadn't built it at such a relaxed pace, it might never have become such a popular illustrated storybook cafe...
Vyrn: Well, she worked hard in the end. Let's put her to bed in the hammock room she loves so much.
Lyria: We have to carry her very carefully so we don't wake her!
Continue 1
(Captain) carries Ponumau to the hammock room with the skylight and lays her down.
Manu Ponumau: Mmn... The sun... So warm...
Lyria: Hehe, I'm glad they made it such a lovely skylight for you, Ponumau.
Manu Ponumau: Mmm... Swaying... (Captain) and crew... Together too...
Vyrn: Haha, she sounds pretty happy in her sleep.
Swayed gently in the hammock, Ponumau's face is peaceful as she sleeps.
That is happiness for Ponumau, who—careless though she can be—has mastered the art of taking it easy.