Scenario:Mirin - The Unfinished Yakan
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The Unfinished Yakan
One day, Mirin tries to brew tea with her special kettle called a "yakan," only to discover it's broken. When Sevilbarra finds out it was a precious memento given to Mirin's mother by her best friend, he tells her about a friend's wife who is a famous yakan artisan and might be able to repair it.
One day, a bitter cold front strikes the island where (Captain) and the crew are currently docked.
Amidst the clatter of snow battering the windows, the sound of a door slamming open suddenly echoes through the ship.
Vyrn: Argh, it's too darn cold! Just our luck to have a blizzard pop up outta nowhere...
Vyrn: Ahh... Saved by the fireplace...
Lyria: Hey! It's not fair to hog it all to yourself. I need some of that warmth too!
(Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn scramble over to the hearth, diving beside it as fast as they can manage.
Sevilbarra: Glad we made it back before sundown. A blizzard like that's a recipe for disaster.
Any version of Sevilbarra is a crew member
As Sevilbarra looks at the snow pelting the windows with a sense of relief, (Captain) beckons him over to the hearth.
Sevilbarra: Ah, thanks. I could use some thawing out.
Sitting beside the captain, Sevilbarra closes his eyes and lets out a long sigh.
No version of Sevilbarra in crew
Looking out the window is Sevilbarra, a swordsman searching for a demon blade in order to get revenge for his younger sister.
During his journey he happened upon (Captain), who has invited him to travel with the crew temporarily.
Continue 1
Mirin: Welcome back! Sure is cold out today. I'll go brew you some hot tea!
Mirin: I'll have you know my yakan is second to none! Why, it can boil water in under a minute!
Smiling, Mirin pulls out a golden kettle and begins pouring water into it.
Sevilbarra: Oho, a yakan? It's been a while since I've laid eyes on one. Is it yours?
Mirin: Yep! My mother sent it with me when I left my homeland.
Mirin: She said it was to remind me of home and my parents, in case I ever found myself feeling lonely in a faraway, foreign land.
Vyrn: Huh, so that's the "yakan" you were talkin' about. I've never seen one before.
Sevilbarra: Kettles with a rounded bottom are only really used in the east. You hardly ever come across them outside the island.
Mirin: Yeah. I see similar ones around all the time, but never any with this shape.
Mirin: Most people refer to any tool used to boil water as a kettle. And functionally a yakan is basically the same.
Mirin: But nothing beats a piping hot cup of tea from this yakan on a cold winter's day!
As Mirin finishes filling the kettle, she suddenly looks down at her hands in confusion.
Mirin: Huh? That's weird. That should've been enough water to fill it...
Lyria: What's wrong?
Mirin: Oh, nothing. It just feels like some of the water's missing. Let's see here...
Puzzled, Mirin lifts the kettle to inspect it, when suddenly...
Mirin: Oh no! Um, um, where's the mop?
Mirin flies into a panic upon seeing water leaking from the bottom of the yakan onto the floor.
As her eyes dart around the room, (Captain) retrieves the mop from out of a cabinet and hands it to her.
Mirin: Thank you! Sorry, I didn't mean to make you help...
Vyrn: Whoa, the bottom's totally fallin' apart.
Sure enough, there is a large hole in the bottom of the kettle, the edges cracked from corrosion.
Mirin: You're right. That's weird, it was just fine yesterday...
Mirin: Urgh... I wonder if it can be fixed...
Mirin hugs the yakan tightly, her shoulders slumped, as (Captain) and company look on in confusion.
Vyrn: You don't see those things around here much, but they sell 'em back where you come from, right? Can't you just buy a new one?
Mirin: Sure, I'd have no problem getting another one with the same shape back home. But this one's a little different from the rest.
Mirin: You see, this is a special yakan my mother used to use, since before I can even remember.
Mirin explains that the kettle is a memento her mother received from her best friend as a baby gift.
Instead of buying one from a shop, the woman had handmade it for Mirin's mother, making it a one-of-a-kind item.
Mirin: When you think about how long it's been used, I can see why it might be nearing the end of its lifespan...
Mirin: But it was so precious to my mother that she cared for it and cleaned it every day without fail.
Mirin: And considering I was raised on the water from this yakan, I can't just give up on it...
In a sad voice, Mirin confesses she'd prefer to have someone repair the kettle if possible, rather than just throw it out.
Hearing this, Sevilbarra picks it up and inspects the bottom carefully.
Sevilbarra: Hmm...
Sevilbarra: I can't make any promises, but I might know somebody who could fix it.
Mirin: Huh? R-really?
Sevilbarra: Yep. You see, there was a swordsmith who did a lot for me back in the day.
Sevilbarra: His wife was a metalworker, and I heard she was known around the area as a "yakan master."
Mirin: A master? That sounds like the perfect person to fix my yakan!
Mirin: Please, Sevilbarra! Will you take me to her?
Sevilbarra: Of course, I'd be happy to. But I haven't seen either of them in a long time, so I'm not sure if she'd be able to take on the job.
Mirin: That's okay, I understand! As long as there's a chance, I'd like to try!
Sevilbarra: Got it. In that case, I'll show you to the village tomorrow.
Mirin: ...!
Thank you so much, Sevilbarra!
Thank you so much, Sevilbarra!
Only time will tell if Mirin's yakan can be repaired.
She hugs the broken kettle tightly, as though clinging to one last fragment of hope.
The Unfinished Yakan: Scene 2
(Captain) and the crew visit Sevilbarra's friend, only to find out his wife has passed away. It turns out Mirin's kettle is a prototype of the "ultimate yakan" she created before her death, and her husband promised to complete it. Though forced to give up after being shunned by the other villagers, Mirin convinces him to try again.
On a quest to get Mirin's yakan repaired, (Captain) and company arrive in the artisan village where Sevilbarra's acquaintance lives.
Lyria: Urgh... Another chilly day. Thank goodness for my donbuku.
Mirin: The cold weather and snowy landscape around here remind me of my homeland.
Vyrn: Y'know, this place is kinda weird. Those yakan things are everywhere.
Sevilbarra: Apparently when this island was part of the airship route, the kettles here were a hot commodity, since travelers viewed them as novelties.
Sevilbarra: Word continued to spread, until they became known as this village's local specialty. Even now, they sell better than other metal goods.
Vyrn: Huh... But even if they are the local specialty, it's a little freaky seein' 'em everywhere you look...
(Captain) walks along listening to the conversation, when suddenly a villager comes into view.
But the moment the man meets the captain's eyes, he immediately retreats into his house and slams the door.
Vyrn: The heck? What a jerk!
Sevilbarra: The artisans here are constantly worried about their techniques getting stolen, so they're a bit cautious of others.
Sevilbarra: The swordsmith I mentioned had a tough time when he moved to this village too.
Sevilbarra: Ah, we're close enough to see his house now. See? It's that one over there.
Sevilbarra points to a house in the back of the village.
???: Ugh, why do you have to be so stubborn? You're such an idiot, Dad!
???: Huh? Now you listen here, young lady! That's no way to talk to your father!
As they approach the house, they are startled to hear the angry voices of two people arguing inside.
Mirin: Wh-what's all that yelling about? Are they fighting?
(Captain) and company gasp as the shouts are joined by the sound of objects breaking.
Mirin: Um, excuse me. Sorry to interrupt—
Girl: I've had it with you! I'll just have to beat some sense into you myself!
Mirin peeks her head inside to see a girl and man facing off, pointing cutlery at each other.
Mirin: S-stooop!
The next moment Mirin leaps in between the two, holding her arms out to keep them apart.
Girl: Huh? Who're you?
Mirin: Let's all calm down and talk this through! Okay?
Artisan: Huh? What's an outsider like you doing sticking your nose into our family business...
Suddenly the main's voice trails off, and his eyes widen.
Artisan: Hold on. Where'd you get that yakan!
Mirin: Huh? Um, well, you see...
Artisan: Don't tell me you stole it! Choose your words carefully...
Mirin: Eep! No, no, no! This belongs to my mother!
Sevilbarra: Okay, that's enough. I see you still refuse to listen once the blood rushes to your head.
The man's jaw drops open in surprise as Sevilbarra steps in to stop him from brandishing his knife at Mirin.
Artisan: Well, if it isn't Sevilbarra! Haven't kicked the bucket yet, I see!
Sevilbarra: It's been a while. Glad to see not much has changed.
Sevilbarra: Now, could you put that dangerous thing away? Can't have a proper conversation with you waving that thing around.
Thanks to the intervention of Mirin and Sevilbarra, the pair regain their composure and quietly put down their knives.
Not wanting to make their guests stand around while they talk, the girl invites them in to sit around the fireplace.
Girl: Sorry you had to see that. Guess we let our tempers get the best of us.
Artisan: So what brings you here? Don't see you for years, and then you show up with a bunch of kids. When'd you become a babysitter?
Mirin: Um, excuse me, sir. I actually asked Sevilbarra to bring me here as a favor.
Mirin: You see...
The man's frown deepens as Mirin explains, and his gaze shifts to the broken yakan.
Artisan: So that's what all this is about. I can see why you'd think to come here.
Mirin: D-does that mean...
Artisan: But I'm sorry to say, there isn't a master here to fix that kettle of yours anymore.
Sevilbarra: Now that you mention it, I don't see your wife around. Did something happen?
The faces of both father and daughter fall at the question.
Girl: Mom collapsed from a chronic illness when I was little, and while she was still weak, she fell victim to an epidemic and died.
Girl: She was the best yakan artisan in the whole village.
Girl: And that yakan was her last creation.
Girl: It was a prototype of the "ultimate yakan," made for a dear friend to celebrate the birth of her daughter.
Mirin: Ultimate yakan? It looks the same as all the others to me though...
Artisan: That's how it looks to you, sure. But for a metalworker like me, one glance is all it takes to see the difference.
Artisan: That yakan was created using a special alloy invented by my wife. No one but her could make it.
Artisan: You could search all the skies and never find another yakan like that one.
Just as the rumors said, the man's wife had indeed been a skilled yakan artisan worthy of being called a master.
Her creations were durable enough to last a long time with little deterioration, and light enough to be used by people of all ages.
As she continued to make kettles loved by young and old alike, she dedicated her life to one specific dream.
Girl: Her dream was to create the ultimate yakan... A kettle among kettles that would put all others to shame.
Girl: The yakan she gave to your mother was made right after her chronic illness took a turn for the worse.
Girl: She spurred on her frail body to create the best yakan she possibly could, wanting to congratulate her friend.
Mirin: I had no idea so much went into making it...
After hearing the story, Mirin gently pats the kettle resting in her lap.
Realizing how much love had been poured into the yakan, she asks if there's any way to repair it.
But the girl shakes her head.
Girl: Dad's too big of a coward. He couldn't do it in a million years.
Artisan: Excuse me?
Girl: He promised my mom he'd complete her ultimate yakan, but all he does is drink, day in and day out.
Girl: The way he is now, he couldn't create a regular yakan, much less the ultimate one!
Mirin: N-now, now. Let's all try to stay calm...
Mirin: So you make kettles too, sir? Sevilbarra called you a swordsmith though...
Sensing the conversation is getting heated, Mirin interrupts to ask the man a question.
The man clicks his tongue angrily in response before nodding.
Artisan: It's true that I used to be a swordsmith, but after marrying my wife and coming to this village, I started making kettles too.
Artisan: But the other villagers refuse to recognize my creations, just because I used to make swords.
The village had been founded by metalworkers who were vehemently against the creation of arms used for violence.
Therefore blacksmiths of all types, and especially swordsmiths, were shunned by the community.
There had been drama when the artisan and his wife married, but his wife, being the top artisan in the village, had silenced the others with her skill.
But no matter how magnificent his wife's kettles were, the villagers refused to acknowledge the man's own ability.
Artisan: So she said to me, "Let's create the ultimate yakan together."
Artisan: If we made the best yakan in the skies, no one could complain. After all, in this village, the kettles you produce are everything.
Sevilbarra: But your wife passed away before you could complete it, and you became depressed and turned to drinking. Is that the gist of it?
Artisan: It's not like I didn't try!
Artisan: I made kettles like there was no tomorrow, wanting to keep my promise with her!
Artisan: But the other villagers still refused to approve of them, since I used to be a swordsmith.
Artisan: And that's not all. They even insulted the ultimate yakan my wife spent her life trying to create!
Vyrn: Uhh... Sorry to ask, but wouldn't it have been better to just leave the village?
Vyrn: You don't have to be here to make kettles, right?
Artisan: Trust me, I thought about it. But...
Girl: Dad made a promise to my mom. That they'd make everybody acknowledge their ultimate yakan at the village competition.
Girl: Kettles that do well in the competition attract buyers like crazy. Makes it that much easier to get your works into people's hands.
The village may be small, but the fact that it consists of yakan artisans means the quality is high, and it holds a good reputation.
Since the yearly competition is a stage upon which the best yakan in the village is determined, merchants pay it close attention.
Artisan: Generally speaking, once you live in a village, you'll be known as an artisan of that village no matter where you go.
Artisan: Say I escape from the village. As long as I'm an artisan, I won't find any buyers. Even if I craft something, no one will give it a second thought.
Artisan: It's hopeless for me, as both a swordsmith and metalworker. Once you become part of a village, there's no going back.
Girl: They said if he gets last place again in this year's contest, they'll revoke his right to enter to keep him from embarrassing the village.
Girl: And if that happens, he'll never be able to fulfill his promise to my mother...
Vyrn: Dang... Artisans have it pretty rough, huh?
Mirin: ...
Having learned the circumstances the family is in, Mirin stares at the yakan in her lap.
Mirin: Oh. Sorry, (Captain). I was just thinking.
Mirin: His wife—my mother's friend—poured her heart and soul into making this very yakan.
Mirin: There must be a reason it broke so suddenly after not showing any signs of wear before.
Lyria: A reason?
Sevilbarra: "Everything has a soul." It's a common legend passed down in the east.
Mirin: Right. If the yakan hadn't broken, I never would've spoken to Sevilbarra, meaning I never would've come here.
Mirin: And that made me wonder. Maybe the feelings your wife poured into this yakan called us to this village.
Mirin: There's a reason I'm here. And I think I know what it is.
Mirin looks down and takes a deep breath before raising her head with determination.
Mirin: Sir. Will you try using this yakan?
Artisan: Huh? What're you on about?
Mirin: Your late wife made it while striving to create the ultimate yakan, right?
Mirin: In that case, this yakan might hold the clues we need for a breakthrough.
Artisan: Hah, what would an amateur like you know? Besides, there are only two days before the competition. We'd never make it.
Mirin: That means we still have two whole days! If you use this yakan as the basis, a miracle just might happen.
Mirin: I'm sure that's why I was led here. By your wife's feelings residing in this yakan!
The man falls speechless at Mirin's powerful declaration and averts his eyes.
Girl: She's right, Dad.
Girl: And besides, Mom'll give you an earful if you break your promise by doing nothing. And you know how scary she is when she's angry.
Artisan: ...
Mirin: I don't know how much good it'll do, but I'll help out in any way I can. So won't you give it one more try?
At Mirin's gentle request, the artisan gazes at the yakan for a moment before breathing a deep sigh.
Artisan: Two days left until the competition. But I don't have any new ideas, let alone any materials.
Artisan: Young lady. Sevilbarra. And you kids too.
Artisan: You managed to light a fire under me. I'll have you stick with me until the very end.
Vyrn: Kids? Wait, are you talkin' about us?
Mirin: I-I'm so sorry! I hate to rope you all into this...
Mirin: But I promise to return the favor. So please... won't you lend us a hand?
Won over by Mirin's desperate entreaties, (Captain) nods.
Choose: Well, we've come this far.
Vyrn: Yeah. Now that we've heard 'em out, it wouldn't be right to abandon 'em.
Continue 1
Sevilbarra: You can count on me. I'm willing to do whatever I can to help out an old friend.
Mirin: Thank you so much, everyone!
Artisan: With that settled, let's start coming up with a plan! Time waits for no one!
Mirin: Right! With our powers combined, we'll complete the ultimate yakan, no matter what!
And so (Captain) and the others join forces to create the ultimate yakan.
With the clock ticking, they immediately surround Mirin's kettle and begin discussing how to proceed.
The Unfinished Yakan: Scene 3
(Captain) and company set to work creating the ultimate yakan for the village competition. According to the artisan, it needs to be sturdy and light, able to boil water in mere seconds, and capable of cleaning muddy water. After a bit of brainstorming, Mirin comes up with an idea for a small filtration device.
Sevilbarra: So have you thought about what makes up the ultimate yakan?
Sevilbarra: Brainstorming ideas won't do us much good without a clear goal.
Artisan: Aye. Now keep in mind this was just a dream of hers, but here's the rundown...
Artisan: The ultimate yakan needs to be able to quickly boil water at any time and have heating and cooling functions that can be used year-round.
Artisan: It also has to be sturdy enough to withstand monster attacks, while still being light enough to be used by people of all ages.
Artisan: On top of that, it needs a device that allows you to obtain fresh water from muddy water while traveling, or in the event of a disaster.
Artisan: The ultimate kettle she envisioned has to satisfy all those conditions and be usable no matter the person, place, or time.
Mirin: Hmm... It started out sounding doable, but things got more tricky there toward the end.
Artisan: That yakan of yours is the closest to her ideal out of any she ever made.
Artisan: Even so, she was never fully satisfied with its boiling time and sturdiness.
Vyrn: Well, it did end up breakin'. As for the boilin' time, what was she aimin' for?
Girl: Well, she said the faster the better.
Artisan: I think her goal was... ten seconds? But how in the skies could you possibly boil water that fast?
Mirin: Ten seconds! And here I thought mine was pretty quick...
Artisan: To be fair, she wasn't the only one interested in shortening the boiling time. The other artisans compete over that every year.
Artisan: I actually have an idea to speed up the boiling process and make the kettle more sturdy. But that still leaves another problem...
Lyria: Um, let's see... The device that lets you get fresh, hot water out of muddy water?
Artisan: Right. Just boiling the water isn't enough. The issue is it has to be drinkable too.
Sevilbarra: Clean water from muddy water, huh. Well, there are filtration systems out there...
Mirin: Yeah! They can be used to make even the murkiest water drinkable!
Mirin: Back home we used a big one my father made for emergencies all the time.
Mirin: We got our water from a nearby river, but after a storm it would be muddy and undrinkable.
Lyria: Um, what exactly is a "filtration system"?
Mirin: Well, you see, it's a device that cleans grimy water by passing it through a tube filled with grass, pebbles, or sand.
Mirin: It might be easier if I make one and show you. Could I borrow some materials, sir?
After obtaining the necessary materials from the artisan, Mirin expertly creates a small device.
Mirin: All done! This should work beautifully!
Vyrn: Wait, that's it? But you just shoved a bunch of rocks and leaves into a stick of bamboo.
Mirin: Now, now! Seeing is believing. Feast your eyes on this!
Mirin pours some muddy water gathered from outside into the cylinder and sets a bowl underneath.
A few minutes later...
Lyria: Look! There's water coming out from the bottom!
Vyrn: Whoa, looks pretty clean! The color's still kinda iffy though. Not sure I'd wanna drink it...
From the bottom of the bamboo comes water that is nearly transparent, far from the muddy mess it had started as.
Mirin: If you run the water through a few times, the color will clear right up, and then boiling it will make it okay to drink.
Sevilbarra: So the water gets cleaned by passing through several layers. Just like groundwater.
Mirin: But drinking it as-is will make you sick, so you have to make sure to boil it at least once.
Artisan: Well, that solves the issue of making muddy water potable, but unfortunately that device is too bulky.
Vyrn: Yeah, if you stuck that thing in the kettle it'd just get in the way. You'd barely be able to fit any water inside.
Artisan: I thought about making it removable, but then the yakan wouldn't be easy enough for anyone to use.
Artisan: Making the device secure means it's tricky to take off, but the easier it is to remove, the more vulnerable it is to impact.
Artisan: I can't figure out how to avoid sacrificing one thing for the other.
(Captain) and company wrack their brains, struggling to come up with a solution.
Mirin: Easy for anyone to use... Compact when it's not needed...
Wait, compact?
Wait, compact?
Mirin: Ah! I've got it!
All eyes turn to Mirin as she lets out a sudden triumphant shout.
Vyrn: What's up? Think of a good idea?
Mirin: Yeah! I might know a way we can keep the filtering system and still make it small!
Mirin: Let's see, I think it was shaped like this...
Taking out a piece of paper and a pen, Mirin draws an object from memory.
Sevilbarra: Is that a paper lantern?
Mirin: Yep! I remember my father used aspects of a traditional puzzle box to make a container that can expand and contract like a lantern.
Mirin: If we put sand or stones into a similar box and use a layer of cotton or grass for the part that grows and shrinks...
Artisan: I see. Sounds like it'd be worth a try.
Artisan: Now the only problem is the time it takes before the water is potable. If we can just do something about that...
Mirin: Actually, I think we can shorten the time if we swap up the materials we're using.
Sevilbarra: There might be a way to clean the water even more efficiently, such as using one piece of charcoal or a single stone.
Sevilbarra: Now that we have a plan for the construction, we can move on to the next step—figuring out the materials.
Vyrn: Then how 'bout we all split up and hunt for things that seem useful?
Artisan: In the meantime, I'll come up with a prototype device to insert into the yakan.
(Captain) and company have taken the first step in overcoming their biggest obstacle.
With the clock ticking, they continue working well into the night, intent on completing the ultimate yakan.
The Unfinished Yakan: Scene 4
At the competition two days later, (Captain) and company win over the villagers with the ultimate yakan—a labor of love combining the melted alloy from Mirin's kettle and the artisan's swordsmithing techniques. The man ends up giving the completed yakan to Mirin, who decides to brew a pot of tea in celebration.
Two days later, artisans from all over the village gather in the main square where the competition is to be held.
(Captain) and company stand at the edge of the venue, a heavy tension hanging in the air.
Vyrn: Gulp... Everybody's really into this.
Sevilbarra: Placing at the top of the competition is proof you're one of the best artisans in the village, after all.
Sevilbarra: It's only natural they'd be taking this seriously.
Choose: We've done all we could.
Mirin: Yeah. We did everything in our power to prepare for this.
Mirin: I just know the other villagers will be amazed when they see our yakan! Everything's sure to turn out okay!
Choose: I don't feel so great.
Mirin: Urgh, me neither. Feels like my stomach's full of butterflies.
Mirin: B-but we've done everything we could to prepare! Let's just hope it was enough.
Continue 1
Village Chief: It's time. Let's begin this year's competition.
And so the fated contest begins.
(Captain) and company watch as the village artisans present their prized kettles one by one.
Finally the man's name is called, and he and his daughter step forward wearing nervous expressions, joined by the crew.
Judge: Huh? What are those outsiders doing with you?
Artisan: We all worked together on this. The ultimate yakan is a culmination of all of our knowledge and skill.
Artisan: As fellow yakan artisans, they deserve to stand here beside me.
Village Chief: I hope you understand your situation. You have to convince everyone at this competition, or else.
Artisan: Trust me, I'm well aware of that. Now... behold the ultimate yakan!
With a flourish, the man removes the cloth covering the kettle.
Villager: Whoa! What's that light?
Judge: Do you mean to say you made this yakan?
As soon as it's exposed to the sunlight, the kettle gives off a brilliant glow, astounding the villagers.
Vyrn: Ooh, now that's what I call a positive reaction! Lookin' good so far!
Village Chief: Well, well. It seems you've improved. But there's more to a kettle than how it looks.
Village Chief: Is this "ultimate yakan" you mentioned merely a pretty hunk of metal that's all for show?
Artisan: Of course not. I'll show you the true power of the ultimate yakan now.
The man nods at his daughter, who immediately lights a fire under the kettle.
Within just a few seconds, a whistling sound echoes through the square, signaling that the water inside the kettle has reached a boil.
Judge: The water's boiling already? That was fast!
Artisan: Among the metal we used, part of it was a special ore with a high heat transfer rate.
Artisan: This ore can only be obtained in Valtz Duchy.
Artisan: It was often used by swordsmiths to boost heating power in a short amount of time.
Judge: Swordsmiths! Of all the underhanded methods!
Village Chief: Enough. It won't hurt to have all the information before we draw our conclusion.
Girl: Here, this tea was brewed according to the rules using the leaves we were given. Try a sip.
Village Chief: What a beautiful green color. Not a speck of impurity. The tea is still fragrant, and the temperature is spot-on.
Immediately upon taking a sip, the village chief's eyes fly open.
Village Chief: This tea was brewed with a yakan? There's a refreshing fragrance mingling with the natural sweetness of the tea...
Judge: And that's not all! There's not a hint of bitterness, the texture's light as water, and it warms you up from head to toe!
Judge: Did you honestly use the tea leaves designated in the rules?
Artisan: Of course. But you should know, we didn't use the designated well water.
Isn't that right, young lady?
Isn't that right, young lady?
Mirin: Right! Look and be amazed! The water we used is... right here!
Saying this, Mirin reveals a single bottle.
Inside is water so murky, you can't even begin to see through it.
Judge: Muddy water? What kind of idiots do you take us for? You can't drink something like that!
Mirin: Actually, you can! Even if all you have on hand is muddy water, you can enjoy piping hot, clean water at any time...
Mirin: That's one of the features of the ultimate yakan!
Judge: You expect me to believe that? Then prove it right here and now, using that water!
Mirin: That's exactly what I plan to do. You can see it in action and decide for yourselves.
Mirin empties out the remaining hot water and holds open the yakan so everyone can see there's nothing left inside.
Then she fills the yakan with the muddy water, swirls it around, and pours the contents into an empty container.
Judge: Impossible! But it was so muddy... How is it suddenly clean?
Villager: U-unbelievable! Don't tell me you cast some sort of spell on that yakan...
Mirin: There were no spells involved. Here, look at the lid.
Mirin: This is called a filtration device. It turns muddy water into clean water!
Mirin: And it even does... this!
Mirin: When you don't need to filter the water, you can fold the device away and use it as an ordinary yakan!
Judge: N-no, that's still not good enough! You can add all the fancy functions you want, but none of that matters if the kettle breaks at the drop of a hat!
Village Chief: That's right. In order to be called "ultimate," it ought to be reasonably durable.
Village Chief: And withstanding being dropped or kicked isn't enough. It has to be so strong it could even be crushed by a boulder, and you wouldn't be able to tell.
Artisan: No arguments here. We thought you might say that, so we prepared a little experiment.
Gran is the Main Character
Artisan: All right, young man. Time for you and your crew to shine.
Djeeta is the Main Character
Artisan: All right, young lady. Time for you and your crew to shine.
(Captain) nods and sends a signal to Vyrn.
Vyrn: You got it! I'll go get Lyria!
Watching Vyrn fly off, the captain recalls their conversation before the competition.
Vyrn: Prove how durable it is?
Artisan: We won't be able to convince everyone without doing something extreme, like defeating a monster with the yakan.
Artisan: Hitting it with a hammer or kicking it around won't be enough to satisfy them.
Artisan: You guys are skyfarers, right? Think you could capture a monster or two alive and defeat them at the competition?
Vyrn: Uhh... We could definitely take out a couple of monsters, but it'd be kinda dangerous.
Lyria: Yeah. There's always the chance it'll start going wild all of a sudden.
Vyrn: And why would they care if we took down some monster that was already all beat-up?
Artisan: Well...
Sevilbarra: Then why not try using a boulder? By breaking it, you can prove how tough the yakan is without the need for dangerous monsters.
Mirin: Ah! That's a traditional training method from the east!
Mirin: Fighters and swordsmen are recognized as fully-fledged once they can break a large rock.
Sevilbarra: Right. The question is, how do we bring a boulder like that to the venue?
Lyria: A-actually! Would you be willing to let me handle that?
Lyria: I haven't been much help so far... So I'd really like to make myself useful!
Sevilbarra: I take it you have a plan? In that case, we'll leave the proof of durability to you.
Judge: Wh-what's that noise?
Hearing the thunderous sound of footsteps approaching, one of the villagers points into the distance and shouts.
Villager: H-hey! What is that thing!
Colossus: ...
Suddenly Colossus appears, carrying an enormous boulder.
Lyria: Sorry for the wait, everyone!
Perched atop the primal's shoulder is Lyria, waving and smiling brightly.
Judge: Wh-what... What the...
Lyria: Thanks for the help, Colossus.
Colossus: ...
Vyrn: Okay, listen up! Things are about to get dangerous, so everybody move back behind this line!
Bewildered by the sudden appearance of the giant, the villagers step backward, following Vyrn's instructions in a daze.
After confirming the crowd has moved to a safe distance, (Captain) picks up the yakan.
With a shout, the captain slams the yakan down onto the massive boulder with full strength.
Villager: N-no way... It shattered that huge boulder...
Judge: There's no way a yakan could survive that...
(Captain) hands over the kettle to the stunned village chief.
Village Chief: How can this be! Even after reducing that boulder to dust, there's not a scratch on it!
Village Chief: Yet somehow it's as light as cotton...
Village Chief: What sort of magical metal did you incorporate to achieve both lightness and toughness?
Sevilbarra: The answer lies in something you all hate with a fiery passion.
Sevilbarra walks over to the village chief and gestures toward the weapon at his waist.
Village Chief: A... sword?
Sevilbarra: Yep. A fine blade never breaks, no matter what you slice with it.
Sevilbarra: And on top of that, it's sturdy and light enough to be wielded by a young gal like Mirin here.
Sevilbarra: But a sword's way too heavy compared to a kettle. It's not like we could use it as-is.
Village Chief: Then how—
Wait, surely you don't mean...
Wait, surely you don't mean...
Sevilbarra: Sounds like you've figured it out. This yakan isn't based on a sword itself, but the technique for forging one.
The artisan had used a method he only knew because of his history as a swordsmith.
He was able to take a highly durable metal and make it flexible by using techniques unique to forging swords.
Judge: B-but you said you couldn't recreate the alloy your wife used...
Girl: We got the alloy by melting down the yakan belonging to Mirin here, since it was created by my mom.
Girl: Using that as a base, we all worked together to transform it into the ultimate yakan!
Girl: Everybody, I beg you! Please acknowledge my father... and this yakan!
In response to her plea, the chief and villagers exchange glances, one after another.
After a long silence, the village chief lets out a deep sigh of defeat.
Village Chief: A lady metalworker beloved by the village... and a swordsmith we detested—an outsider who brought nothing but trouble.
Village Chief: Today we were defeated by those we scorned for so long. That is an absolute fact.
Village Chief: Don't you agree, everyone? Is there a single person here who could make something better than this yakan?
At the village chief's question, the villagers remain silent.
Artisan: Does that mean...
Village Chief: Yes. This kettle that you—all of you—created is more than worthy of being called the "ultimate yakan."
Village Chief: We lost. You are, without a doubt, the top artisan in the village. I'm sorry for everything we put you through up till now.
As the chief bows his head in shame, the other villagers follow suit.
Girl: He did it... He did it, Mom! Dad was able to keep his promise!
Artisan: Heh. Finally decided to recognize my skill, did you?
Patting his daughter's head as she hugs him close, the man looks up at the sky, seeing the face of his beloved wife in his mind.
Touched by the bittersweet sight, (Captain) and company quietly celebrate their victory.
Artisan: Allow me to thank you all again. I can never repay you for what you've done.
Artisan: Especially you, young lady. Without your kettle, we never could have succeeded in making the ultimate yakan.
Mirin: Not to worry! I think it's glad to be back home with it's family.
Vyrn: But you ended up losin' your kettle in the process. Sure you're okay with that?
Mirin: Well, I hate to say goodbye to it... But it was already broken anyway.
Mirin: If my mother had been here to hear their story, I'm sure she would've done the same thing.
Artisan: Oh, about that. If it's all right with you, I'd like for you to have this.
There in the man's hands is the ultimate yakan they had sacrificed their blood, sweat, and tears to create.
Mirin: What! I-I can't accept this! I mean, it's precious to you and your family, right?
Artisan: That yakan has already saved me. I'll take the knowledge and experience that went into making it and live as a true artisan.
Artisan: And besides, it's just a recreation of the one that belonged to you to begin with.
Artisan: I'm sure my wife would want you to have it as well.
Artisan: After all, this is the ultimate yakan she spent her final days trying to create, all for the sake of her dear friend.
Mirin looks back and forth between the man and the yakan, before finally nodding with a solemn expression.
Mirin: All right. In that case, I'd be happy to accept it.
Mirin: And I'll let my mother know about all the love you and everyone else poured into making it.
Artisan: I appreciate it.
As Mirin reaches out to accept the kettle from the gently smiling artisan, there is a sudden sound.
Mirin: Oh...
Mirin: Oh nooo! I-I'm so sorry! I got hit by a wave of hunger the second I finally relaxed!
Lyria: I'm sorry too! My poor tummy just let out the loudest growl!
Vyrn: Same here. I've been so nervous all day, I haven't eaten a single bite...
Mirin: I mean, you're right, but still... Ugh, I just want to crawl into a hole and die...
Overwhelmed with embarrassment from completely ruining the mood, Mirin sinks to the floor.
Girl: I'm hungry too, actually. I'll go grab something from the cellar, so wait right there!
Mirin: Th-thank you...
Mirin: Oh! In that case, I'll use this yakan to make some tea!
Mirin: Let's all have a toast to celebrate our victory!
Mirin: Mmm! Corn grilled over an open fire is on a whole other level!
Sevilbarra: This is delicious! The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the tea.
Girl: Right? Chowing down on corn when it's cold out is the best!
Lyria: Om, nom... It's so good, I can't stop eating!
Mirin: A brand-new yakan, scrumptious corn... Looks like I have another new story to tell my mother next time I see her!
Mouth full of scrumptious grilled corn, (Captain) feels a sudden chill and looks out the window.
Vyrn: What's up, (Captain)? See somethin' out—
Oh!
Oh!
Mirin: Wow! It's snowing!
(Captain) and company are dazzled by the beauty of the gently falling snow outside the window.
Mirin: Sitting around the warm fireplace enjoying the snow, with grilled corn in one hand and hot tea in the other...
Mirin: Yep, it's definitely winter! This is what the season is all about!
Sevilbarra: Maybe this snow is a little gift from the heavens.
Mirin: Hehe, that's a nice thought.
Looking up at the sky, (Captain) and company take in the breathtaking sight of the snowflakes dancing in the air.
Beside them the yakan shines brilliantly, as though joining in the celebration.
Categories:
- Scenario Character: Vyrn
- Scenario Character: Lyria
- Scenario Character: Sevilbarra
- Scenario Character: Mirin
- Character Fate Scenario
- Skill Fate
- Scenario Character: ???
- Scenario Character: Girl
- Scenario Character: Artisan
- Scenario Character: Village Chief
- Scenario Character: Judge
- Scenario Character: Villager
- Fate Gender Check
- Scenario Character: Colossus
- Gender Variants Checked