Scenario:Sandira - Those Who Stand in the Way of Love

Those Who Stand in the Way of Love

One day, the crew is asked to deliver a letter by a young man who is unable to leave the island after falling victim to a scam, leaving him in crippling debt. When Sandira hears that the man has been separated from his beloved partner, she makes up her mind to deal with the scammers herself.

---

Some time has passed since the Divine Horse Sandira joined (Captain) and company.

Having finished their monster extermination request, the crew are about to head back to the ship.

Lyria: That was another fantastic job, Sandira!

Sandira: Thank you, but my efforts are rather insignificant compared to what all of you can accomplish.

Lyria: That's not true...

Sandira: It is... Unfortunately, I am unable to work nearly as long as Indala.

Sandira: My charm cannot compare to Vikala's, nor my skill to Andira's. I have no talent in feng shui like Huang and Bai...

Vyrn: Humble as always, huh? You should be proud of yourself!

1. You're a big help.
2. You're really dependable.

Choose: You're a big help.

Sandira: Hardly... There is much training I have yet to do.

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: You're really dependable.

Sandira: I shall devote myself to my work so that I may fulfill your expectations, Lord (Captain).

Continue 1

They continue to converse with one another as they walk down the road until someone suddenly approaches them.

Timid Young Man: Um, excuse me. Are you skyfarers?

Vyrn: Er, yeah. You need somethin' from us?

Timid Young Man: I'm sorry to bother you. I'd like to ask for your help with something...

Timid Young Man: Would you be able to deliver this letter to my partner? She lives on the island west of here.

Sandira: ...!

Sandira: (A letter for his lover! Exchanging messages from afar, how romantic!)

Sandira: (I would love to ask more about their story, but it would be improper of me...)

Vyrn: I mean, we could deliver it for ya, but why go outta your way to ask skyfarers?

Timid Young Man: There're some... complex circumstances, you could call them...

Sandira: (Complex circumstances? I'm so curious! But... no, I shouldn't...)

Lyria: Circumstances? Is something troubling you in particular? If you tell us more, maybe we can help you.

Timid Young Man: Something troubling me... Yes, there is, to be honest... Though it's all my fault, really...

Timid Young Man: It was our dream to open up a bakery. We worked really hard to save up for it.

Sandira: (Two lovers working towards one goal... How dreamy!)

Timid Young Man: But we couldn't get the funds we needed, and our doubts for the future grew. That's when some folks who said they could help appeared.

Timid Young Man: I bought into their questionable offer without so much as a thought... and by the time I realized I'd made a mistake, it was too late.

Timid Young Man: The exorbitant interest rate greatly increased our debt, and they even took my partner hostage... Now I'm forced to work on this island.

Kurokko: Is that why you need a skyfarer to deliver your letter?

Timid Young Man: Yes. To make sure I don't run away, if I step even one foot out of this town to post a letter, the people keeping watch will beat me.

Timid Young Man: That's why, sometimes, I entrust my letters to skyfarers passing by, so I can let my lover know that I'm still safe.

Lyria: I see...

Sandira: ...

Sandira: Unforgivable!

Lyria: Huh!

Sandira: I-I'm terribly sorry... That was improper of me to speak in such a loud voice.

Sandira: What scoundrels to force a loving couple like yourselves apart!

Timid Young Man: It's my fault for signing a contract I didn't read through. If I work for two more years, I can clear the debt.

Sandira: Two years!

Timid Young Man: Can you deliver the letter for me? I'm sure it'll help soothe my partner's anxiety about my wellbeing.

Sandira: Will you allow me to assist with your situation?

Timid Young Man: Huh? But... I can't possibly ask something so dangerous of you...

Sandira: I cannot permit such an amiable couple to be torn apart for two long years!

Vyrn: That's comin' from someone who slept for 108 years...

Sandira: There is no correlation between the two!

Sandira: I am the year spirit. I cannot let such a tragedy pass before me.

Timid Young Man: Year spirit...

Timid Young Man: Y-you're the Divine Horse! I'm sorry, I had no idea!

Sandira: Please, think nothing of it. I have only recently been appointed my role as the Divine Horse.

Sandira: But it is my duty to rescue those in need, such as yourself. As such...

Sandira: I will have to return this letter to you. You must deliver such important words yourself.

Timid Young Man: My lady... But...

Sandira: I understand your concerns. However, might I humbly ask for your trust?

Timid Young Man: Um, it's not that. This... isn't my letter.

Sandira: Hm?

Sandira looks down at her hand to see that she is holding out a piece of cloth.

Sandira: M-my apologies. That would be my handkerchief...

Shirokko: Gosh, you can be so careless. The letter's over here.

Shirokko points to the paper peeking out from one of her pockets. Red in the face, Sandira hands over the letter.

Sandira: I'm very sorry for acting without permission, Lord (Captain).

Sandira: My passion for love stories got the better of me... I'm terribly embarrassed.

Lyria: That's all right! We can't leave someone who's in need alone!

Lyria: You were so good at encouraging the man earlier, Sandira!

Vyrn: Yeah! Though, I lost it when I saw you givin' him your handkerchief...

Sandira: Forget that part, please...

And so, (Captain) and company decide to head for the office where the suspicious moneylenders are operating from.

???: Reporting in, Boss. A skyfaring crew with a bunch of kids and a red lizard are coming this way.

???: A lizard? Now that's something you don't see every day. Just give them some generic explanation—or invite them if they seem like easy targets.

???: Hope I'm not stepping out of line, but this year is the year of the horse... It may be a good idea to be prepared, just in case.

???: Ah, that's right... The year of the horse. As troublesome as it is, guess it's better to be safe than sorry. I'll deal with them myself.

Sandira is about to find out just how small the world can be.

Those Who Stand in the Way of Love: Scene 2

Sandira arrives at the moneylenders' office and is almost swayed by their skillful persuasion. When the boss reveals his grudge against the year of the horse and launches an attack on the crew, Sandira decides that mere punishment wouldn't solve anything. She comes up with an idea to discipline the ruffians.

---

Sandira: As such, I would appreciate it if you could cease your evil deeds.

The crew is at the moneylenders' office to persuade them to right their wrongdoings. But the villains fail to even bat an eye.

Evil Moneylender: Hm, yes. I believe you're misunderstanding a few things.

Evil Moneylender: I assure you, our activities are of good faith and not criminal in any way.

Sandira: Not criminal? We have received news that you lend money at absurd interest rates.

Evil Moneylender: Allow me to explain our business model. The supply rate we offer converts the lows to guarantee an active fund.

Sandira: ...?
Supply? Convert?

Evil Moneylender: In addition, with the governance coefficient transitioning to over two hundred, the risk of falling below par is exceedingly small.

Sandira: The governor's... fish?

Evil Moneylender: From a comprehensive perspective, 40 percent is an extremely reasonable and honest rate.

Sandira: If you put it in such a way... I suppose you may be right in some ways.

Moneylender Minion: (Heheh... She's wavering! That's our boss for ya! I have no idea what he's saying, but it's working on her!)

Sandira: Still, taking one's lover hostage and forcing labor is cruel conduct!

Evil Moneylender: "Hostage" is a rather bold exaggeration. We merely advised them that working together to repay the debt would be easier.

Evil Moneylender: But at the young man's insistence, we suggested a place of work just for him.

Sandira: What sort of place, might I ask?

Evil Moneylender: The debt he owes is of a substantial amount. It would take him ten years to return it with a normal job.

Evil Moneylender: However, by working first to third shift at one of our branch partners, he will be able to return the debt in approximately two years!

Sandira: Partner? First to third?

Lyria: Ooh... But having the ten years shortened to two does sound a lot faster!

Moneylender Minion: (These guys are pushovers! They'll believe anything we say! If that's the case...)

Moneylender Minion: We understand how you feel. Two years may seem short in comparison, but it is a long time for a couple to be apart.

Moneylender Minion: So how about this—what if you all helped return his debt together?

Shirokko: What do you mean by returning it together? You want us to work on this island too? No can do.

Sandira: Unfortunately, we are in the midst of our travels. We simply cannot afford to stop for too long at a certain place for work.

Evil Moneylender: Oh, there'll be no need for you to work specifically on this island. We're talking about business with guaranteed profit.

Evil Moneylender: You've left quite an impression on us. For you to be so worried about the debt of someone whom you'd just met...

Evil Moneylender: You must be people of great character. And it would be our pleasure to introduce an opportunity that can assist in your endeavors.

With a dramatic flourish of his hands, the man takes out a single sheet of paper and offers it to (Captain) and company.

Sandira: "Pyramid... business"?

Sandira: "Recruit people and watch your profits multiply infinitely"... Oh my. Is this true?

Evil Moneylender: Yes, of course! In no time, you will be at the top of the pyramid—with riches beyond your imagination!

Sandira: To think that one can earn money through simple recruitment... The skies have certainly changed in the past century.

Evil Moneylender: What do you think? I can provide the products and materials you'll need at a very low price.

The man whips out a contract on the spot.

Shirokko: That's a ridiculous price. We don't have that much.

Evil Moneylender: We can certainly work out a loan! Don't worry—if everything goes well, you'll be able to get it all back in half a year!

Sandira: (I couldn't quite follow, but I do know that the Horse Temple also needs funds for operations.)

Sandira: (And if that young man and his lover can be saved as well, perhaps...)

Sandira: Very well. Then I shall sign...

Vyrn: Hey. I'm tellin' ya, hold your—

Kurokko: Now wait a minute!

Evil Moneylender: ...!

Moneylender Minion: (Damn! Did they catch on?)

Shirokko: Let's increase the capital and earn even more! We should be borrowing twice... no, three times this amount!

Vyrn: I thought you were gonna stop her!

Vyrn: No way we're borrowin' money from a guy this sketchy!

Kurokko: Oh... We aren't?

Shirokko: Since Sandira's the year spirit, I'm sure we'd be able to return it in no time.

Vyrn: It's no good explainin' to them...

Evil Moneylender: The year spirit? And did you say... the Horse Temple?

Sandira: Pardon me. It seems I failed to introduce myself properly.

Sandira: My name is Sandira, one of the Divine Generals. I am currently serving as the Divine Horse.

Evil Moneylender: Hehehe... I see, I see. So the Divine Horse herself's finally found her way to us.

Evil Moneylender: Hey, get over here!

Vyrn: Whoa, what's happenin'!

Kurokko: Finally showing their true colors, huh... So they're bad guys through and through! I thought things were fishy!

Vyrn: Weren't you just about to sign your lives away?

Evil Moneylender: Divine Horse! What a chance of the century to meet you here...
Get 'em, boys!

Sandira: Hah!

Moneylender Minion: Gwah!

Sandira: Fear not. These are blunt-tipped ceremonial arrows. You will suffer no serious harm from them.

Moneylender Minion: H-holy crap...

Kurokko: Are you okay, Sandira?

Sandira: Yes, I am perfectly fine.
What did you mean earlier by this being a "rare chance of the century"?

Evil Moneylender: Tch... My fate's tied with the year of the horse.

Sandira: Fate?

Evil Moneylender: It all started in the year of the horse, twenty-four years ago. I'd put everything into a single gamble on New Year's. I visited the temple for good luck, and I was about to be set for life.

Evil Moneylender: But I ended up losing everything. I tried my best to make back what I'd lost, but found myself drowning in debt instead.

Shirokko: That's the scary part about gambling, huh? Put everything on the line and you're sure to lose it all...

Evil Moneylender: After that, I worked as hard as I could. Eventually I was able to live a normal life again. Didn't have any kids, but I did get married.

Evil Moneylender: But then, another incident—in the year of the horse. My wife found out about the other girl I was seeing. Thought I was being careful, but it wasn't enough.

Evil Moneylender: In the end, I was kicked out of the house, and then I lost my job. I was left with nothing once again.

Kurokko: Sounds like all of that's your own fault.

Evil Moneylender: Shut up! Somehow I was always at my lowest in the year of the horse, even though I'd paid my dues at the temple!

Evil Moneylender: There's nothing to be gained! All the year of the horse ever brings is misfortune!

Kurokko: Why you... What do you know, huh!

Evil Moneylender: I spent twelve years getting this business on track! Don't tell me the Divine Horse is here to ruin it all again!

Vyrn: Hold it. Ya can't just blame her for all your problems!

Sandira: No, Vyrn... Perhaps I am responsible for a part of it.

Shirokko: What're you saying, Sandira! No way you're responsible for stuff that happened when you weren't even the year spirit!

Sandira: I cannot deny my involvement. I am the Divine Horse, after all.

Sandira: Furthermore, it would be unjust to simply punish these gentlemen.

Sandira: That would truly be casting misfortune on them.

Shirokko: ...!

Vyrn: I see where you're comin' from, but we can't just let these jerks do what they want.

Sandira: As for that, an idea has come to my mind.

Sandira: In fact, I have a job for all of you.

Evil Moneylender: Hah! You want revenge now, huh?

Sandira: That is not my intention at all. I merely hope for you to mend your wicked ways.

Sandira: No matter the disaster that comes your way, it is no reason to engage in malicious activity.

Sandira: I shall have you work closely with me to learn proper etiquette and improve your conduct!

Those Who Stand in the Way of Love: Scene 3

Several days later, the crew arrives at the Horse Temple to find the ruffians completely reformed. Sandira is delighted to see the young man reunited with his partner, touched by the fact that no matter how much time passes, the beauty of love remains unchanging. She is motivated once more to live her current life to the fullest.

---

Some time after their encounter with the moneylenders, (Captain) and company pay a visit to the Horse Temple.

Vyrn: Hey, Lyria. Is it just me, or does the temple look a lot tidier?

Lyria: It does. I wonder if they did a big cleaning?

Former Minion: Welcome to the Horse Temple!

Former Moneylender: Dear visitors, if you could line up over here!

Vyrn: Whoa! What's goin' on with them?

Kurokko: Hellooo! Welcome!

Lyria: Kurokko! Um, what happened to these people?

Shirokko: After undergoing Sandira's strict but gracious training for a few days, they've had a change of heart!

Sandira: Here, I will have all of you learn three traditional arts: tea, flowers, and writing. These will train you in proper etiquette.

Sandira: You reap what you sow—both good and bad. Value good manners and decorum, and fortune will come upon all of you.

Sandira: Let us begin with the art of tea. This will most certainly be a wonderful time if all of us are willing to let our hearts connect.

Former Moneylender: (Pfft... Art? Give me a break. I'm gonna get the heck out of here once I find the chance to... Hm?)

Shirokko: (If you make Sandira feel even a bit sad...)

Kurokko: (You'll regret it for the rest of your pathetic life.)

Former Moneylender: (Eek! What's with this sinister aura? If I slip up here, I'm dead for sure!)

Feeling Shirokko and Kurokko's piercing gazes on them, the moneylenders straighten up and focus on Sandira.

Sandira: Oh, I can feel your motivation to learn already! Good posture is the first step in etiquette.

Shirokko: After that, the crooks learned flower arrangement and calligraphy from Sandira, improving their manners without a single complaint.

Kurokko: And finally...

Sandira: Today's weather is beautiful. I will need all of you to assist me in cleaning the temple today.

Former Moneylender: Most certainly!

Former Minion: We shall make it sparkly clean!

Shirokko: And that's how, moved by Sandira's boundless kindness, the scoundrels fixed their evil ways.

Vyrn: I-is that right...

Sandira: You've all come! Apologies for the late welcome.

Vyrn: No problem! I heard you've been busy straighten' up those crooks. That's amazing!

Sandira: Their change of heart can hardly be attributed to me. I only taught them—'tis the essence of the traditional arts that altered them.

Former Minion: Oh dear, that is simply not true! Since working under you, my lady, I have acquired better circulation, increased muscle mass, faster recovery...

Former Moneylender: Even my eyesight and stamina have improved. It has been nothing but positive change—truly, we are beyond grateful!

Sandira: Hehe. You have certainly become rather well-mannered. It's lovely to see.

Vyrn: (To the point that I'm almost grossed out... but I'll keep that to myself.)

Shirokko: All right, let's get you guys back to work then!

Former Moneylender: Have a lovely day!

Lyria: Oh, that's right! We've brought someone you might like to see, Sandira.

Sandira: Oh my, the young man from before! And could this be...

Timid Young Man: Yes, this is my partner.

Friendly Lady: He's told me everything. How can we even begin to thank you?

Sandira: I am only fulfilling my duty as the year spirit.

Sandira: But, if you wouldn't mind...

Friendly Lady: Please, we're happy to help with anything!

Sandira: Could you perhaps... tell me how the two of you met?

Friendly Lady: How we... What? Are you sure that's all you want?

Sandira: It would delight me to no end! I have been so curious to know more about the love the two of you share.

Timid Young Man: I-I see... Where should we start though?

Sandira: I can ask the questions, if you would like. What was your first encounter like?

Friendly Lady: Hmm... I remember I first saw him when...

Friendly Lady: He still teases me about that sometimes.

Timid Young Man: That's how shocked I was, you know!

Sandira: I see you have always been in perfect harmony with each other... Oh, that does make me so happy!

Friendly Lady: That's when he said, "I want to continue making bread... with you!"

Sandira: Oh my! The thought alone makes my heart skip a beat!

Alternating between blushing and squealing, Sandira continues listening to the couple's story intently.

Sandira: Dear me, it's gotten rather late. Time certainly flies when listening to such delightful stories from the two of you.

Sandira: Thank you for accommodating my selfish request and sharing your memories with me. I am truly grateful.

Friendly Lady: Our pleasure! We're really happy to see you enjoy our stories so much!

Timid Young Man: Oh, that's right! Sandira, when we finally have our own bakery, you'll be the first one we invite!

Sandira: Thank you very much. I simply cannot wait!

Lyria: Hehe! The couple seems really happy.

Sandira: Yes... The warmth of love never changes, not even after 108 years.

Sandira turns to look up at the setting sun, squinting at the sky.

Sandira: Lord (Captain)... To be quite frank, I was a little anxious about whether I would be able to grasp the ins and outs of life in these skies... They are so different from what I knew.

Sandira: The meager knowledge left to me felt useless... or rather, I thought nothing I knew remained.

Sandira: But since then, I have realized that many things are unchanging—from the love between two people, to the beauty of the setting sun.

Lyria: Absolutely! And don't forget that you have us, the other Divine Generals, and many other friends here with you!

Sandira: Hehe, thank you. Yes... Friends grant me the courage to continue.

Sandira: Lord (Captain)... I look forward to our continued travels together!

1. Likewise!

Choose: Likewise!

A bright smile on her face, Sandira is filled with determination to explore these new skies once more.

(Captain) and company feel excitement bubbling in their hearts as they set off on yet another chapter with their new friend.