Scenario:Seruel - Happiness in One's Work

Happiness in One's Work

Seruel asks for assistance in hosting a holiday banquet, seeking to raise the spirits of the children staying in the Great Court. Along the way, he learns a surprising facet about his late father.

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A little while before the holidays approach their peak, Seruel comes to (Captain) with a request for help.

(Captain), as well as Lyria and Vyrn, listen to this unusual request with rapt attention.

Seruel: I apologize for requiring your assistance so soon after the incident with Medb.

Lyria: Don't be! We're happy to help. Right, (Captain)?

Seruel: Thank you, (Captain). Then if it's not too much trouble, I'd like to request your help in purchasing and transporting materials.

Vyrn: You in a rush for something?

Seruel: A rush... That is one factor, I suppose. As you know, Alster Island is in the middle of restoring material production and trade routes.

Seruel: Requesting specific items and looking for a supplier is quite difficult at the moment.

Lyria: Hmm, so you're trying to find something special?

Seruel: Not at all. I'm seeking commonplace items such as ingredients, and tools and supplies for decoration.

Lyria: We should be able to get those things from the Knickknack Shack without any problems! But what are you going to use them for?

Seruel: I'm planning to host a holiday banquet for the children staying in the Great Court.

Lyria: That's a wonderful idea! Those are the kids that Elisheba is looking after, right?

Lyria: I'm sure they're going to love it!

Seruel: I hope so. Can I count on your assistance then?

Vyrn: As if we'd say no! Let's do it, (Captain)!

(Captain) nods in agreement.

Seruel: Thank you very much.

Seruel: With the necessary supplies secured, all that's left is to discuss the details with Elisheba.

Lyria: If there's anything else you need help with, let us know!

Seruel: Truly, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To think there was a time when I wasn't sure I could place my trust in you...

Vyrn: You're tellin' me! I'm still shocked you approached us for help at all!

Vyrn: Hey, (Captain), we're not dreaming, right?

(Captain) laughs in response, and Seruel gives his own little chuckle too.

After bidding (Captain) farewell, Seruel goes to consult with Elisheba who is the head of the attendants.

Elisheba: My, my! A holiday banquet for the children?

Seruel: What do you think? I realize the Great Court's attendants will have to increase their workload as a result, but if it's not too much trouble...

Elisheba: Don't be ridiculous! I'll have you know we were actually worrying over what to do to celebrate the holidays.

Elisheba: But now with your help as well as (Captain)'s, we can treat the children to something spectacular. There could be no greater delight!

Seruel: Shall I count on your help then?

Elisheba: Of course! The attendants and I are at your service.

Elisheba: This is a great chance to bring out that pudding mold once more as well!

Seruel: That pudding... Ah, you're speaking of the enormous monstrosity we shared with the whole castle when we were younger.

Elisheba: King Connor had it specially made for you and Heles, you know.

Seruel: Father did?

Elisheba: He wished to give you both something to enjoy before the New Year's ceremonies started and your royal duties called.

Elisheba: He was so enthusiastic about the idea that he had the blacksmith make the pudding mold while you were still inside Queen Mugain's belly.

Seruel: That is... a little too enthusiastic. Surely he understood a baby isn't able to consume pudding.

Elisheba: Queen Mugain told him exactly the same thing while laughing. Oh, what a day it turned out to be.

Elisheba: It was the first and last time King Connor, a man of strict discipline and moderation, ever had something made-to-order.

Elisheba: Not a surprising fact, given that Queen Mugain's health worsened soon after...

Elisheba: But at the time, the mold was simply made from one man's wish to spend the holidays with all four members of his family.

Seruel: (It was a wish that never came true. Father...)

Elisheba: He had me swear not to tell anyone about it, but I think it's all right for this secret to be shared now.

Elisheba: In any case, that's enough reminiscing. We should get started on a list of things we'll need for the banquet.

Elisheba: I can't wait to see the children's smiling faces once it's ready. Can you?

Seruel: I, too, am looking forward to it. Let's do our best, Elisheba.

Happiness in One's Work: Scene 2

Preparations for the banquet proceed smoothly. Naoise and Vyrn help some of the children hang decorations, while Heles, (Captain), and Lyria help the other children bake sweets in the kitchen. Seruel watches all the festivities with a gentle warmth in his eyes.

---

The holiday banquet is announced, and soon the Great Court is abound with excited children and adults.

Once (Captain) returns with the necessary materials, all the children rush to decorate the yew trees in the gardens.

Naoise: Up we go. Can you reach from there?

Lively Boy: Yeeep! Thanks, Naoise!

Scathacha: Hm... Shall I put this ribbon here?

Quiet Boy: Yes! Put it across that branch and this one!

Vyrn: I can help with the high places too! Is there anything else that needs hangin' up top?

Quiet Boy: Um... Can you hang this bauble then?

Vyrn: You got it! Wow, did you draw the picture on this? It's pretty good!

Quiet Boy: Ehehe.

Vyrn: By the way, I've been meanin' to ask, but... These are yew trees, right? You sure you don't want fir trees instead?

Naoise: Yes, I'm sure. We use yew trees on this island as hunting arrows in the winter, so we decorate them out of respect and gratitude.

Vyrn: Ohhh, so it's an island tradition then! Forget I said anything!

Seruel: You're all making good progress, I see. Is there anything you're not finding satisfactory?

Lively Boy: Seruel! Hey, come look! We did a good job, right?

Naoise: Hello, Seruel. Everything is plenty satisfactory at the moment.

Vyrn: We gotta finish hangin' everything up here and do the hallways next!

Quiet Boy: Okay! Let's hang up lots!

Seruel smiles at the cheerful children before adjusting the box in his hands and heading to the inside of the Great Court.

Seruel: I apologize for the wait. Here are the additional spices. Is that everything?

Elisheba: Yes! Thank you very much, Seruel. You can leave the rest to me.

Seruel: Incidentally, do you know where (Captain) and Lyria are? I didn't see them near the trees.

Elisheba: Oh, if you're looking for those two—

Lyria: Elisheba! We finished putting everything on the trays!

Lyria and (Captain) walk up, balancing baking trays lined with cutout cookie dough.

Elisheba: Hehe, thank you both. I'll have them in the oven at once.

Lyria: Oh, welcome back, Seruel! We're making sweets right now. Do you want to join us?

Seruel: No, I—

Before Seruel can fully reject the invitation, (Captain) shoves him into the next room.

Clever Girl: So I do it like this... and this?

Heles: Very good. The important part is kneading quickly so your hands don't warm the dough.

Clever Girl: Okay, ma'am!

Lyria: Heles! We gave Elisheba the trays!

Heles: Thank you, Lyria. You as well, (Captain).

Heles: Oh? I see you brought an expert kitchen porter to join us.

Seruel: An expert kitchen porter... Well, you certainly made me into one, dear sister.

Seruel: Sigh... I do hope you're not subjecting the children to the same treatment you gave me.

Heles: Why, I'd never! I have no reason to treat them with anything other than respect, unlike a certain brother of mine who went around troubling the castle's assistants.

Seruel: Must you be like this? At the very least, please tell me you haven't added excess salt to your pastries this time.

Lyria: So even Heles has made mistakes when baking before...

Heles: Hehe, as embarrassing as it is to admit, I did add too much salt the first time I tried baking.

Heles: But making mistakes is crucial to understanding your limits, so you should never be afraid to try new things.

Lyria: That makes sense! You'd know what to look out for after failing once.

Heles: Exactly. My father saw my pursuit of culinary arts as stealing someone else's job away, but...

Heles: It is thanks to that pursuit that I am able to teach everyone how to bake now. You never know what knowledge will be useful in the future.

Lyria: I'll get better at baking so I can teach other people too someday!

Any version of Sara is a crew member

---

Lyria: Oh, it'll definitely be so much fun making delicious sweets together with Sara!

Heles: Hehe, that's the spirit. Let's move onto the next step and start kneading jam into the dough.

Clever Girl: I'm going to do my best too!

As Heles and the children cheerfully go back to work, (Captain) turns to Seruel and finds him intently watching the activity.

1. Sad that you've been replaced?
2. It's nice to see Lyria having fun.

Choose: Sad that you've been replaced?

Seruel: And here I was wondering what you were about to say... Do I really look sad to you?

Seruel: If Lyria keeps this up, she really will become good enough to replace me as Heles's porter, and I will be glad for it.

Seruel: There is no risk of her treating Lyria roughly either.

Seruel: Sigh... Having an older sister is quite exhausting, if you couldn't already tell.

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: It's nice to see Lyria having fun.

Seruel: I was worried that having her assist here in addition to negotiations with the Knickknack Shack would be too much.

Seruel: But I'm glad she seems to be enjoying herself.

Seruel: Truly, from the bottom of my heart, (Captain)... Thank you for everything.

Seruel: Why are you making that expression? My words are a lot kinder compared to before? If that's what you'd like to think, then that's fine by me.

Continue 1

Despite the exasperated shrug Seruel gives, his eyes are filled with a gentle warmth.

Happiness in One's Work: Scene 3

Seruel dreams of a scene from his childhood. When he wakes, he speaks to Elisheba about the dream and finds that, contrary to his beliefs, his father was someone who might have approved of the upcoming holiday banquet.

---

Seruel: ...

???: ...oise. Naoise!

Young Heles: Where are you, Naoise? Come here!

Young Seruel: (Sister? Is she angry? I better hide...)

Young Naoise: Did you call for me, Your Highness? Have you already given His Majesty the sweets?

Young Heles: That's exactly what I wanted to talk to you about! Why didn't you tell me all the sweets were salty!

Young Heles: My first time baking, and I mixed up the salt and the sugar... I can't believe this.

Young Naoise: Um... Are sweets not supposed to be salty? I thought they were very delicious.

Young Heles: They're called sweets for a reason!
How could I forget that everything tastes fine to you?

Young Heles: Argh, I should've asked Elisheba to taste-test instead! I hope Father hasn't eaten them already...

Young Seruel: ...

Sensing that he might get caught up in his sister's ire, Seruel quietly sneaks away.

Young Seruel: I hope Naoise is doing okay...

Connor: Seruel? What are you doing over there?

Young Seruel: ...!
F-Father?

Connor: Straighten your posture, Seruel. One day you will wield Gorm Glas and guide our country forward.

Connor: Your mother bore you in hopes that you would become a protector as great as the kingdom's founder. Therefore you must stand tall and proud without giving into pride.

Young Seruel: Mother...

Connor: Do you understand?

Young Seruel: Yes, sir!

Connor: Good.

After a firm nod, Connor prepares to leave, but he pauses upon noticing Seruel's inquisitive gaze.

Connor: Don't hold your tongue. If you have something to say, then say it.

Young Seruel: Um... Father, did you eat the sweets that Sister made?

Connor: Yes, I received them not too long ago. Why?

Young Seruel: How did they taste?

Connor: They weren't anything special. I would say they tasted as well as you would expect from a beginner.

Connor: Putting aside her interests in the culinary field, you should learn from her example and practice your pursuits with fervor as well, Seruel.

Young Seruel: Yes, Father.

Young Seruel: (Did he really eat them?)

Young Seruel: (If he did, then he'd know they were salty, right?)

Young Seruel: (Father...)

Elisheba: The salty sweets... I do recall, yes. It would be hard to forget how our normally dauntless Heles had tears in her eyes.

Elisheba: I'm afraid she only went through such an experience because of me... But you were saying you dreamed about that event?

Seruel: Yes. Father never mentioned the salty flavor, even though I'd asked him about the taste.

Seruel: I always wondered if he truly ate them.

Elisheba: Of course he did! But perhaps he spared you the details to protect Heles's pride as your older sister.

Elisheba: It's certainly embarrassing when a younger sibling finds out you've made a mistake after all.

Seruel: You're... probably right. Surely that's the reason.

Elisheba: King Connor was a kind man at heart, and he acknowledged that within himself. To balance the kindness, he often put on a stern facade.

Elisheba: Thinking back on it now... Perhaps that was one reason for his unhappiness.

Elisheba: When Queen Mugain died, he not only lost the love of his life, but also the one who supported him in his duties. Without her, he became absorbed in his issues...

Seruel: Even when I was but a babe, there were those who sought to use me as a puppet and force him to abdicate the throne, so his stress was understandable.

Elisheba: If his opposition had been a single power-hungry party, perhaps he would have been fine. But there were those who were only loyal to those of pure royal blood.

Elisheba: Then there was the matter of his older brother, a duke who opposed more and more of his political actions... I can't even begin to imagine how he must have felt.

Seruel: My father's great-grandfather was the crown prince of his generation, while my mother's great-grandfather held the throne, if I recall correctly.

Elisheba: That is correct. Queen Mugain and King Connor were second cousins.

Elisheba: Your mother had siblings, but they died prematurely from illnesses and accidents. There were people who gossiped that the royal family was cursed.

Elisheba: So she chose to let King Connor rule because he had so little royal blood and supported him instead.

Seruel: Father... He always said that Mother intended for me to have Gorm Glas.

Elisheba: She did. It seems she'd always hoped for a son who would become as great a leader as the founder of our kingdom.

Elisheba: She fully understood that she didn't have much longer to live.

Elisheba: If she couldn't remain, at the very least she hoped to give one more child to King Connor...

Seruel: But a child could never replace a mother.

Elisheba: Indeed. Perhaps if I had been able to support her better, do something for her health...

Elisheba: No. What I should have done was understand King Connor better. Perhaps if I had, he would have never...

Seruel: You took care of my sister and I while raising Naoise, on top of working as the castle's head assistant. Neither Mother nor Father would hold you to blame for anything.

Elisheba: You need not... waste your kind words on me.

Elisheba: (That promotion to head assistant... In hindsight, I wonder if it was all someone's plan to prevent me from being close with King Connor.)

Elisheba: (But I suppose it's too late to change anything now. Queen Mugain, King Connor...)

Boy's Voice: C'mon, c'mon! Let's hang things here next!

Lyria's Voice: Okaaay! We're coming!

Elisheba: Now those are familiar voices. Their work must be progressing smoothly if they've made it this far.

Seruel: The children might have the crew's help, but they're doing exceptionally well to work so quickly.

Seruel: With the castle in such a lively state... I can't help but wonder what Father would have said if he were here now.

Elisheba: Despite what you might think, perhaps he would have been pleased. It was not in his nature to condemn an act of kindness, in any event.

Seruel: You make a fair point. Perhaps he might have been.

Happiness in One's Work: Scene 4

As he watches the snow falling outside, Seruel recalls a holy night from his childhood. But before he can reminisce for a prolonged period, the time for the long-awaited banquet begins.

---

Seruel: Is it snowing?

As the day of the banquet draws near, a sprinkle of white begins to descend outside.

Seruel: Hehe, the children will certainly be happy.

Watching the falling snow through a window, Seruel recalls a different snowy day from long ago.

Young Naoise: Your Highness... Your Highness! Shouldn't we return to the castle soon?

Young Heles: What are you talking about, Naoise? We only left a moment ago.

Young Naoise: But...

Young Seruel: Sister, you're being pushy.

Young Naoise: Your Highness...

Young Heles: Seruel, stop hiding behind Naoise's back and come here.

Young Heles: Look. All the lights in town sparkle just as brightly as the stars.

Young Seruel: All the lights in town...

Seruel slowly creeps out from behind Naoise and approaches Heles's side.

Young Seruel: It's pretty, Sister.

Young Heles: For each light, there is surely a citizen spending the holidays in warmth and cheer.

Young Seruel: Warmth and cheer... with all their family too.

Young Heles: Yes. They celebrate with kind loved ones and leave behind their sadness.

Young Seruel: But Sister, we...

Young Heles: Seruel.

Young Heles: Remember, you and I are the children of a king. It is our duty to protect all the lights before us... All the happiness of our people.

Young Heles: Do you understand?

Young Seruel: Yes...

Young Naoise: I'm sorry to interrupt, but while it is your role to protect the people, it is my role, as well as Mother's and Father's, to protect the two of you...

Young Naoise: So we really should be returning soon.

Young Heles: ...!

Young Naoise: Your Majesty!

Connor: There you are.

Young Seruel: Father, um... This...

Young Heles: Father! I forced Seruel and Naoise to come with me, so please don't scold them. All the blame falls to me...

Connor: ...

Without saying a single word, Connor crouches down next to Seruel and gestures for him to climb onto his back.

Young Seruel: Father?

Connor: Naoise, give me the lantern.

Young Naoise: Y-yes, of course! Here it is!

Connor: Seruel, what are you waiting for? Hurry and climb on.

Young Seruel: Y-yes, sir!

Young Heles: ...

Heles stands lost, confused as to whether her father has forgiven her or if he has ignored her in silent fury. But Connor simply takes her cold hand after he lifts Seruel up.

Young Heles: ...!

Seruel: (How nostalgic... The lights I saw while riding Father's back were beautiful beyond belief...)

Seruel: Come in.

Seruel: Hello, (Captain). If you're here, then that means the banquet is starting soon. Let's go to the hall together.

Seruel turns his gaze away from the window and the snow outside.

Seruel: You wish to know what I was doing? I was merely looking at the snow outside and reminiscing...

Seruel: Wondering what my father was thinking on that holy night so long ago. I'll never be able to ask now, of course.

Seruel: I fully understand that it is my own fault for not saying anything while I had the chance to say it.

Seruel: Which reminds me... Thank you for staying so long on Alster Island with my sister and I, (Captain).

Seruel: I promise we will reach the end of the skies and take you to Estalucia in return.

Seruel: And then... I hope you will be able to say all that you wish to say to your father.

Seruel: Hmph. I'm being a bit too sentimental, aren't I? Comparing my younger self to you.

Seruel: Lately these sentimental thoughts are the only thing plaguing my mind...

Seruel: You think you're too old to be compared to my younger self? Need I remind you who it was that fetched me early for the banquet out of excitement?

In this manner, (Captain) and Seruel continue to banter on their way to the hall.

When they arrive, the banquet's preparations are finished, and the hall is ready for their guests of honor.

Lyria: Wooow! This cake is huuuge! It looks so delicious too!

Elisheba: Hehe, while I appreciate your kind words, I'm afraid this is no cake... No, this is my special fruit pudding!

Vyrn: You're really somethin' else! Just trying to cut through this thing is gonna be pretty rough!

Heles: We'll have no problems cutting it with everyone helping. In fact, it will be one of the main events tonight.

Seruel: Now, your seats are over this way. Naoise, if you would.

Naoise: At once! I'll fetch the other guests! It's time for the doors to open and the greeting trumpets to sound!

Per his command, the guards blow the trumpets. Naoise then announces the names of the children one by one.

They enter in a single file as they are called, maintaining proper manners the entire time, and Naoise escorts each to their seats.

Seruel: Welcome, esteemed guests. Allow me to show you to your seats.

Clever Girl: Thank you very much, Seruel, sir! I'm honored to receive your invitation.

Scathacha: Thank you for coming. We're pleased to have you.

Quiet Boy: Thank you, Deirdre. We're really happy we can celebrate with everyone!

Heles: Your hand, if you please. Your seat is this way.

Lively Boy: Ehehe, Mom and Dad and Grandma are gonna be so jealous when they hear I got to hold hands with you, Heles!

Elisheba: If all the Fluffykins could please come this way. Hehe, your ribbons are wonderful!

Gentle Monster: Groaaar!

Lyria: Everyone's a bit nervous, but it looks like they're all having fun acting like the adults!

Vyrn: I guess Seruel's idea to have 'em do it was the right call!

Vyrn: Hehe! He's a little rough around the edges, but when it comes to the kids he's pretty nice, huh?

Scathacha: In that case, maybe I should have attended in my other form instead.

Seruel: Attempting childlike mischief while the real children are behaving? I think your efforts would be better spent on self-reflection.

Clever Girl: Hm? I just noticed, but why isn't Scathacha here today?

Naoise: Oh. Um...

Heles: She went home to spend time with her family, but I'm sure she would have loved to be here with us.

Clever Girl: I see! I'm glad that she can see her family for the holidays.

Lively Boy: We've gotta tell her about the pudding next time we see her!

Scathacha: Please do. I'm sure she'll love to hear it.

Seruel: Now that we're all here... Elisheba, the drinks, please.

Elisheba: At once.

Maintaining their manners with barely contained excitement, the children turn their attention to Seruel.

Seruel: We are gathered here today after many arudous and harrowing experiences. I honor your bravery in facing them, and I thank you all for coming.

Seruel: Though the bitter winter continues, today we celebrate in hopes of a thriving spring.

Seruel raises a glass of grape juice and nods at the children who return the gesture.

Seruel: To all who toil for our island, regardless of age, and to Santa Claus!

Seruel: Cheers!

Attendees: Cheers!

The banquet commences as their jubilant voices resound in the Great Court.

Among the voices of merry children on this holy night, a ringing of bells can be heard as Santa's sleigh travels through the night sky.