Day Two, Part Ten

(Side Conversation)
Rif: We have to make sure we’re prepared for the battle against Aniki!

Killfith It’s probably been a long time since I’ve battled against an opponent like this… Heh, it’s not a bad feeling…

Rif: That sounds pretty promising, Killfith. I get the feeling we can do this, too.

Killfith: You are really such a simpleton. But you can muster up some measure of power, so I suppose you’re useful enough.
(End)

Jade: Are you ready for the match?

Rif:
    -All set and ready to go!  >Drill Fight!
    -Actually, there’s something I forgot…

Drill Fight!

Jade: All right! It’s time to see what you’re made of!
    -Against Jade the invincible!

Rif: Let’s go, Killfith!

Killfith: Whatever you want.

(Rif kicks Jade’s ass)

Rif: I did it!

Jade: Tsssh… I guess the little shrimp did well enough…

Rif: Well, Aniki? You’ll admit we’re not just all talk, right?

Jade: If you devote yourself to your training, it might even be enough someday to catch up to Rob’s strength.
     -But at the very least, if you wanna take the road to town, I’d say your strength now is enough to make it.

Rif: Really?! All right!

Jade: However, thanks to these earthquakes, the bridge that connects us to the town collapsed. But there is a way around it…
    -And since V.E’s got no sense of direction, she’ll need a reliable companion.

V.E: Who’s got no sense of direction?! The rock in my heart is like a compass!

Jade: I still got no clue what you’re talking about with that rock stuff… In any case, I’ll show Rif the way.

V.E: I understand what you’re saying, but I can’t give my consent!

Jade: Huh?! Hey, what do you mean?

V.E: I already said it, didn’t I? My apprentice would never lose to you!
    -It’s only natural she would win! Nothing special!

Jade: What are you talking about, of course it’s impressive!

Rif: Then what do I have to do so I can go?

V.E: I guess it’s become unavoidable. If you want to go, you have to test yourself against my skills!

Rif: Wait, Master. Is it really a good idea to have a match? Your arm is still injured…

V.E: I’d think this kind of injury would be a good handicap so you might stand a chance.

Jade: Hold on a sec! What’s that mean? Are you saying my skills are less than yours when you’re injured?!

V.E: Tomorrow, you have up until we depart to prepare a weapon you think is good enough to stand against me.
    -If your skill matches up, you’ll lead off with Murno.
    -And when I finally prove to you it’s no use, you and everyone else will be good and take care of the house! Is that understood?

Rif: Yes, ma’am! All righty! Let’s do our best, Killfith!

Killfith: Whatever you wish.

Jade: (annoyed) Dammit! Quit ignoring me! I’m Jade the invincible!

(Nighttime)

-I probably should have started preparing for tomorrow’s test right away, but first I just had to clear my head and think about everything that had happened today.
-Anyone who holds Govan’s Demon Stone will be plagued with misfortune…
-That’s what Murno said, but what on earth is that supposed to mean…? Maybe Murno has been going through a lot of hardship…?

Rif: It’s just no good at all… what Murno might’ve been trying to say… it’s more than I can figure out by myself.
    -Right now I just have to focus on the match with Master! It’s for Murno, too… I think.
    -(?) Huh? Who’s there? It couldn’t be…

Day Two, Part Nine

After Rif wins the fight with Sarge…

Rif: We did it! We won!

Sarge: Guess I lost…

Rif: So are you going to give back Govan’s Demon Stone or what?

Sarge: Who said I was gonna give it to you?

Rif: What?!

Killfith: You cretin… I think I’ve put up with this for long enough…

Sarge: I didn’t say I wasn’t gonna give it back at all. I’m just gonna return it to that girl in person.

Rif: Huh? In person…?
    -Thank you!

Sarge: Eh?
    -(blushing) Y-yeah… ‘n sorry, I guess.

Rif: What was that last part?

Sarge: I didn’t say nothin’! Let’s just go already.
    -(leaves)

Jade: That worked out pretty well, huh, Rif?

Rif: Yup! Anyway, we better head back!

Killfith: Whatever you wish.

(Side Conversation)
Rif: Since Sarge is gonna give the demon stone back to Murno, let’s head over to the house!

Killfith: Imbecile… do you honestly trust that guy after everything he’s done?

Rif: Well, yeah. I don’t know if it’s because of the match we had, but I feel like we reached an understanding… so, I think his word is good…

Killfith: Hmph… perhaps it’s because he’s a simpleton just like you…
(End)

(In front of the V.E’s house)

Jade: Oh, they finally came.

Sarge: What were you draggin’ your feet about? You’re late!

Rif: Geez, what’s the rush!

Sarge: Shut up. I’m goin’ in.

V.E: Where is that noise coming from!

Sarge and Rif: Yipes!

(V.E storms out, annoyed)

V.E: What is this huge racket outside my house? Rif? If this is another fight…

Rif: No, it’s not! He’s here to return the demon stone.

V.E: (smiles) Hmm… I see. If that’s how it is, then…
    -Hey! Murno!

Murno: (comes out) …

Rif: It’s okay. He wanted to return the demon stone to you in person.

Murno: …

Sarge: Here… take it.

Murno: … Thank you.

Sarge: No… I’m sorry for before… you didn't get bruised, didja?

Murno: Eh? No, I didn't…

Sarge: Well, that’s good… then, I’ll get goin’ now.

Rif: Hey, thanks, by the way!

Sarge: There’s no reason ta thank me!
    -(runs off)

Murno: I’m so glad…

Rif: I’m sorry, Murno. It’s my fault you had to go through all—

Murno: No, it’s fine. Actually, I should be the one apologizing…
    -Ever since I came here, it seems like I’ve been nothing but trouble for you and everyone…

Rif: You haven’t been any trouble at all!

Killfith: It’s true. You shouldn’t worry about something like that.

Murno: Killfith… you…
    -Thank you. Both of you…

Rif: Eheheh…

Jade: Now that expression is much better to look at. I wonder where you picked it up?

V.E: Rif…

Rif: I’m really sorry, Master… I ended up fighting after all…
    -So, I guess nothing’s really changed…

V.E: What are you talking about? Hasn’t there already been a huge change?

Rif: Eh?

V.E: You know, that guy’s expression.
    -Do you really think that expression on his face meant he’d be coming back to retaliate?

Rif: I guess not.

V.E: Then, as far as I can see, you did well.

Rif: Um, so in other words…?

V.E: In other words, not everything can be solved with strength… although that’s not exactly it, is it?
    -What I mean is, I don’t think he would have done something like returning it unless something important in the mood between you changed or…
    -Augh! Geez, never mind! Figure it out yourself!

Rif: Whaat?

Killfith: Ugh…

V.E: Ah, that’s right! A long time ago, Rob said something.
    -“For us Craftknights, our first objective is not simply to become a means of forging weapons.”
    -So, you get it now, right?!

Rif: Yyyeeeahh…?

V.E: RIGHT?

Rif: I got it!

V.E: Good. Now I have to go make preparations to leave for town.

Rif: Master… if I said that my motives weren’t for revenge, would you let me come with you?
    -I don’t want to stay here and house-sit while something’s going on in town. Especially when I’m supposed to be training as hard as I can.

V.E: What are you trying to say? It’s no use. You’re staying here.

Jade: Hey, listen, Rif. It’s not all about training.

V.E: Just think about it. Are you going to leave Murno here all alone?

Rif: Ah, that’s right. I’m sorry, Murno. I was being selfish.

Murno: Rif…

V.E: So, if that’s settled, please leave yourself in Rif’s care.

Murno: Um, Miss V.E… if I said I wanted to come too, would you still say it’s no use?

V.E: Hold on… what’s this, all of a sudden?

Murno: Because until Miss V.E’s injury has gotten better, it is my duty to personally look after you.

V.E: No, you—the circumstances going to town… your help won’t be needed there.

Murno: But… I would like to go very much. Please.
    -I don’t have to just look after you. I can carry luggage and do other odd jobs.

Killfith: You really mean it, don't you?

V.E: Why are you…? You know, you’re so quiet most of the time, but when you want to stand up, you can do it pretty explosively, can’t you?

Murno: Well…

Rif: Eh?

V.E: Hmm… it seems you’ve been thinking about this.
     -But you know, lately there’s been a dangerous increase in Strays… I’m fine on my own, but frankly, you’d be pretty helpless.

Rif:
    -This time, it’s my turn!  >Bravado
    -Like Master said, it’ll be dangerous…  >Caution

Bravado

Rif: Then let us come along, and it should be fine!  >Not the Problem

Caution

Rif: Certainly, if Murno went, she would be in danger…

Killfith: You do realize this is a perfect situation to exploit, don’t you?

Rif: Ah, that’s right! I could protect Murno!  >Not the Problem

Not the Problem

V.E: You could, but I wouldn’t be any less troubled.

Rif: Wha?!

Jade: Geez. Don’t you get it? V.E would be worried about you if you came along.
     -As far as I can tell, you guys are mostly talk. In the forest, it’s not gonna be one man like today, it’ll be loads of tough Strays.

Rif: But…

Jade: If you really think you’re up for it, how about you personally test your strength against me?

Rif: Huh?! Really?! You mean beat you in a match?

Jade: Yeah… if you can beat me as Craftknights in a match, then you can go.

Rif: Hooray! As one would expect of Aniki! So cool!

V.E: What is this… who gave you the authorization to make such a decision?
    -You really think my apprentice would lose to you? What do you think, Rif?

Rif:
    -Anyone with enough determination can win!  >Let's Do This!
    -To be honest, I’m not confident I can win…  >Honestly

Honestly

Rif: I wonder…

Killfith: … If you have worries, hurry up and put them aside.

Rif: Killfith…  >Let's Do This!

Let's Do This!

Rif: Yeah! Of course!

Jade: You said it. Don’t hold back. Give me all you got.

V.E: And when he says don’t hold back, he means it. Is that understood, Rif?

Rif: Yes, ma’am!

Jade: All right, Rif. Tell me when you’re ready.

Day Two, Part Eight

And so we find Sarge and a couple of his friends.

Sarge: You know what you gotta do here?

Rif: Please! Give that demon stone back. It’s very important to Murno.

Sarge: Demon stone, huh? That’s a pretty big name. Sure does shine a lot, it’s kinda amazing. Makes sense it’d be important.
     -But if you really want it back as much as all that, then bowin’ yer head to me shouldn’t be a problem, should it?

Rif: Grr…

Killfith: …

Sarge: I know! How about, if you’re not humble enough, I break the demon stone? That okay? Somethin’ valuable like this?

Killfith: …

Sarge: So, how bout it? You ready to apologize yet?

Rif: …
    -I’m ready to apologize.  >Humility
    -I can’t say it with sincerity.  >Honestly

Honestly

Sarge: Then get ready and come back.

Humility

Rif: I understand… I’ll apologize…

Sarge: Teeheehee… that’s a good girl.

Rif: (bowing) I’m sorry. Please, return Govan’s Demon Stone to me.

Sarge: Hey, hey, is that it? That’s not a proper apology.

Rif: …

Killfith: …

Rif: Please excuse all of my impertinence until now… I’m very sorry.

Sarge: Hoh, do you really want this demon stone back?

Rif: Yes…

Sarge: Cuz I get the feeling your heart’s really not in it all that much.

Killfith: Bastard…

Rif: That’s…

Sarge: Now, you wouldn’t happen to know what a dogeza is, would you?

Rif: Dogeza?

Sarge: Seems like it’s pretty famous in Silturn. All ya gotta do is kneel down and put your head on the ground.

Creep: Heh, that sounds pretty good. She should do that!

Killfith: !

Rif: If I do this dogeza, will you return Govan’s Demon Stone to me?

Sarge: So long as you put your heart into it this time, I don’t see why not.

Rif: Fine then.
    -(kneels to the ground)

Sarge: Hyahahaha! What a loser!

Creep: I can’t believe it, she really did it!

Rif: …

Killfith: Hey. Hurry up and hand over the demon stone.

Rif: Killfith…

Sarge: I wonder if I should…

Killfith: What was that?!

Sarge: Heheheh…

Killfith: You bastards… do you honestly think you’re ready to take me on?

Sarge: You better watch it. A Summon Creature shouldn’t get so cocky!

(A huge rumbling interrupts and a giant metal Stray appears)

Creep: Wh—! Yaaaugh! (runs away)

(Jade runs up)

Rif: Aniki!

Jade: Leave this guy to me! You just run!
    -(takes the fallen guy and runs)

(Rif begins to leave, but notices that Sarge hasn’t moved)

Rif: Why isn’t that guy doing anything?!

Sarge: I—I can’t—

Rif: Watch out! Come on, Killfith!

Killfith: You—ugh!

(Rif and Killfith fight Bruiser and win)

(A whole bunch of people enter)

Jade: Rif, Killfith! Are you all right?

Rif: We didn’t even break a sweat! I told you, I’ve gotten a long stronger. Right, Killfith?

Killfith: …

Rif: Never mind that, how was that guy who got hurt?

Jade: He’ll be fine. He’s undergoing treatment at his workshop.

Rif: (notices Lemmy) Hey, why did you come here?

Zakk: What’s that mean! Lemmy came because he heard you were…

Lemmy: I only came by because I heard that one of our workshop’s people was left behind.
    -You seem rather quiet, Sarge.

Sarge: Yeah… I can’t believe I was saved by that shrimp… makes me feel like crap…

Rif: How about as thanks for saving you, you return Murno’s precious demon stone?

Sarge: As thanks?! I never asked you to do nothing, so shut the hell up!

Rif: What the heck! I apologized already! That thing is all I want!

Sarge: Che… sure, there’s a debt between us…
    -Fine. I’ll give it back.

Rif: Yay!

Sarge: But only on one condition.

Rif: Condition? Like what?
    -Hahahhn, I see. You want me to keep it a secret that I saved you, is that it?

Sarge: No, not that!

Rif: Then what is it?

Sarge: Have a match with me! And if you win, I’ll give you back the demon stone.

Killfith: What a useless condition.

Sarge: Can it! I’m just one of a herd a’ people crowded together in Bostaph’s Workshop!
     -After I lost that time, I haven’t been able to show my face in the ground room. That’s why I want just one more match!

Rif: … But… a match…?

Sarge: Please, I'm askin' ya…!

Rif: …
    -Understood! Let’s have a match.  >Yes
    -No… I can’t do the match.  >No

No

Rif: I can’t do it. We can’t resolve this by fighting…

Sarge: It’s not a fight! It’s a contest! And if you want me to give this demon stone back, you’ll accept this match!

Rif: Well… so, just a match?

Sarge: That’s right! I wanna show you that I can throw you down with a special attack I thought up!

Rif: Augh! Geez, I guess there’s no way around it!  >Match Is Set

Yes

Rif: You’ve got your match, then.

Sarge: All right! I wanna show you that I can throw you down with a special attack I thought up!

Rif: That right? I’m sure it’ll be interesting!  >Match Is Set

Match Is Set

Jade: Well, this has turned out unexpectedly interesting, hasn’t it?

Lemmy: (sweatdrops) More like absurd.
    -(walks away)

Zakk: Huh?! Lemmy?
    -(follows after)

Sarge: I’ll give you some time to recover from the battle with that metal bulldozer.
    -I’ll wait here, so come back prepared.

(Side Conversation)
Rif: After the match with Sarge, we can finally take back Murno’s precious Govan’s Demon Stone!

Killfith: Tch… After all of the trouble he’s put us through, maybe we should start with erasing him from the face of this planet.

Rif: Oookay, I’m gonna go over there, away from this person making disturbing threats…
(End)

Sarge: You done preparin’ for the match?

Rif:
    -You bet I’m prepared!  >Heck Yeah!
    -Actually, there’s one thing I forgot…

Heck Yeah!

Rif: All right! Let’s go, Killfith!

Killfith: Whatever you want.

(Rif and Sarge fight)

Day Two, Part Seven

(Side Conversation)
Rif: We have to find the people who took Murno’s special demon stone… But where would they be?

Killfith: We don’t have the leisure of hesitating right now. The first thing we need to do is investigate their hideout.

Rif: Their hideout… Bostaph’s Workshop…
(End)

(Bostaph’s Workshop)

Man: What does a Stray’s apprentice want here?!

Rif: Um… I’m just looking for someone…

Man: Go home!

Killfith: …

Man: What is it? You wanna fight?

Rif: N—no, of course not!

(Rif notices that further back in the workshop is Lemmy)

Rif: Ah, hold on! You! Lemmy!

Lemmy: …
    -(walks away)

Rif: (annoyed) What the heck was that?! He completely ignored me!

Man: If that’s all, then get out of here!

(Outside, Zakk walks up to them)

Zakk: Hey, Rif, what’s wrong?

Rif: Zakk! We’re saved~! Do you know where that guy is?

Zakk: Wait, what guy are you talking about?!

Rif: That guy! Umm… he’s always messing with me, and you can tell by looking at him he’s bad, and his hair is all wound up in a headband…

Zakk: Ahh, you mean Sarge? You need something from him?

Rif: Him and his friend took something really important… so…

Zakk: They took something? I knew they’d bugged you before, but that’s kinda going too far…
    -But because of what you did before, I heard that they got really hurt…

Rif: …

Killfith: Never mind that. Where is that trash hiding?

Zakk: I know they set up a hideout way deep inside of Deikel Mine where they go sometimes, but…
    -To get there you have to go past a door, and I don’t know where it is beyond that.

Rif: Then we’ll try going through the door that leads to the heart of Deikel Mine.

Zakk: Ah! There’ve been a lot of Strays coming out of there lately, so you’ve gotta be careful…

Rif: I see. Thank you! We’ll be careful.

Zakk: Good luck…
    -I mean, not that! I meant, um…
    -Well, um, it’s okay.
    -(leaves)

(Side Conversation)
Rif: Let’s go to the heart of Deikel Mine! I’m sure they’ll be there!

Killfith: (evilly) Heheh… The heart of the underground, huh… I couldn’t have asked for a more suitable location to deal with those fools…

Rif: O-okay, even I’m a little disturbed.
(End)

(While passing in front of the shop, Killfith stops suddenly and looks around)

Killfith: …

Rif: What happened, Killfith?

Killfith: It felt like something was watching us… Tch! Makes my insides squirm.

Rif: Watching… I hope there isn’t such a person…
    -Anyway, for now let’s just pick up the pace.

(Side Conversation)
Rif: Let’s go to the heart of Deikel Mine! I’m sure they’ll be there!

Killfith: It was probably one of those guys’ associates just then. It must be that trash’s way of keeping tabs on us…

Rif: That might be true, but right now we can’t let that weigh on our minds. We just have to keep going.

Killfith: Fine with me. It doesn’t really matter what that garbage is scheming, we’ll still crush them.
(End)

(Shortly after they get through the door in Deikel Mine, Killfith stops)

Killfith: Who’s there!

Jade: Cripes, you don’t have to get so mad.

Rif: Aniki, why are you here?

Jade: It—it’s got nothing to do with you guys! It’s just, look, recently I heard there were some Strays popping up around here, so I—

Rif: …

Jade: Fine… you got me.
    -I didn’t tell V.E about the cave, but it got me thinking.
    -If they’d resort to blackmail, you never know what kind of tricks they could have up their sleeves.
    -And since I’m a pretty reliable guy in a tight spot, I figured if I just tagged along…

Rif: Thank you, Aniki.

Jade: Rif…

Rif: But, I want to settle this problem with them by myself.
    -That’s why…

Jade: All right. I won’t come out at the last moment.

Rif: Thank you, Aniki.

Jade: You don’t have to thank me. And didn’t I tell you to stop calling me Aniki?

Rif: Heehee.

(Jade leaves)

(Side Conversation)
Rif: To the heart of Deikel Mine! That’s where they’ll be!

Killfith: Tch… that man makes no sense…

Rif: You mean about Aniki following us? You don’t have to talk about him like that, though. He was just worried about us.

Killfith: ‘Us?’ Don’t be an idiot! You’re the only one he was worried about.

Rif: Ah, I see. Since I’m with Killfith, he wondered if I would be safe.

Killfith: Wait… why do you say that?
(End)

Day Two, Part Six

(Outside)

Murno: Please, give it back!

Goon: Why, is it somethin’ important?

(Glimpse of the stone Murno was holding earlier)

Rif: That’s Murno’s!

Murno: Yes, it’s very important, so please…

Goon: I gotcha… But this time, you’d better go out with me.
    -And then this time, I might just let you off easy and forget about that whole thing.

Murno: That…

V.E: This time?

Rif: (annoyed) Are you guys still talking about that? You need to knock it off already!
    -If you keep hitting on Murno, I won’t forgive you!

Killfith: This is the second time I’ve had to put up with looking at your ugly faces… this time, I will definitely kill you.

Goon: Now, what’s that, huh… didn’t you say somethin’ earlier about tauntin’ people weaker’n you?

Rif: Put a lid on it! If you don’t want to wake up in the morning to a world of pain, you better hand that over now!

Goon: You keep makin’ cracks like that, and I just might give this thing back in pieces!

Murno: You what?! Stop!

Goon: (!)

Murno: Give it back! Give it…!!

Goon: What the—get offa me!
    -(hits Murno)

Rif: Murno!

Murno: (annoyed) GIVE IT BACK!

Goon: Shut your mouth already! Or else I smash it right now!

Murno: …!

Rif: You creeps!

Goon: Tell you what. If you bow your head to me, I’ll give it back.
     -Go on. Say it: ‘Please excuse all my impertinence up till now. I’m very sorry. Please return it to me.’

Rif: Why you…!

Jade: Tch… trying to blackmail…

V.E: Hold it.

Jade: Why?!

V.E: It’s fine, just be quiet and watch!

Rif: Who would apologize to you guys!

Goon: If that’s how it is, then I’ll just break it!

Rif: Kh…!

Goon: Then, if ya don’t mind, lower your head t’me. Like I told you.
    -If you don’t hurry and get it back, I’ll just turn it into weapon materials.
    -(they leave)

Murno: Please! As long as you have Govan’s Demon Stone, you’ll be plagued with misfortune…!
    -Aughh! (falls to knees)

Rif: Are you all right, Murno? Were you hurt?!
    -What is their problem? I’m getting seriously ticked off… I’ll make them sorry!

V.E: Hold up!

Rif: Why should I! I won’t forgive them for what they did to Murno!

V.E: So it’s still about revenge, huh? Honestly…
    -What happened before? How did it get to this point?

Rif: How…? What do you…

V.E: I know those guys have never had any love for me, but today the vibe I got from them was totally different from normal.
    -You wouldn’t happen to know why, would you?

Rif: That…
    -The other day, they kept messing with Murno, so I…

V.E: Made them sorry?

Rif: … Yeah.

Jade: Well, if they were muscling in like that, a fight was bound to break out.

Rif: That’s right!

V.E: You don’t know what you’re talking about! Whose fault is it that Murno had to go through this now?

Rif: But that…

V.E: Don’t you get it? Unless you stop doing the same thing over and over again, this will keep happening.

Rif: Even if that means letting them hurt Murno?!

V.E: Use your own brain to figure it out! I don’t have the time to babysit your fights!

Jade: Hey… that’s enough. You should cool off a little.

V.E: If all you want to do is butt in and say something about my teaching methods, keep out of it.

Jade: Why should I? Because it’s your family? That’s not a reason at all!

V.E: You want a reason? How about this. If you keep sticking your nose in, I will personally shove my foot up your ass.

Jade: Wh…!

V.E: (smirks) …

Rif: I—what’s the best thing to do…

Killfith: Let’s just wipe out those guys and take Govan’s Demon Stone back by force.

Rif: But what if they…

Killfith: It doesn’t matter. Once we take back the demon stone, it would be best if we left this village.

Rif: But that…

Murno: (…) I will make them give it back to me.

V.E: (!) Hold on a second. Aren’t you hurt?

Murno: But I can’t let them do this! If I can’t protect it, then…!

V.E: What on earth is so important about Govan’s Demon Stone?

Murno: It’s…

V.E: Can’t tell us, huh? It’s all right. But either way, I can’t let you go.
    -Even if you went, they wouldn’t give it back to you. It’s all right, they won’t break it.

Jade: Although it’s true, as long as that demon stone’s in their hands, it won’t be easy to pry it back out.

V.E: Come on, let’s go back inside and get your injury treated.

Jade: Dammit! I’m not gonna sit here and wait around!
    -(starts to take off)

V.E: Hold on, where do you think you’re going? This isn’t your fight!

Jade: I know that! But just standing around here doing nothing is pissing me off!

(Jade leaves. V.E sweatdrops and goes with Murno into the house)

Rif: This is my fault, isn’t it…

Killfith: …

Rif: I’m sorry… I’m sorry, Killfith.

Killfith: It has nothing to do with me. Let’s just go.

Rif: Yeah. We have to find those guys, in any case.

Day Two, Part Five

In front of Bostaph’s Workshop, we find some familiar faces.

Rif: Not you guys again… what is it now? I’m in kind of a hurry.

Goon: I heard the little Stray’s Disciple went off to help exterminate the Stray.
    -Sounds to me like two steps from turnin’ cannibal.

Rif: What did you say!

Goon: Wanna make something of it?

Killfith: Hmph… Your Aniki had a pretty good point…

Rif: Oh, so this is what he meant.
    -Sorry, but it looks like we don’t have time to deal with you.

Goon: … What’s that mean?

Rif: It means that the only people who taunt those weaker than them are half-grown amateurs.

Goon: Argh! ‘Taunt somebody weaker,’ you’re just tryin’a look smart!

Rif: Hey, won’t Lemmy come out again if you make too much of a racket?

Goon: … Shit!

(They run off)

Rif: Shall we go?

Killfith: Whatever you want…

(Down the stairs)

Rif: Huh? What’s that Murno looking at?

Cue picture of an shiny, peculiar trinket.

Murno: (!) Ah, Rif! Welcome back home. I also just got back from the Chief’s house.
     -You know that “Prohibition of Love Strategy?” With Miss V.E’s amazing performance backing me up, it was a huge success.
    -Actually, the chief was so moved, I felt a little bad for lying…

Rif: Seriously?! That’s good! Frankly, I’m a little surprised it went so well.
    -(It looks like Murno had fun, too. I’m really glad…)
    -Why are you out here, by the way?

Murno: Well… Just now, this scary man came to see V.E, but he said that the conversation was none of my business.

Rif: He kicked you out?

Murno: He didn’t, but… it was difficult to stay inside.

Rif: Honestly, he can be such a thug sometimes…

Killfith: I knew it from the moment I laid eyes on him! He’s an enemy!

Rif: Aniki’s not an enemy!

Killfith: Tch…

Rif: What… are you still not satisfied?
    -Then let’s give him a warning for kicking Murno out.

(Side Conversation)
Rif: I can’t believe he said something so mean to Murno! We have to tell him that’s not okay.

Killfith: Tell him it’s not okay? Pathetic. The first thing we should do is rearrange that eyesore of a face.

Rif: Tha—that’s terrible! Don’t say that!
(End)

Rif: Aniki, you said something terrible to Murno just now and…

V.E: What do you mean, Stray Summon hunting?!

Rif: Eh?!

Jade: Yeah, something like that. Looks like until he’s achieved his goal, he’s hired this rotten bunch to wander around in searches.
     -Is it because of the recent earthquakes? Seemed like there were a lot of people setting out then, too…

V.E: Is his memory that bad? Because it’s starting to sound like he’s already gone senile.
    -Saying that he will avenge Rob’s death…!

Rif: (!) Avenge Master Rob?!

Jade: I guess it can’t be helped. Bostaph and Rob were close friends, after all…

V.E: Close friends, huh…

Jade: They’re saying it’s to put an end to all the damage that Stray Summons have been doing near the town lately, but that’s just a cover.
    -Only, since it involves Bostaph, I figured you’d want to know about it.

V.E: I see… I guess it’s not over, then. And now that I’m aware of it, I can’t very well ignore it.

Jade: Yeah… that might’ve been the first time I apologized to you.

V.E: You were always apologizing, though.

Jade: How dare you… you haven’t changed at all… but I guess I wouldn’t have it any other way.
    -So. What do you want to do about this?

V.E: It would probably be best to meet with Bostaph. We’ll have to go to town.

Rif: I’M GOING TOO!

V.E: What in blue blazes?

Rif: I want to help with the Stray Summon hunting too! I want to avenge Master Rob!

Jade: Avenge Master Rob… what are you talking about, kid?

Rif: I said before I’ve been training and I’ve gotten stronger! And if you’re going to avenge Master Rob…

Jade: Training? Gotten stronger? You still don’t know what you’re talking about. Were you really Master Rob’s apprentice?

Rif: You’re the one who doesn’t understand. I could show you my strength right now in a match!

Jade: Match?! Like a half-pint could be so great! Your ‘strength’ would only get in the way. A runt like that should be disqualified as a Craftknight!
    -Honestly… what would Rob say if he were alive?

V.E: Hold on a minute!

Jade: What?

V.E: No one treats Rif like an idiot without first getting my consent!

Jade: Hey, hey, it’s not like I went that far…

Rif: Heheh.

V.E: What are you laughing about!
    -(runs over and smacks Rif over the head)

Rif: Owwie…!

V.E: A runt is still a runt! Didn’t I already tell you not to lower yourself looking for revenge?!
    -This is why you’re still a kid.

Rif: But…

V.E: You will stay here and train hard! Is that understood?

Rif: That…

???: KYAAA!!!

Killfith: That was Murno! (runs out)

V.E: What’s going on out there?!

(They exit)

Day Two, Part Four

Still in Bazan Forest, Rif and Killfith do not get very far before a voice calls out to them…

???: Hey, you! What are you doing there?

(A man with blue hair walks up)

???: …

Rif: Ack!

Killfith: This guy… who is… just what kind of person is this?

???: Hey, aren’t you a Summon Creature? What the hell are you doing here?

Killfith: He must be another enemy!

Rif: What? Killfith?!

???: Are you trying to pick a fight with me? You’re a pretty lucky guy. As it turns out…
    -If you apologize now, I won’t have to teach you a lesson!

Rif: What? Wait a second, Aniki, hold up!

Jade: (annoyed) Are you still calling me that, Rif? My name is Jade.
    -Jade the invincible!

Rif: Geez… calling you Jade after all this time? I’ll stick with Aniki, if that’s all right.
    -And since when are you invincible?

Jade: Even if it’s been a while, time doesn’t mean a thing. Fighting with Rob that day, I came to know pain, but I’ve gotten back on my feet since then.
    -That’s why I am Jade the invincible.
    -Since that day, I’ve thrown away nicknames like ‘Aniki.’

Rif: You say that, but I don’t think you’ve changed that much.

Jade: Everything’s changed!

Killfith: Thi—this guy is the Aniki you were talking about?! So… he’s not an enemy…?

Rif: Why would you think he was?

Killfith: Are you kidding me? That face of his screams ‘bad guy.’

Rif: Oh, yeah, I know what you mean. But even though Aniki has a pretty scary face, he’s actually a good person. Right, Aniki?

Jade: (angrily) Scary face? Just whose face is scary, huh?

Rif: That face is scary.

Jade: What is that Summon Creature doing here anyway? He’s not your friend, is he?

Rif: Actually, this is Killfith. And actually, he’s my comrade—my partner.
     -Because, uh, you know… as a Craftknight, it’s necessary to have a partner and such things and Master, you know…

Jade: Your comrade? Partner? This scrawny little kid?

Killfith: Insult me like that again and I’ll kill you.

Jade: At least he’s got some spunk. If only he knew how to watch that rotten mouth of his.
    -Try to become more like me, why doncha?

Killfith: Wh—why you… become like you? I’d rather—

Rif: Hey, hey, now.

Then another blue-haired dude comes strolling along.

Gate Watcher: Ah! Rif! When did you sneak out here?

Rif: Well, see, about that…

Gate Watcher: I get it! You wanted to take down the Stray Summon, didn’t you? I know the feeling.
    -Tough luck, though. That Stray you were aiming for? Jade already took care of him.

Rif: ARE YOU SERIOUS?!

Jade: Oh I get it now. You guys were looking to take care of some business, huh? Come on, let’s get back to the village.

(Back in Deikel Village)

Jade: So why were you two going through the trouble of trying to exterminate that Stray Summon?

Rif: Well… I think that my partner and I could have become a lot stronger if we faced off with it. That is…

Lemmy: …? What is?

Jade: Ahh… I think I get it. I just don’t understand that kind of nonsense.
     -Seems to me that it’s no good to hate being defeated so much that you’ll let any challenge get to you.

Rif: What’s that supposed to mean?

Jade: Aren’t you guys Craftknights? Don’t you think it’s a little off to go looking for a fight?
    -That’s not how Rob became a top-notch Craftknight.

Rif: It’s nothing like that! I’ve been training hard every day since you left, and if I had a match with you now…
    -I bet we’d be on even ground. That’s how strong I’ve become!

Jade: As long as you keep saying stupid things like that, you’ll never grow up.

Rif: Are you calling me a child?!

Lemmy: (annoyed) As my presence here was obviously not needed, would it be all right if I excused myself?

Jade: Oh, that’s right. I don’t have time to waste on this stuff, either.

Rif: S-stuff!

Jade: I still need to talk with V.E.

Gate Watcher: If it’s V.E you’re looking for, she left the Chief’s house not too long ago. Looks like she headed back home.

Jade: Got it. Thanks, man.

Rif: Hold on a second! I’m not done talking to you yet!

Killfith: He’s already gone.

Rif: I wonder if what he needs to talk to V.E about has something to do with Rob? I’m kinda curious…
    -We may as well head home.

(Side Conversation)
Rif: Looks like Aniki went to talk with Master, so let’s go back and listen in.

Killfith: I can’t trust that man. Hurry up!

Rif: I told you Aniki is a good person, didn’t I? You don’t have to worry about Murno.

Killfith: Tch… you simpleton, a guy like that…
    -Tch, just hurry up! I’m going to put him in his place!

Rif: Wha… just hold on a second!
(End)

Day Two, Part Three

(Side Conversation)
Rif: If I remember correctly, there’s a road in Deikel Mine that goes around the main gate. Let’s check it out!

Killfith: And if you’re mistaken, exactly what kind of suffering should I be preparing myself for?

Rif: What are you talking about? This is gonna be a blast!
(End)

(Inside Deikel Mine)

Rif: (pauses at the side passage)
    -I knew it… this is the passageway!

Killfith: What about it?

Rif: I have a hunch that a long time ago, people used to go through here to get outside the village.

Killfith: Tch… Are we resting all of our hopes on your memory?

Rif: What’s that supposed to mean? I know what I’m talking about. This is the right way.

Killfith: Are you sure you’re not just making this up?

(Side Conversation)
Rif: Okay! We’ll take the way through Deikel Mine and come out on the path to town!

Killfith: Can’t you be quiet for two seconds while we walk?

Rif: What? I’m only talking so you won’t get lonely.

Killfith: Me? Get lonely? Tell me you’re joking. Aren’t you the only one here who would get lonely?

Rif: Oh, it’s okay to feel lonely, you know.

Killfith: What the—listen to me when I’m talking to you!
(End)

And eventually they encounter a big ol’ Stray.

Killfith: Tch, a Stray Summon, huh?

Rif: This is probably a different guy from the one everyone is trying to get rid of on the road leading to town.

Killfith: As far as I’m concerned, it’s just another annoyance in our way.

Rif: True enough. And the only way to keep going is to go through him.

Killfith: Sounds good to me.

Rif: Right. Let’s win this!

They fight Metal Horse.
If Rif & Killfith defeat him pretty easily, go to That Was Easy
If they have a hard time defeating him, go to Unprepared

That Was Easy

Rif: That was pretty quick!

Killfith: Which is surprising, given what a slow ally I have…

Rif: Anyway, let’s forge on ahead!

Unprepared

Rif: (despondent) I think we were a little unprepared for that one...

Killfith: Tch... that kind of  that opponent thinking they can get away with whatever they want...

Rif: We just have to pull ourselves together and keep moving forward!

(Bazan Forest)

Rif: We did it! We’re outside!

Killfith: (!)

Rif: (?) What’s wrong?

Killfith: There are two humans approaching.

Rif: Oh, crap! We’ve gotta hide!

Man: … Are you sure there’s nothing to worry about? Those earthquakes that’ve been happening lately made that bridge collapse.

???: That was something of a surprise, but at least it didn’t take out all of the road.

Man: Well, thanks for your help back there. You saved me.

???: There’s no need for thanks. It was nothing! Not for someone like me…
    -Who happens to be invincible and unrivaled.

(After a short pause)

Rif: Are they gone?

Killfith: Looks like it.

Rif: You know, that last guy sounded kinda like Aniki…

Killfith: “Aniki”… doesn’t that mean “elder brother?” I didn’t know you had siblings.

Rif: Ah, I don’t, that’s just what I call him. He’s another Craftknight, and he was a friend of Master Rob’s.
    -I know that he had gone to the town, Prosban. I used to train with him a long time ago, but…
    -I haven’t seen him since Master Rob died.

Killfith: Do you think he’s here now?

Rif: I don’t know… but anyway, let’s go exterminate that Stray!

//Apologies for the insert of a Japanese word (aniki), but it felt way too awkward trying to translate aniki as “Big Bro” for the entire game. They pulled it off with Razzy in the first Swordcraft Story, but given her personality, the usage worked well for her and just added another charming quirk to her character. It helped that she wasn’t the main character.

And, as a side note, “aniki” is a term that younger gang members (yakuza) often use to refer to older, more experienced members. That’s not the intended usage here, of course, but “aniki” is considered manlier/tougher than “oniisan,” which is the term more typically used to refer to a big brother.//

Day Two Side Quests

One-Shots

Storage Battery for Sale
(Red-haired girl on the bridge)
Traveling Saleswoman’s Daughter: My mother is a traveling saleswoman. Right now, our store is starting to become a lot more popular with two kinds of people, Craftknights and blacksmiths.
     -It seems like my mother wants me to go off and play, but I’d much rather invest in future prospects for our business.
     -Are you a Craftknight? Since you’re here, do you want to hear some information on upgrading?

Rif:
    -I’ll listen.
    -Maybe later.
                               
TS’s Daughter: All righty, so if you use a “storage battery” when you strengthen, the special attack “Thunder Shot” will be added to your weapon.
    -Ah, but it depends on the weapon type. In some cases the special attack won’t be added, so you have to be careful.
    -But for a limited time, I’ll be selling storage batteries for only 200 Boam.
    -Would you like to purchase one?

Rif:
    -I’ll buy it.
    -I won’t buy it.
                               
(Obtained Storage Battery!)

TS's Daughter: Thank you~.


Fishing Bait
(dark-haired kid standing to the right outside of Rif’s house)
Kid: That Superior Paper!
    -Wanna trade my potato dumpling for it?

(Trade?)
    -Yes
    -No

(Obtained Potato Dumpling!)

Kid: Heheh, I definitely won that one.

Accepting the Quests

                               
Find Me My Kitty
(blond woman at the train station)
Cat-Lover: Hey, have you seen a white cat anywhere?
    -Could you help me? Oh, I don’t know what I’ll do without her!


These Newfangled Contraptions
(old man inside the shop)
Old Man: All of these drills nowadays are so needlessly complicated. I need one with a much simpler design.
    -Do you think that you could make me one? I’d be able to handle a Hard Motor-type drill.
    -All you would need to make it is some Cutting Ore.

(Accept request?)
    -Yes
    -No

(Received an order for a weapon!)

Old Man: Ah, good. Here is something that you’ll need.

(Obtained Drill Shapestone!)

Old Man: I shall await your return.


For some reason it’s called an Ignition Apparatus in this game.
(blond woman in the back of the shop, to the right)
Shopkeep: Hey, would you do me a favor and find some Cutting Ore?
     -I need it for one of my customers. I promise I’ll give you something good as compensation. So? What do you say?

Completing the Quests

These Newfangled Contraptions
(after giving the old man a Hard Motor, which is a #03 Drill)

Old Man: Take this as a reward.

(Obtained Water Tank!)

Old Man: Now this is how it should be, nice and simple…


For some reason it’s called an Ignition Apparatus in this game.
Shopkeep: Hey, you have some Cutting Ore.
    -Hey? Please.
    -That, that, please give it to me?

(Hand over the Cutting Ore?)
    -Hand it over  >Ya sure
    -Don't hand it over  >Sucka

Sucka

Shopkeep: Stingy~.

Ya sure

Shopkeep: Here, you can take this.

(Obtained Lighter!)

Shopkeep: Come back again sometime, okay?


Find Me My Kitty
Cat-Lover: Ooh, welcome ba~ack, Snowflake.
    -Oh dear, I’m so sorry. I’m just so happy, it’s like I’m floating inside a dream.
    -Take this as a token of my gratitude.

(Obtained Cherry Bomb!)

Cat-Lover: (to cat) Now, promise me you’ll never go anywhere so dangerous ever again, okay~?

Day Two, Part Two

(Side Conversation)
Rif: Come on! Chin up, we’ve got a lot of training to do!
    -Hey, Killfith, maybe it’s just me, but it seems like your mood got a lot worse.

Killfith: Tch! How can I be in a good mood when that woman is selling Murno off as a maid? Who could rely on a woman like that!

Rif: You know… to be honest, I really don’t get it all that much, but I was wondering…
    -What is a ‘maid?’ Is it something cool?

Killfith: … Yet another person that can’t be relied on.
(End)

//Rif’s confusion makes a bit more sense in Japanese, where they're actually using the English word for maid (メイド) rather than a Japanese word. But it’s still a bit of a "…seriously?" moment.//

(Rif steps out of the house)

???: Wahh!

Rif: This seems familiar…

Killfith: Make sure you didn’t drop your hammer this time.

Zakk: Tha—that won’t a problem!

Rif: What are you doing around here today?

Zakk: I was training in Manig Mine! I want to be just as strong as Lemmy as soon as possible!

Rif: Didn’t he lose to us?

Zakk: You only won that time because he wasn’t feeling well!
    -Anyway, his fever’s gone down, so you’ll definitely lose next time!

Rif: (smirking) Is that right? If we get another match…
    -… Oh, who cares. I’m just glad to hear that the medicine worked.

Zakk: Well, I was only able to pull it off thanks to your he—
    -I mean, that’s not what I meant!

Rif: Of course.

Zakk: Anyway, now that he’s healthy again, he’s gone to beat up this amazing Stray.

Rif: An ‘amazing’ Stray? What do you mean?

Zakk: While I was headed towards the town, this enormous monster appeared in the road. So, Lemmy went to help take it down.

Rif: If he’s going, maybe we should also…

Zakk: Don’t even try. You two wouldn’t stand a chance.

Rif: Watch it! You don’t know that for sure.

Zakk: The proof is that you weren’t called as back-up. You should just go back home and train.
     -And anyway, the Gate Watcher is keeping an eye on the path to town, and he’s not going to step aside just because you ask nicely. It’s too dangerous.

Rif: Hm…
    -I’m going to try to get there anyway!  >Hero to the Rescue
    -I guess there’s nothing we can do. We should give up.  >Disheartened

Disheartened

Rif: I guess we should go train…

Killfith: Tell me that was a joke.

Rif: Killfith…?

Killfith: Did you lose your brain somewhere? You think I’m on equal ground with this kid? I won’t lose to some half-cocked Stray, no matter what the circumstances are.

Zakk: What did you say?

Rif: I got you, Killfith. And since you’ve said all that, I guess we have no choice but to go!

Zakk: You say that, but the gateway is blocked off. The only way to get through would be to go through the Gate Watcher.  >Hero to the Rescue

Hero to the Rescue

Rif: The way will open up for anybody with the willpower to do it. So we’ll go and take down that Stray!

Zakk: I wonder how long you can keep that up before you’re knocked down. Anyway, see ya.

(Zakk leaves)

Rif: In any case, let’s go see if we really can’t take the path to town.

(Side Conversation)
Rif: Okay! Let’s get onto the path to town so we can kick some Stray butt!

Killfith: …

Rif: But we have to be careful, because we don’t know what might appear as we continue down the path leading to town!

Killfith: Don’t shout so close to my ear! I can hear you, already…
(End)

Gate Watcher: Up ahead a Stray Summon appeared in the path. It’s dangerous, so until we can exterminate it, no one is allowed passage.

Rif: I’m here to help exterminate the Stray.

Gate Watcher: What are you talking about? Now’s not the time for jokes.

Rif: But—!

Gate Watcher: Look here, maybe after you’ve trained some more, you can help out.

Rif: Hey, now…

Killfith: We might be able to take care of this little obstruction. What do you think?

Rif: Maybe we really should train a little more.

(Side Conversation)
Rif: If we really can’t do anything out there, maybe we should just go off and train?

Killfith: I still say we should just get rid of the Gate Watcher.

Rif: We can’t do that!
(End)

(As Rif heads along the path to the left of the shop, she stops suddenly.)

Killfith: Why did you stop?

Rif: It just hit me! If I remember this right, then just up ahead, in Deikel Mine, there’s a road that goes around the main gate!

Killfith: If you remember… So what you’re really saying is, it may well be a fool’s errand.

Rif: Oh come on! We might as well give it a try.

Day Two, Part One

Rif: All righty, first thing for today…

Killfith: Have you already met with her this morning?

Rif: Met with… um, who exactly?

Killfith: You know… her.

Rif: Ahh, you mean Murno! Sorry about that. Of course she’s on your mind.

Killfith: You id…! Who’s on whose mind? If you keep harassing me with that—

Rif: Heehee… anyway, do you want to go see how Murno’s doing?

Killfith: What the… I’m telling you, you’re the only one who was thinking about her.

Rif: Whatever you say. Let’s just go make sure her fever’s completely gone, okay?

Killfith: Hmph. If it’ll make you stop bugging me.

(Side Conversation)
Rif: Let’s check up on Murno!

Killfith: If you want to go that badly, I suppose I can’t stop you.

Rif: Okay, but I don’t see what the difference is.
(End)

(Outside the workshop)

V.E: Hey, Murno, are you ready to go yet?

Rif: (?)
    -Master, are you going out?

V.E: Yeah, we’re headed off to visit Chief. Murno hasn’t introduced herself to him yet.

Killfith: You mean because she was sick before?

V.E: Bingo! But she’s completely recovered now with the help of the medicine you two got.

Rif: Heehee.

V.E: Hold on a bit. She’s about to come down in a new change of clothes.

Rif: New clothes? What for?

V.E: She is going to meet with Chief. Her outfit before made her look too suspicious—I couldn’t present her to Chief looking like that.
    -So I lent her some hand-me-downs to help brighten up her appearance.

Killfith: You gave her some of your hand-me-downs, woman?

V.E: Call. Me. Master. How many times do I have to say it before it gets through?

Murno: Um… Miss V.E…

V.E: Are you ready yet? Let’s see how you clean up.

(Murno comes down in a new outfit, looking a little embarrassed)

Murno: …

V.E: How do you like it? It looks cute.

Murno: Um… it’s a lot cuter than what I had before, but… it doesn’t look strange on me?

Killfith: (blushing) Um…

V.E: Ooh, good answer, Killfith. Even better than I hoped for. How about you, Rif?

Rif:
    -It’s nowhere near strange!  >So Cute!
    -…  >Pause

So Cute!

Rif: It suits you! Very much so!

Murno: Thank you.

V.E: Seems we have a unanimous vote.

Murno: Miss V.E…  >Stories

Pause

Rif: …

V.E: Do you have something to say? Or has she robbed you of speech, too?

Rif: If you had such cute outfits, how come you never lent me one?

V.E: Well… it’s not like there was ever an opportunity or anything…
    -Anyway, it’s like… you don’t exactly have the figure to pull it off, you know…

Rif: So you can pull it of, then?!

V.E: Quit being so rude!
    -(runs up and smacks Rif over the head)

Rif: Owwwie… that was uncalled for.  >Stories

Stories

V.E: Now, before we head off, let’s get our stories straight.

Rif: What do you mean?

V.E: When you introduced Killfith to Chief yesterday, did you say anything about why we’re giving this girl shelter? Is there anything we shouldn’t say?

Rif: Oh, that.

Murno: Excuse me…

V.E: Although a Craftknight having ambition isn’t really a problem, you probably wouldn’t want to let show that very much, huh…

Murno: Excuse me…

Rif: How about we say she’s your relative? Maybe your cousin or something.

V.E: Except for the fact I’m a Summon Creature!

Rif: Oh yeah, good point.

Murno: Excuse me…

V.E: One thing at a time! And quit saying “excuse me!”

Murno: Excu—I mean… yes, ma’am.

Killfith: Hey, watch how you speak to her.

Murno: It’s all right, Killfith.

Killfith: …

V.E: If we can get back to the matter at hand, even just trying to pass her off as a relative of Rif’s isn’t a very clever plan.

Killfith: So if it isn’t clever, we can’t use it?

V.E: Fine, then. We’ll use the setting I thought up.

Killfith: Tell me you’re joking.

Rif: Is that what you call it? A setting?

V.E: Then, Miss Murno, are you ready to start?

Murno: …
    -I am.

Rif: Why the sudden change in atmosphere?

Murno: Before I came here, I had been working as a maid in a mansion owned by a wealthy family.
     -Because the Lady of the house was so strict, my job was sometimes nerve-wracking, but it had been doable.
     -The Landlord, on the other hand, was a very gentle man. He’s the one who gave me a job and let me live under his roof.

Rif: I see.

Murno: But… as the Landlord and I became close friends, living together in the same house…
    -We ended up falling in love.

Killfith: (stares) …

Murno: However, that love was never meant to last. Once the Lady realized how we felt about one another, she drove me out of the mansion.
   -After all the time that had passed, I couldn’t return to my parents’ home, so I wandered aimlessly through the forest until, after a long, hard struggle, I found this village.
    -I came across the wounded Miss V.E by chance, and she was kind enough to hire me as an assistant.

Rif: …
    -Um, excuse me…

V.E: No, I can’t allow any questions! Not after such a tale of the prohibition of love!
     -If you force her to speak again so soon after she’s already spoken in such length, you’ll only wound her heart.
    -So you can’t!

Rif: Yeah, I guess…

V.E: So, Rif, what do you think of entitling this “The Prohibition of Love Strategy?”

Rif: You ask that but… you’ve already got your mind set on it, don’t you?

(V.E chibifies)

V.E♡: Oh, the prohibition of love… It’s just like how Rob and I were…
     -A perilous relationship that burns so sweet and bright, it is impossible to explain to another person…

Rif: Yeah, well…

V.E: It’s the perfect scenario. All of America would weep to hear it!

Rif: Ameri what now?

V.E: Just leave it to me!
     -Let’s get going, Murno. This kid worries about you way too much. She won’t be able to get any training done as long as we hang out here.

Rif: Hey!

V.E: Well, study hard.

(V.E and Murno depart)

Killfith: …

Rif: Yeah… will it really be all right, I wonder?