Krista: Trevor! Just the man I wanted to see.
Trevor: Is there something I could assist you with, Your Highness?
Krista: Yup! I got a huge favor to ask. It's something that's been on my mind for literal years.
Trevor: Intriguing! Whatever could it be?
Krista: Could you teach me how to do magic?
Trevor: I... suppose? It is not that simple, however. Do you have any innate magical potential to begin with?
Krista: See, that's the thing. My mother was a priestess from Foliaga. So you'd think that would mean I could do
magic myself.
Trevor: I am guessing that is not the case?
Krista: Not even close! I can handle enchanted swords just fine, but that's as far as I can go. But...
Trevor: But?
Krista: I wanna test a theory. I'm thinking maybe I'm just a late bloomer. And here's where you come in with this
little experiment.
Trevor: I will guide you through the basics of magic and see if something happens?
Krista: Exactly! So, you in?
Trevor: I don't see why not. This could prove to be an enlightening experience.
Krista: Great! Just lemme know when you're free then we can get this rolling.
Krista: Alright, you ready?
Trevor: I believe so. I was thinking we should start with a simple fire spell. Fire is the easiest element to
control as well as the easiest to monitor.
Krista: Got it! So, just gotta read from a tome and do the thing?
Trevor: Oh, if only it were that simple. Remember what I said about innate magic ability? That applies here.
A tome does nothing if there is no energy to work with. Think of tomes as amplifiers of one's inner magic.
Krista: An amplifier, huh...?
Trevor: Yes, Your Highness?
Krista: Ah, nothing. It's just that you reminded me of something an old friend of mine told me a long time ago.
She said something similar to that when explaining magic to me, if not that exact thing word for word.
Trevor: Oh...? Who was this friend of yours?
Krista: House Valoria's daughter. She was the one who was supposed to teach me magic in the first place.
Y'know, if magic was actually passed down to me.
Trevor: I... see...
Krista: Now that I mention her, I can't for the life of me remember her name. It's been a while since I last saw
her, so that might have something to do with it. I hope she's doing well.
Trevor: I... I'm sure she is, Your Highness.
Krista: You doing okay, Trevor? You got quiet all of a sudden.
Trevor: Worry not. I am quite alright, my lady. Although, I would like to ask something about House Valoria's heir.
If you do not mind, of course.
Krista: Go for it.
Trevor: At the time when she did try tutoring you in magic, what did you think of her?
Krista: What, go a crush on her or something?
Trevor: My lady, please! I feel nothing of the sort!
Krista: Haha! Sorry, just wanted to tease ya. In all seriousness, I really liked her. She was my best friend. I
didn't really have a lot of friends my age growing up besides Prince Ervan. When everyone noticed that magic wasn't a thing for
me, House Valoria stopped sending their daughter to the castle. When mother and father told me she wouldn't be coming anymore, I
couldn't stop crying.
Trevor: Milady...
Krista: It's okay. I got over it eventually.
Trevor: Do you still think of her?
Krista: Yeah, I do. Sometimes I wonder how much things would be different if magic came naturally to me. She'd
probably be at my side along with Forrest and everyone else.
Trevor: ...
Krista: Something on your mind, Trevor?
Trevor: Ah, no. At any rate, shall we continue with the lesson?
Krista: Yeah! So, fire, huh?
Trevor: Yes. Here is how we shall do this...
Krista: Man, still nothing...
Trevor: Perhaps we should try something else? Like you said, you may just need some time. Let's try again
tomorrow-
Krista: Trevor, it's okay. I think we should stop here.
Trevor: Your Highness?
Krista: I probably wasn't born with magical abilities. Thanks for trying this with me, Trevor. But I don't think
we'll be going anywhere.
Trevor: ...
Krista: H-Hey, no need to look so down! It's not a big deal-
Trevor: Milady... No. Krista. I apologize. I have failed you years ago, and I have failed you now.
Krista: Huh? What are you talking about?
Trevor: All my life, I could not meet anyone's expectations. My family turned their backs on me. My duty as the
Valoria scion was unfulfilled. Then fate chose to bring me back to you.
Krista: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Slow down there! Trevor, you can't be suggesting... Th-There's no way...
Trevor: It is as you suspect.
Krista: All this time... YOU were House Valoria's daughter?!
Trevor: I stripped myself of that identity the moment I left home six months ago. I thought I was done with the
past. And yet, it has come back to haunt me. For a moment, I had the hope things would turn out differently. That I could redeem
myself of at least one failure. I was wrong. So, so wrong.
Krista: Trevor...
Trevor: I am a fool to think anything in my life would turn out right for me! Does Medea just want me to suffer?
To torment me with reminders of my shortcomings? This cursed past of mine... why can I not leave it all behind...? It is all so
agonizing! Oh, Medea, what have I done to deserve this?!
Krista: Trevor, stop that right now!
Trevor: K-Krista?
Krista: Are you hearing yourself? Saying all those things... It's breaking my heart here!
Trevor: But...
Krista: No buts! Trevor, listen to me. You didn't fail me in the slightest. I missed you so much. Like I said
before, I kept thinking about you. And here you are! You're back! It's all I could have ever wanted. The only thing I wish was
that I knew it was you sooner.
Trevor: Krista... I... I am so sorry...
Krista: You don't have to apologize for anything. It isn't your fault things didn't turn out the way people
expected. It's nobody's fault. Sometimes life is unfair like that. Despite all that, you chose to shape your own future. And I
think that's amazing, Trevor. You're not a failure. You never were.
Trevor: Krista... Even after all this time, you choose to be kind to me. I do not deserve this. And yet... I
thank you. If you believe in me, perhaps I can start believing in myself too.
Trevor: Your Highness- I mean, Krista. I... I mean... Erm...
Krista: You don't gotta be formal around me if you don't want to, Trevor. Now that I know who you are, I think it
would be nice if we could talk to each other like we did when we were kids, y'know?
Trevor: Ah, yes. Of course. You have a point.
Krista: So go ahead and loosen up already! You look like you're gonna collapse at any moment.
Trevor: Sorry, I just... Krista, there's something I need to say. Something super important!
Krista: What's up?
Trevor: Krista, I gotta be honest with you. I... I've loved you for as long as I can remember. When my family
introduced me to you, I fell in love at first sight. You were just so pretty and when I actually got to know you, I couldn't help
but fall for you more.
Krista: H-Huh? Trevor, this is really sudden! What brought this on?
Trevor: I did a lot of thinking, and I knew I had to tell you at some point. I knew I couldn't back then. Nothing
would've ever happened between us. You were to be engaged to a Fuegan noble. That's how things were supposed to go. And even then,
I was a girl. You had to produce an heir down the line.
Krista: Trevor...
Trevor: Even now, I think that what I'm about to do is stupid.
Trevor: But I have to try! If I don't, I'll never live it down.
Krista: "What you're about to- Trevor, is that a ring?!
Trevor: Krista, I... I can't see myself as a failure any longer. This is the final thing I have failed to do:
tell you how I truly felt about you. Accepting me, rejecting me... It doesn't matter to me anymore! Even being by your side merely
as your retainer will be enough, if it comes to that.
Krista: Trevor, stop right there.
Trevor: K-Krista?
Krista: That is no way to do a proper marriage proposal. Don't set yourself up for a rejection like that! Keep
your head high and propose to me like you really mean it, lover boy!
Trevor: You know what? You're right! Ahem! Krista, I've loved you for the longest time. I've forged my own path
in this life, and I'd be overjoyed if you chose to walk this path alongside me. So then... will you marry me, Krista?
Krista: Now THAT'S what I call a proposal.
Trevor: Um, does that mean "yes", or...?
Krista: It sure does!
Forrest So, Trevor, how have you been lately? Not too stressed from your first time on the battlefield, I hope.
Trevor: Why, I have been doing quite well, thank you. Fighting alongside you, Her Highness, and everyone else
has been most exhilarating.
Forrest: That's a relief to hear. Most people can't handle being in the heat of battle. I know when I was still a
squire, just the thought of hurting someone else made me uneasy.
Trevor: Is that so? That is difficult to believe, in my opinion. Why, look at you now! You have been protecting
Her Highness from ruffians left and right like a true knight should.
Forrest: Most of those rescue missions were unnecessary, but yes. I have gotten used to upholding my duties as
Princess Krista's knight.
Trevor: Just how do you do it, Forrest? I am sure this change of heart did not happen overnight.
Forrest: No, it didn't. It felt like it did, though. I had to do a lot of self-reflection after Princess Krista
was first kidnapped by bandits years ago.
Trevor: Years ago?
Forrest: Yes. This was back when Sam was still with us. And unlike the many times after this one, this
kidnapping was not deliberate on Krista's part.
Trevor: That must have been a traumatic experience. At least one would assume so. And if that were the case, why
would Her Highness keep letting herself-
Forrest: Don't ask questions you're not prepared to hear the answer to, Trevor.
Trevor: Understood. ... I think. Regardless, please continue, Forrest.
Forrest: We were young when it happened. I would have been around your age, in fact. The princess was not in any
danger before that point, so it never occurred to me that I would have to raise my sword to serve her. Not until that day.
Trevor: Forrest...
Forrest: Trevor, while I am glad you can hold your own, do not forget your duties as Princess Krista's retainer.
You have to be there to protect her no matter what. That is your number one priority.
Trevor: No matter what...
Forrest Trevor, just what were you doing out there during the last battle?! If I weren't close by, Her Highness
would have-
Trevor: Do you think I don't know that?! By Medea, Forrest, when there's that many enemies surrounding us,
there's only so much I can do. Some of us aren't as brawny as you are.
Forrest: That is no excuse. Remember what I said before? Protecting Princess Krista is your top priority.
Trevor: Are you suggesting my own life is not as important as hers?
Forrest: Is that even a question?
Trevor: Do you even comprehend your own words right now, Forrest? It is one thing to serve Her Highness, but to
throw one's own life away so carelessly? That is inconceivable!
Forrest: Then, I'm afraid you will have to reconsider your position as her retainer, Trevor. It's a difficult
concept to grasp, I know. But it is necessary. Princess Krista is Medeas' future queen. Without her, the kingdom will fall.
Trevor: But even so... what if we were gone? Who would be there to protect her?
Forrest: There... There are other knights and mages, Trevor. We... can be replaced if need be.
Trevor: You do not honestly believe that, do you?
Forrest: It does not matter what my personal feelings are. This is just the reality of the situation. I... have
come to accept that a long time ago.
Trevor: ... Are you sure about that?
Forrest: Look. We are done here, Trevor. Just think about what I said. Do not let Her Highness be in peril
again.
Forrest leaves.
Trevor: Despite what you may say, I am not the only one who has to think about this, Forrest.
Trevor: Forrest, are you well? You seemed distracted during the last battle.
Forrest: That is just your imagination, Trevor. I'm perfectly fine.
Trevor: I am not so sure about that. You were so focused on your own actions, you paid no attention to anything
else around you.
Forrest: Is that so...
Trevor: Seeing you waver like this is unusual, and quite frankly, it worries me. I wish to help you if something
is troubling you, Forrest. You are my friend, after all.
Forrest: ... I was thinking about our discussion from some time ago. I know I said we could be replaced, but...
I wish to remain at Her Highness' side for as long as I can. The fear of losing her overwhelmed me, I suppose.
Trevor: So, there IS a human heart beneath all that armor.
Forrest: Oh, please. This may sound selfish of me, but I do not wish to entrust her life to someone else's hands.
To tell you the truth, when Her Highness brought in Felicity, then Kai, then you... I had my doubts about you all. But you proved
your worth eventually.
Trevor: I am not sure if I should be elated or offended.
Forrest: I apologize. I'm not very good at this.
Trevor: Do not fret. I know you meant well. I admire your honesty even if you can be blunt about it at times.
Forrest: My honesty, hm...? Forrest: May I confess something to you? I actually haven't said the
whole truth.
Trevor: Oh?
Forrest: I may be upholding my duties as Princess Krista's knight, but ultimately, I... I love her, Trevor.
Trevor: I... see...
Forrest: That's why I can't let her go to anyone else.
Trevor: I can understand the sentiment, Forrest. I also...
Forrest: Hm?
Trevor: Ah, nothing. Pay me no mind. At any rate, let us continue to do good work together.
Forrest: Of course.
Kai: Trevor, there you are. Mind if I ask you about something?
Trevor: Kai, my brother in arms, you may ask me anything your heart desires.
Kai: Great. Just to confirm, Princess Krista hired you around six months ago?
Trevor: Why, yes! Only two months after your employment, if memory serves.
Kai: I see. With that in mind, your prowess with magic piqued my interest.
Trevor: You flatter me so, Kai! But, I have a feeling that this is where the praise ends.
Kai: And you'd be right. You see, I've heard rumors that House Valoria's only child has gone missing. And has
been missing for around six months.
Trevor: I see. Go on.
Kai: Being a magic prodigy yourself, I'm sure you'd know about the most powerful mage family in Medeas, wouldn't
you?
Trevor: Well... of course! Now, Kai, excuse me for being presumptuous, but I am not the missing Valoria heir of
which you speak. For the Valoria family only had a daughter, not a son. It would be impossible for it to be me.
Kai: Huh. Well, that's news to me. Sorry about the assumptions, Trevor. I guess I'll have to go back to the
drawing board for this one.
Trevor: It is quite alright, my friend. I would love to chat more, but I must get to my studies. Do not get too
caught up in the rumor mill, now.
Trevor leaves.
Kai: Well, that trail has gone cold. Hm... Why do I have this nagging feeling that there's more to this story?
Man: Here's that sketch you wanted, sir. Is that all you needed?
Kai: Yes, thank you. And here's your payment. Thank you again for your assistance.
Scene transitions to outside of town.
Kai: Now, let's see here... That's what the young Valoria heir looks like, hm? Her face... Heh, if I didn't know
any better, I'd say she looks just like-
Trevor: Ah, Kai, my brother in arms! Fancy seeing you here.
Kai: Trevor? What are you- !!
Trevor: Is something the matter, Kai? You look like you've seen a ghost.
Kai: It's... It's nothing. Ahem. As I was saying, what are you doing in town?
Trevor: Why, I am out doing errands for Princess Krista. Would you care to join me?
Kai: Actually, I'm busy with my own stuff. Maybe some other time?
Trevor: So it shall be. I will not keep you any longer. So long!
Trevor leaves.
Kai: ... Could Trevor actually be...? No, I must be going crazy. There's no way...
Scene transitions back in town.
Trevor: Kai was acting quite strangely just now. Has he figured it out, I wonder...? No, of course not. Just
keep doing what you're doing, Trevor. You have kept suspicions off yourself for this long, after all.
Kai: With all this evidence, I am now almost one-hundred percent sure about my theory. All I need to do now is
confront Trevor about it.
Kai knocks on Trevor's bedroom door.
Kai: G'morning, Trevor. It's Kai. Can we talk?
Trevor, from inside his room: A-Ah, yes! One... One moment, please!
Kai: Sorry, did I catch you at a bad time?
Trevor: Nah, everything's a-okay! I-I mean, just... uh... Gimme a sec, alright??
Kai, thinking: ... Did he just say "a-okay"? Yeah, something's not right here.
Kai: Y'know, this can wait 'til later-
Trevor: Nah, nah, it's cool! I'll be out in a jiff!
Kai: Did you just say "in a ji-
Trevor enters the scene.
Trevor: Hi. Hello. Yes. Ahem. Kai, my brother in arms, how are you on this fine morning? Quite breezy today,
isn't it?
Kai: ...
Trevor: Is something wrong?
Kai: ... You're not wearing any pants.
Trevor: ...
Trevor leaves.
Trevor: i'll be right back-
Kai: *sigh* By Merin, this was NOT how I wanted to confirm my suspicions.
Kai knocks on Trevor's bedroom door again.
Kai: Trevor, after you get some pants on, can we talk? We can do it in your quarters, if you prefer.
Trevor: ... Alright.
Scene transitions to inside Trevor's room.
Trevor: please don't tell anyone
Kai: Relax, I won't. The thought didn't even cross my mind.
Trevor: Then, why bother looking into this in the first place?
Kai: Just wanted to satisfy my own curiosity. You know how it is.
Trevor: For once, I wish that wasn't the case. There was a reason why I didn't want this coming out, you know.
Kai: Trevor, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to invade on something so private. I didn't realize it WAS a
private matter for you.
Trevor: ...
Kai: Do you mind if I ask you one last thing?
Trevor: I refuse to feed your curiosity any longer.
Kai: Trevor, please. I really am sorry that I hurt you. I had no idea this was a sensitive topic for you.
Please understand that. You're my friend, and I would never intentionally cause you grief.
Trevor: ... What did you wish to ask me?
Kai: Why all of this hiding? Were things in House Valoria not to your liking?
Trevor: Ha! "Hiding"? Kai, my friend, this is the most unconcealed I have been in my entire life. "Heir to House
Valoria" was the disguise. Not "Trevor". "Trevor, loyal retainer to Princess Krista" has been my true self all along, even if it
took me a long time to realize it.
Kai: Hmm...
Trevor: Wh-What?
Kai: If that's how it is, then that's how it is. You're Trevor. Always have been, always will.
Trevor: Kai...
Kai: I never actually knew you in your previous life, so I got nothing to compare to anyway. I can imagine that
it was tough for you back then, though. Having to pretend to be someone else and all.
Trevor: Yes, it was a miserable existence. But when Her Highness found me half a year ago... When she accepted
me for who I was... That was the happiest moment in my life. I'll never forget that.
Kai: You're definitely doing well now. I can tell. And I prefer a happy Trevor over a sad one any day.
Trevor: Haha... Thank you. That means a lot.
Kai: Of course. You're my friend. And my brother in arms.
Trevor: As are you, Kai. As are you.
Trevor: Ah Sam, my lusty axe fighter! How did you come into possession of a Wind tome? And what were you doing with it exactly? You seem to have no magical potential to speak of.
Sam: I took it from a bandit's corpse.
Trevor: Ah yes, of course. But why keep it at your cabin? Why not sell it?
Sam: I found that if I kept it open, it kept the cabin cool during the summer. Quite the breeze too.
Trevor: I beg your pardon? You kept it to cool off your house?
Sam: Sure did. The old place gets hot in the summer. Oh, there was a Fire tome too.
Trevor: Please don't say you used that to keep the cabin warm in the winter.
Sam: Nope, I used it to cook with!
Trevor: What?? What did you do? Tear it up and use its pages as ignition fuel?
Sam: No man, that's crazy. Only someone inept at starting a campfire does that. I found that if I struck a piece of wood across the book, it would catch on fire and then the rest is easy.
Trevor: That is even worse. Thank you, my boisterous friend. This conversation has been enlightening, but I need to take a reprieve.
Trevor leaves.
Sam: How can someone talk so much but say so little? And why was he so upset at such simple practical uses of something otherwise useless?
Trevor: Anil, my friend! Could you spare me a moment of your time?
Anil: ?
Trevor: I shall take that as a "yes"!
Anil: *rolls eyes*
Trevor: You see, Her Highness assigned me to inform everyone of their duties in the upcoming days, and I would
like to inform you-
Anil approaches Trevor.
Anil: *places hand over Trevor's mouth*
Trevor: Mm?!
Anil: ...
Trevor: Mph mm-mph mmm-mn??
Anil: *takes out a sheet of parchment and writes on it*
Trevor: Hm? What did you write? Let me take a look... "You talk too much. Goodbye."?
Anil: *nods*
Anil leaves.
Trevor: Wait! Anil!
Trevor runs off-screen.
Trevor: You were assigned to do kitchen duty this week! Come back!!
Trevor: Anil, my friend, I have something I wish to ask of you.
Anil: ...
Trevor: I promise I will be quick about it.
Anil: ...
Anil begins to walk away.
Trevor: Wait! Please! Stop!! Please hear me out, I beg of you! If you do not wish to fulfill my request, I
promise you will not have to speak to me ever again.
Anil: *points to mouth and shakes head*
Trevor: Yes, yes, I know you cannot speak! Please take this seriously! As I alluded to before, this is my
request: Could you please teach me sign language?
Anil: ! ... ?
Trevor: I assume you are wondering why I would ask this of you?
Anil: *nods*
Trevor: Well, the other day, you informed me that I spoke too much. So, I thought that if I learned how to sign,
you would not have to hear me speak as often as before. Does this sound satisfactory to you?
Anil: ... *nods*
Trevor: Excellent! Thank you so much, Anil. I promise I will listen to your teachings to the best of my
ability!
Anil: *points to mouth*
Trevor: Yes, yes, I know!!
Trevor: [Friend Anil! Good today you?]
Anil: [Good try. It's more like: "My friend, Anil. How are you today?"]
Trevor: I see! Hold on, let me try again. [My friend... Anil. How... are you... today??]
Anil: *nods* [Good job. You're a quick learner, Trevor.]
Trevor: [Thank you. You good teach.]
Anil: [Haha, almost got it. But I still understood what you meant. Oh, I've got a fun one to teach you. Look.
@%!*]
Trevor: Oh? What does that mean?
Anil: [It's another way you can say "fu-]
Trevor: I will choose to not use that, thank you very much!!
Anil: [Why not? It can be useful sometimes.]
Trevor: I fail to see how that can be useful in any situation.
Anil: [Okay, okay. Here, I'll teach you an actual useful one. Watch. "I love you."]
Trevor: Anil, I swear if you're tricking me-
Anil: *shakes head* *puts hand over heart*
Trevor: Hmmm. I assume that meant "I love you"?
Anil: *nods*
Trevor: Allow me to try. [I... love... you.]
Anil: [Good job. Go ahead and try again.]
Trevor: [I love you.]
Anil: [I love you too, Trevor.]
Trevor: Gah! Anil, please!!
Anil: [Sorry, Trevor. You're just easy to tease.]
Trevor: *sigh* Still, I appreciate you doing this for me, Anil. These lessons have been of the utmost help.
Anil: [Good. I'm glad I could help.]
Trevor: Anil!
Anil: [Trevor? What is it?]
Trevor: I have an urgent matter I wish to discuss with you.
Anil: [Am I on kitchen duty again?]
Trevor: I- Well, yes, you are, actually. But that is not the point! There are more urgent matters at hand.
Anil: [More important than kitchen duty?]
Trevor: Anil, please take this seriously. I am trying to tell you something important.
Anil: [Sorry, just poking fun at you. Go ahead, Trevor. I'm listening.]
Trevor: You see, I have perused the Medean Castle library some time ago and taught myself more sign language on
my own.
Anil: [Oh, really? Let me see how much you've learned, then.]
Trevor: I apologize if I get something wrong, but here we go. [Anil, I... believe you are... smart... and
patient... and a good... friend. I admire you... a lot. And that... is why I... will give you this.]
Anil: !!! [You're proposing to me?]
Trevor: *nods* [I want to... spend the rest... of my life... with you. Will you... take my hand... in
marriage?]
Anil: *nod* *nod* *nod* [I love you. I love you. I love you!]
Trevor: [I love you too, Anil. I love you too so so much.]
Trevor: Azure, I must say, you are the most beautiful man I have ever laid my eyes upon.
Azure: Is this an attempt at courtship, Trevor? If so, I applaud your boldness, but your technique needs work.
Trevor: No! I mean, not that I would not consider the possibility- Th-That is to say... ... May I reattempt
initiating the conversation?
Azure: If you so wish.
Trevor: Thank you. As I was trying to say... Your beauty has a certain feminine quality to it, and yet you're
still a man.
Azure: Yes? And?
Trevor: I wish to be as confident in my own masculinity as you are. How do you do it, Azure? Please teach me
your ways!
Azure: Is that all? You should have just started with that. And there's nothing to it, really. I was born a
man, and that's just how I am.
Trevor: I... I see. Thank you for your wisdom, Azure. At any rate, that was all I wished to speak with you
about. I shall take my leave now.
Trevor leaves.
Azure: He didn't seem satisfied with that. But what else could I have said? I only spoke the truth. I wonder
what sort of answer he's looking for...
Trevor: Ah, Miss Xiang! May I have a moment of your time?
Xiang: Yes?
Trevor: You seem quite adept at using dark magic-
Xiang: Elder magic.
Trevor: Er, pardon?
Xiang: The proper term is "elder magic".
Trevor: Now this is exactly why I am in need of your assistance! You see, I wish to delve deeper into understanding the inner workings of various types of magic. Under normal circumstances, I would ask Felicity to help in this endeavor. However, she seems more interested in being an overall nuisance rather than a fellow arcane scholar.
Xiang: So then...?
Trevor: Miss Xiang, could you please teach me everything you know about da- I mean, elder magic? In return, I could teach you anything you may desire about anima magic.
Xiang: Nature magic.
Trevor: Wha- Oh! Fascinating. It seems I have much to learn!