Ranzal

Ranzal: Phew! We've walked enough for one day.
Ranzal: Bit early to be turnin' in, but we can at least find a warm bed and a meal in the village tonight.
Ranzal: Heh. This place sure brings back memories.
Villager A: Hmm, can it be? ...It is!
Villager A: Everyone, Ranzal's back!
Villager B: Welcome back, Ranzal!
Ranzal: Well, lookie here! You guys seem hale and hearty.
Ranzal: You were just a kid when I saw ya last. ...And Gramps! Glad yer still on the right side of the ground.
Elisanne: Er, what's going on here?
Euden: You've been here before, Ranzal?
Villager B: Ranzal is the savior of our village, he is!
Euden: Truly?
Villager B: A few winters past, fiends settled nearby and began attacking our village.
Villager B: We petitioned our lord to send aid, but we're just a village in the middle of nowhere, so...
Ranzal: So us mercenaries stepped in!
Villager B: The reward was but a modest one, but Ranzal still took the job and put those fell beasts to the sword.
Ranzal: Yeah, but you guys gave me more'n enough grub to make it worth my while.
Villager B: If our previous meager offerings pleased you, Ranzal, you're welcome to that and more tonight!
Villager B: Please, you must make yourselves at home! You and all your friends are honored guests tonight!
Ranzal: Don't mind if I do!
Ranzal: Look happy, Euden! Chow's on me tonight!
Euden: So this is what you were doing all these years, Ranzal?
Euden: I'd pictured mercenaries as living on the battlefield, always stuck in the middle of some war or another.
Ranzal: Yeah, most folks think that. But wars ain't ragin' all the time.
Ranzal: Fiends, though? They're ALWAYS around.
Ranzal: So when a merc like me needs to put food on the table, hunting a big, ugly fiend's the next best thing.
Elisanne: How shameful that it must be so. Protecting the people is meant to be the duty of lords and knights.
Elisanne: Why did they do nothing in these people's hour of need?
Ranzal: 'Cause knights ain't cheap.
Ranzal: And what little tax money this village can scrape up don't make it worth the bother.
Euden: But that's...
Ranzal: Don't gimme that look, Euden. I ain't blamin' ya.
Ranzal: Royalty and nobles gotta look at the big picture. I know that.
Ranzal: But that means regular folk end up fallin' through the cracks.
Ranzal: If ya don't like it... Well, you'll just have to become powerful enough to help 'em out.
Euden: ...I see.
Ranzal: Anyway, lords being slow to act ain't new, so don't go worryin' yer pretty head about it.
Ranzal: Besides, when monsters show up, us mercenaries will be there to stick a sword in 'em!
Villager C: Three cheers for Ranzal!
Ranzal: Bwaaa ha ha! How about it, greenhorns? Got a bit more respect for me now?
Elisanne: I'm honestly surprised.
Elisanne: I'd thought mercenaries would just be ruffians selling to the highest bidder, but you have a sense of morality.
Euden: I feel like I've seen a whole new side of you!

Ranzal: A toast to our hope for the future, Prince Euden!
Customer: To His Highness!
Euden: Er, Yes. Thank you, everyone.
Elisanne: THERE you are!
Elisanne: Your Highness, whatever are you doing with Ranzal in a place like...like THIS?
Euden: He, um...said he was going to show me how to have a good time.
Elisanne: ...How to have a good time?
Customer: Thanks for paying for all this, Your Highness!
Customer: You're a swell guy, Your Highness!
Elisanne: Wait. So all of this food was...
Elisanne: Ranzal? We need to talk.
Ranzal: Bwaaa ha ha ha! C'mon Elly! This ain't no big deal.
Elisanne: Your downtime is your business, but we do NOT need you being a bad influence on His Highness.
Ranzal: Downtime? This is work!
Euden: Huh? I thought you said this was all about having fun.
Ranzal: *cough* Yeah, well, sometimes work IS fun.
Ranzal: Sittin' around the table with pals like this is how ya pick up valuable intel about what's goin' on in town.
Euden: I...suppose that makes sense?
Ranzal: It's the same for nobles. I mean, all them fancy shindigs with tiny food are a kind of work, yeah?
Ranzal: Well, what we're doin' is basically the same thing. Right, guys?
Customer: Oh, for sure! Social gatherings are important in all walks of life. You can tell the prince gets that.
Elisanne: I'm not falling for that! This is all clearly a hastily constructed lie!
Elisanne: You're just here to have fun, and you know it!
Ranzal: Damn. Ain't I earned more trust than that?
Ranzal: At least get someone else's opinion before ya call me a liar. Maybe ask that stuffed toy yer always talkin' to.
Elisanne: Ack! Wh-where did you...?
Ranzal: Hey, I ain't judgin'. Everybody needs someone they can talk to about this and that, yeah?
Ranzal: Like, maybe someone who listens to ya talk about love every single nigh——
Elisanne: Enough! I withdraw all objections! Just please stop talking!
Elisanne: ...Wait. How DO you know all this? Has one of you been spying on me?
Customer: Hum de dummm...
Elisanne: You're not singing your way out of this!
Ranzal: See? Ya never know when some piece of overheard info is gonna come in handy.
Ranzal: Now you know how us mercenaries really operate.
Elisanne: Rrrrr...
Ranzal: See, Euden? Gotta make allies and put ears to the ground if ya wanna keep drawin' breath.
Ranzal: That's how it works outside the palace, my friend.
Euden: I see...
Elisanne: You mustn't follow this man's example, Your Highness!

Staff: Thank you very much!
Euden: This has been a fun day. *yawn* But I'm so tired.
Euden: My eyes feel like they're going to close any minute...
Ranzal: Hey now! Save that crap till we get back.
Ranzal: Though I suppose I might'a pushed us a bit hard. We been wanderin' from shop to shop for ages.
Ranzal: Ol' Elly's gonna be madder'n a wet hen when she sees how late we stumble in.
Ranzal: Strolling around downtown like this IS fun though, yeah?
Ranzal: The folks here are a good-natured lot.
Euden: Yes. It actually made me realize how little I know about the people I've been saying I wanted to protect all this time.
Euden: It would have stayed like that if you hadn't brought me here.
Ranzal: World's a big place. Way bigger than a kid like you could understand.
Ranzal: But to a merc like me, it's all just one big backyard.
Euden: Ha ha! Being a mercenary sounds like quite the life.
Euden: It must be fun to have freedom like that.
Ranzal: Ha!
Euden: Hmm? What is it?
Ranzal: Just that you'd never make the cut.
Ranzal: Being a merc ain't easy-and it ain't life for a fancy prince what grew up sleepin' on silken pillows.
Ranzal: Besides, you're gonna become a real man who can protect everyone, yeah?
Euden: I am. *yaaawn*
Ranzal: Damn, you must be even more tired than I thought.
Ranzal: C'mon, lean on my shoulder. I ain't gonna go lookin' if ya end up asleep in some hayloft somewhere.
Euden: Mmm... That's comfy...
Ranzal: See? Ya might be some high-and-mighty prince, but yer definitely a kid at heart.
Ranzal: And yet, you got the future of this whole country restin' on yer scrawny little shoulders...
Ranzal: I couldn't do it. My old man used to say,"If yer unhappy with the world, get into politics and change it."
Ranzal: I had no idea how much of a burden that was. The responsibility nobles have is too much for me.
Ranzal: Still, I bet ya can do what I couldn't.
Euden: Well, that came out of nowhere.
Ranzal: Ah, forget it. We're almost at the castle, and I gotta figure out how to sneak in before Elly busts us.
Ranzal: Here. Stand up straight.
Euden: Thanks, Ranzal. It's good to know that I can depend on you.
Euden: You almost feel like an older brother to me.
Ranzal: Eh, you got plenty of older brothers already, yeah?
Ranzal: Bit greedy tryin' to make me one.
Euden: Yes, that's true. But you're different from any of them.
Euden: You might not be family, but you're someone I can look up to and admire like a brother.
Ranzal: Admire? ME? Bwaaaa ha ha! Now THAT I can get behind!
Ranzal: ...A brother, eh? Well, I'll be damned.

Cleo: Sit there, you two.
Euden: All right.
Ranzal: ......
Elisanne: I hear you were out until the small hours yet again, Your Highness.
Elisanne: Now rumors swirl that this castle's prince is consorting with lowlifes and drunks every night.
Euden: Um...
Ranzal: That's all cause I've been draggin' Euden around. So if yer gonna blame anyone, blame me.
Elisanne: I am ABSOLUTELY blaming you!
Ranzal: Oh. Well...okay then.
Cleo: We can tell you're guilty without even having to ask, Ranzal.
Cleo: You're becoming a VERY bad role model.
Ranzal: Hey, I'm just teachin' him the ways of the world, is all! Sharin' my grizzled wisdom and whatnot.
Elisanne: Your concept of the "ways of the world" is precisely the problem!
Ranzal: Ooooh. I get what's goin' on here. Yer jealous Euden is always spendin' time with me!
Ranzal: Well, ain't that cute.
Elisanne: Wh-what did you just say?
Ranzal: Bet you're up all night worryin' about some saucy barmaid sinkin' her greedy claws into him.
Elisanne: Every time you open your mouth, horrid things emerge!
Ranzal: What's wrong with him having a bit of fun? Everyone should get to enjoy their youth, yeah?
Ranzal: Hell, nobles usually end up gettin' married off for their parents' political gain, anyway.
Ranzal: So who knows what the future has in store for Euden?
Elisanne: Sh-shut up! SHUT UP!
Cleo: *sigh* He knows JUST how to get under her skin.
Euden: Do you think Ranzal was a noble at some point?
Cleo: What gives you that idea?
Euden: He seems strangely knowledgeable about nobles. It definitely means SOMETHING to him.
Cleo: You really think that's possible?
Cleo: Are all human nobles like...that?
Euden: Not all of them, but...
Cleo: Regardless, I don't want any more late nights. If this happens again, Elly won't be the only angry one.
Euden: U-understood...

Euden: *pant* Are they still following us?
Ranzal: Yeah, they got us surrounded. This ain't gonna be an easy one to get out of.
Ranzal: Listen, Euden. I'm gonna act as a decoy and get their attention.
Ranzal: So when I do, you beat outta here, yeah?
Euden: Ranzal, I'm not going to leave you behind to save my own skin!
Ranzal: Don't be an idiot! I'm a mercenary! This ain't my first time havin' to skip out of a battle.
Ranzal: 'Sides, I know plenty of ways to handle fiends like this——you'll just be in the way.
Euden: But...
Ranzal: Ya might laugh at me for this, but I wanna keep being like an older brother to ya.
Ranzal: Which means it's my job to put my life on the line and protect my little bro!
Ranzal: Don't worry about me. Soon as I've shaken 'em, I'll come find ya.
Ranzal: Just head back to the castle and wait!
Euden: Well...all right.
Ranzal: That's my man. ...Right then! Listen up, uglies! I'm the one ya want, so c'mere!
Ranzal: Take a bite or three outta me if ya want, but the prince is off the damn menu!
Euden: Whew! I finally caught up with you.
Ranzal: Euden?!
Ranzal: What're ya doing, idiot? I'm tryin' to save yer life here!
Ranzal: Get to the damn castle already!
Euden: I'm not going anywhere!
Ranzal: WHAT?!
Ranzal: Yer our leader! If somethin' happens to you, it affects all them people back at the castle!
Ranzal: If ya go down here, everything we've done is gonna be for nothin'!
Euden: All right, that's enough!
Euden: I said you were like a brother to me, right? Well, what kind of brother leaves his own to die?!
Ranzal: You're...serious.
Euden: Besides, you're the one who loves pointing out what a greenhorn I am.
Euden: Which means I still have a lot to learn from you.
Ranzal: Dammit! I just wanna be cool in front of my little bro, but ya won't let me!
Ranzal: But I guess yer right——I ain't just a rootless mercenary with nowhere to call home anymore.
Ranzal: If I end up dead in a ditch here, ain't gonna be no one left to look after all you greenhorns.
Ranzal: I can't let that happen!
Euden: No, you can't!
Fiend: Grrrrrr!
Ranzal: Looks like it's time to cut the chatter. These fiends ain't gonna wait.
Ranzal: Now let's show 'em how it's done! Right, bro?
Euden: Right!
Euden: *pant* We did it!
Ranzal: Yeah, but it was a close shave. Thought we were both gonna be monster chow for a second there.
Euden: But we both made it out alive, and that's what matters.
Ranzal: Ha! You might be the most reckless daredevil of a prince there ever was. It ain't easy lookin' after ya!
Ranzal: I couldn't be the person my old man hoped for, but would ya believe it? I found someone worth protectin'.
Ranzal: Honestly, I dunno if I'm cut out for this kinda responsibility...
Euden: What do you mean?
Ranzal: Eh, it's nothin'. But man, I feel great!
Ranzal: Yer the best little bro a guy could ask for, Euden!

Ranzal: Hmph! Hah! Hiyaaaaah! Oh yeah, I'm in perfect form today. My axe feels light as a feather!
Cleo: ......
Ranzal: Well, if it ain't Cleo! Time for lunch already?
Cleo: We need to talk.
Ranzal: Uh oh. Ya got yer serious face on. Did I eat all the ham again?
Cleo: You were appointed as Saint Lotier's lieutenant by your father, yes?
Ranzal: That's my understandin' of it, yeah.
Cleo: And the prince also asked you to be a commander in our forces.
Ranzal: Yep. Normally a serious job like that would get a big fat "no way" from me, but I said I'd do it, so I been trainin' and—
Cleo: Ranzal, listen to me. I know it's important to refine your combat skills, but I think you should focus on something else first.
Ranzal: Uh...like what?
Cleo: Your appearance.
Ranzal: Ya kiddin' me? Look at this bod! I'm hotter than two rats sleepin' in a wool sock!
Cleo: I am referring to your ATTIRE, you cad. If you mean to take these positions, you need clothing suited to your rank.
Ranzal: I dunno. I'm pretty comfy in this getup.
Cleo: And yet there will be occasions where your current mode of dress is not...suitable. If you appeared at an official function dressed like that, for example? You wouldn't just be shaming yourself— you would be shaming your father and Euden as well.
Ranzal: Bluuurgh...
Cleo: Well, I have said my piece. I will let you decide how to proceed.
Ranzal: Well, hell. Probably can't be showin' up in front of a buncha blue-bloods in this. Thing is, I got nothin' else to wear. ...But I know just the guy to talk to! Hey, Malka! I need a favor!
Malka: Let me guess: You want your armor repaired again.
Ranzal: Nope. I actually need some NEW armor.
Malka: Do go on.
Ramona: Well, if it isn't Ranzal!
Ranzal: Heya, Ramona! Didn't see ya there.
Ramona: I just popped by to get input on some materials. Couldn't help overhearing you're looking for new armor?
Ranzal: You know it. I'm movin' up in the world, so I need me some better duds.
Malka: If that's what you are looking for, you have come to the right man. So then! What kind of armor do you seek? I will take any and all requests.
Ranzal: Gimme somethin' sturdy AND flashy! Like a butterfly with nunchucks, yeah? I wanna be covered from head to toe in metal so thick it'll repel anything. But THEN I want ya to use five colors of dragon scales so shiny they blind anybody within, say, a mile radius.
Ramona: This new position of yours must be... quite something.
Ranzal: I just need all them fancy folks to think I know what the hell I'm doin'.
Malka: You FOOL!
Ranzal: Did somebody else just walk in here, or were ya yellin' at me?
Malka: Heed me well, Ranzal... I've repaired enough armor in my day; I know how people fight in it. You, for example, don't use heavy armor. Instead, you wear only a minimum amount of metal to cover particular areas. That allows you to approach enemies quickly and wield your heavy weapon with speed and grace. That's your fighting style, correct?
Ranzal: I knew ya knew about this stuff, but I didn't know ya KNEW knew. ...Ya know?
Ramona: Armor exists to be worn.
Malka: Indeed—and I would shame myself and all craftsman if I made armor that was inappropriate for its wearer. Even if said armor was purely ornamental and used for diplomatic purposes. Yet here you are asking for nonsense like head-to-toe armor and dragon scales. The materials are one thing, but I simply refuse to make anything that will hinder your movement. Would you really turn your back on everything you've stood for until now? Are you going to use your new position as an excuse to laze about in the rearguard and let others fight for you? Because I'd rather die than forge armor for a fighter like that.
Ranzal: You shut yer damn mouth! I ain't some fancy noble what's gonna sit around eatin' fish egg sandwiches or whatever while my men fight'n die!
Ramona: No, that doesn't sound like you.
Ranzal: Yeah, well...sorry 'bout all the yellin'. Ya just got under my skin for a second. I don't blame ya for gettin' angry, Malka. I see where yer comin' from. Anyway, just forget I asked about any of this, yeah?
Malka: Hold on. I haven't finished.
Ranzal: Muh?
Malka: If you AREN'T planning to turn your back on your style, that changes everything. You require armor beautiful enough to fit your new position, but functional enough not to limit your movement. Do I understand that correctly?
Ranzal: Yeah, I s'pose.
Malka: Then I will make you the finest armor I can that fits those requirements. My only condition is that you leave the specifics to me. Are we agreed?
Ranzal: Hell yeah, we're agreed! I ain't much for thinkin' about stuff anyway.
Malka: Then please look forward to the results.
Ranzal: Oh, I'm gonna!
Ramona: Sounds like we have our work cut out for us.
Malka: I take it I can count on you to help with the materials?
Ramona: Of course—but in return, I want a favor.
Malka: Go on.

Ranzal: Hey! Is my armor really done?!
Malka: It certainly is. Take a look.
Ranzal: This is even better than I thought! Can I try it on?
Malka: Of course. Let me help you into it. Hmm... Looks like the size is just right.
Gala Ranzal: Yeah, it don't feel tight at all.
Ramona: Heh. I see you found it already.
Gala Ranzal: Whatcha think, Ramona? Lookin' good?
Ramona: It's not as flashy as your first request, but I think it really suits you.
Gala Ranzal: Hey, I said I was sorry about that whole "blindin' dragon scale" thing.
Ramona: And I am only teasing you. Anyway, why don't you take this to go with it?
Gala Ranzal: ...Wait. A sword?
Ramona: Think of it as a congratulations gift from me for your new position. Don't worry—it is simple and elegant, and will fit your style of combat to a T.
Gala Ranzal: Huh... Feels like it's almost an extension of my arm.
Ramona: I'm glad you like it.
Malka: She helped me with all the materials needed to craft your armor. But she also proposed making that sword, which I helped her craft.
Gala Ranzal: Man, I really owe ya both.
Ramona: Oh, but we weren't the only ones who aided in your request.
Gala Ranzal: Ya weren't?
Ramona: My sisters helped to forge the sword.
Malka: Also, your armor is based on a design from Alberia's founding. Nicolas and Althemia dug up the information on that front. Oh, and Francesca tracked down a rare metal used to fortify the armor.
Gala Ranzal: I never would'a guessed...
Ramona: Just about everyone in the castle said they wanted to help.
Malka: Even Euden chipped in.
Gala Ranzal: Well, I'll be damned...
Ramona: That's how much everyone here trusts you.
Malka: So you had better live up to those lofty expectations, sir.
Gala Ranzal: Ya know I will! Ya put yer hearts into makin' this stuff, and I'm gonna use it to open up a great future for New Alberia!

Gala Ranzal: Raaaagh!
Luca: The heck is up with these guys?! Why do they keep targeting you?!
Gala Ranzal: Maybe my new armor just stands out!
Luca: This is no time for jokes, idiot! You're surrounded!
Gala Ranzal: Don't worry—my armor can handle it! Their attacks ain't even gonna scratch it! Have some'a this, chumps! ...See? Piece'a cake.
Luca: Crap, Ranzal. I can't believe how many of 'em you just took out.
Gala Ranzal: With this new sword and armor, they didn't stand a chance!
Luca: Is it just me, or are you moving faster than you did before? Is that armor lighter or something?
Gala Ranzal: If anything, it's a bit heavier.
Luca: Then why are you faster now?
Gala Ranzal: Partially because this was specially crafted for me, I think. But also because of muscle power!
Luca: ...Come again?
Gala Ranzal: When armor's heavy, ya gotta bulk up so ya don't get all sluggish, yeah?
Luca: I totally do not follow you.
Gala Ranzal: Well, I AM faster, right? So my muscles musta leveled-up! And I'm gonna keep trainin' until they're the most muscly muscles they can be!
Luca: Look, I know you've got new armor and all, but don't you think you're getting a bit TOO gung-ho here?
Gala Ranzal: Nah, this is how it should be. I'm gonna be reborn!
Luca: Re...born?
Gala Ranzal: Before we met, I lived as a mercenary. I did whatever it took to win. I'm too ashamed to even talk about some'a the stuff what I done.
Luca: Yeah, but isn't that just what a mercenary has to do?
Gala Ranzal: Sure—but that kind of underhanded strength is somethin' I wanna get away from in my new life. There's only one way to get real strength, and that's to train like a madman. It's like bein' on a hill. If ya wanna reach the top, ya just gotta keep walkin'. So that's what I'm gonna do. And someday, I'll be reborn with good, honest strength that fits my new role in the world.
Luca: That's really cool, man. You sound like a real leader! I always used to see you as my dumb pal, but now it's like you're...shining.
Gala Ranzal: Nothin' shines brighter than a guy workin' to better himself.
Luca: I wanna be just like you! How can I be the next Ranzal?
Gala Ranzal: Train well, eat well, and sleep well. Those're the big three.
Luca: I'm gonna get on that right away! ...Speaking of, I'm kinda hungry.
Gala Ranzal: No surprise; we worked hard today. Let's get back to the castle, yeah? I bet Cleo's got grub waitin' for us.
Luca: I think the eating is going to be my favorite part of your big three. We're baaaack!
Gala Ranzal: Two hungry guys, comin' through!
Cleo: I'm sorry, but the food isn't ready.
Gala Ranzal: Nooooo!
Cleo: Yes, I know it's terribly disappointing. If you are going to keel over, try not to do so on my clean floor.
Gala Ranzal: Hey, THIS looks ready!
Cleo: No snacking! I must ensure that everyone gets a fair and equal portion. So if you eat so much as a bite, that is ALL you will have today!
Gala Ranzal: But we been fightin' fiends all day!
Cleo: I said no. Any further interruptions will simply delay everyone's food.
Gala Ranzal: C'mon! Just one bite! FEED ME NOOOW!
Cleo: Oh, for the goddess's sake! Are you FIVE?! I thought you had grown up, Ranzal, but perhaps I was mistaken.
Luca: What the heck, Ranzal...? What happened to the man dreaming of good, honest strength? What happened to the guy I wanted to be like?

Ranzal's Subordinate: Commander Ranzal, I have a report! The refugees are being held up at a Dyrenell checkpoint and can't reach us. Also, our scouts report that the enemy numbers eighty troops in all.
Gala Ranzal: They've got more men—but I'M here, which means we can still take 'em. Normally that's what I'd do, but...
Ranzal's Subordinate: What's wrong, sir?
Gala Ranzal: The guys at the checkpoint ain't attackin' the civilians, which means we can't just go chargin' in there ourselves. Maybe this is a chance to show off my newfound diplomacy!
Man: Let us through! We seek refuge with Prince Euden!
Imperial Commander: Stand down, all of you. The man you speak of is no longer a legitimate prince of this nation. He is a filthy traitor, nothing more. And if you run to him, you will be branded traitors also!
Man: No!
Imperial Commander: Then go back to where you came from before I clap the lot of you in irons!
Man: But our village is being taxed too heavily for us to make a living there!
Imperial Commander: Let none say I did not give fair warning. ...Men! Arrest this rabble!
Gala Ranzal: HALT!
Imperial Soldier: Huh? Who the devil are you?!
Gala Ranzal: Ho there! I am Commander Ranzal of the New Alberian Army, and I have come thence and yon to make with thee a parlay most heretofore! Thus and verily, His Highness the Prince did decree we hasten to save these wretches, therefore have we hither come to thee to grant forthwith succor!
Imperial Commander: *blink*
Gala Ranzal: Uh oh. He's gone quiet.
Ranzal's Subordinate: I, uh, don't think he understood you, sir. You sort of...mangled that.
Gala Ranzal: Shut up! I ain't used to this kinda thing! Ah, hell with it. I'm just gonna talk like I always do.
Man: Are you here to save us?
Gala Ranzal: Sure am, my man!
Imperial Commander: Fool! Do you think us so weak that we will hand these people over at your say-so?
Gala Ranzal: That's why we're gonna negotiate.
Imperial Commander: I do not bandy words with traitors. To arms, men!
Ranzal's Subordinate: Should we do the same, sir?
Gala Ranzal: No. Keep yer weapons sheathed. C'mon, now. We got no need for weapons and fightin'. Let's talk this thing out. Ain't nobody wins if we all shut each other's eyes, yeah? ...But if ya won't negotiate, I'll beat ya senseless until ya DO!
Imperial Commander: How can a man so vastly outnumbered project such confidence...?
Ranzal's Subordinate: Uh, sir? I thought you said we were going to negotiate peacefully.
Gala Ranzal: Nnngh! Sorry! Can't be losin' my cool like that when I'm representin' New Alberia. Look, these people wanna come to our country, and I think you should let 'em.
Imperial Commander: You think we should hand over imperial citizens to an army of traitors?
Gala Ranzal: Well, they clearly ain't happy to be in their current position.
Imperial Commander: If they have quarrel with the Empire, I shall relay that to my superiors.
Gala Ranzal: Look, this probably ain't somethin' a negotiator should be sayin'... But the Empire don't seem like a place what's gonna take complaints seriously. Ya REALLY wanna make 'em go back home when they clearly don't want to?
Imperial Commander: Enough! I will not stand here and be lectured by the likes of you! The rebellion of you treasonous snakes is what divided the country in the first—
 ???: Raaaaagh!
Ranzal's Subordinate: Wh-what was that?!
Gala Ranzal: Fiends—and they're close.
Fiend: Grrrr...
Man: F-fiends! We've got fiends!
Gala Ranzal: Looks like we were yellin' a little too loudly there.
Man: Eeeek! Help!
Gala Ranzal: No way we can handle this many on our own. So the only way outta this... Hey, Imperials! Give us a hand! We'll beat these fiends back together!
Imperial Commander: I take no orders from rebel scum!
Gala Ranzal: Is that REALLY yer top priority right now?! We're talkin' about protectin' yer people, so drop the attitude and lend a hand.
Imperial Commander: I will do no such thing, dog! My soldiers and I can handle these fiends unaided. Get into formation, men! We will defeat these beasts!
Imperial Soldier: Sir!
Gala Ranzal: Eh, all's well that ends well, I guess. But now that they're busy...
Ranzal's Subordinate: Understood, sir!
Gala Ranzal: Good man. Meanwhile, I'm gonna help the imperials with these fiends. *pant* *pant* Whew! We did it.
Imperial Commander: Though I admit your assistance was welcome, I do not understand why you came to our aid. Regardless, you have my thanks for helping to save our countrymen.
Gala Ranzal: Don't worry about it. Er, so where ARE those countrymen of yers, anyway?
Imperial Commander: They're not... Where did they go?!
Gala Ranzal: Guess they ran off durin' the battle. Which means we got nothin' else to talk about here.
Imperial Commander: You... You deliberately allowed them to escape during the battle!
Gala Ranzal: Ain't sayin' I did...but ain't sayin' I didn't, neither.
Imperial Commander: I suppose you unleashed those fiends upon us as well!
Gala Ranzal: Usin' fiends is what YOU do, not us.
Imperial Commander: ......
Gala Ranzal: Anyway, see ya.
Imperial Soldier: Should we not have captured him, sir?
Imperial Commander: We were in no position for another fight after the casualties we took earlier. Besides, you saw how courageously he fought those fiends—I'm not certain we could have defeated him even if we all took him on as one. The sly devil knew just how to use the situation to get the result he wanted. He's obviously very experienced.
Gala Ranzal: Sorry for the wait.
Ranzal's Subordinate: Sir! You're all right!
Gala Ranzal: Glad yer all alive and kickin', too.
Man: Thank you for saving us, sir!
Gala Ranzal: Hell, we were just gonna keep goin' in circles if we kept talkin'. Looks like we actually owe a debt to the fiends for once. Bwa ha ha! All right, let's get back ta the castle.
Ranzal's Subordinate: Yes, sir!
Boy: Wait!
Gala Ranzal: What is it, kid?
Boy: You must be really strong to take on those fiends, mister.
Gala Ranzal: Sure, I'm strong.
Boy: Then why didn't you just beat up those soldiers in the first place? Then we could've come back to your castle without all the trouble.
Gala Ranzal: Because we had to prove somethin'.
Boy: I don't understand.
Gala Ranzal: We had to prove that New Alberia is doin' the right thing.
Boy: I still don't understand.
Gala Ranzal: We're fightin' for people's happiness. We do it because we believe it's the right thing to do. But ya need more than just strength to prove yer on the side of right. So that's why we try to talk to our enemies instead'a just crackin' skulls. We want everyone to know we ain't just gonna force folks to do what we want.
Boy: Oh. ...Okay!
Man: I want to live in your country all the more if it contains people like you.
Gala Ranzal: Well, yer welcome to do so.
Man: Thank you so much!
Gala Ranzal: I get the feelin' you ain't the only folks what are gonna want to come here. But don't worry... New Alberia will never turn its back on people in need!

Fiend: Roooooar!
Luca: No matter how much we attack this thing, it doesn't slow him at all!
Euden: This is a real tough one. Everyone, keep your distance!
Gala Ranzal: If we let up, it'll just start healin'. We need to strike now! Take THIS!
Fiend: Graaaaagh!
Notte: No! It's trying to run away!
Gala Ranzal: Not on my watch!
Elisanne: What are you doing, Ranzal?!
Gala Ranzal: This thing ain't gettin' away!
Fiend: Graaaagh!
Gala Ranzal: Gah! My back!
Notte: Ranzal, you're hurt!
Elisanne: Are you all right?!
Gala Ranzal: Don't worry about me—just focus on our ugly friend over there!
Euden: It's stopped moving! Everyone, NOW!
Elisanne: Take THIS!
Luca: Give up and die already!
Fiend: Rghh...
Elisanne: Goodness, that was quite the ordeal.
Gala Ranzal: Whew!
Cleo: Show me your back, Ranzal. You clearly are in need of healing.
Gala Ranzal: Thanks, Cleo.
Elisanne: Ranzal, why do you always INSIST on charging in alone like that?!
Notte: It always ends up with you almost getting killed!
Gala Ranzal: It would'a got away otherwise!
Cleo: That is no excuse to run off unaided.
Luca: Hey, there's no need to be so harsh. I mean, we all know how strong he is.
Euden: That may be so—but we're still going to worry about him. It's what friends do.
Gala Ranzal: Sorry, guys. I just never wanna miss a chance when it shows itself.
Euden: That's all well and good when you're fighting alongside us. But you're a commander now. A leader. If you run off alone like you just did, it's going to unsettle your troops.
Gala Ranzal: Guess I didn't think of that.
Euden: You should learn how to work WITH your troops when you're out there with them.
Notte: Yeah, man. It's called COMMANDING.
Elisanne: If you wish people to obey and respect you, you must be more composed.
Gala Ranzal: All right, all right! I get it. I'll work on improvin' as a commander. Although I got no idea how to start doin' that, if I'm honest... Is bein' a commander about orderin' people around all dignified? Take up your weapons! CHAAAARGE!
Elisanne: Yes, Commander!
Euden: Right away, Commander!
Cleo: Charge!
Gala Ranzal: ...Nope. This ain't us. Maybe somethin' friendlier? Let's do this, guys! PARTY TIME!
Luca: Woohoo! I'm gonna fire at will!
Notte: Anyone in our way is gonna pay! Whoop-a-dee-doooooo!
Gala Ranzal: Nah, this ain't right either. I need to be more calculatin'. See the big picture, like. Soldiers on the right, stand by! Halt the enemy vanguard in its tracks! Soldiers on the left, flank the enemy! They won't see you coming while they deal with the troops in front of them! And once they're surrounded, we spring the ambush!
Adjutant: We've cornered our enemies like rats, sir. What are your orders?
Gala Ranzal: We're gonna... Weee're gonnaaa... CHAAAAAARGE!
Adjutant: C-Commander?!
Gala Ranzal: ...Wait, no. That ain't a time for a charge. Damn it! No matter how much I think about this, I can't find the answer. I feel like I've thought about it too much and now nothin' makes sense. Damn it! What's the most "commander" thing for me to do here?!
Zacharias: Think on it. Think on what you—and only you—can do in this situation.
Gala Ranzal: Why do pops's words have to come into my head at a time like this? ...Wait a second. What can I do that no one else can? There HAS to be somethin'... ...... Hey, that's IT! Hate to admit I owe my pops for somethin', but I guess I do for this.
Luca: We're movin' out, Ranzal!
Gala Ranzal: What is it? Fiends?!
Luca: You know it. Sounds like it's a type like that one we took down earlier.
Gala Ranzal: I'm on the way. Now I'm gonna show everyone how the new Ranzal commands!
Fiend: Grrrr...
Euden: This is the same kind of fiend as the one we fought last time. I know that you're all exhausted, but we need to strike right away.
Gala Ranzal: Hang on a sec, guys. I'm sorry for runnin' off on my own in that last fight. So that's why I'm gonna tell ya in advance what I'm doin' this time.
Euden: All right. We're counting on you.
Gala Ranzal: Okay. *cough* Well, here's the plan...
Luca: Go on...
Gala Ranzal: We do the same thing as last time. I'm gonna charge in and grab 'em, then all of you attack!
Elisanne: ...What?
Gala Ranzal: I'm countin' on ya. Now let's move out!
Luca: He's seriously just gonna do the exact same thing as last time?
Notte: ...Yep. He is.
Euden: Never mind that now—just follow him!
Elisanne: Calling this a plan is an insult to the very concept of planning.
Cleo: I don't have the faintest idea what that man is thinking anymore.
Gala Ranzal: Whew! That takes care of that.
Elisanne: Ranzal! What were you thinking?!
Gala Ranzal: Thanks a million, everybody! That went off without a hitch.
Cleo: You mean your "plan"? The one where you simply charge off like a madman?
Gala Ranzal: That's the one! See, I knew that if I charged, I'd draw all the attention. With my strength—and this armor—I can handle whatever a fiend throws at me.
Elisanne: And how is this ANY different than what you were doing before?
Gala Ranzal: Honestly? It ain't. I know I'm a commander now, but I gotta keep doin' what I do best. And that means usin' this bod like a giant battering ram. They look at me, then you guys wallop 'em while they're distracted. Perfect, yeah?
Cleo: Do you honestly believe the job of a commander is to serve as cannon fodder?
Gala Ranzal: 'Course not! I got plenty of other skills I can bring to bear in a fight. I'm a former merc! I hear what's goin' on in villages all across the continent, I know about fiends and how they live, I can read the flow of battle... So who better to guide you guys on all this stuff than a seasoned pro like me?
Euden: I suppose we have been saved by your judgment a number of times.
Luca: Yeah, Ranzal's got us out of more pinches than a crab-claw buffet.
Gala Ranzal: I know what I can do—I just had to work out how to use those skills for the good of everyone.
Elisanne: Still...
Gala Ranzal: If I put myself in harm's way, my troops will believe in me and stand by me. See? I ain't just doin' stuff without thinking—there's a reason for it.
Euden: So this is how you're going to command? ...All right. I'm good with it.
Gala Ranzal: Thanks, Euden. Givin' orders from the back just don't suit me.
Elisanne: I suppose that means we're forever doomed to worry, but I can't say your arguments are unreasonable.
Cleo: So in the end, we are right back where we started.
Luca: This is SO Ranzal.
Gala Ranzal: Bwaa ha ha! Sorry if ya thought I was gonna make some huge change. But I want everyone at my back while I wallop chumps from the front.

Gala Ranzal: Today's yer birthday, right, Pops? When I was worryin' about how a leader should fight, it was yer words what first popped into my head. So...thanks for that. Still, bein' the big cheese is a lot of pressure, yeah? This has made me realize just how amazing you are for leadin' a whole city. Ya trained me hard since I was a kid, but it was so I could do the same thing. Too bad I ended up gettin' sick of it all and takin' off! But everything ya taught me stuck in my noggin all this time—and it's helpin' now.
Zacharias: I'm impressed. I see you've broadened your horizons a little. You used to pay no attention to your surroundings, but it looks like those days are behind you.
Gala Ranzal: ...Nah. I still got a long way to go. But I think I finally see where I need to be headin'. I know what I can do—and should do. And to do that, I'm gonna... Euden.
Euden: Hey, Ranzal.
Notte: Heya! Cleo made cookies, so we were thinking of...having...some...and... Wow. You look REALLY serious.
Gala Ranzal: Can I borrow ya for a second here, Euden?
Notte: Okay, now you look SUPER serious.
Euden: Has something happened?
Gala Ranzal: Just come with me.
Euden: ...All right.
Notte: Hang on just a hot minute, bub! What's going on here?!
Gala Ranzal: Draw yer sword. ...And I mean business.
Euden: Ranzal, I don't know what this is about, but I don't want to fight you.
Gala Ranzal: Enough talkin'! Fight!
Notte: Eeek!
Euden: Whoa! That was a serious blow!
Notte: Stop it! Stop it right now! What's WRONG with you, man?!
Gala Ranzal: Stay outta this, Notte—or you'll be next. We last fought back in the forest, yeah? On the day we met? Show me how much you've grown!
Euden: You're serious about this, aren't you?
Gala Ranzal: Ask my sword how serious I am!
Euden: Hiyaaah!
Gala Ranzal: If that's the best ya can do, yer pactbound dragons must be nothin' more than dogs! An ancient kingdom falls, an empire takes its place, and a new kingdom rises to meet that challenge... We're livin' in some excitin' times!
Euden: There's nothing exciting about people suffering at the hands of fiends and war.
Gala Ranzal: Every man dreams of bein' king at least once in his life. But you? You might just have the power to make it happen for real.
Euden: ......
Gala Ranzal: And if I use the chaos to my advantage, I could rise to power myself! Maybe I should march into Saint Lotier and take it from my pops... ...Or maybe I'll just overthrow you and steal THIS country instead!
Euden: What?!
Notte: DUDE! We built this country together, remember?! It's full of everyone's hopes and dreams! Are you just forgetting all that?!
Gala Ranzal: ......
Euden: I won't hand this country over to you. I'm going to lead everyone here so we can defeat the Empire together.
Gala Ranzal: If you won't hand it over, maybe I'll just take it!
Euden: You can try! Haaaaaah!
Notte: STOOOOP!
Euden: ......
Gala Ranzal: ......
Euden: ...Heh.
Gala Ranzal: ...Hah. Bwaaaa ha ha ha!
Euden: Ha ha ha ha!
Gala Ranzal: Bwa ha ha! Okay, what kinda idiot laughs in the middle of a deadly duel?
Notte: I am SO confused right now.
Euden: You were holding back. Weren't you?
Gala Ranzal: You could tell?
Euden: Yep. Don't get me wrong—there was a lot of power behind your sword. But we've fought side by side, so I know you're capable of far more.
Notte: Soooooo...this WASN'T serious?
Gala Ranzal: Nah, not really. I thought I'd try to train up the prince here like my pops used to do with me. But I already ran away from that once— should'a known I wasn't cut out for it.
Euden: So that's why you were acting so strangely.
Gala Ranzal: Fat lotta good it did, though. This'll teach me to think before I just run off and... do stuff. Sorry, Euden.
Notte: Grrrr! I was WORRIED, you dummy! You're just a big dumb stupidhead uglyface JERKSTORE!
Gala Ranzal: Sorry, Notte. I won't ever do it again.
Notte: *sniff* Promise?
Gala Ranzal: Yeah. I promise.
Notte: Fine. Then I guess I forgive you. ...But you're still a jerkstore.
Gala Ranzal: Heh. Thanks. Guess I'm not cut out to be the great man my pops is. Hell, when I tried, all I ended up doin' was makin' Notte mad at me. The sons of Saint Lotier are meant to live by the sea and with it... It's a phrase everyone born in Saint Lotier knows. All of her citizens have a duty to protect their country and that sea—and it's a duty we're grateful to have. Guess I turned my back on that.
Euden: I'm not so sure. You may have left your people behind, but looking at you right now reminds me of the vast sea we saw from your home.
Gala Ranzal: So yer sayin' the spirit of the sea lives on in ol' Ranzal? Well, that's swell—but the country I'm gonna protect is the one with you in it!
Euden: I find that very reassuring.
Gala Ranzal: This land is full of sufferin' people, and you need to do somethin' about it.
Euden: I know.
Gala Ranzal: But if you become king, I know you can turn all of that pain into happiness. Forget the sea—you can support the world!
Euden: I don't know about all that...
Gala Ranzal: It'll be fine so long as I'm with ya!
Notte: And don't forget Notte— your bestest friend ever!
Gala Ranzal: Everyone in this castle is pinnin' their hopes on you. Don't forget that.
Euden: I know—and I will work hard to meet their expectations.
Gala Ranzal: But before that...
Euden: Yes?
Gala Ranzal: Well, I guess you and me still gotta work on surpassin' our pops.
Euden: You're right. Let's combine our strength to make a country both our fathers can be proud of!
Gala Ranzal: Bwaaaa ha ha! Ain't that a thing!

Summer Ranzal: Hey there, boss! Ready to make the most outta another glorious vacation day?
Summer Prince: Heh. Someone woke up with a full head of steam. What do you have in mind?
Summer Ranzal: Well, I figured I was gonna... Huh.
Cleo: La la laaaa...
Summer Ranzal: Hey, Cleo! Hang on a tick! We was just tryin' to figure out— Whoa, easy with the poker, lady! You could gut a guy swingin' that thing around on a crowded beach!
Cleo: Which is why you should never disturb someone while they are cooking.
Summer Ranzal: Wait, yer cookin'? Here? Now? This is a VACATION!
Cleo: And do you wish to EAT on this vacation, or are you planning to subsist on sand? Unfortunately, it seems I am the only one in this entire band who can prepare a satisfying meal.
Summer Ranzal: Yeah, I guess ya got a point there. ...But, uh, maybe I can help?
Cleo: Don't worry yourself about me, Ranzal. In truth, I rather enjoy this sort of thing.
Summer Ranzal: Huh.
Cleo: Now if you will excuse me, I have rice that needs steaming.
Summer Prince: Cleo's been doing nothing but cooking for everyone else since we got here.
Summer Ranzal: Then I know what we're gonna do today!
Summer Prince: Do tell.
Summer Ranzal: We're havin' us a barbecue!
Summer Prince: So we can cook for Cleo?
Summer Ranzal: Damn straight! We're ALL supposed to be on vacation here, and she's earned herself a good meal more'n just about anyone.
Summer Prince: I love the idea—but if we're cooking for Cleo, it all needs to be perfect.
Summer Ranzal: And there ain't nothin' more perfect than Grillmaster Ranzal's Legendary BBQ!
Summer Prince: You certainly don't lack for confidence. So how can I help?
Summer Ranzal: Well, since we're at the beach, what say ya do some fishin'? I betcha we could catch all sorts of tasty tropical fish for our grill around here.
Summer Prince: All right, let's get started! ...... Oh! I've got a bite! Oh wow, look how colorful this one is. I bet it tastes amazing!
Summer Ranzal: Looks like ya hooked yerself a... Ah, hellfire! Back off! Don't touch it!
Summer Prince: Er, why not?
Summer Ranzal: 'Cause it's more poisonous than a black widow hitchin' a ride on a rattlesnake! If ya even take a nibble or brush up against a fin, yer gonna be laid low for a week and prayin' for death.
Summer Prince: Wait, really? ...It LOOKS fine.
Summer Ranzal: Which is what makes it so dangerous. Trust me—that fish ain't yer chum. Still, don't feel bad—I know experienced anglers what made the same mistake.
Summer Prince: I'm glad you were here to warn me.
Summer Ranzal: Luckily I caught us a real tasty one while you were haulin' up that devil. Have yerself a look!
Summer Prince: THAT fish? Really? It looks... Hmm, what's the word...? Disgusting. Yeah, that's it. That fish looks disgusting.
Summer Ranzal: Bwaaa ha ha! Watch and learn, boss! This fella's as tasty as he is ugly. Here, lemme fry ya up a bite. There ya go, Euden. On the house.
Summer Prince: Thanks. *nibble* Oh my gosh. This is fantastic. It's tender and almost sweet! Honestly, I sort of expected this to taste like the bottom of a shoe.
Summer Ranzal: What'd ol' Ranzal tell ya?
Summer Prince: You certainly know a lot about fish.
Summer Ranzal: Heh. S'pose I do, at that. Anyway, that should be enough fish. Let's hunt down the next ingredient.
Summer Prince: Sounds like a plan.

Summer Ranzal: Pop quiz, boss: What are the two things every beach barbecue needs?
Summer Prince: A barbecue! And, um...food?
Summer Ranzal: Bzzzt! Wrong! ...Well, technically right, but also generic as hell, so it don't count. What ya need are crabs and shrimp— ain't a proper beach BBQ without 'em. Ain't nothin' beats crisp shellfish cooked over a charcoal grill.
Summer Prince: Mmm... I bet Cleo would love that.
Summer Ranzal: Then get yer hands ready, because we're off to catch some.
Summer Prince: ...Okay, I've got the shellfish!
Summer Ranzal: Nice job, Euden! ...Ah, hell. These little guys are gonna be too small to throw on the grill.
Summer Prince: Is there a way to find bigger ones?
Summer Ranzal: The other day, some old fisherman was goin' off to me about a special trap what catches huge crabs and shrimp. Told me how to make it and everything. What say we head a little further offshore and see if it's true?
Summer Prince: Sounds good to me.
Summer Ranzal: Er, but he ALSO may have mentioned how that particular trap is sorta... forbidden in these parts.
Summer Prince: Er, so is this REALLY a good idea?
Summer Ranzal: Eh, I'm sure it'll be fine. Can't think'a any reason it should be banned in the first place. Besides, we're doin' this for Cleo. Now let's go find us some grub!
Summer Prince: I'm still not sure this is a good idea...
Summer Ranzal: Here, help me put this trap together. Okay, she's all ready.
Summer Prince: So the idea is to lure prey into the cage by putting bait inside?
Summer Ranzal: Damn right. We're gonna have ourselves a mountain'a shrimp and crabs by the time this baby's finished! Now we just gotta drop it offshore and give it a little time.

Summer Prince: Maybe now would be a good time to check on that trap we set earlier?
Summer Ranzal: Yer probably right. Euden! Look at this!
Summer Prince: That's incredible! The trap's so full of shrimp and crabs that I can't even see the bottom!
Summer Ranzal: Damn, this thing really works. Looks like that old fisherman knew what he was talkin' about. These crabs have gotta be three times the size of the ones we caught before! Here, gimme a hand and we'll haul 'er up.
Summer Prince: Uh...
Summer Ranzal: Hey! I can't pull this whole thing up all by my lonesome! Quit yer woolgatherin' and gimme a hand!
Summer Prince: R-Ranzal! Behind you!
Summer Ranzal: Huh?
Fiend: Grrawwrrr!
Summer Ranzal: Bwah! What the hell?!
Summer Prince: They must be after our catch!
Summer Ranzal: Oh, ya think?! But these are for Cleo, so we ain't givin' 'em up!
Fiend: Grrraawwrrr! Urrrrgghhh...
Summer Ranzal: Looks like that's the last of 'em.
Summer Prince: I guess we know now why people frown on using that trap—it lures in fiends as well as shellfish. This was a mistake—we should have honored local laws and steered clear.
Summer Ranzal: Yeah, that's on me. Sorry, boss.
Summer Prince: Well, at least we got all of these beautiful crabs and shrimp out of it.
Summer Ranzal: And that's more'n enough shellfish. Time to hunt down the next ingredient!

Summer Prince: Now that we have crab, shrimp, and fish, the barbecue is really coming together.
Summer Ranzal: Sure is—but now it's time for us to go search out somethin' different.
Summer Prince: Different how?
Summer Ranzal: There's a certain kinda mushroom what grows on mountaintops in these parts. They're so rare and valuable, folks call 'em "phantom shrooms."
Summer Prince: They can't be THAT elusive if people pick them in the nearby mountains.
Summer Ranzal: Let's just say they ain't callin' these little guys "phantoms" for no reason. For now, just follow me. Okay, this looks like the summit.
Summer Prince: And you say these "phantom shrooms" are around here somewhere? Because it doesn't look like there's much of ANYTHING here.
Summer Ranzal: Yeah, they don't grow so much on the top'a the mountain as they do on the cliff walls.
Summer Prince: Wait, THIS cliff?! You're saying we have to climb down THIS cliff to find your mushrooms.
Summer Ranzal: Now ya see why they're phantoms!
Summer Prince: ......
Summer Ranzal: Don't tell me yer afraid of a little rock climbin'!
Summer Prince: N-no, of course not... This will be...easy...
Summer Ranzal: Then let's get to it. Those shrooms ain't gonna pick themselves.
Summer Prince: ...... Ranzal, I'm not seeing any mushrooms.
Summer Ranzal: How many times do I gotta say it? They're PHANTOM shrooms. They hide from ya and junk. Ya just gotta be patient.
Summer Prince: *sigh* ...... Uh oh. My hands are starting to go numb. I don't know how much longer I can hold onto this cliff face...
 ???: Aaaah ha ha ha! Ha ha! Wheeeee!
Summer Prince: Hmm? I hear voices from the beach.
Summer Luca: C'mon, let's carve up that watermelon!
Elisanne: I shall cleave that fruit in twain with but a single clean swing!
Summer Luca: Hey, where'd the prince and Ranzal go? They won't wanna miss this!
Notte: Probably off goofing around somewhere like a couple of goofs.
Summer Luca: Welp, I guess that's their loss. More melon for the rest of us!
Summer Prince: I'm glad SOMEONE is having a good time right now...
Summer Ranzal: Why the long face, boss? Thinkin' about ditchin' this shroom hunt to go play?
Summer Prince: To be perfectly honest? Yes. I am.
Summer Ranzal: Well, fun is fun. No denyin' that. Whatever troubles ya got, playin' around in the surf is a great way to forget 'em. But there are things in this world that'll bring ya even more joy.
Summer Prince: Such as?
Summer Ranzal: Like the feelin' ya get from achievin' somethin' ya worked half to death for. Take a look up yonder.
Summer Prince: Oh! Are those...?
Summer Ranzal: The phantom shrooms at last. Now climb over there and seize the glory with yer own two hands!
Summer Prince: Okay! Wow, this is incredible... I'm holding phantom shrooms!
Summer Ranzal: And our barbecue is gonna be that much better because of it.
Summer Prince: You're right.
Summer Ranzal: 'Course I am. Now let's get off this damn cliff before we fall to our doom!

Summer Prince: That has to be enough ingredients for the barbecue, right?
Summer Ranzal: Nope. Not yet. The ultimate prey has yet to be caught!
Summer Prince: Well, that doesn't sound at all foreboding.
Summer Ranzal: That's right. We gotta go catch us... a Lord of the Sea!
Summer Prince: I'm almost afraid to ask.
Summer Ranzal: It's a giant fish species what's been a legend in these parts since ancient times. We're talkin' a fish so fatty, the meat literally melts in yer mouth! A master fisherman caught one thirty years ago, but he was the last.
Summer Prince: Huh. I had no idea this area was home to such creatures. Well then, let's go hook a royal addition to our feast.
Summer Ranzal: Are ya kiddin' me? Ya ain't catchin' no Lord of the Sea with a line and hook! It's way too big for that! Hell, even if ya DID manage to hook it, it'd tear the pole right outta yer hands while it tears the skin off'a yer palms!
Summer Prince: That's...gruesome. So how do we catch it?
Summer Ranzal: We're gonna use this here reinforced net.
Summer Prince: All right, that makes sense.
Summer Ranzal: They say Lords of the Sea only enter the bay on nights with a full moon.
Summer Prince: Hey, there's a full moon tonight!
Summer Ranzal: 'Course there is! Why do ya think I brought this whole deal up now? We'll spread this net at the mouth of the bay, then wait for dinner to come to us.
Summer Prince: This is exciting! ...... Are you sure about this, Ranzal? That net seems awfully empty.
Summer Ranzal: Remember, ain't nobody even seen a Lord of the Sea in over thirty years. It ain't gonna just swim up to us the moment we lay a net down.
Summer Prince: ......
Summer Ranzal: Huh? Hey, Euden! Look! Hot damn, it's actually in the net! Look at the size'a that thing!
Summer Prince: I can't believe this actually worked.
Summer Ranzal: Stop doubtin' yer elders already! Oh, and help me haul this baby in.
Summer Prince: Right!
Summer Ranzal: Urgghh...
Summer Prince: Ooofff...
Summer Ranzal: Damn, this thing's strong... C'mon, you! Quit fightin'!
Summer Prince: I think it's too much for us to handle alone!
Summer Ranzal: Maybe—but we ain't givin' up now! I'm gonna catch me a Lord of the Sea and become a legend! Hurrrgggghhh! Bwah!
Summer Prince: Ranzal, what are you doing?! Let go of the net! That thing's going to drag you out to sea!
Summer Ranzal: I can't let go! I'm caught! Save me, Euden! *glub glub glub*
Summer Prince: Damn! Hang on, Ranzal! I'm coming!
Summer Ranzal: *gasp* Th-thanks, Euden. I'd be floatin' face-down right now if it wasn't for you.
Summer Prince: I'm just glad I got to you in time.
Summer Ranzal: Well, that ain't all I gotta thank ya for. When ya pulled me up, ya also pulled up the Lord of the Sea I was holdin' onto!
Summer Prince: I never imagined it would be so big... It's nearly twice your size, Ranzal!
Summer Ranzal: Right? I mean, I can eat, but it'd take me weeks to plow through that thing.
Summer Prince: I guess that means we have everything we need for the barbecue now, right?
Summer Ranzal: Hell, we got MORE than enough. Time to go get the charcoal lit!

Summer Prince: Okay, Ranzal, I lit the fire. Now we're all ready for—
Summer Ranzal: Slow down! I got me a process here! First, we gotta put these to use...
Summer Prince: Um, powder and leaves?
Summer Ranzal: Powder and... ARE YA KIDDIN' ME?! These are herbs and spices, ya dolt! Ya rub 'em into the seafood to enhance the flavor while it cooks.
Summer Prince: Really? I always thought a barbecue was just throwing things on a grill.
Summer Ranzal: Well, it ain't! So take these seasonings and start rubbin'.
Summer Prince: Okay, okay! Sheesh.
Summer Ranzal: All right, everything's cooked to perfection.
Summer Prince: It smells amazing. *rumble* Heh. Looks like my stomach thinks so, too.
Summer Ranzal: Well, tell your gut sack to take five; we gotta serve Cleo first. Hey! Everyone gather 'round!
Summer Luca: What's up, Ranzal?
Summer Ranzal: Me and the boss man here have spent hours gatherin' up ingredients, and now we're throwin' everybody a barbecue! Behold!
Summer Luca: You two seriously cooked ALL that?!
Notte: AND WE GET TO EAT IT?!?!
Summer Ranzal: 'Course ya do! That's why we made it. BUT...the first helpin' goes to Cleo.
Cleo: To me? Why?
Summer Ranzal: 'Cause yer always cookin' for us and we wanna pay ya back.
Cleo: That isn't a favor which need be repaid. I am happy to do it.
Summer Prince: Cleo, it's only right to repay people who do nice things for you. So have some food. ...Please.
Cleo: Euden...
Summer Ranzal: We made all this for you, Cleo, and it's only getttin' colder. It's gonna break this food's little fishy heart what if ya don't eat it.
Cleo: If this is truly so important to you, then I gratefully accept.
Summer Ranzal: So dig in already!
Cleo: Thank you. *munch* Heavens! It's actually good!
Summer Ranzal: Grillmaster Ranzal strikes again!
Cleo: I will be honest, Ranzal—I did not expect much from your cooking But this has been flawlessly prepared, and is grilled to perfection. Who taught you such skills?
Summer Ranzal: Nobody—I'm a self-taught man. I always cooked for myself back in my solo merc days, so I realized pretty quick that I had to get better unless I wanted to be snackin' on ash all day. Took some trial and error, but I mostly figured it out.
Cleo: I can't believe you achieved this level of skill through experimentation alone.
Summer Ranzal: Aw, hell. Yer embarrassin' me. All right, Cleo's filled up her plate, so the rest of ya lumps, get in there!
Notte: I'm gonna eat until I puke—and then I'll use all the extra room to eat MORE!
Summer Luca: Hey! I wanted that piece!
Summer Ranzal: Whoa, stop pushin' already! We got enough food here for a damn army.
Summer Luca: Oh man, this crab is as good as it looks!
Elisanne: And this Lord of the Sea fillet is simply succulent!
Cleo: I have never tasted a mushroom like this. It has an almost...mystical quality.
Summer Ranzal: Looks like everyone's enjoyin' the grub.
Summer Prince: Gathering the ingredients wasn't easy, but this makes it all worthwhile.
Summer Ranzal: Maybe we oughta make it a point to do stuff like this from time to time.
Notte: Are you two gonna eat or what? Because I am totally going to horf down your share if you keep standing there!
Summer Ranzal: Guess we better grab a plate, eh, boss?
Summer Prince: I'm right behind you.

Ranzal: Phew. I'm all done clearin' fiends outta the east woods, Cleo.
Cleo: Thank you, Ranzal. If you could see to the west side now, that would be lovely.
Ranzal: Seriously? You're killin' me here!
Cleo: I trust you haven't forgotten the little promise we made when I caught you absconding with my dinner ingredients.
Cleo: If I recall correctly, your exact words were "Aw, c'mon, I'll make it up to ya. I'll hunt all the fiends you want!"
Ranzal: Grnk! Did I say that? See, what I MEANT was—
Cleo: If you could see to the west side now, that would be LOVELY. THANK YOU.
Ranzal: *sigh...* Yes, ma'am. Guess I'm headin' back out.

Ranzal: NWAAAUGH!

Sinoa: Oh, butterfingers. Another experiment just BARELY got away from me! Sorry about that. You all right?

Child Ranzal: Yeah... More or less.
Sinoa: WHOA! Uh... So. Hey. I'm about to tell you something. Don't freak out.
Child Ranzal: Why would I freak out? And why're you starin', SinoaaaAAAH MY VOICE! My body!
Child Ranzal: AGAIN, Sinoa? You kiddified me AGAIN?!

Child Ranzal: Hold on a sec, maybe I can work with this. I mighta got thrown for a minute there, but this timing's perfect.
Child Ranzal: Even Cleo can't send me out huntin' fiends like this. Hah, best freak explosion I ever got caught up in!
Child Ranzal: Plus, things've been quiet with the Emile Academy, so there ain't any need to send me off on another undercover mission.
Child Ranzal: Which means there's only one thing for me to do:
Child Ranzal: Catch a Z or three!
Child Ranzal: Ahhh. I've been playin' danger tag with fiends for way too long. Haven't had a decent rest in ages!
Child Ranzal: But nobody can yell at a kid for lazin' around. That's practically their job.
Child Ranzal: I'm spendin' every minute I can in bed till Sinoa's mad science wears off.

Child Ranzal: ...Dammit. I can't stay asleep.
Child Ranzal: I was dead tired, but one little nap later, I'm back to full charge. Forgot just how quick kids are to bounce back.
Child Ranzal: My body's practically aching to go run around. What's a guy even DO with this much energy?
Child Ranzal: Not work, I'll tell ya that much! Guess I'll...play? There ARE other kids here.
Child Ranzal: ...Yeaaah, no. I need somethin' I can do solo what'll tucker me out.
Child Ranzal: Aha! I got just the thing!

Child Ranzal: Awright, that should do it for the materials. Heh, I'm gettin' way too excited about this for a guy my age.
Child Ranzal: Brings me back, though. I used to love adventure stories as a kid. Especially the ones with tree forts in 'em!
Child Ranzal: There's just somethin' cool about having a secret base way up high. Always wanted to build one of my own.
Child Ranzal: Never got the chance until now, though. That'll teach me to give up on my dreams! Ha ha!

Child Ranzal: Phew. That's the foundation put together. Next up is...

Shy Boy: Aw mannn, you caught me...
Energetic Boy: Heh heh! Now it's your turn to be "it!"
Shy Boy: Wait. What's that sound?
Energetic Boy: Now I'm curious, too. Let's go find out!

Shy Boy: Whoa! That kid's building something on top of that tree!
Energetic Boy: Ooh, I know! It's a SECRET HIDEOUT!

Child Ranzal: Huh? Oh, it's a couple of runts. Must be from town.

Energetic Boy: Hey! You're building a secret base, right?!
Child Ranzal: Uhhh... Yeah, I guess?
Energetic Boy: I knew it! That's so cool! Can I help?!
Shy Boy: Um, I want to help too, if that's okay...

Child Ranzal: Ehhh...
Child Ranzal: (Sorry, but I wasn't really lookin' to spend my day babysitting here, fellas.)

Shy Boy: Is that...a no?
Energetic Boy: Awww, this guy's no fun...

Child Ranzal: (Bah. Guess it wouldn't be very mature of me to just run 'em off.)
Child Ranzal: (Besides, I know how it feels to get left out in the cold on the whole building-a-secret- hideout dream.)
Child Ranzal: All right, all right. C'mon, let's get this thing put together.

Children: Yesss! This is gonna be AWESOME!
Child Ranzal: But some of this work's dangerous. You guys are just helpin' with the easy bits, understood?
Energetic Boy: Yeah, sure! Here, I'll carry this lumber up the tree!

Child Ranzal: Whoa, whoa. Easy, tiger! You plannin' on climbing a ladder with an armful of wood? That's just ASKIN' for a nasty fall!
Energetic Boy: Then, um... How do we get it up there?
Child Ranzal: First you climb up, THEN you haul the lumber up with a rope.
Child Ranzal: If somebody stays down there and helps lift it from below, it'll go up twice as easy.
Energetic Boy: Whoa... That makes so much sense. Hey, you're pretty smart!
Child Ranzal: Picked that one up back in my mercenary days. We scaled a cliff face to get the drop on the enemy, then...
Children: ...Huh?
Child Ranzal: You know what, never mind. Look, don't sweat the details.
Child Ranzal: Now c'mon. This thing ain't gonna build itself!
Children: Right!

Child Ranzal: Heh... How's that for a vista? I'd say we built a damn fine base, boyos!
Energetic Boy: Whoa... We're so high up!
Shy Boy: I still can't believe we built something this amazing all by ourselves.
Energetic Boy: Yeah! We just did exactly what he said and it came together like magic!
Energetic Boy: From now on, you're our leader, Ranzal!
Child Ranzal: Sorry, but I'm not lookin' to be boss of the babies, kid. Kinda embarrassing, y'know?
Shy Boy: Aw, I think it'd be really great. With you leading us, every day would be an adventure!
Energetic Boy: Right?! I wanna do more stuff like this!
Children: Please, Ranzal? Pleeeeease?
Child Ranzal: (Rgh... The puppy dog eyes get me every time.)
Child Ranzal: Fiiine, sure, whatever you want. Guess I'm sultan of the squirts now.
Children: Ha ha, yaaay! Thank you!
Child Ranzal: (Just don't count on me stickin' around forever, kids.)
Child Ranzal: (Still, it's better than twiddling the ol' thumbs until gremlin mode wears off.)

Energetic Boy: Get ready for a fastball! Heee-YAH!
Shy Boy: Waugh...!
Child Ranzal: Steee-RIKE! You're out, buddy!
Shy Boy: Awww. I totally blew it again. Okay, you're up to bat, Ranzal.
Child Ranzal: Nah, I'll stick with umpire. You two have fun.
Child Ranzal: (Actually playin' with these runts would be a little TOO embarrassing, thanks.)
Energetic Boy: Wait a minute... Ranzal, are you bad at baseball?
Child Ranzal: Excuse you? I'm not about to take that one lyin' down.
Child Ranzal: Okay, change of plans. Gimme the bat. One turn's all I'll need.
Energetic Boy: All right, that's what I'm talking about! Mweh heh heh. Here it comes!
Child Ranzal: Nice and straight. Come to papa. Aaand...home run!
Shy Boy: Whoooa... I've never SEEN a ball go that far before!
Energetic Boy: HOLY MANACAKES! Are you that good at pitching, too? Here, you throw the next one!
Child Ranzal: Heh, fine. I'll throw a couple, if you really want. Just try not to wet your pants when you see the ball go supersonic.

Shy Boy: As long as I stay in the shadow of this big rock, I shouldn't get caught...
Child Ranzal: In your dreams, maybe. Gotcha!
Shy Boy: WAUGH?! Aw, maaan... You found me.
Child Ranzal: You gotta think one step ahead of the other guy, Chief. Go for the sorta place they wouldn't even think a person COULD hide!

Energetic Boy: Yesss! I caught an Alberian Hercules beetle!
Child Ranzal: Niiice. Let's see who's stronger: that guy or the rhinoceros beetle I just found!
Energetic Boy: You're on. Go, Herc, go! You got this!
Child Ranzal: Sorry, but that ain't happening. Get in there and give 'im hell, Big Rhino!

Child Ranzal: (Man, I went into this thinkin' I'd humor these runts for a bit, but...)
Child Ranzal: (Once you get past the cringe factor, bein' a kid again's basically the best.)
Child Ranzal: (Guess I shouldn't be surprised, considering...)

Tutor: Now, young master Ranzal, for your next lesson...
Young Ranzal: Whaaat? There's MORE? I wanna go play!
Young Ranzal: I heard none of the other kids have to study this much. How come I'm the only one?
Tutor: One day, you will be lord of Saint Lotier. You mustn't squander your days if you hope to be a wise leader like your father.
Tutor: Now, let's begin your next lesson. Ready?
Young Ranzal: Okay...

Child Ranzal: (I don't have a single memory of goofin' off or playing with friends as a kid.)
Child Ranzal: (Maybe some part of me's been craving this kinda stupid, childish joy all my life.)

Energetic Boy: Oops. It's later than I thought. I should prob'ly get back home.
Child Ranzal: Oh jeez, you ain't kiddin'. Time flies when you're havin' fun, huh?
Shy Boy: Today was the best! Can we play some more tomorrow, Ranzal?
Child Ranzal: You bet, buckaroo.
Energetic Boy: Yesss! Okay, let's meet up tomorrow at the secret hideout!
Shy Boy: Yay! It's a plan!
Child Ranzal: Heh. See you guys tomorrow.
Child Ranzal: Kinda surreal to be talkin' to ANYONE about "tomorrow" like it's a sure thing.
Child Ranzal: Who'da thunk? Not me, especially back during my merc years...

Ranzal: Back in my merc days, "see you tomorrow" always came with a caveat.
Ranzal: One to the tune of "if we're still alive."

Ranzal: Ahhh, nothin' like a full belly to get a guy in the mood for some good, old fashioned bloodshed. Hope you fellas can keep up!
Young Mercenary: Just don't think I'll let you hog the glory. That general's head is mine. Once I cash in on that bounty, I'll be livin' the cushy life.
Veteran Mercenary: Hah hah! That's the spirit, kid. You give 'em hell!
Ranzal: Hey now, don't go rilin' the rookies up. Can't spend coin if you're dead.
Ranzal: There's the signal. All right, fellas! See your sorry mugs again soon— if we're still alive, that is!
Veteran Mercenary: Hear, hear!
Young Mercenary: Yeah. See you then. Make sure you survive so I've got somebody to brag to!

Ranzal: Hey, old timer. Good to see you're still kickin'.
Veteran Mercenary: Gah hah hah. Scraped through another one, so I did!
Ranzal: Glad you're still with us. By the way, you heard anything about that rookie?
Veteran Mercenary: ......
Ranzal: Tsk. I knew that stupid kid was in over his head.
Ranzal: Our line a' work's always quick to reward the eager with a swift end.

Ranzal: How many people have I told I'd see them tomorrow, only for us to never meet again? I lost count early on.
Ranzal: That's about all a merc's life was worth, on the battlefield. Ain't nobody got time to be mourning every domino that falls.
Ranzal: You just had to let it go and move on. As a merc, your life is yours to risk or lose.

Children: G'morning, Ranzal!
Child Ranzal: Hey, guys. Glad you could make it.
Child Ranzal: (One day I'm leavin' a trail of bodies on the battlefield, and now I'm here playin' pretend. Ya gotta laugh or you'll cry.)
Child Ranzal: (Little rays of sunshine, these rascals. It's almost enough to blind a guy.)

Energetic Boy: Get ready for my super fireball slider!
Child Ranzal: STRIKE! Aaand you're out!
Shy Boy: Man, not again...
Energetic Boy: Heh heh. Okay, your turn to pitch! Let's trade spots!
Shy Boy: ...Okay! I'll give it my best shot!
Child Ranzal: (I spent my childhood chained to a desk. Never got a taste of this carefree stuff.)
Child Ranzal: (Then, after becoming a merc, well... I got my freedom, but I paid the cost in blood. Death was always around the corner.)
Child Ranzal: (Tch. I'm startin' to wish I didn't have to turn back into a grown-up after all.)
Energetic Boy: Yesss! Home run!
Shy Boy: Dang. I thought that pitch was pretty good, too.

Shy Boy: Now, where'd that ball go? ...Ah! Found it.
 ???: Grrrrrrr...
Shy Boy: Huh?

Shy Boy: WAAAUGH!
Child Ranzal: Was that a scream?!
Energetic Boy: What d'you think happened? You reckon he's okay?
Child Ranzal: No time for thinkin'! C'mon, we gotta move. NOW!

Shy Boy: Somebody...help... I'm scaaared!
Child Ranzal: What's wrong?! Whoa! That's—
Fiend: GRRRRRRR!
Child Ranzal: A fiend?!

Fiend: Grrrrrr...
Children: AAAAAH!
Child Ranzal: I'll distract it! You guys scram!
Energetic Boy: What?! But then you'll—
Child Ranzal: Hah! Don't worry 'bout me, Chief. I'm used to a good tussle!
Child Ranzal: (Rgh! Definitely missin' that muscle right about now. This won't be as easy as usual, but...)
Child Ranzal: You ain't settin' one grimy claw on these kids! Now, COME GET SOME!
Child Ranzal: (Hah. Look at that. My body's actin' on pure reflex. Carefree playtime's all good and fun, but I've been missin' this!)
Child Ranzal: (Helpin' out the folks I want to protect, slammin' my enemies into the dirt...)
Child Ranzal: (This is me, baby! This is the only life for Ranzal, the veteran merc!)
Fiend: Nrg?! GRAAAURGH!
Child Ranzal: Down ya go!
Child Ranzal: Ha HA, lookit that! Ran it smack into a boulder. Makin' use of the terrain is Tactics 101.
Fiend: Grrr...rrrngh...
Child Ranzal: Oooh, looks like he felt that one! Now, time to wrap this up.
Child Ranzal: Final score: Ranzal, 1. Fiend, 0. ...You guys okay? Got all your teeth?
Shy Boy: We're fine! Thank you so much!
Energetic Boy: Whoa... You're CRAZY strong!
Child Ranzal: That's years of experience at work, buddy. I eat chumps like that for breakfast.
Child Ranzal: But, uh... Speakin' of, I need to tell you guys something. It's kinda important.
Energetic Boy: Huh? What is it?
Child Ranzal: Let's head back to the base. Won't have to worry 'bout any more interruptions there.
Child Ranzal: We can look up at the sky while we talk, same as we did the day we first met...

Child Ranzal: Sooo, yeah... I've been dreading telling you guys this, but here's the thing.
Child Ranzal: I'm movin' to a new town tomorrow. I know it's sudden, but...I won't be able to hang with you anymore.
Children: No way...!
Shy Boy: Gosh. I'm really gonna miss you, Ranzal.
Child Ranzal: I'll miss you, too. I've said my share of goodbyes—hell, probably more than my share—but this might be the hardest yet.
Child Ranzal: (I mean that, too. Seriously. You guys let me dream for a while.)
Child Ranzal: (But end of the day, I'm a grown man. Time to get back to reality and do my job.)
Child Ranzal: (It's a scary world out there. Somebody's gotta keep the peace so kids like you can have the carefree childhoods you deserve.)
Child Ranzal: We didn't have long together, but it was one hell of a ride. Thanks, you two.
Energetic Boy: I had a blast hanging out with you too, Ranzal!
Energetic Boy: I'll never, ever, EVER forget you!
Shy Boy: I won't either! Never ever! ...Oh, yeah!

Shy Boy: Here, take this. It's my prized possession: a super shiny medal!
Energetic Boy: Ooh, you should take mine, too. Bet you've never seen a bottle cap this cool!
Child Ranzal: Hey, now. If this stuff matters so much to you, shouldn't you hang on to it?
Shy Boy: Take it! You're not just a normal friend, Ranzal.
Energetic Boy: Yeah! You're our leader!
Energetic Boy: It was so, so, SO much fun playing with you. Honest. Thanks for everything!
Child Ranzal: You guys...
Child Ranzal: Awright, then. If you're sure, I'll take 'em.
Child Ranzal: A guy couldn't ask for a better set a' souvenirs. I swear I'll treasure 'em always!
Child Ranzal: And don't think I'll be forgettin' you guys, either. Thanks for the great memories.

Ranzal: West woods're all clear of fiends, Cleo. Where to now?
Cleo: Already? Er, next would be... the lake to the south.
Ranzal: You got it! Heh, watch out, pond scum. Ranzal's comin' for ya!
Cleo: What's gotten into you lately, Ranzal? You always used to bellyache about having to hunt fiends, but now you're Mr. Eager.
Ranzal: Nothin' huge. Let's just say I... remembered my role in all this.
Ranzal: Thrashin' baddies, keepin' the peace... It's all part of a day's work for the commander of the Brat Brigade!