﻿\setgamedatatitle("Final Chapter: The Throne of Emptiness\nConversation Event")

\text("Itsuki")
(The great calamity is drawing near... I have to protect
Lady Magahime and Lord Caym...)
\endtext

\text
With a glass of barley tea in hand, Itsuki psychs herself up
alone in the corner of the throne room.
\endtext

\text
Even though she's built up some resistance, today is an
especially big gathering.
\endtext

\text
She can't help but feel a little intimidated.
\endtext

\text
Noticing this, Magahime approaches her together with Caym.
\endtext

\text("Magahime")
What are you doing all the way in the corner, Itsuki?

\endtext

\text("Itsuki")
Lady Magahime, Lord Caym...
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Let me guess, you're feeling overwhelmed by the crowd?

\endtext

\text("Itsuki")
...I'm sorry. Even though you went out of your way to set
this up for us...

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Don't worry about it. As long as you're enjoying yourself,
that's all that matters.
\endtext

\text("Magahime")
You can't have fun all by yourself, can you? Come drink with
me... wait, is that tea?

\endtext

\text("Itsuki")
I can't drink when we never know when an enemy might attack.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Don't worry. If enemies show up, the buzz will wear off fast
enough.
\endtext

\text("Magahime")
Exactly. One drink won't hurt, right?

\endtext

\text("Itsuki")
............
\endtext

\text
Magahime hands Itsuki her favorite fruit wine.

\endtext

\text
But Itsuki still doesn't bring it to her lips.

\endtext

\text("Magahime")
Huh... Itsuki, do you not like this?
\endtext

\text("Itsuki")
...I wasn't able to protect you before, Lady Magahime.

\endtext

\text("Magahime")
...Itsuki?
\endtext

\text("Itsuki")
This time, I will protect you, Lady Magahime. I'll protect
Lord Caym too.
\endtext

\text("Itsuki")
...So I can't let my guard down.
\endtext

\text
Magahime lowers her eyebrows in concern at Itsuki's stiff
expression and resolve, which don't fit the festive mood.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
If you keep staying so tense all the time, you're going to
collapse, you know?
\endtext

\text
As he says this, Caym smoothly slips his hand under her
clothes from her armpit.
\endtext

\text("Itsuki")
Hya!? L-Lord Caym!
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Both Magahime and I appreciate how you feel. But if you keep
pushing yourself like this, it defeats the purpose.

\endtext

\text("Magahime")
That's right. Today is for laughing, making a ruckus, and
having fun. That's everyone's job here.

\endtext

\text("Itsuki")
But...
\endtext

\text("Magahime")
I want to have a fun chat with you, Itsuki. Is that so
wrong?
\endtext

\text("Itsuki")
Ah... uh... It's not that I can't, but...
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Then it's fine. Go on, hurry up.

\endtext

\text("Magahime")
It's settled then. Tiela and the others are over there too,
so let's all have a drink together, okay?
\endtext

\text
Saying that, Magahime takes Itsuki's hand.
\endtext

\text
Just from that, Itsuki's expression shifts from that of a
swordswoman to a girl her age.
\endtext

\text("Itsuki")
Ah... Lady Magahime...!
\endtext

\text("Magahime")
Come on, hurry up!
\endtext

\text
Itsuki will get back to her work as a swordswoman starting
tomorrow.
\endtext

\text
After seeing the two off, Caym heads over to his other
companions.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Risbell, are you here? There's something I'd like to ask
you...
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
Lord Caym, is something the matter?
\endtext

\text("Gluette")
Lord Caym! You came at just the right time!

\endtext

\text
In the office, not only Risbell but also Gluette, holding a
wine glass in one hand, were present.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
No, I just thought you might know where Gluette was.

\endtext

\text("Gluette")
In that case, perfect timing. Please, could you say
something to her as well, Lord Caym!

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Say what?
\endtext

\text("Gluette")
Even though you went out of your way to throw this party,
Lord Caym, look at this!

\endtext

\text("Gluette")
Work, work, work... Ignoring your kindness like this! She's
a workaholic!

\endtext

\text("Risbell")
...Well, that's because of you, Lord Caym.

\endtext

\text("Gluette")
That's not something that needs to be done right now.

\endtext

\text("Risbell")
If I don't do it now, it will cause problems for future
government affairs.
\endtext

\text("Gluette")
Ugh... that's just an excuse!
\endtext

\text
On the table were a wine bottle that Gluette must have
brought and probably a glass for Risbell as well.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Just leave it for tomorrow. Gluette wants to drink with you,
you know?
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
...Alright, just one glass then.
\endtext

\text("Gluette")
Honestly, you're so stiff.
\endtext

\text
Though she pouts her lips, Gluette happily pours wine into
the glass.
\endtext

\text("Gluette")
By the way, didn't you have business with me, Lord Caym?

\endtext

\text("Caym")
No, seeing you now, it looks like everything's fine.

\endtext

\text("Gluette")
You mean in preparation for the final battle... is that
correct?
\endtext

\text
With that, Gluette puffed out her chest and answered
confidently.
\endtext

\text("Gluette")
Then you can rest assured. No matter how powerful the King
of Slumber may be, my resolve will not waver.

\endtext

\text("Gluette")
As a noble, and as your woman, Lord Caym, I will fulfill my
duty.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Yeah, I'm counting on you.
\endtext

\text("Gluette")
And when that time comes... um... please, make me your―

\endtext

\text("Risbell")
...I could use a snack. Lord Caym, would you like some too?
I can get some cheese right away.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Yeah, I'll have some.
\endtext

\text("Gluette")
Risbell-san! Why are you interrupting me!?

\endtext

\text("Risbell")
You have some too, Gluette-san.
\endtext

\text("Gluette")
Ah... thank you―wait, that's not it! Ugh... Looks like I'll
have to defeat you before I take down the King of Slumber...

\endtext

\text("Risbell")
Hehe. If you think you can, go ahead.
\endtext

\text("Gluette")
You said it...! I challenge you to a duel!

\endtext

\text("Caym")
(Yeah, there's no room for me to butt in.)
\endtext

\text
Drunken competitions are a real pain. Getting dragged into
one is the last thing I want.
\endtext

\text
Making sure the two didn't notice, Caym quietly slipped out
of the office.
\endtext

\text("Marlt")
Mama, you're going to go with the Demon Lord to beat up the
bad guys, right?
\endtext

\text("Orphis")
That's right. Will you cheer for Mama?

\endtext

\text("Marlt")
I'll cheer for you! You have to win!
\endtext

\text
While grand feasts were being held all over the labyrinth...

\endtext

\text
Orphis kept her drinking in check and spent time with her
son.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
...So this is where you were.
\endtext

\text("Orphis")
Caym?
\endtext

\text("Agri")
I'm here too.
\endtext

\text("Marlt")
Demon Lord! Uncle!

\endtext

\text("Agri")
Hey, I told you to stop calling me 'uncle.'

\endtext

\text
Agri scooped up Marlt as he ran over.

\endtext

\text("Orphis")
From the way you talk, it sounds like you were looking for
me.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
I was thinking of having a little talk, but someone finished
their drink early and left.

\endtext

\text("Orphis")
I see. Sorry about that. Is it okay to leave them over
there?
\endtext

\text("Caym")
They're having fun without me. Besides...

\endtext

\text
――With that, Caym shifted his gaze to Agri and Marlt.

\endtext

\text("Marlt")
Uncle, you're going to help Mama and the others defeat the
evil boss too, right!
\endtext

\text("Agri")
You bet! Just watch. With my sword, I'll totally crush that
King of Slumber!

\endtext

\text("Orphis")
Heh, I see how it is.
\endtext

\text
It seems he went out of his way to bring Agri along for
Marlt's sake.
\endtext

\text
Even though this is such an important time.
\endtext

\text("Orphis")
............
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Worried? About what's coming?
\endtext

\text("Orphis")
It's just my job makes it hard to be as carefree as you. And
there's Marlt to think about too.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Mothers really do have it tough.
\endtext

\text
Absolutely, Orphis replied with a smile.

\endtext

\text
She couldn't say it out loud, but there were so many
worries. Could they really win? Would they all come back
safely?
\endtext

\text
Could she protect Caym?
\endtext

\text
Even so, just talking with Caym and Marlt made her heart
feel so much lighter.
\endtext

\text("Marlt")
...Uncle.
\endtext

\text("Agri")
Hm?
\endtext

\text("Marlt")
Demon Lord. I have a favor to ask.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
What is it?
\endtext

\text("Marlt")
Will you protect Mama?
\endtext

\text("Orphis")
Marlt...
\endtext

\text("Agri")
............
\endtext

\text
No matter how young he was, he must have sensed it. Just how
dangerous the coming battle would be.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Heh... Leave it to me. I'm the Demon Lord. I'm strong enough
to protect your mom.
\endtext

\text("Agri")
Alright, pinky swear. Me and the boss will definitely
protect your mom.

\endtext

\text("Marlt")
Really?
\endtext

\text("Agri")
Yeah. It's a promise between men.
\endtext

\text("Marlt")
Okay! It's a promise!
\endtext

\text
Beaming from ear to ear, Marlt linked pinkies with Agri.

\endtext

\text
Seeing such a heartwarming scene, Orphis couldn't help but
smile too.
\endtext

\text("Orphis")
Well then, no matter what, we've got to win and come back.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
That was my intention from the start.
\endtext

\text("Orphis")
Hehe... That's true, isn't it? Then, lead us to victory,
Demon Lord.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Leave it to me.
\endtext

\text
Seeing Caym puff out his chest with confidence, all of
Orphis's worries vanished in an instant.

\endtext

\text
―With a thud, the door to her room closed.
\endtext

\text
After finishing her prayers in her room, Jessica decided to
return to the throne room for now.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Jessica.
\endtext

\text("Jessica")
Ah... Caym-sama.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
What, did you sneak out of the banquet? Is something
bothering you?
\endtext

\text("Jessica")
Not at all. It's a banquet you prepared, Caym-sama. I'm
having a wonderful time.

\endtext

\text("Jessica")
It was time, so I went to pray for a bit.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Oh? You're still doing that?
\endtext

\text("Jessica")
Today is special. Besides, this was the only time I could
manage.

\endtext

\text
Caym silently urged Jessica, who looked a little awkward, to
continue.
\endtext

\text("Jessica")
I was praying to God for your safety and victory, Caym-sama.

\endtext

\text("Jessica")
...Was that unnecessary?
\endtext

\text
Caym shook his head at Jessica, who looked up at him
anxiously.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
No, not at all...
\endtext

\text("Jessica")
...?
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Heh heh heh... Humans really do change. You're nothing like
the girl I first met.
\endtext

\text("Jessica")
Ah... Caym-sama...
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Hey, Jessica. We're just one step away from settling
everything.
\endtext

\text("Jessica")
I know... If we defeat the King of Slumber... Nilt will...

\endtext

\text
Held in Caym's arms, Jessica's body flushed with heat all at
once.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
That's right. This land will truly be mine. For that, swear
your loyalty to me once more.
\endtext

\text("Jessica")
Loyalty...
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Swear loyalty to the king of this country. ...You
understand, don't you?
\endtext

\text("Jessica")
Hehe... You don't even have to ask.
\endtext

\text("Jessica")
My life, my body, my whole existence... even my
dignity―everything belongs to you, Caym-sama.
\endtext

\text("Jessica")
No matter what you become, that will never change.
Caym-sama, you are my king.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
...Good answer. Now, go enjoy the feast. I still have some
business to take care of.

\endtext

\text("Jessica")
Ah... In that case, when you defeat the King of Slumber,
make sure to give me a proper reward, okay? You have to!

\endtext

\text
And so, even in the depths of the earth, Jessica follows
Caym.
\endtext

\text
Her faith, her power―everything is for Caym.

\endtext

\text("Sapphire")
Things are getting pretty interesting, huh?
\endtext

\text("Fio")
Yeah. A former assassin might end up being the hero who
saves Nilt. You never know how life turns out.

\endtext

\text("Sapphire")
Hmm... A hero, huh. Oh, there's Caym.

\endtext

\text
Enjoying the feast among the monsters, Sapphire spotted Caym
and nimbly slipped through the crowd of monsters toward him.

\endtext

\text("Sapphire")
Caym!
\endtext

\text("Fio")
Hey there, hero of Nilt.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Who are you calling a hero?
\endtext

\text("Sapphire")
Obviously you, Caym! You saved me... and now you're saving
Nilt, right?

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Well, if you look at it that way, I suppose so. But stop
calling me that.
\endtext

\text("Fio")
Heh heh. Are you blushing?
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Shut up, Fioramgott.
\endtext

\text("Fio")
Heheheh, what's the harm? It's not like it's a bad thing.

\endtext

\text("Sapphire")
Yeah, yeah. No matter what you say, Caym, you'll always be a
hero to me.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Still...
\endtext

\text
―Well, I guess it's fine. If I deny it, this plushie just
gets noisy.
\endtext

\text("Fio")
Oh? Got something to say to me?

\endtext

\text("Caym")
............
\endtext

\text
―Even if I don't deny it, it's still noisy.
\endtext

\text("Sapphire")
Fio, be quiet. Caym's getting mad.

\endtext

\text("Fio")
Heh heh, as you wish.
\endtext

\text("Sapphire")
Honestly... Hey, Caym.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
What is it?
\endtext

\text("Sapphire")
You saved me, didn't you?
\endtext

\text
Not just once, but twice. Thanks to that, Sapphire is still
alive today.

\endtext

\text("Sapphire")
...So now it's my turn. I'll use my power to help you, Caym.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Heh. That's reassuring.
\endtext

\text("Sapphire")
Leave it to me♪
\endtext

\text
Just like Caym did back then. Now it's Sapphire's turn to do
the same.
\endtext

\text("Spacchio")
So, you know, that Risbell took the Demon Lord's illusion
stone...
\endtext

\text("Morte")
Hmm... hmm...
\endtext

\text("Noro")
The Demon Lord was really shocked then. He was bedridden for
three days.
\endtext

\text("Morte")
That must have been... tough...
\endtext

\text
With Caym's story as their topic, Spacchio and Noro drink
together with Morte.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
...Using someone's blunder as a drinking story, that's not
very admirable.
\endtext

\text("Spacchio")
Hey, Demon Lord. But it's a pretty good vibe, you know?

\endtext

\text("Noro")
Morte likes stories about the Demon Lord's failures.
\endtext

\text("Morte")
...Yes... it's amusing. Tell me... more...

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Don't overdo it.
\endtext

\text
Caym gives a wry smile.
\endtext

\text
The fact that Morte is even here is amazing compared to when
they first met.
\endtext

\text
All the more, if she's enjoying herself, it would be rude to
spoil it.
\endtext

\text
Suddenly, Morte lowers her gaze anxiously.
\endtext

\text("Morte")
...Caym... the one down below... I... know who it is...

\endtext

\text("Caym")
I see, you were a survivor of the Testa civilization.

\endtext

\text("Morte")
...Yes... I can't remember their faces... or names
anymore... but everyone... is gone now...

\endtext

\text("Caym")
............
\endtext

\text("Morte")
Are you... going to disappear too...?

\endtext

\text
She probably can't remember what happened back then anymore.

\endtext

\text
But even Morte can understand what would happen if the
people here―if Caym―were gone.

\endtext

\text
She can imagine what it would be like to be alone again.

\endtext

\text("Morte")
...Will I be alone again?
\endtext

\text
Morte, uncharacteristically, lets her anxiety show.
\endtext

\text("Spacchio")
...There's no way that'll happen.
\endtext

\text("Noro")
We'll be fine.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Morte. You don't need to worry. As long as I'm alive, I
won't let you be alone.

\endtext

\text("Morte")
...Really...?
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Yeah. If I'm going to defeat the King of Slumber, that's
only natural.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
For that, I'll need your power too.
\endtext

\text("Morte")
............Yes. Your body... belongs to me...

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Heh... In the end, it's always that with you.
\endtext

\text
That, too, is just like her.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
So, for now, forget your worries. Enjoy this feast with
everyone.
\endtext

\text("Morte")
Yes... I will... Spacchio... Noro... tell me more... about
Caym...

\endtext

\text("Spacchio")
Oh, sure. Then let me tell you about when the Demon Lord's
Army was formed.

\endtext

\text
And so, Morte joined Spacchio and the others, chatting away
about Caym.
\endtext

\text
――In the end, it always comes back to this place.
\endtext

\text
When Caym steps into the tavern, the monsters all greet him
with words of welcome, raising their glasses high.

\endtext

\text
Feeling good from the reception, Caym takes a seat at the
counter.
\endtext

\text("Rebecca")
Oh my, I thought for sure you'd be heading to Riz-chan's
place tonight.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Later. How are things here?
\endtext

\text("Rebecca")
Everyone's having a great time. There's nothing for you to
worry about.
\endtext

\text
Saying that, Rebecca hands him a glass of water with a soft
clink.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
...Why isn't it alcohol?
\endtext

\text("Rebecca")
You're going to drink with Riz-chan later, right? For now,
why not sober up a bit?
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Do I seem that drunk to you?
\endtext

\text("Rebecca")
You're already wobbling, you know.
\endtext

\text
Told that, Caym downs the water in one go. That would be a
problem, after all.
\endtext

\text("Rebecca")
Hehe... You've really grown up. I can't just call you 'boy'
so casually anymore.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Of course not. I'm the ruler of this Nilt now.

\endtext

\text("Rebecca")
Hehe, that's right. Want a refill?

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Yeah, pour me one.
\endtext

\text("Rebecca")
...But don't go overboard, okay?
\endtext

\text("Caym")
I know.
\endtext

\text("Rebecca")
Can you promise you won't do anything to make Riz-chan or
your big sister cry?
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Of course not. I won't let anyone die, and I'll defeat the
King of Slumber too.
\endtext

\text
In front of Rebecca, Caym ends up saying things he normally
wouldn't.
\endtext

\text
Maybe it was the alcohol talking. The words just slipped
out.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
I won't let the King of Slumber have his way. This is my
country, after all.
\endtext

\text("Rebecca")
...Hehe. Yes, I figured you'd say that, Caym.

\endtext

\text
Rebecca smiles, looking relieved.
\endtext

\text("Rebecca")
I'm satisfied just hearing that. For your sake, I'll hang in
there a little longer.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Yeah, I'm counting on you.
\endtext

\text
Caym downs his second glass in one go, then heads to the
office to call for Risbell.

\endtext