Keira/Stories
A thief attempts to rob Stella when a Guild Knight named Keira comes to her rescue. She learns that the thief that tried to rob her grew up in a nearby orphanage. The two later visit the orphanage. When they need someone to play a convincing monster for the kids, Stella introduces Keira to a certain someone in Starview Village.
Stella: So is it money you want from me?
Redhead: Yeah, you heard me! So pay up—You'd better be glad that's all I'm askin' for!
Stella: But why do you need this money?
Redhead: Huh?
Stella: Money can be exchanged for goods and services. What do you plan to use it on?
Redhead: What the... You tryna get smart with me?!
???: Not so fast!
Redhead: Urk. Oh, no... Keira?!
Keira: This is Palpebra, the land of commerce. Coerced transactions are strictly forbidden under the Guild Knights' watch!
Keira: Hmph... It'll take more than that to slip away from a Guild Knight.
Keira: *sigh* It hasn't even been a week since she came crying to me about changing her ways.
Keira: I'm so sorry about all this. It's because I was so lenient on her last time that this happened to you.
Stella: Is she a friend of yours?
Keira: A friend? Not quite. She's committed a crime, and I'm enforcing the law.
Keira: But personally speaking... I am concerned about her, yes.
Stella: So you care about this person.
Keira: I-I suppose you could put it that way.
Keira: She was raised in an orphanage. Children like that, it's hard for them to reintegrate into society after stumbling.
Keira: People can only believe in order when it's built atop a stable society. And I'll do what I must to maintain it.
Stella: I see.
Keira: Well... As much as I can, anyway.
Keira: But if you're interested, I can give you a demonstration of what I mean. Walk with me.
Stella: Of course.
Keira: Okay, children. Listen up. If you see a monster in town, what do you do?
Scared Child: Run away!
Scared Child: Tell a grown-up!
Keira: Precisely. Okay, let's try it right now.
Stella: I'm a monster. Groooar.
Keira: L-louder, Stella!
Stella: G... Groooar!
Scared Child: Eeep!
Keira: The children seem well.
Teacher: Yes, thank you. Your visits are always appreciated, Keira.
Teacher: I just hope it's all right... especially now that you're working by you-know-who. I wouldn't want to cut into any time you could be spending—
Keira: O-of course not! Well, it seems everything's in order here, so I'll just be on my way! I-if you'll excuse me!
Keira: Thank you, Stella! It's time for us to go!
Stella: Was that also part of your duties as a Guild Knight?
Keira: It's just me, unfortunately. The Guildmasters don't see this as a valuable use of our resources.
Keira: The rising number of orphans left behind by adventurers is one of the biggest problems this city faces.
Keira: I just hope I can keep them on the straight and narrow.
Keira: That being said, your assistance today was a great help. Allow me to thank you once again.
Stella: If you're short on help, I may be able to do something about that.
Stella: And I know just the person to be your monster too.
Stella: I present Nimbus, your perfect monster.
Nimbus: Stella... Did you bring someone here without explaining the World Flipper again? Look at her.
Keira: (Wh... Where am I?! What is this?!)
Keira: (Could this be? The rumored group of adventurers of unknown origins that's been making waves...)
Keira: (I need to report this to the Guild... right?)
Stella: Keira?
Keira: No... My duty is to uphold the law, but not like this.
Keira: Ahem. Thank you for your gracious offer, Stella. However, you should be careful when revealing this place to people.
Keira: You all may be in good standing with me, but others might not be so open- minded.
Nimbus: I guess you're one of the good ones, huh?
Keira: Even with all our bureaucracy, we Guild Knights understand that not every situation is black and white.
Keira: However, I still am a member of the Guild Knights. If there's criminal activity at play here, I won't let it slide.
Nimbus: That right? Feel free to look around for yourself.
Keira: Anyway, I must thank you again for bringing me here, Stella.
Stella: Oh... of course. Please, make yourself at home.
Stella manages to find Addie again to continue the conversation from their first encounter. Keira later interrogates Addie about her life choices and learns that a local crime ring has been utilizing orphans to carry out their petty crimes. Keira locates their hideout and confronts the leader.
Stella: Woe is me.
Stella: What will I do with all this money?
Stella: I hope no one takes it from me, seeing as I'm completely defenseless.
Stella: ... Perhaps I went about this the wrong way.
Redhead: What kinda stunt are you tryin' to pull here?
Redhead: Weren't you the girl with Keira? What're you doin' in a place like this?
Stella: I came here to see you.
Redhead: Hah! What would the likes of you want with me? Were you seriously hoping to have your money taken?!
Stella: We never finished our conversation regarding your desire for money.
Redhead: Are you dumb? That's obvious.
Stella: I've brought money with me, so please do tell.
Stella: Why were you so eager to take this before?
Keira: *sigh* Stella... You really ought to be more careful.
Keira: And you, Addie— I hope you have a good reason for being in a place like this.
Addie: I, uh...
Keira: Why don't we have a little chat? Walk with me.
Keira: I don't think I've ever seen you stay quiet for this long.
Keira: At least eat something. The food here is not so terrible— quite good, even.
Keira: I see. I'll get straight to the point. Who are you handing your ill-gotten money to?
Addie: W-why do you know about that?
Keira: Well, it doesn't look like you're spending it on yourself—even your beautiful hair's going to pot.
Keira: Tell me, Addie. Who's making you do this?
Addie: It's not like you'd be able to do something about it...
Keira: Hey, now. I'd appreciate it if you gave me a little credit.
Keira: See this emblem? You have my word, Addie. I'll do whatever must be done to see justice served.
Addie: Ngh... Sniff... Waaaugh!
Ringleader: Damn bottle's empty! What's takin' that brat so long?!
Ringleader: Good-for-nothing freeloaders... Think it's about time I kick 'em to the curb and get a new—
Keira: Addie won't be coming back.
Keira: And this is the end of the line for you, as well.
Ringleader: A Guild Knight?! What happened to the muscle I posted outside?
Ringleader: D-don't tell me you took 'em all out on yer own! Aren't you s'posed to uphold the law or justice or somethin'?!
Keira: Well, you see... I didn't want my fellow Guild Knights to see me do this.
Keira: Taking helpless orphans, robbing them of their futures, and using them as your pawns... Absolutely despicable.
Keira: You'll get your justice right here and now!
Ringleader: N-noooo!
Nimbus: I didn't take you for the vigilante type, Keira.
Nimbus: I mean, I would've probably done the same thing, but still.
Keira: I appreciate the sentiment. But I can't let the other knights see you with me.
Nimbus: Still concerned about appearances?
Keira: I must. Without an example to follow, the Guild Knights would fall apart.
Keira: Fortunately, our commander has been an excellent role model for the force.
Keira: It's thanks to him that I can do what I do.
Nimbus: Even if they're stingy and don't let you do your job sometimes, huh?
Keira: Ouch. There's still plenty of room for improvement, of course.
Stella: We're here to help, Keira. Just give us the word.
Keira: I appreciate that, Stella.
Keira: Heh... I'm starting to lose track of things I can't tell others about.
Addie confesses her feelings to Keira, who rejects her as she already has someone else in her heart. Undeterred, Addie pledges to follow Keira's footsteps and become a Guild Knight.
Stella: A magic exhibition?
Keira: Yes. The Voluntas Arcane Arts Academy holds one every year.
Keira: It serves as a public demonstration of the school's talent as well as an exam for its students. The guild has a financial stake in it as well.
Keira: Which brings me to our job— to help get things ready while keeping the perimeter secure.
Keira: So these are the boulders that have blocked the path.
Keira: Hmm... It doesn't look like they'll budge.
Stella: I believe that was Addie, was it not?
Keira: Unbelievable. I thought she washed her hands of that business.
Keira: Dammit, Addie!
Lady of the Shop: Keira, Keira! I was hoping I could put up a booth for our shop at the exhibition!
Keira: Oh... right. In that case, just... fill out the proper... permits...
Stella: Are you okay, Keira?
Keira: Is it obvious? I'm sorry, but I need to do something about this.
Stella: Addie!
Keira: Hey!
Addie: K-Keira?!
Keira: I thought you'd left that life behind you! You don't have to do this anymore!
Aging Man: I-I'm sorry! I won't do it again!
Stella: Oh, are you a thief too?
Keira: Wait... Huh?!
Keira: What was your plan, Addie?
Addie: I thought it'd make you happy...
Keira: Addie... Don't be a fool. What I want for you is to stay as far away from crime as possible.
Keira: Keep your head up and keep moving forward. That's all I want.
Addie: Keira... I... I'm so sorry! Please don't be mad...
Keira: It's fine, Addie. I understand. There, there.
Addie: I just... I really do love you, Keira.
Keira: H-huh?! Wh-what are you going on about?!
Stella: Is that so strange?
Addie: No, it isn't!
Stella: Of course.
Keira: Me? But... why?
Addie: I always have, Keira! You've always been there... looking after me through thick and thin!
Keira: I'm... grateful you think of me this way. But I'm sorry. I already have someone in my life.
Addie: Yeah... I know you do. But I still want you to know!
Addie: Keira! Do you think... I could become like you one day?
Keira: Without a doubt.
Keira: Knowledge is your friend, for it will guide your way. Stay true to yourself, lest you be led astray.
Keira: If you can do that, I'm more than confident you would make a fine addition to the Guild Knights.
Keira: Was that as embarrassing for you to hear as it was for me to say?
Stella: Not at all.
Keira: You see, someone I look up to told me the very same thing once.
Stella: Are you referring to the commander you're so fond of?
Keira: ...I beg your pardon?
Stella: I first heard about him from the teacher at the orphanage. It's been going on for quite some time now, yes?
Keira: P-preposterous! I mean, how would—
Stella: Nimbus told me as well. It seems to be common knowledge among the Guild Knights.
Keira: C-common... knowledge?!
Keira: H-how does HE know what's supposedly common knowledge among the Guild Knights?!
Stella: Apparently, they frequent the same pubs.
Keira: Those idiots... Just what the hell do they take me for?!
Stella: Either way, I support your choice, Keira.
Keira: No, no, no, no, no... Nope. Absolutely not. Surely this isn't happening.
Keira: Someone... Anyone... PLEASE tell me I'm just having a bad dream!