Morose Monsters (IV)

Morose Monsters (IV) is an Adventure Mission from the Vignettes in a Cup event.
==Steps==
# Head to the Dreamjolt Hostelry
# Continue serving the customers
# Check on Lady and Melancholy
# Help Lady and Melancholy with their troubles
# Take a look outside the lounge
# Return to the lounge
# Talk to Mr. Bigwig
==Dialogue==
===Head to the Dreamjolt Hostelry===
:(Trailblazer): (...That alarm clock was a apain, but now he seems quite prudent when he is calmed down.)
:(Trailblazer): (Almost ready. Time to open for business.)
===Continue serving the customers===
;(Open the Mixing Workbench and start service)
:Melancholy: You know, we can't understand each other. Despite our efforts to communicate, our paths are destined to remain apart.
:Melancholy: If that's the case, what purpose does language serve? Is our desperate cry for understanding merely an exercise in futility?
:Melancholy: Tell me, strange drinksmith. Do you hold an answer?
: No, I don't. And stop asking.
::Melancholy: *Sigh* I can't help but knock on the door I know is closed to me.
: Many things are doomed to futility.
::Melancholy: *sigh* Seeking answers to such questions is akin to waiting at a station for a ship that will never arrive.
:Melancholy: Let it go. Let's simply have a drink. Only the warmth of that liquid can offer solace to my tormented soul.
:Melancholy: Please give me a .
:Melancholy: If you happen to... and I do mean happen to have some decoration , please put it on. I'd like to see it. Thank you.
:(Trailblazer): (A decoration that represents Penacony... I'll have to pick one carefully.)
: (Start preparing the drink)
: Activate the drinksmith simulator!
----
----
;(After serving the wrong drink)
::Melancholy: How unfortunate. The world kisses me with pain yet expects a tip in return!
;(After serving the right drink)
::Melancholy: A wondrous masterpiece! Your hands possess an enchanting touch, effortlessly mending the wounds within me!
:Melancholy: *sigh* Passionate emotions are transient. The glass is empty, yet the void in my heart remains unfilled.
:Melancholy: Thankfully, this delightful drink has made us acquaintances.
:Melancholy: You know, before I came to this lounge, I was a struggling actor relegated to countless minor roles, plagued by desolation. No direction, no income, and no self-esteem.
:Melancholy: Regrets have permeated my life. Do you think I can still discover happiness?
: If you have to get an answer, then it's "no."
::Melancholy: *Sigh* You've spoken truthfully about life. More often than not, the questioner already holds an answer in mind before asking the question.
: What is "happiness" anyway?
::Melancholy: *sigh* A piercing question, indeed. Happiness is but a facade, with the world oblivious to the pain and suffering concealed beneath.
:Melancholy: I'm like a character in a play, confined to mimicking the words of others. I can't change the situation or myself.
:Melancholy: The past continues to haunt me. Even in this paradise, the dreadful nightmare persists, and the sadness within me never fades. It's not something a few drinks can wash away, but...
: Do go on.
: Are you drunk already?
:Melancholy: ...
:Melancholy: *sigh* It's impolite to expose my wounds without permission. It's better to share sorrows, experience joys, and bid farewell appropriately.
:Melancholy: Better make an order first. Please give me something in .
: ...What's the "love" you mentioned?
:Melancholy: Once I was fervently obsessed with plays, dreams woven from vibrant costumes and make-up.
:Melancholy: Unfortunately, my love became lost in the past.
:(Trailblazer): (...Based on its habits, it probably means it wants a decoration related to cartoon characters?) 
: (Start preparing the drink)
: Attempt to do a flair with the glasses.
::*crash*... The glass shatters to pieces on the ground. Looks like your skills could use some work.
:: (Start preparing the drink)
----
----
;(After serving the wrong drink)
::Melancholy: This is not the flavor I ordered. *sigh* Is it too much to even ask for a drink that quenches my thirst?
;(After serving the right drink)
::Melancholy: O, time! Cease your march! This drink is so exquisite, and I yearn to savor its flavor for the remainder of my days.
:Melancholy: Despite the sorrow clouding my heart, your kindness and drink-mixing mastery have deeply impressed me.
:Melancholy: *sigh* Farewells always carry a tinge of bitterness, but please... do not lament our encounter.
:(Trailblazer): (Melancholy's mood doesn't seem to be getting any better, but it feels like its trust in me has deepened.)
: Record information about Melancholy.
;(Obtain )
----
;(Start next round)
:Lady: ...Hello, there? Here we meet again.
: That melancholic customer just left.
: You're not here to see me, are you?
:Lady: Hee-hee, why so serious? You've been a drinksmith for quite a while, and I'm sure you know better than to speak your mind.
:Lady: Well, I came to see you because I heard something interesting and wanted to share it.
:Lady: Well, if you're not interested, then forget it.
: Oh, I love gossip!
: Alright. Forget it then.
::Lady: You really don't want to hear it? Fine. I'll just head home.
:: Oh, I love gossip!
:: No, I don't. Let's just forget it.
:::Lady: Even so, I still want to tell you. Isn't it part of a drinksmith's job to listen to your customers? If you slack off, I might have to file a complaint with Siobhan.
::: Fine, whatever.
::: Alright. I don't want to risk losing my job.
:Lady: Hee-hee, great! But I'm feeling a bit thirsty now. Could you make me a drink first?
:Lady: Mm, this time, I want a . I've been feeling under the weather recently.
:(Trailblazer): (I remember she used to ask for a lot of ice cubes. So, she doesn't need ice cubes this time because she hasn't brought up any embarrassing topics?)
: (Start preparing the drink)
----
----
;(After serving the wrong drink)
::Lady: Did you accidentally use the wrong ingredients? I didn't expect you to make such an obvious mistake.
;(After serving the right drink)
::Lady: This tastes amazing! You still understand me so well. If only you could stay here forever, by my side.
:Lady: Well, now that I've finished my drink, it's time to share that interesting story with you...
:Lady: Actually, I stumbled upon Siobhan's secret by chance.
: ...Care to explain?
: What kind of secret?
::Lady: Hee-hee, the kind of secret that would pique anyone's interest, of course.
:Lady: I was wandering around the hotel in the Dreamscape when I spotted a gorgeously dressed lady searching for something.
:Lady: It's rare to come across an outsider in this place, so I followed her for a while. Then, I overheard her murmuring something like...
:Lady: She wanted to hang out with Siobhan but had been turned down multiple times. So, she decided to come straight to the lounge.
:Lady: She even said... Siobhan would definitely accept her offer this time... It's as if they've known each other for ages.
:Lady: If you were in that lady's shoes, would you keep trying to contact Siobhan?
: I wouldn't give up until I got what I wanted!
::Lady: That's what I like about you! I should have the same attitude!
: Thank you for your invitation.
::Lady: Ohh, that's tough. Even if you say that... it's not easy to suppress what's on your mind.
:Lady: ...I'm sharing this with you because I'm also holding onto many secrets, and I'm hesitant to reveal them.
:Lady: But then again, I'm too timid, and those words get stuck in my throat, and swallowed back. *sigh*
:Lady: Should I ask him out and boldly express my feelings to him...
: Seize the chance while you have it!
: Don't make decisions you'll regret!
:Lady: Hmm, but it's not that simple...
:Lady: I'd like to bother you to make a drink that is . Just like my current mood: Upset.
:(Trailblazer): (...Is she worrying about something related to Melancholy?)
: (Start preparing the drink)
: Let's start by making ice cubes.
:: You spend plenty of energy trying to chisel the ice into a neat cylindrical shape, only to find that it won't fit in the glass.
:: (Start preparing the drink)
----
----
;(After serving the wrong drink)
::Lady: Um... did my problem bother you? This drink doesn't quite match your usual standards.
;(After serving the right drink)
::Lady: Fantastic! This drink is exactly what I wanted! You truly understand me the best.
:Lady: Talking to you has made me feel much better. It seems your talent for conversation matches your skill in mixing drinks.
:Lady: If only I could chat with him as effortlessly as you do.
:Lady: ...Nevertheless, I must take action! I'll come up with a plan! Wait for my good news!
:(Trailblazer): (Lady decides to find Melancholy... Hope the conversation just now can help it make up its mind.)
:(Trailblazer): (It was quite willing to share its inner thoughts with me.)
: Record information about Lady.
;(Obtain )
----
;(Start next round)
:(Trailblazer): (No other customers now. I'm a bit tired... Let's call it a day.)
:Starlet: Phew...
: Did somone just breathe on me...?
: Phew...
::Starlet: Phew...
:: Phew...
::Starlet: Phew...
:: Phew...
::Starlet: Are you simple or something?
:Starlet: What's happening? A real person here? I thought Siobhan put a drink mixer here.
: ...Do I look like a drink mixer to you?
::Starlet: Yeah, right.
: Are you trying to start a fight?
::Starlet: Yes.
:Starlet: You can even find talking billboards in the Dreamscape. Who knows if you're a real person or not?
:Starlet: There's a noisy dice and a stupid alarm clock. Once you've seen too many animated objects, you'll struggle to tell them apart from real people.
: So, what brings you here?
:Starlet: Drinks, of course. Didn't Siobhan tell you?
:Starlet: Give me a glass of . Since you want to be a drinksmith here, let's see what you're made of.
: You're a big shot at the lounge, I guess?
::Starlet: There's no status difference here, but it's true that I usually take care of the others.
: I don't think I need your approval, do I?
::Starlet: No, you don't, but if I want to get rid of you, I have many ways to do that.
:Starlet: I want a glass of . Don't forget.
:(Trailblazer): (...His words always imply something. Siobhan never mentioned that Starlet could be so difficult to get along with.)
:: (Start preparing the drink)
----
;(Upon making a )
:Starlet: Not bad at all. Now I see Siobhan did find someone decent to take her place.
:Starlet: What did Siobhan tell you? To fix us up?
:Starlet: You've been working here for a while. So, what do you think of those monsters?
: They're all pretty interesting... friends?
::Starlet: Is that what you really think?
:: Yes.
:::Starlet: Do you expect me to believe that?
:: That's a lie, actually.
:::Starlet: Hmph, I kind of figured.
: They're all pretty close... family members?
::Starlet: The word "family" carries a lot of weight. Don't throw it around lightly.
:: I'm being serious.
:::Starlet: Do you expect me to believe that?
:: That's a lie, actually.
:::Starlet: Hmph, I kind of figured.
: Are you excluding yourself?
::Starlet: I know exactly what I am, and I don't need you to remind me.
:Starlet: "They look pretty unique. Although they're a bit eccentric and have their own emotional problems, they can be quite adorable once you get used to them."
: Yes.
: No.
: You won't believe anything I say anyway.
:Starlet: Forget it. You wouldn't give an answer even if I asked. Humans are all good at lying, and their words don't hold any water.
: ...You were the one who asked first, right?
: I just don't understand what you want.
:Starlet: Hmph.
:Starlet: Make me another drink. . Is this request too difficult for you?
:(Trailblazer): (Feels like he's not just here for a drink, but more like... testing me?)
: (Start preparing the drink)
: Activate the drinksmith simulator!
----
----
:Starlet: It's indeed the flavor I was hoping for. Your drinksmith skills are more impressive than I expected.
:Starlet: Well, making great drinks is not all about managing this lounge. There are way more problems to deal with here than you expected.
:Starlet: Soon, you'll know what I mean.
:(Trailblazer): (Starlet is behaving normally. It just doesn't seem to like me.)
: Record information about Starlet.
;(Obtain )
===Check on Lady and Melancholy===
:(Trailblazer): (Being a drinksmith is actually exhausting. How did Siobhan manage to keep at it for so long?)
:(Trailblazer): (Huh? They're still at the lounge...)
;(Approach Lady and Melancholy)
:Lady: Well, hey there. It's a bit awkward, but... I need to ask you a favor.
: Shoot. I don't have all day.
::Lady: Well... it's really embarrassing to just say it outright. Please, be more patient.
: I'm the most caring drinksmith here.
::Lady: Oh, I'm really fond of your gentle type! Alas, if only *he* could be as caring as you are.
:Lady: It's... well... it's...
:Melancholy: I have no idea why she asked me to stay here. This is just depressing. Why is it always me?
:Melancholy: There are so many other monsters, but she asked me to sit alone in this corner after business hours. Is she trying to bully me or something? And tomorrow she'll go around spreading my embarrassing story and ostracize me, right?
:Melancholy: Like... "Come on! You actually thought receiving a note meant someone was confessing their love to you!?"
:Melancholy: Or... "that fool actually fell for it! Did you see the nervous and expectant look on his face? Priceless!"
:Melancholy: *sigh* What's the point of making such jokes...?
:Lady: I'm not trying to bully you! I... I just want to...
:Lady: Waaaah!
:(Trailblazer): (What's going on here...? I should talk to them separately and find out what they really think.)
===Help Lady and Melancholy with their troubles===
;(Talk to Lady)
:Lady: It's... it's... you know...
:Lady: I... I wanted to ask him to hang out, but I don't know... how to go about it.
: I thought you were good at talking.
: Just be honest and tell him how you feel.
:Lady: I'm good at chatting with people I don't care about. But when it comes to someone I do... how can I say something so embarrassing?
: Oh, what a heartrending story.
: ...What about me?
:Lady: Yikes! Are you being jealous or something?
:Lady: Think about it, all the monsters here like you. Isn't it amazing to have so much happiness all at once?
:Lady: I'm just... well, I'm just used to saying things that make people blush, but when it comes to the moment of truth, I just can't speak out what I really want to say.
:Lady: Hey, there? Don't you have some awesome powers? Could you dive into my heart and see what is blocking me?
: Sure, I'll help you resolve your problems.
:;(Enter sub-mission Escapism Is Disgraceful in the Domain of Excursion Lady's Emoscape)
: Nah, I've got better stuff to do.
:Lady: Please go ahead. I'll be waiting here.
;(Talk to Lady again, before completing the sub-mission)
:Lady: I'm just... well, I'm just used to saying things that make people blush, but when it comes to the moment of truth, I just can't speak out what I really want to say.
:Lady: Hey, there? Don't you have some awesome powers? Could you dive into my heart and see what is blocking me?
: Sure, I'll help you resolve your problems.
:;(Enter sub-mission Escapism Is Disgraceful in the Domain of Excursion Lady's Emoscape)
: Nah, I've got better stuff to do.
:Lady: Please go ahead. I'll be waiting here.
;(Talk to Lady again, after completing the sub-mission)
:Lady: Thank you for helping me realize my true feelings. I won't run away anymore.
;(Talk to Melancholy)
:Melancholy: It's so frustrating. Why do they have to make fun of me? Isn't there already enough sadness in the world?
:Melancholy: What a world. I had nowhere to go, and now that I've finally found a peaceful place, they want to bully me...
:Melancholy: W—Waaaah!!!
: There, there...
: Stop crying already!!!
:Melancholy: *sob* I know it's awkward... but I just can't shake off my grief... Waaaaah!
:(Trailblazer): (I've got to figure out a way to calm him down... Let's delve into his inner world...)
: Don't worry. I'll help you.
:;(Enter sub-mission By Your Side in the Domain of Excursion Melancholy's Dreamscape)
: I've got something else to do.
::Melancholy: Boohoooo... Just go ahead and leave me be.
;(Talk to Melancholy again, before completing the sub-mission)
:Melancholy: *sob* I know it's awkward... but I just can't shake off my grief... Waaaaah!
: Don't worry. I'll help you.
:;(Enter sub-mission By Your Side in the Domain of Excursion Melancholy's Dreamscape)
: I've got something else to do.
::Melancholy: Boohoooo... Just go ahead and leave me be.
;(Talk to Melancholy again, after completing the sub-mission)
:Melancholy: Life feels full of joy since I met you. I want to be more positive!
----
;(After completing both sub-missions)
:Lady: Then I'll take my leave, alright?
:Melancholy: Thank you! You've been so kind!
: Go ahead.
: Alright, enough with the public display of affection.
:Lady: Hee-hee, a gentle person like you will be popular wherever you go. If you ever feel lonely, I'll ask you out next time.
:Lady: But for now, please give us your blessing.
:Not long after the lounge had returned to calmness, cries for help suddenly came from nearby.
:Lady: I'm not inviting you...
:Lady: 
:(Trailblazer): (That cry for help... is coming from outside the lounge?)
===Take a look outside the lounge===
:Melancholy: Waaa... Waaaahhhh! I don't want to die yet! I just decided to live a happy life from now on! I don't want...
:Lady: C—Calm down, darling... I... I'll protect you...
:Starlet: Roarrr!!!
:Mr. Bigwig: Woof! Get back to your sense! You... you don't recognize us?
:Starlet: 
:Mr. Bigwig: Woof! I won't let you harm them...
:Mr. Bigwig: Come help, new drinksmith! Starlet has lost his mind!
:;(Phase 1 against , , )
:Mr. Bigwig: Woof! Wake up! What happened?
:Melancholy: How could this be? How!? Even the wisest thinker among us has lost his sanity!
:Melancholy: As I thought, it is indeed that happiness is transient while sorrow seems everlasting... Who can tell me... if we are doomed for ruin, why were we brought into this illusory "sweet dream" in the first place...?
:(Trailblazer): (He was fine the last time we met. Why did he suddenly become frenzied?)
:(Trailblazer): (I should inform Siobhan as soon as possible...)
:Mr. Bigwig: What should we do? You're a smart one, new drinksmith! So there must be something you can do!
: Let's bring him back to the lounge first.
:Mr. Bigwig: Woof! I'll lend a paw!
===Return to the lounge===
:Mr. Bigwig: Woof! Looks like he's okay. He's a regular at the lounge, but why did he lose his mind all of a sudden?
:Lady: Will I end up like that someday? That's scary.
:Melancholy: *sigh* We all meet our destined end someday.
:Mr. Bigwig: Woof... why isn't Siobhan here at a time like this?
:Mr. Bigwig: What is she doing, woof...?
: I've told her about it.
: I'll stay with you guys.
:Mr. Bigwig: *sob*... *sob*...
:Mr. Bigwig: We'll go back for now, woof. As for you, new drinksmith.. stay safe, alright?
:The monsters all left the lounge one after another, and not long after that...
:Siobhan: ...I've received your message. How are the monsters doing?
:You tell Siobhan about what happened in the hotel in the Dreamscape. When you mention the frenzied monsters, you notice that she doesn't seem all that surprised. Instead, a touch of fatigue appears on her calm face, as if she has been expecting it.
:Siobhan: I just check on him, nothing serious. He'll regain his senses soon.
:Siobhan: ...I'm sorry. I didn't see it coming. Thank you for your help.
: Are you... hiding something from me?
:Siobhan: Chill out. I just came back, and I'm a bit tired. You're a skilled drinksmith, so how about whipping up a drink for me?
:Siobhan: Let's start with you. What would you like to know?
: ...Your true identity?
: ...The true nature of those monsters?
: ...The true purpose of this lounge?
:Siobhan: Hey, don't rush things... The answer to your question is way too nuanced. How am I suppose to answer them all in one go?
:Siobhan: I feel a little parched. Make me a — I'll leave the rest to you. I trust your mixology skills.
: (Start preparing the drink)
----
----
:Siobhan: Hmm... 
:Siobhan: Tasting the drinks you make always brings back memories... You didn't secretly use your magical ability on me, did you?
: Of course not.
: Why not take a guess?
::Siobhan: ...No? Maybe you can try using it on me and see if it works?
:Siobhan: Just kidding. I say that because as long as I sit opposite you, I'd feel super relaxed like I'm in a warm, cozy dream. Unfortunately, dreams don't last forever... just like this hotel.
:Siobhan: ...
:Siobhan: I'm sorry. I should have explained everything about this Dreamjolt Hostelry better.
:Siobhan: Those monsters don't show aggression most of the time because of your drinks. The drinks offered here can stabilize their emotions, helping them resist the nightmare corruption to some extent.
: What if we stop making them drinks?
::Siobhan: Just as you saw, they'll lose their sanity and start attacking everything around them until... until they're beyond recovery.
: Did you prepare these drinks on purpose?
::Siobhan: Of course. It took me a lot of effort to gather the ingredients. Luckily, my efforts paid off.
::Siobhan: Without these special drinks, those monsters will lose their sanity and start attacking everything around them until... until they're beyond recovery.
:Siobhan: Even with my drinks, they still descend into a frenzy from time to time, and it's happening more frequently now. The entire Dreamscape is collapsing, and we're just futilely trying to delay its impact like pouring cold water into a pot about to boil over.
:Siobhan: The situation of this lounge... is far from promising.
: So that's why Starlet became frenzied...?
:Siobhan: Well, their situation is a bit different. They have experienced too many tragic events, so they're naturally wary of strangers in the lounge.
:Siobhan: ...Don't be fooled by their mature look. Deep down, they're still a dependent kid. They're just too wary to completely trust you right away. So, don't take it personally.
:Siobhan: I'm sure they'll open up and show their true feelings once you two become more familiar with each other.
:Siobhan: As for me... Well, soothing emotions is what The Family is used to doing, so there's nothing complex about that.
: You used to be their administrator.
::Siobhan: Yeah. I mentioned that before, but *not anymore*. The Sweet Dreams Troupe members are props entertaining the guests. No guest would want to hang out with a bunch of monsters that could go wild at any moment.
: You're a member of The Family.
::Siobhan: Yeah, I mentioned that. I used to be the administrator of the Sweet Dreams Troupe, but *not anymore*.
::Siobhan: The Sweet Dreams Troupe members are props entertaining the guests. No guest would want to hang out with a bunch of monsters that could go wild at any moment.
:Siobhan: So, I lost my job and could only stay in this lounge... taking care of these quirky kids.
:Siobhan: To me, they're like my family, and I'm not leaving them behind.
:Siobhan: You've gotten so good at mixing drinks. Maybe I can trust you with this lounge.
:Siobhan: As the Dreamscape collapses faster, more monsters will go frenzied. The drinks we whip up will only calm them down temporarily, and we have no idea when this whole mess will end.
: Are you feeling tired?
::Siobhan: Perhaps. Sometimes I can't help but wonder what my true desire is.
: But those monsters need you.
::Siobhan: Oh, really? But... to be honest, maybe that's just your opinion.
:Siobhan: Life isn't simple even in a dream, and hard work doesn't always pay off. That's just how the world works.
:Siobhan: I've got some troubles I need to sort out. Please take care of those kids while I'm gone.
:Siobhan: I hope... you enjoy it here.
===Talk to Mr. Bigwig===
:Mr. Bigwig: Woof! ...This way, come this way. I've got something to talk to you about!
;(Approach Mr. Bigwig)
:Mr. Bigwig: Woof! Don't you think Siobhan has been acting suspiciously lately? She's never around the lounge these days. Where has she gone?
: Suspiciously indeed.
: I'm curious, too.
:Mr. Bigwig: I knew you'd feel the same way!
:Mr. Bigwig: As you know, Siobhan is an amazing woman, so we've been wondering...
:Mr. Bigwig: Since she's been away a lot lately, could it be that... she doesn't want us anymore?
:Mr. Bigwig: We've been a pain in the neck lately and have caused a lot of trouble. Maybe... she's not into us anymore?
:Mr. Bigwig: She always says she's busy with something, but never spills the beans...
:(Trailblazer): (Come to think of it, Siobhan never mentioned what she's been busy with.)
:Mr. Bigwig: Hey, new drinksmith! Let's go outside and find Siobhan! It'd be great if we could help her out! Woof!
: Where should we start?
::Mr. Bigwig: Woof! Let me make some preparations and figure out where Siobhan might be!
: I need to finish my work at the lounge first.
::Mr. Bigwig: Woof! No problem! Let me make some preparations and figure out where Siobhan might be!
:Mr. Bigwig: It's a deal! Woof!
:(Trailblazer): (I've promised him to look for Siobhan, but I need to finish the lounge work first...)
:(Trailblazer): (If I remember correctly, Startlet is the only one who is still troubled by his problem, right?)
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