Narration Footnotes

Narration Footnotes is a World Quest in Simulanka.
==Steps==
* Start the quest by talking to Kirara on the outskirts of Constellation Metropole.
# Follow Kirara to the village ahead
# Explore the path ahead
# Explore the Future Marquis' Abode-to-Be
# Speak with the three within the Future Marquis' Abode-to-Be
# Go to the sacred site of the Cappet clan
# Defeat the opponent(s) standing before you
#* Wave 1: 
#* Wave 2: 
# Complete the Oracle Pillar's picture (Open it to view hints)
# Read the true history of the clan of "Valor"
# Go to the sacred site of the Boborano clan
# Complete the Oracle Pillar's picture (Open it to view hints)
# Read the true history of the clan of "Wisdom"
# Go to the sacred site of the Albizzi clan
# Find the base of the great clockwork key
# Talk to Albizzi
# Complete the Oracle Pillar's picture (Open it to view hints)
# Return to the base of the great clockwork key
# Read the true history of the clan of "Empathy"
# Escape from the clan of "Empathy"'s sacred site
# Talk to everyone
# Wait until after 08:00 the next day
# Go to Pendulum Lane
# Talk to everyone
# Turn the clockwork base and rewind the truth
# Talk to everyone
# Search for suspicious places and clues (0/6)
# Speak with Paimon and Kirara and deduce the murder weapon
# Put the pickaxe back at the scene
# Turn the clockwork base and rewind the truth once more
# Confront the detective
# Pursue the killer detective
# Speak to the narrator
==Gameplay Notes==
* During step 6, a trial Kirara joins the party.
* During step 18, the Paimon Menu and Shortcut Wheel cannot be accessed.
* During step 30, the party is limited to a trial Kirara and the Traveler.
==Trial Character==
==Dialogue==
;(Talk to Kirara)
:;(Before completing They Once Walked the Starry Sky)
::: Kirara: Hey! Are you guys already finished with everything in the Metropole?
::: Kirara: No need to prioritize me - there's just this place I really wanna go check out. Feel free to get back to me once you've got everything sorted out.
:;(After completing They Once Walked the Starry Sky)
::: Kirara: So, are you all set? Ready to start investigating?
: We're all good!
:: Kirara: Great! Then let's go!
: I'll be right back...
:: Kirara: Sure. Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere!
;(Follow Kirara)
: Kirara: I've delivered packages all over, but I've never seen a mysterious fairytale world like this before!
: Kirara: Looks like nobody has gotten around to repairing this house yet... Eek, even I wouldn't dare to sleep in there. It might suddenly collapse in on you.
: Kirara: Nothing to see here, either... Maybe we can find someone to ask...
: Kirara: Aha, over there! I bet we'll find some people there. Let's go take a look!
;(If the player strays off)
: Kirara: You wanna check out the area over there? Okay, I'll wait here for you.
;(Approach the houses with Kirara)
: Kirara: Huh? I was sure there'd be people here...
: ???: ...There once was a goddess who ruled over fate. Before she died, she left three riddles for the kingdom she'd created.
: Paimon: What... Who said that?
: ???: Long story short, on this day, a sentient feline, an outlander, and a, uh... diminutive pixie arrived on the scene.
: ???: They saw a narrow path off to the side.
: Paimon: Okay, but which side?
: Kirara: Yeah, if you gave ambiguous instructions like that to a Komaniya Express courier, they'd give you the parcel right back and tell you to write the delivery address more clearly.
: Narrator: ...Despite how obvious the answer was, the perplexed pixie and the flummoxed feline struggled to work it out. Hmm, although perhaps a small part of the blame could be attributed to my dull narration...
: Narrator: Alright, let's try this again: *clears throat* "The path on the left-hand side seemed to give off an enticing fragrance, as if to say: 'This is the way to wealth and glory!'"
: Kirara: Ooh! That sounds like the start of a good story! Then what, then what?
;(After the cutscene)
: Narrator: At the end of the path, the motley crew would soon spot a secret stone room. A prophecy had once foretold of a marquis who shall one day venture inside, and thus it is named: The Future Marquis' Abode-To-Be.
: Narrator: You like it? "The Future Marquis' Abode-To-Be..." Got a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
: Kirara: That was a little bit boastful...
: Narrator: But! Before you continue, I must warn you of the danger that lies ahead! For example, under no circumstances should you sit on the chair in the center.
: Narrator: Otherwise, the consequences could be... uh, a bit embarrassing.
;(Approach the cave before the above dialogue completes, optional)
: Narrator: Uhh, are you sure you don't want to hear the rest?
: Kirara: Meow! What's going on!?
: Narrator: Hear me out, alright? I'm sorry for resorting to extreme measures, but I'm trying to help here.
: Narrator: Don't worry, the fencing will disappear as soon as I'm done talking.
: Kirara: So are you some sort of fence-spawning youkai?
: Narrator: I'll keep this brief. Firstly, the place ahead of you is a secret room whose purpose, per the legends, is to await the arrival of a certain "marquis." For that reason, it's called The Future Marquis' Abode-To-Be.
: Narrator: Secondly, when you get inside, don't sit on the chair in the center, or bad things will happen. There, that's all. Off you go!
----
;(Enter the cave)
: Cappet: Tsk, looks like we got some more time-wasters... Tune up and clear your throats — remember, we're supposed to talk like bards.
: Albizzi: *clears throat* So many summers, winters, springs, and falls, and now at last a hero hither strides.
: Boborano: This realm knows not what lies beyond its walls, its secrets mystify the world outside.
: Paimon: Wait, new voices? Who are they?
;(Approach the table and the three chairs)
: Boborano: As golden sunlight fills the firmament, engrosses your attent. Perhaps, perchance, peruse these pages thence — they surely represent no ill intent.
;(Idle for some time without interacting with the document, optional)
: Cappet: Why isn't reading ? Hey Boborano, maybe quit showing off and try using words he'll actually understand?
: Boborano: I can either rhyme like a bard, or I can curse like a sailor. And right now, Cappet, you are seriously tempting me towards the latter.
;(Continue to idle without interacting with the document, optional)
: Albizzi: Um, Cappet, forgive me for breaking the rhyme scheme for a second. But I wanna hear your take on this.
: Albizzi: So any outsider who comes in here would surely see , right? Unless was visually impaired. And unless 's got tinnitus or something, definitely have heard what we were saying.
: Albizzi: All I'm trying to say is, if this poor person can't see or hear properly... I just feel kinda sorry for them.
: Paimon: Oh, we hear you loud and clear! So watch it!
;(Break the crates or vases near the table or chair, optional)
: Albizzi: With wood and earthen wares strewn all around, the demon-feline's fury can't be quelled, reducing them to rubble on the ground, she finds the vessels vacant save for... uhh, air?
: Boborano: She finds long gone the gems that once they held.
: Paimon: ...Are they describing how we broke the boxes and jars?
: Kirara: Who are you calling demon-feline!?
;(Sit on the chair in the center, optional)
: Boborano: Stop the poem, we have a situation... Something's up with this person.
: Kirara: , are you alright?
: Turns out... there's glue...
:
: Paimon: C'mon, you can do it! Th—This can't be how our story ends...!
: (Try to stand up)
:
: Kirara: Can I give you a hand? Or a tail, even?
: (Keep trying to stand up)
:
:;(The superglue is removed from the chair)
;(Leave the cave before reading the document, optional)
:: Boborano: The weary heroes falter in their quest, for home they long, for friend and kin they yearn. These thoughts in mind, they pause and deem it best, to cease this foolish errand, and return—
:: Cappet: Rhyme-time is over! They've already gone!
:: 
:;(Re-enter the cave)
:: Cappet: Aha, they're back. It seems our outlanders pine for after all.
----
;(Read the document on the table)
::
: Cappet: Captivated by the epic poetry, and enthralled by the outstanding storytelling, the outlanders knew what their next objective was:
: Cappet: Namely, to remove the up ahead.
: Boborano: Cappet, I just realized. You said we all had to speak like bards, but every time you open your mouth, I don't hear any rhymes.
: Albizzi: Yeah, I noticed that too. It's one standard for us, and another for you. That's not fair, Cappet.
;(Idle for some time away from the key, optional)
: Albizzi: Perhaps the outlanders are worried that something drastic will happen the moment they remove .
: Albizzi: Maybe that's why they're investigating the area thoroughly first. Can't fault them for that. I'm wondering if we can take advantage of this downtime to discuss whether we really need to keep this up—
: Cappet: If you guys don't wanna put on a voice and speak in verse, be my guest. Just don't blame me for your own poetic incompetence.
;(Break the crates or vases near the table or chair, optional)
: Cappet: ...With wood and earthen wares strewn all around, the demon-feline's fury can't be quelled, reducing them to rubble on the ground—
: Albizzi: Oh no you don't. I wrote that line! Don't start plagiarizing me just because you can't take a bit of criticism.
: Cappet: Look, let's not put form over content here. It's not about the rhymes, it's about making sure the outlanders focus on ...
: Kirara: I told you already, stop calling me demon-feline!
;(Leave the cave before pulling out the clockwork key, optional)
:: Boborano: Cappet's blatant unprofessionalism and lackluster performance began to annoy the outsiders.
:: Boborano: He decided to step out to get some air and come back with a change of attitude.
:: Cappet: Oh, get off my case.
: 
:;(Re-enter the cave)
:: Cappet: A sense of longing wells up in the chest, and to one's heart one always must be true. Resume, you must, your once-forsaken quest, and persevere until you see it through.
:: Cappet: Finally, the outlander returned to the of destiny!
:: Boborano & Albizzi: My gosh, a poem from Cappet! I can't believe my ears!
----
;(Idle around the key, optional)
: Boborano: As the outlander stands before , they are overcome by a sudden urge to set it free.
: Boborano: ...Also, Cappet, that'll be my last rhyming line. I'm not writing any more poetry until you apologize.
: Cappet: What does it matter, anyway? I've lost count of how many people have tried this before. No one's getting that key out.
;(Interact with the key)
: Pull Hard
: Boborano: Strong as stone, firm as steel. The outlander pulls, but it does not yield.
: Cappet: This has happened many times before. But this time is different. A thought enters the outlander's mind: "! First weaken the structure, then seize the treasure."
;(Idle before attacking the key, optional)
: Albizzi: The outlander takes a moment to wipe the sweat from their hands, then braces themselves as they grasp their sword. Only now are they ready to . Although, a mallet would have made the job easier.
: Albizzi: Cappet, it looks we have a few moments to spare, and we're still waiting on that apology.
;(Idle after attacking the key a few times, optional)
: Cappet: The outlander's comrades urge on: "Keep up ! Don't give up halfway!"
: Kirara: Uhh... We didn't wanna interrupt, because listening to you guys argue is pretty entertaining.
: Kirara: But seriously, I'm not about to cheerlead for someone attacking an inanimate object. That's just embarrassing.
: Albizzi: Cappet. Speaking of not giving up halfway, shouldn't that also apply to our performance as bards?
: Boborano: I wouldn't give him that much credit. He didn't give up halfway — he quit before he began.
;(Attack the key until it loosens)
: Boborano: The attack now over, only one final step remains.
: Albizzi: Now it is the time to !
;(Interact with the key)
: Pull Harder
:;(Obtain )
: Cappet: But alas, as was the case for all those who had come before, the key still did not move an inch— Wait, what? They got it out!?
: Boborano: Yes! Finally! C'mon, move your butts — and your legs, assuming they're still in working order. It's showtime!
: Albizzi: No hard feelings about your lack of poetic contributions?
: Cappet: Oh, let it go!
;(Approach Albizzi, Boborano, and Cappet)
: Cappet: Ah, welcome, esteemed and noble outlander. Allow us to introduce ourselves.
: Albizzi: We represent the three great clans of this realm, having been selected as its authorized historical supervisors.
: Boborano: Our purpose being to await the arrival of ones such as yourselves, who shall remove the clockwork key.
: Cappet: My name is—
: Kirara: You're Cappet, he's Albizzi, and that's Boborano. Right?
: Kirara: You've done so much talking that we can already tell you apart by your voices.
: Paimon: Aren't we missing someone, though? The guy who led us here to begin with?
: Cappet: Who?
: Narrator: *clears throat* And thus was born the long-awaited fellowship, destined to uncover the truth of the past. Allow me to quote, if I may: "In the history of Constellation Metropole, a new page has begun."
: Kirara: Him.
: Boborano: Well, there's no fourth person, so which of you is the ventriloquist? Come on, out with it.
: Albizzi: We've never heard that voice before. But he sounds like he'd be good at reading bedtime stories to children.
: Cappet: Whoever it is, I don't know and I don't care. Forget about him. We have far more important things to focus on, like where our journey goes from here.
: Albizzi: That key you hold is the pivot point about which the past and present of the Metropole revolve. However, between our three clans there is some... dispute over the historical record.
: Boborano: Each clan has its own version of history, detailing the clan's origins and the tale of the dragon of old. And unfortunately, we don't know which one is the truth.
: Paimon: Dragon? You mean, the one that's been acting up recently?
: Boborano: Oh — no, not that one, you adorable little pixie. When I say "dragon of old"—
: Cappet: ...He means, a dragon that would be really, really old if it was still with us today, but it was defeated in ancient times. The new one has nothing to do with our clan history.
: Kirara: Uhh, was that supposed to be a joke...? Anyway, so you've been waiting for someone to remove the key so you can finally explore the truth of the past?
: Boborano: Not just explore it, but argue incessantly about it. Honestly, I don't care that much. Cappet's the one who's always bothering us about it.
: Albizzi: What we need to figure out is who resolved the dragon crisis. We have to know that before we can decide which is the Supreme Clan.
: Cappet: The moment you removed the key from where it was lodged, you became the Honorary Marquis. We humbly beseech you, noble outlander—
: Call me .
: Cappet: Noble Marquis , we ask you to help us — you, and your talking puss-in-boots, and the pale, floating pixie.
: Kirara: Puss-in-boots, are you serious!? It's better than "demon-feline," but still...
: Albizzi: Embrace it, my friend, embrace it. Most cats don't wear boots or speak, do they?
: Kirara: I'm not even a "cat"! I'm a nekomata! Now that you know the word, I expect you to use it!
: Cappet: Please allow me to lead you all to a sacred memorial site. It will be much easier to explain what needs to be done once we are there.
:
: Cappet: This place is sacred to my clan. It is where our brave forefathers once took up arms against the dragon of old.
: Cappet: After a bitter battle that dragged on for many days and nights, finally our forefathers fought the dragon into submission, and it fled. ...They took turns, though. Some forefathers worked the day shift, while others worked the night shift.
: So they worked shifts while the poor dragon had to work around the clock?
: Cappet: So they say. It's just a legend though.
: Boborano: Wait a second! Did I just hear you admit that your clan's history is just a legend?
: Cappet: History, legend — who cares? My clan was definitely courageous, that's the point. That's the truth.
: Cappet: And isn't the truth what we've all been arguing about non-stop for all these years?
: Narrator: Cappet's words gave food for thought: Could it be that "the truth" in a fictional world is equivalent to "fiction" in the real world?
: Narrator: But that would have to wait. Apparently, Cappet was not alone in his pilgrimage to this sacred site — unwanted company had arrived.
: Narrator: and the talking cat— Ahem, nekomata decided to teach them some manners.
;(Defeat the first wave of enemies)
: Cappet: Wow, a true display of heroism and valor... It was as if the spirits of my ancestors were fighting through you...
: Boborano: Here's a thought, could be wrong, but: Maybe Marquis is a lot more powerful than your ancestors.
: Cappet: Technically, by saying that... Aren't you implicitly acknowledging that my clan's history is, in fact, true?
;(After defeating the second wave of enemies)
: Cappet: Your martial prowess and show of courage are a more vivid re-enactment of my ancestors' feats that suit the modern aesthetic.
: Cappet: Now, let's get down to business.
: Cappet: As we all know, time is but an illusion. Time may flow line-by-line, page-by-page, or frame-by-frame. But usually, it flows in the form of springs and gears.
: Albizzi: And that clockwork key you have in your hand can turn back time, and make the past reappear.
: Boborano: Actually, my view is that the illusion of time is more of a problem of consciousness. Gears power the body, while the body is the vessel of the conscious mind.
: Boborano: But the mind cannot understand the dimension of time, so we experience instead an endless continuum of moments as the pinion of now turns along the rack of ages.
: Kirara: I... I'm getting flashbacks to when I was delivering packages to the Sumeru Akademiya...
: Narrator: A teacher once asked Albizzi what his greatest fear was, and he replied: "dragons." Boborano was asked the same question. He replied "time," and repeated the argument we just heard.
: Narrator: The teacher then turned to Cappet, and posed the same question. He replied "Boborano."
: Cappet: The manuscript that tells the truth of the historical record, the blueprint to all of creation, the work of the great mage themselves — it can be found at the beginning of the gear-rack, and on the very first page of the book.
: Paimon: Uh... Paimon didn't follow all that. But basically, you're just saying that we need to put the key in and turn it all the way back?
: Cappet: Exactly. It is said that in the beginning, the Goddess of Creation took the Goddess of Fate's manuscript as a blueprint, placed it under the Goddess of Prophecy's starry realm, and generated the world from a few magic arrays.
: Cappet: So in a few moments, when the great clockwork key turns the local time here back to the very beginning, we will restore the magic arrays back to their original configurations.
: Kirara: Hold on, isn't stealing part of the blueprint of creation a little dangerous? Also, how are we supposed to know the original configurations of the magic arrays?
: Cappet: Ah, well the general shapes of the configurations have been passed down over the ages. They now form the family crests of each of our clans. So you'll just need to reference my family crest, and join the dots accordingly.
::
: Cappet: To address your other concern... When the house has already been built, do you really think that taking away the construction crew and blueprint will cause it to collapse?
: Narrator: -Marquis prepares to insert the great clockwork key into the nearby keyhole.
;(After the cutscene)
: Cappet: Connect the lines to draw the family crest...
: Albizzi: This is so exciting...
: Boborano: This thing had better be the real deal...
;(Insert the Great Clockwork Key)
::"Recall how you once loosened the key... Now, wind it up using the same method.Simply put, !"
;(After raising the Oracle Pillars)
: Kirara: I guess we should start here?
;(If the Oracle Pillars are connected incorrectly for the first time)
: Narrator: Why don't you give it another try?
;(If the Oracle Pillars are connected incorrectly again)
: Narrator: Truth always has a limited scope, and so do right and wrong. Perhaps you had the right answer, but to the wrong question. Keep trying!
;(Idle near the incorrectly connected Oracle Pillars, optional)
::"Accidentally link the wrong ones? Just and you can !"
;(Open the chest after completing the puzzle)
: Cappet: Behold, the sacred writings that record the truth of— No wait, that have shaped the truth of history. Gather around, and let us bear witness!
::
: Cappet: Feast your eyes, rejoice, and cheer. For this is the unquestionable truth! Look at the signature — nobody is capable of forging that!
: Albizzi: I don't believe it! So... all along, our histories have been false?
: Boborano: Don't lose heart, Albizzi. It does not follow from "his is true" that "ours are false."
: Cappet: That might be the most bogus logic I've ever heard! But keep up the mental gymnastics, Boborano. I've been waiting for that look of jealousy on your face my whole life, and I'm gonna savor it.
: Narrator: And yet, it seemed that this conundrum could indeed have more than one solution. Everyone agreed that there may be more than one truth.
: Narrator: The party decided to visit the sacred sites of the other clans, and see what their documents had to say.
: Cappet: Isn't a narrator supposed to remain detached and objective? It feels like you're forcing a narrative agenda on us here.
: Cappet: Well, whatever. I'm in a good mood, let's do it. The instructions say to repeat the process three times, and besides — I'm looking forward to watching you both be sorely disappointed.
: Boborano: Let's do my clan next. I'll lead the way.
;(After the cutscene)
: Kirara: We'll need the key again, right? Lemme see if I can pull it out... Yoink!
:;(Obtain )
----
;(Approach the marked area)
: Narrator: The party finds no pedestal in which to place the great clockwork key, only a locked door.
: Cappet: Where's your clan's pedestal? Lemme guess, you hid it away in advance to save yourself the embarrassment of having it exposed as a fake?
: Boborano: You done? Okay. Now, since my clan's main claim to fame is—
: Cappet: Misinformation, half-truths, and fabrication...
: Boborano: Oh, shut up, Cappet.
: Albizzi & Narrator: Shut up, Cappet.
: Cappet: I swear, if I wind up dead one day, the murderer was Boborano. Let those be my last words.
: Boborano: My clan's claim to fame is that we outwitted the dragon of old and stole its treasure. Ergo, all articles of value that we own — including the pedestal for the clockwork key — lie behind that door.
: Kirara: So next step is, open the door?
: Boborano: Almost. There's one step before that. The door is protected by a smart interrogation system. We have to answer its questions, and if we get them wrong, it will alert law enforcement.
: Paimon: Geez. Well, do you at least know the answers?
: Boborano: The correction fluid of time has dyed white the pages of the book of wisdom. ...Uh, no. No, I don't know the answers.
: Boborano: But worry not, I had a quick word with the constabulary in advance. They'll ignore the alarm if we get the questions wrong. So answer without fear.
:Door: (There is no response from the door, and nothing unusual about it.)
: (Knock on the door.)
: Voice From Behind the Door: Question 1: Who is it?
: Police, open up!
:: Narrator: ...That's actually quite an amusing approach. It's probably not going to get us anywhere, but I do admire your sense of humor, and your commitment to it.
:: Voice From Behind the Door: Question 1: Who is it?
:;(Return to option selection)
: We're here for a routine inventory check.
:: Narrator: Ah, what an ingenious idea! Far more intelligent than Boborano's ancestors. But I still recommend against this answer.
:: Voice From Behind the Door: Question 1: Who is it?
:;(Return to option selection)
: -Marquis and retinue.
:: Kirara: The Great Youkai, Nekomata-in-Boots!
:: Paimon: And the Trusty Travel-Guide Pixie— Uhh, travel-guide! Trusty travel-guide.
:;(Continue to the next question)
: Voice From Behind the Door: Question 2: By which virtue did the ancients defeat the dragon?
: Courage and strength.
:: Narrator: Oh, no no no, don't say that. Even though the writings you saw do prove that bravery has its uses...
:: Albizzi: Uh, you do realize we can hear everything you're saying, right?
:: Narrator: If you say it out loud, you'll only set those three off arguing again. Thinking it is fine, but please promise me you won't say it.
:: Voice From Behind the Door: Question 2: By which virtue did the ancients defeat the dragon?
:;(Return to option selection)
: Hard work and wealth.
:: Narrator: ...To be completely honest, "hardwork" is a bit of an alien concept to us here in the Constellation Metropole. We have "hardware," and we have "clockwork," but not "hardwork."
:: Voice From Behind the Door: Question 2: By which virtue did the ancients defeat the dragon?
:;(Return to option selection)
: Wisdom.
:: Cappet: If this is the right answer, I swear I'll—
:: Voice From Behind the Door: Correct.
:: Cappet: Ugh, a barefaced lie! So low.
:;(Continue to the next question)
: Voice From Behind the Door: Question 3: Which is more real, the fiction of the outside world, or the truth of this world?
: I don't know.
:: Narrator: C'mon, you'll have to do better than that, kid. I mean, -Marquis. You and your friends are the only ones who know the truth about us.
:: Voice From Behind the Door: Question 3: Which is more real, the fiction of the outside world, or the truth of this world?
:;(Return to option selection)
: Both are false.
:: Narrator: Please try to avoid being unnecessarily cruel in your response.
:: Voice From Behind the Door: Question 3: Which is more real, the fiction of the outside world, or the truth of this world?
:;(Return to option selection)
: Perhaps... both are equally real.
:: Narrator: Hear, hear. Who can be sure that the outside world isn't just a dream? And that when the dreamer wakes up, they won't just find themselves inside a novel?
:: Narrator: There is no way to know, therefore both are equally real.
:: Voice From Behind the Door: All correct. You may have the key pedestal.
::
:: Boborano: -Marquis, you know what must be done. Please insert the great clockwork key.
:: Boborano: Oh — and this is my family crest.
::
;(After the cutscene)
: Boborano: How could it be fake?
: Albizzi: Is it just my imagination, or...?
: Cappet: That voice sounds familiar... Open the door!
;(Insert the Great Clockwork Key)
::"Recall how you once loosened the key... Now, wind it up using the same method.Simply put, !"
;(After raising the Oracle Pillars)
: Kirara: Hmm... Do we really need this one?
;(If the Oracle Pillars are connected incorrectly for the first time)
: Narrator: -Marquis draws a design that is practical and aesthetically pleasing in equal measure. One thing it is not, however, is correct.
: Narrator: I think you should take another look at Boborano's family crest and have another go.
;(If the Oracle Pillars are connected incorrectly again)
: Narrator: Are you, uh, gonna try again...?
;(Idle near the incorrectly connected Oracle Pillars, optional)
::"Accidentally link the wrong ones? Just and you can !"
;(Open the chest after completing the puzzle)
: Boborano: Now, let me see what—
: Cappet: What elaborate fiction the clan of wisdom was able to conjure up.
: Boborano: If anyone's listening, I would like to submit these as my last words: "I surrender. I'm the one who murdered Cappet."
::
: Boborano: Haha, look! Look, my clan's history is true as well. There's that same unforgeable signature again, right here!
: Cappet: What!?
: Albizzi: Does this mean that my clan is the only odd one out...?
: Boborano: Given that my clan's wisdom is such a subject of ridicule in your eyes, I will now appeal to my own personal intelligence — which I believe far surpasses that of my clan at large — and make a prediction:
: Boborano: It seems likely that the claims made by each of our clans regarding their history and virtue are all true.
: Albizzi: Boborano... How can that be?
: Kirara: Ah, I get what's going on. Once when I was drinking with Guuji Yae, she bet me a round of Dried Fish that I couldn't guess which cup the Umeboshi was under.
: Kirara: Whichever one I guessed, I was always wrong, and Guuji Yae would lift a different cup to reveal the Umeboshi.
: Kirara: But then I learned later from one of the shrine maidens, Miyuki, that all of the cups had an Umeboshi under them! *sigh*... Just goes to show, I still got a long way to go before I become a great youkai.
: Paimon: Don't mind fox lady, that's just her way of teasing you!
: Boborano: Oh! Actually, that reminds me. We can now open these three treasure chests. And unlike the guessing game you mentioned, this one's not a trick...
: Albizzi: Cool... Well, once you've plundered the last of Boborano's family wealth, we can go to my clan's place.
;(After the cutscene)
: Kirara: Guess I'll take the clockwork key again then? Yoink!
:;(Obtain )
----
;(Approach Albizzi's clan's sacred site prior to this quest step)
: Giant Guard A & B: Please do not enter without permission.
;(Attempt to enter the sacred site prior to this quest step)
:
;(Along the path towards Albizzi's clan's sacred site)
: Red Toy Figure: So many Giant Guards...
: Red Toy Figure: They'll kick everyone out...
;(Approach the marked location)
: Narrator: The cohort of truth-seekers followed Albizzi to his clan's sacred site. They arrived to the sight of a giant guard towering over them.
: Albizzi: Up ahead is my clan's gigantified guard. He can be a little pig-headed, and he's incredibly strong. Your weapons won't even scratch him.
: Kirara: Wait, but wasn't Cappet's clan the one that's all about strength? So... What do you guys believe in then?
: Albizzi: Oh, the guard is one of Cappet's people. Size is a coveted trait in the clan of strength, after all.
: Albizzi: Mine is the clan of empathy, and our key contribution is... growth serum!
: Kirara: ...What's empathetic about that?
: Albizzi: Our ancestors believed that, just maybe, the dragon of old didn't mean us any harm at all. Perhaps the dragon simply didn't notice us, since we are so very tiny.
: Albizzi: So they drank the growth serum, and grew even larger than the dragon. Then, they sat the dragon down, calmly explained their perspective, and eventually taught it how to empathize.
: Kirara: Uhhh...
: Albizzi: The serum isn't what it once was, though. Nowadays, it doesn't make you grow all that much, and it actually makes you lose your empathy... So, I advise we take a detour.
;(After the cutscene)
: Narrator: Despite Albizzi's words of caution, somebody, no doubt, has other ideas. "Surely we could avoid a conflict with the guard," they think to themselves, "if we could just try to understand one another."
: Narrator: You could, of course, just take and go around. But some people are gluttons for punishment. It's all part of the experience, I suppose.
;(Approach the base through the front)
: Albizzi: Everyone, I have returned. I come with the long-awaited Marquis and their followers to search for the lost origins of our clan!
: Giant Guard: Well, we weren't told anything about that this morning. Get out of here. Leave us alone.
:
;(After failing to enter base through the front)
: Narrator: You and Albizzi only wanted to strike up a conversation with the guard. But since greeting you wasn't one of the items included in today's schedule, the relationship quickly soured.
: Narrator: If you're just looking for a way in, why not consider taking ?
;(Take the path on the left)
: Albizzi: Why is my own clan treating me like a villain?
: Cappet: You've been away too long. We all have. It feels like we've been waiting forever.
;(If the player approaches the key base area without taking the left path)
: Narrator: Determined, presumably, to always do what is right and never do what is not right... the Marquis refused to take the path on the left.
: Narrator: Oh, I guess that's one way of doing it... Well, an open world comes with open-ended problems, after all.
;(Approach the key base)
: Albizzi: We should be getting close.
: Kirara: Why is this place so full of junk? Are you the kind of people who never throw away the box when you buy something, 'cause you're worried you won't be able to return it without the original packaging?
: Kirara: We'll never find the Oracle Pillars in all this mess!
: Albizzi: Never mind that, we have a more pressing issue... It seems there's a slight problem with my clan's family crest. The Marquis may need to utilize their wisdom to solve the issue.
::
: Boborano: Wisdom too, huh? Well, you guys have a bit of everything, don't you? Except empathy.
;(After the cutscene)
: Albizzi: I'm not hiding, I'm just looking for clues...
: Boborano: I'm hiding...
: Cappet: He's got no guts.
;(Approach the key base)
: Kirara: Over here! I found it!
;(Break crates and vases in front of Kirara, optional)
: Kirara: Aah! Keep the noise down, we don't wanna alert the guard!
;(Break more crates and vases, optional)
: Cappet: Can't you destroy the boxes a little more quietly?
;(Approach the guards, optional)
: Narrator: You think it's a little impolite to sneak in without saying hello, and decide to introduce yourself. Very courteous of you!
: Kirara: Oh no, he's gonna find us! Meeeow!
;(After being caught by the guards, optional)
: Giant Guard: Thank you for being honest and surrendering willingly. Now, we will politely escort you out of the restricted area.
:
;(After being thrown out)
: Narrator: Now that all the pleasantries are out of the way — time to find a way back in.
;(Knock on the door, optional)
: Door: ...
: Knock on Door
: Albizzi: This is the guards' headquarters. If we can just explain the situation, I'm sure the giant guard will be less hostile towards us.
: Hello...
: Voice From Behind the Door: What are you doing? I'm busy reminiscing about old times with a photo of my friend.
: Albizzi: I know that voice. Is that Winston?
: Winston: Hahaha, so, you come crawling back... I told you, I am your only friend in this world. What were you thinking, running off on a mission with two complete strangers?
: Winston: You were so naive. "Oh, I'll make friends with them, I know I will!" But in the end, I alone am waiting for you. I alone am your friend.
: Albizzi: That's not true... It's not just those two. There's -Marquis and companion, too.
: Winston: ...You made other friends behind my back!? Well, look at you, Albizzi, all grown up... That's the last straw. Get out of here! I never want to see your face again!
: Albizzi: Actually, no. Why don't you lift the emergency measures for a second and let me in? I have a VIP with me and we're very close to solving the mystery of our sacred site.
: Winston: I said, get out!!!
:
;(Approach to the key base after being thrown out)
:
;(Insert the Great Clockwork Key)
::"Recall how you once loosened the key... Now, wind it up using the same method.Simply put, !"
;(After raising the Oracle Pillars)
: Kirara: I'll, uh... I'll go keep watch!
;(If the Oracle Pillars are connected incorrectly)
: Narrator: Apparently, that was incorrect. But don't blame yourself, it's Albizzi's clan's fault for taking terrible care of their family crest. How could they let something so important get so dirty?
;(Idle near the incorrectly connected Oracle Pillars, optional)
::"Accidentally link the wrong ones? Just and you can !"
;(Open the chest after completing the puzzle)
: Albizzi: This is the last one.
::
: Albizzi: The signature! ...So it's true! Empathy is one of the founding virtues of Constellation Metropole too!
: Boborano: Just as we suspected. All three are the truth.
: Cappet: Okay, well this is a lot to process. I feel a little empty inside... Yes, we found the truth, but... there's too much truth.
: Kirara: I get you. It's like... in Inazuma, when there were only six books in the Mirage Warriors series, it was really popular.
: Kirara: But by the time book number eighty-eight came out, nobody wanted to read it. They'd all lost interest.
: Narrator: A brief moment of joy is drowned out by a growing feeling of melancholy. But perhaps there is a glimmer of hope to be found, too?
: Narrator: Anyone? Anyone? Alright, I'll say it: How is it the case that these three versions of history can all be true at once?
: Paimon: That's exactly what Paimon was wondering... But Boborano kind of already explained it away earlier.
: Paimon: So Paimon was worried she'd look stupid for asking the question.
: Boborano: It's not a stupid question at all, my dear little pixie. While I did postulate that different truths may coexist, there is an issue when it comes to these three truths in particular.
: Boborano: The problem is, all three truths are the history of the exact same thing — namely, the dragon and the Metropole's origins. Yet all three bear the signature, showing that they're genuine.
:;(A toy figure rings the bell in the nearby bell tower)
: Narrator: Suddenly, the sound of a bell rings out!
:;(Obtain )
;(After the cutscene)
: Giant Guard: The bell! It rang once, what does that mean, again...? Ah yes, highest level of emergency! Everyone, to the main entrance, stat! Bring all the glue traps and place them outside the gates!
: Narrator: The whole city is on the lookout, and there's only one way out. It's the path right in front of you.
: Cappet: Why did they ring the bell, anyway? Also, why is one ring the highest level of emergency?
: Albizzi: Obviously because you have to respond fast when it's an emergency. It'd be a bit too late if they waited till the ninety-ninth ring.
;(If the player is caught by the guards)
: Giant Guard: Suspicious individuals detected! I don't know what law you've broken, but we're currently at the highest level of alert. Come with us, turn yourselves in!
:
: Narrator: Let's try that again, shall we?
;(Reach the outside of the main entrance)
:
: Giant Guard: They're outside! After them!
;(If the player is caught by the Giant Guard)
: Giant Guard: Arrest these suspicious individuals, and their associate Albizzi! You're coming with me!
;(When the Giant Guard reaches the wooden fence without catching the player)
: Giant Guard: Any further, and we'll be outside our jurisdiction... I think we've pursued them far enough to earn a salary from the empathy clan. Come on, let's head back.
;(Approach the designated location)
: Kirara: Phew, we made it out. Dunno if we'll still be needing this clockwork key, but I yoinked it out before we ran, just in case!
: Paimon: Okay, but back to the truth problem. There are three conflicting versions of the truth, and somehow they're all still true. What is that supposed to mean?
: Boborano: I don't know. I doubt anyone here in Simulanka could make sense of it. All we do know is that any manuscript bearing her signature has to be valid.
: Cappet: She is the Goddess of Fate, the creator of all of this. And all these manuscripts are her grand design.
: Albizzi: The reason we argued about who was right was that we didn't know enough about the truth of the past. But now we have the truth, so we just have to accept it.
: Albizzi: As surely as we will follow the clockwork path designed for us, so is this the course that history has taken. It is clear and incontrovertible.
: Boborano: We will never argue again. Thank you all.
: Narrator: Is that all there is to it? Is this where the decision made at the first crossroads of destiny has led us to? A pointlessly happy ending?
: Narrator: Eh, overthinking it would be equally pointless. Well, that's enough for one day — time to take a break.
: Paimon: Could you be any more cryptic? You're planning something, Paimon knows it...
: Boborano: Whatever happens, today was a breakthrough in my journey of discovery. I will go back and share it with my clan.
: Cappet: Me too.
: Albizzi: And me.
: Kirara: Let's leave it there for today then. I'm sure we'll find out what else Mr. Narrator has planned for us tomorrow.
;(Approach Albizzi's clan's sacred site again)
: Giant Guard A & B: Please do not enter without permission.
;(Attempt to enter the sacred site again)
:
;(Pass time)
: Narrator: "What a beautiful day!" Thought , before was overcome by a creeping sense of foreboding.
: Narrator: The voice in head grew louder: "Must... go to... Pendulum Lane..."
;(Toy figure near Pendulum Lane)
: Red Toy Figure: Something appears to have happened up ahead...
;(Approach Pendulum Lane)
: Paimon: Pendulum Lane is just up ahead. Something must've happened here after all, everyone's crowded around.
;(Approach the crowd)
: Bystander: Oh my god, this is terrible! I don't understand, the three great clans of Constellation Metropole have finally made peace with each other. Who could have done this?
: Kirara: What happened? Oh no, someone's lying on the ground... Cappet!
: Paimon: How did this happen?
: Boborano: Cappet, you idiot, wake up! You need to revise your last words, or everyone's gonna start suspecting me!
: Detective-Looking Dude: Last words? What did he say?
: Albizzi: "If I wind up dead one day, the murderer was Boborano."
: Boborano: Gah, you could have at least pretended to not remember it!
: Albizzi: I'm sorry, Boborano, but this is an interrogation. I have to give the detective straight answers...
: Detective: Don't worry, Boborano. I don't consider you a suspect, nor do I have the authority to charge anyone with a crime. So, are you the last people to have had contact with him?
: Y—Yes...
: Detective: My sincere condolences. You were travel companions, right? It's a real tragedy... I'm afraid he'll be out cold for another hour and a half, at least.
: Paimon: ...Huh?
: Detective: I know. It's despicable. Hitting someone in the back of the head is the second-worst act of cruelty there is. The first being replacing their gear oil with extra-strong glue.
: Kirara: So... Cappet's... not dead?
: Detective: His gears, metal frame, and shell are all still in excellent condition. It's just his energy supply that's been all messed up...
: Detective: Wait, but... Surely you can't be suggesting that just because Cappet isn't broken, there's no need to go looking for the culprit...?
: Paimon: No no, there's a need! Huge need.
: Detective: ...Unfortunately, this is rapidly turning into a cold case. There's no evidence, and no witnesses. Unless there's an official clockwork pedestal of the Goddess of Prophecy around here somewhere...
: Detective: *cough* *cough* ...Ahem, excuse me.
: Narrator: Then, suddenly, the long-lost dragon of old flew across the sky!
: Kirara: Where, where?
: Boborano: I didn't see anything... Wait, why can't I move?
: Narrator: My mistake, it was just a cloud. Or a bird, or something.
: Detective: If only we could turn time backwards and replay the crime.
: Uh...
: Kirara: Isn't that one of those... clockwork socket things, right behind you?
: Detective: Ah! So it is. No wonder everyone here is suddenly struggling to move. , if you please, let's recreate the crime scene.
;(Attack the clockwork device)
:: history repeat itself
: Kirara: The crime scene's too chaotic. I can't make heads or tails of it.
:;(Albizzi, Boborano, and Cappet talk while the detective and guards walk around in the background)
:;(The conversation ends and Albizzi and Boborano begin to walk away)
:;(The detective walks near Cappet and performs an interaction animation)
:;(Cappet collapses)
:;(The detective continues walking, loops back around and discovers the unconscious Cappet)
:;(He announces his discovery, drawing the attention of Albizzi and Boborano who are shocked to see Cappet on the ground)
;(After watching the replay)
: Detective: Well, that clears it up. Cappet was walking along the street, then he suddenly collapsed. He was faking it.
: Paimon: What, so case closed? Aren't you supposed to investigate a little more first?
: Detective: We literally replayed the crime scene and saw it with our own eyes. There's no need for any evidence-gathering or powers of deduction now. Besides, maybe the truth is inherently strange by nature.
: Detective: Like how Constellation Metropole has three histories, each of which is the truth.
: Kirara: But didn't you say Cappet was struck in the back of the head and knocked unconscious?
: Detective: For all I know, he could have bashed his head against the toilet bowl before leaving the house. Then walked here in a daze before finally passing out.
: Detective: As for why he might have done that... My guess is:
: Kirara: ...Is...?
: Detective: With the Supreme Clan question left unanswered, and the tension in Constellation Metropole suddenly wiped away, he was looking to create a new source of conflict.
: Detective: Only then would the city feel alive again.
: Paimon: Huh... Do we really think he's capable of that, though? Sounds like a pretty complicated conspiracy for the average Simulanka resident...
: Kirara: , something about the crime scene isn't sitting right with me... It just seems unnatural.
: Kirara: Also, anything outside of the immediate area won't have appeared in the replay. Is it possible that something was missing from the scene?
: Kirara: Why don't we search the area?
: Detective: Wait, what are you doing?
: Kirara: Oh, we're uh... we're gonna head to Cappet's house to check the toilet bowl for signs of an impact.
----
;(Approach the pickaxe)
: Paimon: A pickaxe? What's it doing all the way down here? There's gotta be a story behind it... Let's take it!
;(Approach the guards)
: Constellation Metropole Royal Guard: Why did my spear go...?
;(Talk to the guards)
: Constellation Metropole Royal Guard: Hello there. Have you seen my spear, by any chance?
: Constellation Metropole Royal Guard: Someone was shouting about a dragon a minute ago, and I instinctively threw it into the sky, yeah...
;(Approach the spear)
: Paimon: There's a spear here! It looks so mysterious. Let's take it!
;(Approach the shop owner)
: Shop Owner: Now recruiting miners!
;(Talk to the shop owner)
: Shop Owner: You're... not from these parts, are you? Just visiting?
: Kirara: Yep, that's right. Why, what's up?
: Shop Owner: Ah. Well, I was gonna offer you a great job in the toytanium mines. A safe and secure working environment.
: Kirara: Uh... Doesn't sound very safe... At least, not as safe as being a courier.
: Shop Owner: To keep the toytanium ore intact, we use specially designed pickaxes that can't cut through it. Even if you struck a person with it, it wouldn't so much as leave a scratch.
: Shop Owner: And in terms of labor intensity, the work has been rated as class-two physical labor by a reputable organization. Even cats can do it.
: Kirara: I'm not a— Ugh, never mind. I give up.
: Paimon: Welcome to Paimon's world...
: Shop Owner: Mind you, I don't know what happened today, but somehow a pickaxe has gone missing. Maybe one of the giant guards broke down, so someone took it to perform a rapid resuscitation procedure.
: Kirara: Sounds pretty brutal for a first-aid technique...
: Kirara: Still, a missing pickaxe, huh... Is it just me, , or does that seem kinda suspicious?
;(Approach the grocery store owner)
: Grocery Store Owner: We're closed, we're closed.
;(Talk to the grocery store owner)
: Grocery Store Owner: *sigh* Come here — whatever it is you were looking to buy, please do come back tomorrow. It's just, I have to close early today.
: Grocery Store Owner: A bottle of growth serum has gone missing. If someone's stolen it with the intention of harming others, the consequences could be disastrous.
: Grocery Store Owner: There's a whole investigation into it, so I gotta close the shop while I do an inventory count. If it turns out I'm wrong and I miscounted, I could be charged with filing a false report and disturbing the peace...
;(Approach the bottle on the ground)
: Paimon: There's a strange potion bottle here! It looks so weird. Let's take it!
----
;(Approach Kirara after investigating all six clues)
: Kirara: Let's say one of these was the weapon used in the assault. Which one do you think it is?
: The growth serum?
:: Kirara: If it was the growth serum, Cappet would've been turned into a giant.
:: Paimon: Also, the bottle probably would've shattered when it hit him. We would have seen the debris on the ground.
:: Kirara: Let's say one of these was the weapon used in the assault. Which one do you think it is?
:;(Return to option selection)
: The guard's spear?
:: Kirara: If so, there's no way his head would still be in such good shape. He'd have a big dent in the back.
:: Paimon: And if the guard is to be believed, he had the spear in his possession right up until that guy shouted about the dragon.
:: Kirara: Let's say one of these was the weapon used in the assault. Which one do you think it is?
:;(Return to option selection)
: The pickaxe?
:: Paimon: If it was the pickaxe, Cappet sure is lucky it's not still lodged in his head...
:: Kirara: Actually, you're wrong there, Paimon. The foreman at the mine was just saying, this kind of pickaxe is designed not to damage toytanium, so it couldn't cause any superficial damage to residents here.
:: Kirara: But, you could probably knock someone out if you hit them hard enough. And it wouldn't leave a scratch.
:: Kirara: Let's take this back to the crime scene and replay it one more time.
:;(Continue dialogue)
: Detective: Ah, you're back. How was the toilet at Cappet's house?
: Kirara: Toilet? What about it? ...Oh yeah. Uh, forget that!
: (Show the pickaxe)
: Detective: What's this about? What are you trying to say?
: Kirara: We thought the way Cappet fell looked odd, so we searched the area for suspicious items and found this.
: Kirara: It could have been deliberately placed out of range of the crime scene so it wouldn't show up when we replayed it. Now we've retrieved it, we were gonna replay it again — you don't mind, do you?
: Detective: Oh, uh... I just remembered, I forgot to turn off the clockwork switch in my kitchen, I think I'll just—
: Boborano: Oh no, you stay right there!
: Detective: Uhh...
;(Place the pickaxe)
: Paimon: We should be good now.
;(Attack the clockwork device)
:: history repeat itself
:;(Albizzi, Boborano, and Cappet talk while the detective walks around with a pickaxe in the background)
:;(The conversation ends and Albizzi and Boborano begin to walk away)
:;(The detective walks near Cappet and throws the pickaxe like a boomerang and it hits Cappet in the back of the head)
:;(Cappet collapses)
:;(The detective continues walking, loops back around and "discovers" the unconscious Cappet)
:;(He announces his discovery, drawing the attention of Albizzi and Boborano who are shocked to see Cappet on the ground)
;(After watching the replay)
: Paimon: So YOU'RE the attacker!
: Boborano: ...So it was you.
: Detective: Hehe, hahahaha!
: Detective: I would congratulate you for cracking the case, but since I did such an abysmal job of covering my tracks, you didn't exactly have your work cut out for you.
: Detective: So all I can say is:
: Kirara: ...Is...?
: Detective: Catch me if you can!
;(After the cutscene)
: Kirara: We have a runner! That's it, lemme at him!
: Detective: The would-be Marquis of Carabas dispatched the Nekomata-in-Boots, who ran off in pursuit of the poor little minion.
;(Follow the detective to the elevator)
: Detective: The minion's poor little lower back was protesting painfully against the intense physical activity. He decided to take the elevator, giving him a moment to catch his breath.
;(Follow the detective to the hole)
: Detective: "Really?" His lower back asked. But the minion had no other choice. He resolved to make the jump down.
;(Follow the detective to the glue)
: Detective: By this point, the Nekomata-in-Boots was gasping for air. The minion was huffing and puffing even more loudly, but we'll ignore that...
: Kirara: Am not! Don't underestimate the Gold-Level Courier of the Komaniya Express!
;(Follow the detective to the floating platforms)
: Detective: A characteristically catty response from the Nekomata. Tell me, what do you hope to gain from bullying me?
: Kirara: I get to let off some steam! MEOW!!!
;(Walk into the glue)
:;(If the player sat on the center chair in the abode)
::: Detective: Haha, you fell into my trap! Oh, and by the way, remember the glue you got stuck on when you first entered The Future Marquis' Abode-To-Be? That was also me. I did it using my powers.
:;(If the player did not sit on the center chair in the abode)
::: Detective: Haha, you fell into my trap! In fact, all the glue in this world is created by me, using my narrator-powers. I make it, and the residents just gather what they need.
: Kirara: Rats! I'm so jealous of you guys right now, you can just jump out of your shoes and keep running, but I— Wait, I'm wearing boots this time! YES!
: Detective: The unnamed minion made a last-ditch escape attempt. He began his long crawl— long crime— climb! Sorry, up the wall— the tall, the tall wall. Ahem, he began his long climb up the tall wall.
: Kirara: You call that a tall wall? In mode, I'll scale it in no time!
;(Follow the detective to the top of the wall)
: Detective: I'm beat. I surrender.
;(After catching up to the detective)
: Kirara: You've got nowhere left to run!
: Detective: Alright, I confess.
: Paimon: That was fast!
: Detective: Getting caught by you here was a backup plan. I don't know if what I've done will make things better or not.
:;(The detective's title changes from Chief Consulting Detective to Narrator)
: Detective: Time to come clean. I am the narrator, the one who's been guiding you all this time.
: Yeah, I figured...
:: Detective: Hahaha, okay. I guess my voice-acting skills have some room for improvement.
: Gasp! Shock! My mind is blown!
:: Detective: You're overdoing it a little bit there.
: Detective: Anyway, I only did what I did because—
: Paimon: Why are you suddenly spilling the beans?
: Detective: I poured my heart and soul into all this. I was worried you wouldn't ask.
: Detective: The truth is, I was one of the first conscious beings ever made by the Goddess of Creation. And I've known for a long time that this whole world is just a fairytale, written by the Goddess of Fate.
: ...!
: Detective: I know they say that fairytales are just made up for kids to read. But I refuse to believe that fairytales are just fictional stories, and nothing more.
: Detective: The reason why Constellation Metropole has three origin stories is that the Goddess of Fate wrote three drafts, and couldn't decide which one she liked best.
: Detective: Then, her cat trod all over them and they all got crumpled together. So the three worlds just sort of folded into one.
: Detective: The Goddess of Fate was torn between them anyway, since she couldn't decide which ending was best for the dragon or the kids.
: Detective: So when she saw what the cat had done, she simply decided to go with all three.
: Paimon: Who'd have thought... But what does any of this have to do with what you did?
: Detective: You're not a fictional character, so you couldn't hope to understand my sorrow. Honestly, I don't think there's anyone in all of Simulanka who would understand.
: Detective: Every day that I experience, every interaction I have with another person... Is it really all just a work of fiction?
: Detective: The only reason the three great clans wanted to find out the truth was for the pointless task of electing the Supreme Clan. I thought that once they'd learned the truth, it might make them curious enough to investigate further.
: Detective: But as it turned out, they just... accepted it. And carried on living the same old lives.
: Detective: I have to motivate them to keep looking for answers, now that they think they've learned the truth. I have to make them uncomfortable with the superficial explanation that they took at face value.
: Detective: And I have to figure out, once and for all, while you real people from the outside world are still here: Are we real?
: Paimon: Aw...
: Detective: That's my full confession. Time for you to take me back. I'm guessing I'll probably be forced to make a public apology, then sentenced to half a day in solitary confinement. I definitely deserve half a day.
: Detective: Oh, also, pass this message onto Cappet, Boborano, and Albizzi, if you could: The great clockwork key was originally put in place jointly by the ancestors of the three clans.
: Detective: If the three of them had had any ability to cooperate whatsoever, they'd have been able to remove it by themselves.
: Detective: Over all these years, not once have they ever tried removing it together.
: : Oh, my poor child. There's one thing you've been mistaken about this whole time.
: Kirara: Aah! Whose voice is that!? ...Detective, was that you? Your voice acting's actually pretty good.
: ???: The reason fairytales are suitable for children is that they help them to understand the world.
: ???: Fairytales may be works of fiction, but at their heart lies an internal logic that is undoubtedly real-world truth in a condensed form. Perhaps they simplify good and evil, and perhaps they hide the darkness in metaphors.
: ???: But let there be no doubt: The world within fairytales is as real as can be. And by extension, you and your compatriots are also real.
: Detective: Goddess! Is it really you!?
: : The line that separates footnotes from narrative can never be crossed. Never the two shall meet. This is why you have never heard my voice before.
: Footnote: But now, you wish to break free from the story — and there's a cat nearby — so you can hear my echo.
: Kirara: Nekomata...
: Detective: ...Just your echo...?
:Detective: ...
: Paimon: Aw... Poor detective...
: Detective: So... we are a part of the real world, too...
:
:
:
Narration Footnotes Picture Aether.png
Narration Footnotes Picture Lumine.png
:: (Weirdest photo experience of my life...)
: Cappet: My head's spinning. Albizzi just gave me a quick rundown of the situation. So you caught the detective?
: Paimon: Sorta, we chased him until he surrendered. Oh, and he asked us to pass on a message...
:
:
: Cappet: Does he really think we didn't try that? 'Cause we did. After six months in that place.
: Boborano: That was my bad. I thought it was a stupid idea at the time, so I didn't really exert myself.
: Albizzi: I, uh... I also sort of stopped trying after three years.
: Cappet: You...! *sigh* Never mind, I'm partly to blame as well. On the second attempt, I just hugged the key and pretended like I was pulling as hard as I could.
: Kirara: You guys are so lazy... My granny's neighbor's pet has nothing on you, and it spends all day every day sunbathing.
: Cappet: Anyway, you said you heard the voice of the Goddess of Fate at the end? That's amazing.
: Albizzi: There is a world beyond our own after all.
: Cappet: What would you guys say to taking a trip to the outside world some time? Otherwise, I got bashed in the back of the head for nothing.
: Boborano: Depends, do either of you know how to get there...? But yes, I agree, we should go. And not invite the detective, just to annoy him.
: Boborano: But maybe the reason we never worried about whether we're real or not is that, unlike him, we weren't there to witness the creation of this world. We've never had any reason to doubt that we're real.
: Boborano: If someone ever convinced me that these delightful dimwits, Cappet and Albizzi, weren't real... I'd be devastated.
: Albizzi: Hehe.
==Trivia==
* The following lines are in rhyming :
::Albizzi: *clears throat* So many summers, winters, springs, and falls, and now at last a hero hither strides.
::Boborano: This realm knows not what lies beyond its walls, its secrets mystify the world outside.
::Boborano: As golden sunlight fills the firmament, the tabletop engrosses your attent. Perhaps, perchance, peruse these pages thence — they surely represent no ill intent.
::Albizzi: With wood and earthen wares strewn all around, the demon-feline's fury can't be quelled, reducing them to rubble on the ground, she finds the vessels vacant save for... uhh, air?
::Boborano: She finds long gone the gems that once they held.
::Boborano: The weary heroes falter in their quest, for home they long, for friend and kin they yearn. These thoughts in mind, they pause and deem it best, to cease this foolish errand, and return—
::Cappet: A sense of longing wells up in the chest, and to one's heart one always must be true. Resume, you must, your once-forsaken quest, and persevere until you see it through.
* The blacked-out text likely represents a pawprint from the Goddess of Fate's cat.
** The formation of the blacked-out text is identical across all manuscripts and all languages: two individual characters in the first line, an individual character and two consecutive characters in the next line, and three consecutive characters in the final line, with all blacked-out characters in close proximity to each other and also located in roughly the same section of each manuscript (around the middle for all languages except for Korean, where the "pawprint" is in the first three lines of each manuscript). The individual blacked-out characters represent the cat's toe pads, meaning the pawprint is "upright" when viewed at a 45-degree angle.
* In the picture at the end of this quest, the Detective holds a sign reading "NARR" (Narrator) in Fontaine Script.
* The story the Narrator tells about a teacher asking the clan members' greatest fears is a reference to the What Scares You The Most meme, specifically the version made by u/SicWik in r/MemeEconomy in Reddit.
==Video Guides==
==Other Languages==
==Change History==
es:Notas a pie de página
pt-br:Notas de Rodapé da Narração
ru:Примечания к истории