And the True Heroes Are Always Behind the Scenes (II)

And the True Heroes Are Always Behind the Scenes (I) is Part B in Von Lycaon's Agent Story "And the True Heroes Are Always Behind the Scenes". To unlock this, the player must be Inter-Knot Level 36 and have already completed The Midnight Pursuit (II). The player will then enter Immersive Storytelling upon entering the mission.
==Dialogue==
===Abnormal Normal Day===
Lycaon noticed some suspicious behavior from Lilac recently, such as frequenting the noodle shop and skipping her tutoring lessons, leading him to suspect a connection to Mockingbird. Consequently, you’ve decided to head to the noodle shop.
:Lycaon: Regarding the Mockingbird incident from before, I have conducted a preliminary investigation.
:Lycaon: It seems this organization is deliberately trying to get close to Miss Lilac after all.
: Oh, I see...
: They’re definitely up to something.
:Lycaon: That’s right. The true intentions of these people remain unclear. However, I have already prepared my “bait.”
:Lycaon: Perhaps a big fish will take a bite soon.
:Lycaon: Actually, there’s one more thing I’d like to discuss with you.
:Lycaon: If it’s not too much to ask, could you spare some time around this time tomorrow?
:Lycaon: I have some doubts about this case that I hope we can clear up together.
: Of course.
: See you tomorrow!
:Lycaon: Wonderful. Then I’ll be waiting for you at Lumina Square this time tomorrow.
:
:Lycaon: Ah, you are very punctual.
:Lycaon: I wanted to discuss with you that, recently, Miss Lilac has been acting rather strange.
:Lycaon: While she usually frequents the bookstore, recently, she has been going to the noodle shop instead.
: What’s wrong with the noodle shop?
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) What’s wrong with the noodle shop? Noodles are the best!
::(if Wise) What’s wrong with the noodle shop? Noodles are pretty good.
:Lycaon: I apologize, I have no bias against noodles, what I mean is... Miss Lilac’s least favorite food is noodles.
:Lycaon: She even said, “Noodles being the protag’s favorite food? That’s so last year. It’s a new year now, have some creativity.”
: So Lilac really is a big comic nerd.
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) So Lilac really is a huge comic nerd, huh!
::(if Wise) Lilac seems to be quite the comic nerd.
:Lycaon: In addition, according to what her chauffeur and bodyguards said, she even skipped her extra classes today.
:Lycaon: This is completely unprecedented. Miss Lilac has always been well-behaved and never skips classes. Even in her free time, she spends it almost entirely reading comics.
:Lycaon: I have a suspicion that this all might have to do with that so-called Mockingbird organization.
: The phantom thieves taught Lilac some bad habits?
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) You think the phantom thieves are teaching Lilac bad habits?
::(if Wise) Did the phantom thieves teach Lilac bad habits.
::Lycaon: Yes, I believe so.
: Maybe Lilac is in a rebellious phase?
::Lycaon: I thought... Miss Lilac’s rebellion is already expressed through the way she speaks?
:Lycaon: In any case, in order to ensure that there are no potential threats to her safety, I wish to do some investigating at the places she frequents.
:Lycaon: If I could be so bold as to ask you to accompany me? I believe you are likely more familiar with Lumina Square than I am.
: Sure! Lumina Square is like a second home to me.
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) Of course! I know Lumina Square like the back of my hand.
::(if Wise) Sure, Lumina Square may as well be my second home.
: Sure. I can be your Proxy for Lumina Square.
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) Of course! I know Lumina Square like the back of my hand.
:Lycaon: It seems you are indeed quite familiar with the location. I was wise to ask for your help.
:Lycaon: Ah, yes, there was something else I wished to discuss with you.
:Lycaon: May I call you “Master” while investigating, just in case?
:Lycaon: I believe using this to cover our identities will be more convenient for us.
: Of course, you can!
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) Of course, you can call me whatever~
::(if Wise) By all means, go ahead.
: Call me that as much as you want, I like it~
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) For sure! Can you call me that more often? I like hearing it, heheh.
:Lycaon: Thank you for your cooperation.
:Lycaon: Then, let us begin from the noodle shop.
----
;(After approaching the noodle shop)
:Chop Junior: Oh, it’s you, .
: Are you free right now?
: I wanted to ask you about something.
:Chop Junior: Well... Sorry, I’m in the middle of something right now and there’s a stream of customers queueing out the door.
:Chop Junior: *sigh* We’ve been short-staffed at the shop recently, and the part-time kids aren’t always able to come in...
:Chop Junior: Besides making all the noodles, I have to serve all the diners, too. Some people take an eternity just to order... I’m just swamped here.
:Lycaon: Would it make things more efficient if you were to know in advance what each customer in the queue wished to order?
:Chop Junior: Course it would! If I could get their orders in advance, then I could really focus on the noodles.
:Lycaon:...I see. I have a proposal to address this problem. You can judge for yourself if it’s appropriate.
:Lycaon:With your assent, we could sign a temporary contract—I can help ask your diners about their preferences; give them some appropriate suggestions; and summarize everything into a table for your perusal.
:Lycaon:Of course, I won’t be requiring any form of compensation. I just hope you can take the time to answer a few questions once you’re less busy.
:Chop Junior: Er...
: Lycaon sure is one dependable attendant!
: Trust us on this!
:Chop Junior: If you say so, ... then I’ll leave things with you.
----
;(Helping the customers place their orders)
:Excited Diner: Oh... I think a white bowl is better...
:Excited Diner:Wow! It’s a Thiren attendant! He looks so suave...
:Lycaon: Good day. Our restaurant provides a menu service that matches you with dishes that suit your needs to increase efficiency.
:Lycaon: May I ask: What appeals to your tastebuds?
:Excited Diner: Gets my senses going? That’s a little direct, isn’t it? I like ’em hot and arrogant. I’m also into furries. And...
:Lycaon: That’s on me. I didn’t explain myself clearly enough. What I meant to say was “How do you like your noodles?”
:Excited Diner: Oh... in that case, I like sweet noodles.
:Lycaon: Master, based on this diner’s description, I have identified their main requests: . Is there anything you could suggest?
: White Bowl: Pumpkin Soup Noodles
:; (correct option)
: White Bowl: Seafood Noodles
: Black Bowl: Mushroom Noodles
:Excited Diner: Not bad. That’s exactly how I like it! By the way, do you mind if I watch the attendant while I eat? They go really well together.
:Lycaon: ...I don’t think that’s a good idea. It will affect the running of the store.
:Excited Diner: That’s too bad! For a second there, I thought the noodles on the menu had turned into a high-end ribeye steak.
:Excited Diner: I’ve got one last question for you! May I please... pet your tail?
: Go right ahead. It’s free.
: The tail has a different price tag.
:Lycaon: Well, I haven’t heard that one before. Look, thanks, but the tail is off-limits.
----
:Anxious Diner: Look at this crowd! How long are we going to be waiting for? Is it really that hard to get a bite to eat around here...
:Lycaon: Good day. Our restaurant provides a menu service that matches you with dishes that suit your needs to increase efficiency.
:Lycaon: Excuse me, how do you like your noodles?
::Anxious Diner: You mean flavor? Well, of course, it’s gotta be spicy! Noodles without chili is like an Ethereal without a Hollow. It’s not natural!
:Lycaon: I’m sorry, but noodles that aren’t spicy do exist in the world, or at least they do here. If you want some, we got it!
:Lycaon: Master, based on this diner’s description, I have identified their main requests: . Please recommend a dish for them.
: Black Bowl: Cold Noodles
: Black Bowl: Mushroom Noodles
: Red Chilli Chicken Noodles
:; (correct option)
:Anxious Diner: Hmm, not bad. This noodles looks like it’ll hit the spot.
:Anxious Diner: Looks like you’re working really hard. I thought you were some rich person who brought their attendant out to experience life in the real world!
: Thank you... I guess?
::Anxious Diner: You’re welcome! Remember to add extra chilies—the spiciest you’ve got.
: But I am rich!
:Lycaon: ...Your order has been settled. Thank you for your business.
----
:Hesitant Diner: Every bowl of noodles looks so good to me...
:Lycaon: Good day. Our restaurant provides a menu service that matches you with dishes that suit your needs to increase efficiency.
:Hesitant Diner: But I don’t really have any special requests... I’ll take whatever you suggest. Is there anything you can recommend?
:Lycaon: How about this white bowl of fried BBQ noodles? It’s one of our most popular dishes.
:Hesitant Diner: That sounds pretty good, but isn’t fried BBQ a little greasy? I like eating meat, but it’s not very healthy if it’s greasy.
:Lycaon: ...Well, how about a black bowl of red chili chicken noodles? The soup isn’t greasy, and it’s good for your immune system.
:Hesitant Diner: That does sound good... but the black bowl has red chili in it. Won’t that be a bit too spicy? I can eat spicy food, so there’s no problem there, but I just don’t feel like eating something that’s super spicy...
: That’s not what “whatever” means!
: I thought you said you didn’t have any “special requests”?
:Lycaon: It’s quite alright. I understand.
:Lycaon: Master, based on this diner’s description, I have identified their main requests: . Please could you suggest some dishes for them?
: Green Pepper Chicken Noodles
: Green Pepper Meat Noodles
: Bone Broth Noodles
:;(correct option)
:Hesitant Diner: Wow, that sounds great, and the meat on those bones doesn’t look greasy at all. I’ll take one of those.
:Lycaon: ...Your order has been settled. Thank you for your business.
:Hesitant Diner: No, no, I should be thanking you. I’m not the type of diner with many requests. It must be a real pain for you when you get a picky eater, right?
:Lycaon: Thank you for sharing your concerns. We always try to cater to the needs of our diners, no matter the customer. I hope you have a lovely meal.
:Proxy: (As expected of Lycaon... cool, calm, and collected...)
----
:Proxy: (I’ve counted up all the orders of all the customers in line... Let’s hurry up and give Chop Junior the final table)
:Chop Junior: That’s it? You guys are moving fast.
:Chop Junior: Let me see... Th—This is a complete, clear table... with prominent, easy-to-read items... You really are a gem of a worker!
:Chop Junior: Oh, once I’m financially independent, I’d love to have such a capable attendant helping out with daily operations in the shop...
:Chop Junior: And just think of all the customers he’ll attract just by standing there...
: Was that last bit your point?
: Lycaon’s services cost top dollar.
:Lycaon: Your praise honors me, but you surely are joking. I am merely a humble attendant.
:Lycaon: I wonder if you might be available now to answer a few questions?
:Chop Junior: Oh, I almost forgot about all that. Go ahead, ask away! We can talk about anything you want... except my PIN.
:Lycaon: Have you seen a little girl called Lilac? She used to shop at your store quite frequently.
:Chop Junior: Li—who? Ah, sorry. My memory isn’t the greatest, and I’m always forgetting other people’s names.
:Lycaon: Well... She’s always saying things that people find difficult to understand.
:Chop Junior: Ah! I remember now. That girl who’s always talking nonsense! I know her! I saw her recently!
:Chop Junior: She just came into our store recently for some part-time work! One look tells me she’d never lifted a finger on housework at home, but she is hardworking, studious, and a pretty good person.
:Chop Junior: Speaking of which, I just paid her a today. She seemed nice, and she left her student ID as collateral, so I gave her the advance.
:Lycaon: An advance on her salary... Got it. Thank you for your cooperation, you have been a tremendous help.
:Chop Junior: It’s fine, Now that you mention it, what is your relationship with that kid?
:Lycaon: Lilac is my employer. She has had some minor issues recently, and I am duty-bound to keep her safe.
:Chop Junior: So it’s like that, then... Hang on, if that kid is your boss, then does that mean ...?
: I’m Lycaon’s friend!
::Lycaon: Mmm... just as Miss Belle/Mister Wise here advised, we are close as intimate friends.
: I’m Lycaon’s master!
::Lycaon: Correct. Lady/Lord is my master.
:Chop Junior: Ah, now I get it.
:Chop Junior: Anyway, Thiren attendant: You are very capable. If you’re after any side gigs in the future, please come and find me! I’ll make it worth your while!
===The Richest, the Poorest===
Lycaon also suspects Lilac might be saving money to purchase the artwork. He also reveals Lilac’s parents were highly wealthy but lacked involvement in her life, and suggested you accompany him elsewhere.
:
::Lycaon: I did not expect Miss Lilac would actually work here part-time. 
::Lycaon: Logically speaking, she would not lack pocket money to spend.
::Lycaon: Unless... perhaps she’s been saving up to purchase something particularly expensive.
: What could that be?
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) I wonder what it is. Maybe the hottest limited edition surprise box, you think?
::Lycaon: No, I highly doubt a surprise box, even a limited edition one, could be that expensive.
: She’s not going to try to buy that painting, is she?
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) What if...maybe Lilac wants to buy the painting she wanted to steal...
::(if Wise) Is it possible that Lilac wants to instead buy that painting she was going to steal?
::Lycaon: As expected of a great Proxy such as yourself. You came to this conclusion immediately as well.
:Lycaon: Lilac’s parents have been planning to sell a batch of paintings recently. That painting is amongst them, and I hear it was reserved a couple of days ago.
:Lycaon: But that painting is not cheap. If I had to guess, I’d say it costs about...
: Excuse me, how much?!!!
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) Wait, how much?! How could someone her age come up with that much money?
::(if Wise) Wait a second, how much? Could someone her age really afford something like that?
:Lycaon: Well... in terms of material wealth, my employer is indeed quite affluent.
: Material wealth?
::Proxy: Material wealth? Is there another kind of wealth?
:Lycaon: ...
:Lycaon: Miss Lilac’s parents are usually exceptionally busy and unable to spend time with her. However, they are very strict and expect the best from her.
:Lycaon: No matter what she is doing, she usually has a chauffeur or bodyguards to accompany her. Well, excuse me, “monitor her actions” would be a more apt way to put it.
:Lycaon: Every day, after school, Miss Lilac also has endless extracurricular and supplementary classes to attend.
:Lycaon: Though she may have material wealth, is she truly happy? I’ve been wondering ever since I took over attendant duties for this household.
:Lycaon: Perhaps that is exactly why Miss Lilac spends so much time with her comics.
:Lycaon: At the very least, in the world of comic book fiction, she is free.
: Lycaon is so responsible.
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) You’re such a responsible attendant! Your employers are lucky to have you.
::(if Wise) Truly, you’re such a conscientious attendant. Your employers are lucky they managed to hire you.
::Lycaon: You flatter me. But... I do not believe I live up to your praise.
: Lycaon really is such a good person.
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) You’re such a sweet guy!
::Lycaon: You flatter me. But... I may not be how you think I am. 
:Lycaon: Someone once told me that family is an everlasting, unavoidable curse placed upon a person.
:Lycaon: No matter how much you grow, no matter where you go, that curse will forever follow you like a shadow.
:Lycaon: When you fall to rock bottom or climb to your peak, it will appear, turning you back into that helpless, powerless child who can do nothing but hide in the closet and weep.
:Lycaon: Perhaps it is because I have never known the feeling of being bonded to someone through blood, but...
:Lycaon: I’ve always believed that family should not be a curse, as they had told me.
: Family can be full of warmth.
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) Family can be full of warmth. They can be the people who support you, every step of the way!
::(if Wise) Family can be full of warmth, there to support you every step of the way.
::Lycaon: It seems you and your kin are quite close. I am sincerely happy to know that.
: Who told you that?
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) That’s pretty dark... Who told you something like that?
::Lycaon: An... old friend. No one worth mentioning.
::Lycaon: I’m sorry, it appears I’ve digressed.
:Lycaon: I believe Lilac chose to work part-time due to her family as well. Perhaps her savings are just short of being able to afford the painting, and she does not wish to ask her parents for help.
:Lycaon: Or perhaps... she simply wants to obtain something through the efforts of her own two hands.
:Lycaon: However, what I am most worried about is that if Miss Lilac did manage to buy the painting, it would then follow that she would meet with members of Mockingbird.
:Lycaon: If this so, she may end up in danger.
:Lycaon: So, could I be so bold as to ask you to accompany me to another location?
:Lycaon: Once we are there, I should be able to confirm where exactly that painting will end up...
----
;(Talking to the mysterious person at the Lumina Square parking lot)
:Suspicious Vendor: Oh, this young lady/gentleman here—interested in buying some jade? We just got a new batch in.
: No thanks, I don’t need it.
::Suspicious Vendor: Uh, as expected of a rich young girl...
::Suspicious Vendor: How about you buy a piece of jade for this Thiren attendant with you? It could be a token of trust between you two. Seeing it is like seeing your master in person. Just imagine passing this down for five generations to your descendants.
: I don’t have any money.
:Suspicious Vendor: How about this: I’ll cut you a 12% discount. I’m practically giving it away, just consider it a way to make friends! The name’s Casey. Every pawn trader around here knows my name. You guys are lucky to have bumped into me!
:Lycaon: Mr. Casey, we are not here to shop.
:Lycaon: Have you heard about that famous piece at the museum getting torched? Do you know who did this?
:Suspicious Vendor: It was the artist himself. All his works are supposed to be fireproof. If it burned, it was definitely a fake.
:Suspicious Vendor: Alright, your turn. Which organization has the highest success rate in our field so far?
:Lycaon: Mockingbird. Or to be more precise, the formerly-active Mockingbird.
:Suspicious Vendor: Ha, I never would’ve guessed a couple of decent-looking guys like you were actually in the know.
:Suspicious Vendor: Guess you deserve a bonus question: Who’s the leader of Mockingbird?
:Lycaon: ...That’s not one of our code words.
:Suspicious Vendor: Hahaha, I’m just messing with ya. If you knew the answer to the industry’s biggest secret, you wouldn’t be standing here, would ya?
: What are you two talking about?
::Suspicious Vendor: Huh? What’s up with your master... Don’t you understand the code word?
::Lycaon: Of course. Master is just joking with you.
: (Remain silent)
:Suspicious Vendor: Fine. Got anything you need to sell? My cut’s a fixed 20 percent, no discounts.
:Lycaon: No, we’d like to ask you for some information. Naturally, we shall offer appropriate compensation.
:Suspicious Vendor: Oh, looking for a bit of intel, huh? You’ve come to the right person.
:Suspicious Vendor: But rules are rules: If you want the info, I need the code word. And your master has to give it to me, too!
:Suspicious Vendor: The most famous piece at the museum was torched. Who was the arsonist?
: The artist himself.
:; (correct option)
: A thief.
: You!
:Suspicious Vendor: Very good. Correct.
:Suspicious Vendor: Which organization has the highest success rate in our field so far?
: Mockingbird.
:; (correct option)
: Robin.
: Any old bird.
:Suspicious Vendor: Very good. You’re correct.
:Suspicious Vendor: Tell me then—what do you want to know?
:Lycaon: It’s about that painting, “Divine Heart.” Do you know who the buyer is?
:Suspicious Vendor: Oh, that. Then you really have come to the right place. The buyer of that painting... is a , I believe.
:Suspicious Vendor: *sigh* Kids these days, each richer than the last.
:Lycaon: That’s precisely as I’d predicted... Got it. Thank you for the information.
:Suspicious Vendor: No problem! Oh yeah, one more question for the attendant—are you working solo these days, or do you have a partner?
:Suspicious Vendor: Surely this pampered lady/gentleman here with her/his innocent, Bambi eyes isn’t your partner right?
:Lycaon: ...I once had a partner.
:Lycaon: But now... we are enemies.
:Suspicious Vendor: Oooh, that happens all the time in this line of work. We’ve all had partners who ended up becoming our enemies.
:Suspicious Vendor: So, why did you split? Trouble dividing your cuts equally? Come on, spill the beans, I love hearing these stories!
:Lycaon: ...I’m sorry, that’s private.
:Suspicious Vendor: Yikes, judging by the look on your face, you must’ve parted ways in some spicy drama?
:Suspicious Vendor: Shame we didn’t know each other back then. I’m a top mediator in this industry and maybe if I’d stepped in, you’d still be peacefully splitting your profits!
:Suspicious Vendor: So what is your former partner up to now? Have they got any good stuff? Go on, tell him I’ll pay top Denny!
: You’re talking too much.
: Ever heard the saying “Silence is golden”?
:Lycaon: ...It’s okay. Thank you for helping out, Master.
:Lycaon: Mister Casey, here’s your promised remuneration. Let us hereby part ways.
===Not-So-Happy Past===
You wondered why Lycaon knew so much about the second hand dealer. Lycaon admitted it was related to his own past. You were worried Lilac might meet with Mockingbird, so decided to find her at her tutoring class.
:Lycaon: You seem to have something about which you would like to inquire. Please, go ahead.
: Why do you know so much about these kinds of transactions?
::Proxy: How come you know so much about this sort of thing?
:Lycaon: I’ve merely dabbled a little in such things. I would not consider myself an expert.
: What exactly is your line of work?
::Proxy: What exactly is your line of work?
::Lycaon: As you can see, I am merely a normal attendant.
:Lycaon: I understand your confusion, however, this concerns my past...
:Lycaon: It also concerns my... nemesis.
: I see.
::Proxy: I see. You haven’t said anything yet, but I think I get it.
::Lycaon: Indeed. They are memories I would rather not bring up.
: Nemesis? Spill the tea.
::Proxy: 
::(if Belle) Your nemesis... Like, certain creatures from old civilization films who may enjoy a particular crimson liquid, who perhaps fight wolf people whenever they encounter them?
::"Lycaon: I believe your imagination is running away with you.
:Lycaon: In any case, that past is not pleasant.
: Alright, I’ll let you off the hook for now.
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) Alright, I’ll let you off the hook for now. Guess I’ll just have to interrogate you later!
::(if Wise) Alright, well I’ll let you off the hook now, but I’ll keep it in mind.
::Lycaon: Thank you for your understanding. As a matter of fact, I once had dealings with these intermediaries due to... well, I had my reasons.
: I wanna know now.
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) You can’t tell us anything now? What if you forget later!
::Lycaon: ...
::Lycaon: This nemesis and I... we once worked together. That is the reason I once had dealings with these intermediaries.
:Lycaon: Many of them are so cunning they will take advantage of any weaknesses they perceive. It takes patience and effort to deal with them.
:Lycaon: If you ever come across such merchants in the future, please be careful and do not give your trust lightly.
:Lycaon: Seeing as Miss Lilac has already obtained the painting, she must be meeting with the people from Mockingbird soon.
:Lycaon: We must stop her before that happens...
:Lycaon: She should have just finished her supplementary classes. Let’s head over and take a look.
----
;(After heading to the cram school and talking with the students)
:Excited Student: ...So, Mockingbird is a super mean phantom thieves syndicate!
:Excited Student:They can get hold of anything if they want to! Not even TOPS can stop them!
:Skeptical Student: Really? I’m not buying it.
:Excited Student: Don’t you believe me? Their biggest case at that time was La... La... What was it again?
:Lycaon: The Lymecria Hotel.
:Excited Student: That’s right, that’s the one! Are you also a fan of Mockingbird?
:Lycaon: Not really. I just happen to know a thing or two about them.
:Lycaon: I’ve got a question I’d like to ask you all. Do you know Miss Lilac?
:Excited Student: Sure, she’s in our cram class.
:Excited Student: But I don’t think she’s here today?
:Yawning Student: She was here earlier, but she’s already left. Not sure what’s up with her.
:Excited Student: She’s always on about some “Companion of Justice” stuff. Totally weird, if you ask me.
:Annoyed Student: Nah, you’re just getting it. She’s trying to be edgy.
:Yawning Student: “Edgy”... That’s ancient...
:Annoyed Student: Yeah, that trend died like last decade... 
:Excited Student: Oh right, at the last PTA her folks didn’t show. Some old dude came instead. I think it was her attendant.
:Excited Student: I thought it was her grandpa.
:Annoyed Student: But seriously, she’s loaded—she’s even got a personal chauffeur.
:Yawning Student: Why doesn’t she just hire a tutor to teach her at home then?
:Annoyed Student: Who knows—maybe she wants to make friends?
:Yawning Student: Erm... she’s solo all the time. I feel kinda sorry for her...
:Yawning Student: It’s not like there’s much we can do... Legit can’t make heads or tails of what she says.
:Annoyed Student: Plus she’s always buried in her comics during breaks. I’m like, no thanks—I wouldn’t wanna hang out with someone like her...
:Lilac: ...
:Lycaon: Miss Lilac—
===If That is What You Wish===
Lycaon’s attempts to dissuade Lilac prove unsuccessful. In the end, he decided to assist her in fulfilling her wish.Meanwhile, Lycaon received a message from Mockingbird, and needs you to do him a favor...
:Lycaon: Miss Lilac—
:Lilac: That’s enough! I don’t want to hear it!
:Lilac: Are you satisfied seeing me like this...
:Lilac: I’m useless, such a freak, so hated by everyone... That’s the kind of person I am! Are you happy now?
;(After catching up to Lilac)
:Lilac: You’ve been investigating me all this time... was it my father or mother who put you up to it?
:Lilac: Is it because I skipped one of my extra classes recently or I dropped a rank in the monthly exam?
:Lilac: They’re always fixated on these things... It’s all they ever remember!
;(After catching up to Lilac)
:Lilac: You also think the other students are correct, right?
:Lilac: A Companion of Justice? What a joke! I fantasize all day long about being the chosen one, yet I can’t even control my daily life...
:Lilac: But it’s my only dream... Why do you want to take that away from me?
:Lilac: Stop following me! Don’t look at me... Please...
;(After catching up to Lilac)
:Lycaon: Miss Lilac, please, we have no ill intentions. And I do not agree with what those other students said about you.
:Lycaon: I merely want to warn you that Mockingbird is suspicious. It is possible you may encounter danger if you go.
:Lilac: Even if I’m in danger, it doesn’t concern you!
:Lilac: In the end, you’re just an attendant that my parents hired... Why are you trying to stick your nose into everything?
:Lilac: In any case, you’re probably just like those other people. You must think I’m a freak just like they do...
:Lilac: Well, I’m soooo sorry that you’re forced to take care of someone who only causes trouble, who no one loves, who’s edgy and delusional like me.
:Lycaon: I’ve never thought that.
:Lycaon: Miss Lilac, you are the respectable, important employer of Victoria Housekeeping. We would never treat someone like yourself with such utter disrespect.
:Lilac: ...But, you weren’t even willing to listen to what I said!
:Lycaon: ...
:Lycaon: My most sincere apologies. My knowledge is lacking; I have yet to better understand popular subcultures—such as what being “edgy” truly means.
:Lycaon: I shall make sure to take lessons and educate myself on it.
: I don’t think taking lessons is necessary...
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) I don’t think taking lessons on being edgy is necessary...
::(if Wise) Is there really a need to take lessons on being edgy...?
: I don’t think we can expect Lycaon to understand such edgy speech.
::Proxy:
::(if Belle) Let’s be real. It’s way too much to expect others to understand this edgy lingo! The only reason I can understand is... ’cause of natural talent. Yeah!
:Lilac:It doesn’t matter anymore. This is all just the price I need to pay to become a Companion of Justice.
:Lilac:I’ve bought the painting so I can finally meet with them. The people at Mockingbird told me that I’m the most promising recruit yet.
:Lilac:I will join them, and become a Companion of Justice! You cannot stop me!
:Lycaon: ...
:Lycaon: I understand. If that is your wish, I will not stop you.
:Lilac:You...
:Lilac:I’m meeting with Mockingbird at the Ballet Twins at this time tomorrow.
:Lilac:You know, I can, in fact, do this by myself. I don’t need you. I’ve got a Carrot, and I’ve prepared weapons to deal with the Ethereals.
:Lilac:So... I don’t care if you come or not. It’s up to you.
:
:Lycaon: My apologies, I have brought shame to myself...
:Lycaon: By making Miss Lilac feel uncomfortable, I have failed in my duties as an attendant.
: Are you really going to do this?
::Proxy: 
::(if Belle) Are you really going to do this? To help Lilac fulfill her wish...
::(if Wise) Are you really going to do this? To help grant Lilac her wish?
:Lycaon: Yes, I will. However, the wish I will help her fulfill, is what her heart truly desires.
:Lycaon: If I’m correct in my suspicions, she doesn’t simply wish to join Mockingbird.
:Lycaon: That’s only what’s on the surface. She has other needs—emotional needs—that are truly what she seeks to fulfill...
:Lycaon: ...The fish has taken the bait.
: Fish? Where?
::Proxy: 
::(if Belle) Fish? What fish? Where?
::(if Wise) By fish you mean...?
:Lycaon: The organization calling itself Mockingbird has contacted me.
:Lycaon: Master Proxy, may I ask you for a favor?
:Lycaon: Please, this is something only you can do.
----
;(After returning to the video store)
:Sibling: 
:(if Belle) I definitely didn’t expect things to turn out like this.
:(if Wise) I didn’t expect things to turn out like this.
: I feel sorry for Lilac...
: Lilac is really stubborn.
:Sibling: Yeah. But I never thought Lycaon come up with something like that...