Character Story
1 The Knight's Faded Hours
Some mocked the knight's foolishness, some pitied his delusion. After all, that so-called giant was nothing more than a windmill, and his battles were but a fantasy. But the countryside's most mischievous girl saw it differently.
She found herself a knight's helmet and begged the dramatist for a small wooden sword. "To fight for such a giant," she said, "he must possess a heart of pure nobility." And so, she too wished to be like the knight, to seek out the giant who destroyed homes and scattered livestock, and see that the Golden Thiefbats lurking along roads could no longer steal a single treasure from travelers.
Riding flamboyantly on a Tumbleyak, she raced through the wheat fields. The world had never felt so vast. This was where the Blessed Maiden's legends began. Through the fields, through the festivities, and into the Inverted Tower.
It would be a grand quest.
2 Steadfast in the Final Dance
In those unnoticed moments, the girl visited every field in Whisperwind Haven. Mischievous and free-spirited by nature, she even stole sips of sacramental wine under the watch of guards, danced away on high platforms, and turned a solemn ceremony into complete madness. Even the Order's prison walls became her personal canvas.
"She's really the most rambunctious girl in the countryside," people would say. "A serious fate isn't one she's meant for, and no wall, no matter how strong, could ever keep her from spreading her wings."
Yet to everyone's surprise, she was chosen by the Divinity.
Why her? Some questioned. She was only the daughter of an official, a peasant girl lacking discipline! Not a drop of noble blood ran in her veins. How would she ever come to understand the hierarchies of the world?
"She is the one!" others exclaimed. "She listens to our sorrows and replaces them with joy! If anyone is worthy of Divinity's crown, it is her."
But what would the one bearing the name Fleurdelys think of all this? Before the ceremony to receive her holy name, in a dull and stuffy hall, she performed her final dance as Cartethyia.
Was she confused by Divinity's whispers? Fearful of an uncertain future? Confident that she could wield the sacred sword?
She simply kept the name "Cartethyia" hidden deep within her heart. Farewell, grain fields swaying in the breeze, and the Tumbleyaks roaming so free. In a world so vast, someone must take up the sword. Someone must bind themselves in thorns. Someone must accept the weight of responsibilities. Someone—
Must become Fleurdelys, the guardian of Rinascita.
3 Hesitation Amid Gale and Tide
For this, she learned everything she could. She studied Order scriptures and honed her combat skills. She listened to the voices of the people, devoting herself to fulfilling their wishes. When someone prayed for good health, she arranged for the delivery of valuable medicines. When someone sought peace, she would listen to their confessions, taking in their past sorrows. When a Tacet Discord Outbreak occurred, she drew her sword and crushed it in its infancy. These actions were no different from what she had done back home.
The only difference was that she was no longer facing a small village or familiar faces. Most of those seeking her help were strangers, and she understood that each of them was like a small lamp. The more she helped, the more they would shine in the night sky of Rinascita.
Yet, the world was so vast, and the Order was far from flawless, as the books had claimed. The nobility were fixated only on their own interests, and self-proclaimed devout Acolytes merely performed their faith, turning a blind eye to the people's cries. She saw nobles who boasted of their good hearts while stuffing their pockets, refusing to hear the pleas of those suffering.
At times like these, all she could do was tighten her grip on her sword.
She experienced doubt, disturbance, and disappointment. And because of this, her grip only tightened as she faced the Dark Tide—She would question the Divinity. She must.
No matter the answer that awaited her, Fleurdelys was ready for it.
With this resolve, she walked into the tower. Alone.
4 Yet Within Solitude
In that dream, hymns and praises poured toward her in endless waves, engulfing her. She raised her sword to cut through the waves again and again, battling the giant sea creature in those waters. She fought with all her might. Even when the waters turned into blades sharp enough to slice flesh, she did not take a single step back.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself alone in an unfamiliar place.
Where was she? What was her purpose? Who was she? Questions whose answers had slipped beyond memory.
She wandered the tower in search of what was lost. She even tried to find a way into the central tower to seek answers. But after exploring every corner she could reach, she found nothing but herself. There was no "other" existence. She was the only soul there.
So she began to converse with herself. She stitched dolls from scraps. She invented stories.
Curiously, the fog of her memories began to lift, little by little, beneath her fingertips.
She made one doll of a sword-wielding girl and another of a sea monster. She muttered a few lines of dialogue between them, then paused. She knew this story. She'd heard it before. The
No matter what the
Each time she raised her sword, she did not care about her past. She only cared about what needed to be done at that very moment.
And if that were true, then losing her memories was no great loss. In a world so vast, she would find herself again.
And when that time comes, whether she turns out to be the warrior or the monster, it's an answer she would be willing to accept.
5 The Wandering Knight Marches To Freedom
"Hmm. A few more of these Viscum Berries, please. Ah, yes, yes. And another!"
"You can add more honey as well... Yes, thank you!"
"And where did you come from, little rascal? If you're waiting for your food, you need to wait outside." The head chef puts down her utensils and looks up, pausing in astonishment. The girl before her seems familiar, but she can't quite place a name.
"I-I'm so sorry! I just wanted to pick up some of your cooking skills. I have a long journey ahead of me, and I might not have the fortune to come across a restaurant serving such delicious food again. If my apology isn't enough, I'll chop some firewood for you instead."
"Is this your first time eating at our restaurant? I have a feeling I've seen you before." The head chef hands the curious girl her food.
"Was it from that stained glass window...?"
"This isn't my first time, actually! But it's been quite a while since I last visited," the girl replies, taking the plate. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Cartethyia. I'm a wandering knight preparing for a new quest. If you ever need help, do let me know."
"I just had to try this before I begin my journey!" The girl scoops up a spoonful of salad and takes a bite.
In a world so vast, a salad full of Viscum Berries made the beginning of her journey feel just right.
"How delicious." She praises from her heart.
Voice Lines
Thoughts: I
Here, this is for you. Be careful, it's just been baked and is still hot. But trust me, it tastes best when you tear into it right away. This little trick is just for you, since we're good friends. Coming back home feels different, even though my house has been empty for so long. But the bread from that bakery still tastes the same. The last time I had it was when I won the Laurel as the Blessed Maiden. Back then, the town was covered in posters of me dancing at the Carnevale. That dance... would you like to see it?
Thoughts: II
...Back in the tower, I felt uneasy just hearing you mention it... but actually hearing a play about my life was utterly surreal. If you hadn't stopped me, I'd have jumped out of my seat and run away! When I was younger, I used to daydream about being the heroine in one of those adventure stories. But now that it's actually happening, it's nothing like I imagined. The poets of Ragunna have added so many embellishments. If they'd checked my scripture grades from the seminary, they wouldn't have written those extravagant lines about me.
Thoughts: III
We meet again, Righteous One. Heh... So, how was I? Was I helpful? I'm no longer the lost, confused girl I once was. Now, I stand ready to fight alongside you. This is the promise I made, and to honor it, I will sharpen this sword even further. Though it may never come to pass, if fate wills it... I will defeat you as I vowed... and set you right.
Thoughts: IV
After merging Fleurdelys, I finally understood why I hesitated when "I" first saw you as I danced on the water's surface. When you first arrived in Rinascita, "I" could feel your presence. A strange joy surged through "me." Deep within the tower, "I" wondered… what would the one who could both destroy and liberate "me" look like? Would you be a righteous knight, as in the legends, slaying "me" with your sword? I couldn't choose how I was born, but I could choose how I would die. And that, in itself, is a kind of happiness. You gave "me" that chance, "Godkiller." And the ending of this story is more beautiful than I ever imagined.
Thoughts: V
The turmoil in Rinascita is far from over. Born of mankind's ill will, Leviathan may yet rise from the raging currents of civilization's soul... I cannot stray too far from this land. Everyone has their limits, often bound by responsibility, and true freedom remains elusive. You and I are no exceptions. But the sword you wield was forged from our shared frequencies. It is a mark of our bond and a manifestation of my power. As long as you carry it, I will be your sword and faithful companion... ever present in the depths of your gaze.
Cartethyia's Hobby
I love seeing people smile! That’s why I adore the Carnevale and any lively occasion. The cheerful crowds, the joy in the air, the laughter filling every corner... I just love being part of it. Whenever that happens, I want to blend into the crowd, singing, dancing, and spinning hand in hand with everyone...
Cartethyia's Trouble
...Whenever I transform into Fleurdelys for battle, I have to constantly remind myself—My manners, my tone... everything has to be composed and solemn... Ah! It's actually really hard, you know? Truly!
Favorite Food
My favorite dish is Laurus Salad, of course. It's not only delicious, it's also healthy. I'd gladly eat it for three meals straight. Hm? Oh, I wouldn't get tired of it, not at all! The sweet Viscum Berries coated in dressing have the perfect crunch and flavor. It's easy to prepare, and even I can make the dish taste just right.
Disliked Food
I'm not really fond of fish. I don't know why, but every time I try to eat it, I just can't, even my fingertips seem to resist. When I was little, my parents used to say I was picky. Living by the sea, there aren't many food choices, especially if you don't like fish. But I've never been able to get over this instinctive aversion.
Ideals
My current dream? I want to be a wandering knight, just like the ones in the stories passed down in Egla Town. A knight of righteousness, always ready to draw my sword in the face of injustice, then riding off in the most heroic way! Before the Order chose me to be the Blessed Maiden, that was my deepest wish. But now... that title no longer belongs to me, and it never will again. I must step away from the adoring gazes and become a nameless guardian. To that end, I've been revisiting the survival skills I once learned during my days roaming the hills. Oh, do you think you could help me come up with a new knight's name?