ctable

I never did go back to visit that child I saved...

I'm afraid... As I am now, can I really help her move forward in the right direction?

What if... because of me, she instead...

Cantabile, after deliberation, the Doctor and Dr. Kal'tsit have determined that in your current state you are no longer fit to continue conducting missions as a field operator.

But even so, you must eat your meals regularly, understood? Prolonged starvation is extremely bad for your health, especially as an Infected.

You aren't responsible for that person getting injured, nor are you being punished for making a mistake during the mission. The issue is how you mishandled things <i>after</i> the mistake.

Even when it comes to my own affairs, I...

Are you listening, Cantabile? Then, uh... go ahead and rest up first. Once you're feeling better, figure out where you went wrong, and we'll go on another mission together then. How does that sound?

Also, we'd really appreciate it if you told us why you're taking this out on yourself by skipping meals. If you're willing, that is...

If I'm willing...

Mission report... Our objective was to help the villagers fight off a gang of bandits that had been harassing them.

I injured a client. I was supposed to help them, but I ended up hurting him.

Because I... I didn't want to see anyone lose their life during the mission. So I accidentally... injured the villager who was about to kill one of the bandits.

I... don't know what his circumstances were. What if he had been seriously wounded by the bandit before, and I didn't know? Should I have looked into his background before making a decision?

No, no. The squad leader said that wasn't where I made my mistake...

But I was told that Rhodes Island's primary mission was to save people and treat diseases. I hurt someone they were trying to save, yet somehow I didn't do anything wrong, and don't deserve punishment...?

And where I went wrong was how I <i>handled</i> my mistake? How I handled it...

1437, here's your meal. Fill yourself up, and tomorrow a teacher will come to instruct you in music and literature.

...Meal? But... isn't it still alive?

It's not alive. It's food. You have to eat it. Have you already forgotten your first day here? How it felt to have a full stomach?

I felt... my strength returning to me.

Yes, that's right. Strength. You could stand, you could run, you could jump. No more vomiting up sour bile as expected, no more closing your eyes while writhing in pain. Isn't that right? You don't want an end like that, do you?

But... But...

Blurgh...

Cantabile crumples the report in front of her, unwilling to write any more.

She reaches for another sheet of paper on which to write her analysis of what went wrong. But in the end, all she has to show for her efforts is a pile of wadded-up paper.

I know why I'm like this, but I don't want to write it down... Damn it, why am I like this...?

Cantabile? Are you in there? It's almost time for lunch, and the Medical Department will be coming around over the next few days to remind you to eat on time.

Did you make sure to eat breakfast?

I... Yes, I did.

Good. I believe you, so I hope you'll return our trust as well. Please eat well, and get enough nutrition. We'll give you a routine checkup in a few days, alright?

Alright.

Phew...

What was that?

(Feeble chirp)

How... did you get in here? Did I forget to close the windows?

(Pecks at the grains of rice on the table)

Are you... someone's pet?

Excuse me, I'd like to know if you ever... raised a pet fowlbeast?

Nope! Unfortunately, I don't have the money to keep a pet...

But if you ever need any pet-care items fixed, feel free to come see me!

I'm the one who fixed up Vanilla's pet water dispenser!

Excuse me, are you Operator Vanilla? A fowlbeast flew into my dormitory, and I was wondering if it might be yours?

I'm afraid not. The only pets I have are these cute little Originium slugs.

How about it? Want one for yourself?

I-I'm good!

Maybe try asking Instructor Dur-nar? She might be secretly raising them for her little patients!

Actually, there've been quite a few pets out in the courtyard lately. Some of the operators release them there after raising them for a while. Maybe you can ask Perfumer or Beanstalk. If anybody knows, it'll be them!

A fowlbeast? I thought you said you wanted to raise a baby metal crab? Why the change of heart?

No, it isn't mine. It just happened to fly into my dorm... But I don't think I have what it takes to care for such a tiny life, so I can't just go and adopt it.

Be it a fowlbeast or a metal crab, is it really acceptable for me to self-righteously declare myself its master? What if I can't take care of it, or what if it doesn't want to...

What makes you say that? Look, you've searched all over, and it doesn't belong to anyone here at Rhodes Island. Instead, it flew into your dorm asking <i>you</i> for help. Which means it chose you.

Just like this little crab here chose to save me out in the wilds.

So why not give it a try? You might end up being a great owner, or a good friend.

'A great owner'?

There's no need to be so anxious— Woah, are you shaking? Are you... afraid of fowlbeasts?

No, how could I be afraid of something so tiny? It's just that...

Hmm? Afraid you don't have enough experience? Fear not— I'm the best there is at taking care of pets, and I'll teach you everything you need to know!

Look, stroke it gently just like this. Show it your kindness, and you'll earn its trust. It's not that hard!

Even a shy little crab like Peacake will start getting affectionate once she gets to know how kind you are.

But, I've never... Beanstalk, I've never kept a pet before, so I have no idea what to do. Before, I've only... seen them dead...

If I try to take care of it, will it... end up dying?

Huh?

—No way! It probably just can't fly right now because it hurt its wings. Don't be so nervous!

After you get back, build a little nest for it, provide enough food and water, and give it some room to move around. That's it for the basics, so make sure to take good care of it!

Okay, I...

(Lies down on the table)

Oh, you're still here.

You have no master here, and I left the window open. Yet you stayed, even after I fed you.

(Scoots closer to Cantabile)

...Stay away from me! I still have my weapon, and I've never raised anything like you before—I, I'm afraid I might...

(Cowers)

*pant*... *pant*... Sorry, it's my fault...

Y-Your wings... Beanstalk said you might need some anti-inflammatory medicine and bandages.

I've never done anything like this before, but...

J-Just stay right there and don't move... I'll apply the medicine.

The fowlbeast senses that Cantabile is trying to help it, and shifts over to get closer to her finger.

...Eek! Why did you move closer all of a sudden? Did I hurt you?

(Spreads its wings effortlessly)

I see, so you're fine... the medicine is working.

I'll go get something for you to eat.

1437, why aren't you eating?

Because... Because it's still alive...

If you won't do as you're told, you're free to leave.

...No! I don't want to!

Then eat it, or get out of here and starve to death. Eat now, and tomorrow we'll feed you what we normally have. After class is over, you can take a walk around outside. We'll even let you visit the garden.

Haven't you always wanted to play on the swings outside?

What about those classmates of yours? Why don't you ever talk to them?

I... I thought I wasn't supposed to talk to them?

You must. You must communicate. You must fit in. You can't act like an alien.

...Okay.

Go make friends. Get acquainted with them. Let them meet a new friend, a bright and promising student.

You've done well, 1437.

...Yes.

You'll be allowed to move freely around the manor. We've enrolled you in school, and next month you'll be able to go to the School of Literary Studies and the Conservatory to continue your education. Your tutor will go with you.

...Thank you.

How do you feel when you attend a funeral? Those people over there are crying, and I see that you're shedding tears as well.

My mission is complete, and thus a funeral follows. But... that warrants the shedding of tears.

Excellently done, 1437.

If you get hurt, should I cry—or should I feel sorrow?