Verginia

(First interaction)

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Forging firewood from golden blood to burn away the gloom of the deep sea... feels too dry and lifeless.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Then again... the sword-bloom blossoms in the song of the lyre, a requiem for the Titans before their fall... might be a bit too on the nose.

Another love poem, Dux Carminum?

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: N—No, it's not, (Mr./Miss) (Trailblazer)! I've written enough love poems these days. I can't slack off on my job...

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: I—I'm writing the Heroic Saga of Flame-Chase, an epic poem about the Flame-Chase Journey.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Still, maybe it's from indulging in too many toasts and banquets. It feels like my inspiration's been soaked and soured by honey brew. Every time I try to write a few lines, nothing ever seems quite right...

What if, I contribute a line?

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: O—Of course! I was just writing about the fall of Phagousa. A champion like you... I'm sure you'll r—relate to experiencing that spectacular scenery!

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: (Mister/Miss), how... how would you depict the moment Dux Gladiorum struck down Phagousa?

Unparalleled... One takes the head across an army ten-thousand strong!

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Clean and swift, yet without forsaking grandeur...

This blade... shall sever the Titan's head!

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Rhythmic and forceful, yet surging with passion...

The golden blood is like dew, and the sea runs as clear as a river.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Restrained yet immersive...

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Your writing is even better than I i—imagined! If we put it all together...

Verginia closes her eyes and remains focused for a while. When she opens her eyes again, her demeanor has completely changed.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: The raging tide calms in the instant the sword-bloom blossoms.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: The chill of the lyre's notes has already brushed past the Titan's neck...

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Listen now to the Gladius's final tremor... (Unparalleled... One takes the head across an army ten-thousand strong!/This blade... shall sever the Titan's head!/The golden blood is like dew, and the sea runs as clear as a river.)

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: ...

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: It feels like the effect is... even more distinctive than I imagined?

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: N—not that I plan to change it! After all, this is the writing personally penned by the Deliverer from beyond the sky.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: I'm taking it to Apollonius right now. He'll definitely be full of praise for your verses!

(Subsequent interactions)

In the illusion sculpted by the authority of Ocean, a bubble of a drunken demigod emerged...

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Oh, (Mr./Miss) (Trailblazer)... G—Good day! Welcome to the f—feast!

Dux Carminum, let's chat!

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Th—Thank you! I'm not used to opening a conversation, so p—please go easy on me!

Let's talk about your past.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Where to begin... If I start from the very beginning, I remember being born into an unknown tribe in the outskirts of Castrum Kremnos...

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Ah, s—sorry, you probably don't want to hear such trivial things. Let me start from when I was expelled from Castrum Kremnos.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Since I was young, I was very frail and weak. I couldn't even l—lift the lightest spear.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: But I loved everything r—romantic! I loved beautiful headscarves, loved burrowing in the library reading stories, and most of all, I l—loved reciting poetry!

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: After leaving Castrum Kremnos, I spent some time as a bard. By chance, the Great Imperator saw my heroic ode and brought me into the army to serve as a chronicler for the Flame-Chase Army.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Once I finish Heroic Saga of Flame-Chase, I'll be able to repay the Great Imperator's kindness in taking me in.

Let's talk about your future.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: My future... I haven't given it much thought. Or rather, I d—dared not to hope for the future I desire.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: After all, after Ocean, there are still Trickery, Death, Sky, Strife... With so many mighty Titans to overcome, a weak Chrysos Heir like me... m—might just end up throwing my life away in battle.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: As for the future the Great Imperator promised...

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Reciting poetry on a stage like the universe is intriguing, b—but it's also terrifying!

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: However, if it comes to that, my comrades a—and Apollonius will probably cheer me on from behind!

Done chatting for now.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: O—Okay, have fun at the feast, (Trailblazer)...

I know a little secret of yours.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Huh? I—I don't have any secrets I'm hiding, only an open one—

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: I l—like Apollonius, I want to accompany him in this endless feast, forever, and ever...

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: E—Everyone knows this.

It seems Verginia still can't keep a secret, and that worries you a little. But aside from you, the others lost in the illusion likely won't suspect a thing.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: ...

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: (Mr./Miss) (Trailblazer), thank you.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: I remember long ago, you once offered me a toast, "a romance that is sure to echo."

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: It must be because of your blessing that I am able to receive the echoes of happiness in this fantasia...

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: I, I mean... in this feast! Heheh...

Don't be so nervous next time.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Ah! I—I will t—try my best...

Beyond Time: An Eternal Page

(First interaction, with Hysilens, Seneca, Labienus, and Apollonius)

"Dux Brumalis" Seneca: Ha, Labienus, can your stomach still handle it? Looks like I'm gonna win this one.

"Dux Fragoris" Labienus: Ugh... I just drank too much water. It's all because the honey brew here is too watery!

Hysilens: In that case, would you like to try the richest honey brew?

Hysilens: After the black tide receded, I returned to my homeland and dug up all twelve bottles that Phagousa had buried in the seabed.

Hysilens: Today, have as much Essence of Icy Springone of the twelve bottles as you wish! Let's drink to our heart's content!

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: A—As much as I wish? But it's something so precious...

Hysilens: Back then, Phagousa buried them in the seabed because she wanted to share them with her descendants after the black tide had receded. Aren't they perfect for a celebration now?

"Dux Helkolithist" Apollonius: Since Dux Gladiorum insists so passionately, we'll humbly accept the offer. Little Verginia, looks like you'll get your chance to shine today.

Hysilens: Well then, here's to our yesterdays and tomorrows.

Cheers to the Flame-Chase Journey!

To the new world!

To Amphoreus!

"Dux Brumalis" Seneca: Mmm... W—Wow! That really hit the spot! Phagousa's collection really lives up to its reputation!

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Though it tastes a little astringent at first, if you let it sit in your mouth for a moment, you can taste a subtle sweetness... and a hint of sea breeze.

"Dux Fragoris" Labienus: Hmm, the taste is exquisite indeed. But as loyal subjects, how could we enjoy this by ourselves? Go and invite the Great Imperator.

Hysilens: I'll join her for drinks later. For now, please enjoy yourselves to the fullest. And remember: We're not leaving until our cups run dry!

"Dux Brumalis" Seneca: Alright then, today I'll be the last one standing! Who's my next challenger?

"Dux Helkolithist" Apollonius: Your time to shine, Verginia.

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Then I'll... I'll do it!

Hysilens: Little Gray Fry, care to join me for a drink? Look...

Hysilens: The Dew of Divine Blood, you should still remember its taste. Though, it's fine if you don't, I can help you recall it.

Hysilens: Cheers, Little Gray Fry.

Cheers, Hysilens.

(Subsequent interactions)

Listen

"Dux Brumalis" Seneca: This... is... impossible...

"Dux Carminum" Verginia: Oh, (Mr./Miss) (Trailblazer), please help Seneca! She was having a drinking contest with me. W—We were drinking honey brew, but she's about to hit the floor after just a few cups!

Just a few cups...

How many cups did you have, exactly?

"Dux Fragoris" Labienus: I was keeping score. A whopping total of 52 cups.

"Dux Helkolithist" Apollonius: Dux Brumalis, you drink well, but it's unfortunate you ran into a monster like little Verginia. There's no shame in this loss!

"Dux Brumalis" Seneca: Nonsense... I'm... not done yet... I can still drink on...

"Dux Fragoris" Labienus: Looks like this victory feast is gonna last for quite a while, haha!