Elias

Elias: ......
Euden: Hello, Elias. I didn't know you were here. It's nice to see you.
Cleo: Would you care for some tea?
Elias: ...Thanks.
Luca: Hey, if it isn't Elias! What brings you here? Er, something wrong? You seem mad.
Elias: ...I'm not.
Cleo: If you aren't mad, you're doing a poor job of being happy. You have been frowning since you walked in the door, and we're having to pry conversation out of you.
Elias: Urgh...
Euden: Did something happen, Elias? Why have you come here, anyway?
Elias: Well, actually... Lucretia, please take me with you on your next tour! I want to study with you.
Lucretia: Well, you DO yet have much to learn. However...

Elias: I want to study singing more than anything. So please take me with you!
Lucretia: Very well. Sing for me.
Elias: Ha! Listen to THIS!
Euden: ...And then she turned you down?
Elias: Yes.
Cleo: Er, but then why did you come here?
Elias: Lucretia said to. She told me to come to your castle and have lots of different experiences.
Luca: Are you always so obedient?
Elias: I want to be just like her. Is that so bad?
Luca: Nah. Just kind of adorable, is all.
Elias: H-hey! ...Anyway, is it all right if I stay here for a while?
Euden: Of course, Elias. Welcome.
Ranzal: ...Yo, Elias! There ya are. It's chowtime.
Elias: I don't need food—what I NEED is to practice my singing.
Ranzal: Practice is all well and good, kid, but if ya don't eat, yer gonna get all weak and spindly. Gotta keep yer strength up, yeah?
Elias: Pfft. I don't need strength like yours.
Ranzal: Hey, I'm just lookin' out for ya! No need for the attitude.
Elias: Ugh, this is becoming a distraction. I'm going to practice somewhere else, so don't follow me!
Ranzal: Hey, wait! ...So yeah, didn't have any luck pinnin' him down today, either.
Elisanne: It's been several days since Elias came to the Halidom, and he's yet to take a single meal with the rest of us.
Luca: Kid's head is full of nothin' but notes and lyrics, if you ask me.
Cleo: He does seem quite focused—almost to the point of obsession.
Elisanne: I imagine he's trying his best to take Lucretia's dismissal in stride.
Ranzal: That kid's puttin' way too much pressure on himself. He's got plenty'a time to make his way in the world, yeah?
Cleo: He does seem to break for meals by himself on occasion, but I worry he isn't eating enough.
Euden: I'll take some food to his room. He'll eat, even if I have to force him. ...Elias? Can I come in?
Elias: What's wrong with my singing...?
Euden: Elias?
Elias: I followed the music exactly, but...
Euden: Er, Elias? Hello?
Elias: Bwaah! What?! Huh?! Who's there?! Urgh. You could at least knock if you're going to come into my room, Prince.
Euden: I did knock. A lot, actually. Anyway, here. I brought you some food. You haven't eaten much today, have you?
Elias: This is no time for me to stuff my face.
Euden: I'm not telling you to gorge yourself, but if you don't eat SOMETHING, you're going to get sick.
Elias: My studies must come first. The path of the singer is a harsh one, but I've made up my mind to pursue it no matter what may come. And to do that, I must practice and study harder than anyone else.
Elias: *rumble*
Euden: You see? Your body's trying to tell you that it needs to eat. If you keep pushing yourself, you might end up not being able to sing at all. What's the big hurry with all of this, anyway?
Elias: I want to be the best singer I can be, so there's no time for sitting on my laurels and letting life pass me by. That's also why I wanted to go with Lucretia.
Euden: But wasn't she the one who told you to come to the Halidom and have a lot of different experiences?
Elias: Well, yes, but...
Euden: Then maybe you should do that. She knows what matters to you; she wouldn't have made that suggestion for no reason at all.
Elias: Very well. I'll try it your way.
Euden: Great! Then your first experience should be to eat this plate of food.
Elias: I will. Thank you.

Cleo: ...Wait. You want Elias to be my assistant?
Euden: He needs different experiences while he's here, and you have the most varied work schedule of anyone in the castle. So what do you think?
Cleo: Well, I suppose I could always use an extra set of hands.
Elias: Th-thank you.
Cleo: However! This work will not be easy; no assistant of mine will be permitted to slack or goldbrick to any degree. Is that clear?
Elias: Y-yes? I mean—yes.
Cleo: Elias! The laundry needs doing! And you'd best hurry—the sun won't accomodate any dallying.
Elias: Y-yes, ma'am!
Cleo: Elias! These clothes need mending!
Elias: R-right away, ma'am.
Cleo: Elias! I want you to scrub all the exposed grout in the entire castle!
Elias: Urk! I mean, o-of course, ma'am! Whew! Cleo's working me to the bone. I can't believe how many different kinds of tasks I've had to do so far. Still, I wonder how this is supposed to help with my singing?
Cleo: There you are, Elias. I'm starting dinner, so I'll need you to assist me.
Elias: Y-yes, ma'am!
Cleo: Please dice these onions finely. ...Yes, that's it. Good. When you're done, you can drop them into these two pots.
Elias: Er, ma'am? Why are there TWO pots? We're only making one thing, right?
Cleo: This is so we can adjust the seasoning.
Elias: For the same dish?
Cleo: Different people have different palates. Ranzal, for example, enjoys rich flavors, while Elisanne prefers a lighter touch. This way people have an option.
Elias: Don't you think it's selfish of people to expect you to cater to them?
Cleo: No one asked me to do this, Elias. I took it upon myself.
Elias: But you're an amazing chef, Cleo. ANYTHING you make will be good. Don't you get tired of taking all these extra steps? I mean, you already do practically everything around here.
Cleo: Is that a touch of concern I sense? How kind of you.
Elias: Th-that's not what I'm—
Cleo: I know it might seem like I'm going out of my way to increase my workload. However, if that extra work leads to people enjoying my food more, it's no trouble.
Elias: I don't know about that...
Cleo: Think of it this way: You could simply eat bread for the rest of your life and stay alive, yes?
Elias: Sure, I suppose.
Cleo: But eating is more than just staying alive; it's a cultural bonding experience, especially in a company like ours. So even if it's more work for me to tailor food to specific tastes, it's all right because everyone benefits in the end. Of course, it would be easier to simply let the recipe do all the work for me. But since I'm already going to the trouble of cooking, I'd rather people truly enjoy it.
Elias: I guess I never thought of it like that.
Cleo: I imagine it's much the same for you. You want people to connect with your music and not just listen to it, yes?
Elias: Of course. Every time I get on stage, I hope to sing something that resonates with people. ...Except now that I'm thinking about it, all I've been doing is reading sheet music. I've essentially just been following a musical recipe.
Cleo: Following a recipe isn't an entirely bad thing. But if a person doesn't like the recipe you're starting with, none of your hard work is going to matter.
Elias: ......
Cleo: Well, that's more than enough chatter, I would think. We've work to do.
Everyone: Let's dig in!
Ranzal: This grub's even better than usual, Cleo!
Elisanne: Agreed. It amazes me how you're able to use such a delicate hand with the flavors.
Cleo: Actually, Elias was a big help today.
Ranzal: Hell yeah! Nice job, kid.
Elisanne: You're quite the talented young man, aren't you? Many thanks for your work.
Elias: Oh, um...you're welcome.
Cleo: We're both just happy you like it.
Elias: C'mon, Cleo. You did all the work here; I was just a glorified knife boy.
Cleo: When people thank you, you should be gracious and accept their kindness. Now then! Do you see how much everyone is enjoying the food we made?
Elias: Sure. I mean, Ranzal's already going back for thirds.
Cleo: Cooking doesn't stop when you finish making the food. The work continues until you are certain that the feelings you put into your creation have been received.
Elias: Hmm. I imagine that's something else I can apply to my singing. All I've been focusing on is singing as skillfully as possible—I haven't thought about the people listening to me at all. You're incredible, Cleo! If you ever need any more help, just let me know. I think you have more to teach me about how to get my feelings across to people.
Cleo: I will be happy to help.

Elias: Why did you bring me here, Euden?
Euden: Because Vixel's in town. He's giving a performance this evening.
Elias: And we're here to see it?!
Euden: Yep. I'm thinking a good way to learn more about music is to observe someone who does it for a living.
Elias: Well, yes, but I could learn more from the performances of other singers. Vixel may be a successful musician, but he's merely a conductor.
Euden: I think "merely" really downplays his achievements. He used to be a member of the Choir, right? Besides, you should probably do more than just listen to other singers.
Lucretia: I want you to go to the Halidom and have many different experiences.
Elias: All right. I understand.
Vixel: Hello there, you two! Have you come to listen to the performance?

Euden: That's right—but I also wanted to show Elias what a conductor's work is like. Do you mind if we shadow you for a bit? We promise not to get in the way.
Vixel: Of course. That said, things will be rather busy before the show, so I may not be able to pay you much attention.
Euden: That's all right. We really appreciate this.
Orchestra Member 1: Do you have a moment, maestro? I had a question about the coda.
Vixel: Of course. Let me just look at my score... Right then. What do you need?
Orchestra Member 1: It would be best to perform this particular passage in a composed manner, yes?
Vixel: Indeed. I want you play it as though you are plunging the listeners into a dream.
Orchestra Member 1: I understand. Thank you!
Orchestra Member 2: Maestro, do you have a moment? I have a question about this particular movement.
Euden: Vixel is really something, isn't he? Look how precisely he's answering all of these questions.
Elias: Well, sure—but he's still just a conductor. Anyone with a modicum of musical skill could do what he's doing.
Euden: You really are harsh on Vixel, aren't you?
Elias: Not half so much as he deserves! If he's going to abandon singing, the least he can do is make sure the audience enjoys what music he DOES make.
Vixel: Please play this movement as you like. Do as your heart tells you.
Elias: What?!
Orchestra Member 2: Thank you, maestro! I will do just that!
Orchestra Member 1: The show is about to begin, maestro.
Euden: Let's head to our seats, Elias.
Elias: All right.
Elias: (I can't believe he told that musician to just play however he felt was right! This is going to be a disaster...)
Euden: Thank you for the performance, Vixel— and for indulging us before the show, as well.
Vixel: The gratitude is mine to give. But if I may ask, what did you think?
Euden: It was absolutely wonderful! Don't you think so, Elias?
Elias: I suppose it...wasn't bad.
Vixel: Ha ha! I take that as high praise coming from the two of you. In fact— Oh no! My score!
Elias: You really should be more careful with your score, Vixel. It's impor...
Vixel: Yes? What is it?
Elias: Your music is covered in handwritten notes. Did you make all of these?
Vixel: Yes. I'm a conductor, after all. Such diligence is all part of the job. For example, I have to note what kind of tone I'd like for a particular phrase, or how I ought direct a certain movement. Interpreting and deepening a piece of music is a conductor's purview.
Elias: Then why did you say what you said?!
Vixel: I'm afraid I don't follow.
Elias: You told one of the musicians to just play however he wanted. Yet right here, you've made meticulous notes about how you think that section should sound.
Vixel: Ah, yes. Honestly, it seemed better to leave that choice up to the performer. So that is what I did.
Elias: But what if his interpretation was completely dissonant with the rest of the piece? Isn't it a conductor's duty to make sure everyone is on the same page?
Vixel: Well, yes and no. I don't demand they perform in an exacting way so much as I...watch over them all.
Elias: I don't understand.
Vixel: I told that musician to do as he pleased because we have rehearsed together for countless hours and I trust his judgment. Music is not math—there is not always a single right answer for any situation. Sometimes it's best to let a musician trust their emotions.
Elias: But you knew how you wanted it to sound!
Vixel: This is not about me or my ego. My first duty is to the music alone. I pull and nudge at things when the situation calls for it, but I'm also willing to step aside if that's for the best. A person who can intuitively grasp those two things will make for a fine conductor. It would be rather boring if our whole chorus always performed in fortissimo, no?
Elias: I...suppose so. Until now, I always thought the person who understood the song the best should be the one who guided it along. I thought their job was to make sure no one else got lost or made a mistake.
Vixel: Well, the person who takes up that duty IS exceptionally important. But that's not all there is to it. One cannot play the greatest music all on their lonesome. The greatest music comes from all players and parts uniting as a whole.
Elias: Hmm... Would you both excuse me for a moment? I need to think about some things.
Euden: Heh. Thanks for the lesson, Vixel.
Vixel: No need to thank me. It would give me great joy to see him succeed.
Euden: He can do it. I know he can.

Elias: Can I talk to you for a second, Euden?
Euden: It must be important if you came to my room. What is it?
Elias: Well, I...
Euden: ...Yes?
Elias: Um...
Euden: ...Yeees?
Elias: I'm getting to it! Look, I wanted to ask you for advice.
Euden: What kind of advice?
Elias: I want you to teach me what it means to be a prince.
Euden: That is...not what I was expecting you to say.
Elias: Remember the song I sang for Lucretia? The one that made her decide not to take me on tour with her? That was a song about a prince who fights for his kingdom. I've been practicing it since I came here, but it's just not working.
Euden: Really? Because I've heard you singing it, Elias—it sounds pretty good to me.
Elias: Well, of course it would sound good to a layman. But for a singer... Well, this is hard to explain, but I don't think I'm getting to the soul of the music. And I think that's because I'm covering a topic I know nothing about. That may even be why Lucretia sent me here in the first place.
Euden: You might have a point there.
Elias: Right? Anyway, that's why I wanted you to tell me your story. I'm not acquainted with any other princes, you know?
Euden: In that case, I'm happy to tell you my story. Where should I begin...?
Elias: ...So you left your castle in order to protect your kingdom?! I thought the only princes who did that kind of thing were the ones in faerie tales.
Euden: Heh. Well, I didn't exactly think I'd ever be setting out to find Sacred Shards before I started this whole adventure.
Elias: So you weren't bothered by it? You never wondered why this burden was forced on your shoulders? I mean, you could have DIED. Weren't you afraid?
Euden: Of course I was afraid. And I still am. But I wasn't bothered. I wanted so badly to bring peace to my kingdom, and that was stronger than any fear. And even if this does end up killing me, the Alberian royal family will continue so long as our bloodline survives. If I'm a stepping stone to that end, that's enough.
Elias: But that would make everything you've sacrificed meaningless!
Euden: It's the duty of royalty to put the kingdom first. Sometimes that means you sit on the throne, and sometimes it means you're the bricks in the floor.
Elias: That's...amazing. I could never do that. I don't have the courage to risk my life for a kingdom.
Euden: But you have your own kind of courage, Elias. You know your weaknesses and you're willing to face them.
Elias: That's nothing compared to what you've done, Euden. Which means no matter how long I spend with you, I'll never understand what it truly means to be a prince. That's why Lucretia turned me down. Because when I sing, it's with only a shallow, surface-level understanding.
Euden: Hmm... I wonder.
Elias: Please don't try to console me—it's just going to make me even more depressed.
Euden: No, I'm seriously wondering if your singing is shallow or not. I'm no musician, but I get that you're trying to know what it means to be a prince.
Elias: Which doesn't matter, because I'm failing.
Euden: But if you DIDN'T try to understand, that would be even worse, right?
Elias: Right, but I sang just like the music told me to, which means this is... Wait. What's wrong with my singing...? I followed the music exactly, but... Oh my gosh. When I first came here, all I wanted to do was sing exactly as the music said I should—but I STILL wasn't understanding it!
Euden: Your singing has changed a lot since then. Don't you agree?
Elias: I do, yes. I used to think I had to follow the score at the expense of all else, but now I know that's not really the case. I also have to consider my fellow performers as well as my audience. I have to express what is BEHIND the lyrics of the song...which is a bit worrisome.
Euden: You've put significant thought and effort into your singing. I don't think it sounds shallow at all. It's true that you're not a prince. But you can still try to understand what it means to be one. And the more experiences you have, the easier that will become. Do you see what I'm saying?
Elias: Yes, I think I do. Honestly, I'm still young; I have a long way to go as a singer.
Euden: Exactly. So don't rush it.
Elias: In that case, would you mind listening to my song about the prince? I'm going to think about you in my own way and put my thoughts into the song. And don't be shy! Let me know if I'm not nailing that "princely" vibe.
Euden: You got it.

Euden: Thanks for taking us to Lucretia's recital, Vixel.
Vixel: It's the least I could do, considering the large volume of tickets I received. I think it was her subtle way of telling me to bring all of you along.
Lucretia: Just so. Thank you for coming, everyone. I worked it out so you'll be able to watch rehearsals as well as the performance, so I hope you enjoy.
Euden: Thank you, Lucretia.
Cleo: Typical of Lucretia to put on such a moving performance even in rehearsal.
Elisanne: ...Er, Elias? Why the long face?
Ranzal: Were ya totally overwhelmed by Lucretia's singin' there, kid?
Elias: Oh, it was undoubtedly amazing— and yet, I can't help but wonder if Lucretia is all right. Something about her voice felt... I don't know. Different, somehow.
Vixel: Lucretia, no!
Notte: Was that Vixel?!
Euden: It came from the back! C'mon! ...Lucretia collapsed?!
Vixel: Apparently she had been suffering in silence from a rather nasty bug.
Elias: That's terrible!
Luca: But she didn't look sick at all during the rehearsal.
Vixel: She was planning to tough it out until the end of the actual recital. I have her resting in the dressing room, but I'm not certain she'll be able to sing in her current condition.
Notte: So what's that mean for the recital?
Orchestra Member 1: Will we be forced to cancel?
Orchestra Member 2: Don't be a fool! Look at how many guests we have here today! There will be a riot if we cancel now!
Orchestra Member 1: Then what should we do? Wait and hope her condition improves?
Elias: I will sing in her place!
Vixel: Elias?
Orchestra Member 2: This is no time for games, child!
Elias: And I'm not playing one. But unless you happen to have a better idea...
Orchestra Member 2: Our guests have come to hear LUCRETIA. Not you.
Elias: Then I will simply be the opening act, which should give Lucretia time to recover.
Orchestra Member 1: And what, exactly, do you plan to sing?
Elias: What songs does the orchestra know?
Orchestra Member 1: I have a list right here...
Elias: Hmm... All the classical standards... Ah. What about this one?
Orchestra Member 2: Have you gone mad, child?! That piece is exceptionally difficult!
Orchestra Member 1: And it's rather too dark when contrasted against Lucretia's upcoming program.
Elias: In that case, how about I sing the melody an octave higher to brighten it up?
Vixel: I suppose that might add a bit more levity to the proceedings.
Elias: The audience likely won't expect a classical opening like this; I imagine the surprise will be rather delightful. I know how skilled the orchestra is based on their rehearsal, so I imagine this song is one they will be able to handle despite its difficulty, yes? My singing is only a small part, after all. The music itself will be the key. And skillful playing will make them all the more excited to hear Lucretia. Which is really the point of an opening act, don't you think?
Orchestra Member 2: That's a shockingly sound analysis considering he's only heard us rehearse this one time.
Orchestra Member 1: Maybe so—but being an opening act for someone like Lucretia is a lot of pressure. Are we sure this child can pull it off?
Vixel: I believe he can.
Orchestra Member 2: Now YOU have gone mad, Vixel!
Vixel: I have heard him sing time and again. He can do it, I assure you. At any rate, I believe his plan is preferable to canceling the performance outright. Or am I mistaken?
Orchestra Member 2: Hmm... If someone as skilled as you is advocating for him, perhaps we need to reconsider our position.
Orchestra Member 1: Very well—we'll start going over the score. Come, child. We've much work to do.
Elias: Coming!
Luca: You sure you're good with this, Elias?!
Elias: Of course I am! Don't worry—I'll make it work.
Luca: You say that, and yet your hands are shaking like leaves.
Euden: He'll be okay. I know your singing can win this audience over, Elias. I believe in you.
Elias: Thank you, Euden.
Lucretia: ♪♪♪
Elias: (I'm so glad Lucretia's able to sing again. And it's just as gorgeous as I knew it would be! Oh, if only I could sing like her someday...)
Lucretia: Thank you so much for coming to our show tonight, ladies and gentlemen.
Elias: Phew! She got through it without any trouble.
Euden: You were a big part of tonight's success, Elias. Your singing was exceptional.
Elisanne: It is astounding that your number came together in so short a time.
Ranzal: That's some real dynamite work there, kid. The audience ate it up!
Elias: I expected nothing less. Still...I think it's because all of you were here that I was able to pull off something so audacious.
Luca: Heh. You're just saying whatever pops into your head today. Must be leftover courage from your big performance.
Elias: Heh, I suppose I am. ...Ah, Lucretia.
Lucretia: Thank you so much for what you did today, Elias. You saved the performance. I heard you from backstage—your work was incredibly moving. I see now that your singing has changed. It is replete with passion, and even gave me strength as I waited to come on.
Elias: Thank you so much, Lucretia.
Lucretia: Might you be willing to accompany me on my next tour? The orchestra has actually been asking me if you're going to come—they seem to have grown rather fond of you.
Elias: They want ME to come on YOUR tour?!
Lucretia: Yes—as do I. So what is your answer?
Ranzal: Nice job, kid! This is exactly what ya been waitin' for, yeah?
Elias: Y-yes, but...
Cleo: I can think of no reason why you might decline this offer.
Elias: I got better at singing because I came to the Halidom. Obviously I can study and improve by working with Lucretia... But I feel like what I'm learning at the Halidom is ALSO helpful.
Euden: In that case, you can rejoin us once the tour is over. After all, shouldn't you be studying both singing AND other things?
Elias: Would that really be all right?
Euden: Of course! Honestly, I'd like to hear you sing again, so it's not like this is a completely selfless offer.
Lucretia: Well then? Does that assuage any hesitation you may have felt?
Elias: Thank you so much, everyone! Just you watch! I'm gonna grow even more and then come back to the Halidom!
Euden: Best of luck on the tour, Elias.
Elias: I'll see you all again soon!