Melody

Euden: ...Hmm? I wonder who that is? Does she have business here?
Melody: E-excuse me!
Melody: Is this the castle of His Highness Prince Euden?
Cleo: You're currently addressing him.
Melody: Really?! Oh gosh, I had no idea. I'm so sorry I didn't notice!
Euden: Please, don't worry about it. So, what can I help you with?
Melody: Well, I actually wanted to ask a favor.
Melody: I...I want you to hire me as a maid! Er, please.
Melody: I'll pour my soul into any task you give me!
Melody: I won't complain at all, and you won't need to pay me! ...Well, not at first, at least. Eventually I'll need something so I don't starve to death in a ditch somewhere.
Cleo: Well, this is unexpected.
Cleo: Personally, I'd be happy to have more help with the housework, but it's your call, Euden.
Euden: It's true that we have only a few people tackling a lot of work right now...
Euden: All right. You're hired.
Melody: -really?!
Melody: Thank you so much! It's an honor to be part of the team!
Cleo: I know you've only just arrived, but might I ask you to help prepare lunch?
Melody: Of course!
Melody: Now that you've been good enough to hire me, I won't let you down!
Melody: AAAAH! THE STOVE LIT MY SKIRT ON FIRE!
Melody: I need to put it out! Water! Waaaaater!
Cleo: .....
Melody: Okay, I've taken care of that little prob— AAAAAH! THE POT OF FOOD IS ON FIRE!
Melody: Hurry, before the castle burns down! Water! Waaaaater!
Cleo: Erm, Melody? There's oil in that pot, so putting water on it is just going to—
Melody: AAAAAAAAAAAH! IT'S GETTING BIGGER!
Melody: WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?!
Cleo: Oh for heaven's sake. Move.
Cleo: The best thing to do in these situations is put a wet cloth over the pot.
Melody: ...It disappeared! You're amazing, Cleo!
Cleo: Did you come here to help in this castle, or to destroy it?
Cleo: You are unfit to be a maid on even the most fundamental of levels.
Cleo: Have you EVER done this before?
Melody: I'm... I'm actually... Um...
Melody: ...I'm still in training.
Melody: I've served as a trainee maid at loads of different mansions. ...For, um, the past eight years, actually.
Melody: But I've never been able to graduate up to a full-blown maid because of... Well, the fires, for one.
Cleo: I see. Well, you're fired.
Melody: No! Oh, please don't fire me, Cleo! I promise it will NEVER happen again!
Cleo: If you haven't been able to succeed in eight years, you aren't magically going to start doing so now.
Euden: Maybe she hasn't had the right teacher yet. I'm sure she'll be able to do it if you take the time to show her the ropes, Cleo.
Euden: Firing someone is easy, but it won't solve the fundamental problem.
Cleo: Oh, very well. I'll teach her all there is to know about housework.
Melody: Th-thank you so much!
Melody: From this point on, I'm going to be perfect! I'll show you how a real mai— GAAAAH! *crash* *smash* *tinkle*
Cleo: How does a person manage to fall into an entire cabinet of dishes?
Cleo: *sigh* Give me strength, Goddess...

Euden: Hmm? What are you doing, Melody?
Melody: Oh! Good morning, Your Highness!
Melody: I just finished hanging up the laundry.
Cleo: Melody? Where is the laundry I asked you to take care of?
Melody: The laundry? I just finished hanging it all...up...to...dry?
Melody: AAAAAH! THE WIND IS BLOWING IT AWAY!
Cleo: ...Melody? I want you to listen to me very closely.
Cleo: That was several days' worth of clothes. If you don't get them back, we're all going to be wandering around naked tomorrow. ...Even Ranzal.
Melody: Eeep! I'm so sorry! I'll go find them right now!
Cleo: ...Please let me fire her.
Euden: She really seems to be trying her best. Let's give it a bit more time.
Cleo: Well, I suppose she's a hard worker in...some respects.
Cleo: And no matter how angry I get, she never lets it get her down.
Melody: Umm...Cleo? There's, um... Er...
Melody: ...A bird stole all the laundry.
Cleo: Fired.
Cleo: Surely you MUST agree with me now. We hired her thinking she would decrease my workload, but she's done the opposite.
Euden: Here's an idea: Why don't you give her a test of some kind?
Euden: Give her a task. Something basic. If she can do it, she stays.
Euden: It can't make that much extra work for you if it's something simple, right?
Cleo: I feel like this is going to finish her off, but...very well.
Cleo: Anything to stop her from interfering with the laundry again.
Melody: ...You want me to make a cup of tea that satisfies Prince Euden?
Cleo: That's right. If you can do that, I won't fire you.
Melody: Really?! Th-then I'll do my best!
Melody: Okay! First I need to light the stove and boil some water. That means I need matches, whiiich...aaaare...riiiight...
Cleo: You might want to pay a little more attention while you're searching.
Cleo: The container with all the tea leaves has got caught on your sleev— Oh dear.
Melody: AAAAAH! I SPILLED TEA EVERYWHERE!
Melody: Oh my gosh, I am SO sorry, Cleo. I'll just get another bag of tea leaves.
Cleo: Melody, that bag contains flour. The tea leaves are over—
Melody: AAAH! NOW THERE'S FLOUR EVERYWHERE!
Melody: *cough* *hack* *wheeze* D-don't worry! I'll clean this up right away...
Cleo: STOP! Don't...touch...anything. I'll do it. You just focus on making the tea.
Melody: I'm so, so, SO sorry...
Melody: Right! Okay, Melody, you can do this. First, I need to light the stove...
Cleo: Light the stove...
Cleo: Wait, isn't airborne flour flammabl—
Melody: AAAAAH! THE FLOUR EXPLODED!
Melody: How is this even possible?! All I wanted to do was make tea!
Cleo: I have the exact same question.
Cleo: ...We HAVE to get rid of this woman, Euden.
Euden: I hear what you're saying, but I also think you may be overlooking her strong points.
Euden: No matter how many times you get angry with her, she always stays positive and cheerful, right?
Euden: Everyone tends to get a bit gloomy after we've been fighting for a while, so I think such cheer is important for morale.
Euden: Even if her housekeeping abilities are... a little lacking.
Cleo: She lacks housekeeping skills in the same way I lack a second head.
Cleo: ...But this is your castle. If you want me to give her more time, I will do so.
Melody: *sniff* You're both so good to me...
Melody: This time, I won't let you down!

Ranzal: Grrrragh!
Ranzal: ...Dammit, I missed one. Watch out— it's comin' yer way!
Melody: What? It is? AAAAAAAH!
Euden: Melody! Run!
Melody: D-d-d-don't come this way, or I'll... Hiii-YA!
Ranzal: ...The heck? She took it out in one blow!
Melody: Whew! I managed to beat it. *sniff* That was terrifying...
Ranzal: Damn. A few fiends are gonna be nothin' if that's how ya fight.
Ranzal: Where'd ya even learn to handle a blade like that?
Melody: I once served a swordsman who taught me a few of the basics.
Melody: I don't seem to have any talent for being a maid, but I apparently do as a swordsman. Er, or a swordswoman, I guess.
Ranzal: Yer tellin' me.
Ranzal: What made him wanna teach his maid how to fight in the first place, though?
Melody: He seemed to find it something of a lark.
Melody: I joined him for daily sparring matches and refined my skills, not really thinking much of it...
Melody: But before I knew it, I was stronger than he was.
Ranzal: Whoa. That's pretty damn impressive. ...Bet he wasn't happy about it, though.
Melody: No, he wasn't.
Melody: One day, I defeated him in a battle, and he got so mad he fired me on the spot.
Melody: Not that I can blame him... It must have felt terrible for a real swordsman to be beaten by...you know. A MAID.
Euden: I'm more concerned about how hard it was for you.
Melody: That's kind of you to say. Still, I'm starting to think that learning to fight wasn't entirely a bad thing.
Melody: Because it means I might be able to be of some use to all of you.
Melody: I mean, I'd still prefer to be a maid, of course...
Melody: But until that happens, maybe I can use my swordsmanship to make up for all the other trouble I've caused.
Melody: So please don't fire me!
Euden: Er, I wasn't planning to. But if I can ask, why are you so determined to be a maid?
Euden: With that kind of skill with a blade, surely there's other lines of work—
Melody: No. It's maid or nothing for me.
Melody: Being a maid is more than just a job.
Melody: It's a way to connect with others!
Melody: I feel like if I'm looking after other people, I'll eventually become like family to them, which is exactly what I want.
Melody: That's something that's only possible if I'm a maid.
Euden: ...I think I understand.
Euden: Keep up the hard work, then!
Melody: I will, Your Highness!
Melody: I won't let you down!
Ranzal: She ain't one for takin' the easy road, eh?
Ranzal: I'd be tryin' to become a mercenary or somethin' if I was her.
Euden: Hmm... I wonder if there's some way she can use those skills AS a maid...

Melody: Umm, so how is the tea that I made for the two of you?
Melody: I didn't do anything seriously wrong, did I?
Euden: Well, it's... Um... *cough*
Cleo: You mixed up the salt and sugar.
Melody: Oh, I'd never do that! Let me taste tha—
Melody: PLLLLBBBBBBTTTT! UGH! SALTY!
Cleo: I can take this no longer.
Cleo: You, Melody, are fired. Fired! F-I-R-E-D! Begone from this castle at once!
Melody: sniff*
Euden: Cleo, that's hardly necessary.
Cleo: Please be quiet, Your Highness.
Cleo: ...Melody. Since you're still standing there and clearly in no hurry to leave, I have a final task for you.
Cleo: You can prepare the ingredients we need for tonight's dinner.
Cleo: Just use your sword. Don't bother getting the kitchen knife out, because you'll probably cut your toe off with it.
Cleo: Don't think this is going to change your fate, though.
Cleo: No matter how good a job you do, you're still fired.
Melody: *sniff* All right...
Melody: After all the trouble I've caused you, this is the least I can do.
Melody: I'll start with the vegetables...
Euden: Whoa. They're all the exact same size...
Cleo: Next, I want you to fillet these fish into the shape of this castle—INCLUDING the moat and a working drawbridge.
Cleo: Oh, and no matter how skillfully or quickly you do it, you're still fired, so there's no need to try very hard.
Melody: A-all right... Here!
Euden: She did that so quickly I barely saw it happen... And the drawbridge WORKS!
Euden: How did she suddenly get so good at this?!
Cleo: ...So I was right after all.
Cleo: You expend all your mental energy trying not to fail, which is causing you to do precisely that.
Cleo: And yet, if you do something thinking there are no consequences for failure and therefore don't worry about it, you perform far better.
Melody: Um... W-well, now you mention it...
Melody: I guess that's how I approached my sword practice, and I got good at that quickly.
Euden: So that's why you told her she was fired? To prove a point?
Cleo: Basically, yes.
Cleo: I'm sorry for being so cold toward you recently, Melody.
Cleo: I am rescinding your firing.
Cleo: And I'm promoting you from trainee to a full-fledged maid.
Melody: What? R-really?!
Cleo: Absolutely. That fish drawbridge is absurd. There's no way I could do that myself.
Cleo: So long as you stay relaxed, I'm certain you'll make a first-rate maid.
Cleo: And then I won't have to fire you.
Euden: I'm really happy for you, Melody. Congratulations!
Melody: I...I can't believe this...
Melody: *sniff* Waaaaaaaaah!
Cleo: Er, why are you crying?
Melody: Because I'm so happy! *sniff*
Melody: I've been a trainee for eight YEARS. I've been fired over and over and OVER.
Melody: But I've finally, FINALLY done it...
Melody: *sniff* *sniff*
Melody: Cleo... Your Highness...
Melody: Thank you so muuuuch!

Melody: Oh! Good morning, master!
Euden: Er...master?
Melody: Of course! Now that I'm officially your maid, it's only right for me to refer to you as master.
Euden: This might take a while to get used to.
Melody: Hee hee! I'm pleased to serve you, master!
Cleo: I understand that you're happy about achieving your dream, Melody...
Cleo: But if you let yourself get too carried away, you're going to mess something up again.
Melody: Oh! Cleo!
Melody: Yes, I suppose you're right. I need to stay focused.
Euden: No one can blame you, though. I mean, you've wanted this chance for years.
Euden: It's no surprise you'd be happy about it.
Melody: Well, yes, I'm certainly happy about becoming a real maid...
Melody: But there's something I'm even happier about than that.
Euden: Oh? What's that?
Melody: Being able to become a real maid HERE.
Melody: I've been away from my family trying to become a maid ever since I was 12.
Melody: I don't have many family memories, and I've always longed to belong to a really close one.
Melody: Everyone in this castle is so close; it's like they're all one big family.
Melody: So while I'm here, I feel like I'm part of a family, too—and that makes me happy.
Melody: So I'm glad not just to be a maid, but a maid HERE.
Euden: Well, welcome to the family, Melody!
Cleo: Indeed, please think of all of us as family.
Melody: Th-thank you. Both of you.
Melody: This is the happiest moment of my lif—
Euden: ...Huh? That sounded like an explosion from the kitchen!
Melody: AAAAAAH! I LEFT THE STOVE ON!
Cleo: I should have known it was your fault...
Cleo: Er, but what exactly did you leave on the stove that would cause it to explode?
Melody: Well... Um... Actually, I can't remember. What DID I put on there?
Cleo: Well, let's go sort this mess out.
Melody: I'm so sorry for causing trouble again.
Cleo: Honestly...
Cleo: Perhaps I would have been better off firing you after all.
Melody: Noooo! P-please! Anything but that!
Euden: Ha ha ha!
Euden: It looks like you've still got plenty of training on the horizon if you want to be a first-rate maid.

Valentine's Melody: Sorry for the delay, everybody—but your trusty maid Melody is finally done with her outfit swap. Ta-daaaaaah!
Valentine's Melody: And in these sweet new threads, I'm ready to get out there and grab Valentine's BY THE THROAT!
Valentine's Melody: Which means it's time for me to hop in the kitchen trenches and help everybody whip up some tasty treats.
Philia: She, uh, seems rather excited considering she only changed because she spilled chocolate all over her last outfit.
Cibella: Ah, but I can understand her eagerness; I rarely have the luxury to take time preparing treats, and I find myself rather excited at the prospect.
Philia: Yeah, but you're normal. In HER case, the moment she gets excited about something, it causes...issues.

Valentine's Melody: I got the eggs and butter and—AAAAH!
Philia: Like I said: issues.
Cibella: The more eager she is for something, the more furious her fall, it seems.
Valentine's Melody: Aw, boo! I broke the eggs...
Philia: That's 'cause you were tearing through the kitchen like your pants were on fire. *sigh* Look, can you stand?
Valentine's Melody: Y-yes... I'll manage...
Philia: Huh?! Eeeek!
Cibella: Melody?! Philia?!
Philia: Owwww! What is your DEAL, man?! I just helped you up, and you toppled right back down again—on ME!
Valentine's Melody: I'm sorry! The floor is all super slippery for some reason!
Philia: THAT'S BECAUSE IT'S COVERED WITH BROKEN EGGS!
Cibella: I beg your pardon, ladies, but you might wish to spare a glance behind you.
Valentine's Melody: AAAAAAH! THE STOVE IS ON FIRE!
Philia: Ack! Okay, lemme just... Oh noooo! I can't put it out! There's a bunch of oil or something on the stove!
Cibella: Did you not come in here carrying a large amount of butter, Melody?
Valentine's Melody: Actually, yeah. I did. I wonder where it all went? I had it, then I dropped the eggs, sooooo theeeeen...
Cibella: I believe the butter is currently on fire. I would suggest rectifying this situation with all possible speed, lest we burn down the entire Halidom.
Valentine's Melody: Not to worry! Cleo showed me how to deal with burning oil once!
Valentine's Melody: First, I need a wet towel... Ah, there we go!
Philia: Melody, look out! Your sleeve is caught on that container of—
Valentine's Melody: AAAAAAH! *cough* *hack* *wheeze* P-powdered sugar alert! It's everywhere!
Cibella: Fire and dust... My, but that's a bad combination...
Philia: EVERYBODY RUN! GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN!
Valentine's Melody: Waaah! I'm so sooooorry!

Cleo: How many times do you plan to engulf my kitchen in flames until you have satisfaction, Melody?
Valentine's Melody: I'm really sorry, Cleo. It was an accident.
Cleo: *sigh* I should have fired you when I had the chance.
Cleo: Well, there's nothing for it: Since you cause nothing but trouble for others, I hereby ban you from the kitchen for the duration of Valentine's.
Valentine's Melody: Wait, so I'm a kitchen exile? Noooo!

Valentine's Melody: *sigh* I only wanted to help...
Valentine's Melody: Still, I suppose this is better than the axe. By which I mean fired, although Cleo looked mad enough to use a REAL axe...
Valentine's Melody: Well, I'll just have to find another way to make myself useful.
Valentine's Melody: Oh, I know! I'll clean everyone's rooms!

Valentine's Melody: Knock knock! Housekeeping!
Euden: Oh, hello there, Melody. Doing some room cleaning?
Valentine's Melody: Yes indeed, master! Er, but if I can pry, what are you still doing in your room? You're usually off fighting fiends or the like at this hour of the day, right?
Euden: I had some things to take care of. Oh, that reminds me!
Euden: Do you happen to know if there's a good jeweler in the area?
Valentine's Melody: There are a few in one of the nearby villages. Er, do you need one?
Euden: I do. See, there's a particular noble family that I'm rather indebted to, and their daughter is coming of age soon.
Euden: I wanted to send them a nice gift for the occasion, and I've been wracking my brain to figure out something appropriate. I thought maybe jewelry would work?
Valentine's Melody: Do you want me to come with you to help pick out something she might like?
Euden: That would be great, actually. Are you sure you don't mind?
Valentine's Melody: Of course not! It's my job to be of service to you in every way!
Euden: In that case, it's a deal. I'll head over there in a couple of days, if that works.
Valentine's Melody: I'll be there!
Euden: Thank you again, Melody. It will be really reassuring to have you with me.

Valentine's Melody: Reassuring? Really? Wow, that's the first time in my maid life that anyone's ever said that about me.
Valentine's Melody: And since he's being so nice, I need to find a way to show him how much I appreciate HIM! I mean, what with it being Valentine's and all.
Valentine's Melody: Okay, but how? I can't just walk up and thank him—that would be SUPER dull.
Ranzal: If yer lookin' what to impress the boss for Valentine's, ya can't go wrong with with a heartfelt present.
Valentine's Melody: A present... That's a fine idea, Ranzal!
Ranzal: Yeah, I'm full of 'em. Oh, and after ya give him the goods, the two of ya can hit a cafe for tea and some'a them little sandwiches what with the crusts cut off.
Valentine's Melody: Oh, this just gets better! That would help him relax from all his daily... Um...
Valentine's Melody: Wait, how long have you been standing there?
Ranzal: Bwa ha ha! Oh, not that long. Just can't help but pipe up when I hear folks monologuin' like ya was.
Ranzal: Still, I never thought YOU'D fall for the boss, too! So what's the plan? Gonna lay yer feelings out in the open, or is this more of a stealth deal?
Valentine's Melody: What? N-no! You have this all wrong! I mean, of course I like my master, but I don't LIKE like him!
Ranzal: Ain't no need to be shy with ol' Ranzal! C'mon, spill the dirt. These big shoulders of mine are great for cryin' on—or we can just plan yer little date!
Ranzal: Melody and the boss, kissin' in a tree! K-I-S-S...uh...S-E...W...? Ah, hell. I can't spell for crap.
Valentine's Melody: STOP IT, RANZAL! This is just a little thank-you—NOT a date!
Valentine's Melody: I mean, sure, it's just the two of us alone on Valentine's, but that doesn't...mean...
Valentine's Melody: ACK! Wait, IS this a date?!

Melody: All right! I've got about half the firewood chopped now, so I think I'll take a break.

Valentine's Melody: I can't believe I'm actually going on a date with my master.
Valentine's Melody: I wonder what it'll be like...?
Valentine's Melody: Not good. Too many people.
Valentine's Melody: "Should we hold hands? It wouldn't do for us to become separated."
Valentine's Melody: Ooo, the night view is lovely!
Valentine's Melody: "Not nearly so lovely as you, my sweet darling sweetie."
Valentine's Melody: Something like that, right? Oh, my!
Valentine's Melody: *gasp* No! Nononono! We're just going shopping—it is definitely NOT a date!
Valentine's Melody: Get your head out of weirdville, Melody! Focus! Chop that firewood!
Valentine's Melody: Hah! Hah! Nyah! Hngah! Hraaaaaah!

Valentine's Melody: Ooof... I chopped too much... Everything hurts and I wanna pass out...
Valentine's Melody: (What is WITH you today, you dorkus? You're just going out with your master on a shopping trip! Not a date!)
Valentine's Melody: (We'll meet up, walk the town together, do some shopping...)
Valentine's Melody: Hrghrghr... Blargh. Can't sleep at all.
Valentine's Melody: Well, since I'm up, I might as well draw up a plan for our outing!
Valentine's Melody: We're meeting at the castle gates in the morning, right? So when we get to town, we probably go right to the jewelry store.
Valentine's Melody: We'll pop into a few places, and then I'll give him his present in the town square. Hmm... I need to nail that present down. Maybe a handmade sweater?
Valentine's Melody: Yes! That is delightfully doable! So then after the gift, we'll pass the time talking on a little bench...

Valentine's Melody: And I'll finish by giving him a treat here!
Valentine's Melody: This is the perfect date plan.
Valentine's Melody: EXCEPT THAT IT'S NOT A DATE, DORKUS!
 ???: What's with all the yelling in here?
Valentine's Melody: Wuh?
Philia: Are you all right? Did you fall and hurt yourself again?
Cibella: Yes, you're going to awaken the entire castle if you continue on at this rate.
Valentine's Melody: Philia! Cibella! Wh-what a coincidence seeing you here!
Philia: What's that behind your back? A note?
Valentine's Melody: WHAT NO NOTHING IS BEHIND MY BACK WHY ARE YOU EVEN ASKING THAT YOU'RE WEIRD DON'T BE WEIRD!
Philia & Cibella: ...Right.
Philia: Look, did you mess something up again? We won't tell Cleo, so just come clean.
Valentine's Melody: Actually, I DIDN'T mess anything up...
Valentine's Melody: NOW I GOTTA GO BYEEEEEE!
Philia: She actually ran away in a cloud of dust. I didn't know people could do that.
Cibella: Alas, she dropped the note in her haste.
Philia: Gosh, how much of a klutz do you have to be to try SO hard to hide something and then just drop it while you run off?
Cibella: The first line is crossed out, but it clearly says "Plan For My Date With Master."
Philia: WHAAAAAAT?!

Valentine's Melody: *pant* I think this is far enough... They shouldn't come after...
Philia: MELODY!
Valentine's Melody: Eyagh! Ph-philia?
Philia: DON'T "PHILIA" ME, HUSSY! YOU'RE TRYING TO CUT IN ON MY MAN!
Valentine's Melody: Man? Wh-what man? I don't have a clue what you're—
Philia: THIS! This paper! This...DATE PLAN! You're going on a date with the prince!
Valentine's Melody: Ack! My note!
Philia: HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?! YOU SCARLET WOMAN! YOU FLOOZY!
Valentine's Melody: Eeeek! Stop, Philia!
Cibella: *pant* I finally...caught up to you... Philia! Calm yourself.
Cibella: Melody, please explain. How long have you and the prince been engaged in a... Well, a dating type of relationship?
Valentine's Melody: It's not a DATE date, you guys! It's just...you know. A "date." Like, a day we spend together.
Valentine's Melody: I just wanted to show my master how much I appreciate him.
Philia: How much you..."appreciate" him?
Valentine's Melody: Okay, so here's the whole deal...

Cibella: I see. So basically, you're simply going shopping in your capacity as a maid, and thought you'd take the opportunity to show your gratitude while you were at it.
Valentine's Melody: Pretty much, yeah. See, I was a maid in a lot of places before this, and I ended up being fired every single time.
Valentine's Melody: I mean, who WOULDN'T fire a big ol' klutz like me, am I right?
Valentine's Melody: But my master is different. He said I'm bright and cheerful, and that having me around is good for morale.
Valentine's Melody: I've never known the warmth of a family, but he told me I could think of everyone in the castle as my own.
Valentine's Melody: I became a maid because I wanted to experience a familial bond, so that made me truly, genuinely happy.
Valentine's Melody: And that's why I want to thank him. No, why I NEED to.
Cibella: That is quite the tale.
Philia: Okay, I get it. Er, and sorry about that whole "floozy" thing.
Philia: It sounds like things were pretty tough for you, so I get why you want to thank him.
Philia: And while I'm still concerned about the two of you going out...I'll support you.
Valentine's Melody: Really?!
Cibella: Perhaps you might let me help in this endeavor as well?
Valentine's Melody: Of COURSE you can help, Cibella! This is going to be the best date ever!
Valentine's Melody: Except it's NOT A DATE, DORKUS! Sheesh!
Philia: So this really IS just a day trip, right? Not a date?
Cibella: I, er...think so?

Valentine's Melody: *yaaaawn* It's morning already, but I managed to get it done...
Valentine's Melody: One hand-knit sweater, all wrapped and ready to go!
Valentine's Melody: Now to get to work on the other gift. Better wait for nightfall for that...

Valentine's Melody: Oh, good! Looks like I'm alone.
Valentine's Melody: Cleo banned me from the kitchen because I cause problems for others, but if others aren't here, I can't CAUSE them problems!
Valentine's Melody: Although I might be skating by on a technicality here...
Valentine's Melody: But whatever! I have to make these cupcakes for him, and they need to be jam-packed with all my gratitude!
Valentine's Melody: Better get to it and finish this thing before anyone notices I'm here. On my mark...get set...bake!

Valentine's Melody: Hrm... It won't come together no matter how much I mix it. I guess it SHOULD taste okay, but... *lick*
Valentine's Melody: Gah! Sweet! So sweet! Gosh darn it, I mixed up flour with sugar again.

Valentine's Melody: Now I'll whip this cream until it's light and airy with stiff peaks... AAAAAH!
Valentine's Melody: Dang it! The bowl slipped out of my fingers!

Valentine's Melody: Okay, the batter looks good! Let's take a peek and see if it's cooked through...
Valentine's Melody: ACK! I poked it with a skewer to check the inside and it exploded! Whyyyyy?!

Valentine's Melody: *sigh* This has been a complete disaster. I'm sure no star baker...
Valentine's Melody: Now I'm running low on ingredients and the sun is almost up. Maybe I should just throw in the tea towel already...
Valentine's Melody: No! I need to see this through!
Valentine's Melody: My master said one of my strengths is that I always see the bright side of things!
Valentine's Melody: If I gave up now, I'd be giving up the strength he discovered in me!
Valentine's Melody: Looks like I have just enough ingredients for one more shot at this...
Valentine's Melody: I have to get it right this time. I can't fail!
Philia: *sigh* You're forgetting that you very specifically fail when you're overly eager.
Valentine's Melody: Philia! Cibella! Why are you here?
Cibella: We dropped by your room to give you a pep talk for tomorrow and found you gone. This was the first place we thought to look.
Philia: Honestly, if you're already messing up this much, you should have talked to me. I told you I'd help, remember?
Valentine's Melody: Oh, wow, you guys...
Philia: Look, if you just stand there with a mouth hanging open, it's gonna be morning before you know it. Where's your recipe? Let's team up and get the cupcakes baked!
Valentine's Melody: R-right!

Cibella: And a single dollop of cream and... There! Perfection incarnate.
Philia: Same here!
Valentine's Melody: Er, mine's not much to look at, but at least it's done!
Valentine's Melody: I'll just put them in this box, tie it up with a ribbon, and we're good to go!
Valentine's Melody: I can't thank you two enough.
Philia: Happy to help! Also, I took the liberty of cunningly loading my treat full of my OWN love for the prince. Heh heh heh...
Cibella: The prince has done much for me as well, so I tried to instill that sense of gratitude into my own confection.
Philia: All that's left is for you to hand it over!
Valentine's Melody: Zzzzzz...
Philia: She fell asleep standing up. That's impressive.
Cibella: Little wonder, considering she made a plan, knit a sweater, and stayed up all night baking for the past two days.
Philia: *sigh* Should we carry her to her room?
Cibella: We'll need to keep watch and wake her in the morning, lest she oversleep and make a big kerfuffle.
Philia: Sounds good. Tomorrow, the day of destiny arrives!

Valentine's Melody: Um, how do I look? My going-out hat isn't crooked or anything, right?
Cibella: You cut a dashing figure. Not a lock of hair out of place or a stray bit of fuzz to be found anywhere.
Valentine's Melody: Okay, good. Well...off I go, I guess.
Cibella: Take care. And do have fun!
Philia: If you bork things up with the prince, I'll never let you hear the end of it!
Valentine's Melody: Got it! I'm gonna make this date—NO! It's NOT a date, DORKUS!
Valentine's Melody: I'm gonna make this OUTING a smashing success!
Philia: Go get 'em, Melody.
 ???: AAAAAAH!
Cibella: Oh dear.
Philia: I think she just fell down the stairs.
Cibella: *sigh* She is predictable if nothing else.

Euden: Looks like Melody is running late. I wonder what happened?
Valentine's Melody: Masteeer! I'm so sorry!
Euden: Melody, what happened to you?! You're covered in scrapes and bruises!
Valentine's Melody: Oh, I just fell down some stairs. No big. The terrible thing is that YOU had to wait!
Euden: Uh, are you sure you're all right? We can postpone the trip if—
Valentine's Melody: I'M FINE! Er, I mean, I'm fine. Now let's get this rolling, master!

Staff: Thank you! Please come again!
Valentine's Melody: A broach like the one you chose will go nicely with any outfit!
Euden: I appreciate your help, Melody. I never would have selected this on my own.
Valentine's Melody: Oh, I didn't do all that much...
Euden: Well, the day is still fairly young. Any idea what we could do now?
Valentine's Melody: Oh! W-well, if you don't mind too terribly, maybe we could go have some tea?
Euden: Tea? Sure, why not. I guess it's been a while since I relaxed in a cafe.
Valentine's Melody: (Yes! That sounded totally natural!)
Valentine's Melody: (Now, I put my super awesome date— I mean, DAY—plan into play!)

Valentine's Melody: (If I was ever excited about this, it feels like forever ago. I really underestimated my own ability to screw things up...)
Valentine's Melody: (The nice little cafe I was thinking of has shut down, so that was a bust....)
Valentine's Melody: (That lovely art exhibit closed early, so we ended up going to a horror exhibit all about fiends...)
Valentine's Melody: (And then when we try to go for a nice stroll, I somehow get us lost IN THE TOWN SQUARE! How is that even POSSIBLE?)
Euden: Whew! We're out at last.
Valentine's Melody: I'm so sorry, master! I didn't mean for you to navigate us out of that mess!
Euden: Oh, it's no big deal. It's actually kind of funny we managed to get lost in the middle of a small town.
Euden: Still, I bet you're tired from all that walking around. Let's get off our feet for a bit on that bench over there.
Valentine's Melody: Definitely!
Valentine's Melody: (Gosh darn it. Instead of giving him a nice relaxing day, I ended up making him tired...)
Valentine's Melody: (But if I get all depressed, I won't be able to thank him properly.)
Valentine's Melody: (Plus, the next item on my plan of attack is the one I REALLY care about! Okay, Melody. You can do this!)
Valentine's Melody: A-actually, master, I have a present for you.
Euden: A present?
Valentine's Melody: Yes! Er, what with it being Valentine's and all...
Valentine's Melody: I wanted to give you something to show how much I appreciate all that you do, so I made you this sweater.
Euden: That's amazing, Melody. Do you mind if I open it here?
Valentine's Melody: Of course! I really think you're going to love the picture I stitched on the front.
Euden: Thank you! Okay, let's see... Huh? This is...
Euden: Is this a fiend?
Valentine's Melody: Actually, it's supposed to be you standing in front of the Halidom?
Valentine's Melody: (Oh no! It doesn't look a thing like I wanted it to!)
Valentine's Melody: (I'm pretty sure I saw more inviting work at the horror exhibit earlier!)
Valentine's Melody: (This is what you get for staying up all night sewing, you dorkus!)
Euden: So it's me and the Halidom. I see. Boy, the castle sure is...red.
Valentine's Melody: Well, it's...uh...an impressionistic design! Yes, that's it. See, I wanted to represent your red-hot passion for the new kingdom that you're trying to create!
Euden: Well, it certainly has Melody written all over it. Or sewn, I suppose. Regardless, it's great. Thank you.
Valentine's Melody: No, please! You don't have to force yourself to wear it or anything!
Valentine's Melody: (Ugh, things are going downhill fast. And this was supposed to be the EASY part of my plan!)
Valentine's Melody: (At this rate, he'll never understand how much I appreciate him!)
Valentine's Melody: (Well, desperate times call for Melody measures. It's time for my patented "nap on lap" gambit!)
Valentine's Melody: (It has an extraordinarily relaxing effect that I KNOW he's gonna love!)
Euden: Whew, what a day, huh? It's nice to have a chance to catch my breath once in a while like this.
Valentine's Melody: I-it sure is! It kind of makes you sleepy, right?
Euden: Well, I can't say I'm sleepy myself, but I suppose I can understand someone feeling that way. The sunlight today is incredibly inviting.
Valentine's Melody: It IS, isn't it?! And in that case, let's stay here and warm ourselves for a bit! Yes! Right here! Nice and toasty!
Euden: Uh, okay? You seem weirdly excited about this, but I'm happy to stay if that's what you want.
Valentine's Melody: (He's suspicious, but this is good! Once he gets tired from lounging in the sunlight, I'll offer my lap for a nap and then BOOM! Perfection.)
Valentine's Melody: (Now, master! Get tired! You're getting veeeery sleepy...)
Valentine's Melody: (Get sleepy! Get sleepy... Get...sleeeeepy... Zzzzzz...)
Valentine's Melody: Zzzzzz—WHOOZA WOZZLE?!
Euden: Enjoy your nap?
Valentine's Melody: Ack! I'm so sorry!
Euden: Heh. Now I understand why you asked if I was tired—it's because you were!
Valentine's Melody: (Wait, is he laughing at me?! Oh, Melody, you big dummy! How could you fall asleep in the middle of the plan?!)

Valentine's Melody: (This day has been one humiliating loss after another, and all I have left are the homemade treats.)
Valentine's Melody: (At least I know this one can't go wrong since Philia and Cibella helped out.)
Valentine's Melody: (They're baked with love from the three of us, so they HAVE to be good!)
Valentine's Melody: (There's no better way to say thank you than with something baked, after all.)
Valentine's Melody: ...Master? ...Master?!
Valentine's Melody: (Oh, great! Now I've LOST him!)
Valentine's Melody: Oh no! The box of cupcakes!
Bird: Birb?
Valentine's Melody: No! It's grabbing the box! Don't even think about it, bird!
Bird: Cuh-caw!
Valentine's Melody: Noooo! Stop! Don't leave with thaaaat!

Valentine's Melody: *pant* The bird went this way I think...
Valentine's Melody: I've gotta get those cupcakes back!
Valentine's Melody: That's the only thing I have left for my master that I didn't totally screw up!

Valentine's Melody: *pant* *pant* Finally...got it back...
Valentine's Melody: I can't believe how much that dumb bird pecked me—I've got holes everywhere.
Valentine's Melody: Still, I'd better check and make sure he didn't peck any of the cupcakes!
Valentine's Melody: Well, crud. These are a total disaster. The frosting's smeared all over the box, and most of the cakes are smushed.
Valentine's Melody: (Every single part of my plan is now officially a disaster.)
Valentine's Melody: (I should just give up now while I'm still very, very behind.)
Valentine's Melody: (I guess my master will never know how grateful I am for him...)
Valentine's Melody: (No. You can't give up now, Melody. There has to be some other way!)
Valentine's Melody: So if sweaters and cupcakes and lap naps won't work, I'll just have to use WORDS!

Euden: Melody!
Valentine's Melody: Master?! What are you doing all the way out here?
Euden: Looking for you! Some townsfolk told me you came out this way. What in the heck HAPPENED to you?
Valentine's Melody: Just another patented Melody klutz moment. But please, master, there's something that I have to tell you.
Euden: Oh? What is it?
Valentine's Melody: Well, it's a simple little thing, but I REALLY mean it...
Valentine's Melody: Thank you SO much for everything that you've done for me!
Valentine's Melody: For giving me a place to work as a maid, and for reminding me that I have my strengths, even though I often forget.
Valentine's Melody: And for giving me the warmth of family that I've long been searching for.
Valentine's Melody: All of those things are so important to me, and you made them possible.
Valentine's Melody: So I just want you to know that I'm the most grateful person in the WORLD.
Euden: Thank you, Melody...
Valentine's Melody: Oh no, I'm sorry. Did I get carried away? I didn't mean to upset you!
Valentine's Melody: But the moment just seemed right, so I had to tell you.
Valentine's Melody: Aaaanyway, I guess we should head back before people start to worry.
Euden: Wait. I have something to say to you.
Valentine's Melody: Uh oh. Am I fired? I'm fired, aren't it?
Euden: No, you're not fired. I just want you to know that I'm very grateful for you.
Euden: And I want to thank you for always doing your absolute best in the castle to make sure everyone is happy and satisfied.
Euden: Sure, you mess up from time to time— and tend to break more than the average amount of things—but it's only because you give your all every single day.
Euden: The size of your failures is due to the size of your feelings. I know that.
Valentine's Melody: Master...
Valentine's Melody: I... *sniff*
Euden: M-Melody? What's wrong? Did that come out badly?
Valentine's Melody: No, I'm just happy! *sniff*
Valentine's Melody: This'll stop in a second, I promise. Where'd I put that handkerchief...?
Euden: Uh oh. You dropped that box. Let me just... Er, what's IN here, anyway? And why does it look like something attacked it?
Valentine's Melody: Oh! The cupcakes!
Euden: There's a card on it... "For my master." Wait, are these for me?
Valentine's Melody: Um...yes?
Valentine's Melody: But I dropped the box and got attacked by a bird, so they're a total mess.
Valentine's Melody: Please just pretend you never saw it!
Euden: Or you could just give them to me like you originally intended.
Valentine's Melody: N-no! They're a total disaster!
Euden: Nothing is a disaster if you put your own hard work and care into them.
Valentine's Melody: Um...
Euden: Well, you're not wrong—these are so banged up, it looks like Ranzal might have made them. Still...
Euden: *chomp*
Valentine's Melody: Master, no! Please don't force yourself to eat those!
Euden: Oh, I'm not. They look a mess, but they taste fantastic.
Euden: It's just like with your usual clumsiness. No matter how much you might mess up, the people you're toiling away for always know how much you care about them.
Valentine's Melody: I...don't know what to say.
Euden: You're always so warm and kind to me, and I like you very much.
Valentine's Melody: You LIKE me?!
Valentine's Melody: (He LIKES me?! He said that, right?! I'm not hearing this?!)
Valentine's Melody: (Okay, calm down, Melody! He didn't mean he LIKE likes you, just that he "likes" you. Don't go making this weird.)
Valentine's Melody: (...But my heart is just POUNDING!)
Euden: Er, Melody? You okay?
Valentine's Melody: No! I mean yes! I mean, I AM TOTALLY CALM!
Euden: Riiight. Maybe we should head back now. You're awfully flushed, and I don't want you coming down with something.
Valentine's Melody: YES, LET'S GO BACK RIGHT NOW! If we stay together just the two of us like this, I'm pretty sure my heart is going to explode!
Euden: Uh oh! You're not actually having heart problems, are you?!
Valentine's Melody: Eyagh! D-don't look at meeeeee!
Euden: Are you SURE you're all right?

Valentine's Melody: W-we're back...
Philia & Cibella: Welcome home!
Valentine's Melody: Whoa, space bubble! C'mon!
Cibella: We were rather worried about you, and more than a little curious. So how did it go?
Philia: Was it a success? A failure? Does he know the depths of your gratitude now?!
Valentine's Melody: Well...yes, I suppose he does.
Cibella: Oh, sweet relief!
Philia: Well done, Melody!
Valentine's Melody: Still, I think the only reason I pulled it off was because I wanted him to understand how the two of you feel.
Valentine's Melody: I really am grateful for you both— as grateful as I am to my master.
Philia: Sweet! Oh, and because I helped you so much, I can totally count on you to help mediate my relationship with the prince next time, right? Riiiight?
Valentine's Melody: I'm eager and excited to help you in any way I can!
Philia: Uh oh. She's definitely going to make a mess of things.
Cibella: Well, until that happens, let us celebrate the success of Melody's day trip.
Philia: Yesss! Girls' night! I gotta go get ready!
Cibella: As do I. Melody, perhaps you'd like to change and wait for us anon?
Valentine's Melody: Whew! I can't believe everything that happened today...
Valentine's Melody: (But now I understand just how important it is to share your feelings with the people who ought to know them.)
Valentine's Melody: (Although maybe I'll leave out that one particular feeling when I tell Philia! Ha!)
Valentine's Melody: (It's a special feeling that you don't feel with family members...)
Valentine's Melody: That intense pounding in my heart...