To Become a Grand Couturier
While walking through the market district, I spotted Scarlet.
Arms full of paper bags. I guess she's been out shopping.
Hm? Captain?
Looks like you bought a lot.
Oh, this?
Fabric for tailoring, some lace trims, buttons and strings...
All sewing materials, huh?
Of course! To become the Grand Couturier, I must train my hands every day to get used to it.
You think someone with shoddy technique could carry the title of Grand Couturier? Preposterous!
Of course, just locking yourself in a dusty room and sewing all day like the blockheads back in the Valley of Dragons isn't the answer either!
I think true clues of becoming the Grand Couturier are out here in the world.
After all, grandma only earned the Grand Couturier title after setting off on an adventure with the Star Savior.
You think legends are just stories? Don't make me laugh.
Well, I'll be the one to claim the Grand Couturier title. Obviously. Hahaha!
Clues of becoming the Grand Couturier?
Exactly! A clue.
Mmm! Where should I begin... Very well! As the heir to the Bellarmini clan, I shall personally enlighten you with the legend of the Grand Couturier!
According to ancient lore, only one who can weave clothing from the petals of the Bella shall be worthy of the title of the Grand Couturier!
Bella?
That's right! The Bella.
A mystical flower said to hold the power of the stars.
No one knows where it grows or even what it truly looks like. It's basically a legend!
Basically?
But I, Scarlet Bellarmini, the descendant of the great Bellarmini clan and the next Grand Couturier, have already obtained it!
Behold!
Scarlet rummaged through her inside pockets and pulled out a small box.
Inside was a single petal no larger than a hand.
It was faded like aged parchment, a dull yellow rather than anything mythical.
One edge even had a big tear in it.
This is...
Right. This is a Bella petal.
It matches every ancient record describing the Bella!
Sure, I spent all my savings getting it... But do I regret it? Absolutely not!
You bought this?
Bought? No, no! I posted a quest at the Candle Square lobby!
Promised my entire fortune to anyone who could bring me a Bella.
Waited ages without a single reply, and just when I'd given up, someone drops Bella off, and vanishes.
Too bad I wasn't there to see them...
I heard it was some weirdo wearing a hood or something.
Tch... Should've asked where they got it!
You sure you didn't get scammed?
Hah! Impossible!
I had my doubts at first. But then...
Scarlet held up a massive pair of tailor's shears with gleaming eyes.
You know what this is?
It's the treasure of the Bellarmini clan, a legendary weapon once wielded by the Grand Couturier Marisa. This... is Tailion!
And Tailion resonated with the Bella petal!
It sang! Like it had finally found its match!
If that's not proof it's real, I don't know what is!
...Are you even allowed to use that treasure of your clan?
Ugh... Sure, Tailion is my clan's treasure, but...
Tailor's shears are meant to cut fabric.
Letting them rot in a display case would be the real insult!
That's why I took Tailion and left the Valley of Dragons. For a noble cause, of course!
You stole it, didn't you?
N-no! I inherited it! Sort of.
Anyway! The legend says only those who craft garments from the Bella shall inherit the name of Grand Couturier!
So the moment I got this petal, I tried to embroider on it...
But the second I touched it with a needle, it crumbled.
Guess this Bella is too old. Probably lost most of its power.
But the real reason? I still don't have the special technique to handle the Bella!
And what is this "special technique"?
That's...
I have no idea!
You're really saying that with a straight face?
Not just me! Nobody knows!
The legend only ever mentions a special technique and nothing more!
When my mighty grandmother, the great Grand Couturier Marisa, visited the Valley of Dragons before disappearing. All the Dragons of the Bellarmini clan gathered and asked her.
What is this special technique, they asked!
But she left Tailion behind… and with it, just one cryptic message.
"You'll know when you've reached the peak."
So until I get my hands on a pristine Bella, my mission is to sharpen my craft and master this special technique.
I will train hard, perfect my art, and then—
...Huh? Human kid?
Scarlet! There you are!
A little girl ran up and threw her arms around Scarlet.
What is it, kid?
We needed someone to play the Legendary Evil Dragon Kelberon!
Me?! The noble descendant of the Dragon? To play some random villainous Dragon?!
Plus, I'm training to be the Grand Couturier...
No no! Kelberon isn't bad!
Kelberon just loved a human too much... and got framed by jealous people scared of its power!
So, today we're on an adventure to clear Kelberon's bad reputation and make the love come true!
But if you're busy, I guess I can find someone else...
I-if it's that great, there is only one who can pull it off! The majestic Scarlet Bellarmini!
Very well, human kid! Lead the way!
Yay! Let's go!
What about your training...?
Hah! Dragons live far longer than humans.
There's always time to train! But Kelberon's journey? That's a once-in-a-lifetime tale!
Besides, I'd never let a human kid's adventure end in a disappointment!
Hmm, Captain! How about you join us too?
You can be Kelberon's loyal sidekick or something...
I'll pass.
Scarlet looked unusually cheerful being dragged away by the little girl.
Though she tried her hardest to hide it.