Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the characters or anything of Riviera: The Promised Land, nor Harvest Moon. The only character that I created is Lorelei, just in case I mention her in this story.

In the city of Lacrima, a huge, ancient castle remained in presentable condition. Its vast halls were filled with numerous artifacts, along with statues, paintings, and other valuables. What stood just as impressive as the castle itself was the long and wide blue brick bridge that was watched by many intimidating gargoyles from both sides.

Out of the many tourists making his way through the castle's bridge was a curious army recruit enjoying his day off. This character had messy, bluish-brown hair atop a baby face with big grey eyes. He clothes consisted casual grey vest over a white t-shirt marked "Grim Angel" in gothic text, right above some khaki pants.

The soldier-in-training shook uncomfortably as he continued to pass by a horde of gargoyle statues.

"Man, these gargoyles are giving me the creeps. I know they're supposed to just be statues, but they're extremely detailed! It's like they could come to life at any minute! This is probably not the kind of place to be at night, huh?" The trainee spoke to himself.

The young soldier then folded his arms as he gazed curiously at the sky.

"I was expecting the army life to be rougher than this. Instead, I've been lucky enough to get transferred to all these beautiful places. Those ladies I met at Elendia were really interesting. That Soala seemed incredibly knowledgeable, and Reiche was... well, she was really straightforward. But what surprised me most of all is the two girls that followed me all the way here. Since then, I constantly find myself watching out for little Lina since she's always getting herself into trouble. At least her hunting game helps improve my aim, but it still bothers me that she happens to be the top marksman of her town. Fia, on the other hand... I've really enjoyed her company. She's always so nice, and the lunches she prepares for me are always excellent, and I think the fellow cadets are starting to think I'm on the verge of having a girlfriend! But, I'm not so sure how long this will last. I mean, I'm glad Fia and Lina had a planned trip to Rosalina Island on the same day as my transfer, but I'm sure it was all just coincidence. "

The cadet let out a big sigh before continuing his personal reflection.

"Eventually, I'll be moved to some other land far away from Riviera and those two will no doubt be going back to their home. Maybe it's for the best. I'll probably be transferred into a war zone as soon as I'm qualified, and my survival rate will be slim. Man... even with the rate I'm going, I don't know if I'll ever catch up to Ledah's level of skill, but I just can't throw everything away like that! We made a promise!"

Trying to find a sense of calm in his hectic mind, the brown-haired young man looked to the clouds for comfort.

"All this focus on training and discipline's starting to scare me. If only I had that kind of money, I could just relax like this every day and just be a world traveler. Then again, it would just make me lazy..."

Meanwhile, at the aged castle's entrance, a towering man in an indigo business suit was reprimanding a disgruntled member of the workforce.

"Serene, that's the third one this week! How many times do I have to tell you not to beat up the tourists?" The businessmen shouted.

The young lady standing right in front of him let out a frustrated groan. Her short indigo streaked off at the sides, and her blackish-blue eyes glared at her employee with reluctant contempt. She wore a buttoned blue vest with matching skirt over a clean white dress shirt, a pair of black tear-drop shaped earrings, and some shiny white high-heel shoes to complete her outfit. She easily gave off the impression of a pleasing airline stewardess.

"I'm telling you, the guy was a pervert! He was trying to have his way with my body! You expect me to just stand there and accept it?" she growled.

The businessman sighed. "You insist on that excuse AGAIN? A witness explained to me you were overreacting to a misunderstanding!"

The finely-dressed tour guide trembled violently. "You've got to be kidding me! I bet anything that witness of his was some pervert friend trying to---"

"I appreciate your noble attempt at reform by taking up employment here instead waltzing in like the resident delinquent, but it seems you have yet to control your unsavory thirst for violence. Serene, if you continue causing problems for the tourists, I'm afraid that I'll be forced to fire you... AND place a restraining order!" he threatened.

Serene sighed. "...okay, fine... I'll keep my temper in check, okay?"

"Good. Employment has been short as of late, so it would be bad if I as forced to fire part of my staff so soon" he scoffed. The businessman then calmly made his way inside the castle.

Serene then let out a rabid growl and marched off towards the bridge.

"You've gotta be kidding me! After humbling myself into getting a job, the sexual harassment just starts pouring in! I can't go back to fast food after what happened at McSeth's, and the sushi and butcher shops are afraid of hiring me with sharp instruments! The only thing I have of use left is my knowledge of this place, but men are too busy trying to amuse themselves with me instead of taking in the sights!" she shouted.

A sudden breeze snuck up from behind and blew her skirt up, which forced her to hold it down and remember the outfit she had on.

"Gaah! This outfit doesn't exactly help me much, either!" she thought.

After the wind passed, Serene continued to march forth with both arms hanging byh the sides and both hands balled into fists.

"Damn it! It wasn't too long ago when I wandered the streets of Lacrima in smooth black leather as I wielded my scythe with pride! They feared me, acknowledged me as Serene the Avenger! And now, because of financial issues back home, I'm reduced to some fancy-dressed wet dream doll!" she cried.

The disgruntled tour guide proceeded to march onward with little awareness of her surroundings, but with plenty of anger to spare.

From the other side, the contemplating soldier with bluish-brown hair came forth with a determined look in his eyes.

"That's it! I can't just continue doubting myself! My superiors insist I have plenty of potential, and Ledah himself put his faith in me as we signed up at the recruitment office together! Besides, Rothe already started making a living in Flower Bud Village and even overcame her issues with this Jamie guy she used to complain about! Everybody around me's making an effort to move on, so I gotta do the same, and climb the ranks at my own pace!"

He then shot out his right fist vigorously.

"Go for it, Ein! Show them what you're made of!"

Unfortunately, his outstretched fist experienced a squishy sensation.

"Hm? What is this?" the curious cadet said. He then looked right in front of him to see an extremely pissed off tour guide, and noticed his fist making contact with a decently-shaped chest.

The young man slowly pulled back his fist as he gave the disgruntled lady an uneasy look.

"Are you... okay, Miss?" he slowly asked.

Serene desperately tried to keep her anger from going out control, but she found her arms preparing to tear the "offender" limb from limb.

"Not again... after everything I've been through... I can't believe it's happening so soon..." she growled under her breath.

The one who called himself Ein glared at the startled young lady in confusion.

"Huh? I'm... sorry ma'am, I didn't catch that last part."

At that moment, Serene's eyes met the hapless tourist with blazing fury.

"THAT'S IT! YOU'RE DEAD!"