Chapter 3

(Devitama's dialogue will be marked by his verbal tic of adding "devi" to things. These will be in lowercase. Lance will address Devi as "Devi," in capital letters.)

"Looks like something big's happening outside, devi!"

Lance looked up to see Devi hovering near the inn window.*(x)

"They're carrying food and tents. Must be a market setup, devi. That food looks pretty good..."

Lance shook his head. "Didn't you read the posters in the hall? There's a festival today."

"A festival, devi!? I always wanted to go to a festival, just once!" gushed Devi. "Are we gonna go? Well, are we???"

"No. We're not here to waste time. I can't even take guild missions as we are now."

"Oh...! You're right, devi..." Devi looked dejected, but flew over to sit next to Lance on the hotel bed.

Lance had come to Geyser, the town of fire, in hopes of finding a "legendary craftsman" who could repair his broken D-Gear. Ever since it received a deep gouge, he found himself unable to summon any of his monsters except Devi, who could summon himself. However, none of the town artisans he had met had the expertise to repair the device. Many advised him to make or buy a new one, and others offered him money for it, which he promptly refused. Devi unsuccessfully tried to convince him to use a basic one until he could repair his special one. While Lance was usually logical, he was equally stubborn.

"Maybe if we ask Master Eldora, she'll know who this legendary guy is."

Lance shifted uncomfortably. Eldora was difficult to handle and he didn't feel like going to see her, much less converse with her.

Devi sensed his discomfort. "...We could consult the library in Libria instead, devi"

"No..." sighed Lance, sullenly cradling the D-Gear in his lap. "We'll ask her."

[At Eldora's house of operations]

"...Not here?"

There was a hint of relief in Lance's voice.

"She left early this morning and hasn't come back. She insisted that no one go with her."

"Do you know when she might be back, devi?" asked Devi, quickly.

"She's the host of the town's festival, so I think it's safe to assume she will be back by nightfall," said one of her assistants. "Why not enjoy the festivities until then," suggested another assistant, "this night only comes once a year! Geyser's fireworks really are something."

"Thank you for your time," offered Lance quietly as he left.

[Outside near town plaza]

"Looks like we have to wait, devi..."

Devi watched more townspeople carry stands and crates. "You still have no plans on attending the festival? We could even meet her there, devi."

"Why would I bother with the festival, Devi? She's busy with the festivities. It will be better to visit her tomorrow when she has time." Lance turned away. "Come. We're going back to the room."

Devi stayed put as Lance took a few paces away and turned to him. "It's just a simple question, isn't it, Master Lance?" asked Devi. "You aren't asking anything big of her. You could ask her when you see her at the festival. Unless... you're just trying to put off talking to her."

"I'm not," countered Lance, "I just... I want to talk to her where things are quiet."

"Master Lance... I haven't seen you smile in months, ever since the incident. I want you to attend this festival not for me, but for you. I want to see you happy again... Who knows, you might even see -him- there."

Lance flinched.

"...He won't be there."

"You don't know that, devi. And besides, you like candy apples, and cotton candy, those are festival foods too right?"

"Shut up, Devi," said Lance, pulling his hat tightly over his flushed red ears. "Don't push your luck."

Lance headed to a nearby store and tried on festival robes in the style of a classic yukata, and Devi picked one out for him that "complimented his eyes."

(x) Lance completes so many guild missions that he receives many bounties and rewards. One of these such rewards included a hotel pass to one of Geyser's top-ranked inns.