MONARCHIA DORM - BIRTHDAY VENUE
PUPPET: [Upon this blessed day, we bring to you an offering that seeks to satisfy your whims. On behalf of us, servants, we present to you the one which the fates considered worthy: LEONA KINGSCHOLAR.]
DIANA: Leona Kingscholar. Welcome.
LEONA: Diana, huh. That's why the damn thing insisted I had to come today. I figured that might be the case.
DIANA: Mm. I'm honoured that it was you they chose. Dad would be happy too. He always admired the royal family.
LEONA: ... You say that but your expression doesn't change one bit, heh. You have the same dead-eyed stare you always do. Who would know if you're lying or not?
DIANA: You've always been good at looking through people's intentions, however. I doubt this actually poses a question for you at all.
LEONA: Tch. Still sharp, huh? Nevermind that. Let's just get this over with. It was a pain in the neck getting all the way out here just to interview you, you know? Better not waste my time.
LEONA: That's all you have to say, huh? Thought you would know a little bit about this sort of stuff since Ruggie says that you're into singing.
DIANA: Mm. The animals enjoy it when I play songs for them. It's very soothing. This kora looks like it's finely made so I'm certain that they'll enjoy it when I play it for them.
LEONA: Huh, is that so... So you can even play this sort of thing?
DIANA: Mm. My mother studied under a jali for a few years, so he ended up learning the craft. She taught it to us as well when we were younger, and we ended up picking up on a lot of things thanks to it.
LEONA: She did, huh... That's rather bold of her. It explains a few things in the end.
The royal family used to have a jali back in the day as well. An old remanent from the days of the King of Beasts, but nowadays the position isn't what it used to be. There's less and less of them each generation, aren't there? Wonder why, hm?
DIANA: People always fear the truth, but that's not something they can change. Living one's life in accordance with your own beliefs... That's the sort of lesson my parents taught me. That's why I always want to stay true to myself. No matter what.
LEONA: Hah, seeing you bow your head like that never gets old.
DIANA: You are the second prince of the country. I must show you the proper respect, as part of your pack.
LEONA: That again, huh. Well, whatever, I don't mind as we keep it moving. There are still a bunch of questions I need to ask you, it seems.
DIANA: Very well. In that case, I will make sure to visit your dorm whenever I can and play you a few songs on the kora as a sign of my gratitude.
LEONA: Oy, don't do unnecessary things. It's a hassle having you visit and start scolding me during that time.
DIANA: Kings must listen even to things they don't wish to, otherwise they cannot govern. Isn't that so?
LEONA: Tch. Let's just get this over with already.
PUPPET: [Shall I proceed with the game?]
LEONA: I don't have all day to waste on this, so make it quick.
PUPPET: [Understood. I shall now proceed to ask a question that Diana Arrow will answer and which Leona Kingscholar will be tasked to interpret.]
LEONA: Interpret? What is the point of that? This woman always speaks her mind so there's nothing hidden behind her words. Get on with the next game.
DIANA: The puppet worked hard to put all this together. We should try our best to play along for its entertainment.
LEONA: Hah? You want to do its whims just like that? Aren't we supposed to be the ones entertained by it? Don't make me do work that's not part of the requirements.
DIANA: This is for the sake of the party. We must comply with it.
DIANA: Please go ahead. What's the question?
PUPPET: [You are in an old, abandoned building where no human has set foot for years and have discovered a staircase leading underground. As you descend you hear all manner of sounds. How do you proceed?]
DIANA: What sort of sounds are they?
PUPPET: [Moaning and weeping.]
DIANA: In that case, I would go check to see if they're hurt.
LEONA: Hah? Are you serious?
DIANA: Mm. If the sounds are loud enough for me to hear them so clearly, it must mean the other person is in trouble. If it's a human, they might have gotten lost and stumbled across wild animals and disturbed their peace. If it's an animal, they might have been hurt by another or by poachers. Whatever it is, I should make sure that things aren't dire enough for anybody to be hurt.
LEONA: Huh? So you want to play at being a good samaritan, hm? What a noble goal.
DIANA: There is no need for condescension. The balance between civilization and nature is a fickle one. Humans will hurt animals for little reason at all. It's my job to make sure that they are not mistreated in any way. If the animals are in pain, I have to make sure to evacuate the humans who disturbed them immediately before they do any more harm.
LEONA: Hah, I see. So you will prioritize animals over humans in that case, huh?
DIANA: If it's necessary. In any case, someone must be hurt so I will have to act according to my instincts and values. Isn't that something we all do?
LEONA: Is that so? In that case, perhaps someone's instinct is just to ignore the sound and move on. After all, nothing good can come out of investigating strange sounds, isn't that so? What do you make of that?
DIANA: That's their nature. One cannot ask more from them if they do not wish to give.
LEONA: Tch. Just the sort of answer I would expect out of you. I knew this was pointless. Let's just move on with it.
DIANA: If that's what you desire.
LEONA: Hmph. Straightforward women like you are difficult to deal with. I wonder how that octopunk does it, hm?
DIANA: I doubt Azul would appreciate you tormenting him like that.
PUPPET: [Please proceed to the last part of the interview.]
LEONA: What an annoying thing.
“If you were stuck on a deserted island with somebody, who would you want it to be?”
LEONA: ... Hah? That pipsqueak?
DIANA: Mm. She said that always wanted to try and escape from a deserted island as a test of 'wildness' so I think this would be an experience that she would enjoy.
LEONA: Are you planning on babysitting her while there? Treating it like some sort of family vacation?
DIANA: No, we would learn some survival techniques that might come in handy for her one day and help her built-up muscle. She said she's started exercising in order to achieve that, but so far she seems to be taking it too lightly.
LEONA: Hmph. She keeps showing up to Savanaclaw to go running with Jack every time she visits.
DIANA: Mm. I noticed that. But true exercise should be more focused on discipline rather than romance. Jack is her mate so he can't bring himself to be too harsh with her. I understand.
LEONA: And you're saying that you'll make for a better training partner.
DIANA: I would make sure to keep her on schedule without coddling her. The deserted island would make for a good training ground, given the rough terrain, limited distractions and enough free time for her to learn all she needs before we leave.
LEONA: So you're not worried at all about being stranded, huh?
DIANA: As a child, I used to spend a lot of time alone in the wilds. They're like my second home. And it's the sort of place that suits me most. Even if I end up on a deserted island I would be able to leave eventually. If I so choose.
LEONA: If you so choose, huh? Heh. So it's all for that pipsqueak's sake. Hmph, this sort of sentimentality...
DIANA: I enjoy looking after my little sisters and brothers too. It would be nice to develop that sort of relationship with Rosalia as well. She's always looking for an opportunity to hang around me.
LEONA: What a pain. But with that, the puppet should have its answer, right?
PUPPET: [Congratulations. The interview portion has been completed. Please proceed to the last event of the celebrations. A bottle has already been prepared for you.]
LEONA: Heh, it's finally time for the big finale, huh? Let's make it a memorable one.
DIANA: Mm. Then if you would, Leona.
LEONA: I know. Then, Happy Birthday, Diana.
You don't look too bad soaking wet like this either, hah.