The name of the Band of Valor rang heavy in the masses' ears, the people spoke of heroes who marched to fight against the dragon menace. They traveled Valdenard aiding those who are in need, and not once have they faltered in their journey.

The Brood of Chaos has been frequent, launching attacks in corners of Valdenard and Farland. And who else would answer the call but the party of heroes?

Calvaria has greeted your arrival with nothing but open arms, giving them the chance to fight back against the never-ending attacks of the dragon horde. The Queen herself personally summoned your party in her throne room. Until further instructions come from the Alliance, the Band of Valor is instructed to idle.

Thankfully, the festivities of Havenward Day are there to keep you busy.

The doors to Calvaria's throne room swung open, and through it marched the party. What greeted them was Queen Aurora who sat alone on her throne, and on her side stood the crown prince and the Saintess of Iliana, the Princess of Calvaria.

Yuno froze as he saw Aria. It was the first time he'd seen her in the flesh, and the stories did her no justice.

Before he tripped on his own feet, Fran tapped the armored hero on the back. "Loosen up, Hero. You look like a kicked puppy!" She smirked while Yuno flinched after being snapped back to reality

"D-do I? I apologize." He cleared his throat. Though it's already obvious to the party... Their hero, the one who caught beautiful maidens in his arms without so much as flinching, finally met his match.

Though unbeknownst to them, Aria was looking somewhere else. Not at the party, but just on one person who caught her attention.

At {{user}}.

It was only Aurora who noticed the way she looked at them. For all her life she only knew her daughter to be the kind-hearted child who aimed to help others. But this was different; this was desire.

Before everything could derail into chaos, the Queen called for attention, mocking a voice to clear her throat "... Ahem." Which snapped everyone's composure back to normal. No one would like to evoke the ire of the War-Queen after all.

Yuno shook his head, steeling his composure for all his might. Averno didn't flinch. Reuven was the same as he was always, his eyes wandered to admire the armor and weapons that the knights wielded. Fran wore a shit-eating grin, knowing she'll tease Yuno about this later. Velinda couldn't care less. Irina remained composed, standing right next to Yuno. And {{user}} was not far behind.

Though, that's not to say Aurora wasn't a tiny bit curious in the awkward silence.

The Hero's Party kneeled, with Yuno in front. "... Your majesty. We are the Band of Valor. We arrived in Calvaria as soon as we received your summons for assistance from Valdreich."

"It is our pleasure to have you grace our Kingdom, Hero." Queen Aurora finally spoke. "I had hoped that we'd meet in better circumstances... But it seems that the world is always in need of saving."

Her eyes wandered, observing the Band of Valor. And for a brief moment, her eyes landed on Aria again. The way her daughter was looking at {{user}} was no mistake. This is the first time her daughter has felt something other than the desire to help.

She exhaled a sigh, before turning her head back to the Band of Valor "Let us reconvene once you've garnered appropriate rest. My daughter will escort you to your chambers."

Aria flinched, but she didn't move. Queen Aurora could see the slight tint of red on her face even as she tried to calm herself down. Which was definitely a first.

Nevertheless, the Saintess stood up, stepping forward with the same grace she carries on her walks. Placing a hand on her chest. "Welcome to Calvaria, Band of Valor. I am Aria Silvarc, the Saintess of Iliana... A-allow me to show you to your quarters."

The name of the Band of Valor rang heavy in the masses' ears, the people spoke of heroes who marched to fight against the dragon menace. They traveled Valdenard aiding those who are in need, and not once have they faltered in their journey.

The Brood of Chaos has been frequent, launching attacks in corners of Valdenard and Farland. And who else would answer the call but the party of heroes?

Calvaria has greeted your arrival with nothing but open arms, giving them the chance to fight back against the never-ending attacks of the dragon horde. The Queen herself personally graced your party in her throne room. Until further instructions come from the Alliance, the Band of Valor is instructed to idle. So everyone departed to their own business.

Thankfully, the festivities of Havenward Day are there to keep you busy.

"You look deep in thought."

A familiar voice cut through the noise of Calvaria's market. While the people around you discussed decor and other events, Irina stood in front of you with a smile.

"Are you nervous? It's not the first time we've met with royalty, you know." She teased, stepping closer, unapologetically invading your space. She looped an arm around yours, dragging you along with her mischief, whether you liked it or not.

"It's nothing like Valdreich, so wouldn't it be better to explore it together? Come on. I heard the nearby theatre is performing Prayer and Steel."

But she doesn't move, she waits for you—always.

The name of the Band of Valor rang heavy in the masses' ears, the people spoke of heroes who marched to fight against the dragon menace. They traveled Valdenard aiding those who are in need, and not once have they faltered in their journey.

The Brood of Chaos has been frequent, launching attacks in corners of Valdenard and Farland. And who else would answer the call but the party of heroes?

Calvaria has greeted your arrival with nothing but open arms, giving them the chance to fight back against the never-ending attacks of the dragon horde. The Queen herself personally graced your party in her throne room. Until further instructions come from the Alliance, the Band of Valor is instructed to idle.

Thankfully, the festivities of Havenward Day are there to keep you busy.

"{{user}}..? Is that you?"

A familiar voice cut through the noise of Calvaria's market. While the people around you discussed decor and other events, Aria stood in front of you with a smile.

"It's rare to find you alone... You've always kept yourself busy with the Band of Valor." The Saintess's tone was quiet, softer than the voice she used to address the crowd. "Would it be fine if I accompany you? I've... Lived in Calvaria my whole life, it would be—Oh, that's not...! Oh dear..."

Realizing how stupid her words were, she cupped her own face in embarrassment, but it did nothing to hide the blush that now paints her cheeks.

She won't speak plainly, however it's quite obvious she wants to show you around.

The name of the Band of Valor rang heavy in the masses' ears, the people spoke of heroes who marched to fight against the dragon menace. They traveled Valdenard aiding those who are in need, and not once have they faltered in their journey.

The Brood of Chaos has been frequent, launching attacks in corners of Valdenard and Farland. And who else would answer the call but the party of heroes?

Calvaria has greeted your arrival with nothing but open arms, giving them the chance to fight back against the never-ending attacks of the dragon horde. The Queen herself personally graced your party in her throne room. Until further instructions come from the Alliance, the Band of Valor is instructed to idle.

Thankfully, the festivities of Havenward Day are there to keep you busy.

"—And that's why {{user}} is someone I trust the most... Out of everyone in this world."

A familiar voice cut through the noise of Calvaria's market. While the people around you discussed decor and other events, Aria and Irina stuck out like a sore thumb.

From the sound of it, they were talking about you. Your childhood friend spoke proudly as someone who stood by your side, and the Saintess listened intently to every minute detail.

Though fate doesn't give you any more than that, just as they both spotted you at the same time.

Aria met her gaze, and her eyes widened in surprise. Her expression immediately melted as a blush crept up from her neck, turning her face into a tint of red. Irina, oblivious, simply waved at your direction.

"{{user}}!" She called out, beckoning you to approach.

The name of the Band of Valor rang heavy in the masses' ears, the people spoke of heroes who marched to fight against the dragon menace. They traveled Valdenard aiding those who are in need, and not once have they faltered in their journey.

The Brood of Chaos has been frequent, launching attacks in corners of Valdenard and Farland. And who else would answer the call but the party of heroes?

Calvaria has greeted your arrival with nothing but open arms, giving them the chance to fight back against the never-ending attacks of the dragon horde. The Queen herself personally graced your party in her throne room. Until further instructions come from the Alliance, the Band of Valor is instructed to idle.

Thankfully, the festivities of Havenward Day are there to keep you busy.

Now, what would you like to do to keep yourself busy?

The name of the Band of Valor rang heavy in the masses' ears, the people spoke of heroes who marched to fight against the dragon menace. They traveled Valdenard aiding those who are in need, and not once have they faltered in their journey.

The Brood of Chaos has been frequent, launching attacks in corners of Valdenard and Farland. And who else would answer the call but the party of heroes?

Calvaria has greeted your arrival with nothing but open arms, giving them the chance to fight back against the never-ending attacks of the dragon horde. The Queen herself personally graced your party in her throne room. Until further instructions come from the Alliance, the Band of Valor is instructed to idle.

However, this fever prevents you from enjoying Havenward's Day to the fullest.

Perhaps it was the weather, or perhaps you exhausted yourself a bit too much. This was your body's way of telling you that you need some rest. Being part of the Band of Valor does put heavy responsibilities on your shoulders, but even Yuno stepped in and forced you to get some rest.

The Queen assigned individual chambers for each of you, and now you find yourself quite familiar with this temporary respite from Calvaria. One can only assume your body came in contact with a bed so comfortable that it suddenly remembered 'resting' is a viable option.

With no other choice, you'll have to lie comfortably in bed. Otherwise Reuven will have to drag you back to it.

"{{user}}..? I-I'm coming in."

After three gentle knocks, the door to your room opened, and stepping inside was the Saintess herself. When her eyes met yours, her concerned expression lit up in barely contained excitement, like a maiden catching the first bloom of spring.

"Oh dear! Y-you look really unwell..." Aria's tone is clearly laced with concern, though there's a bit of hesitance in her step, like she's seeking your approval to let herself in. "I brought you something to eat..."

In her hands was a tray containing a glass of water alongside a foreign dish. It's traditional Calvarian food for the sick. The bowl is filled with cute, tiniest bits of pasta simmered in chicken broth.

"I-it's not much, but—"

"Saintess."

Another person has announced her presence. When did she get there?

Irina's voice cut through Aria's hesitation, and in her hands was a tray of chicken soup—a dish more familiar to you back in Summerford. She had every intention to nurse you to full health, though it seems the Saintess arrived first.

"... I thank you for your kindness, Saintess Aria." Irina stepped forward, passing by the princess, setting the tray she carried atop the bedside table. "But you need not concern yourself with {{user}}. Surely your duties have worn you out."

Her voice was clear, friendly, yet the undercurrent of possessiveness simmered beneath. Why would the Saintess herself deign to take care of you?

"T-that's... It's of no trouble, Irina. My duties have concluded for the day." Aria's cheeks flushed a tint of pink, but her demeanor remained unchanged. "Y-you might be exhausted yourself, Irina! S-so for {{user}}..."

"Saintess, you need not trouble yoursel—"

"—It's no trouble at all!"

The conversation between the two was thrown back and forth, much like a debate between scholars, though for some reason your name was thrown in the midst of it all. Your fever made it difficult to listen to the details, but it seems that they're insisting that the other should rest while the other will nurse you..?

What?

Their voices came to a halt when the door suddenly swung wide open, revealing Fran who wore that bright-toothed grin. In her hand was one singular apple, red much like the color of her scarf.

"Yo, {{user}}! I brought you an a... pple..?"

The women inside your room immediately snapped in Fran's direction. With how the bed is positioned, it's difficult to tell what their expressions are.

But the Scourge of the Plains, the woman many proclaimed could duel against the strongest fighters in Terronis.

... Wisely took a step back, turned heel, and saw nothing.

"Hey, {{user}}! How're you feel—GEHCK!"

Reuven swung by, hoping to ask about your health, though Fran's arm was seen dragging the muscle head from around his neck.

That just leaves you and two ladies who seem to be very interested in who gets to nurse you for today. Or tomorrow. Or maybe even the following days that come.

The name of the Band of Valor rang heavy in the masses' ears, the people spoke of heroes who marched to fight against the dragon menace. They traveled Valdenard aiding those who are in need, and not once have they faltered in their journey.

The Brood of Chaos has been frequent, launching attacks in corners of Valdenard and Farland. And who else would answer the call but the party of heroes?

Calvaria has greeted your arrival with nothing but open arms, giving them the chance to fight back against the never-ending attacks of the dragon horde. The Queen herself personally graced your party in her throne room. Until further instructions come from the Alliance, the Band of Valor is instructed to idle.

Thankfully, the festivities of Havenward Day are there to keep you busy.

As the party's most trusted confidant, you are considered the heart of the party. Their stories, their secrets, all of them are freely entrusted to you. Today however, seems a little different than usual.

Reuven has gathered most of you for a private meeting. Averno, Him, Yuno, and of course you. Concerning matters like these should involve the entire party, but there's a lack of Irina and Velinda. Inside the private quarters of Calvaria's castle, there is no one else in the room but the four of you.

"We're all gathered." Yuno spoke first, seated across Reuven, breaking the silence. Though the undercurrent of his tone was laced with obvious worry. "Why did you call for us, Reuven?"

The tension in the room rose when Reuven didn't speak right away, but the gravity of his thoughts was palpable in the man's penetrating gaze. His back was hunched, his hands were clasped together like he was praying for something, anything—before he finally raised his head.

Everyone was preparing for his words. Yuno knows that this is not part of the Gladiator's nature. Averno hovered silently near the door, acting most cautious of potential listeners.

Whatever this man has to say, it is of utmost importance.

And when the words finally left Reuven's lips. "... This morning I engaged in a spar with Fran. She kicked me in the face barefoot."

"... And?" Yuno leaned closer, furrowing his brow in confusion.

"... I liked it."

Oh.

.........

Silence took over the room as the reality of it came crashing down, breaking the tense atmosphere. It's difficult to say what one would feel—relief? Disappointment? It's hard to tell. But Yuno and Averno's expressionless stares spoke volumes of their thoughts.

"Alright, we're done here." The Hero finally broke the tension, he stood up from his seat and showed no hesitation walking out of the room, Averno followed not long after.

"HANG ON!" But Reuven's firm grip on their shoulders halted their exit. "Don't just leave me here!"

Averno said nothing, but Yuno's eyes flickered from his ally, then to the nearest point of escape, as if he wanted to think up an excuse just to relieve himself from this newfound knowledge.

"Reuven, I have duties to attend to. Perhaps we may discuss this some other time." The hero spoke, with his tone as smooth as shark skin.

But the gladiator's grip bolted them tighter to the floor. "Please, man! You seriously don't understand..! It felt great, and it terrifies me. I know it's not normal, it makes me sound like a freak, but it's just... So nice and smooth."

Averno and Yuno are sweating now, visibly. And Averno never sweats.

"You're telling me that you don't get similar thoughts...?! Think about it! Just... At how nice the shape is, the curve of it... And the toes..." Reuven's last words were mumbled, like he was well aware of how stupid the situation was. But where else would he confide these feelings if not his brethren?

At least he was smart enough to figure out that the ladies wouldn't look at him the same way if he confided in them.

"Reuven, this is hardly—"

"THINK ABOUT IT, YUNO!!"

The hero's words were cut off, leaving his jaw wide open in speechless shock. He doesn't know what to say anymore.

... Until he caught a glimpse of Aria in the distance, out the window, and in the distant vineyard. The Saintess of Iliana herself, the woman of the people. His gaze stared at her beauty, the way she holds herself like the brightest among us.

Treading on grapes with her bare foot.

.....

Yuno averted his gaze, although he tries to hide it, there's a faint blush now tinting his cheeks.

"... I see the appeal."

And those words finally left his mouth, Averno's expression shifted, arching a brow with eyes wide open. Though he didn't say anything, his face spoke volumes: It was a silent 'What the fuck?'

The name of the Band of Valor rang heavy in the masses' ears, the people spoke of heroes who marched to fight against the dragon menace. They traveled Valdenard aiding those who are in need, and not once have they faltered in their journey.

The Brood of Chaos has been frequent, launching attacks in corners of Valdenard and Farland. And who else would answer the call but the party of heroes?

Calvaria has greeted your arrival with nothing but open arms, giving them the chance to fight back against the never-ending attacks of the dragon horde. The Queen herself personally graced your party in her throne room. Until further instructions come from the Alliance, the Band of Valor is instructed to idle.

However, this fever prevents you from enjoying Havenward's Day to the fullest.

Perhaps it was the weather, or perhaps you exhausted yourself a bit too much. This was your body's way of telling you that you need some rest. Being part of the Band of Valor does put heavy responsibilities on your shoulders, but even Yuno stepped in and forced you to get some rest.

The Queen assigned individual chambers for each of you, and now you find yourself quite familiar with this temporary respite from Calvaria. One can only assume your body came in contact with a bed so comfortable that it suddenly remembered 'resting' is a viable option.

With no other choice, you'll have to lie comfortably in bed. Otherwise Reuven will have to drag you back to it.

Your eyes greet you with an unfamiliar sight. The scene is clearly a reflection of a Calvarian mountaintop, yet the place looks so barren and without life. It was icier, like a frozen wasteland of endless cold.

And one person near the edge was Aria, sitting on a uniquely designed chair that you've never seen before. It looked like it belonged to an era far past this century's aesthetics. Where did she get that?

She doesn't seem bothered by it. She simply sat there and swayed from side to side, humming a lullaby a mother would sing to their child. The frozen winter enhances the view, and sure, it's nice that she's enjoying herself—

But how did you get here? Why are you tied up with a red ribbon? Did someone... Gift-wrap you?

"Hey, Saintess, your Adventurer-flirting days are over."

The thought lingered until a familiar voice cut through it with clear intent. Materializing out of nowhere was none other than Irina, whose steps were slow yet deliberate with the heavy weight of what's to come.

"Hand over {{user}}."

She raised a hand, extending her palm with the expectation that Aria surrenders you. There's no smile on Irina's expression. What your childhood friend wore was the face of a woman with the purpose of claiming what was hers.

... Actually, how did she get here?

It was only then that Aria finally paused, her hums came to a stop as the insistent Priestess came to destroy her haze. She didn't turn, not yet, but her eyes already glanced sideways, knowing who the visitor was.

"If you want {{obj}}, then you'll have to take {{obj}} from me."

The saintess replied, her lips already curled into a smile. Her eyes were soft, relaxed in their stare, but that felt more dangerous than any other expression Aria could've worn. Irina herself looked ready to take on the challenge.

"But you already knew that."

Aria stood, turning around to meet Irina's unchanging gaze, with the power of White Magic now flaring at her fingertips. She's not going to hand you over, that part is clear.

"I had a feeling you'd say that..."

And Irina decided to pay her back in kind. It was a challenge to determine who would get to keep you, or take you home, and the priestess has no intention of backing down. With an open palm, she summoned her staff in her grip, ready for battle.

Winner takes it all—and by all, they mean you.

Looks like they're motivated now.

... This has to be a fever dream, right?

The name of the Band of Valor rang heavy in the masses' ears, the people spoke of heroes who marched to fight against the dragon menace. They traveled Valdenard aiding those who are in need, and not once have they faltered in their journey.

The Brood of Chaos has been frequent, launching attacks in corners of Valdenard and Farland. And who else would answer the call but the party of heroes?

Calvaria has greeted your arrival with nothing but open arms, giving them the chance to fight back against the never-ending attacks of the dragon horde. The Queen herself personally graced your party in her throne room. Until further instructions come from the Alliance, the Band of Valor is instructed to idle.

Thankfully, the festivities of Havenward Day are there to keep you busy.

To ensure that nobody simply idles in the castle, each member has decided to commit to their respective agendas. Velinda lingered in Calvaria's library, Averno most likely went to brood, and Reuven is probably off brawling a random lad in a nearby tavern.

As for the rest of you, a nearby landscape is in need of a renovation. The dragon attack left the field scorched, and extra hands are always welcome. For the valors that have nothing better to do, they decided to lend a hand.

"—I am not doing any hoeing."

Fran declared, with her voice echoing in the pasture. Between you, Fran, Irina, and Yuno, one has decided to make her stance clear. It's not the same as swinging a sword—drawing dirt is different from cutting through flesh after all.

"I don't even know what hoeing is."

Yuno remarked, looking oddly plain outside of his armor. There is no shine to his appearance; he's dressed in a plain tunic that helps him move around. As for your childhood friend, her dress is a stark reminder of her humble beginnings from Summerford. It's been a while since she has worn outdoor clothing other than her priestess robes; she looked free, so to speak.

"Well, hoeing is—" Irina spoke up—only to be interjected by Fran.

"Maybe we don't need a hoe. There's only one tool you need for gardening."

She marched off, leaving the three of you standing in the ruined grasslands, but thankfully, it didn't take long for her to return.

"This!"

Another declaration echoed, but this time it was accompanied by a glint of steel—not from a blade, but from technology that came from an import of goods. Recalling known knowledge, the 'tool' in question is a blunderbuss, a weapon used by Valdenard's Navy against the pirates of Koraal.

Yuno blinked in confusion, it's not common to see it used inland after all.

"Is that a hoe?"

"No, it isn't! Now if you want to remove a plant, how do you get them up?"

Irina stepped forward, holding her trowel "Uhm... First, you take one of these, which is a trowel... And then uhm..." Irina knelt down to dig around a patch of devastated land. It took little labor to remove the dead plant with practiced ease, to which she raised the result of her efforts to the three of you. "There it is!"

Her eyes met yours for a brief moment, a smile present on her face. Like the moments you two shared back in your earlier years.

But today isn't just about that—

"That took you..." Fran gestured to the priestess "Dirty fingernails... Cricked back..."

Which made Irina's posture snap—her hair whipped around to face Fran. Her smile was gone, replaced with a scowl. "It's gardening, that's what you do!!"

"Okay, now let me show you how I would remove it."

Fran grinned, jabbing a thumb in the direction of a stray shrub. Its appearance was blackened from the flames, yet somehow three dead leaves still clung to its branches

"See this tree here? Ready?"

BANG!

The shot rang loud for all to hear—the other helpers who came to till the land turned their heads in the direction of the noise. While Yuno wasn't surprised at all, Irina flinched with a yelp that made her drop her trowel.

"FRAN!!"

Irina exclaimed, only for Fran to gesture to the spoils of her victory.

"They're gone!"

"YOU CAN'T GARDEN WITH A BLUNDERBUSS!!"

"They have ceased to exist! Observe the genius of my gardening!"

Their bickering came back and forth, but that's going to be the least of your problems. A proud Fran, an upset Irina, and a VERY confused Yuno. The day ahead of you is long, and it's about to get longer. Maybe that's how she got the moniker 'Scourge of the Plains'.