APPLe: Captain, we seem to have deviated from our route to Laplace.
The road to the LSCC is ever fraught with obstacles.
Regulus: ...
Regulus: A great pirate, Mr. APPLe, doesn't simply rely on her compass. She must listen to her heart, too!
APPLe: Ah. This APPLe thought you were trying to slip away to make the most of your final day off.
Regulus: Ahem. Well, that too.
Like Odysseus returning victorious from the Trojan War, Regulus nimbly dives into one vortex after another.
Street Vendor: Come get your Succarath whiskers all the way from Brazil, perfect for brewing a Chillwind Elixir! Only 185 Sharpodonties!
Street Vendor: See anything you like? You won't find a better price anywhere!
Regulus: Whoa, this is a good price! Do you have more of this stuff? Show me everything you've got!
APPLe: Captain, might I remind you that Ms. Sotheby is not traveling with us at this time?
Regulus: Oh, yeah. You're right.
The temptations before them seem to be endless.
Street Artist: ♪—♫—
A street artist sings as paint flies through the air, almost splashing onto Regulus's sunglasses.
Regulus: Alright, mate? Whoa, love the colors! How about bringing in some pop art? Trust me, it'll take it to a whole new level.
Regulus: You should come visit London sometime! We've got some seriously groovy art on the streets.
Street Artist: Pop art? That's a bit dated, don't you think?
Regulus: I beg your pardon?!
Just as Regulus rolls up her sleeves, ready for a tussle, a not-too-distant cheer grabs her attention.
Regulus: ...!
Regulus: Did you hear that? We'd better go over there and check it out, Mr. APPLe.
APPLe: What is it? Could it be Manus Vindictae?
APPLe: Ms. Vertin did caution us against the Manus followers we might encounter in Australia.
Regulus: No, it's something much more important than that!
Cruise Ticket Seller: Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the greatest sailaway party in all Australia!
Cruise Ticket Seller: For those of you who haven't signed up for the trip, think again! This is the ultimate sailing experience—relaxation, food, drink, and music! Don't miss out!
Cruise Ticket Seller: The "Free Breeze" is about to set sail!
Cruise Ticket Seller: No need to worry about currency exchange! Whether it's Australian dollars, Sharpodonties, arcane materials, or a rare collectible item—all are welcome in exchange for a ticket of equal value!
Cruise Ticket Seller: A small price to pay for an unforgettable journey with the talented multi-instrumentalist Barcarola and her fantastic Crackling Box!
The cheers grow louder and louder.
Cruise Ticket Seller: We've also prepared a little gift for our most enthusiastic guest:
Cruise Ticket Seller: A free cruise ticket!
Regulus: ...!
Regulus: That's what I'm talking about!
APPLe: sigh This APPLe should have known better.
Cruise Ticket Seller: Ladies and gentlemen, the party starts now! Put your hands together for the enchanting Ms. Barcarola and her captivating melodies!
Regulus: Woo-hoo!
Compliments gush from the ticket seller's mouth as the star at the center of the stage subtly turns her face away.
Barcarola: You're much too kind, Mr. Hamish, saying all these wonderful things about me, but I'm only a cruise musician.
Barcarola: It's thanks to the collective efforts of the whole crew that the "Free Breeze" has been so successful. I just feel privileged to be a part of it.
Cruise Ticket Seller: I know you want to stay humble, Ms. Barcarola, but there's no reason to be so modest!
Cruise Ticket Seller: Many of our guests come aboard just to hear you play, and I'm sure there will only be more in the future! So, what's the harm with hyping the crowd up with a little round of applause?
Barcarola: Well, if it's for the ship, I suppose I can handle a little publicity.
Cruise Ticket Seller: Of course you can! And you deserve it, too! By the way, do you know the guest over there? She's very, uh, enthusiastic.
Barcarola: Hm?
She follows the direction he's pointing to find a particularly lively duo among the crowd.
A girl dressed in red and blue, and a floating apple.
Cruise Ticket Seller: She's been drumming up the crowd—sold us a load more tickets! We've never sold out so quickly!
Regulus: Alright everyone, listen up! I've got some exciting news to share!
Regulus: This piece of paper in my hand could be your ticket to an incredible seafaring adventure! Just think about the cool breeze, the spruced-up cruise ship, and the awesome music!
Regulus: What more could you ask for? This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for a trip you'll never forget!
Regulus: So, let's get buzzing! Throw your hands in the air and your coins out of your pockets, and let your dreams come to life!
Regulus: Let's hear those coins jingle and feel your spirits soar!
Crowd: Woo-hoo!
The cheering grows louder and louder.
Barcarola: Is she a local? Australians are known for their sunny disposition.
Cruise Ticket Seller: No one knows her, Miss. But, to be honest, I'd love to invite her to join the crew. If only the captain weren't so picky with the new recruits.
She nods approvingly at the freely dancing figure and clutches her Crackling Box tighter to her chest.
Barcarola: I know what you mean. Her enthusiasm is infectious. Maybe her energy would wake up our stuffy new captain!
Barcarola: I'll never understand why the captain fired the old crew and hired a load of people who don't seem to have any clue about music. All they do is make noise, and not the good kind either!
Several startled gazes land on Barcarola.
Cruise Ticket Seller: Shh. We better keep it down, Miss. They'll hear us.
He turns, peeking in the direction of the ship before awkwardly retracting his neck.
Quick-Minded Crew Member: We didn't hear any dissenting opinions about our captain, now, did we?
Concerned Crew Member: No, of course not!
The crew members glance at each other awkwardly, coughing softly to urge the embarrassing moment to pass quickly.
Guests come and go, and the melodies continue one after another.
Eventually, the sailaway party comes to an end.
APPLe: Captain, if I may, perhaps it's time we made our way to Laplace?
Regulus: Come on, Mr. APPLe! The crowd's going crazy for us! Can't you see how close we are to winning that free ticket?
APPLe: I suppose you're right, Captain. But the crew seems to be packing up for the day.
Regulus: THEY WHAT?!
Regulus quickly intercepts the cruise team before they can make their way back on the ship.
Cruise Ticket Seller: Oh. Can I help you? I'm afraid Ms. Barcarola won't be signing any more albums today.
Regulus: What about my free ticket?
Regulus: Wasn't I the most enthusiastic guest tonight?
Cruise Ticket Seller: ...
Cruise Ticket Seller: Sorry, Miss, but the "most enthusiastic guest" was really just a turn of phrase.
Cruise Ticket Seller: We're nearly sold out tonight, and bookings are still coming in. I don't think we can spare a ticket for you. Come by next time, and we'll see what we can do.
Regulus: You—
APPLe: Easy, Captain! They never really explained what they meant by the "most enthusiastic guest." We're in no position to argue.
Regulus glances around. The once-bustling crowd has dwindled to just a few scattered passersby.
Clearly, there is no one present to uphold justice for her.
Regulus: What a bloody scam! I'm filing a complaint! Just you wait and see!
Cruise Ticket Seller: I understand your frustration, Miss. The ship is sailing in just a couple of days. Even if you file a complaint right at this moment, we won't hear a thing from the Tourist Office before we set sail.
Barcarola: ...
Barcarola frowns and pulls the crewman aside.
Barcarola: I feel bad for her, Mr. Hamish. And just think how this will affect our reputation. With your consent, I'd like to offer this young lady a ticket and a stay in my cabin.
Barcarola: I'll be more than happy to pay for her!
Cruise Ticket Seller: You've done this so many times, Ms. Barcarola.
Cruise Ticket Seller: I'm afraid I have to turn you down. You know the new captain won't exactly be thrilled to have a freeloader on the ship.
Barcarola: But ...
Regulus barges between the two muttering colleagues.
Regulus: So, how much longer do you need to think up an excuse?
Cruise Ticket Seller: Ugh, alright. In view of your outstanding enthusiasm, we offer you a special gift for your help with our event.
Cruise Ticket Seller: There. Thanks for your support.
A stack of "souvenirs" is thrust into Regulus's arms. Dejected, she turns to leave.
Barcarola pulls out a marker and cries out after her.
Barcarola: Wait!
Barcarola: I'm so sorry about all this, Miss. I hope this will compensate for it.
Regulus: Huh?
Barcarola: I hope we can see each other again. Preferably soon.
Regulus: What?!
