A quest?
Yeah. The situation seems a bit odd, so I want you guys to go and check.
Where is it?
Ceiling?
The roof?
No.
It's the sky!
Minette-chan is correct.
Actually, according to the Oracle's observation report...
The meteor shower is still going on, even now.
The meteor shower that occurs once every seven years fell recently.
To think that Ale has congregated yet again...
Not long ago, a Crystal monster appeared below the Archduke's house.
It's quite convincing if you link this to the Ale's abnormal behaviour.
Indeed.
The objective of the quest is to investigate this matter.
I want all of you to head to Altowirz's research lab at Print'brise.
Maitresse...
Forest of Dolls
Because I was looking for my missing Maitresse, I came across Ert'Aria.
But... It's alright to go back again and take a look.
Yeah.
This is a good omen.
What is?
It's rumoured that it'll bring good luck if a person hears a cat sneeze.
Tango...
We'll reach Altowirz-san's research lab once we get through this forest.
Yup, that's right.
Monte, can you tell me about the surrounding's situation?
Confirming surroundings... No presence of Crystal monsters' aura felt.
Thanks.
It seems too easy to just walk through...
It'd be great if it's just like that.
Look out!
What is this?
What's happening?
See, it's not that easy to cross over.
I see.
If we don't walk the correct route, we'll get taken back to the forest's entrance.
That's right.
Those are traps made from Ale.
The traps don't seem to be dangerous, but it's pretty troublesome.
Yeah. But it's fine as long as you follow me.
I want to give it another try.
It seems very fun.
I'll go too!
That gave me a shock.
This is incredible.
I'm back!
Welcome back.
Can't help but be convinced...
Agnes, lead the way please.
Yes, leave it to me.
What's wrong?
This is strange.
There should be two tree trunks here...
Oh my...
It's taking longer to come here than before.
The positions of the traps have changed.
We've become stray cats.
It's alright, being lost is quite normal.
You just have to keep trying and not give up.
Seems like someone has altered it.
Who's that?
You ask who?
Haven't you figured it out yet, Agnes?
That means...
Agnes, you're too slow.
Seriously, why didn't I think of it?
My Maitresse altered the traps!
Which means she's there ahead?
Yeah, she's there.
I've been looking for her.
Finally...
This is the research lab of Altowirz-san.
I finally get to see her.
Let's go, everyone.
Agnes...
What a shame...
Now everyone, let's start investigating.
What? This place is...
Could it be that you remember this place, Minette?
It feels kind of nostalgic.
So Minette-chan was born here...
Minette was given exclusively to Mum and Dad by Altowirz-san, but she used to stay here.
But, why do I only have blurry memories of this?
That can't be helped.
It was only a few minutes in terms of duration.
Good morning, Minette!
Mi-net-te...
Yes! That's your name.
Minette.
Are both of you... Papa and Mama?
No, we're not.
I don't think I am "Mama," but rather "Onee-chan."
Onee-chan...
What?
The extraction of Ale is decreasing.
As I thought, the power is not enough to sustain a human existence.
Does that mean she'll go into deep sleep again?
I don't want it.
I want to be friends with her!
You'll meet again, when the time comes.
We must be friends! The next time we meet, alright? Minette?!
Yes...
Good night...
Minette, you'll bring happiness to others.
That's what I truly believe.
That's why I'm really glad we're good friends now.
I'm also very happy I was able to meet you.
But, why did I fall into deep sleep again?
That's a mystery, really...
It could be due to insufficient Ale to keep her awake.
Yeah, that's correct.
The more complex the Automaton, the more Ale it requires.
So that's why Minette-chan woke up on the day of the meteor shower.
Even though it's called a meteor shower, they're not actual meteors.
In fact, they're a phenomenon where a cluster of Ale in the sky is attracted by the intense Crystals on the ground.
Because the "meteor" is a concentrated cluster of Ale, your body absorbed it and woke up.
I see, that's how it was.
Agnes.
Thanks.
I'm sure my Maitresse was the one who modified the traps in the forest.
But I'm relieved to know she's safe.
Altowirz-san is very fortunate.
She has someone who loves her.
If I were your Maitresse, I would be a very blessed teacher,
to have such a good disciple.
Leicester...
Will Leicester be happy?
How creative of you, Nee-san. To actually use sleeping powder...
I didn't!
Why would I do such a thing?
I have a question...
Why are you wearing clothes when you're wearing an apron?
It would be strange if I didn't!
What's with that question anyways?
Though, Nee-san, you sure are meticulous.
Is this starfish bread?
They are stars, stars!
I see... Stars is it?
Let's start investigating.
Pay extra attention to those related to Ale.
Yes!
This is...
What?
You found something so soon?
No... This method of Crystal processing is ruminative.
Honestly, Leicester...
Sorry.
You can take it if you want.
My Maitresse and I don't really read anymore.
Yes, thanks.
What's wrong, Agnes?
There seems to be something inside.
Looks like nothing happened.
Not even a melon insect...
Awesome, you're really strong.
Thanks, little girl.
You're welcome.
I will do my best too.
What's the matter, little girl?
I'm going inside to take a look.
It sure is difficult to find leads.
My Maitresse usually doesn't write down her research findings.
I'm afraid there isn't anything here, since we've been looking for so long.
Why don't we look a bit more?
If we can't find anything in the usual places, let's change our approach.
Leicester...
Papa!
Did something happen, Minette?
Here!
I wonder if it's fine to take it...
I found it there.
Agnes.
A letter?
You found it, Agnes!
Impressive.
That's great.
Minette, you did well.
I've been praised by Papa.
It's my Maitresse's handwriting.
Agnes, I probably won't be here anymore when you read this letter.
What a crappy opening...
Then, where am I?
I can't say the exact location...
But I found an Artifact that's able to circulate Ale.
It's known as the "Waterwheel of Heavens."
I'm heading over to its location. - Mize Altowirz.
An Artifact which is able to circulate Ale?
Waterwheel of Heavens?
What was that?
Nick's voice!
Nick!
Why?
You'll get hurt if you treat her like a small girl.
Alright.
You're...
Good afternoon.
Hmm...
G-Good afternoon.
I'm here to retrieve your core.
Minette's core?
What's the meaning of this?
Avril! Why are you doing something like this?
Agnes?
She's coming.
I won't let you touch Minette!
Minette, be good and let me take it.
Stop it.
I see.
I'll get rid of all of you for getting in my way.
Disarmed my axe with bare hands?
What a bad joke.
I'll show you just a bit of my strength.
Minette, I'm taking you with me.
You managed to guard on such a close timing?
To actually make me guard...
I won't hold back on the next strike.
Come back, Avril.
Who is it this time?
Aber-nii!
Your brother?
Aber-nii! Avril!
What's wrong with you two?
I need Minette's core, that's about it.
We're withdrawing, Avril.
Yes.
W-Wait a second!
Agnes...
Aber-nii...
Avril...
Hi everyone!
I baked some delicious bread as a gift for you all.
Nice, Ritos.
Oh my, Nee-san.
Are you pretending to be a clumsy maiden this time?
How superficial...
I'm not! It wasn't on purpose...
Next Episode
Well then, I shall also ask you both for help.
Sorry!
I get the feeling you two are up to something.
That's so cute, Chel-san.
Wonderful!
There's still Nee-san's "accidental flashing."
The eighth episode! Everyone gets together!
Golem.
No, there isn't!