Family Epidemic
Renee: Rise and shine, you twooo! We've gotta finish the rest of these weapon orders today!
Ramona: Urgh...
Renee: Ramona, can we maybe have one day where we DON'T go through this? Wait, are you okay? You look terrible.
Ramona: I feel really...heavy... *cough* *hack*
Renee: Oh man, you have a serious fever. I bet you caught a cold. Renaaaa! Ramona has a...
Rena: *cough* *hack* Uuurgh...
Renee: Oh no! Not you, too! Right then. Stay in bed, you two. I'll make you something to get your strength up and find clothes that aren't covered in sweat and ick! ...Okay, that's sorted. Don't worry, I'll be by your side until you get— Wait, I don't have TIME to be at your side! I gotta finish these weapons! But if I'm the only one able to work... Oh man, this is baaaaad. We've never been in so much trouble! Well, there's only one thing to do... I'm gonna make the weapons myself! If we don't make this deadline, no one will ever trust us again! Okay, Renee, you can do this... You can SO do this! Everyone says you're a genius when it comes to smithing, so it's gonna be fine! Time to get to work! I'll put all my knowledge into this! All my experience! All my dreams! All of it...into...thiiiiiis! Raaaah! ...I did it! It's finished! Hee hee! All I did was try to mimic whatever my sisters do, but I think I actually pulled it off!
Malka: Yes, it seems you have quite the eye for this sort of thing.
Renee: Hee hee! Heya, Malka! So ummm... you can keep praising me if you want.
Malka: Yes, this is indeed spectacular work. ...On the surface.
Renee: The heck does THAT mean?!
Malka: This weapon is a failure.
Renee: What? Aw, come oooon!
Malka: Swing it. You'll see what I mean.
Renee: Oh, I'll swing it, all right—I'll swing it right in your smug face! HYARRRRGH! Oh man, this thing is SUPER wonky. It won't even swing right.
Malka: Do you see now? The center of gravity is completely misplaced; it would be a death sentence to wield this in battle.
Renee: But I tried soooo haaaard!
Malka: There's no need for such disappointment; this is stellar work for one of your age. You were able to perfectly replicate the appearance of your sisters' weapons. Given enough time, you might—
Renee: I don't HAVE time! If this isn't done now, the entire smithy goes under!
Malka: Which is why I am here. I will give you all the advice you need to craft weapons suitable for your clients.
Renee: Seriously?! Oh, thank you! With your help, I know I can finish the remaining ten!
Malka: You have an order of TEN?! Oh dear. I think we're going to need more hands to accomplish that task.
Renee: Then what are we gonna dooo?
???: I've got you!
Renee: Aoi?!
Aoi: Yep! Aoi the ninja, at your service— whether you like it or not. I heard you were in trouble, so I've come to lend a hand.
Estelle: I will also help in whatever way I can.
Maribelle: Me too!
Pia: And me!
Renee: Aw, I can't believe you all came! I really need the help, so thank you. But the smithy is too dangerous for kids, so while I REALLY appreciate the offer, you two will have to stand back.
Maribelle: You want us to watch? Booo-ring!
Pia: Not if we cheer 'em on!
Renee: Yeah! We could really use a cheer squad!
Malka: Take up that hammer, Renee! The day grows short!
Aoi: Leave the furnace to me and my fiery ninja techniques. ...Haaah!
Renee: Thanks, Aoi! Now I can concentrate on swinging this thing!
Malka: You must swing it like THIS, Renee. Remember it well!
Estelle: Here's a bucket with clean water!
Children: Go, Renee, go! Go, Renee, go!
Eventually, after much hard work from everyone...
Malka: Well done! We have ten flawless weapons fit for the most demanding of customers!
Renee: Yaaay, we did it! And oof, I'm sooo tired...
Malka: Well done, Renee. Thanks to you, the crisis has been averted.
Renee: Hee hee! As long as I'm still standing there's nothing to fear. ...Er, or so I'd like to say, but I actually had a ton of help. I can't call myself the best blacksmith around if I need all of you to bail me out.
Maribelle: But you looked so cool when you were forging stuff!
Pia: Yeah, we all saw how hard you worked!
Renee: Thanks, guys.
Aoi: The kids are right—there's no need to be hard on yourself. You pursued your dream with fierce determination, and I personally think you killed it. Now you just have to make that dream a permanent reality.
Renee: Thanks, Aoi.
Pia: I'll be cheering you on! And if you ever feel like you need to cry, I'll be there to comfort you.
Maribelle: Me too! We'll always be at your back!
Renee: You're treating me like a kid again!
Estelle: I think that is one of your best qualities.
Renee: What, my ability to have kids younger than me treat me like I'M the child?
Estelle: When you think about it, it just means you're loved by your elders AND juniors.
Renee: I still get the feeling you're not ACTUALLY complimenting me.
Malka: Ha ha! Listen, every artisan has their own strengths and style. Your ability to be loved by everyone you meet is a key part of yours—and what makes you the artisan you are. It is something that's uniquely Renee.
Renee: My ability to be loved... So you're saying that the ability to make everyone gather together like this is one of my strengths? ...Hey, yeah! That IS a talent! I mean, we barely know each other, but you all came rushing to my aid. So if I keep trying lots of new things and meeting tons of new people... Wooo! Okay, now I am SUPER motivated! I'm going to become the best blacksmith ever, and I'll do it MY way!
Malka: Well said! Just remember that everyone here is also rooting for your success.
Renee: Aw, thanks, everybody! With everyone's help and support, I'll keep cranking out great weapons. That's the kind of blacksmith I'll be— the one that ONLY I can be!
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