Trails to Azure Drama CD - Road to the Future

One month after the D∴G cult incident that shook Crossbell...

After the heated mayoral election had passed, on the day we returned to our regular duties, KeA stood in the entrance of the SSS building holding a brand new school bag.

I don't know... You sure you're ready, KeA? I mean, it's your first day. It might be better if I tagged along.

I'm the readiest. I already memorized the way there and everything!

Besides, Ryu and Anri will be with me.

You worry too much, Lloyd!

B-But...

What do you think, Elie?

Honestly, you really have become a doting father.

You were a kid once, too. Didn't YOU want to walk to Sunday School with just your friends?

That's beside the point...

Surely you are a bit nervous, as well. Right, Elie?

Tio! W-We're her guardians! Of course I am a little...

Geez, you worrywarts. Don't go and spoil KeDo's big day.

No one's after her anymore. At least see her off with a smile, eh?

Woof!

See? That was Zeit saying that Randy's right!

I get that, but it doesn't make it any easier...

Did you forget? The new mayor wanted to have a chat, didn't he?

Better not keep him waiting.

Yeah, that's right.

What exactly does it entail?

Heh, I think I'll leave that mouthful to our new mayor.

Today's a new day, SSS.

Buck up, and let's get rolling.

Understood.

Oh, man. Never a slow day here, is it?

True, but we are used to it by now.

Are you ready, KeA? We'll walk with you out to the street, okay?

Yeah!

All right, then...

See you later!

Trails to Azure Drama CD: Road to the Future

You'd think I'd be used to us havin' to come to City Hall, but nope.

I got a bad feeling about this trip, though.

If only you received the same premonition before each of your wasteful trips to the casino, Randy.

Only one day back on the job, and you're already puttin' the screws to me, eh, Tio Tot?

Knock it off. We're here for work, remember?

Come in.

Pardon us.

There you are, SSS. I've been waiting for you!

Now announcing the arrival of the Special Support Section.

Congratulations on your election...Mr. Mayor.

Haha, I appreciate it. Sorry for calling you all here on such short notice.

Don't mention it.

Hmph. Took you all long enough.

Huh? Detective Dudley?

Well, hello, Elie! What better way to start my day than by seeing my dearest friend?

You're here, too, Bell?!

Didn't realize this was gonna be a party. What's up?

Seeing both Dudley and Mariabell together is a rare sight. Something strange is happening...

Uh... Would you mind filling us in, Mr. Mayor?

Haha! I'd be glad to...

We have a proposal to strengthen how the SSS operates.

How we operate?

What do you mean?

As I'm sure you know, the state government is in a precarious position right now.

We believe Erebonia and Calvard will use the cult incident as a pretext to further interfere and exert pressure on the state.

So that's what you mean...

We do have the strength to resist them, mind you. Our state is capable of taking care of itself.

I want nothing more during my term than to demonstrate that to Erebonia and Calvard, as well as the continent at large.

If we don't, then Crossbell's autonomy will be nothing more than a facade.

I won't deny any of that...

...but how does any of this pertain to the SSS?

What could we possibly do to help?

Isn't it obvious? I have the utmost faith in all of you.

Together with the Bracer Guild and Arios MacLaine, the SSS led the investigation that brought an end to the D∴G cult.

You're an essential division of the CPD.

I would go so far as to say that you all embody the spirit of Crossbell--our ability to be self-reliant.

Wow... That's high praise.

Honestly, we never could have solved that case without everyone who supported us.

I think you might be giving us a little too much credit...

You're wasting your breath. I tried to tell him as much...

...but he wouldn't hear any of it. Father is rather fond of your little division.

Yes, which is why I have such high expectations for the SSS in the coming months.

In fact, I have a couple of proposals to make.

Lloyd. How would you like to participate in special training to hone your skills as a detective?

Special training...?

I won't deny that you helped save Crossbell from disaster last month, but you also showed a lack of finesse and inability to follow procedure in doing so.

Easy for you to say. I do not recall the First Division having to fight any fiends or demons.

Tio...

And, yes, I won't deny it. I know I still have a long way to go as a detective.

Good. That's why you'll be coming with me.

Where?

To the First Division, obviously. We will be the ones to conduct your training, Bannings.

We'll be starting from the basics and putting you through the paces all summer.

Wait, you mean THE First Division, right?

As in, the highest unit in the Crossbell police where the elite of the elite gather.

That's wonderful, Lloyd! Wasn't your brother a part of the First Division once?

Y-Yeah, he was...

I'd get to train in the same division that Guy was a member of...

As you should know, the First Division is tasked with high-profile cases, including ones political in nature-- both foreign and domestic.

However, we're not limited to only solving murders and other high crimes.

It falls on our division to rein in organized crime and keep the foreign intelligence agencies in check.

Crossbell is where the interests of several nations collide. We strive to keep the peace here in spite of it all.

You four have been on duty for nearly half a year now. Surely you finally understand how difficult our division's job is by now, Bannings.

I do.

Good. This will be anything but a vacation.

While you're with us, you'll be starting over from scratch. There's going to be a lot of slack for you to pick up, rookie.

You had better be ready!

Dudley...

Lloyd isn't the only one who has a unique offer on the table, my dear Elie.

Pardon?

Now that Speaker MacDowell has also taken office, he's begun the process of reorganizing the Crossbell Diet.

Naturally, that also means restoring its reputation and diplomatic connections. To that end, he'll be traveling abroad.

Grandfather told me as much the last time we spoke, but what does that have to do with me?

It's simple. Father would like for you to accompany him during his travels.

Excuse me?

Think of what good it would do the SSS.

And, frankly, the Crossbellan government could use your help.

A sharp, beautiful young woman such as yourself...

Combine that with the experience and political savvy you've already gained, and you'll be quite the asset in helping us reestablish our diplomatic partnerships.

I-I understand where you're coming from, but shouldn't a responsibility like this be left to someone who's more...?

I won't hear any more of that line of thinking.

After all the studying you've done abroad and the connections you've made, I'd say you're plenty qualified.

It's the inroads you've made with international academics that make you particularly valuable.

Take my word for it. I'm your best friend, so no one knows how capable you are better than I do.

Though I must admit, I'm not too keen on the idea of seeing you leave Crossbell.

I shudder to think of the crippling depression that will grip me if I can't have my Elie dearest within arms reach.

Aren't you...exaggerating ever so slightl--

I would never!

B-Bell! Y-You don't have to hug me so tightly out of nowhere!

Oh, my dear sweet Elie...

Your delicate, porcelain-like features... This silky-smooth skin...

This beautifully captivating face...

I can't bear the thought of parting with them.

B-Bell! That's enough!

Well, lookie here. We're gettin' quite the show. Don't you just love it when two beauties bond like this?

Things are becoming rather scandalous.

A-Ahem, Miss Crois... We are standing in the mayor's office.

Might I ask that we keep this meeting professional?

Excuse you, Detective, but the flame of love is something that can't be stopped. I'd suggest you leave it be lest you get burned.

L-Love might be a tad too strong...

Listen up, Elie. Joining Speaker MacDowell on this trip will have sizeable ramifications on the future of Crossbell.

I know that as well as anyone, which is why I've already signed off on Father's proposal, much to my chagrin.

Oh! But what if I accompanied you? That way we wouldn't have to be apart for even a single day.

We could sleep in the same bed, and I'd get to wake up to your angelic sleeping face every. Single. Morning.

The same...bed?

Lloyd! What are you imagining?!

And you, Bell! I keep telling you to not give people the wrong idea about us!

Bell, I understand that you don't want to have to say goodbye to Elie.

But if you went on this trip, too, I don't know how the IBC's day-to-day would ever stay afloat.

I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to stay and bear being without her for a little while.

Fine. If I must.

Given my position at the company, I'm not free to just up and leave Crossbell.

Though I sorely wish I could.

Honestly, I'm relieved.

Knowing you, Bell, you weren't joking about coming along.

You two got a big summer ahead of ya by the sounds of it.

I'm feelin' a little left out, to be honest.

I have to agree.

Remember that Elie going abroad won't just be for the benefit of Crossbell as a whole.

The inroads she makes will be invaluable for the SSS once she returns.

Having those sorts of connections is priceless for a detective.

Doubly so in a city as large as Crossbell.

You can't have too many resources at your disposal.

Well, what do you two think? It's not a bad deal for either of you.

How do you feel about this, Lloyd?

With all due respect, Mr. Mayor, this isn't something I can give an answer to right this second.

This is a decision that affects the entirety of the SSS. I can't make it alone.

Lloyd...

I'll be damned. Spoken like a true leader, my man.

Well said, Lloyd. You're absolutely correct.

Take as much time as you need to make your decision.

You're free to return home and discuss this among yourselves before committing one way or the other.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

I agree. Think long and hard before you jump, Bannings.

We look forward to hearing your response.