Rift Sprite Colman

"It feels like it was only yesterday..." Colman says wistfully, staring down at the photo.

"Heh, we took this picture just after we got to Steam Mine Mountain. One photo... it holds the memories of a whole year, but whenever Lulu looks at it, I can see how much it hurts her."

"Deep down, I think she still remembers-at least a little."

"Some time ago, a Carso army spy arranged a secret meeting with Lulu at Steam Mine Mountain using Quill's name as a cover.

Uncovering the deception was rather easy, though--I simply pretended to cooperate with them.

Once I had heard the entire plan, I realized that Lulu was being used as a pawn in a nefarious plot.

Someone has to put an end to this. It's a dangerous plot, not just for Lulu, but for the entire Steam Mine Mountain. Will you stand by me on this one?"

"Here is irrefutable proof that they conspired to meet in secret. I swiped it from the Carso army spy, unsuspecting fool that he is.

Carso's army was threatening every region in the kingdom to the point where the Sprite Kings began issuing conscription orders.

The situation was extremely tense for a while, and I couldn't bear to leave Lulu there by herself.

Left to her own devices like that, I was afraid that her innate goodness and honesty would be swallowed up by the darkness.

Luckily, you drove away the spy and put an end to this madness!

What's more, that prompted Lulu to make an early departure. I guess she figured there was no more information to be gleaned from Carso's army.

All in all, I think things have turned out for the best. You are a brave soul. Thank you!"

"Lulu has developed an unhealthy attachment to Carso, methinks."

To your surprise, Colman produces a luminous red gem from a deep pocket in his garment.

"Oh, that gem I gave Lulu? Definitely fake. This here is the real one.

I returned the gem to the altar and gave it back to the Sprite King before Lulu even discovered it.

Pretty sly move, eh? But I'm worried about Lulu... how on earth can we stop her?" Colman asks anxiously.

"I know she cares about what happened to her, as do I.

I'm just not sure she's able to handle the truth, so I've yet to tell her out of fear she might flip her top.

I mean, the truth is important, but you cannot pursue it at all costs... there are limits."

"Oh, so you're back?" You're startled to see that Colman is covered in cuts and bruises.

"I can't believe she found you out so quickly... and gave you a good beating by the look of things.

"This is the first time Lulu's laid hands on me," Colman laments.

...maybe it's time to come clean with Lulu." Colman searches his conscience for a while before speaking up again.

"I'm afraid of what might happen when I speak out, but anything is better than being a tool for Carso. I know that now."

Colman takes out an old photograph. You catch a glimpse of the back--it's covered in handwriting.

"Please give her this photograph. It explains everything.

As for me, I'll be leaving this place very soon.