A Princely Debut

Quest giver: Picot
Location: Ul'dah - Steps of Thal (X:11, Y:11)
Quest line: Little Ladies' Day (2025)
Level: 15

Gil: 324
Previous quest: A Princely Persona
Patch: 7.1

“

Picot ponders over an appropriate direction for his stage persona.

※This quest is available for a limited time only.

— In-game description

Rewards

Unlocks

I Wanna Be Your Pop Star

Steps

Speak with Picot at the Ruby Road Exchange.
Speak with Marabel near Eshtaime's Aesthetics.
Speak with the royal seneschal at the Ruby Road Exchange.
Speak with Picot.

Journal

Picot shares with you the reason he first became a singer, describing in bittersweet detail the shows he would perform for his ailing childhood friend. He hopes that by taking his act to the Little Ladies' Day stage, his voice will then rise high enough and loud enough to reach her ears even in Thal's somber halls. To that end, he asks that you accompany him to said stage, and seek out inspiration that will help him finalize the details of his Seneschal Prince costume.
- ※Please note that you will be unable to complete this quest after the seasonal even has ended. Fore details, please check the Lodestone.
You examine the stage and its surrounds alongside Picot, and in so doing, he forms a definitive image of how he wishes to present his stage persona: as the Seneschal Prince, he will both serve and entertain. Picot lists off the tasks which now stand before him—including his plans for organizing refreshments from the Quicksand's festival menu—and you offer to convey his finalized costume idea to the waiting Marabel over near Eshtaime's Aesthetics.
Marabel listens to your explanation of Picot's costume with her customary enthusiasm. She seems to know exactly what will best encapsulate a seneschal's poise and a prince's style, and sends you back to the royal seneschal with a promise that the outfit will be ready in time for the performance.
You relay the good news to the royal seneschal, then sit back to enjoy the show. Picot delivers on his promise of hospitality, inviting the audience to partake of the Quicksand's provided repast before entertaining them with his practiced routine. The performance reaches its finale, and you join the elated singer to share in his triumph.
Picot is overjoyed by the favorable response from the crowd, and the royal seneschal congratulates his new performer on a stunning debut. Wondering for a moment if his own lost princess was looking on, Picot vows to make the most of this opportunity to bring delight to all who attend his shows. The Seneschal Prince presents you with a matching costume as thanks for your patient assistance, then heads off to prepare for his next appearance. Everything has turned out well, yet the Little Ladies' Day festivities have only just begun—you should heed the royal seneschal's advice and go and enjoy them while they last!

Dialogue

Sad Backstory: (Cutscene)

Picot: I am to don the mantle of the Seneschal Prince... Yet while I've grasped a clear picture of the theme, I must needs think of how best to embody the manner.
Picot: A seneschal exists to serve. To ensure happiness and satisfaction. Which, incidentally, is how this all began for me.
Picot: I once knew a girl, years ago. She was my childhood friend─my cherished princess.
Picot: But alas, she was born with a terrible ailment. She could not rise from bed, let alone leave the house, and thus I took it upon myself to bring the outside world to her.
Picot: I acted out all sorts of tales. A hero's saga. A jester at court. If she wished to hear of it─if it would but make her smile─I would assume any role under the sky.
Picot: One fateful day, I happened to see a songstress in town. She dazzled the audience, and the elated looks upon their faces... I had to rush back to my princess's bedside to share the experience.
Picot: I sang and danced my heart out for my audience of one─a performance for her and her alone. Oh, how her eyes lit up!
Picot: Her happiness was everything I ever wanted. It spurred me to practice day and night, and as I did, I began to feel I truly was a famous performer.
Picot: Then, all too soon, did Thal call her to His somber halls.
Picot: Ever since, I've dreamed of making a big name for myself as a singer. If I could perform upon some grand stage, then perhaps my voice would rise up and reach her ears once more!
Picot: That's why I auditioned for the role of the Seneschal Prince, and why I leapt for joy when I heard that I'd been chosen.
Picot: Yet even though I began all this for her, it has become every bit my own dream as well. I yearn to sing as that songstress did, and stir the hearts of the crowd!
Picot: Ahem... Thank you for listening, [Forename]. Talking to someone helps to put my thoughts in order.
Picot: Right, back to the task at hand! Once I've settled on how to best serve my audience, then I should have all the specifics Marabel needs to finish the costume.
Picot: Let's head over to the Little Ladies' Day stage, shall we? With the better part of the preparations finished, it's likely begun to draw a crowd─the sight might inspire some ideas for my seneschal debut!

Optional Dialogue of NPCs in front of the stage:

Quicksand Employee: Hmmm... There's always quite a crowd gathered by the stage. Perhaps I should have a word with the royal seneschal and ask if I can pass out some flyers.

Songbirds Fanatic: The heavenly Narumi will soon be here in person! I've thought of nothing else for days and days!

Stage Manager: Let us spare not the smallest detail─we'll give the fans a show to remember.

Royal Seneschal: Ah, there you are! Work on the stage proceeds apace... Will Picot be ready to perform?

At the stage: (Cutscene)

The following event cannot be skipped. You may wish to cancel any pending Duty Finder registrations.

Examine the stage with Picot  Yes/No

Picot: The stagehands seem swamped with last-moment adjustments, and you can see the fans have already begun to gather.
Picot: If I'm to decide how to act as the Seneschal Prince, then it's now or never! Let's see what clues the scene has to offer us.

Help define Picot's Seneschal Prince persona.
(Click on each of four people/groups with a flashing arrow above their heads.)

< Royal Seneschal >
Picot: Yes, of course. If we're speaking of seneschals, we should look no further than the royal seneschal himself.
Picot: Such a courteous demeanor, and so precise in his movements... Now that I think on it, no matter the work we do together, he is never less than thorough with his preparations.
Picot: And I imagine he would be more than willing to help us implement any new plan we might propose...

< Songbird Fans >
Picot: See there? A particularly eager Songbirds fan─come early to ensure a front-row experience, no doubt.
Picot: Rather too early, in fact. My act is first on the program, so he'll be in for quite a long wait before his idols take the stage.
What will you say?
< Can we make him more comfortable? >
< Should we bring him a bite to eat? >
(The response is the same no matter which option is picked.)
Picot: Yes, of course... He must be exhausted from standing there all this time. The least I can do is make him more comfortable for the duration of my performance.

< Quicksand Employee >
Picot: Ah, an employee of the Quicksand! Did they not mention offering some exclusive menu over the course of Little Ladies' Day?
What will you say?
< Beverage and dessert included! >
< I was curious about that myself. >
Picot: Knowing such a thing is only available during the festival makes it all the more tempting, doesn't it?
Picot: Hmmm... I wonder if they'd be willing to bring out a light meal for the audience? Not only would it benefit the fans, but it would also be an excellent promotion for the Quicksand itself.

< Picot >
Picot: How can I serve the crowd...?  Aside from the usual singing and dancing, there must be something I can do.

Picot: I've been thinking, [Forename]. There is no rule which demands people must stand to cheer and enjoy a performance, is there?
Picot: Why not have the Quicksand deliver some light refreshments─Little Ladies's Day-themed, of course─and aim for a more relaxed experience?
Picot: I mean, it's hardly a novel concept. One often orders a meal while taking in a play, or has a flagon in hand while the minstrel strums his lute in the tavern. We would simply encourage the same idea!
Picot: Naturally, I shall rouse the crowd with song and dance, but this will help define the seneschal side of my stage character!
Picot: The act is finally coming together! As the Seneschal Prince, I shall both serve and entertain!
Picot: Come, there's not a moment to lose. I must first consult with the royal seneschal, and then hurry off to make my request to Mistress Momodi at the Quicksand!
Picot: But I must also inform Marabel of my costuming decisions. Argh, there is no time!
What will you say?
< Shall I talk to her in your stead? >
< Let's divide the tasks between us. >
Picot: You... You would do that for me?
Picot: Oh, thank you, [Forename]! I would be most grateful if you could explain the costume concept to Marabel for me.
Picot: You truly are my savior! I give you my word the show will be a great success. Please, do be sure to attend!

Changed Optional Dialogue of NPCs in front of the stage:

Picot: ...Which is why I was hoping to organize the event to allow people to eat and drink while they make merry!

Royal Seneschal: Hrm, yes... The idea has merit! I shall arrange for tables to be brought out.

Outside Eshtaime's Aesthetics

Marabel: [Forename], dahling! How fares our princely seneschal?
Marabel: So the show will feature a healthy dash of hospitality, eh? Sounds fabulous!
Marabel: A singer with a seneschal's poise and a prince's style... Yes, dahling, I know exactly what this costume needs. Leave it to me!
Marabel: Please let the royal seneschal know that I'll have the outfit ready in time for the performance.

Chat bubbles above NPC Songbird Fans.

Lalafell: When's the next act...?
Male Midlander: It should be starting any moment.
Female Highlander: The anticipation is killing me...

The Performance:

Royal Seneschal: Thank you for lending a hand to young Picot! 'Tis good to know the issue with his costume has been resolved.
Royal Seneschal: As I mentioned, the Seneschal Prince is to be the main new attraction for this year's Little Ladies' Day, and Picot himself is to give the show's opening address.
Royal Seneschal: I cannot imagine how events might have unfolded without your assistance. You will stay and watch his performance, yes?
(Cutscene begins.)
Songbirds Fanatic: I've been standing for so long my feet have fallen asleep. But at least the show is about to begin!
Curious Spectator: It should be starting any moment now. The first act is the debut performance for a new singer, isn't it? The Seneschal, uh...Prince?
Uncertain Spectator: What would a prince of seneschals be like, anyway? I have no idea what to expect.
(Picot takes a deep breath.)
Picot: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our Little Ladies' Day performance!
(Picot enters the stage in costume and bows before the crowd, then places a hand on his chest.)
Picot: I am Picot, the Seneschal Prince, and I shall be your guide to an ephemeral world of wonder.
(Picot extends a hand out to the side, directing attention that way.)
Picot: I imagine you are all weary from the wait. Though it be but a trifle, we have taken the liberty of arranging for refreshments─a special festival menu prepared by our friends at the Quicksand.
(The crowd looks to the side. The Quicksand Employee is shown with umbrellas, stools, and a table full of food; he bows to the crowd.)
Picot: Peach-infused tea accompanied by a selection of spring-inspired sweets... We invite you to enjoy these delights while you enjoy the show.
Songbirds Fanatic: That's for us!? Thank the gods, I was so thirsty!
Curious Spectator: Oh, that new menu has been on my mind all day! What a lovely gesture!
(The male Midlander "Songbirds Fanatic" and his Lalafell friend dash over to partake.)
Picot: I am overjoyed to see you thus pleased. Should this repast meet with your approval, pray consider a visit to the Quicksand following the show.
Picot: Ah, but with that said...
(Picot presses a hand to his chest and looks at the crowd, surrounded by sparkles.)
Picot: I must ask that you keep all eyes on me. Without your full attention, I am wont to grow jealous.
(Various ladies in front of him gain blushes on their cheeks and react like fangirls. Picot turns to hold out a beckoning hand to the side of the stage.)
Picot: Fair princesses, won't you step closer? I promise this shall be a princely performance to remember.
(A female Roegadyn and female Lalafell react with blushing cheeks, then step closer.)
Picot: Settle in, my dear audience, and enjoy the spectacle of the Seneschal Prince!
(The crowd erupts into cheers. The WoL smiles. Picot begins dancing and singing (the Songbird emote) as the crowd waves glowsticks. The Royal Seneschal turns to speak to the WoL from the back of the crowd.)
Royal Seneschal: He not only entertains with song and dance, but also captures the crowd's hearts with warm hospitality. A wonderful display.
(The Songbirds arrive and stand near the Royal Seneschal and WoL.)
Ulala: Hmph, not bad, not bad!
Narumi: It seems we have quite a show to follow.
Masha Mhakaracca: And the Songbirds will deliver! We'll take the stage by storm and build this excitement to a raging crescendo!
(The camera pans from the Royal Seneschal, across the crowd, to Picot onstage (who winks and waves), then up to the battlements.)

Additional chat bubbles of NPCs by the stage:

Female Roegadyn: I couldn't look away!
Female Lalafell: Me either! All hail the Seneschal Prince!

Optional Dialogue:

Royal Seneschal: The Seneschal Prince's debut has been a grand success! The audience was thoroughly entertained.

After the show: (Cutscene)

Picot: [Forename], thank you for coming to my performance!
Picot: It was all so magical! To see such enjoyment upon each face in the crowd was an indescribable feeling.
Picot: And did you see how they responded to the touches of hospitality? The Quicksand server even came over to thank me for how quickly word spread about their festival menu!
Royal Seneschal: What a stunning debut by the Seneschal Prince! We've already been swamped with demands to know when you will be performing next... In fact, I'm thinking of setting up an encore performance while the festival is still ongoing.
Picot: Is that so? Well, then, I shan't disappoint my fans!
Picot: I wonder if my dear friend was watching me, too, from Thal's distant halls...
Picot: Thank you again for giving me this opportunity.
Picot: For as long as I have the privilege of standing on that stage, I mean to spend every moment delighting all who attend!
Picot: Ah, I almost forgot! I had Marabel craft you a matching costume.
Picot: I was not alone up there in front of the crowd─I felt you standing beside me, as you have been every step of the way.
Picot: Given your part in all this, you are every bit a Seneschal Princess. So please, do me the honor of accepting this gift.
Picot: 'Tis the least I can offer for your patient assistance. Now, I must be off to prepare for my next appearance!
Royal Seneschal: I, too, offer my sincerest gratitude for elevating our celebrations to ever greater heights.
Royal Seneschal: The Little Ladies' Day festivities have only just begun, but I suggest you go and enjoy them while they last!

More Optional Dialogue after end of quest:

Royal Seneschal: Thanks to your steady guidance, the Seneschal Prince made an unforgettable first impression! His performance appears to have fired up the Songbirds, and I foresee a lively stage for the future.

Marabel: I rushed over just as soon as my work allowed.  Did you see our dahling Seneschal Prince?  Doesn't he look splendid in that outfit?

Images