How do you do, Attendant! It’s me, Lion’s Head!
It’s the first time I ever send you a letter, right?
I’m feeling a little nervous here...
Tierra’s Creation Day Celebration will start soon!
We, from the Jing’an Trading Co., planned to participate in it!
But Buddha’s Temptation said he won’t go with us.
He said that he has work to do.
I know that not everyone is interested in going merrymaking, but...
He said that we don’t have to worry since he’d asked Mapo Tofu to take care of us.
Mapo Tofu said that “it can’t be helped since he’s that kind of guy”, but... hnngh!
That’s why, I went and discussed it with everyone.
Beggar’s Chicken, Mandarin Squirrel Fish, and even the Nian Beast said that they’ll cooperate with me.
So we’re going to make Buddha’s Tempation enjoy the festival, whatever it takes!
I’ll be happy if you would be willing to cooperate in this too, Master Attendant.
Please contact me once you reach the festival venue.
I’ll be sure to come to get you!
I heard that Gyoza, Tangyuan, Zongzi, and Moon Cake will also come on the day of the festival.
I’m sure it’ll be very lively!
Well, that’s all for now.
I’ll look forward to seeing you again, Master Attendant!
I’d never imagined that the day where I would write a letter for Master Attendant like this will ever come.
It means that Tierra’s Creation Day Celebration is so special that I end up doing something like this.
During the festival, Jello will stand in the same stage as Mango Pudding and perform some songs.
I’m sure her songs will reach the heart of many and she will be showered by a big round of applause.
I’m also looking forward to seeing it happen.
Will you also come to listen to her songs too, Master Attendant?
If you do, please let Jello listen to your opinion about it.
I’m sure she’ll be happy.
Aah, apparently that Food Soul called Om... something will also come to watch.
No, I won’t be watching with him.
I just heard that he’s talking about it with Orange Juice.
He usually can stay calm when talking with other people, but why he acts so weird when it comes to Jello?
I’d better stay on alert, before it’s too late and something happens.
I want Jello to be able to focus solely on her performance after all.
Ah, I apologize.
I shouldn’t have written things like matters regarding Jello’s fan here.
It’s not good to waste space like this.
I’m sure you’re pretty busy yourself, Master Attendant, but I’ll be happy if we can watch the fireworks in the festival together.
I hope you’ll find the festival enjoyable as well, Master Attendant.
I hope you are well. It’s me, Gingerbread.
Writing letters like this feels kind of embarrassing...
Do you also plan to come to that festival meant for Tierra, Master Attendant?
I always think that it’s soooo ridiculously huge though.
People from all over the world is coming over to play in the festival, making me wonder how they dealt with their supposed routines.
Apparently Bloody Mary will also come to the festival.
So we need to be careful so that we bump into him.
The festival venue is very large after all and there will be a lot of people visiting, so I think we’ll be alright, but... I still feel a little worried.
People from the Holy See apparently will also come to the festival.
That’s why I’m not all that worried.
In any case, we’ll be sure to be careful there.
Oh, right. Are you acquainted with Hamburger and Cola too, Master Attendant?
They’re Steak’s acquaintances, and apparently they’ll participate in the event too.
You should go have a watch too, Master Attendant.
Their show is quite a dynamic one.
You won’t get bored no matter how many times you watch it.
Though I’m sure you’re pretty busy yourself.
But I think... it’ll be fun if we can watch something like that together, sometimes.
Well, that’s enough about that for now.
The Creation Day Celebration will start in three days.
Waiting for the day of the event like this is the most fun part of the whole thing, don’t you think so?
Once it starts... the only thing left is for it to end.
You rarely come to visit the Forgotten Courtyard after all.
So I decided to write you this letter.
Even now, this place is still as lively as ever.
Aside from taking care of the garden, Tortoise Jelly also serves the people who lives in the Courtyard or the people whom he approved with his delicious cooking.
Have you ever tried tasting his cooking?
He’s getting even better at it.
It’s to the point that even that Cloud Tea nods in approval.
Sweet & Sour Fish’s singing voice sounds as beautiful as always.
Long Bao and Crab Long Bao are getting along as usual.
They’re looking forward to going to Tierra’s Creation Day Celebration together with everyone.
Lately Toso, Laba Congee, and Qingtuan have been excitedly chatting about the festival everyday.
It seems there will be a lot of fun entertainments in the festival.
I’ll go looking around the town after the night has sets in.
I’m sure it’ll be fun, looking around the festival while poking fun at Tortoise Jelly.
That is all for now.
I’ll welcome another chance of meeting you again at any time.
I’m sure my Ton spirit will be happy to see you again.
We shall look forward to seeing you again in Tierra’s Creation Day Celebration.
In the lofty building next to where the firework show venue is, were two figures of men.
Aizen: Ugh! Even though I wanted to treat you to some genuine oden! Aah, it was such a pity! Even though they have the taste of your homeland!
Orochi: We’re in Light Kingdom now, so there’s no need to bother about nostalgic taste. The dishes they have here taste pretty novel anyway.
Aizen: Well, it’s good if you can think so. But, you’re really not mad about it? I lost your favorite mask, you know!
Orochi: If getting mad at you can do something about it, then I would have it back with me since long ago.
Aizen: Wh-??? So you’re really mad after all!!!
Aizen disheveled his own hair in frustration.
Aizen: Damn it, I’ll definitely find a much better mask for you before you return to Sakurajima!
Aizen patted his own chest and vowed to the Heavens. That was when, without anyone noticing, a piece of white cloud fluttered down from the sky and entered his sleeve.
They then heard the cluttering sound of something falling, and saw that it’s a beautiful mask that shined brightly.
Aizen: Eh??? A mask???? It’s the one that you lent to me!
Orochi: ... You said you were looking for it all day long? Could it be you actually just forget that you put it in your sleeve because you were drunk?
Aizen: No way! I’m not that dumb!
Orochi: No, no. Anyone can see that you’re a big dumbo.
Aizen: Hold on a sec! You know, Orochi? If you’re calling someone dumb, then you’re actually the dumb one! So, you must be a dumb too, Orochi! You’re just like me! Hmph!!
Okonomiyaki ran through the streets at full speed.
Once she’s only a hundred meters away from Oden’s shop, Okonomiyaki came to a stop. She fixed her appearances for a moment before quietly entering the oden shop.
Okonomiyaki: Ahem!
Oden: Oh? You returned. I thought you’re looking for something?
Okonomiyaki: We already found it!
Oden: That’s good to hear. I’m sure Natto can look around the festival peacefully now... so, do you want to eat something? We still have some tofu left.
Okonomiyaki: I don’t need it! I just happened to pass by after all! That aside... err, can you come here for a sec?
Oden: ... What is it?
Okonomiyaki: Here, take it!
Okonomiyaki shoved a mask she was holding into Oden’s hands.
Okonomiyaki: I’m giving it to you! See you again!
Oden: Eh...? Err, what is this?
Okonomiyaki: It’s a mask that can bring luck to its owner! I heard it works really well. So you’d better wear it!
Oden lightly stroke the mask in his hand and quietly let his smile spread across his face.
Oden: Quite a troublesome young lady, aren’t you... fufu.
After Raindrop Cake seated himself down, Oden set down a bowl of hot oden in front of him.
Raindrop Cake: I came from Sakurajima, but as you can see, I can’t freely roam about... I often heard people talking about this shop, so when I learned that you will open a booth in this festival, I’m really looking forward to visiting it.
Oden: Oh, no, no! My shop isn’t all that great! It’s just an ordinary oden shop.
Raindrop Cake: Not only having a fine skill in cooking, you seemed to be very familiar with your customers too... you must have a good observation skill. Or so I heard.
Oden: Please, stop it with the compliments... rather than my story, I’m more interested in your story, dear customer. Did something happen to you recently? I’m a little curious because you looked rather gloom when you entered the shop earlier.
Prompted like that, Raindrop Cake held his breath. Oden, standing before him, gently smiled at him. Perhaps because it brought him a strange sense of relief, Raindrop Cake then slowly started talking about himself.
Raindrop Cake: It’s not... something recent. It seems that I’m actually an existence that brings misfortune to people around me. My previous Master Attendant also passed away because of that.
Raindrop Cake: The people around me are all nice people. But, because they involved themselves with me, they ended up experiencing misfortunes...
Seeing Raindrop Cake hung his head, Oden put up a light smile. But seeing that smile make Raindrop Cake glared at Oden instead.
Raindrop Cake: ... You don’t believe me, do you? My friends also said so. They said that I’m just assuming things. But...!
Oden: No, no, it’s not like that. Didn’t you say it yourself? That the people around you are all nice people.
Oden: Nice people won’t gather around good-for-nothings. That’s why, you’re not a good-for-nothing. Do you understand?
Raindrop Cake’s eyes widened in surprised.
Then―― the shop’s front door was slid open with much force.
Sakuramochi: Raindrop Cake! Here you are! The firework show will start soon, you know!
Bonito Rice: Nagashi Somen said that he’ll invite Takoyaki to join us. Let’s hurry and go as well.
Oden: There, you should stop looking so depressed. I’ll wrap up some oden for you. You should enjoy the fireworks while snacking on it with your friends.
The trio left after bowing to Oden. Seeing them made another gentle smile spread across Oden’s face.
Raindrop Cake: ... u, uhm... thank you, very much...
Oden: I’m sure he’ll be alright, since he has his friends with him. Well now, I guess I’ll put in more oden ingredients for the next customers...
Sichuan Hotpot: Hmm, what do you think? Doesn’t it taste bland?
Skewer: That’s difficult to answer. This is a Sakurajima cuisine after all...
Sichuan Hotpot heaved out a sigh and set down her spoon.
Oden: Oh my... does it not suit your taste?
Sichuan Hotpot: Hmm―― isn’t the broth taste too light?
Skewer: It’s good, but it has a quite delicate and subtle flavor. I think this is how Sakurajima cuisine is.
Oden nodded once.
Oden: You’re right. Touching and warming the heart of people who eat them with the actual taste of the ingredients... such is my oden... ack, cough! Cough cough!! Wh- what is that?!
Sichuan Hotpot: Hehe~! It’s my personal stock of red peppers~!
Skewer: H, hold on. Sichuan Hotpot!?
Sichuan Hotpot: One must carry their own red peppers when visiting an unfamiliar dining place!
Skewer: Err... I wonder about that.
Sichuan Hotpot: It’s not enough... not enough at all... I’ll put more and more into it~!!
Oden: Cough... cough cough... excuse me!
Skewer: Si, Sichuan Hotpot, wait, stop it!
Sichuan Hotpot: Huh?
Sichuan Hotpot stopped her hand, but the content of her bowl and turned completely red.
Seeing that, Oden closed his eyes and covered his face with his own hands.
Oden: Oden is... cough cough...! Not something that should be eaten like that...!
Oden: One should enjoy... cough cough...! The actual taste of the ingredents... cough!
Sichuan Hotpot: Are you okay? Why are you having a fit of cough?
Skewer: Have a drink and calm down first, please. Really, this girl...
As was advised, Oden gulped down a drink. He then let out a long sigh.
Skewer: Mr. Manager, I’m sorry, even though we came to enjoy your oden.
Oden: ... No, it’s alright as long as you think that they taste delicious. Next year, I’ll try to develop an oden menu suitable for customers who prefer spicy flavors.
As Matsutake Dobinmushi wandered about the venue, he came to a stop when he saw Junmai Daiginjo standing in front of the goldfish scooping area.
Matsutake Dobinmushi: Oh? Junmai Daiginjo. You’re interested in goldfish scooping? How unexpected.
Recognzing Matsutake Dobinmushi’s figure, Junmai Daiginjo puffed out a cloud of smoke from his smoking pipe.
Junmai Daiginjo: Matsutake Dobinmushi... what a coincidence, to see you in this kind of place.
Junmai Daiginjo shook his head and casted his gaze downwards.
Junmai Daiginjo: A goldfish’s life is fleeting and fragile... just like a prostitute’s, people toy with them, and even if they’re bought, they can’t live a long life――
Junmai Daiginjo: Look over there.
As he said that, Junmai Daiginjo pointed at a direction, where a plastic bag containing goldfishes lied flat-topped on the ground.
The two goldfishes contained in said bag lay still. At this rate, they will die.
Matsutake Dobinmushi: What if such is their fate?
Junmai Daiginjo: They should try to change that fate of theirs. The outside world might be dangerous, but one can’t ascertain the truth if they don’t try to step outside.
Matsutake Dobinmushi: What if they can’t do that?
Junmai Daiginjo: If they can only live by depending on the water, then they should learn about their environment better. If they do, they might be able to live without getting influenced by the environment...
Matsutake Dobinmushi: ... I actually don’t like difficult topics like this. So I’m going to read out a poem now and end the topic here.
Junmai Daiginjo lightly swayed his hand that held his smoking pipe and slowly rose to his feet again.
Junmai Daiginjo: I have to go now. Lastly, let me tell you something good before we part. Apparently, you can sell goldfish scoopers at a high price.
Junmai Daiginjo’s lips spread into a soft smile before he started walking gracefully, leaving the area.
Matsutake Dobinmushi: It was certainly a good information. I guess I’ll try looking it up to prepare for next year’s festival.
Caviar: I see, so I’ve made a mistake in choosing to wear these?
Milt: No, I mean it’s funny, but it looks good on you. Yeah, I... like it very much. You should keep wearing those clothes until this festival ends, hehehe...!!
The decorative lamps swayed in the wind. The people’s delighted noises keep sounding more and more excited. The festivities of celebration brought merriness and joy to this summer season. Blending with the crowd, Rice headed toward the festival’s lofty building as she tried to remember the steps of the dance she ought to perform.
Rice: Eh? Jiuniang?
Jiuniang: Auuuh~!
Rice: Eh!? Please don’t cry~!
Jiuniang bit her own lower lip, her nose twitching. Her tears spilled when she saw Rice.
Rice: Why are you all alone? Aren’t you supposed to be with Yellow Wine?
As Rice finished her sentence, Jiuniang looked like she’s going to bawl again.
Jiuniang: Y... Yellow Wine-niisan is gone...
Jiuniang: Auuuh~!
Rice: Don’t worry! Please don’t cry, Jiuniang! I’ll be with you!
Rice: Let’s go and search for Yellow Wine, okay?
Jiuniang: ... Okay.
Carrying Jiuniang in her arms, Rice patted the smaller girl’s back, trying to comfort her. The two eventually reached the riverside.
Yellow Wine: Jiuniang! Where are you, Jiuniang?!
Yellow Wine: Move! Ah... sorry! Let me get through for a bit.
Yellow Wine: Jiuniang?! Thank goodness, I found you...
Jiuniang: Yellow Wine-niisan!! Thank goodness, I can see you again...!
Rice: Well! Both of you, there’s no need to rush, you can take it easy here!
Yellow Wine: Jiuniang, you gave me a fright...
Jiuniang: Auuuh... I, I’m sorry――
Yellow Wine: No, it’s fine as long as you’re safe... I’m relieved now. And now, we can relax and watch the fireworks!
Butter Tea, in all his dignified manner, entered the fortune telling booth. Then, he started spinning the mani wheel in his hand, making it let out a clear sound.
Huangshan Maofeng: This great teacher has a different air about him, I see. Hm, are you here to have a fortune reading?
Butter Tea: Yes. This is my first time participating in this festival. So I decide to come to experience the fortune reading done by the Taoist priest that I seldom met.
Huangshan Maofeng: Please, I’m but a mere average fortune teller.
Butter Tea: If that’s the case, I also doesn’t deserve to be referred as a great teacher. For I’m but an ordinary monk.
Huangshan Maofeng couldn’t help but frown at the flow of this conversation.
Huangshan Maofeng: Err... aren’t you looking for someone?
Hearing those words, Butter Tea seemed stunned for a moment, before nodding his head right away. The loneliness dwelling in his eyes moved Huangshan Maofeng’s heart.
Butter Tea: I’m surprised you can tell. You’re right. However, I don’t have any clue that can help me.
Huangshan Maofeng: Even so, you decide to continue searching for that person?
Butter Tea: I’m thinking to let the things take their own course. Of course I’ll be happy if I can find them, but if I can’t, then I’ll accept it as a part of our destiny.
Huangshan Maofeng: Then you’re going to walk an endless path.
Butter Tea: There are no path that has a definite ending. But I don’t regret it at all.
Huangshan Maofeng: Well, well, mister, you seem to be quite magnanimous! However, melancholy seems to be drifting between your eyebrows. Could it be you have something troubling your mind?
Napoleon Cake: Ooh! How did you know? No, don’t answer that... could it be you’re the Taoist priest that got driven away by a girl you tricked that I heard from people in the street just now?
Huangshan Maofeng: Cough, cough! Ways of heaven is uncertain; it was simply an unfortunate accident. Regardless, my reading is greatly evaluated as highly accurate! Just like what’s written on this flag, I’m “not a fraud”!
Napoleon Cake: I don’t really get it, but okay, I guess I’ll pretend that I haven’t heard about your bad reputation. So? You said I have something on my mind? Try to guess it.
Huangshan Maofeng closed his eyes and started counting with one hand before opening his mouth again.
Huangshan Maofeng: You’re thinking that "there are no delicious desserts aside from the ones in Pastel De Nata’s place”.
Napoleon Cake: Hng??? How did you know that!!!??? So your skill is real and not a sham!?
Huangshan Maofeng: If you still doubt me, I can read you one more time.
Huangshan Maofeng: (Well, it was actually just something that I heard you muttering about earlier though.)
Napoleon Cake: Ooh, yes, please! Sensei, please read my fortune. What am I supposed to do now?
Huangshan Maofeng: ... Hm, when you feel lost, you should follow your heart. Go to the north. A misfortune might befall someone over there. But you might be able to cancel off that misfortune if you can get there right on time.
Napoleon Cake: North? But I came from that direction? So you’re telling me to return to Desserts Street?
Huangshan Maofeng: Follow your heart and go. You’ll understand if you go there.
Although he still doubted the words that the man said with such confidence, half convinced, Napoleon Cake decided to return to the Desserts Street.
The lavishly dressed Orochi, after looking at everyone who are present in the shop, at last shifted his attention to Aizen, who is still tied down and couldn’t move.
Orochi: How shameful.
Aizen: ... Hmph! Hurry and help untie me!
Orochi moved his fingers a little, and ropes that bound Aizen were severed in an instant.
Okonomiyaki: What should we do now... it doesn’t seem like we can win against them. Should we just run away?
Oden: Don’t be so hasty. I don’t think they’re being hostile toward us.
Orochi: Aizen, what’s the meaning of this? Why were you avoiding me all day long today?
Surprisingly, Orochi didn’t show any hostility toward them, and instead started interrogating Aizen.
Aizen: That’s because... aargh, fine! Don’t give me that Prajna-look!
Aizen: I just have to admit it, right? I lost the mask that I borrowed from you this morning.
Aizen: I’m afraid that you’ll get angry at me... so I was avoiding you until I can find a mask...
Orochi: ...
Aizen: And I wasn’t just taking it away from people! I did trade it with my sake, right!? You Food Souls are too stingy!
Aizen: Hmph! Orochi! Orochi! Hurry and tell your Prajna to let me go! He’s crushing my face!
Some Prajnas have appeared out of nowhere, surrounding Aizen and dragging him out from the shop.
Orochi: I’m sorry, everyone, for causing you all so much troubles.
Orochi then left together with Prajna, and silence once again filled the shop.
Natto: Alright. I’d better record all that down while I have the chance.
Okonomiyaki: Pft, hahaha! Oh fine. Let’s just forget all that and go to watch the firework show! We’ll be late for real at this rate.
Oden: Okonomiyaki. Can you guys go ahead and get Rice to where she should be, since you know pretty well the way to the venue? I’ll go after closing the shop.
Okonomiyaki: Alright... but make sure to hurry up!
Oden: I know.
After everyone left, peaceful silence returned to the shop. After Oden tidied all the mess in the shop, a piece of purple cloud entered through the window and fluttered down to where Oden is.
Oden: Huh? What is this?
Surprised, Oden stared at the cloud, and it transformed into some sentences.
Oden: “Congratulations, we’ve acknowledged you as someone who has displayed excellent works during this festival, and shall bestow upon you the grand prize of Creation Day Celebration... the God will grant one wish of yours... please tell the God your wish."
Oden: ... what?
The time has come, and the plaza becomes even more lively.
10... 9... 8... 7... 6...
Impatient children are pulling the hem of their adult companion’s clothes as they looked up expectantly.
Okonomiyaki: When will Oden get here!? I’ll get mad for real if he doesn’t come soon!
5... 4... 3... 2... 1...!!
Loud bangs echoed in the darkness along with the rising up lights that bloomed into brilliant fireworks. Fired up continuously, they then formed some lines and depicted the sea. They paint the starry sky brightly, just like the Milky Way.
Under such romantic light show, people are making delighted noises. They all prayed for their wish to come true under the fireworks that bloomed in the sky.
Umeshu: (I hope I won’t regret anything as I continue my travel.)
Natto: (I hope my records can help preserve the beauties of this world.)
Chongyang Cake: (Starting from today, I want to challenge the misfortunes, while striving to be someone with clear conscience.)
Okonomiyaki: (I wish...)
Oden: Okonomiyaki, I’m here.
Okonomiyaki: Hmph! You’re too late, only arriving now! The first chance to say your wishes is over, you know!
Oden: It’s alright, I already said my wish.
A little while ago, in the shop.
Oden: My wish is, for Aizen to be able to find the mask that he lost.
Oden: Yes, that is my wish. There’s no mistake about it. During a festival day, everyone has the right to enjoy it, without caring about their social status.
Okonomiyaki: What did you wish for?
Oden: Don’t mind it. I wasn’t wishing something big.
Oden: Look, Rice’s show is about to startーー
…… May dreams and hopes fill this world. Cheers to the Creation Day!
Meanwhile, Natto, Umeshu and Chongyang Cake took Rice with them to Oden’s shop.
Umeshu: We’re here! Okonomiyaki, Oden, are you guys okay!?
They quickly opened the door into Oden’s shop and rushed inside.
Umeshu: Eh?
Aizen: Dammit... you fiend...!!!
The group saw Aizen getting tied down with a pained look on his face. They was struck speechless when they shifted their attention to Okonomiyaki, who stuffed a dust cloth into his mouth to silence him.
Okonomiyaki: Huh? Natto and Umeshu? Welcome back! And, are they your new friends?
