the flower waltz

More questions than answers.

Kyle: Phew! As usual, the beer tastes great! Blanc: You only had two, but you're already red? Oliver has yet to join us and you're already very drunk? Kyle: It's fine! You and Oliver have a high tolerance, so even if I get plastered, you will take care of me, yeah? Blanc: I don't think leaving everything to other people from the very start is a good thing... Come to think of it, Oliver doesn't drink that much, does he? Kyle: He does, sometimes. When he's in a good mood, he sings, yeah? I really like that. It was something... A falling song. Blanc: A falling song? Kyle: If you cross the bridge, you will fall down, he's often singing that serious song? Blanc: Ah, did you mean "London Bridge Is Falling Down"? Kyle: Oh, the bridge is falling down, huh... It was more catastropic than I thought then. Anyway, isn't London a name of a place in the Land of Reason? Blanc: That's true. "London Bridge Is Falling Down" is a popular song in the Land of Reason. Kyle: Why is Oliver singing a song from the Land of Reason? Blanc: Well, drink up, drink up. Another beer is coming! Cheers! Kyle: Hey, don't dodge the question so openly. I'm still going to drink, though. Blanc: Ah. Oh, no. I accidentally offered you beer, and now you will get drunk. Oliver: Go ahead and get wasted. This sounds better than having a pointless drunken conversation. Blanc: Hello, Oliver. It's absolutely great to see you arrive so early. Kyle: You say that, aren't you coming here every time we ask? We sure are loved! Blanc: True. We are loved. Oliver: Where do you get that misplaced confidence? I don't have enough free time to sing with people I hate, though. Blanc: My, so honest. Kyle: Well, we like that part of you too.

Fenrir: Everything is going perfect today! The sound of gunshots puts my heart at ease. Ray: Is that a gun improved by Oliver? He always equips them with elaborate magic, right? Fenrir: Well, "hand grenade that makes your little toe very itchy for 10 days", "gun that makes you unable to stop hiccuping for 3 years", "bullet that changes your voice into chick chirping"... Ray: He's still a kid and yet the variety of his ideas is so rich. And his ability to make it all happen is amazing as well. Fenrir: We won't lose to him! As Partners in Crime we have to come up with appropriate mischief too! Ray: What? That's where you were going with that? Fenrir: Yeah! If we were to combine our way of thinking and Oliver's skill... Don't you think we could come up with the strongest weapon ever? Ray: Well... Maybe. Fenrir: Don't you agree with me? Let's go to Oliver immediately and think about it together! COME ON! Ray: Sure. I will go with you, so stop pulling my arm so much.

Vince sounds terribly sheltered, I don't know what to think about it, haha. And his country sounds rather not fun... Lady, why are you seducing him right off the bat!?

Seth: Sigh... I don't know what to dooo. Sirius: Okay, let's hear it then, what are you so troubled about? Seth: I wanted Oliver to make me a hat, but he refused. Sirius: Oliver? Oh, yes, that kid. Seth: I heard from Blanc that the hats Oliver makes are truly beautiful. Sirius: Really? I heard rumors that he makes only strange hats... Seth: Oh, is that so? Sirius: I heard that the other day, he made a hat from which doves would fly out for an hour. Sirius: They're so strange that he earned himself a nickname: "Mad Hatter". He definitely makes things of a considerably strong impression. Seth: Wow, that's unexpected! Classical capeline hat befitting a lady, charming, girly beret... So he's not making these kind of cute hats!? Sirius: If you asked a person who actually requested one, you would know? Seth: That's right, but I wanted to confirm what the truth was. Sirius: Well, I gave you a warning, but aside from that... Would you wear a capeline hat or a beret to work?

Guided by the familiar voices, I step into the back alley next to the bar... (Isn't that Edgar and Dum?) Dum is sitting on a wooden box, and Edgar is leaning against the wall of the building. They are yet to notice me. Alice: Good evening, you two. What are you doing over there... Dum: ...! Edgar: Oh, my. That's what I would like to ask, Alice. (Huh? Was it bad that I called out to them...?) Edgar seems just like his usual self, but Dum... When he looked up, he looked panicked for a moment. Dum: You sure are a naughty girl, Princess. To go into a back alley after sunset... There's a limit to being reckless. Alice: Really...? Dum: Really. Because back alleys are where the bad guys hang out. What me and Edgar were doing here... Once you know, it cannot be undone. Dum and Edgar casually exchange looks. Edgar: However, now that you've seen us, there's no other way. Would you like to play with us too, Alice? Alice: Play...? Edgar: I'm inviting you to become one of the bad guys. Alice: What!? Dum: That's a great idea. (I have a really, really bad feeling about this!) It's too late for regrets. Dum and Edgar surround me blocking my escape route. Dum: Do you want to know our secret? Alice: No, thanks! Edgar: Hey, don't be like that. We're friends, right? Alice: What kind of friends!? My heart was warning me that I would be better to escape, but Dum's hand was on my right shoulder, and Edgar's hand was on my left shoulder and so I couldn't move away from them. Edgar: Actually... Edgar puts his hand in his jacket pocket... and took out colorful jellybeans. Edgar: Bar Owner is a member of the Strange Junk Food Alliance too. Alice: ... Say what? Dum: Come on, you know that Edgar shares them with Lancelot often, right? This is the same thing. Edgar: He's my frequent customer. Alice: O-okay... That the secret you two have been hiding? Edgar: Yes, it's an important secret. This alliance is about enjoying the fall from virtue through clandestine consumption of sweets that are bad for your health. Dum: If we were to popularize it, there would be no thrill to it, right? (What should I do... I have not even the slightest idea about what all of this means!) Edgar: Therefore, Alice, please open your mouth. Alice: What... NMMM! Edgar quickly throws a jellybean into my mouth. (Oh... It's delicious.) Edgar: This was hush money. Dum: Now you're a member of the Strange Junk Food Alliance too, Princess. (Looks like I managed to end up in a terrible alliance...) Dum: Keep it a secret from everyone, okay? Although nothing made sense, I nod for my own safety. The corners of Edgar's and Dum's lips curl up in satisfaction. *** After Alice left... Dum: *cough* ...! *cough* ... Edgar: You sure endured it well while Alice was here. Dum: It was a little... ... unpleasant, though... Dum was crouching on the ground, looking as if he was in pain, and Edgar looked down at him dubiously. Edgar: When I found you, you didn't hide the fact that you're in bad shape, so why did you hide it from Alice? Dum: Because that girl... She might worry about me for real, right? Edgar: ... Dum: That I don't want at all... As for someone as bad as you Edgar, I don't care. But I wouldn't like making a good girl like the Princess worry about me... *cough* ...! Edgar: Oh, really... So that's why you were resting in a place where no one could see you. Dum: ... Edgar: Well, it's okay. The impromptu lie about the Strange Junk Food Alliance was quite good, right? Dum: Yeah. It's perfect that not everything was a lie. Edgar: Haha... "We were here because of a business deal" was the only thing that was a lie. To weave lie into truth is a crook strandard. Dum: Certainly true. Edgar... Thanks for playing along with my deception. Edgar: You're welcome... However, I'm a little surprised. Dum: About what? Edgar: I thought you were a bad person just like me, but... You're unexpectedly good? Dum: ... That's a misunderstanding. I'm a guy who is way worse than you. *** (Hmmm... Strange Junk Food Alliance, huh... I wonder if Edgar and Dum are friends who get along well...?) After coming out from the back alley I headed towards the barracks, and thought about it, when... ???: Huh, Alice? (...?)

That afternoon there was a strong wind worthy of a gust blowing through a battle ground before a decisive fight. I was heading to the plaza, and saw that the person I was meeting was already there relaxing on a bench. Alice: Dean! When I call out to him, he turns his dazzling smile to me. Dean: Hello. It is admirable that you did not flee and actually came. Alice: I don't think I have a reason to run away. (Because today, for sure... Today is the day of my triump!) -flashback- It all began a few days ago... I bought a diary while shopping with Luka, and happened to meet Dean on my way back. Dean: Oh? You seem to be in very high spirits today. Alice: I certainly am! Look at this. Dean: Why are you showing me a notebook? Alice: I want to start an exchange diary. Dean: Oh, yes, they're popular lately. Who's the other person? Alice: I still haven't chosen anyone. Dean: Really... Then how about you share it with me? Alice: You wouldn't mind? Dean: Of course. There are things I've wanted to hammer into your head for a while now. Alice: Hammer into? -back to present- Dean: Here you go. Alice: Thank you very much! I fearfully open the diary Dean presented to me. (... What!) The thing I noticed first was "55 points" written in red. A few days ago Dean wrote questions in the diary, which were related to Cradle culture, and I tried to answer them, however the amount of points I got was less than I expected, and I felt like I was about to crumble down. (We've been sharing this exchange diary for a while now, however... I never got more than 60 points.) Alice: And I was so confident this time... Dean: That's not a passing grade. Alice: I will get 60 points next time! Dean: Are you kidding me? People should aim for 100 points on their tests. Alice: 100 points is a bit... Dean: If you have the time to say that it's impossible, study instead. I should praise you for managing to live here in Cradle while knowing only this much. Alice: (I, I cannot talk back to him!) On the outside he seems dazzling and kind, but the words spilling from his mouth are nothing but harsh. (Before we started to share the exchange diary, my impression of him was that he's a gentle boarding school teacher, but...) (He's just extremely savage!) Dean: I added notes to the problems, so that you can answer them properly. Alice: Um, Dean... Can we even call it an exchange diary? Dean: If you don't want to, let's stop? Alice: No! I don't want to end up being a poor student. (At the very least, I must triumph over Dean...) I clench my fist, and Dean's shoulders shake slightly, while he laughs. Dean: Nice. There is merit in training you. Alice: Training... Dean: Oh, this was a compliment just now. Alice: A compliment... It didn't sound like one. Dean: Then shall I compliment you in a more understandable way? Dean takes out a small bottle from his pocket and presents it to me. Alice: Is this... candy? Dean: Yes. You got more points than before, so it's a reward for that. Alice: Thank you very much... But, Dean. There's an "extremely spicy" label attached to this... Dean: Students who ate were so happy they cried. (Did they cry because they were happy!?) I'm a little suspicious, but the fact that I was praised make me happy. Alice: By the way... Can I ask one question? Dean: Go ahead? Alice: I thought about it before, but... Why did you take the time and effort to teach me about cultural history of Cradle? There are a lot of his students in the Black Army, but me and Dean are not particularly close. When I meet his gaze, he sends me his most dazzling smile of today. Dean: Because I thought you would be a fun girl to tease. Alice: ... Dean: I'm joking. Dean lifts the diary up and puts it on the top of my head. Dean: Sharing an exchange diary with you is a thank-you from me. Alice: A thank-you...? Dean: Ever since you came to the Black Army... Ray, Fenrir, Sirius, Luka, everyone became happier. That's why I always wanted to thank you in some way. Because I love seeing my students smile happily. (So that was the reason...) Dean's gentle smile was as bright as the sun. (I'm sure he's loved by many students.) Alice: You're a good teacher, Dean. Dean: Thank you. Should I give you one more bottle of the extremely spicy candy? Alice: I think you would be an even greater teacher without that. Dean: Really? It's my own form of affectionate touching. (He can be harsh and not always kind, though... I would have liked to be Dean's student for a bit longer.) Dean takes his hand away and the diary on my head falls down. I quickly grab it before it reaches the ground and it felt a little warm when I touched it...

Prompted by Seth, Oliver started to speak. Oliver: As for me... Well, let's see. Because of reasons, going outside during the day while looking like this would be difficult, but... Still, if I could... *** One early morning, when the sun was shining gently... Oliver and Alice went to the morning market to buy food ingredients for the party that was to be held at Blanc's house. (It's very early, but there are quite a lot of people here.) The hustle and bustle of the morning market that he did not normally visit made his drowsiness slowly go away. Alice: Today this place is more crowded than usual! (I see, so it's packed today specifically?) Oliver: Don't get lost, dummy. Alice: O-okay. He grabbed Alice's hand and pulled her to him, and her hand being so small made him confused for a moment. (Hand of a size that makes her helpless...) She squeezed his hand back. He wrapped her soft hand in his and headed towards the stall they intended to visit. Woman Selling Vegetables: Welcome! Alice: Good morning! I would like cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots and... the lettuce here too, please! Woman Selling Vegetables: How about some paprica as well? I will make it cheap! Alice: Then that too, please! Woman Selling Vegetables: Thank you for your purchase! While standing next to them, Oliver reached out his hands for the large paper bag full of vegetables and took it. Oliver: I will carry it. Alice: Really? Thank you! Woman Selling Vegetables: What a kind boyfriend. I'm so jealous! ("Boyfriend"? ... Do I look like one? What is she smiling about?) He looked down to Alice and... Alice: What, oh... Yeah, he is. Alice cast her eyes down, embarrassed, and her eyelashes formed a shadow on her face. (So she makes faces that I didn't see before. I can see them now only because I'm looking down at her.) Seeing that expression of hers for the first time, Oliver couldn't help smiling a little. *** After they finished shopping, Oliver and Alice went to a cafe to grab some breakfast. (Since we met up very early in the morning, I guess I'm still a little sleepy...) To get rid of the drowsiness, he ordered sandwitches and a strong morning tea. Oliver: Was it really necessary to do shopping this early in the morning? They call it a morning market, but it's open until noon, right? Alice: But if you don't come early, all the fresh stuff will be sold out. Oliver: Troublesome. Alice: About as troublesome as you who came along? Her eyes while she was teasing him made his heart skip a beat. Oliver: As for carrying bags, I always do that. It's not troublesome at all. Alice: Huh? You're somehow gentle today, Oliver. Oliver: Today? I'm always a gentleman. Alice: That's definitely true, but you're mean to me sometimes. I love you today, Oliver. Oliver: Oh, really. You love me only today? He looked at her with an intentionally serious expression, and Alice's cheeks flushed red. (This is a revenge for teasing me.) Alice: W-well... Waiter: Your sandwitches and a strong morning tea! Alice: L-let's eat! I'm hungry! Trying to hide her embarrassment, Alice quickly reached out her hand towards the sandwitches. (Interrupted during the best moment.) Oliver smiled bitterly to himself about the bad timing of the waiter, then turned his gaze to Alice and... He saw that her hair gleamed in the sunlight pouring through the window. (Beautiful...) Alice: Oliver, you're not eating? Your tea will get cold. (Even if I said that I was captivated, she probably wouldn't believe me.) Oliver: Yes, I was lost in my thoughts for a moment. Alice: What did you think about? Oliver: What the stall owner said earlier. You did not deny it, but... Are you fine with me being your "boyfriend"? Alice: ...! Her big eyes opened even wider from the surprise question and Oliver's expression became a bit warmer. Alice's rich expressions seen in daylight... They warmed his heart to the point he felt like it was about to burst. (This might be something pretty natural to other people, but... To be able to feel all of these 'pretty natural' things might be the definition of happiness.) Thinking about this, he lifted the cup to his lips, and even the strong morning tea tasted sweet...

The weather is ideal for a walk in this peaceful early afternoon and I hear a voice that is far from tranquil... ???: You stupid mouse, the great me called out to you, so wake up this instant! (...? This voice belongs to...) When I looked around, I saw Mousse sleeping under a tree, and Jonah looking down on him. Jonah: Slovenly sleeping in such a place... You have no shame. Mousse: Zzz... Jonah: ... (The situation is gradually getting worse!) I rush over to Jonah who is clenching his fist barely able to stand it all. Alice: Hello, Jonah! Jonah/Mousse: Alice? (Oh...) Mousse forces his tightly closed eyelids open and stands up sluggishly. Mousse: To be able to meet you... What a lucky day. Jonah: Hey! Why could you answer Alice's greeting, but not mine! Mousse: Because I love Alice and I hate you. (Oh, no. He should have used a bit more indirect expression...!) Jonah was trembling so badly from all the anger that he would have drawn his sword had it been available. (I wonder why these two are on such bad terms...?) Mousse: I know. You should sleep together with me, Alice. Alice: What!? Mousse: Today is a perfect day for an afternoon nap... Jonah: Alice! If you can hang out with such an unprincipled guy, then hang out with me instead! Alice: What!? Jonah: If you choose me, I will treat you to a delicious strawberry millefeuille. Alice: Agh... It's so unfair to tempt me with a millefeuille... Jonah: The winner is decided then. Alright, let's go. Cheered up, Jonah gripped my left hand. When it seemed like I would get dragged away by him... Someone pulled my right hand tightly too. Mousse: Alice... If you choose me, I will treat you to the finest cheese cake. Alice: Finest cheese cake... Mousse: I know a store where they sell the tastiest, softest, creamiest cheese cakes. Alice: Softest and creamiest...! Mousse: Not just cheese cake, they also offer a superb tea. Alice: Well...! Jonah: Alice, why are you hesitating! Alice: But... Jonah: Don't you know that a thing more delicious than a millefeuille does not exist in this world!? Mousse: You're biased. There are many delicious kinds of cheese existing in this world. Jonah: Strawberries are obviously more desirable than cheese! Alice: Hey, you two, please calm down for a second! Jonah: You're the one at fault for being so fickle! Mousse: So, Alice, whom will you choose? (Just when did the subject of the conversation change to this...!?) Still holding my hand, Jonah and Mousse fixed their eyes on me. Looks like there was never a choice to escape to begin with. (No matter whom I choose, I feel like it would be a start of a fight...) (I... I have no choice but to use my last resort!) Alice: Jonah, Mousse... I want the three of us to enjoy tea together! Jonah/Mousse: Three...? Alice: Yes! Because it's too hard to choose between a strawberry millefeuile and a cheese cake! I wanted to go eat delicious food with both of you... That's what I wish for... Mousse: ... Jonah: ... Alice: No good? Jonah: No, I guess I have no other choice, since it's you saying that. I can't believe I would be having tea with the mouse, but if you insist, I will join you. Mousse: If you don't want to, then you should go home. Jonah: Why should I be the one to go home! Alice: Now, now... (Electricity is floating, but for now I'm glad that we got somewhere!) Alice: At any rate... You two hate to lose, huh. (Jonah aside, I had no idea Mousse could become this passionate.) Jonah: Of course. No matter how trivial the thing it is, I cannot lose to the stupid mouse. To you, who left King Lancelot... Mousse: Me neither, I cannot lose to you, who's satisfied with such a narrow world. (Hmmm... They both have a mind of their own.) Our tea time was filled with violent fireworks flying around, but we went to their chosen stores and both the millefeuille and the cheesecake I was treated to were the most delicious ones I ever had. I said goodbye to Jonah and Mousse and started to walk through the main street once again. (All right... Where should I go next?) (Hm?) When I saw a familiar face in the middle of a crowd, I stopped. (He seems to be alone, but... Where is he going?)

Loki: Hey, listen, Hatter. I've been wondering about this forever... You're always wearing that hat, even inside the house. Why? Are you that worried about being short? Oliver: Looks like a very unruly cat came in. Get lost. Loki: Hmmm. Since you're dodging the question like this, then I guess you're trying to make yourself look higher with that. Oliver: You... You want to get punched pretty bad, eh. Loki: "Hatter" is a nickname? Well, I was a little curious about this too. Almost all of your earnings come from inventions, yeah? You don't have to be a hatter. Oliver: The inside of your head is like a canned tuna, so you might not understand it, but I have my reasons. No matter what everyone says, I'm a "Hatter". Remember that. Loki: Eh, that's not cute at all. Brats saying cheeky things like that deserve this. Oliver: !? You idiot, give me my hat back! Loki: You're so cute when you do these little jumps. A shortie like you cannot reach it. Oliver: Who's a kid here!? Having fun by playing nasty tricks! I'm not a shortie to begin with! Loki: I knew it, you're worried about being short after all!

On a certain winter day, when the chilly wind enveloped me... (Hmmm... What should I do?) I was taking a walk, then I sat down on a bench and I was staring at the diary I bought yesterday. I bought it on the spur of the moment, and that's all fine, but whom should I share this exchange diary with is still an open question. (To begin with, is there a person who would be willing to do this...) ???: Hello, Princess. Alice: ? A shadow fell on my diary and when I looked up, there was a paper cup in front of my eyes. Dum: This is for you. Alice: Huh... Dum, what's this? Dum: A refreshment from me. It's a hot fruit tea that's popular among kids these days. Alice: Can I really have it? Dum: Sure. If you keep sitting here on such a chilly day, you'll get cold. And I would feel lonely drinking it by myself, so let's hang out? Alice: If that's the case... Thank you very much! Dum: You're welcome. Enjoy. When I take the cup I often see at stalls, my cold fingertips warm up. While drinking a cup of fruit tea of his own, Dum sits down next to me. (I accepted it like it was nothing, but is it really okay?) Dum is an owner of a bar in the corner of the Central Quarter. I visited it countless times, but it doesn't mean we're that close. (Also... Wasn't he a playboy?) I remember all the warnings given to me by Sirius and Seth, and I hear alarm bells ringing quietly in my heart. Dum: Haha, so easy to see through. Alice: What is? Dum: Just now you became more wary of me, right? Alice: ! Err, well... I'm sorry. Dum: Why are you apologising? Alice: Because I was rude? Dum: Not really? On the contrary, I'm happy that you're wary of me. While snickering, Dum finishes drinking his fruits tea. (I just don't really get him...) Dum: By the way, are you in the middle of a walk? Alice: Yes. Dum: Well, me too. What's that notebook? Alice: This is... I heard that exchange diaries are popular, so I wanted to try sharing it with someone. Dum: They way you say it makes me think that you still haven't found that someone and are troubled. Alice: I thought that I would find someone to share it with, if I go for a walk. Dum: Then share it with me? Alice: With you, Dum? Dum: Lend it to me for a second. I hand over the diary just like he asks, and Dum produces a pen from his pocket. Alice: You carry around a pen, Dum? Dum: Oh, yes. I may look like this, but I'm actually a scholar. Alice: A scholar!? Dum: What I'm researching is a secret, though. (Hmmm... I understand him less and less...) While I'm standing there dumbfounded, Dum draws something in the notebook. In a few minutes, a cute sheep makes an appearance along with a wolf after it. Alice: Amazing... You're really skilled at drawing, Dum! Dum: Really? Thanks. Alice: But this picture, what the... Dum: It's my diary entry about today. (A sheep and a wolf?) Dum: Well then, your turn, Princess. Alice: Huh? Dum: It's an exchange diary, right? Alice: Rather than an exchange diary, this is becoming an exchange "picture book", I think? Dum: They're both about the same thing. He hands me the pen and the notebook back, and I end up accepting them despite myself. (What should I do... I'm not sure what to draw.) I put the fruits tea next to me and turn to the diary. However, my hand doesn't move at all... While I'm troubled, Dum's shoulder touches mine. Dum: If you don't know what to draw in the diary, how about I provide the content for you? Alice: ! When I look up, his handsome face blocks my entire vision. (When did he get so close...!) Dum: If you wish, I will make sure that you have some fun, Princess. Alice: ! No, thanks! I stand up, and take a step back, and Dum's shoulders shake while he laughs. (He did it on purpose!) I hate my heart a little for racing so openly. (That rumor about him being a playboy seems true... I have to be careful.) Dum: You don't have to be this alert. I was just joking. Alice: Your jokes are kind of hard to understand. Dum: I get that a lot. Anyway, Princess, looks like your escort has arrived. Alice: My escort? Dum pointed with this finger at the Black soldiers in the distance. (I think they are in the middle of a patrol, though...) Dum: Go back to the barracks together with them. Alice: Why? Dum: It's dangerous for a girl to wander around the town alone... For you, in particular. Alice: ...? Dum: You want to know why? Dum gets up and leans his face to my ear... Dum: Bad guys trying to sweep you away might be unexpectedly closer than you think? Alice: ...! That just barely audible whisper makes the alarm bells ring in my heart once again. Dum: Just kidding. Alice: Dum, was that another joke? Dum: Who knows? Dum snickers, and I thought that his eyes narrowed a little for a moment, in a wolf-like, perceptive way. Dum: Okay, see you around. I'm looking forward to your diary entry. Alice: Oh... Dum taps the diary in my arms with his finger once and leaves. (I just can't figure him out.) I experienced firsthand that he's a dangerous playboy, but on the other hand he's also kind, because he was concerned about me, gave me a warm fruits tea, and stayed with me, so that I wasn't alone. (I wonder if I would understand him better, if we became a bit closer.) I look at my hands and I see the diary and Dum's pen, which I forgot to give back. Somehow I cannot help thinking that the picture of a wolf and a sheep drawn on a random diary page looks like Dum and me... (I'm sure that this is just my imagination...?) I go back to the bench, drink the fruits tea, and the sweet taste lingers in my mouth...