Recettear: The Start of Everything
Chapter 1: Those Innocent Days
(Pensee) (Recettear)
The sound of an old style doorbell echoed at the landmark shop of Recettear that morning signaling the arrival or departure of another satisfied customer. Here on the hill of Pensee stood a humble little item shop owned by the charming Recette and her cold calculative partner, Tear.
It had been a slow morning for the owners of Recettear with very little customers passing through their doors. Only a few gentlemen and a little girl came by to purchase a few oddities from the shop and leaving rather abruptly as if they were in a rush to leave.
"Hmmm… there aren't a lot of customers today." Said Recette as she gazed hard on the window only to see a few passerbies glancing at the many exotic items she had on display.
"Agreed. It does seem rather unusual." Tear, the little yet mature fairy nodded in agreement. It seemed rather odd for people to simply pass by without coming in to sate their curiosity. Even those that made orders of books, bracelets and charms have failed to receive them. Even the Guild Master who was so insistent on ordering a variety of weapons was nowhere to be seen. This was most unusual.
"Hey Tear. Are you sure you flip the sign to open?"
The little gray fairy scoffed. "Of course I did. That is the first thing I normally do whenever you decide to open the store."
"Then why aren't there people coming in?"
"Merde. You can't expect people to walk in whenever you'd like something sold." Tear explained bluntly. "Obviously they have lives of their own to live. There are a lot of circumstances to why people aren't coming today."
"Euh!? Could it be that there's a worldwide flu that's taken over the people making them too sick to go out the door?"
"That's only one case scenario that we—"
"Or there's a grand-sale in Budkin's Bakery where they're selling three cakes for the price of one!"
Tear raised one of her gray brow in her partner's theory. "Well… that does sound viable. But I highly doubt they'd make that much cake for just—"
"Or maybe the monsters from one of the dungeons broke into the chocolate factory and stole all the chocolate! Eeeeeeppp! That's scary!"
It was clear to the little fairy where her friend's overactive imagination was going. "Your reasoning has gone from flu to sweets. Merde. I should've seen this coming."
"There's no time to waste Tear! Grab all the weapons and armors you can carry!" Recette urged quickly going through the back inventory.
"For what in god's reason would we need so many weapons?"
"We're going to the adventurer's guild!" Tear could only stare in puzzlement of that answer. "If the monsters are attacking the chocolate factory then we must get the adventurers to stop them at all cost!" Before the little Fairy could interject, Recette had already gotten all the plate mails and weapons that they had been saving for the Guild Master.
"You do realize that everything you said has been a figment of your imagination, right?"
"Figme wha?" Tear almost face palmed herself when she heard the door bell clinging her back to attention and hearing her partner go "Welcome to Recettear! Oh?"
"Yo Recette." A rather young man entered greeting the shopkeeper in a casual manner. His unkempt hair and his warm attire spoke much of his origins making it easy for the locals to differ him as a foreigner.
"Good morning Louie." Recette recognized the scarf wearing adventurer the moment he stepped through the door. "Sorry, but all of our cheap scarves were sold out last week. You'll have to come back again tomorrow."
The boy literally had a giant sweat drop appear on his head. "What kind of a greeting is that? Just because I'm normally broke doesn't mean you have to appeal my sense of cheap knockoffs."
"I apologize for Recette." Tear added. "But seeing as you constantly purchase the cheapest quality items we usually have for sale, we assumed that you would do the same on this basis."
"Have you two put me in some imaginary category in some imaginary folder?" Louie sighed seeing how his closest friends treat him as such a haggler. "Anyway, I'm here to pick up some stuff."
"Eh?" Recette tilted her head in a confused gesture. "Did you order something from us earlier?"
"I see no record of such." The gray fairy confirmed as she double-checked the names on her ledger. "I am matriculate on such recordings. What items did you request at the time?"
"It's not for me. It's for the Guild Master." The boy corrected. "He's busy arranging the festival at the plaza with everyone else so he sent me to pick the stuff up in his place. Let's see… he ordered… three pieces of armors. Do you have it?"
"Eh? A festival?" Recette's ears perked.
"Yeah. The… Harvest Festival or something." Louie tilted his head up trying to recall the event. "They say they're holding it tomorrow and there'll be free stuff. With dancing and singing."
"Ah… I remember hearing of that." Tear recalled. "Something that they hold once every two years to commemorate one of the best seasons of agriculture. I did not know that it would be held so quickly."
"Muuuu…"
"I hear its going be a grand one too." Louie added recalling the many stalls that will be placed in the plaza. "People from the other towns are also coming and even some nobles from the capital."
"Muuuuu!"
"What a marvelous event." Tear cheered. "Such attractions are excellent standings for businesses. With the increased tourism this will undoubtedly spring profits for us. Right, Recette?"
"Muuuuu!"
"Recette?" The two quickly noted the oddly silent girl bursting with joy.
"HARVEST FESTIVAL!" She exploded. "All you can eat cake buffet! Fireworks! And cake! And the music! And the cake! The games! Oh! And the cake!"
"I should've expected nothing less from you, Recette." Louie smiled charmingly.
Tear also agreed that she expected her partner to say something like that. For a girl, it seemed like her stomach had complete control of her mind. "Indeed. For some reason I'm hardly surprised of that reaction. It would certainly be good for our business if the Merchant's Guild decided to order large amounts of stock from our inventory."
"The Guild Master was looking for someone to supply the stalls with games. I can go over there and ask for the details." Louie volunteered.
"That would be most efficient. Please send our regards. Oh and before we forget. Recette." The girl in question looked back puzzled. "The order for the armors."
"Ah right. That'll be 54300 Pix. Please and thank you."
"There's no beating you in prices Recette. I'll take it." Happily, the young Swordsman paid and loaded the goods into his pack. "I'll be back later this afternoon if the Guild Master has anymore work for me. See ya."
And with a final wave, the morning sale ended at Recettear.
One would expect the shopkeeper to rest after a big profit from such a sale. But not Recette. The moment those doors closed, she put the 'Close' sign on the door and pulled out her running shoes like they were the most important thing of the day.
"Where are you going?" Tear asked looking from the counter.
"It's the Harvest Festival! That means there's a sale on Billy's Bakery! The baker there sells these delicious choco-covered cakes with cherries on top. They make it every Harvest Festival and I want to be the first in line!" Grabbing her coin pouch, Recette ran off leaving much undone.
"W… wait! Recette! We still need to clean up the attic like you promised! Ah… merde. That girl is stubborn the moment she has her mind on something. Wait for me!"
(Docks of Pensee)
Two men garbed in expensive leather clothes disembarked one of the larger ships that docked in the port of Pensee. The first who had his cutlass fastened to his hip, and a military uniform hidden under his clothes scanned his surroundings, taking in all the sights that this peaceful city had to offer. He looked well within his forties and struck a rather curly mustache that was well groomed.
"So this is Pensee?" He asked his companion. "A rather backwater of a place, is it not?"
"Yes my lord." The younger officer answered, humbled by his commander's presence. The younger man bore a sharp dashing raven hair and with deep eyes with colors to match. The armor he wore spoke much of his profession. "It is also the perfect place to scout for new recruits."
"You think so?" The commander spoke a bit unconvinced. "These peasants barely look like they could handle the weight of a sword."
"Fear not my lord. I will handpick only the strongest amongst the rabble. You need not worry on your reputation."
"Hmph. If you are so inclined." The older gentleman submitted harshly. "Very well Philippe. I will be attending with Lord Gustav later this evening so I shall pass on this matter to you. The Royal Guards will be arriving here in a month's time. You have until then to form this ragtag group that you so hope to make."
"Thank you for your trust, my lord." The young man carefully lowered his head in a bow, all the while smirking under his lips. "You certainly won't be disappointed."
(On the way to Billy's Bakery)
Billy's Bakery. One of the most humble bakeries in the city of Pensee, was opening its doors for the first time of the day. The smell of freshly made bread leaving the stove made all heads on the streets turn. The birds in the sky were attracted to its aroma and the various cakes on display boasted on the skills of the bakers.
Slowly but surely, customers were attracted and were readying their purses for grand purchases. But before any of them could reach the door, a hurricane of dust rushed through, revealing Recette with fiery passion burning in her eyes.
She ran all the way from her shop just to catch a glimpse of the cake. Back then when she was still in debt, her budget over meals were extremely tight. But thanks to all her payments, nothing was there to stop her. Her gaze fixed itself towards the super chocolate cake that was placed on the display window and before the next words left her lips, she entered and demanded the said cake like she was preparing to hold up the whole store.
"Thank you for your purchase!" The baker waved farewell to his first customer of the day.
"Sank you fwoh theh cake!" Recette had her mouth full of that cake when she replied. She savored every bite, every frosting, every cherry top like it was heaven sent. She didn't even bother with all the looks she got from the pedestrians as she gorged on her sweets.
"Recette!" Tear, her fairy accountant showed up panting heavily like she just flew a marathon.
The girl simply welcomed her like it was just another beautiful day in Pensee. "Oh Tear. You made it. I saved you a slice."
"Ah thanks—no! That's not it!" Tear burst out. "How could you just leave the store like that? You didn't even bother to lock the door. What would you do if burglars suddenly stole all of our valuables."
"Eh? But I already put the closed sign on the door. Shouldn't that be enough to tell them that we're not open?"
If Tear's hands were any bigger, she probably would've face-palmed her friend to show how silly that sentence was. Recette probably mistook that sign to be some kind of magic barrier that kept people out of the shop. Not surprising as her shop hadn't suffered a single burglary since its grand opening which was quite surprising. If such a thing were true, the value of having guards patrol the streets would lessen significantly.
"Just because you have a sign out doesn't mean people won't come in uninvited. Seriously, you need to stop taking things for granted."
"Aww don't be like that Tear. Come on. Have some cake. It's really good."
"No thank you." The fairy declined. "Unlike you, I have a strict diet on what goes in my body."
"Eh? But didn't you have that big cheese the other day and the day before?" Recette recalled the meal she had a few days back. "Wait… if you're watching at what you're eating then… does that mean…?"
"Guuu…" Tear held back trying to avoid her partner's gaze. "Wh… where are you looking at?"
"Tear? Did you… gain…?"
"I did not!" The gray fairy yelled in panic. "I am perfectly in shape!"
"Aha! I knew it. You really did gain weight!"
"Recette!" Tear jerked a tear. "Don't say something so absurd out loud!"
"Mwahahaha! Chubby. Tear got chubby!" Recette poked her friend's tiny belly as she teased. "Now that I mentioned it… you have been flying a bit low lately."
"I… I am not!" Tear refused to accept it. "I simply enjoy the warm weather in lower altitudes. If you haven't noticed. Spring is almost at an end and it will be getting colder as you go higher." But Recette's grin simply irritated her more. "And stop with that stupid grin of yours! It's disturbing."
"Ahehehe. Don't be sad Tear. I'm sure you can compensate by flying few laps around the city. You'll be back in shape in no time. Now here. I saved you the best piece."
"Are you attempting to make me lose weight or gain weight?"
"Aha! So you do admit that you've gained weight!"
Tear jerked back, cursing inwardly to her carelessness. "I said nothing of the sort. I was merely stating your constant contradiction of words."
"Hai hai. Now eat up before the cake gets spoiled."
Finally, the gray fairy admitted defeat and joined her partner for a lovely morning at the plaza watching the preparation of the festival get underway.
In all her time living with Recette, Tear never once saw the plaza busy as it was now. Sure, she came here from time to time to enjoy a relaxing stroll around the fountain, but this was probably the first time she saw so many humans in one place. All around she could see familiar faces that visited the item shop once or twice. The old couple that visited earlier to the shop was coordinating a group of workers placing banners and stands in their proper places. The lady who owned the orchard outside the city was bringing barrels of cider and stacking them for the festival. Obviously, the all you can eat and drink that Louie mentioned might've been true.
She can already picture a certain thief and a bankrupt priest-in-training drinking till they drop somewhere around here. Already she began to wager who was going to drop first. The pub owner would be happy to see those two out of his establishment for one night and have them drown in someone else's tab.
"Oh, good morning you two." A familiar voice caught their attention. The pair quickly turned their heads around to find a girl with long brown hair wearing an oriental outfit that differentiated her from the rest of the locals. "Having a morning stroll are you?"
"Ah! Nagi. Good morning." Recette and her partner greeted back in unison. "What brings you over? Are you here for the super cheap choco-cake from the bakery?"
"I think you're the only person who would be excited about that." Tear stated ignoring her friend's protest.
The woman named Nagi simply chuckled at them. "I see you two haven't changed. Though I'm afraid you're mistaken. I'm running an errand for the market today."
"An errand?" The shopkeeper inquired.
"Yes. Apparently the lady in the tailor shop required some rabbit fur for her work so I was hired to travel to the Amber Garden."
"EH!?" The two immediately flinched on the thought. They looked at one another before turning back to the female adventurer who continued to smile pleasantly at them.
"You went to the dungeon…"
"…alone?" Tear finished with a bead of sweat dropping off her head. "And you… didn't get lost?"
"Hmm? Oh not at all. It was a quick journey, I assure you." The owners of Recettear sighed with relief knowing well the terrible sense of direction this girl had. Heck you could probably point her to the house next door and she'll probably end up in the capital the next morning one way or another. "I only spent a whole week there." Tear nearly spat her cake out.
"A… a whole week!?" Recette panicked. "You spent a whole week inside the dungeon? All by yourself?"
"Yes. It was quite an experience." Nagi replied feeling like it was just an ordinary thing to happen to someone like her. "After gathering all the rabbit fur I could carry, I accidentally stepped onto the portal leading to the next floor. The area I was in was a volcanic area so water was extremely hard to find. The next area appears to be ruins of sorts so I spent some time hunting more monsters for their meat. Afterwards, I nearly died of dehydration twice until I finally made it to the 15th floor. Eventually I found the way out. But then I noted a treasure box in the next corner so I decided to open it. To my amazement, the box was a trap and it teleported me to the other side of the dungeon. Then afterwards, I lost my map and the announcement claimed that all the monsters there had double defense and attack which made it all the more difficult to get through. And then…"
"That's ok… I think we get it." Tear stopped her before she could go on. "Goodness. Not even a Global Position System would be able to get you out of there."
"Ah. But you need not worry about me getting lost." Nagi informed them. "The lady was kind enough to provide me with a ball of yarn so I would not lose my way." Again, Tear sweat dropped. "Anyway. I should be heading off. This Festival really is really a sight to behold. It's quite amazing how the mayor decided to hold it all for three days straight."
"I know right?" Recette agreed taking another bite off her cake. "There'll be dancing, and food, and games, and food, and fireworks and food and sweets and cakes and cheese and hamburgers and…"
"We get it!" Tear growled irritatingly. "Merde. Does your brain hold nothing but thoughts for your stomach?"
"Of course not." Recette pouted back in defense. "Food only covers 30% of my thoughts. Another 10% for sleep and playing, 5% on all the marketing stuff and another 5% on others."
"That is considered to be a dominant side of your brain." Tear added face palming herself. "And what of the other 50%? What does that cover?"
"Why… you of course." Recette answered plainly which surprised the young fairy in turn.
Again, Nagi chuckled at how innocent the girl could say such a thing. "Ara ara. What a sweet thing to say."
"Wh… what kind of an answer is that!?" Tear jerked back, a mad blush forming around her cheeks. Recette didn't seem to understand her outburst. "How am I occupying 50% of your brain?"
"Well it's true." Recette answered innocently. "You've taught me so much in the last few months that you've been with me. The Librarian kept telling me that the brain is where I keep all my precious memories but it's not infinite. So if there's anything I want to remember forever, then you have to keep it locked up tight in your head and I decided thatI want to keep my memories of you with me the most." Tear's face grew redder and redder by the minute that the tomato in the stall nearby would pale in comparison. "Because my time with you Tear, has been the most precious memories I've had."
"Recette…" The gray fairy was speechless. She could barely keep eye contact with her partner much less say anything back to respond to that honest touch. But she kept her mask up for a moment.
"Ara ara. It seems like I'm eavesdropping in on a private moment." Nagi who was ogling over that passionate exchange knew that she had no place there and quietly slipped off into the background. "Exit, stage left."
"Tear? Why are you crying?" Recette noted drips of water appearing on her partner's cheeks. "Did I say something wrong?"
"How can you say something… so embarrassing so naturally!?" The little fairy hastily flew off dropping her share of the cake on the floor.
"Ah! My cake! Tear! Wait! Come back!" Recette tried to give but was stopped by a figure that suddenly bumped on her way. "Kyaa!" The girl felt like she was pushed down but the fact truly stated that the figure she bumped onto was tougher than her tiny body.
"Oh my!" Philippe, who was the figure Ricette bounced off yipped. "A thousand pardons my lady. Are you injured?" The boy was relatively taller than the girl even as he knelt to meet her height.
"Oweee, my gludious maximus…" Ricette muttered rubbing the back of her behind. She then noted the boy offering her hand which she unconsciously accepted. "Th… thank you…?"
The boy bowed the moment he brought the girl back to her feet. "I truly apologize for that. Standing idle for so long was a terrible mistake on my end especially in a busy street such as this. I hope I did not do any permanent damage to you."
Ricette was smitten. The moment she looked up she felt like she was gazing at her knight in shining armor. Her head just barely reached his torso making it look like she was gazing upon a giant in those mythical legends. The silver armor painted in the shape of a blue bird spoke of his figure. His facial features, dark raven hair and that beauty mark right between his left eye and mouth made him like a dreamy prince from a fairytale.
"N… n… n… not at all." Ricette returned, feeling stunned for a brief moment by the boy's features. "I'm… sorry…"
"Your kindness is too much." Philippe gratefully accepted her apology as well as his. "Truly I am not accustomed to such a place. I shall double my efforts to be more wary in the future."
"Ah… yeah… of course…"
Again the young knight bowed. "If you don't mind pardoning my rudeness. Perhaps you can direct me to the Adventurer's Guild. I appear to have lost my way and I am unfamiliar with any of the streets. If you can provide any assistance I would be eternally grateful."
"The… Adventurer's Guild?" Ricette inquired which the boy confirmed. She then pointed to the large building near the bridge on the northeast corner of the plaza. "That building over there with the large wall around it. That's the one you're looking for."
"Ah I see. So the large structure that looks like a fort. I thank thee, my lady." And without any hesitation, like it was the most natural thing to do, Philippe kissed the girl's hand like a hero from a romantic novel telling the story of true love. "Let us meet again in better times. But for now, I bid thee, adieu." And like the wind that he was, he dashed off into the distance leaving only the air behind for her to remember him by.
It didn't take long for Tear to return after seeing that little event in the distance. "Ricette, are you alright? Did that man hurt you?"
"That was… so…"
"Ricette? What's the matter?"
"He was so… cool."
"Pardon?" Tear raised a brow only to be recoiled by the sudden bombardment of imaginary hearts that flew from Ricette's mind. "BWAH!"
"He was like a real prince! That was totally romantic! A love at first sight!" The shopkeeper went on for a whole minute of praises before she finally came to a stop. Her pupils had morphed into hearts and her stomach churned with butterflies and the hearts that bubbled out of her were so light that they as well lift her whole body into the air. "Ah Tear… it seems I am reaching that time when my first love enters my mind."
"Somehow I highly doubt that." The fairy bluntly stated putting the girl's delusions into perspective.
"Huaa… I wonder if he'll buy me candy if I asked him. I'd fall in love with him even more." Recette added dreamily.
"You'd sell your heart for a piece of candy!?" Tear barked back but her words were ignored as the girl simply dazed like a dumbstruck girl. "Merde. You only just met. Love at first sight is nothing more of a myth. But… something about him does strike me as odd."
"Uwaa! Don't tell me you fell for him too! No fair Tear! I saw him first! I don't want this to end up as a generic-tragic love-triangle where both of us die while none of us get the man!"
"I believe you misunderstand… and what's with that generic love triangle? How is it a tragic… never mind." Tear brushed it away, knowing well that going into that topic would take hours to resolve. "What I'm trying to say is… that I've never seen that person around here. He doesn't look like a local. Judging by his demeanor and expensive clothes… he must be someone from the capital."
"So… does that mean he's smart?"
The fairy sighed. "It certainly means that he was given better education that you. The way he talks also seemed elegant and proper meaning that he may also of nobility."
"Does that mean he's a prince looking for a princess?"
"Which part of that did you come to that conclu… no… never mind. However… the crest on his armor… where have I seen that before?"
"Crest? You mean that blue bird thing on his armor?" Ricette guessed which was surprisingly correct in Tear's case.
"Yes. That's right. That symbol. I know I've seen it somewhere before. But where?" But her train of thoughts soon came to a stop when the same familiar voice called out to them.
"Yo Recette, Tear. You're here." Louie, the swordsman called out to them from the center of the plaza where most of the activities were handled. Judging from the smudges of paint on his face and the dirt on his clothes, one could say that the boy had been working hard in the last hour that they last met. "I wasn't expecting to see you here so early."
"Oh it's you again."
"Don't call me 'you'. I'm not some generic villager that goes around greeting people and welcoming them to the city." The boy complained to the fairy that didn't seem to have any intent on apologizing. "So what brings you out here? I was going to visit you guys again back at the shop. Are you out scouting for a place to put your stand?"
"A stand?" Recette inquired puzzling. "You mean one of those one-stop-shops you see everywhere?"
He nodded back in reply. "Pretty much. The slots are filling in like crazy even though the festival preparations are just starting today. The Guild Master alone is having a hard time just trying to fit everyone in a corner."
"I can see that." Tear nodded, knowing well that the festival meant holding the entire population of the city in one area. "It would certainly be difficult squeezing everyone in such a place. But business would soar greatly at such a place."
"Yeah, and apparently some nobles from the capital will be coming too." Louie added pointing to the large mansions on the other side of the bridge. "A few noblemen just came by earlier so people are making a big fuss about it."
"So does that mean there's a chance that I can see my Prince Charming again? Yay!"
"Prince Charming?"
Tear shook her head in distraught before explaining. "It seems that Ricette has been smitten by a gentleman from the capital. Seriously, who knew that she would be taken by a few honeycomb words and a shining smile?"
"Aww, don't worry Tear. You're still my number one." Ricette added holding Tear by her cheeks. "Tee hee."
"Please don't show such affection in such a public place!" The fairy turned red again trying to pull herself away. "Merde. Only you can do such a thing without any regard on who sees us."
Louie could only raise a brow at them not really understanding what was going on. "Well. I don't know a lot about Honeycomb words and such but you really should do something about that cake stain on your shirt." Ricette blinked confused and suddenly realized that the cake she had earlier had made a mess on her cheeks leaving a brown mark on her chest.
"Cake? Uwaah! My favorite shirt! It's all ruined!"
"Favorite shirt?" Tear questioned. "Isn't that the same thing you wear almost… well… practically every day since we first met?"
"Of course not!" Ricette countered trying to wipe the stain off with her hands but obviously she was just making it worse by the minute. "Even a lady like myself, have a sense of fashion. This one has two more pockets than the others. The one I wore yesterday had an extra button on the collar and the one I wore before that had a cut frill on the sleeves."
"But don't they all look the same?" Louie reasoned which was quickly ignored. He saw the girl desperately trying to remove the stain but instead it just became bigger. Unable to take it, the boy dropped his tools and removed his scarf. "Alright stop that. You're just making it worse. Here, use this." He dipped his scarf to the fountain soaking it like a sponge.
"Are you sure that's alright?" Tear asked. "That scarf looks pretty important."
"Don't worry. I can just buy another one from your shop whenever you have one on sale." He gently wiped the stain away, dirtying his prized scarf. "There we go. That should keep the stain off. But I think it would be best if you put that in the laundry for today and change into something else."
"Ahehe. Thanks Louie." Ricette gave out her best smile in appreciation.
"That's amazing. It seemed almost like magic." The gray fairy said in amazement to which Louie simply smirked with pride.
"Don't underestimate the absorption ability of my homemade scarf. From a land that has a lot of snow, and floods in spring and summer we have need of something like this from time to time." Louie stated proudly flashing his trademark hero pose. "Oh and that reminds me. Since both of you are here already, I got word from the Guild Master. He said that he might have to put on a few orders of foodstuff and clothes from you. The event might be too big for his guild to handle alone so you might want to meet with him personally."
"Hmm. That might certainly be worthwhile. Ricette and I shall consider it." Tear bowed with some hint of gratitude. "Come Ricette."
"Aww. Can't I at least get one more cake?"
"No. You already had one too many as it is. We mustn't allow such a prominent business time pass by without taking an opportunity of it. Come. We have orders to fill out."
"Buuu…"
And just like that, the two sisters left, leaving the young swordsman by to praise in their innocence. Louie felt like he wanted to say more and enjoy a little more time with those two but like Tear said before: Business waits for no one.
"Hey Louie! Stop goofing around and get back to work!"
"Bwah! Ah… yes sir! Right away sir!"
(Adventurer's Guild)
The Adventurer's Guild. A guild comprised of warriors of different assortment of skills and talents. It was a place where soldiers, mercenaries, rogues, mages and foreign legion come to work part-time to assist the local guards and warding off monsters from the dungeons.
It was perhaps the closest thing this city had to a military force but of course there weren't any commanders or leaders to order them around and they hardly had any opportunity to fight other than facing the many critters from the many dungeons outside the city. They mostly do odd jobs for the city and help around wherever they could so long as they were paid correctly. In truth one might actually call this place a guild house for professional or multitalented labor.
Philippe walked in, feeling a bit out of place as he seemed to be the only few people who actually entered the guild hall. He was hoping to find warriors, barbarians, mages or some ex-soldiers hanging around drinking merrily and talking about their latest conquest. But instead the hall felt empty and barren.
"Umm…"
"Oh… hello there." The middle-aged man who acted as the receptionist greeted. "What can I do for you good sir?"
Philippe quickly returned the gesture and approached the counter with caution. "Ah well… yes, pardon me. But this wouldn't happen to be the Adventurer's Guild, would it?"
"That's what it says on the sign outside." The receptionist humored, cracking a smile. "Is there something you need?"
"Yes well. I was hoping to hire a few adventurers for a cause. I am willing to pay an honest coin for every member that will join."
"Is that so? Do you have someone particular in mind?"
Philippe looked around and felt somewhat disappointed. When he heard the name, Adventurer, he expected to find a multitude of races here like in those video games where the hero finds a party of ragtag warriors of different classes hanging around. But that image was broken into small time washed up soldiers who barely look like they could handle themselves in a fight. He needed warriors, not drunkards or couch potatoes.
"The selection here aren't… exactly to my expectations."
"Ah well. Sorry about that." The receptionist apologized. "Most of the adventurers were hired by the Merchant's Guild yesterday to help prep for the festival."
The young man's face lightened. "I see. Can you recommend me a few names? Tell them I would pay a large amount for any that would join."
"Umm… sorry, but it doesn't work that way Mister." Philippe looked back, puzzled. "I guess since you're new here, I supposed I should take it from the top. You see…" And soon enough the receptionist began explaining the details of the guild and how the members operate by themselves with Business Cards and such.
"I see. So I will have to procure a business card from each warrior personally to earn their trust. It is like knights swearing their allegiance to their sovereign king. A remarkable tradition."
"Well I wouldn't put it that way, but that's close enough." The receptionist nodded, satisfied that his customer understood their system.
Philippe could only grumble but his eyes felt determined. "It seems that hiring warriors of such calibers requires more effort than I originally imagined. I will need to double by efforts. Good sir!"
"Ah… yes?" The receptionist jerked back at his sudden call.
"Can you direct me to the strongest warrior in the guild itself?"
"Strongest warrior?"
"Yes. A soldier of extraordinary qualities. The strongest of all of you. The bravest! The deadliest warrior this guild has to offer!"
"If you're talking about the strongest warrior in the guild then you're probably looking for…" But the man was interrupted by the door opening. "Oh Nagi. Welcome back." The receptionist greeted the oriental warrior. "You didn't get lost coming back here, did you?"
"I may have been distracted by a pair of loving sisters." The long haired spear wielding warrior answered with a cheerful smile. "But the task was completed in a satisfactory manner. I have procured my completion mark."
"That's great. Here's your pay." The receptionist quickly produced a bag of pix from the counter. "There are more offers on the Mission Board if you need extra pay. Come by whenever you feel like it."
"I certainly will. Oh? Charme?"
"Yo Nagi. Was it me or did I hear a bag of coins clinking earlier?" A woman of wild and untamed feature appeared from the dark surprising even Philippe himself.
"Your sense of hearing is as impeccable as ever." Nagi chuckled recalling the girl's sense of hearing. She was so adept at it she could probably hear someone drop a few loose coins along the crowded road. "I certainly did recently complete an assignment."
"Yosh! That means the drinks tonight are on you."
"Charme. Don't leech off someone else's hard work." The receptionist whined. "If you want to eat or drink then you'll have to work like everyone else."
"I suppose I can pay more for the exotic company." Nagi innocently brushed it off which the purple haired thief jumped with glee.
"That's what I like about you Nagi. You never complain about anything I do."
"But I believe the pub will not be open until this evening so you will have to wait for awhile."
"Details, details." Charme tsk her tongue. "There are plenty of other places that sell good booze at a time like this. Besides, with the festival coming up, I need to practice my drinking for the 'all you can drink contest'."
"Ahuhuhu. There certainly is no stopping you when it comes to drinking. I shall be more than happy to join you for lunch."
And with a happy cheer from the thief, they left.
"I'm sorry about that." The receptionist apologized to his customer for leaving him unattended for a brief moment. "That one would be Charme, our resident self-proclaimed thief. She can be pretty loud. I assure you that the rest of us are nothing like her."
"That was…" Philippe shuddered giving the receptionist a curious expression.
"Sir? Are you… alright?"
"Those two were perfect!" The young knight roared. "A foreign warrior with an elegant smile. A thief with a heart of gold! They're perfect additions to my ragtag group! I must find a way to earn their business cards! My dream of a perfect party of heroes is at long last, in sight! Thank you fellow citizen." With a determined fire in his eyes, the knight dashed off kicking the dust in the air.
…
"What the heck was his problem?"
(Gustav's mansion)
Alouette Gustav had finished her stroll that morning and was now returning to her home across the bridge. Always by her side was her trusted companion Prime, who sat by her shoulder like she was riding a bandwagon.
"Ugh… it's so hot…" The red dressed fairy grumbled as she tried to hide under the long tamed hair of her master. "Why in the world did we have to walk in such a hot day? It's murder for my complexion."
"Oh hush Prime." The young heiress of the Gustav's household stated. "It is common for a member of the nobility to walk the streets to show their brilliance and have the plebeians gaze in envy of our beauty."
"You weren't talking so high and mighty when the lady gave you a free cold apple in the market." The red fairy added only to earn a sharp gaze from her mistress. "Besides. Why can't you just admit that you wanted to visit Recettear instead of just saying that you're taking a walk?"
This time, it was Alouette that turned red in front of her fairy. "Wh… what are you blathering about? I simply enjoy the sight on the hill. Besides. That peasant's store was built right in the place where the breeze is most enjoyable. You are sadly mistaken if I would put any effort in visiting my rival of all things."
"Yeah yeah. Sure. Whatever you say Mistress. But you gotta wonder though. Since the festival is being held tomorrow, maybe she'll be in the plaza dancing instead."
Alouette's eyes widened. "Dancing? Of… of course! That plebian would certainly be attending that mockery of a party enjoying herself with the rest of her people."
"It's too bad you can't join. It would've been fun."
"Err…"
"The shops there will probably be selling plenty of stuff. And they even said there'll be free food and drinks. Oh… maybe I'll drop by and have a taste of that Billy's Bakery special cake."
The heiress stormed. "Hey wait a second! Why do you get to go and I can't!?"
"Well technically I'm not a noble so I can attend it just fine. You on the other hand have to attend the big banquet and stuff."
"Oh no you don't!" The blonde spoiled girl grabbed her fairy friend in a tight lock. "There's no way I'm letting you have all the fun. If I'm going to go through this party then you're coming with me!"
"What!? No! I hate the food here. They're classy and tasteless! Too much oil and fat! I'm not gonna choke down your vegetables just because you don't like them!"
"I am your master, you are to obey everything I say!" The girl insisted.
"There's a difference from working to slavery!" Prime struggled to get off but was futile against a human's strength. "Help! Child labor laws! Domestic abuse! Call the gendarme! Slave driver! Kidnapper!"
"Alouette? Prime? Is that you?" The two immediately stopped their bickering when an elderly voice called out to them from afar. They recognized the face almost immediately.
"Father?" Alouette behaved in her noble-ish manner when she realized that her father was not alone.
"I was wondering what all that racket was all about. I was half way to calling the guards. What are you doing up and about so early in the morning?"
"We were… going on a stroll." She answered. "A morning walk around the town to display our prestige."
"Hmph. More like an excuse to see a friend. Ow!" Prime felt her mistress's elbow.
"Well it's good to know that you're doing well in this new city." Lord Gustav smiled before remembering his guest. "Oh and that reminds me. Lord Rivelle. Allow me to reintroduce my daughter, Alouette."
"A pleasure to meet you again young lady." The man in military uniform tipped his imaginary hat in respect to which Alouette remembered to bow in return.
"Alouette, you remember Nilbert Rivelle from the capital?"
"Of course." She responded gazing at the man in question. "Greetings Baron. It has been some time."
A wide grin appeared from the man. It almost felt disgusting just watching those finely trimmed teeth of his. "Ah. Finally. Proper manners and etiquette befitting a lady of stature. Your birthright has made you into a fine noble, Lady Alouette, despite the filth that crawls itself around you. You are truly a shining beacon for all the serfs here."
"You are too kind my lord."
"Baron Rivelle has just arrived today from the capital. I hope your trip wasn't too harsh." Alouette's father explained gesturing to his friend.
"It was… durable, despite the stench of commoners. Absolutely no class whatsoever. But… I digress." The officer looked like he wanted to spit off his disgust but stopped because of the company around him. "Some refinement from your establishment had cured me of those wounds."
"Then perhaps I could interest you in some fine wine and cheese from home. I am certain that you will love it. Alouette. Please excuse us for a moment."
"Of course father." Again Alouette bowed allowing the two gentlemen passage to the estate. For a split moment, Alouette acted like the lady that she pretended to be. All the lessons, all the endurance training she had with her tutors paid off even just for a moment. But for some reason, all that acting left a somewhat bitter taste in her mouth. Like a fine wine that had gone bad because of a single spoiled grape mixed in the batch.
"I don't like that guy…" Prime's irritation escaped her. And for what little reason she had, Alouette had to agree. There was clearly something about that officer that gave her a bad vibe. It wasn't that shining toothy smile or that smug attitude of his. Something beside those felt like a parasite that was gnawing itself on her skin. It did not sit well with her.
(Pensee Orphanage)
Things were loud at the orphanage that afternoon. Not that it wasn't always noisy with all the kids roaming around in the playground being the large bundle of energy that they were. But today was different. With the orphanage being so close to the plaza, the kids had more than a good reason to go out and play with all the energy they had. With all the pretty colors and lovely smelling food, it seemed only natural for those little minds of curiosity to go out and explore.
"Oi! Alfonso, Charlemange, Elizabeth! You three behave!" Caillou, the youngest protégé of the Mage Guild yelled out as he tried to stop a bunch of troublemakers annoying the carpenters. "How many times do I have to tell you not to bother the workers while they're handling stuff? If you cause an accident what will happen?"
"Sorry big brother Caillou." The trio apologized.
"Ah. Forget it. It's almost time for lunch anyway so get back home and wash yourselves up."
"Okay!"
"Goodness. How can they still run after all that jumping and yelling?" The mage mumbled feeling exhausted chasing those kids. He felt like a shepherd tracking down lost lambs that strayed too far from the pack. "It's like they have a limitless supply of energy in those bodies."
"What's this? Is the great and mighty Caillou expressing his irritation with kids his age?" A priest/monk in training laughed from behind which surprised the boy.
"E… Elan!? Wh… what are you doing here?"
"What do you mean what I'm doing? I'm working of course." The man replied feeling hurt.
"Working? You mean you're actually doing something to earn money instead of wasting them?"
The priest wanabe sweat dropped. "Hey, that's a little harsh. I make a living too you know. How else do you think I get all the nice things for the kids?"
"Hmph. Perhaps if you didn't have so much debt in the pub perhaps you would have more on you."
"Hey. A guy's gotta eat too. And drinking is like breathing for me. If I don't have one or two bottles before the moon gets up, I'll die."
The young wizard only sighed at his illogic reply. "This explains why you hardly have anything on you at all. Perhaps you should consider a change in your profession. I make more than twice of what you earn in your part-time work."
"Eh? You work too?"
Caillou barked. "What is that supposed to mean!? Of course I work! How else do you think I pay for all my lodging and expenses!? Just because I look like a child doesn't make me one. I happen to be a respected wizard in the Committee of Magic both here and in the capital. I have both a salary and royalties."
"Oh I've heard of those guys. They're supposedly people who are trying to improve lifestyle with magic."
"Hmm… so you aren't that ignorant of the world after all. I'm impressed." The young mage smirked much to his friend's dismay. "Then you can probably understand my brilliance. There isn't a man my age that has progressed magic in such a way that improves the lives of others."
"Heeeh. You're actually pretty smart, aren't you?" Elan then casually rubbed the boy's head making him grin even more. "It's no wonder the lady left you in charge of the orphanage. You're pretty responsible for a little tike."
"Ahehe. Geh!" Caillou quickly came to his senses and backed away. "Don't go rubbing other people's heads without their permission! Where are your manners, you fake priest!"
"Ahahaha. Sorry about that. A force of habit. Here… have a candy as an apology." Elan quickly produced a candy from his pocket which the boy unconsciously accepted. "Well I gotta get back to work. Take care of the kids while I'm out and I'll treat you to some cake from Billy's Bakery. You can have a whole slice all to yourself."
"Really!?" The boy's eyes gleamed before reverting back to their serious mode. "Ah… I mean. That… that would be an adequate reward, if… if you insist."
But just as the two old friends had their little chat, a rather loud conversation was taking place in the corner of the plaza.
"Did you hear? Barengan officially declared war on Chamboir last week." Several housewives and elderly gentlemen gossiped in the corner whispering and looking around.
"I know. They said that Chamboir is being annexed by its neighbors after the civil war that killed the royal family."
"They say that the princess is still missing and the nobles there are banding together to repel the invaders. It's even rumored that our king is planning to support some of them."
"If our country gets involved, then the battle will probably take place in the desert on the other side of the river. Near Castle Advocat."
"Is that why there are so many nobles coming to our town? Is the fighting going to be here?"
"That's impossible. Pensee is too far from the border to be of any worth. They're probably just gonna use this place to bring troops to the front line."
"But the fighting. It could reach all the way here and there's not a lot of soldiers in Pensee either!"
"Shh! Be quiet. Do you want the whole city to hear you?" The group quickly dispersed, leaving only echoes of their discussion for the eavesdroppers to sort out.
"War huh…" Caillou muttered. "I've only heard of such things in reports and messengers but never in real life." He then darted his eyes to the priest in training. "Hey Elan. You were once a soldier. How is it like? War, I mean."
"Hmm?" The priest in training was brought out of his daze. "Ah. It's nothing for you to be concerned about. Leave that stuff for the adults and focus on what you do best at school, squirt."
"Hey! Don't hide behind under the pretext to belittle me! I can fully understand that…"
"Oh, it looks like Alfonso got stuck in the tree again. You'd better help him."
"Huh? Oh! Alfonso! Come down! Don't climb that tree!" Immediately Caillou ran off after seeing one of the troublemakers trapped on the tree branch near the orphanage.
But while Elan admired the boy's dedication to his juniors, he couldn't help but feel a bit worried about the future of this town. He looked upward to the sky, a sense of nostalgia looming over him. "War huh… So Chamboir is finally gonna decide it once and for all. If they're gonna use Pensee… then this city might be heading in for some hard times."
(Recettear)
Later that night, Recette and Tear returned to their home. For the whole day, Recette expected to live a pleasant and easy-going life. But Tear had turned her tour into a business trip going from one establishment to another catering orders one after another. It went rather successfully of course with all the assortments needed to hasten the preparation of the festival.
"I'm home…" Recette said to herself as she entered her home. "Uwa… I'm tired. Good night."
"Hold your engine on just a little bit longer." Tear stopped her from entering her bedroom. "We still need to categorize all of the orders that we piled up. And not to mention sort out the items we intend to give them."
"Awww… but it's already way past sleepy-time." The shopkeeper yawned. "I wanna go to bed."
"Surely you can give a little more effort. I still haven't forgiven you for leaving all those blank record books!"
"Uwa… but I'm tired~ I can't walk anymore."
"Goodness gracious…" Tear said out loud. "You were so energetic this morning with all that running. Haaa… I supposed I can let you rest for a minute or two. Take a quick shower and return here later."
"Okay~" Recette dragged her last word with her.
Tear couldn't help but sigh. She had already grown accustomed to Recette's laziness but no matter how many times she sees it, she can't help but grow irritated by her actions. If she still had those debts coming in her mailbox she'd probably be yelling at her right this instant.
But then… Tear believed that she could cut the girl some slack. After all, she was the only family and friend she truly had left. After the incident two months ago with the president of the Terme Finance Company trying to take over the dungeon worlds, she did save her life. Well… technically Louie did but she and Alouette were there as supporting characters. She did owe her life twice over to her after all.
"Well… I supposed I could cut her some slack." The fairy muttered quietly to herself until she heard a loud thud in the other room. "Hmm? Ricette? What was that noise?" She opened the door to the bedroom only to find the girl half way to bed. Tear sighed again wondering how this young lady could've stayed by herself for all these months. "Merde… what would you do without me?" Reaching out for the girl, she gently used her tiny hands to pull the sleepy-head to her bed and tucked her in gently like a mother would do to her child.
"Good night, Tear…" Ricette sleep talked.
"Ahuhuhu… good night Ricette." The fairy then quietly returned to her work, listing all the names and items that were to be sold for tomorrow.