Sorry for the late update! Have been real busy with work and school. Same goes for my partner in crime who is collaborating with this story. But now we can go back on track as the plot continues for our main heroine. I do not own One Piece plot and characters. But I do own my OCs as well as plot twist. Directed by me and written by the amazing Aiikawarazu! Please read and leave a review!
Bang. Bang. Bang.
What was that voice?
Leia!
Hmm?
Leia!
What?
Leia!
How persistent! What is it?
Leia! You need to wake up now!
Leia drew in a sharp intake of breath and opened her eyes. She was roused from her slumber rather suddenly by the persistent banging on her door, accompanied by the familiar voice of her friend, Mabel, calling out to her rather frantically. "Leia! Leia, do you hear me? You need to wake up! We've got to get ready for the tea party!"
Leia was disoriented, her mind still foggy with sleep. The words "tea party" echoed in her brain but it was lost in the hazy and mind-numbing fog inside her brain. It meant nothing to her. She was not sure what Mabel was even talking about. She wanted to go back to sleep. She couldn't care less about this so-called tea party. But then, just as she was about to drift back to sleep, Mabel shouted again from outside her door.
"I don't want to make Chiffon waiting – it will look really bad on us, Leia!"
And all of a sudden, when Leia heard the name 'Chiffon' – everything just came back to her like a splash of cold water.
The tea party.
Chiffon's tea party.
For a moment, Leia could feel her whole body growing cold.
It was today! Shit!
She'd completely forgotten that today was the day they were invited to Chiffon's tea party. Panic surged through her as she realized she must have overslept. Throwing off her blankets, Leia leaped out of bed. The stark glow of the midday sun was already pouring in through the window, indicating that it was probably well past noon. Leia groaned, both in pain and frustration.
"Coming!" she called out to Mabel, her voice slightly hoarse from sleep. She knew she had no time to waste. Leia rushed to the bathroom, the cool tiles under her feet providing a rude awakening. Her reflection in the mirror looked back at her, her hair disheveled, and her face still bearing the remnants of sleep. She didn't have the luxury of a leisurely morning routine today.
With a sense of urgency, Leia splashed water on her face, quickly brushed her teeth, and tidied her hair as much as she could. She darted back into her room, yanking open her wardrobe. Clothes flew out as she rifled through them, searching for something suitable to wear to a tea party with the Minister of Puff, essentially the highest-ranked person in the wholeFunwari Island. She needed to look tidy and make a good impression – but she needn't be overbeard. Her fingers finally settled on a simple yet elegant sundress in a shade of pale yellow. It was the kind of dress that could be dressed up or down, perfect for a tea party.
Leia stripped out of her pajamas and wrestled into the dress. With a practiced hand, she applied a minimal amount of makeup – just enough to look presentable. Then came the hunt for her shoes. She found them under the bed, a testament to her haste the night before.
Thirty minutes had passed in a blur of activity, and Leia finally grabbed her denim jacket before emerging from her room, now looking much more put together. She was greeted by the sight of Mabel and Jasper – who were already waiting for her in the common room. They were sitting on the couch, sipping tea from delicate porcelain cups.
Mabel, a whirlwind of energy and excitement, jumped up as Leia entered. "There you are! We were starting to worry you'd sleep through the whole tea party and we'd have to go without you! Can't imagine what we should tell Chiffon!"
Leia managed a sheepish smile. "Sorry, Mabel. I must have overslept."
"Well, can't blame you, I guess – with the late night delivery and all yesterday!" Mabel chirped. "I'm so sorry to make you go through that, Leia! It's a good thing you managed to find Mr. William in the end!"
"That's okay Mabel, all's well that ends well," Leia chuckled. "Besides, we've already been through this yesterday. And I also scolded Mr. William a good portion – said his factory was rather confusing and he should have waited for me in front rather than having me search for him in that flour maze!"
"We should get going," Jasper reminded, "I'm sure Chiffon would appreciate us more if we showed up on time."
Mabel and Leia nodded, then followed Jasper to the front door. The three of them stepped out, and felt the breeze of sea air greeting them. Leia could taste the salt in the air, and silently remarked that today seemed like it was going to be a good day. The three friends set off for Chiffon's house, chatting and laughing along the way, the earlier panic now replaced by anticipation. Just as Leia was about to ask Mabel if she knew anything about Mr. William (granted, she was still curious about that enigmatic figure she encountered last night), she was startled to feel a roll of paper dropping on her head.
"Ow! Hey – who's playing prank here?" Leia protested, then grabbed the roll of paper from her head. Mabel and Jasper watched her and giggled. "That's not a prank, Leia! That's our newspaper!"
"A newspaper?" Leia frowned, then unrolled the paper in her hand, which indeed turned out to be a newspaper. The front page was adorned with an extra-large photo of a man with a strong and well-defined face, striking red hair, fine beard, and three prominent scars over his left eye. The scars were definitely the most striking mark on his face, it looked almost as if a wild beast had scratched him over the eye and left permanent claw marks there. The headline of the paper reads "The World Welcomes the new Fourth Emperor of the Sea: Red Hair Shanks!" – this meant nothing to Leia of course, but Mabel – upon seeing the headline, gasped and grabbed the paper out of Leia's hand, staring at it in disbelief.
"Jasper! You wouldn't believe this!" she said, then read the headline out loud. Jasper looked stunned upon hearing it, which only confused Leia further. "Umm…," she asked, after a while of stunned silence between Mabel and Jasper, "Can anyone maybe.. fill me in on the details? Who is this man, and why are you so surprised?"
Mabel and Jasper exchanged looks for a while, as though trying to decide who should tell Leia. Then, Jasper finally opened his mouth. "Shanks is the captain of the Red-Hair Pirates," he said. "He used to serve the pirate king himself, Gold Roger, years ago."
"And?" Leia asked, still not getting the point, "Why are you all so surprised?"
"Because for years, after Gold Roger's death, pirates have struggled for dominance and control over the seas. Up until now, there were three exceptionally strong and feared pirates who ruled over the seas: Kaidou of the Beasts, Whitebeard, and of course… the owner of Tottoland – Big Mom. Not only they were strong, each one of them commanded fleet of hundreds of ships and thousands of pirate crews! You can think of them as having the same power, influence, and territory like Big Mom," Jasper explained and Leia nodded, finally following the conversation.
"And well, you see…," Jasper flicked a glance at the newspaper once again. "Their dominance has gone on unchallenged… until now. There's a reason there's so few Emperors in this world. It takes really, really huge power, followers, and influence before you could be recognized as an Emperor in the world of Pirates. For example, Shanks has a bounty of four billion berry approximately."
For a moment, Leia felt as though she didn't hear it correctly. "Four BILLION?" she repeated, and Jasper nodded. "It's a huge amount, right? That's how powerful he is."
"That's crazy!" Leia exclaimed, before she could help it. "How could someone's head be worth that much money?"
"That just shows how dangerous the government sees him to be. Big Mom's bounty is also around four billion… four point three billion berry to be exact." Lea was speechless at the enormous amount, as Jasper continued on. "Point is… it has been decades since the world has last seen a new Emperor rise to the throne. And today… well, today we welcome a new Emperor. You can say that today is the day that will be written in history."
"I see," Leia muttered, finally understanding why Jasper and Mabel had looked so shocked. After a while, Mabel finally spoke as she carefully rolled the newspaper in her hand again. "I think… it's best not to mention this topic to Chiffon during the tea party. Red Hair being recognized as an Emperor will surely shift the power dynamics in this world, and now Big Mom has one more enemy to worry about. I suppose we should be tactful and avoid any mentions about this in front of Chiffon."
"I agree," said Jasper wholeheartedly. "Chiffon might not look like she cares much about the family business but who knows? Big Mom is still her mother – and she is still part of the Charlotte family, after all."
The trio arrived at Chiffon's house, a charming and elegant abode that nestled amid a grove of swaying palm trees. As they approached, Chiffon herself greeted them at the door with a warm smile that exuded hospitality. Her eyes sparkled with genuine delight as she welcomed her guests. Her puff cottage was still the same as how Leia had seen it last time, warm and inviting – as though exuding Chiffon's personality itself. Her cottage looked soft and fluffy, as though it was made of real cream puffs – it even exuded smell of sweet creampuff that wafted through the air and filled in Leia's nostrils, making her stomach grumble in protest.
"Hello, everyone! I'm so glad you could make it," Chiffon said, her voice soft and inviting. "Come come! Let's enjoy the delicious afternoon tea!" She gestured for them to follow her, and led them through the doorway and into the heart of her home.
Stepping over the threshold of Chiffon's enchanting creampuff cottage was akin to venturing into the heart of a whimsical confectionery dream. Every detail within the interior of the cottage harmoniously echoed the delightful theme established outside, immersing guests in a fantastical world of sweetness and comfort.
The walls, in perfect alignment with the rounded contours of a cream puff, embraced the occupants in soft, pastel hues that exuded an overwhelming sense of warmth and coziness. They were adorned with intricate patterns, akin to delicate frosting swirls, which enhanced the feeling of being cocooned within the heart of an enormous, edible treat. The ceiling, a masterpiece in itself, seemed to replicate the fluffy interior of a cream puff. It boasted delicate swirls and intricate designs that contributed to the illusion of dwelling inside a giant, airy confection. Soft, ambient lighting suffused the room, reminiscent of the warm, inviting glow of a bakery's display case. It enveloped every nook and cranny, casting a comforting radiance upon every surface it graced.
The furniture, carefully curated to strike a harmonious balance between practicality and sweet aesthetics, was a testament to Chiffon's unwavering dedication to her confectionary theme. Tables and chairs, meticulously crafted to resemble frosted pastries, were not only visually delightful but also inviting and functional. Plush cushions, lovingly adorned in pastel shades, festooned the seating arrangements, providing a cloud-like softness for guests to indulge in tea and sweets. At the heart of the room stood an intricately designed tea table, its surface bedecked with frosting-like patterns, a true masterpiece of culinary artistry.
The air within the room was luxuriously infused with a faint yet delectable aroma of freshly baked goods, a tantalizing testament to Chiffon's unparalleled culinary skills. On the shelves that lined the walls, a treasure trove of pastry cookbooks and baking supplies hinted at her passion for the culinary arts. The titles on these shelves spanned a spectrum of baking traditions, from delicate French pastries to hearty, homey creations, all of which spoke to Chiffon's dedication to her craft.
As Leia settled comfortably into her seat, enveloped by the sugary embrace of the creampuff cottage's interior, she couldn't help but feel as though she had been transported to yet another delightful fairytale realm. Tottoland itself had always been some kind of a magical fairytale realm of course, but even among everything Leia had witnessed here, Chiffon's cottage was nothing short of a masterpiece. It was as if this cottage was a testament to her unwavering love for baking and her commitment to create an atmosphere that seamlessly blended sweetness and comfort, wrapped by her passion for baking.
Soon, the arrival of the maid, elegantly pushing a gleaming tea cart adorned with delicate porcelain wares and an assortment of delectable treats, was a spectacle of refined grace that left Leia in awe. She watched with wide eyes as the maid moved with an almost balletic grace, arranging the table to perfection. Each piece of porcelain was set in its place with careful consideration, and in the middle, she placed the tray full of assorted mouth-watering sandwiches, scones, and cakes.
The delicate aroma of freshly brewed tea wafted through the air, casting a fragrant spell that deepened Leia's anticipation even further. She marveled at the assortment of treats before her, each one a delectable promise of sweet and savory indulgence. It was a scene that Leia had only read about in storybooks or seen in elegant period dramas – a vision of genteel sophistication that she – quite unbelievably – was now privileged to experience firsthand.
Chiffon then turned to Leia, offering her a smile as her eyes sparkled with warmth. "What kind of tea would you prefer, dear – English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Assam? We also just received a shipment of Lady Grey and Vanilla the other day. We have quite a selection."
Leia, still taking in the exquisite display before her, momentarily felt overwhelmed by the choices. The array of tea leaves and flavors was as diverse as it was enticing. "Oh, anything is fine, really," she replied with a hint of wonder in her voice.
Chiffon nodded, and gracefully waved her hand toward the maid, signaling her to pour the tea for Leia. The maid nodded and gracefully poured the tea to the porcelain cup – her fluid movement was almost like an art form to watch. As the cup was finally filled three-quarters full toward the brim, Leia could smell the aroma of the fragrant tea wafting through the air. She inhaled in deeply.
"Would you like some milk with your tea, Leia?" Chiffon inquired.
Leia accepted the offer with gratitude, smiling as she looked at the host. "Yes, please."
Chiffon's impeccable service extended to her other guests. She turned to Mabel and Jasper, each in turn, inquiring about their tea preferences. The maid, ever a paragon of grace, served them all with the same elegance, ensuring that everyone's preferences were met with the utmost care.
"That would be all," said Chiffon to the maid, "I shall ring if I need more assistance." The maid nodded, and began to push the now empty cart out of the room, disappearing from view.
"Wow Chiffon," Leia blurted out, before she could stop herself. "You really are like a princess, you know?" Chiffon looked confused by this remark. "What do you mean?" she asked Leia back.
"Well, this –" Leia gestured to the surrounding, "I mean… the whole tea party? I've only ever read this kind of things in books! And a cottage with a maid?"
"Oh, that!" said Chiffon, chuckling as she understood what Leia meant, waving her hand slightly as though saying this was not a big deal. "This is nothing! It's just a normal afternoon tea – don't you do this too at home?" she looked at Leia rather curiously, and Leia shook her head, "Well, no! I mean – I do drink tea at home, but it's not at this level of… elegance, I guess."
"Oh, then you should have seen my mother's tea party! They are grand! This is nothing compared to the tea party that my mother hosts," Chiffon said, chuckling again as she sipped her tea – looking very elegant and posh that Leia was immediately convinced she was a princess, even though Chiffon herself refused to acknowledge the fact.
"Please, help yourself," Chiffon gracefully offered, presenting a plate adorned with a tempting array of chocolate chiffon cakes. Leia's eyes widened with anticipation as she took in the sight of the delectable treats. Each cake was a miniature masterpiece, with layers of fluffy chocolate sponge expertly swirled and topped with a glistening layer of chocolate ganache. They looked like mouthwatering clouds of cocoa delight.
"These are my famous chocolate chiffon cakes," Chiffon continued, her voice filled with a blend of pride and affection. She puffed her chest ever so slightly, a playful hint of boastfulness dancing in her eyes. "I baked them myself."
Leia couldn't resist the allure of the cakes any longer. Her fingers delicately plucked one from the plate, and she couldn't help but admire its perfect form. The sponge yielded to her touch with a light, airy resilience, promising a melt-in-the-mouth experience.
With a smile, Leia brought the cake to her lips and took a bite. The initial contact was a revelation. The sponge was impossibly tender and moist, with a rich chocolate flavor that enveloped her taste buds like a warm embrace. It was as if a chorus of cocoa notes had erupted in her mouth, and she closed her eyes to savor the symphony.
As she chewed, the cake practically dissolved, releasing a velvety, chocolatey goodness that seemed to dance on her tongue. It was a harmonious marriage of flavors and textures, a testament to Chiffon's unparalleled baking skills. Leia couldn't help but emit a contented sigh as she swallowed.
"Wow," she exclaimed, her voice laced with genuine amazement. "This is incredible! Your chocolate chiffon cake is out of this world!"
Chiffon beamed with pride at the compliment. "I'm delighted you like it," she replied, her eyes gleaming with pleasure. "You know, my chocolate chiffon cake is so delicious that even Big Mom herself can't resist it. She indulges in multiple servings of it every day at her tea time."
"I can see why!" Leia responded with genuine enthusiasm, her voice carrying the weight of her appreciation for Chiffon's culinary mastery. "I would give anything for multiple servings of this delicious cake every day. You are exceptionally talented, Chiffon."
Chiffon, ever the modest hostess, blushed in response to Leia's compliment. "Thank you," she replied with a humble smile, her eyes sparkling with genuine gratitude. Her love for the art of baking was evident in every bite of her creations, and she took immense joy in sharing these delights with her friends.
"But, speaking of Big Mom," Chiffon continued, her tone growing more animated as she extended plates of the mouthwatering cake to Mabel and Jasper, who accepted the sweet treats with visible delight. "Did you all see the news this morning? Apparently, we've got a new emperor now."
Leia exchanged a knowing look with Mabel and Jasper, their acting skills finely tuned for this moment. "Oh, really?" Leia responded, her voice tinged with feigned surprise. They had of course read about Red-Haired Shanks' ascension to the status of Emperor earlier that day, but they remembered Mabel's words that it was better not to mention anything about it in front of Chiffon. Leia never thought that Chiffon would be the one to mention the news to them instead.
"That's… quite the news. I hadn't heard about it," said Mabel, while Jasper also shook his head, feigning a look of surprise.
Chiffon nodded, her eyes bright with curiosity as she sipped her tea gracefully, like a gracious hostess eager to share the latest gossip. "Yes, it is quite interesting. My mother will be obsessed with this news, I'm sure. She might even contact Morgan to learn more about this Shanks."
Leia leaned in slightly, genuinely intrigued now. "Morgan?" she asked before she could stop herself. "Who's that?"
Mabel, playing her part, chimed in with an explanation that shed light on this mysterious figure. "Morgan is the president of the World Economy Newspaper, a man of considerable influence and power. Not only is he a newspaper mogul, but he also holds the title of one of the mighty emperors of the Underworld."
Chiffon added her own perspective, her voice laced with knowledge and a hint of reverence. "Yes, and he's an ally of Big Mom. Morgan often shares valuable information about enemy pirates, the Marines, the World Government, and even the Celestial Dragons from time to time. Of course, he expects generous rewards in exchange for his services."
Celestial Dragons? Leia's curiosity was thoroughly piqued by the mention of them. The name carried an air of significance, and she couldn't help but wonder who or what they were. However, recalling Mabel's earlier advice about not pressuring Chiffon with questions, she decided to save her inquiry for another time, her natural curiosity temporarily restrained.
Chiffon, as if sensing the shift in the mood, smoothly transitioned the conversation to friendlier topics. "So, how's your business, Mabel?" she inquired with genuine interest. "Is everything going well?"
Mabel's face lit up with pride. "Business is flourishing, thanks in no small part to Leia here. Her deliveries have been a tremendous help."
Chiffon nodded in approval. "That's wonderful to hear. And Jasper, are you planning to participate in the upcoming cart race at Cheese Island?"
Jasper, always eager to talk about racing, grinned enthusiastically. "Absolutely! Our friend Mary is working on some amazing upgrades for my racing cart this year. I have a good feeling that this time, I'll take home the victory."
Chiffon's eyes then fell upon Leia's denim jacket, adorned with an array of colorful patches. "I must say, Leia, your jacket is quite lovely. The patches are so vibrant and unique."
Leia blushed, clearly pleased by the compliment. "Thank you, Chiffon. I have a thing for bluebirds. They're my favorite animals." She gently touched a patch depicting a bluebird in flight. "Each of these patches carry a special meaning to me."
As she spoke, Leia shared the significance of each patch, her words carefully chosen to reveal only as much as she was comfortable with. She spoke of her "island" being far away and her desire to return to see her family, her voice tinged with a hint of longing. Chiffon listened attentively, her gaze fixed on the patches as Leia spoke.
There was a brief pause in the conversation, and Leia couldn't help but notice a shadow of sadness that briefly crossed Chiffon's features as she spoke about her home and her far away island. It was a subtle shift, almost imperceptible, but it didn't escape Leia's perceptive gaze. She wondered what might be bothering their gracious host.
Leia decided to steer the conversation back to a lighter note. "But enough about me. Chiffon… do you have any favorite animals or hobbies? Besides baking, I mean." She offered a warm smile, hoping to lift the mood.
Chiffon returned the smile, though it seemed tinged with a hint of melancholy. "Oh, I... I have a few interests, like gardening, I suppose. But of course… my true passion is baking. It's what brings me the most joy." She paused, as if wrestling with something unsaid, before continuing, "And of course, hosting dear friends like you in my little creampuff cottage."
As the conversation flowed on, Leia couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath Chiffon's facade of hospitality. She made a mental note to learn more about this intriguing woman when the opportunity presented itself.
It was late afternoon when the three of them finally bid good-bye to Chiffon. Chiffon walked them to the door, her warm smile still as hospitable as ever.
"Thank you so much for coming," she said, her gratitude evident in her gesture. "It was a pleasure to have you here. And don't forget our plans for the Winter Holiday Festival on Whole Cake Island. It's going to be quite the celebration."
Leia's eyes sparkled with excitement as she nodded enthusiastically. "I can't wait! It sounds like so much fun."
Mabel chimed in, her voice tinged with anticipation. "Absolutely. It'll be a great way to spend the holidays."
Chiffon chuckled, her eyes holding a hint of joy. "For sure! I look forward to showing you around there."
In the tranquil hours of the night, Leia found herself immersed in the pages of Morgan's Newspaper, a direct window to the bustling world beyond Tottoland's whimsical borders. The soft glow of a small reading lamp illuminated her face as she pored over the pages, comparing the headlines to those she had become accustomed to in the local Tottoland newspaper.
The headlines were a glimpse into a world of intrigue and adventure. Leia's eyes darted across the pages, absorbing the latest happenings. Baroque Works, a criminal organization with a name that sent shivers down her spine, was wreaking havoc on the distant kingdom of Alabasta. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the people in the distant kingdom that was now suffering because of this terrorist group's actions.
Further down the page, a striking image caught her attention. A pirate named Alvida, sporting a menacing grin and adorned in fearsome attire, had captured the attention of the Marines. From the looks of it, she had caused chaos, terror, and suffering all over East Blue. Her eyes flickered to yet another headline. The famed Vice Marine Admiral, Monkey D. Garp, had once again displayed his indomitable prowess. He had successfully captured a group of pirates that had been terrorizing a town in the far reaches of the East Blue. Leia marveled at the strength of such a figure. She had heard about marines, of course, but had had no concrete idea about any of them. She looked closely at Garp's photo in the article – he looked old enough to be her grandfather, and yet – his appearance looked nothing close to a frail old man. His beard and hair might be white, but his shoulders were broad, and his muscles were well-built. For sure, they were the signs of the most capable man, despite being of old age.
As Leia continued to read, she couldn't help but reflect on the tumultuous world beyond Tottoland. It was indeed a world filled with adventures and challenges – yet at the same time, as Mabel and Jasper had mentioned to her the day they headed to the church to donate their lifespan – the world out there was a dangerous one, full of chaos and turmoil. Pirates have caused terror and suffering in a lot of places out there, and this made Leia felt all the more blessed to be living on Chiffon's island, surrounded by warmth and sweetness.
With the newspaper set aside, Leia turned her gaze towards the starry sky outside her window. The twinkling stars seemed to whisper secrets of distant lands and uncharted waters. Her thoughts, however, drifted back to William, the mysterious man who had left a deep impression on her. She remembered the tall, powerful figure as he stood amidst the labyrinth of flour bags. His presence had been commanding, his aura seemingly untouchable, and yet he had come to her aid without hesitation. Leia recalled the sensation of being cradled in his strong arms, a feeling of security that had washed over her like a comforting wave.
The image of him shielding her from the unexpected danger of the falling flour bag was etched vividly in her memory. It was a moment of vulnerability that had been met with unwavering strength, and Leia couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude and admiration for this enigmatic man.
Her mind wandered to where he might be at this very moment, what he might be doing. Was he still in the factory, overseeing its operations? Or had he moved on to other responsibilities in Tottoland? The unanswered questions tugged at her curiosity.
Rolling over on her bed, Leia quietly decided that she would pay him a visit tomorrow. There was something about William that intrigued her, something that called out for further exploration. As she finally drifted into the embrace of slumber, she carried with her the hope of a future encounter, under the starry watch of the night sky.
Fruit Island (Late at night)
The night hung heavy over Fruit Island, cloaking the garden park of fruits in an eerie shroud of darkness. A civilian gentleman, minding his own business, strolled leisurely through the park. The air was thick with the fragrance of ripe fruits, their vibrant colors casting an otherworldly glow under the faint moonlight.
Suddenly, a faint rustle reached his ears, causing him to halt in his tracks. He turned, eyes darting through the shadows, trying to discern the source of the noise. A chilling sensation crawled up his spine, but he shook it off, attributing it to his imagination.
As he resumed his walk, the unsettling feeling of being watched persisted. Footsteps, faint but unmistakable, echoed behind him. Fear clawed at the edges of his consciousness, and he quickened his pace, each step an urgent plea for escape.
The unseen pursuer continued to draw nearer, and panic gripped the man's heart. He broke into a run, his breaths ragged and desperate. The moonlight danced through the leaves of the fruit trees, casting eerie, elongated shadows that seemed to reach out for him.
Just as he thought he had shaken off his pursuer, a monstrous silhouette loomed before him. A horrified scream tore from his lips, the sound a chilling testament to his terror. And then, just as sudden as the scream started, it was gone.
Locals, stirred from their slumber by the piercing cry, rushed toward the scene. Their lanterns and torches cast frantic, flickering light over the scene. But what they found was a macabre tableau: a splash of blood painted the cobblestone path, but the gentleman was nowhere to be seen.
Whispers of dread swept through the gathering crowd as they exchanged fearful glances. The realization that something sinister had occurred in their peaceful town settled like a heavy fog.
"We must tell the minister," One brave soul finally spoke, voicing the thoughts that had taken root in everyone's minds. "Charlotte Compote must know about this."
But another voice chimed in, filled with hesitation and uncertainty. "Do we truly want to involve ourselves with such dark matters? The minister is a powerful woman, and this... this could bring us trouble."
The voice of reason resonated in the night, finding fertile ground in the hearts of the townsfolk. The figure, who bore an air of authority, stepped forward with determination etched upon his features.
"No," he declared firmly, his tone brooking no dissent. "We will be in far more trouble if we choose to remain silent. Tomorrow morning, I shall speak with Minister Charlotte Compote as the first order of business. For now, return to your homes, and let us all pray for the soul of the unfortunate gentleman."
His words hung heavy in the air, resonating with the collective unease that had settled among the onlookers. With reluctant nods and solemn expressions, they began to disperse, each one haunted by the mysterious scene they had witnessed.
The night, once serene and filled with the fragrance of fruits, now bore the weight of unanswered questions and dark uncertainties. As they retreated to the sanctuary of their homes, the townsfolk couldn't help but cast apprehensive glances over their shoulders, fearful of what might lurk in the shadows.