May Be Foul...But yet to be passionate.

Chapter Four

As Madeleine entered the lower city, he first encounters the night market. And there were already multiple changes that made the place different.

"Huh, the last time I was here was with Espresso, Wildberry, Crunchy Chip, and Gingerbrave... " Madeleine thought as he observed the place.

Some of the merchants acted like their usual selves, advertising and selling. Madeleine then noticed how some of the fellow cookies passing by were in black-red-themed outfits. Some wore masks as others didn't.

"Strange, we didn't see those types of cookies like them down here before." Madeleine frowned as he stared at them, "I shouldn't assume but they could be a part of the reason for the missing cookies." He then stopped his thoughts as he heard a merchant loudly advertising her shop.

"Maybe a small talk with that merchant will help me get some information." Madeleine thought smiling and walking over to the merchant who was advertising black masks with red designs sewn on them.

"Get your dark ma- Oh! Ser Madeleine Cookie!!!...." the merchant was advertising but immediately paused at the sight of the paladin.

  Madeleine smiled in his friendly manner, "We have encountered last time!" Madeleine greeted, "I noticed you're selling something different today!"

The merchant stared at the paladin silently, "What's he doing here...?" the merchant thought trying her best not to glare.

"Yes, I am!" the merchant asked winking, "Wanting to purchase something?" She was trying her best to be cheerful, but it was hard not to twitch her eyes when the insanely bright paladin was here.

"You could really use some dark clothing on that shining mess you have there..." the merchant couldn't help but think.

"Huh something seems like she's not happy with me being here.." Madeleine blinked noticing the atmosphere the merchant left off, "Maybe if I buy something from her it'd cheer her up!"

"Why of course! How much does that mask cost?!" Madeleine responded as he dug his hand into his pockets to get his wallet out, "I absolutely love the handwork that was set on them." Compliments could help increase a person's mood. He knew this because he would always compliment Espresso's work and sometimes, it made Espresso less harsh or just more...nicer.

The merchant blinked a bit astonished but smiled quietly, it was a bit rare to see cookies seem so straightforward about buying her stuff, it's even rarer when it comes from a light magic cookie. "It's $15.75, but it's probably expensi-" the merchant warned but was cut off.

"Not at all! Here!" Madeleine immediately shoved over a 20-dollar bill in the merchant's hands, "Keep the change as your tip."

"I- WoW!" the merchant was flabbergasted, getting a tip?! Not to mention an almost five-dollar tip was absolutely rare these days! "T-thank you! Here your go!!-" The merchant handed the generous paladin the mask.

"Thank you, kind merchant!" Madeleine smiled as he put the mask on his head, not on his face yet, "I shall be going now! I thank you for your service!"

The merchant waved her goodbye as she couldn't help but blush from all the generosity, but then she couldn't help but ask, "What are you doing here? What is your goal here?"