Twisted Wonderland - Beanfest: Bean or Be Beaned

Chapter 29: A Historical Drama

Someone calls out, "Halt, I say!"

The group turns to see Silver.

"Huh? What's your problem, Jellyfishie?" Floyd questions.

"The botanical garden's been occupied by monsters. Jamil's leading them. All the farmers that were eating shawarma there have been captured, including Kalim," Silver says.

"I beg your pardon?" Vil questions.

"We were too late..." Riddle says.

"Oh, is that what that spicy smell is?" Floyd questions.

"No wonder it was enough to make me drool," Epel says.

And Silver says, "If you went in now, you'd just be turning yourself over to the monsters to be captured. I say this for your own good—don't do it."

Floyd scoffs, "Pfft... Y'know, I don't much appreciate people bossin' me around. Step aside unless you wanna get squeezed."

And Vil says, "Floyd, taking liberties has its limits. You said that you would work with us today in return for me teaching you a throwing maneuver after the game. An oral agreement still counts as a contract. Is it acceptable for Octavinelle students under Azul's leadership to renege on contracts as it suits them?"

"Tch..." Floyd lets out another scoff, "No need to be all hostile about it. Yeah, yeah, whatever you say."

"Indeed, it WILL be 'whatever I say.'" Vil says, "Now, Silver, what are you doing here? The last time I ran into you, you said you were going to protect your fellow farmer Malleus. In fact, I should mention that we saw Malleus fighting Lilia on our way here."

Silver apologizes, "I'm sorry, Vil. I failed to live up to the trust you placed in me when you left Malleus's protection in my hands."

"Does that mean what I think it does?" Vil questions.

And Silver says, "It's a bit of a long story, but essentially, the fight was over by the time I came running. I failed in my most essential duty. Rgh, I'm beside myself with shame! How can I ever face Fa—er, Lilia and Sebek now?!"

"Wasn't Lilia the one to eliminate Malleus?" Silver questions.

And Silver says, "I know that for Lilia, the situation dictated that he had to turn his blade upon our king."

"Calling the rules of the game a "situation" seems a bit dramatic..." Riddle says.

And Silver says, "Malleus undoubtedly went out regretting that his path was closed off before he could achieve his ambition of retaking the harp. As his royal vassal, it falls to me to avenge him. I shall exact vengeance upon Lilia—mark my words!"

"Did I step into a historical drama?" Vil questions, "Is this some form of absurdist Diasomnia humor that I'm missing?"

"No, I think he's serious. Silver isn't exactly the type to crack jokes," Riddle says.

"I figured Jellyfishie was just some space case, but he's a pretty funny guy," Floyd adds.

"Yeah, Silver! You ain't gonna take that kinda blow lyin' down! Uh... I mean, I understand completely," Epel says.

Silver says, "If you've already seen Malleus and Lilia fighting, then I'm sure what I'm about to say will come as no surprise. Lilia is strong. Frightfully so. As embarrassing as it is to admit, my chances of taking him in a one-on-one battle are slim at best. So, please... Would you lend me your help?"

"Yeah, sure," Floyd says.

But everyone else exclaims in shock, "WHAT?!"

"Gah, enough with the surprised schtick! Weren't you guys JUST goin' on about how we gotta work together?" Floyd says.

"Well, yes... We're reacting moreso to your tendency to do everything at the drop of a hat," Vil says, still shocked.

"I wasn't expecting such a ready agreement myself," Silver says.

Then Riddle turns to Floyd, "I see your game, Floyd. You're pretending to be a team player while angling for a shot at fighting Lilia."

Floyd laughs, "Ahaha! Was it that obvious? Look, Devilfish has gotta be the most fun to squeeze outta anybody I've come across today, hands down. Didn't you see how crazy fast he was, Goldfishie? If he sets up shop in the coliseum, gettin' that harp is gonna be a whole lot harder."

"You know... You do have a point there," Riddle says.

Then Silver explains, "Once upon a time, Lilia used to be known as the Running Rampart. Nobody could surpass him in matters of fortress defense. He's as elusive as a phantom. No one can predict where he might be lurking. Floyd is right. If Lilia starts defending the coliseum, it's going to get a lot harder to breach the front gate."

"See, there you go. You guys don't want that, right? We gotta sink him before that happens," Floyd says, "I've got no idea where Jade is not, but he's gotta be workin' to get that harp. Wouldn't want anyone standin' in his way when it's go time."

"So... you want to eliminate Lilia for Jade's benefit?" Epel questions.

"Ah, that makes sense. You're a very caring brother, Floyd," Silver says.

Floyd becomes annoyed, "Ugh. You're makin' me cringe here, Jellyfishie. Jade's got his way of havin' fun, and I've got mine. I don't want either of us gettin' our fun ruined. It's that simple."

"Well, we have our next objective. This calls for a planning session," Vil says.

"Understood. I'll share the intel I got from reconnoitering the area around the botanical garden," Silver says.