Twisted Wonderland: Glorious Masquerade - Let the Bell of Solace Ring

Chapter 2-8: A Safe Part of Town

After that, Idia and his group are now walking around Fleur City where they see different people chatting around the neighborhood.

Rook says, "Oh, how stunning... You can just FEEL the history emanating from the city streets. Not to mention there are flowers growing everywhere—how fragrant Fleur City is!"

Idia suddenly yelps, "EEP! Beauty! Flowers! Colors! Light! Festivities! The sheer sparkliness is overwhelming...!"

'Yes, it truly puts me in a lively mood," Silver says.

"Pretty much everyone around here's dressed like us," Ruggie says, "I thought we'd stick out like sore thumbs, but nope. We look right at home."

"I DESPERATELY wanna get this walk over with as fast as humanly possible..." Idia says, "So, uh, hey... The map says there's a flea market in this area. That could cover all our needs..."

"Interesting. We should check it out," Silver says.

The group continues walking around the city, and soon come across a certain area.

"Ah, what a lovely flea market! The splendor of the colorful tents makes my heart go pitter-patter!" Rook says.

"Aw yeah, wonder what kinda finds I can dig up..." Ruggier says, he soon notices something, "Oh hey, someone dropped their hat..." And becomes surprised, "Whoa!"

The group soon find a hat and it's full of gold coins.

"It's filled with coins!" Ruggie says, surprised.

"You're right. It's an upside-down hat with coins inside," Rook says.

Silver looks around to notice, "They're in front of every shop."

"Okay, I know what's goin' on here... Someone lost this! Wouldn't it be best if I picked it up?" Ruggie says, with an idea in mind.

But Idia says, "Somehow I doubt it'd make it back to its owner, lawl."

Suddenly, Rollo walks over, "Surely you're not thinking of pilfering the contents of that hat."

"Ah, bonjour, Roi du Mouchoir—my friend with the ornate handkerchief!" Rook says.

Rollo remains silent, but then says, "Were you by chance addressing ME with that 'Roi' title?"

"Oui, but of course!" Rook says.

"He's asking because there's nothing 'of course' about it..." Idia says.

And Silver says, "Don't worry, we're not trying to steal or anything. Ruggie thought someone lost this and wanted to return to its owner."

"Yeah, I resent that accusation!" Ruggie says, feeling offended.

"Oh, is that so? I beg your pardon, then. No one lost it. People put their money in those hats when making purchases," Rollo says.

"Huh? Wait, so like... These beaten-up old hats are their cash registers?" Idia questions.

"Indeed," Rollo says.

"Have these people even HEARD of security?" Idia asks.

"Pardon?" Rollo questions.

He then says, "It's a long-standing Fleur City tradition. There's a saying that if you place a hat upside down and put money in it, the money will find its way back to you in no time if it ever gets lost."

"And so people just leave hats full of money out in the open? I know the shopkeepers can see them, but anybody could swipe one and run,' Idia says.

"This must be a real safe part of town," Ruggie says.

"Indeed it is," Rollo says, "We pride ourselves on the practice. It's like a symbol of how peaceful we are."

"The whole place would go bankrupt if someone like Ruggie set up a shop here..." India says.

Ruggie snickers, "Shyeheehee. I take that as a compliment."

"Yes, well... Sadly, we still get ill-mannered outsiders visiting our city. Especially around festival time," Rollo says, "So the people in town always form a city watch to keep the peace this time of year. See that figure standing under those lights? And the one in front of the building behind us? They're a part of it."

"The way they stand does remind me of guards," Silver says.

"Yikes. Good thing you told me all this now,' Ruggie replies.

"The city watch is made up of volunteers who are inspired by the Righteous Judge. Tales claim the Righteous Judge was an ardent proponent of improving city security during his time. It's a wonderful thing. We must deter any and all wrongdoings," Rollo explains.

"Agreed," Silver says, "When someone does something wrong, it's important to give them a chance to reflect on their mistakes."

"Wouldn't it be easier to set up security cams and sensors rather than having people stand guard around town?" Idia says, softly, "Seems to me like digital solutions could manage their money and peacekeeping efforts more effectively, while letting everyone rest..." He lets out a sigh and says, "Then again, I guess you're not supposed to change up traditions. That's like the whole point."

"It's simply marvelous how your peaceful city of happy residents instills its citizenry with a sense of diligence and pride!" Rook says.