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

Chapter 2-18: Unusually Salty

Sometime later, the group arrives at a different part of town and to where a lot of people are crowded.

"This place is good for simple, local fair," Rollo says.

'Is it a cafe? I notice there's a lot of outdoor seating," Jamil asks.

'It's actually a fromagerie-a store that specializes in cheese," Rollo says.

Malleus notices a stand, "Oho. Yes, I can see an array of different cheeses inside."

"Oh, I read about this. Fleur City is famous for its cheese," Riddle says. He then asks, "Is this a well-known store, Rollo?"

"One of the better-known ones, yes. Our city has a great many fromageries. Bread and cheese have been staples of ours for a long while. And nowadays, we produce many different types of cheese. This particular establishment also runs a cafe, and their menu is themed around their cheeses," Rollo explains.

"That makes sense. Now that you mention it, I see the people sitting outside all have pieces of bread that are loaded with cheese," Sebek says.

"Well, now that I've gotten you here, I'll be taking my leave," Rollo says.

"Sorry for the extra trouble, Flamme," Malleus apologizes.

Sebek says, "You have my gratitude, human!"

"Once again, my name is Rollo. Rollo Flamme," Rollo firmly says, "Do enjoy your time in Fleur City."

"I'll put in our food and drink orders! Malleus, you and everyone else are welcome to have a seat and wait," Sebek says.

"All right, I have our snacks!' Sebek says.

Riddle soon smells the food, "Wow... It smells amazing."

"A fresh-baked baguette sandwich with ham and cheese-so much cheese, in fact, it's spilling out the sides," Jamil says.

"I'll have one," Malleus says, and eats the cheese, "Mm, this is rather nice. I enjoy the richness of the cheese."

Sebek also notices, "They said it was goat cheese. There were too many kinds to choose from, so I picked the most popular items on the menu."

"Again with the goats, hm. They really do love them around here," Jamil says.

"The cheese is softening from the heat of the baguette. I find that gives it a distinctive lingering aftertaste," Malleus says.

"Yes, it has a nice depth of flavor and pairs well with the saltiness of the ham," Riddle says.

Then Malleus says, "You know, one would never be able to truly appreciate this without sampling it firsthand, even if they had all the knowledge in the world. Hands-on experiences are most intriguing. I wonder if Lilia had this same sandwich when he visited Fleur City. I should thank him for encouraging me to come on this trip."

"This sandwich has cheese made from cow's milk, as well as grape compote. By all means, try it!" Sebek says.

"Certainly, just as soon as I have a drink,' Malleus says and takes a drink, "...What's this? The coffee you gave me is rather sweet. It has milk in it as well. Did you perhaps...?"

Sebek takes a drink and reacts, "Ech! Bitter!"

"Yes, I must have your coffee. I assume you accidentally switched them," Malleus says with a smile, thinking it a bit amusing.

Sebek apologizes, "My apologies, sir..."

"Oh, you take your coffee with milk and sugar, Sebek?" Riddle asks.

Sebek sheepishly says, "I...merely happened to be in the mood for it, is all. It's not like I can't stand black coffee or anything!"

"Why are you so defensive? It's nothing to be embarrassed about. People have different tastes, you know," Riddle questions.

"But..." Sebek says, still flustered.

And Jamil says, "You get hung up on the strangest things. Not everything has to be a point of pride."

"Jamil's right," Riddle says, "In fact, there was an incident just recently where you dug your heels in over a matter of personal pride during a club meeting and—"

"I would prefer if you refrained from discussing my blunders in Malleus's presence!" Sebek says.

And Malleus says, "Actually, I'd like to hear this, Rosehearts. I'm most curious to know what Sebek is like normally."

"You... You have it all wrong, my liege!" Sebek panics, "I always comfort myself in a way that befits my status as your guard!"

"Heh. I'll content myself with knowing that you're bonding with people from outside Briar Valley. It's reassuring," Malleus says.

Sebek calms down, "Oh... Malleus... Such kind words...!" and is soon in tears.

"Are you crying?" Riddle asks.

"This cheese is unusually salty!" Sebek quickly says.

"Those are your tears," Jamil says.

"Let's finish up and move on, shall we? We still have much more of the city to enjoy," Malleus says.