Part 256: Theo at Iwatodai

Meanwhile at Theo's second date at Iwatodai Station, he was hesitating at the escalator.



I—I’ve heard of this... It’s called an escalator, no?
...
I shouldn’t have any problem riding something like this, should I?

...Despite his words, he still wasn't budging from his spot. It seemed like he couldn't grasp the timing of the escalator, so I offered to to help him on it.

I-I can't allow you to do that!
I’ll... go on ahead. Please, allow me.

> Theo took your hand...
> ...and finally decided to get on the escalator.

...
This is rather... slow.

We both got off safely at the end.

...



He certainly seemed proud of himself. We then headed to the strip mall.



......!
This smell... No, no, don’t tell me...

He rushed over to the takoyaki stand.

Takoyaki Cook
Whoa, you can figure out our secret ingredient just by its smell?
How ’bout it? Wanna buy one? It’ll make you smile so wide, your cheeks will fall off!

So good as to make one’s cheeks fall off...!?
That... would be dire indeed...!

Wanna try it out?



Well then! I accept your challenge.

I bought some, and shared them with Theo at the bench.

97 degrees Fahrenheit...
And this texture... There’s no mistaking it...
…


It's an octopus.

Certainly, there is octopus IN it.
When considering its composition, it could be said to be almost entirely octopus.
...But using THAT for cooking...
It’s apparent now why one’s cheeks might fall off...
*gasp*

> ...Theo is pinching his cheeks.

…

> He pinched your cheek as well for some reason.

Yours seem to be in no danger.
Thank goodness...

Thanks...?

If anything were to happen to you...
You are, after all, a valued guest.
...That hurt, didn’t it? I’m so sorry.

> Theo stroked your cheek.

...Well. I guess he must have impressed the cook with his enthusiasm, because she gave him a takoyaki-shaped cell phone strap afterwards.



Would this be considered... a souvenir of my time with you?
How unfortunate... I’ve acquired something precious to me.
It’s your fault, you realize.
That’s why I won’t let you have this.

> Theo laughs...
> You walked around the strip mall with Theo...



The flow of time is fixed at a certain speed...
And yet it seems there are moments when it passes so quickly.
Oh... That car’s--

There was a screech of tires and I turned around, only to see an incoming car coming straight towards me. I froze momentarily with shock, until Theo yanked me back by the arm with great strength.



Honestly... I can't turn my back on you for even an instant.
Here, let us go back. Give me your hand.

...He pretty much led me back to the Velvet Room like I was a kid.

Thank you for showing me around Iwatodai Station.
That machine you called an "escalator"... It was very interesting.
I immediately asked to have one placed in the Velvet Room...
But again, my master refused immediately. It’s quite unfortunate, I feel.
Still, I was able to experience a new and fascinating taste of your cuisine today. This is a significant day.
In order to keep that memory in my mind, I want to recreate the dish we shared...



...Ah, excuse me. Pay no attention to what I just said.
Now as for a reward, I’ve prepared something special.
With this, you can fuse Empusa.
It brings to mind a beautiful beast, but she, too, arises from the sea of your soul.
I wish I could gain a greater appreciation for what your soul is like.
Please accept your reward.

> Obtained Blue Scale.

--------------

And for extra stuff, like the Battle Panties:

Well done. Your reward for this is a special type of armor.
If you wear this, your appearance will change considerably. I think you may enjoy the outcome.
Let me be clear, though... My tastes in clothing don't run that way.

Handheld Game:

Is that a portable game system?
I’ve heard these have special mechanisms that make the player forget about the passage of time...
I see, so it sends out signals to alter the user’s brainwaves...
Oh, no, I think I will refrain from trying it myself. Please, take it with you when you go.

Fencing Epee:

This must be a fencing epee.
A triangular sword... Yes, this does meet the requirements that I had set.
The epee was once used as the last sword in fencing matches.
Fencers would wear white uniforms so that the blood from struck blows would be more visible.
Similarly, my clothing is blue in order to make me more relaxing to look at.
*chuckle* ...I’m joking.