Whose Hand the Chocolate Queen Takes Chapter 1

Chapter 1

It was a sunny afternoon, the sun rays shining gently. I was at the Central Marketplaces for some shopping.

Akira: Alright, this should be enough. All we need left is the olive oil Nero asked for.

Arthur: Indeed. I remember him saying that we should grab the greenest and most vibrant one on the shelf.

Lennox: He also mentioned that since we use it often we ought to buy extra. Leave the carrying to me.

Murr: I’ll help ya! Only ‘cuz I’m also in charge of being the Sage’s helper today!

Akira: Thanks, you guys. It's a relief you came with me. 

Lennox and Murr had offered to be my escorts and helpers, while Arthur secretly tagged along. 

Western Merchant: Welcome, welcome! Check out our bargains, buy them while you can!

Walking as I surveyed the area, I spotted a crowd up ahead of us. There was a merchant who set up a stall.

Western Merchant: How about these herbs and spices from the West Country? Or these Chocolate Mirage Bonbons? I’ve chock-full of sundries and ornaments! Just getting one of these will make you the talk of the town!

Akira: What’s that…

Lennox: They seem to be selling some odd goods and wares. They’re probably a peddler from the West. 

Murr: Ooh, interesting…is what you’re likely thinking, Master Sage!

Akira: Aha, you found me out.

Arthur: Well then, why don’t we have a look for ourselves? We might be able to find some rarities. 

Akira: Absolutely! We could get some souvenirs for everyone back at the manor.

At the street stall, I found many things that I’ve never seen before. 

Fruits and veggies of vibrant colours, unfamiliar sweets, curios, and all sorts of mysterious goods were lined up before me.

Akira: This is quite the variety. Huh? Is this painting…

Western Merchant: Oh, good eye, my dear customer! That is a portrait of the one and only Great Philosopher Murr! Hang it in your room, and you’ll find yourself growing wiser by the day!

And this right here is a Murr doll that if you leave facing the Western direction, will not only make you smarter, but also land you in money!

Akira: (A portrait of Murr and his own doll?! We’ve got the real Murr right here though…)

Murr: That so? Guess I’ll hang out in your room from now on, Master Sage! 

Western Merchant: HUH?! Murr?! No, a lookalike…?

Murr: Looks like I’ve got a lot of buff granting effects to me! I bet the real thing is waaay more effective though.

I’ll transform myself into a cat and stay in your room to meow for you, Master Sage!

Akira: Ah…aha…

Bewildered by the perfect lookalike, the merchant’s eyes were darting back and forth between the portrait and Murr as he whispered out to Arthur. 

Akira: Murr, does all the merch made in your image always have these sorts of enhancing effects sold with them? 

Arthur: I wouldn’t say all of them, but the Murr before his soul was shattered was called the Great Genius throughout history. 

Just like with the tales of Lord Oz, it’s no wonder that there are sayings like these amongst the people.

Akira: Huh, so these products are geared towards the people who wish for the wisdom of someone like Murr.

Lennox: Do you wish to buy this painting?

Akira: Well…we should have a look at the other things first.

However, we were unable to freely browse any further. More and more people were attracted to the stall, and soon we were being pushed all around. 

Because of the jam we were in, we decided it best to retreat. 

Lennox: Master Sage, are you okay? Prince Arthur, over here. 

Akira: Y-Yes, thank you.

Murr: Hey hey, look! The old man gave me this as a gift!

Lennox: That’s…the portrait from before. 

Murr: Yup! He said that he’s never met someone who looked so much like Murr before, and that it must be a once in a lifetime encounter!

Whoever painted this did it well, so I’ll go hang it in Shylock’s bar!

Oh, and this is for you, Master Sage! It’s the Chocolate Mirage Bonbons!

Akira: Wow, you bought this for me? Thanks, Murr, I’m sure everyone will be happy to try this!

Murr: You’re welcomeee!

Arthur: This chocolate reminds me of what we did the other day…

Arthur relaxes his eyes as he recalls events, watching Murr and I talk with each other. Next to him, Lennox also softens his expression.

Lennox: Are you thinking about that “Valentine’s” holiday that the Master Sage had us participate in?

Arthur: Yes, the holiday where we students gave chocolates to our teachers as an expression of our gratitude. 

Talking with everyone on what to give our teacher, working together to make the best chocolate…that was really fun.

Hearing Arthur’s words, I remember the Valentine’s Day we spent together a few days ago.

Students of all countries put their heads together to make a chocolate for their respective teacher, each chocolate creative and well thought. 

Akira: I had a fun time too. The chocolates were full of individuality, it was a delight to see them!

Murr: You Central kids’ life sized chocolate Oz statue was absolute perfection!

Arthur: Is that so! I appreciate that. Of course, no chocolate statue can ever capture the gallancy of the real Lord Oz, though I think we did quite well!

Akira: Yeah, and I thought the South students’ chocolate messages were so sweet and heartfelt, the star mark as a period was a cute touch.

Lennox: Ahaha, thank you. It was a new experience for me to put all my gratitude into a chocolate and gift it to someone.

Arthur: Let us thank you for teaching us such a wonderful holiday, Master Sage.

Akira: No, no, let me thank you guys too! It was heartwarming being able to celebrate a holiday from my world here. I gained another wonderful memory thanks to you all.

(...Thinking about it, isn’t it my turn to show my gratitude to them?) 

(I want to give them something as wonderful as that Valentine’s Day we had.)

Murr: Master Sage?

Akira: Uhm, if you guys don’t mind, can we have another Valentine’s Day?

I’m always being taken care of, day in day out, at the manor or on a mission, I want to show my gratitude for all of that…

Arthur: I would be honoured…but those feelings of yours are proof of gratitude enough.

Akira: No, let me do this for you. Giving presents is just as fun as receiving them, right?

It’ll be a blast to pick out things for each and every one of you, and on top of that I get to see all your happy smiles! It’s like a Win-Win situation!

Lennox: Winwin?

Akira: Uhh, basically everyone’s happy in the end! Look, this is just something that lovers, family members, and even friends do!

As I suggest with all my might, the two loosened their expressions and nodded. Murr also narrows his eyes gently.

Murr: Yahoo! This is the best, we get to have your chocolate! What a Winwin!!

Lennox: Yes…if you are happy, Master Sage, then I am too.

If there’s anything you’d like a hand with, please call on me.

Arthur: I would love to help out too. If it’s choosing chocolates or making chocolate statues and oceans, I can do it!

Akira: Thank you, everyone. You better look forward to your chocolates!

Heathcliff: Welcome home, Master Sage. 

Akira: Hey Heath, Nero, we’re back. We’ve got your olive oil too.

Nero: Thanks Sagey, and you fellas too.

Had my hands full with dinner prep so you really helped me out.

Nero gives a slight nod to us from the kitchen, and I can see Heathcliff next to him dressing the salad. 

While there’s a sweet smell coming from the kitchen into the dining hall, there’s already tons of food set out on the table.

Murr: Sautéed Deer meat, omelettes, cake, churros…what, is today a party!?

Nero: Nah, it’s not that. I just happened to get a lot of requests from the other guys. 

‘Cuz there was a large variety in the orders, it turned out to be quite the fancy feast.

Heathcliff: And since there was so much I thought I should help out too.

Akira: Thank you so much, you two, I can’t wait to eat dinner! 

Ah, right, Nero. You know a lot about everyone’s likes and dislikes, correct? I’ve got some questions to ask…

I told the two of my plans for a second Valentine’s Day and asked them what chocolate they would love to receive.

Heathcliff: Just the thought of you wanting to gift me something is enough.

Nero: What he said. You’re always looking after us, day in and day out.

Even though they both seem happy about my idea, they were still hesitant about it. It was then that Arthur took a step forward.

Index     >

Whose Hand the Chocolate Queen Takes Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Arthur: I understand how you feel. When I first heard this proposal, I thought the Sage was being overly conscious too.

However, their feelings are sincere and earnest, they truly do wish to do something for us. I think we should honour that.

Rustica: Yes, I do agree. The Sage merely wants to express their gratitude to us, so why not?

Nero & Heathcliff: Ru, Rustica?!

Rustica: Good morning, everyone.

Lennox: That’s some bedhair you’ve got…were you just sleeping?

Rustica: Bedhair? Oh, would you look at that, I do…Chloe went out this morning, so I didn’t realize. 

What were you all talking about? I heard your lively voices from the hallway.

Akira: We were just talking about how I wanted to give everyone chocolates of my gratitude, so…uh, Rustica, what kinda chocolate do you like? Any particular flavour or type?

Rustica: How kind! To think I’d be able to receive a gift from you. 

Though it is rather difficult to think of one off the top of my head, whether it’s something sweet, bitter, cold, or warm…

anything you give me will become my favourite chocolate.

Akira: Rustica…thank you.

(Mmm, but I still want to give them the chocolate they’d like the most…)

Murr: Oh, I know! If it’s chocolate you want to browse, I have just the spot!

Mysterious chocolate, glittery chocolate, all the chocolate in the world, in one place! 

Murr tilts his head as he spreads his arms out in joy, fingers counting off the types of chocolates in the world.

At this, Rustica claps his hands together. 

Rustica: Ah, would you perhaps be talking about that fair being held soon? 

Arthur: What fair?

Rustica: A chocolate fair. It is a fair for wizards, soon to be opened. 

What Rustica speaks of is a fair held irregularly on the outskirts of West Country.

However it hadn’t been held for many years, and the venue was said to be closed off all this time.

Rustica: Despite having been closed for all these years, recently the doors have begun to shine a light through them.

Akira: (Back in my world we’d have large-scale chocolate events too, I wonder if they’re alike?)

A chocolate festival held by wizards. I wonder what sort of extraordinary and mind-blowing chocolates they’ve got there?

Nero: Hey, I’ve heard of that fair before. They've got some special prized chocolate that’s the talk of the event right?

Rustica: Mm, you must be talking about the famous chocolate “Annabella” that’s exhibited every occasion.

Murr: Yep! It’s a chocolate that’s said to be made from the finest ingredients, and with the finest taste! Everyone calls it “Queen Annabella”. 

High-class, high-quality, just one bite will make you go “How mystifying! Everyone’s sure to love me now!!” 

Heathcliff: L-Love you now?

Murr: That’s what is said about the chocolate! Anyone who eats the Annabella chocolate gains the charm of making everyone fall to their knees with hearts in their eyes! 

That’s why everyone’s got their eyes set on it. Finally, after a hundred years they might be able to see this legendary chocolate!

Lennox: So it’s been a hundred years…that’s quite the gap.

Rustica: Yes, the event’s openings and the chocolate Annabella’s appearance itself are both irregularly done.

As well, this is the only fair that’s said to have the chocolate Annabella make an appearance, so it is also called the “Queen’s Fair”.

Akira: Wow…so this chocolate fair is the only place you get to see Annabella. 

That doesn’t mean you’ll be able to see the chocolate every time the fair is held, though. Thanks to that, it’s become a legend.

Akira: That’s pretty cool, a chocolate that grants you the ability to charm others.

Murr: You wanna romance somebody, Master Sage? 

Akira: Ah, no. I just think a chocolate that can charm others would be a sight to behold is all…

Murr: Then let’s go there and find the Queen together! 

Akira: Huh, I can go?

Murr: ‘Course! You’re our Sage!

Plus, the Queen’s Chocolate Fair is open to all those who love chocolate. 

Arthur: If that’s the case, then I will come too.

Rustica: I would like to come along as well. My bride might be allured by the sweet scent of chocolate, so I may find her at the fair. 

Heathcliff: I’m also interested in what kind of chocolate the Queen is…I wonder what it’ll look like…

Nero: A chocolate called the Queen sure sounds appetizing. I’d eat it if I could, but the idea of making anybody fall for me is a huge no-no.

Heathcliff: When you bring that part up, I have to agree…

The Eastern wizards had difficult expressions on their faces. As those who enjoy quiet lives, the idea of charming anyone around you is a bit too much for comfort. 

Lennox: Murr, what kind of chocolate is there aside from Annabella?

Murr: Because it’s a chocolate fair where chocolatiers get to showcase their best and original works, they’ve got all sorts of unique and special chocolates, from chocolates made to pursue perfection to chocolates that were made with unusual ingredients…

they’re chocolates you wouldn’t find at your regular confectionary store! 

Rustica: They’ve adorable chocolates, stylish chocolates…there may even be chocolates in the shape of sheep!

Lennox: Chocolates with the shape of sheep…I bet Rutile and Mitile would like that.

Akira: (Looks like everyone is hyped up for the Queen’s Chocolate Fair.)

It was the perfect opportunity for me. At the fair I’d be able to find chocolates for everyone.

As we continued talking about what never-before-seen chocolates there’d be, Murr opened his arms wide. 

Murr: Alright, then let’s gooo! We’re headed for the Queen’s Knees!

Days after, the time came for the Queen’s Chocolate Fair to open. I was meeting up in the foyer with everyone else. 

Arthur: Master Sage, did we make you wait?

Oz: …

Akira: Hello, Arthur. So you’re coming too, Oz?

Arthur: Yes, I invited him along in hopes he’d be of help.

Oz: I have no skill in discerning chocolates but…I will do what I can. 

Shylock: Greetings, Master Sage. Please, let me be your escort throughout the chocolate fair. I am quite familiar with the venue.

Murr: Shylock already had plans to go there before us!

Akira: Thanks, I’ll be relying on you! So you know about Annabella too, Shylock?

Shylock: Affirmative. She’s a charming and whimsical queen that is rarely ever beholden.

Lennox: I also invited Rutile and Mitile, but they already had plans today, so I’m in charge of getting them souvenirs. 

Rustica: Yes, plans with Chloe if I recall correctly. He also wanted to come, but since he couldn’t, he left the outfits he made with me.

Amorest Viesse.

Akira: Woah!

Rustica recited his spell, and all of our clothes had changed. They were clothes recognizably made with the theme of chocolate. 

Rustica: The dress code for the Queen’s Chocolate Fair is, of course, chocolate themed. 

Murr: Awesomeee! I wanna eat the fabric!

Everybody ready? It’s time for departure!

Thanks to Oz’s magic, we were teleported to the venue of the fair in an instant. 

As soon as we passed through the large doors of the luxuriously gorgeous building, I was taken in by its beauty.

Akira: Wooow!

What we entered was a foyer fit to be the ballroom of a palace. The chandelier’s flames flickered along with the comforting noise of the visitors bustling, and a faint sweet smell carried itself throughout the room, giving the foyer a lavish atmosphere.

At the seating area there were wizards holding wine glasses, enjoying the varieties of chocolates.

Rustica: As expected of its name, the Queen’s Fair is one of high quality. The scent of cacao and wine combined with everyone’s laughter creates music to my senses. 

Arthur: So this is the floor where we can sample the chocolates. The floor above us is the one where chocolates are for display.

Akira: Is Annabella already on display?

Murr: Shouldn’t be yet. If Annabella was, everybody here would be making more of a commotion.

Shylock: Mmhmm, because Annabella is the star of the show, the organizers of the fair want to keep us in suspense for her unveiling.

As well, if you wish to attain Annabella you must first gain the right to acquire her. She’s not some queen who’ll take anybody’s hand. 

Nero: That so?

Shylock: Indeed so. By the way, the conditions on how to gain the right change with every event, and are always announced in the later half. 

For example, last time it was an arm wrestling contest you had to win, with no use of magic allowed.

<     Index     >

Whose Hand the Chocolate Queen Takes Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Akira: Huh? So even though it’s an event for wizards, they won’t always require magic for the competitions…

Shylock: Hmhm, the organizers are quite whimsical, just like us Western wizards. If you’re lucky, it may be a similar contest today. 

At those words, everyone’s eyes turned to Lennox. 

Lennox: …I’ll do my best for everyone.

Murr: If we’ve got Lennox, we’ve got the strength of 100 men! And if it’s about magic, then we’ve got Oz!

Oz: …

Arthur: No, let me participate if that happens. I must show the results of my daily training! 

Akira: (A chocolate that won’t enter the hands of anyone so easily…it’s like an actual Queen.)

Since it would be a while before Annabella’s unveiling, we all split up and wandered throughout the venue. 

Nero: I’m gonna go over there. Spotted somethin’ interesting. 

Heathcliff: Oh, those truffles we passed by earlier? I’ll come with you. 

Nero: Yep, come along. 

Shylock: Have fun. I’ll be taking a breather on this couch, sipping some tea.

Rustica: I like that idea. How about I go and find a chocolate most fitting of this tea then? 

Lennox: Then I’ll remain in this spot too. I bet Rutile and the others would enjoy chocolates that could go with their tea. 

Murr: I’m gonna have a look around the room! Wanna come with, Master Sage? 

Akira: Yeah, I’m coming!

Arthur: Let me join you. How about you, Lord Oz?

Oz: Yes.

Shylock: I never thought I’d see Oz picking out chocolates a second time…

Lennox: Are you speaking of the time you and the other teachers went to that Witch’s castle? I heard that Lord Oz had also picked out chocolates there to give to everyone. 

Rustica: In Master Sage’s world there is a saying of “What happens twice happens thrice.”. If we’re in luck, we’ll see Lord Oz do it a third time!

Shylock: If it happens again it will be a miracle of a story…oh, excuse me. 

Could I trouble you in helping me find some chocolates to pair with this tea? Preferably one of rich flavour.

Waiter: Understood. 

Lennox: Is it really alright to find the chocolate that way instead of searching ourselves? 

Shylock: Why, of course. Though walking around and browsing on our own is enjoyable, it’s also rather refined to sit back like this too, no? 

And by leaving it in the hands of others, you may encounter something you wouldn’t have ever thought of. It’s just like love.

Waiter: Thank you for waiting. How about this chocolate made with konjac? 

It is fragrant and juicy, made with the finest hand picked grapes, and the strong brandy smell brings out the flavour of the tea leaves. 

Rustica: Thank you…ah, what a lovely smell. This would complement a tarty tea. 

For picking out such a magnificent chocolate, you must be my bride! 

Waiter: Sorry?

Rustica: Now, enter the cage! Grace me with your sweet voice of chocolate! 

Waiter: Excuse me, I—!

Lennox: You may encounter something you wouldn’t have ever thought of…

Shylock: Well there are always exceptions. Let’s turn him back later.

Heathcliff: So this floor is the display area. 

Nero: Everywhere I look it’s chocolate, chocolate, chocolate…are we gonna be able to check them out all within today?

Heathcliff: It’s hard to choose where to go when they’re all so lovely…ah, there’s a chocolate clock.

Nero: Woah, it’s actually working too. They’ve got all the parts of a real clock in chocolate!

Heathcliff: Amazing work…it really is entirely made out of chocolate.  

Replicated bit by bit, down to the finest details…this definitely took a lot of patience, but also seems like tons of fun… 

Nero: This chocolate here changes its flavour based on the weather. The sign reads that sunny days taste sweeter than rainy days…

What sorta special spice they put into this chocolate? I gotta know…

Heathcliff: Hehe, you always get so serious when it comes to cooking. 

Nero: Do I now? You’re having a fun time too, be sure to speak up if you feel dizzy from the crowds, alright?

Heathcliff: Yes, I’m fine right now though. There are a lot of people, but they’re all interested in the chocolate so no one’s paying attention to us…

Ah.

Nero: Somethin’ up?

Heathcliff: This chocolate is in the shape of a cat! Don’t you think the Sage would love this?

Nero: Hey, would ya look at that. Shall we buy it as a gift then?

Heathcliff: Yes! I think Mr. Faust would like it as well, and I need to get something for Shino too. 

Nero: ‘Kay then, the sweet one or the bitter one?

Heathcliff: I think Shino likes both those flavours…he’d probably say “Gimme the yummiest one” if we asked him. 

Nero: Ha, I can picture that. Or “Gimme the biggest one” too, “it’s the strongest chocolate” he’d say…

Clerk: Welcome. Are you perhaps looking for the biggest chocolate at this fair? 

Heathcliff: Y-Yes?

Clerk: Then look no further. Right here is a chocolate castle, how about it?

Nero: Hm? This isn’t really that big though, it fits in my hand.

Clerk: That’s because it’s been shrunken by magic. If you undo the magic cast on it it will become as big as a real castle! 

Nero: A, A real one!? Can you even finish that within a lifespan!?

Heathcliff: A-Actually, I think we should go buy some normal chocolate…

Clerk: Please, come take a look. This here is a chocolate as sweet as poison, bathed in the light of a comet, and made with plenty of whiskey. 

And this chocolate cake was made from the recipe of a man who loved his wife, each bite making you one year younger… 

Akira: A-Amazing…I’m completely lost on where to start looking.

In the display area there were chocolates you wouldn’t know were chocolate right away, chocolates of unfamiliar flavours, and chocolates with mysterious effects. 

There was an astounding variety of chocolates here I’d never seen before in my world, and my heart beat in anticipation everywhere I looked.

Akira: (Saloneze’s castle was also filled with strange chocolates, but this is a whole other level!) 

Murr: So, Master Sage? Enjoying your time?

Akira: Very much! 

With this many to choose from, I’ll be sure to find a chocolate for everyone at the manor!

Arthur: Wow, Master Sage, have a look at this…is this also chocolate, you think? 

What Arthur was pointing to, was an object of art that was cards stacked into a pyramid. 

Akira: I want to say it’s just cards, but considering how it’s at this fair…

Murr: Yep, it’s chocolate. On top of that, it’s playing cards made for cheating…

‘cuz you’d lose them by eating them! A card game made only for tricking!

Arthur: I see…so it still retains its factor of edibility even in this form…how resourceful! 

Murr: This chocolate over here looks funny too! The air around it is chilly! 

Akira: Woah, you’re right, it’s like dry ice.

Murr: Once you touch it it sticks to you, a permafrost chocolate that you can’t ever let go of! 

Akira: C-Can you eat that…?

Oz: …

As Oz watches our exchange his eyes suddenly stop on something. 

Arthur: Lord Oz, what is it you’ve found?

Oz turns his gaze towards us, and as if to guide us he returns his gaze to what he was looking at.

Oz: That.

Where he was looking at was a painting with delicately made chocolates in a frame. 

What was painted was a snowy landscape with grand mountains and trees. It had magic casted on it, judging by the small snowflakes pouring out of the painting.

Akira: It’s beautiful…is this from the North Country?

Arthur: It appears so. The mountains are made with white chocolate, and the snow we see is made of sugar…their usage of colours is stunning.

Clerk: You have a good eye, monsieur. That there was made by a wizard who is both painter and patissier, spending 3 days and 3 nights without sleep to create.

Oz: …I’ll have one.

Akira: (It looks like the scenery from Oz’s castle…I wonder if that’s why he got it.)

(It might make for a good gift to Snow and White as well.)

Every booth had chocolates that were enticing me to look at them. The visitors of the fair were both energized and bustling about. 

<       Index      >

Whose Hand the Chocolate Queen Takes Chapter 4

 

Chapter 4

Gentleman: Excuse me, there is only a tiny chocolate piece on this plate here. What is it? 

Clerk: That is quite the find, my good sir. When you put this tiny chocolate bit into your mouth, you will be able to taste a full course meal of chocolate. 

At first you’ll taste the mellow flavour of orangettes, and next the taste of sweet and soft white chocolate. After the faint scent of milk is…

Gentleman: Is…?

Clerk: If you wish to know, please have a sample! Taste it for yourself.

Young Man: Goodness, this is fantastic! This exquisite glasswork turned out to be actually made of chocolate!

Clerk: Indeed, it is. This part here uses a special type of chocolate mixed with the pigment of fruits…

Social status and age mean nothing here. At this fair, there are only those who share the same love and passion for chocolate. Thanks to that, the atmosphere is friendly and homely. 

While Oz and Murr are at the front leading us around the floor, Arthur stops in his tracks.

Arthur: …Such a strange colour, depending on the viewpoint, it can look either blue or gold. I’ve never seen a chocolate like this before!

Clerk: Thank you for your kind words. This is the new finished product of 100 years of research, titled “Song of the Aurora Borealis”. 

Made with the image of the aurora lights illuminating a world frozen in ice, the chocolatier used many rare flowers and syrups. They made it just for this fair.

Arthur: If it isn’t so! It's splendid work, I couldn’t take my eyes off it! 

I wonder why this fair is rarely ever held? All the exhibits and their products are just so magnificent, it would make anyone want to come again and again.

Clerk: That’s how the organizers like it. If we don’t have the perfect line up of chocolates ready for display, this event won’t ever be held, always on hold until chocolatiers, artists, and patissiers create more fine work.

This is a chocolate fair for those who love chocolate, organized by those who love chocolate. In turn, the criteria for the exhibitions are also strict.

Akira: So that’s why there’s so much passion put into these works…

This chocolate fair has likely developed a strong relationship of trust between the organizers and visitors over years and years. Through their words, I can feel the pride and confidence the clerk has in this fair.

Arthur: …Master Sage, if you’d like, will you partake in this chocolate with me? 

Akira: Oh, absolutely!

(Oz and Murr are over there checking out other chocolates…)

Elegantly, he reaches his hand out and guides me to a nearby couch with a box of chocolates he’d received from the clerk in his other hand.

Within this refined atmosphere he appeared as a true gentleman, and was a bit more mature than usual. 

His moves were swift, like he was leading me to a secret hideout, and my heart pounded. 

Arthur: Master Sage, here.

Akira: Wow, these chocolates are beautiful! It’s blue and dusted with golden powder, like a lapis lazuli…

I wish I could stare at this forever instead of eating it! 

Arthur: I understand that feeling! To put this lovely work in my mouth almost feels like I'm committing a crime, 

but from what I hear, the real pleasure of this chocolate may be that feeling of sinning!

I nod in agreement. I don’t think I’ve ever had a sweet that made me feel so bad for eating it before! 

Akira: Alrighty, I’ll take the first bite! …Mmh! It’s delicious…! Sooo sweet…

I thought it’d have a more unique flavour due to its fancy appearance, but it was easier to stomach than I’d thought!

Arthur: That’s great! Now then, I too…

Arthur, with his long fingers, picks up a small piece.

As if he was holding a treasure, he handled it with great care. The fingers that touched the enticing chocolate were brimming with impatience, yet in the end still kind in movement. 

The deep azure chocolate looked like a fragment of a crystal clear jewel, resembling his own eyes. 

Arthur: …It feels like a flower just bloomed in my mouth.

He widened his eyes, unable to express in words how beautiful it tasted. Like he was about to break into a smile, he continued his words.

Arthur: So this is the taste of a chocolate that took 100 years to make…it is an unforgettable taste.

At that, he finally smiled at me, like we were accomplices in a crime. 

As we went around shopping for chocolates, we spotted Lennox.

Arthur: Lennox, did you find your chocolate to go with tea yet?

Lennox: I did, I found a chocolate that turns black tea into milk tea. 

Have you two found anything good?

Akira: We…did, and that’s the problem. I bought so much, worrying over the flavour and appearance…

Huh? Wait a second, Murr isn’t here. He was just with us though…

Oz: He’s over there.

When I turned to where Oz was looking, I saw Murr talking to someone.

Akira: Murr? Who is that?

Murr: Master Sage! I was talking to this lady about chocolate.

???: Greetings, everyone.

Next to Murr was a refined lady in an elegant brown dress that wrapped around her. She smiles as she approaches us. 

A charming woman with a smile that read she was good with others, who gave off an approachable aura. Her carefully maintained and long curly hair sways along with her. 

Akira: Oh, Murr, is she your friend?

Murr: Nope. Just met her now!

She was dancing so I called out to her, while dancing! It was fun dancing around the fair!!

???: Hehe, this fair was just so amusing I felt like I had to move my body!

Lady Chocola: My apologies, I forgot to introduce myself. I am called Lady Chocola.

Akira: Lady…Chocola?

Lady Chocola: A strange name, isn’t it? I am actually a chocolate critic.

I inherited this title from my great great great great great grandmother, who was also a chocolate critic!

Because of the family knowledge of chocolate I inherited from my great grandmother, I’ve come to love chocolate, live with it, and become one with it, which is why I am continuing her legacy. 

Murr: I knew your great grandmother! 

She ate all the chocolates in the world, becoming known as the greatest chocolate critic! So you’re her granddaughter!

Lady Chocola: Indeed I am. I was travelling the world, discovering chocolates I had yet to eat, just like my great grandmother did…

My, that chocolate you have!

Lennox: This?

Lady Chocola’s eyes were on the chocolate package that Lennox was carrying. She forgot about her introduction and was focused on the chocolate.

Lady Chocola: That chocolate goes well with tea, but if you add cheese to it the flavour deepens and changes to an entirely new taste!

Adding pepper is also good, as it gives it a spicy pinch and makes for a great accent. 

Furthermore, if you have salt and nuts…

Just like her name, she truly loves chocolate from the bottom of her heart. Her passion shows through her words. 

Gentleman: You hear that? That chocolate he’s got must be a good one!

Madame: If it’s Lady Chocola’s words, it must be true! I have to buy that! 

Soon, the people who heard our conversation headed towards the booth where Lennox got his chocolate from. 

It appears that Lady Chocola’s influence in this world is akin to a queen, and I’ve just gotten a taste of it myself.

Lady Chocola: Chocolates are so rich in depth, holding an infinite amount of possibilities within their ingredients and creation... 

Ah…you, with the silvery white hair. Those chocolates you’re holding are top grade as well, I love them too.

Arthur: Thank you, it was actually this sir here who picked it out for me. He’s got quite the eye for aesthetics.

Oz: …

Lady Chocola: Really now? You’ve got great sense, sir!

Oz: …Thanks.

Murr: Lady Chocola, you bring that name justice with the amount of love you have for chocolate!

Have you already found a chocolate you like the most here?

<      Index      >

Whose Hand the Chocolate Queen Takes Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Lady Chocola: Unfortunately, I still have yet to. After all, the chocolate I want is the one and only Annabella.

In fact, the reason I came here today was to take her hand.

Annabella, as the most prominent of chocolates, is the world’s number one sought after chocolate, and the one I hold deep admirations for! 

As she said this however, she cast down her eyes with a sad expression.

Lady Chocola: I am supposed to know all the chocolates in the world, yet I still have not laid my eyes upon her figure…

Murr: Well, Annabella is only presented about every hundred years! 

Lady Chocola: Yes, you’re right about that. The last time she appeared was the year I was born into this world, so I have been waiting all my life. That’s why, I must have her hand!

Rustica: Such zeal you have! Could you be my bride?

Akira: (HUH?)

When I turned around to that voice, it was nonetheless Rustica!! Next to him was Shylock, who waved to us politely.

Rustica: Are you wearing that chocolate brown dress for our wedding? Please, enter the cage, my lovely dear.

Akira: (Crap, he’s Target-Locked her!!)

Rustica, WAIT,

Despite my panicking, Lady Chocola is calm and merely returns a pleasant smile to the birdcage-in-hand approaching Rustica.

Lady Chocola: Wrong person, sir. My only love is chocolate, so I couldn’t be your bride!

Rustica: Oh, is that so…? My deepest apologies. As you say, you certainly look the bride to chocolate instead. 

I should have guessed, considering how your wonderful dress looks as if it could melt with a touch.

Lennox: Rustica put away his birdcage just like that…

Shylock: Hehe, looks like her love for chocolate won. 

It is an honour to meet you, Lady Chocola. 

I’ve heard tell of you, a young madame who had become the number one chocolate critic, following in her great grandmother’s footsteps.

Lady Chocola: My, am I elated to meet you too! Upon this name do I travel the world in search of every chocolate out there, which is my purpose for coming here today! 

Rustica: So you go on searching for those you love too, my lady? We are kindred souls.

Traveller of Love, my Lady Chocola, I would be delighted to meet your fated partner. Where are they now? 

Lady Chocola: You mean Annabella? Well she is somewhere here, being kept safe. 

Soon we will be able to meet her, but I do wonder in what way she will be revealed…oh how I long to see her…

Rustica: I cannot wait to meet her! Then please, until the time approaches, will you speak of your travels with me? Your days of searching for your love, if you would. 

Lady Chocola: Why, of course I will! It’ll be long, I warn you.

I’ve been one with chocolate since the day I was born after all!

And today I will finally meet the last chocolate, my Queen Annabella! 

Aah, have I waited for this day…

Murr: Say, is it really okay with you to find your last chocolate? 

Lady Chocola: Excuse me?

With eyes beaming of curiosity, Murr asks her a question.

Lady Chocola tilts her head as she blinks dumbfounded, and a smile rose from her bewilderment.

Murr: The reason for your travels was to know all those unknown chocolates out there, right? But that’s gonna be all over now! 

The journey which you sacrificed your entire life for is soon coming to an end. Will you find satisfaction, or despair? 

Lady Chocola: W-Why…obviously it is satisfaction!

Murr: Really now? Desire and emptiness are two sides of the same coin. 

What follows desire comes emptiness, what follows emptiness comes desire. 

Lady Chocola: …

Murr: What is it you will desire after this journey ends? 

Tell me what else you like other than chocolate, my Lady Chocola. 

In response to Murr’s questioning, Lady Chocola’s face darkens, and she avoids his eyes. 

Lady Chocola: That, that is…

Shylock: My sincerest apologies, Lady Chocola. I find your devotion to your title at such a young age inspiring. 

Please, do not mind what this man says. Think of him as a wild cat who doesn’t know any better, I’ll be sure to discipline him later.

Murr: Meoww!!

Shylock: Now, I believe it is time for our queen to make her appearance. The preparations must be done by now. 

Akira: Oh, yeah…it looks like everyone’s going to the top floor. 

Lady Chocola: Ah, then we must hurry! Please excuse me, everyone. 

Lady Chocola bows gracefully to us before she hurries towards the upper floor. 

Nero: …’zit just me or did the crowd get bigger?

Heathcliff: There’s tons of chocolates set up in the center of the room! Is there some special activity?

Akira: Nero, Heath!

Heathcliff: Master Sage, and everyone too.

Akira: Hey! It’s about time Annabella shows up, so we all came up. 

Rustica: Quite the number of chocolates we have here. Perhaps all the chocolates throughout the fair have been gathered. 

In the middle of the room were tables continuously being filled with chocolates. To the ever expanding luxury, the surrounding people cheer. 

Chocolate statues of what looks like a fairy, tri-coloured truffles, flowing chocolate waterfalls, all of them called for your attention.

When all the chocolates of the chocolate fair had their representative, a long bearded man in a tailcoat appeared in the center of the room. It was apparent that he was one of the organizers.

Organizer: Wizards, witches, and all! Thank you for your patience. Our Queen Annabella shall make her entrance! 

As he loudly announced, the crowd began to clap so enthusiastically it felt like the room would break. But as to cut it off, the man raised his right hand. 

Organizer: Now, I shall explain to you all the qualifications to acquire Annabella this time. 

At those words, I could hear people gulp down their breaths. The room went silent in anticipation for his next words…

Organizer: The truth is, our Queen Annabella is already before your eyes, hidden within the many chocolates in front of you! 

Akira: What…!

The room had become noisy again. Reasonable, considering the hundreds of chocolates laid before us. 

Organizer: Annabella normally has a beautiful shape and colour like a jewel. However, this time she has disguised herself with the coating of any other chocolate here, and is hiding her true form. 

For example, this chocolate here on this tray could be her, or maybe the chocolates within that box. 

It will be difficult to discern, but I assure you she is truly here, waiting for one of you to find her!

In short, the contest this time is whoever can find her within this grand selection of chocolates is the winner! That is your qualification! 

Gentleman: Wait, wait! Annabella is a rarely ever seen, mirage of a chocolate! 

There are barely any here who have ever seen her true form! Since she’s disguised herself, how can we even search for her without having seen her once!? 

Organizer: If you make good use of your wits and senses, you will be sure to know the real Queen when you see it! 

However, you mustn’t use magic. If you believe you’ve found her, please find a table with a Judge to determine there. 

Nero: …We seriously going through all this chocolate?

Heathcliff: We have no other choice. Though…it seems there are thousands of chocolates to search from…

Lady Chocola: I shall be the one to find her! 

While everyone else was still baffled at the proposition, Lady Chocola raised her voice loud and clear. 

Lady Chocola: A change of appearance is not enough to stop me! I am the world’s number one chocolate critic, Lady Chocola, after all! 

Gentleman: As expected from Lady Chocola…I suppose I must get my act together as well. I won’t lose when it comes to chocolate!

Madame: Don’t forget me now! There’s no way I’m letting this once in a 100 years opportunity go!

Inspired by Lady Chocola’s drive, morale rose, and the rest of the wizards all started sifting through the chocolates. 

Arthur, who was watching the scene before him, had curiosity burning within his blue eyes. 

Arthur: It’s like a treasure hunt! Shall we go join them?

Murr: You betcha we are! Let’s compete on who’ll find Annabella faster! I’m gonna start over there!

Rustica: Then I’ll start my search from this chocolate piano.

Lennox: I don’t have a lot of confidence, but I’ll help out. I’ll go look at those white chocolates over there. 

Akira: Then I…

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