Whose Hand the Chocolate Queen Takes Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Oz: …

While everyone carried themselves off to start their search, Oz was silently staring at some chocolates on the table.

What Annabella was disguised with was a mere coating of chocolate, not any form of magic.

For those who enjoy chocolate on an average level, this contest was next to impossible.

Akira: Uhm, Oz? Do you want to search for Annabella with me?

Oz: …Why?

Akira: There’s just so many chocolates here I don’t know where to begin, and doing it alone seems real tough…

And, like Lady Chocola said, you’ve got great sense! So I think you could be a key player…

Oz returns his gaze towards the chocolates on the table. He picks one up and squeezes it with his fingers, closely examining it before looking back at me.

Oz: I have no interest in some Queen of Chocolates. And I do not believe I have much skill in discerning chocolates…

However, if that is what you wish for, then I shall participate.

Akira: Thank you, Oz…!

Okay, I’m gonna start my search at this table then!

Swung into the mood of the festivities, I reach my hands out towards the neverending piles of chocolates.

Though they were just chocolates meant to help camouflage Annabella, they were still gorgeous and a marvel to look at.

Akira: I wonder what this is? It’s finely made, and smells nice…

Oz: That is not Annabella. It has the same shape as the chocolates sold at that booth we were at before.

Akira: Oh, I remember now! Hmm, what about this one…

Oz: That was the chocolate Arthur bought as souvenirs for the other Central wizards. You sampled it. 

Akira: You’re right! Good job Oz, I didn’t notice at all!

Murr: Yeah, good job Oz, you really do have a great aesthetic sense for things like these!

Akira: Waugh!

Murr’s voice had come from above me.

Holding many chocolates in his hands, Murr was floating around like he was at home, casually listening to our conversation.

Akira: Hey Murr, do you have any idea on where Annabella might be?

Murr: Nooope, not an inkling! What about you?

Akira: Same here, as far as I can see, every chocolate seems to be the one…

Of course, we weren’t the only ones searching for Annabella. There were plenty of other wizards working their hands rummaging about for the Queen chocolate. 

Gentleman: Darn, wrong again! I really did think it was her this time…!

Madame: I don’t believe that this isn’t her! It’s the shape of high heels, fittingly cute for the Queen!

Akira: (No one’s hit the gold yet, huh? Even so, they all look like they’re having fun.)

All chocolate fans of the world were gathered here with sparkles in their eyes, hunting for the Queen like they were children playing a game.

Though their goal was to find Annabella, being surrounded by so many chocolates was a paradise for them. 

Murr: C’mon Master Sage, let’s pick up the pace! We can’t let someone find Annabella before us!

Akira: On it! I’ll do my best!

Murr picks up a chocolate and holds it under the light, looking at it with a magnifying glass. He tilts his head around with a grin on his face.

He resembled a scholar hunting for unseen ores in a mine, and within those sophisticated eyes of his were innocence and novelty. 

Nero: Crap, wrong again…

Akira: Nero, how are you doing?

Nero: Welp, as you can see, not so good. Shoulda guessed that finding a queen chocolate wasn’t going to be easy. 

On top of disguising itself the shape might not even be all that different from other chocolates, so if we’re gonna put all our senses to use,

maybe the biggest factor we needa look out for is the chocolate with the most unique scent…

Akira: …

Nero: Hm? What’s up, Sagey?

Akira: Ah…nothing. I didn’t think you’d be so into the hunt for Annabella, is all.

Nero: …Ha, for real? Well yeah, I do enjoy my treasure hunts from time to time.

I think what’s even more surprising is OZ though…

Nero says this as he looks at Oz who has his arm in a mountain of chocolates.

Nero: A sight like that must be more precious than the Queen.

Lennox and Heathcliff are huddled together discussing and comparing chocolates. Everyone was enjoying the competition in their own way.

Akira: (No luck here…)

I wonder how long it’s been since the contest started. The participants who had been energetic at first have been beaten by time and are starting to get impatient. 

Heathcliff: Hm? They’re rather…loud. 

Shylock: It’s no surprise they’re restless after searching so long. The Queen has yet to grant an audience to anyone…

One wizard let out a shout, sounding fed up. 

Gentleman: You there! 

Organizer: Dear sir, if it’s judging you desire then please line up at their tables over there. They will get to you in time. 

Gentleman: That’s not it, is Annabella really here within these piles of chocolates!?

This isn’t some lie you made up to get people going to the fair, is it?! You never brought her out in the first place, did you!

Organizer: Such accusations! Annabella is most certainly here, if you truly love chocolate then you are sure to find her. 

Gentleman: I am a LONG time visitor to this chocolate fair! You dare insinuate me for a rookie?!

Arthur: The mood went down…I hope it doesn’t become too much of a problem. 

Lennox: Agreed…

Akira: (Everyone’s desperate to find Annabella…)

(Is Lady Chocola having a hard time too? She said it was her greatest wish in life, so I hope it’s her who finds it…)

Arthur: Woah!

Heathcliff: Prince Arthur?!

As I was pondering, I heard Arthur and Heathcliff’s panicked voices, along with the rattling and clattering of furniture. 

Akira: Wha, What…

When I turned to see, I couldn’t believe my own eyes. 

Arthur was looking down at us, his head was reaching the ceiling--He had dramatically increased in size! 

Gentleman: That, that young lad suddenly grew gigantic?! He’s like a giant from the stories my mother would tell me!

Madame: My goodness! Or perhaps it is us who have shrunk in size…?

Murr: Wahahaha!! Is Arthur too tall or are we too small? Whichever it is it’s fuunnnyyy!!

Big Arthur: Ahahaha, you’re right about that! Hey, I think I could put you guys in my pocket. Oh, and the chocolates have become the size of fingertips too…!

Ah, my apologies. If I move about it creates quite the tremor!

Everyone at the fair was confused, but there was wonder in their voices and gazes. In this vibe fitting of a West Country party, it is then that Rustica speaks up in a gentle manner. 

Rustica: Oh my, growth spurts do come so suddenly, don’t they?

Nero: Yeaah I don’t think that’s it, buddy.

Lennox: Even if it was, this is way too abnormal. 

Oz: Arthur. 

Oz had come to my side, looking up at Arthur with the same expression he always held, and continued in his deep voice. 

Oz: What did you put in your mouth.

Big Arthur: A chocolate I had examined by the judges…they recommended I eat it, so I did and…I had become huge. 

Shylock: Oh, I see what’s going on. So there were prank chocolates mixed in the piles.

Heathcliff: Prank chocolates?

Glancing at the chocolates set up on the tables, Oz lets out a small sigh.

Oz: It was a magic chocolate you ate.

I can sense some magic coming from multiple chocolates in here. It’s fine to have fun with your treasure hunt, but don’t carelessly put things inside your mouth.

Big Arthur: Lord Oz, I’m so sorry…there was “Eat me!” written on it, so I…

I’ve made a mess of the tables and chocolates haven’t I…I’ll go fix it right away.

Rustica: Wow, how wonderful! Because his hand is so huge he can clean it up easily.

I should eat that chocolate when I want to clean my room, it will be a big help!

Murr: If it makes you that big, then if you ate it back at the manor you’d break through your room ceiling!

Oz: Vox Nox.

Oz recites his spell, and a light wraps around Arthur. When the light fades, Arthur stands at his regular height. 

Gentleman: How unfortunate, he’s back to normal.

Madame: Whatever, did that boy not just call that man “Oz”? I do sense an enormous amount of magic from him, so…

Arthur: I’m back! Thank you so much, Lord Oz! I’m sorry for causing you trouble, everyone. 

Heathcliff: Not at all, I’m glad everything turned out alright.

Arthur runs up to Oz and the rest, and I breathe a sigh of relief.

Akira: (Thank goodness…I was worried what would happen if he couldn’t turn back…)

Lady Chocola: …

For a second, I spotted a chocolate coloured dress out of the corner of my eye.

Akira: (Lady Chocola…?)

(What’s wrong? She doesn’t look so good…)

<     Index     >

Whose Hand the Chocolate Queen Takes Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Despite the commotion that caused quite the stir in the venue, Lady Chocola had a grim expression, like she was heavily thinking about something, and seemed restless.

Remembering how lively she was and the way her eyes shined at the start of the search, I called out to her.

Akira: Excuse me…

Lady Chocola: …Ah, it’s you. Is something the matter?

Akira: No, I’m fine. I wanted to ask about you, actually. Are you alright?

Have you found Annabella? I haven’t got a clue yet, though of course it’s gotta be a hard one to find!

Lady Chocola: Indeed she is…I haven’t found her either, as expected of Annabella.

She said this as if she were talking to herself. She really wasn’t in high spirits.

Annabella is the one chocolate that she has yet to meet, I remember how determined she was to find it from our previous conversation.

The one who is most impatient to find Annabella at this fair may be her.

Akira: Lady Chocola, is there anything I can help with?

Lady Chocola: Pardon me?

Taken aback, Lady Chocola looks at me with wavering eyes.

Akira: I believe Annabella would be happy to land in the hands of someone like you who speaks its name with so much love.

So that’s why I’m asking you if there’s anything I can do to help you reach your dream.

Granted, I don’t really know a lot about chocolate like you, but…

Lady Chocola: … 

It looked like she wanted to say something, but held back with a troubled face, gazing down. She shook her head lightly,

yet it was one of reluctance and hesitance. I thought it was weird, but she threw on a smile. 

Lady Chocola: Really, I’m fine. Aren’t you also going after Annabella?

The Queen is a difficult one, you know. Having the love and knowledge is handy, but it’s not like you won’t be able to meet her without those qualities.

So please, prioritize yourself first. 

Akira: I guess you’re right…sorry, I was being pushy. 

Lady Chocola: No, not at all, I appreciate it. Hah…

Akira: Ah!

Out of nowhere, Lady Chocola stumbled over, and I quickly caught her by the back.

Akira: Are you okay, Lady Chocola?! Are you feeling unwell?!

Lady Chocola: Haah, my apologies…I have caused you trouble and worry. I staggered a bit is all, do not fret. 

Thank you for catching me. May the Queen smile upon you with graces, for your kind deeds. 

As she smooths out the hem of her dress, she bids me farewell with a small grin and bow before heading off. 

Akira: (She’s so nice…still wishing me well…)

As I watch her back, I sense someone watching me.

Turning around, in front of me was Murr, holding a magnifying glass to my face, closely examining me with a serious face. It was that moment–

The venue was dropped in darkness.

Akira: Huh?

Like all the colours and light before me had been stolen, it was pitch black. I hear some noise next to me as this occurs. 

But a second later, light had returned to the world. I felt relief for a brief moment, until I realized there was a thick pole in front of me.

And not just one thick pole, many of these brown coloured poles surrounded me like a birdcage, trapping me within.

Heathcliff: Master Sage!

Arthur: What is the meaning of this?!

Akira: Guys…!

It all happened so suddenly I had no idea what was going on. All I could do was look towards those who were calling my name. 

Why was I trapped inside a cage? A cage made of chocolate, nonetheless.

Rustica: Why is our Sage inside a cage?

Shylock: If this is meant to be some kind of joke I’m not finding it very funny.

Oz: …

Oz had his staff out, spell on the tip of his tongue.

He was trying to understand what was going on first before reciting it.

Organizer: Everyone, this is not some party entertainment. It is unfortunate to say, but we have a criminal amidst us here in our sacred chocolate fair!

Lennox: Criminal…?

Organizer: Yes, indeed. This criminal sought to steal our fair’s Queen Annabella! 

Gentleman: Blasted! 

The crowd began to roar, eyes like knives piercing me with their gaze, the one trapped in the cage. 

Akira: Uh, uhm…

Organizer: A while ago, when that silver haired lad had suddenly grown huge, Annabella disappeared from her location. 

It is likely that after finding her within the commotion, this criminal pocketed our Queen while our eyes were on the giant lad!

Fret not, for all is solved now. As you can see here, we have caught our thief! 

Now you, confess! You stole Annabella and put her in your pocket, didn’t you!

Akira: WHAT!? Me?!

The Organizer’s eyes were fixed on me, demanding an answer. My thoughts could not keep up with what was going on. At that moment, a graceful voice called out from the crowd. 

Lady Chocola: Wait just one moment! 

Making her way through the crowd of wizards was Lady Chocola. She turned towards the Organizer, hands pressed together like a prayer.

Lady Chocola: This person is innocent, I tell you! Not some criminal!

Despite being rivals in this competition they wished I’d find Annabella, they are a kind soul!

I cannot believe that they’d ever plan to steal something! Surely, you’re making some mistake here?

Akira: Lady Chocola…?

At her desperate protest, my anxiety calmed down. Arthur nodded in agreement, and with a determined look on his face he turned towards the Organizer.

Arthur: It is as the lady says, they would never do such a thing.

Cease this mistreatment immediately, and release them now. 

Akira: Y-Yes, that’s right! I haven’t found Annabella, and I definitely don’t remember stealing anything!

(...Mm?)

To prove I was innocent, I reached inside my pocket, except I…felt something. Thinking that was strange, I pulled it out and–

Gentleman: Hey!

Madame: That’s!

Akira: Chocolate?!?!

What was in my hands was a crookedly pentagonal chocolate. I held my breath, wondering why it was in my pocket.

Everyone was staring at my hands, which unexpectedly held the proof of theft. Lady Chocola’s eyes widened.

Lady Chocola: Ah…

Organizer: My sincerest apologies, Lady Chocola. What this criminal is holding is without a doubt, Annabella. You must realize it too, don’t you?

Everyone! This is the proof that they are a sinner! If we remove the coating off her it will become undeniable

that this person is a criminal who tried to steal our Queen from us!

Akira: No no no I don’t know why this was in my pocket, but…!

(What do I DO?! How do I prove to them this is a misunderstanding? How did that chocolate end up in my pocket in the first place?)

Gentleman: To think there was a filthy thief amongst us…! Such greed!

Madame: Did you really think you could deceive us?! Foolish!

Murr: Yep, this is weird!

Whether or not they really did find Annabella, it’s their freedom to hide or keep it to themself if they did!

Gentleman: Correct, they could…huh?

The chaos had paused. All eyes were on Murr. 

Murr: Because the contest WAS that if you found Annabella, it became yours! So what’s the point of stealing it? It’s the same! 

Madame: You’re, you’re right…

Set off by Murr’s words, the hostilities gradually died down, and opinions from many others poured into my ears. 

Gentleman A: …Say, someone had mentioned this before, but is Annabella even here in the first place?

Gentleman B: I thought the same. Maybe they really didn’t have her prepared so they caused all this ruckus on purpose…

Madame: They said if they removed the coating, they’d be able to tell it was Annabella right away, but aren't there only a few people here who’ve actually seen her?

Furthermore, the descriptions of what she looks like differ from person to person! If you don’t actually know her true appearance, anything could be it!

Organizer: No no, those are just assumptions! Annabella is truly here…!

Gentleman: Hmph, it is still suspicious…

Perhaps the organizers, that person in the cage, and even the silver haired lad were all in cahoots from the beginning!

Arthur: Me?

The accusations were starting to point at not only me and the organizers, but at Arthur too. I gripped at the bars of the cage, unable to bear this any longer. Arthur eyed the room with a calm look on his face. 

<     Index     >

Whose Hand the Chocolate Queen Takes Chapter 8

 

Chapter 8

Arthur: I understand you feel confused considering what had just happened, but please, do not ignore our words and brand us criminals like so.

The Sage is not one to deceive others, and neither am I.

It is times like these where we need to have a proper grasp of the situation and rational reasoning. If you panic and make haste judgments, you’ll never know the truth.

With sincerity in his gaze Arthur’s words reach the hearts of everyone in the venue.

Arthur: And please, please remember…that today is a day where those who love chocolate come together to celebrate it. 

You all came to meet the Queen, didn’t you? I’m sure she doesn’t wish for this turmoil, and neither do you.

Madame: Well…

Arthur: I don’t want this wonderful fair to become a sour memory for you, who love this fair so much. 

The organizers of this event love chocolate just as much as everyone else here, and that’s why they started this fair up. 

This fair is a place where the organizers and its visitors can both express their love. So if you could have the goodness to, settle down. 

Once you’ve calmed down, you may be able to find another path that wasn’t there before. 

Akira: (Arthur…)

As he did say, it felt like that chocolate was just another object right now. My heart ached, remembering how much joy and cheer we all had for chocolate at this fair.

Gentleman: It is as he says…our reason for our coming here is because we love chocolate, no?

Madame: Yes…disgraceful acts such as fighting do not belong at the Queen’s Fair. 

Arthur’s words had gotten through to them, penetrating their hearts. 

Gentleman: So in the end, what happens with the search for Annabella?

Madame: I guess she’s still not been found yet…

Gentleman: That so? However…

Even if the situation has calmed down, that doesn't mean my accusations have been swept away. At the moment, there’s still no means of proving my innocence.

Akira: What should I…

Murr: Master Sage.

With light footsteps, Murr had stopped in front of the cage, and our eyes met. 

Akira: Murr…

Murr: Keep your head up now, it’ll be alright. The story is almost over. 

Those who are gathered here are all mad chocolate lovers.

So that’s why the ones most anxious by this situation are them, including the person who put that chocolate in your pocket.

He points to the chocolate in my right hand, and gives me a quick wink. 

Murr: Because that person who loves chocolate so much had made their beloved chocolate fair into a mess. 

I’m sure they’re hurting right now. …Don’t you think so, Lady Chocola?

Murr turns around, and as if he were starting a casual conversation, calls out to Lady Chocola. 

Lady Chocola: …

Akira: (Lady Chocola…I hope she’s okay, she looks unwell…)

(This situation hasn’t been good for her, her face is so pale…)

Biting her bottom lip, Lady Chocola faces the ground. Out of the sea of eyes focused on me, she alone couldn’t meet with my eyes. 

Now that I think about it, ever since the commotion she still hasn’t calmed down, and she looked deep in thought. 

Lady Chocola: …Naturally, I believe so. There is nothing more painful than this.

Ending the conversation there, she purses her lips slightly and eventually gives a small nod.

Lady Chocola: …This person has done nothing wrong! It was all me!

I was the one who found Annabella, and put her in their pocket!

With a firm declaration, she confessed. Everyone turned from me to look at her. 

Gentleman: What did you…?

Madame: But…our Lady Chocola?

Gentleman: That can’t be right, why would someone who loves this fair so much ever commit such an act? 

The chocolate fair’s visitors’ confusion had grown larger. Yet somehow, I was calm.

Looking at the chocolate in my hands and back at Lady Chocola, the dots connected themselves and I called out to her.

Akira: Lady Chocola, I was wondering what was getting you so down. You looked like you were so distressed by something…

So the time you fell over and I caught you is when you put the chocolate in my pocket? 

While facing downwards, Lady Chocola squeezes her hand she was holding, and quietly nods. 

Lady Chocola: Yes…I’m sorry. 

But, please believe me that I had no intention of ruining the fair,

and that I did not want for you to be trapped like this…! 

Nero: …For now, can we get ‘em outta that cage? This talk can continue after. 

Oz: Vox No…

Lennox: —HAH! 

Akira: What the!?

The Sage’s Wizards: ?!

Faster than Oz could recite his spell, Lennox sprinted up to the cage and leapt over the bars, landing before my eyes. 

Without any hesitation, he then swiftly smashed the chocolate poles with his right fist in one blow! 

The cage broke apart, pieces of the chocolate poles flinging high above us. 

It was like a rain of chocolate for a brief moment, and within that rain stood Lennox who tightened his fist. 

Lennox: Now that the suspicions and cage have been lifted, I’m sure the conversation can proceed more smoothly now. 

A bucket of water had been splashed on us. Everyone had shocked looks on their faces, meanwhile the Sage’s wizards were normal.

Murr: *whistle* What a hottie!!

Shylock: Ahaha, Lennox never fails to surprise me. 

Oz: Why didn’t you use magic…

Lennox: Ah, right…Instinct?

Nero: He really broke apart those sturdy poles with his bare hands…

Heathcliff: Amazing…perhaps I should do some muscle training…

It seems that the mood of the venue has also lifted thanks to Lennox.

Rustica: I agree, it’s a huge relief! 

Seeing everyone forget about chocolate and being so angry made it hard to breathe…

Arthur: Indeed, this is no conference or battlefield, it is pointless to fight amongst one another. 

Isn’t that right, Lady Chocola?

Arthur faces her with a gentle look in his eyes. She didn’t mean for any of this to happen. The one who was hurting the most right now must be her.

Holding Lennox’s hand, I step out of the crumbled mess of the cage. 

Akira: …Lady Chocola. Your goal was to find the chocolate Annabella, right?

So why, when you finally found it, did you put it in my pocket? If you find it, you get the qualification…

Lady Chocola: …It’s true that when I finally found her, I was overjoyed. I knew right away that this chocolate was different from the others.

Even with the coating, I could tell. Glittering like the stars, cold like the snow, and a fragrance as sweet as honey…it’s not easy to hide. 

I didn’t need a judge to tell me this was Annabella. I was beside myself with joy that my long time dream had finally been conquered. 

But…

With trembling lips, she puts her head down. 

That chocolate coloured dress she was wearing was most certainly prepared specifically for this day. Beyond that graceful appearance however there was something hollow mixed in. 

Lady Chocola: But when I found it…I felt that it was over too soon. I was too scared of the ending. 

…Too scared of losing my purpose in life. What do I pursue after this? What do I do after my dream has ended?

Akira: …

Earlier, Murr had asked her what it is she will desire after this journey ends. 

Having her wish fulfilled she surely felt happy, but at the same time like she lost something, because she loves chocolate from the bottom of her heart. 

<     Index     >

Whose Hand the Chocolate Queen Takes Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Lady Chocola: …I’ve kept on thinking about it. How, if no one ever found Annabella, my journey could continue.

I could still remain as Lady Chocola, the woman who wanders the world in search of the greatest chocolate. That kind of thing…

Akira: …

Lady Chocola: …So that’s why I thought that I must hide her. No one would ever find out, and the truth would stay with me. That was when you called out to me. That was when I took advantage of your kindness…

I prayed that when I put her in your pocket, you would be able to take her home with no one ever knowing…

To her, Lady Chocola must have felt like she was on a rocky ship in the middle of the sea. 

Lost and alone, when I asked her if she needed any help, she decided then to choose me. 

Lady Chocola: …In the end, however, you were accused of a crime, all because of my actions…

I am truly sorry. I am sorry to everyone here, who came to this fair.

She bowed her head politely, first to me, and then to the crowd around us, and then looked at the organizers.

Lady Chocola: I hope you can forgive me for disgracing your sacred venue. I’ve made a mess of the fair meant for chocolate lovers…

Please punish me in the name of our chocolate Queen. Whatever you feel is right. 

Akira: A punishment?! What…

Murr: Soooo, watcha gonna do? Give her a punishment?

Organizer: I, of course not…

The organizers, who were watching from the sidelines, choked on their words at Murr’s question.

They were once again unsure of how to handle the situation, and were troubled on what to do.

Shylock: Murr. Wasn’t this all your fault in the first place?

Murr: Mmm, ya think?

Lady Chocola: It isn’t. All he did was give me the opportunity to finally face what I’d been avoiding all this time.

I beg you, it is me who should receive punishment. I don’t care what happens now, my journey is over anyway…

Lennox: It’s too early to say that it’s over now.

Lady Chocola: What…?

Lennox: It’s true that finding the chocolate you were searching for may spell out the end of your journey…

but the end of a journey is the beginning of another. Where that end starts, is only something you can know. 

So if in the end there lies your long awaited goal, I think you should be celebrating it.

Lennox carefully spun his words together. These were words that he was familiar with, that he experienced himself, and they were straight from the heart.

Lennox: It’s not the end yet. Your feelings for chocolate haven’t disappeared now, have they?

Lady Chocola: Ah…

Lennox: There are things that won’t change, and things that do. So how about you start a new journey, along with your unchanging feelings?

Lennox’s soft voice brings comfort to my heart. 

Raising his hand eagerly to add on is Murr. 

Murr: He’s right! You can just start another journey!

Even if you know all there is to all the chocolate out there right now, there will be more chocolate to uncover in the future! 

You’ll be sure to find a new kind of chocolate that no one’s ever seen before. And if you don’t, you can be the one to make it!

Lady Chocola: Make…chocolate? Me…?

She widened her eyes, just like a little girl who witnessed magic for the first time, spells reflecting in the depths of her eyes.

Nero: Haha, that’s a good idea. Since you know everything about chocolate you’re guaranteed to whip up something special. 

‘Course, you’re gonna need to learn the basics, but thinking up of the recipes, which ingredients to use, and what colours to make it, is all part of the fun.

Rustica: Oh yes, by making it yourself, you can choose what colour you want! Would you want to see a seven coloured chocolate? Or perhaps, a transparent one?

Heathcliff: A transparent coloured chocolate? That’d be kind of cool to see…!

Lady Chocola: …That would be a delight to behold…

Gentleman: …Did you hear that just now? Lady Chocola’s going to invent a transparent chocolate! 

Madame: How would you even make that?! Does a transparent cacao exist?

Suddenly, everyone in the room was talking about how “Lady Chocola’s inventing a new kind of chocolate!”

Gentleman: Lady Chocola, when do you think you will complete that chocolate? Will you display it at the next chocolate fair?

Lady Chocola: Hold your horses, even if you ask me anything I still haven’t any ideas yet…

A crowd formed around Lady Chocola, questions from all directions coming at her. She was perplexed by their vigor. 

Except, they were positive, as if it were the day before departing for a long journey. Everyone held expectations and excitement, and soon enough Lady Chocola too regained the same light in her expression.

Akira: (Thank goodness…as it turns out, her journey still has yet to end, not for a long while.)

Shylock: By the way, Master Sage. Would that chocolate in your hand be the genuine Queen Annabella?

It’s got a lovely coating, finding this without the use of any magic must’ve been quite the task.

Akira: Ah…right. I’m gonna give this back to you, Lady Chocola.

Lady Chocola: …Why?

Akira: Because the one who found it was you. I think Annabella would prefer to take the hand of someone who loves chocolate from the bottom of her heart, anyway.

And…I’d like for you to have it too. I look forward to what kind of chocolate the world’s chocolate mastermind creates!

Lady Chocola covers her mouth with both of her hands as she stares at the chocolate in my hands. It seems that she was wondering if it was really okay for her to accept this.

It was then that one of the organizer’s coughed aloud, attention turning to them.

Organizer: This is the Chocolate Queen’s Fair, an event with a venerable and honourable history. 

Never in our years of holding this fair had we any incident such as this. In the name of our Queen Annabella, we have decided to act on the rules we had long established since our first event. 

Lady Chocola. It is without a doubt, you who had found our Queen from within the piles of chocolates here. 

The ownership of Annabella belongs to you. Please, recite your spell.

Lady Chocola: Is it really…alright for me to…?

Akira: Of course! You were the one who found it!

Though she was reluctant at first, after seeing my and the organizer’s resolve she quietly recited her spell.

That spell beautifully echoed throughout the venue, and a sparkling glow emanated from the chocolate coating, lightly tearing off. 

Lady Chocola: What beauty…!

The chocolate Annabella that appeared in her hand was like a mirror, rapidly changing colours from blue, green, and red, depending on the angle of the light hitting it. 

Its appearance was incomparable to stained glass when light shone on it, or any glittering gem. It was as vibrant and gorgeous as a kaleidoscope that enclosed the shine of a rainbow within. 

With mesmerizing beauty that touches your heart and takes your breath away, Lady Chocola takes a deep breath.

Lady Chocola: This is what I’ve been searching for all my life…

Aaah, what a goddess she is! There is not a word in my dictionary worthy enough to describe her! To think there was such a beautiful thing hiding in this world…!

Hehe, it is an honour to meet you, my Queen Annabella. 

Lady Chocola gently narrows her eyes, watching the chocolate Annabella with a satisfied look on her face.

She gives me a smile of warmth as she approaches us.

Lady Chocola: Thank you everybody, I owe it all to you. I finally was able to behold the greatest beauty out there. 

Murr: Wow, it’s sparkly, like a freshly polished jewel!

So enigmatic and mystical…it’d be no wonder if I were to fall in love with you now, my lady! 

Akira: Fall in love…?

Murr: Didn’t I tell you before? Those who eat Annabella gain the ability to completely charm others! 

Though, what if it’s the chocolate that charms the wielder, and manipulates them into not eating it…?!

Maybe that’s Annabella’s way of remaining uneaten, a self preservation technique so it can continue to be Queen!

<     Index     >

Whose Hand the Chocolate Queen Takes Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Shylock: Quite the funny thinking you have, Murr. So the ending to this story is that Annabella has feelings, now?

Akira: (It’s kinda hard to imagine a sentient chocolate…)

Even so, by going off of that assumption, it does create an explanation for Lady Chocola’s abrupt actions earlier.

She was the one who looked forward to this fair the most. It’s strange to think that it’d be her who would make a mess of it. 

Upon finding the Queen, she may have been overwhelmed and taken over by its charm that she got possessed. 

Murr: Too bad though! ‘Cuz in the end, the chocolate was found by you! 

O Queen Annabella, it’s because you are such a charming chocolate that you must be eaten!

Clerk 1: Welcome. How would you like a gelato, made with masses of chocolate?

Clerk 2: We’ve only got a few Dreamy Chocolate Cakes left, come gather, it’s syrupy and delicious!

After the revealing of Annabella, the chocolate fair regained it’s usual energy.

Organizer: Excuse me.

When I was about to go around and have another look at the fair, I was called out to by an organizer. 

Organizer: I would like to apologize once more for our mistreatment earlier. We are terribly sorry for the manner we treated you in. 

Akira: Oh, don’t worry about it. I think anybody would have thought it was me in that situation. 

Organizer: Nevertheless, it was our fault for not making sure beforehand. It was thanks to you and your friends that the fair was able to continue too. 

Hence, we would like to make amends…

The organizer turned his back toward me. What he was looking at, was the tables and tables of chocolate that had been used in the contest to help camouflage Annabella.

Organizer: We would like to give you and everyone here at the venue those chocolates for free. 

Akira: WHAT! I mean, can we really…?

Nero: Uhm, ain’t that a lot? Even when you divide it by everybody at this venue it’s still a whole bunch…

Murr: You got that right! Then let’s do this.

Eanul Rambul!

Akira: Wow!

When he recited his spell, the chocolates of the tables had begun to float. 

Gentleman: What…! The chocolates are flying!

While everyone was a blunder, the multicoloured chocolates were in the air fluttering and twittering about, enjoying their time flying around. 

Lennox: When you look at them like this, you can really see how many different chocolates there were here. 

Stars and hearts, fishes and instruments, all kinds of chocolates were dancing while enwrapping us in a sweet fragrance alike a dream. 

Murr: Master Sage quick, you gotta choose before everything’s gone!

Akira: Okay, then I…

There was a cat shaped chocolate floating right before me, so I reached my arm out. When I did, the cat shook its tail around as it came closer.

Akira: Cute…mgrugh–

Heathcliff: Wha, it flew right into your mouth…!

Nero: It was like it was alive or somethin’...I hope that’s Murr’s magic…

Akira: That was surprising…and really yummy!

The chocolates around us were dancing happily while flying in the air. 

Murr: Ahahaha! They’re doing a dance of appeal to get you to eat them! 

Rustica: How amusing…alright then, me too. Amorest Viesse. 

Shylock: Inviebelle.

The wizards each said their spell, giving life to the chocolates.

Throughout the venue were wizards who loved chocolate, smiling as they touched the sweets. 

Oz: I don’t understand Western wizards. 

Arthur: But this way, splitting up the chocolate goes faster!

The organizers were watching this warm scene with joyous eyes. There were only the things they loved here, not too little or too much, granting pure happiness. 

Akira: (I’m really glad I came here today.)

(I can’t wait to tell everyone back at the manor about this fair. I’ll show them my gratitude along with these souvenir chocolates…)

A Queen’s Banquet, held irregularly amongst many years. There is still no end in sight to the extent of love and enthusiasm these wizards have for chocolate. 

Lennox: Master Sage, let me carry those for you. 

Akira: Thanks. There was just so much I was drawn to, I picked out a lot…

Arthur: We’re done with picking out chocolates, but I’m kind of sad to leave…

Shylock: That goes to show how much fun we had here at this fair, I know the feeling. 

Rustica: Next time I would like to bring Chloe along.

Knowing him, his brain would flood with ideas from all the sights here and make new clothes from it.

Heathcliff: Yes, I’d love to have Shino along next time too, he said he had training with Cain today so he couldn’t.

I bet he’d be surprised out of his mind if he saw how many chocolates there were here. 

Nero: Haha, and if Riquet saw this he’d probably faint.

Arthur: We don’t know when the next fair will be held, but I hope to come with you again, Lord Oz!

Oz: …Same here. 

Akira: (That could be tons of years…how would I be doing then?)

Murr: Master Sage, say aaah!

Akira: Hm? Grrmmm–

Out of the blue, Murr had stuffed something into my mouth.

What was spreading throughout my mouth was the rich aroma of chocolate. Melting on my tongue was the taste of something fruity, spicy, and konjac-like at the same time. 

Akira: …

Breaking into a smile, Murr brought his face closer to mine. Apparently he was observing my reaction. 

His eyes shined brighter than any jewel. Being stared at by those made me feel something I didn’t know how to put in words.

Murr: How is it, Master Sage?

Akira: …No idea what to say. It was delicious, though.

There was a deep undertaste to it, and many layers to its flavour…I’ve never eaten a chocolate like that before!

Murr: That sounds awesome! As expected of Annabella!!

Akira: Ah, so that was Annabel–HAUH?

At the dumbstruck me, Murr chuckles like nothing big happened.

Murr: Yeah, I’d just received it from Lady Chocola! I’m guessing the taste was ten times the appearance? 

Akira: I…I can’t believe I…was that really alright…!?!?

I ate a legendary chocolate, in ONE BITE…!!

Murr: Hey, one bite’s alright! It was bite sized after all. 

Annabella had quickly melted in my mouth already. All that was left was a memory and the aftertaste. 

Akira: (I didn’t even get to savour it…even though it was a big shot chocolate…)

I ate it, the Queen Chocolate that only appears about every 100 years, the chocolate that charmed Lady Chocola, and the chocolate that was sought after by everyone here at the fair. 

I, who wasn’t even a wizard, who normally would have had no chance at getting this chocolate, ate that.

Still, what was on my tongue was the euphoric and vivid memory of the flavour that left an etching impression on all my cells, like I had had a wonderful rendezvous with a secret lover.

Akira: …Annabella was a special chocolate. Was it really okay that I ate it?

Murr: Of course! If we want to thank the special Sage from another world, a special chocolate seems only fit!

Master Sage, thanks for always having fun with me!

Akira: Murr…

I came here to find chocolates to show my gratitude to others, but also received a chocolate of gratitude. 

I’m still not sure if it was okay for me to eat the Queen of Chocolate, Annabella like that, but…

Akira: Thank you. The chocolate, and your words, make me happy! 

Murr: You’re very welcome! Alrighty, when we return to the manor, it’s observation time!

Akira: Why?

Murr: You know. If you eat the Queen chocolate, you gain the super awesome ability to charm others! We need to verify it.

Oh, and you need to leave me in your room for good luck or whatever anyway, so this is a Winwin moment right here! 

Akira: Ah…Ahaha…

The legend did smell fishy, but Murr’s eyes were shining bright with curiosity. 

Whether he gave me Annabella out of gratitude to me or because he wanted to see the legend for himself,

I will never forget this moment. That special chocolate’s sweetness, and the special day that today was.

<     Index