Episode 3: Edo Dragnet

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Yuuki and the others had finished their information gathering. They gathered at the teahouse to share their findings.

Monika
Bean jam... Such beauty, such sweetness... On top of normal bean paste, a black sugar sauce... It's perfect... A perfect harmony...

Ayumi
Togoku cuisine is so tasty... I'm afraid I might put on weight...

Yuki
There's no need to worry about that. The sweets in Togoku aren't nearly as fattening compared to things like our cakes at home.

Ninon
Togoku sweets are all tasty, but I especially recommend strawberry daifuku!

Yuuki
1. "Did the information gathering go well?"

Ayumi
W-Well...

Monika
... You should be able to tell, from the way we're avoiding reality by eating these sweets.

Yuki
For my part, whenever I was thinking about what to ask, I just ended up asking whether they agreed that my beauty surpasses even the gods.

Yuki
What's more, all sorts of things were being offered to me at random because they might complement my beauty, so I ended up buying several more hairpins.

Ninon
Things were the same for me... When I asked, they would only hem and haw before offering me another product to purchase.

Ninon
I tried to refuse, but I was defeated by the brilliance of this Deluxe Great Inviting Cat...

Kuuka
Me, too...! Before I realized it, I had bought a rope that could restrain me even more tightly than the vines...

Kuuka
T-Though actually, when I saw it, I actually did kind of want it... Drool...

Monika
... I-It's nice that you found something you wanted. I also tried not to let my guard down while I was talking, but I ended up buying these confectionaries... I'll be sure to savor them once we get back home.

Ayumi
I just ended up running away, so I didn't get to talk to anyone...

Ayumi
W-What about you, Yuuki?

Yuuki
1. "They sold me a toy."
2. "They sold me a kimono."

Option 1.

Kuuka
I-I-It couldn't be...! Who are you planning to use that toy with!?

Kuuka
Eh? It's just a normal kid's toy? I thought for sure... N-No, never mind!

Option 2.

Ayumi
A kimono!? Ahhh... I want to see you in that...!

Ayumi
Ooh... If only I'd suggested that when we were in the clothing rental store...

End of branches.

Ninon
Everyone, except for accumulating more souvenirs, it seems like we gained nothing...

Ayumi
Even though we know there's definitely something going on...

Monika
Right... In every single store, I felt a stronger force than just good salesmanship.

Ninon
Then, we will investigate a little more!

Monika
Yeah. This strange feeling bothers me, too. This time, we should try asking questions while we're all together.

Teahouse Owner
Ah, customers! Please wait a moment!

Ayumi
Eh, what is it? We've already paid...

Teahouse Owner
Please, order something more! Here, try my specialty matcha rice crackers!

Ninon
......

Yuki
I can understand that you might want to hold onto my beauty for even longer, but we are rather in a hurry.

Teahouse Owner
That's fine! You can eat while you're walking!

Kuuka
B-But we're already full...

Teahouse Owner
T-Then, take these manju! You can take them home and eat them later...

Ninon
... Please, stop this...!!

Monika
N-Ninon...?

Ninon
Why... Why would you go as far as ignoring people's feelings to sell these items!?

Teahouse Owner
W-Why... That's... T-That has nothing to do with you outsiders!

Ninon
... Edo is supposed to be a place overflowing with Togoku spirit, the spirit of people helping one another! So... Why is everything so strange... So strange...

Teahouse Owner
Y-Young lady...

Monika
Sir Manager... Ninon truly loves the culture of Togoku. And she loves this town, Edo, where the culture of Togoku is so important. That's why she's lamenting the state of this town.

Monika
... If there's some reason behind it all, then I want you to tell us. We may be able to help.

Teahouse Owner
E-Enough! I... I know! I didn't want to do this, either!!

Teahouse Owner
But... I don't have enough money to pay Lord Akudaikan's taxes...

Monika
Lord Akudaikan? Who is...

Townsperson
Eeeek!!

Ayumi
A scream!? It came from outside...!

Monika
Sir Manager! Tell us more later! Everyone, we're going!

Yuuki and the group ran in the direction of the scream.