Suizen (White Day)/Stories
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Cafe Owner: Welcome! And...
Cafe Owner: Congratulations, you're our 314th customer of the day!
Cafe Owner: As luck would have it, you've won yourself a grand prize!
Cafe Owner: Come on in and have a gander at your gift!
Suizen: Cease your blathering.
Alk: Wh-whoa, what's the big idea, Suizen?
Suizen: Ah, perhaps I overreacted just a tad. My apologies.
Suizen: You say that I am today's 314th customer, and yet I can practically hear crickets chirping from how empty your store is.
Suizen: Still, I'm not heartless enough to walk away from someone in need. If you'll be honest from now on, I'll listen to what you have to say about your troubles.
Alk: You need a guy to be your promo boy?
Cafe Owner: Yeah... You see, our shopping district decided to have all the stores participate in one big White Fest promo.
Cafe Owner: But our business is already short on hands, and our budget is tight enough as is-
Suizen: So you decided to rope a customer into helping.
Suizen: Normally I'd berate you for how foolish such a plan would be, but for someone who's been driven into a corner, it's an impressive gamble.
Stella: I also think it was an interesting idea.
Alk: Uh, Suizen. Don't tell me you're wearing that outfit because you're actually gonna help them...
Suizen: But of course. You know me, always interfering with other people's business. If I can help someone, then I will do al I can to assist.
Cafe Owner: Th-thank you so, so much!
Suizen: Then let's get started immediately, shall we? Firstly, there are many issues with your store beyond just the White Fest preparations...
Suizen: The most egregious of which is the negative energy dwelling within the place. You're going to attract more than a few nasty customers if this keeps up.
Cafe Owner: H-how do we go about fixing that?
Suizen: By changing the flow of thoughts that occur in these walls. Redecorating and adjusting your business model should do the trick.
Suizen: To do that, I'll need you to go over your business in detail and teach me everything you've been doing-
Cafe Owner: I'll do it! Whatever you need, I'll provide!
Suizen: Is that so? Excellent.
Alk: That smile is giving me seriously bad vibes...
Mizuchi: I must concur...
Alk: Hmm...
Nimbus: Hey. What're you looking all constipated for?
Alk: Trying to think up a new sweet... Suizen said he'd do it, but I figured I should help somehow-
Nimbus: You sure he even needs it? He looks like he's already come up with something.
Suizen: You've come at a good time. Would you like to help with tasting my test sample?
Alk: Wait... Huh?! You already finished making it...
Suizen: That's because I used an already existing recipe. This is a popular sweet from the East.
Suizen: Please, dig in.
Alk: My tongue... The flavors! The texture! This is amazing!
Nimbus: But too sweet for my tastes, but hey... not bad. I think Stella and the mothers would be super into it.
Alk: Gosh, Suizen... You really can do anything you put your mind to, huh?
Suizen: Within reason. I know my limits.
Suizen: Anyway, if I have your seal of approval, then this should do fine on our new menu.
Suizen: All that's left is to unveil my trump card. Might as well use everything within my repertoire, now that I've come this far.
Suizen: Welcome, ladies. We hope you'll enjoy your visit.
Soushiro & Murakumo: Stay as long as you like.
Alk: This is crazy. I'm blown away. Seriously...
Suizen: You should work your own charm too, you know?
Alk: ...Why help out to this extent though?
Suizen: To facilitate the forming of bonds. I have a feeling this town will be a place where many destinies intertwine.
Suizen: Besides, I wanted to take this chance to test out a new curse.
Alk: C-curse?! Y-you're joking, right?
Suizen: Yes, I am.
Suizen: I must say, it's interesting how utilizing curses is similar to conducting business.
Suizen: Vigilance is key for success in either.
Suizen: Welcome. I'll be with you in just a moment.
Alk: He's seriously something else...
Alk: But I guess if he's having fun, then that's what counts.
Alk & Suizen: Weclome!
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Alk: You want to drum up MORE business for White Fest?
Cafe Owner: Yes, but not just for me. I'm extremely grateful for how much you've helped my shop, but the shopping district as a whole isn't doing too well...
Cafe Owner: We'd appreciate it greatly if you could lend us more of your wisdom!
Nimbus: Y'know, this is YOUR business. Don'tcha think you're relying too much on other people-
Suizen: That's fine by me. If you truly think my expertise that valuable, then I'll do all I can to assist.
Suizen: The purpose of White Fest is to show appreciation for those you care for, correct?
Cafe Owner: Y-yeah, that's the idea. Mostly you give sweets as a present to the people you wanna thank.
Suizen: In that case, appealing to emotion should be the simplest way to drum up business.
Suizen: Welcome home, Dad! I behaved all day, just like you told me to!
Suizen: Yeah, everything's fine. See? I can handle stuff by myself!
Suizen: Huh? You got me a present?
Suizen: Thanks, Dad! I love you!
Suizen: Just like that, you too can show appreciation for those closest to you! Don't miss out on our special White Fest sale!
Nimbus: Anyone else feel like hurling, or just me?
Mizuchi: Chairman, you... you shouldn't... But... Aaahhh...
Suizen: Heh. Was my acting not a thing of beauty?
Alk: Suizen! If you're here... does that mean that's a shikigami over on stage?
Suizen: No, this one here is the shikigami. Acting like that requires more finesse than my shikigami is currently capable of.
Alk: I-I guess that makes sense... You're really drawing the crowd in with your skills.
Suizen: Is there something you'd like to say?
Nimbus: Nah, not really. Not like you'd listen to me, anyway.
Suizen: Do you think it pathetic that I, someone without parents, am acting like I know what familial love is like?
Nimbus: Now you're just putting words in my mouth. If that's what you think I'm thinking, then you're off the mark.
Nimbus: ...Not gonna lie though. This whole charade rubs my fur the wrong way.
Alk: Doing more research?
Suizen: It appears that the town is populated by quite a number of orphans. I've realized my current strategy is in poor taste and have decided to look for other options.
Alk: You know, Nimbus was only worried about you. Not that he'd admit it out loud.
Suizen: Mhmm. He wasn't the only one. Mizuchi also voided a few concerns.
Suizen: Do I truly appear to be taking on more than I can handle?
Alk: Well, it wouldn't be the first time...
Suizen: I see. This was all meant to be a way for me to relax, if you'll believe it.
Alk: R-relax?! You're kidding.
Suizen: I'm not. Consider that, as chairman of the Diviners' Commission, I am normally beholden to the opinions of my superiors and subordinates.
Suizen: It's honestly refreshing to be able to direct matters however I please.
Alk: In other words, all this work is actually... fun?
Suizen: I suppose. It reminds me a lot of moving pieces around a shogi board, so yes... I would say I'm enjoying myself.
Alk: You're quite the guy, Suizen.
Suizen: Glad you can recognize that.
Alk: Well, don't let me get in the way of your fun.
Alk: Actually... Won't you let me join in?
Alk: Everything's better with friends, right? Not gonna lie, I felt a little left out when I was racking my brains for an idea, and you came up with a sweet all on your own.
Suizen: I see.
Suizen: In that case, why don't we come up with another sweet as our next strategy?
Alk: I'd be down for that!
Alk: Er, do you really have to be so precise with your measurements? Pretty sure the recipe just says "a heaping spoonful."
Suizen: Of course. It's the fault of the recipe maker for being so careless with vague instructions.
Suizen: Not all of us are skilled enough to get by an instinct like you, Alk.
Alk: This is turning out to be tougher than I expected it to be...
Suizen: Heheh. I won't hear any complaints now.
Nimbus: What the hell're those two up to?
Stella: They're making sweets together.
Mizuchi: Indeed. It seems we needn't have worried.
Nimbus: Who was worried, huh?
Suizen: *sigh*
Alk: Whoa! That was awesome! You're so good at this, Suizen!
Suizen: You don't need to compliment me every time I flip the skillet.
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Suizen: Mizuchi, I have an urgent request.
Suizen: I need you to make preparations for a party posthaste.
Mizuchi: Of course, leave everything to me-
Mizuchi: Did... you just say... party?
Suizen: I did. I've already prepared letters of invitation, so if you could, deliver those as well.
Suizen: I swear, I have no ulterior motives. This is meant to simply be a good time.
Suizen: We should invite that devious fox and her kits too.
Mizuchi: A-all right!
Inaho: This is unfair! How is it that a diviner like you gets to wear new clothes?
Inaho: Diviners are not allowed to look good!
Suizen: It's not my fault if you feel inferior. I told you to come dressed for the occasion.
Fox Kit: Izumi looks cute!
Fox Kit: Very cute!
Fox Kit: And cool!
Shirano: I am curious as to what brought this on. I never imagined you would invite us to a celebration...
Suizen: I was inspired by my experience with White Fest in Palpebra. It's a holiday for the purpose of expressing appreciation.
Inaho: Does that mean you wish to thank us? But whatever for?
Suizen: Your confusion is understandable, I suppose.
Soushiro: Izumi, I apologize for the wait.
Inaho: Oh! Hello, everyone! I am pleased to see you all here!
Suizen: I wanted to thank you all for the other day. Though this is but a paltry way to express it...
Suizen: I hope you'll find this dinner and flower viewing experience to be enjoyable.
Shirano: You made this strawberry daifuku?
Suizen: It was my handiwork, yes, but Alk was the one who suggested the recipe.
Alk: I figured it was the perfect dessert to go along with the scenery!
Soushiro: A pleasing combination, indeed. I commend your foresight.
Shirano: Your proficiency in cooking is surprising. I could teach you a think or two, if you wish.
Suizen: A diviner being taught how to cook by a yokai? My superiors would be furious if they found out... Which means I would be more than happy to take you up on the offer.
Suizen: Before that, however... I have request: could you guide me somewhere?
Shirano: Lady Kuzunoha. You have a visitor.
Shirano: Lady Kuzunoha!
???: I heard you the first time.
Kuzunoha: What did you come here for, boy?
Kuzunoha: Worried that we aren't holding up our end of the deal?
Suizen: Not at all. I merely bring a gift.
Suizen: Though it is meager compared to all I owe, I hope you'll accept this homemade present.
Kuzunoha: Hoping to curry favor with the Nine-tailed Fox, are we?
Suizen: Oh dear. I'd heard that, like your daughter, you had a weakness for sweets. Is this gift not to your liking?
Kuzunoha: ...Hand it over.
Kuzunoha: It's good.
Suizen: I'm glad to hear it.
Suizen: You know, I'd once heard a tale about a mighty diviner who was raised by a fox.
Suizen: Quite a few people have compared me to the diviner in that story.
Kuzunoha: What are you trying to imply?
Suizen: Nothing. I suppose that, if that diviner was me...
Suizen: Then he must have departed this world with his heart full of happiness and appreciation.
Suizen: That's all I wished to say.
Kuzunoha: Is that so...
Kuzunoha: I'll be taking all this daifuku.
Kuzunoha: ...Be well, boy.
Suizen: I will, thank you.
Suizen: Mizuchi, my ever faithful comrade in arms- I owe you my thanks as well.
Suizen: Shirano, if your offer earlier was not made in jest, then I would love to learn cooking from you.
Shirano: I would be more than glad to be your teacher.