Snowy Sweetness: Early Bird Warm-up
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Story Script
You: Barista, I'd like... a cup of warm water, please.
You drag your fatigued body to sprawl over the bar as you tiredly raise your hand, gesturing for a cup.
Luke: Got it!
A cup of warm water is placed in front of you, as is a cookie with a cute smiley face drawn on it.
Luke: Here's the warm water you asked for, dear customer. The cookie is on the house.
You: Huh? Where did you get this cookie?
You take a bite and realize that you don't sell cookies like this at the café.
Luke: Another customer gave it to me.
You: Oh, someone gave it to you? I shouldn't be eating it...
Luke: She said it was for you, silly.
You only grow more confused. Luke raises his hand and gently knocks on your head.
Luke: There was a lady that came in today, remember?
You: Um... could you be more specific?
Luke: She was watching you work so hard and was reminded of her daughter. She said her daughter loves her homemade cookies.
Luke: So she asked me to give this cookie to you.
You: I see...
You eat the cookie a bite at a time, carefully savoring the sweet flavor, and you feel the energy returning to your body little by little.
You: Delicious! Luke, you have to tell me next time that lady comes in. I want to thank her in person.
Luke: All right. You should take a break. I'll let you know if any customers come.
You nod and close your eyes, feeling as if your entire body is floating in the warm, sweet sunlight. With that, your exhaustion is swept away.
You: Mr. Wing, are you having some trouble?
Artem frowns slightly, then looks at you helplessly.
Artem: Sorry, is it obvious?
You: A little... Actually, a few customers just asked me about it.
Artem: What did they say?
You: "Is that cute chef having some trouble? He's always frowning."
Artem: ...
You relay what the customers said with a straight face. Artem raises his brows, and a slight redness creeps up to the tips of his ears.
Artem: I see...
You: So what are you having trouble with, Mr. Wing? Do you need some help?
Artem: Well... it's not a big deal. It's just...
Artem: Just now there was an old man who ordered. He came over just to tell me that his wife loves our food.
Artem: But she's getting old and her teeth are bad, so he wanted me to make the food a little softer.
You: Wow, what a sweet guy. So you're thinking about how to make him and his wife happy?
Artem: Yeah... it needs to be easy for an older person to eat, but retain the original flavor as much as possible.
You: That does sound pretty tricky...
Artem: Yes, but I think I have a solution.
You: That was fast! As expected of you, Mr. Wing.
Artem: If someone is relying on me, I don't want to disappoint them.
Watching as his brow and eyes soften under the light, you don't have any time to read into what he said, but you are full of anticipation for his new dish.
"Ding—!" With a musical sound, the aroma of cake spills out of the oven, immediately lifting your mood.
You: Dr. Richter, what are you baking? It smells so good!
Your body, which is already tired, relaxes more and more due to the warm scent.
Vyn takes a soufflé out of the oven while wearing thick oven mitts.
You: Huh? I don't think any customers ordered that...
Vyn: It is not for a customer...
Vyn: It is for you.
You: Huh?
Vyn takes some utensils out of the cabinet, then leads you to the back to sit down.
Vyn: You seem a little tired today. Something sweet might help.
In fact, you have been feeling a little off today. You thought you were hiding it well, so you didn't expect Vyn to notice.
You: Dr. Richter...
You: But what about the customers...?
Vyn: It is all right. Just relax for ten minutes. I will take care of it for you.
At Vyn's insistence, paired with the tempting soufflé, you have no way to refuse.
You: All right, thank you, Dr. Richter.
Vyn: It is my pleasure... Then, I will let you relax.
Before leaving, Vyn gently leans close to your ear, speaking in a low voice that only you two can hear.
Vyn: Remember not to tell anyone else. This can be our little secret.
Marius: Are you ready?
You: Yep!
You hold up your spoon and nod at Marius.
He puts one arm behind his back, then bows like a professional waiter.
Marius: Ma'am, allow me to introduce...
Marius: My newest flavor.
Marius lifts the cover off of the plate to reveal two colorful scoops of ice cream in a beautiful glass container topped with fruit syrup.
As he watches you expectantly, you scoop a bite of ice cream into your mouth, savoring it.
Marius: How is it?
You: I love it!
You: The flavors are so rich, but they don't clash at all. They mix together perfectly.
As you discuss the taste with Marius, you continue to eat two more spoonfuls.
Marius: It looks like you really like it.
You: Of course I do — it's really good. But I'm afraid only a few of our customers will like it.
You: There are so many different flavors in it, after all. There will probably be one or two that most customers don't like.
As you speak, the ice cream is nearly finished. You lick your lips with an unsatiated desire.
Marius: Don't worry. I made this flavor for you and you alone.
You: Huh? But it must have taken you a long time and a lot of work to come up with this flavor. Wouldn't it be a waste if we don't start serving it?
Marius brings out another bowl of ice cream, and his smile deepens.
Marius: How could it be a waste? I've already gotten plenty in return.
Location(s)
