Blooms and Smiles are the Water City's Splendour/Story

### Another Water City Festival

Lotus Root's Water City Festival season has finally come. Rye, who has come to barley's Brewery to deliver bread, really hates alcohol. The alcohol loving Potato and Cassis tell her that the Water City Festival is famous for it's alcohol, and she makes a sour face. Is there any way to get Rye to have good memories of alcohol?

**Drunks:** [[[To alcohol—---!!]]]
**Rye:** …......
What do you mean? I heard it was a festival to celebrate the harvest, but...
...Anyway, I need to deliver this bread. I need to do my job properly.
**Potato:** Welcome! Please take a seat!
Waah, what a great success! As you'd expect from a bar that's directly managed by Barley's Brewery.
**Cassis:** The food and the drink are both delicious! Also... Fufufu, I got to see the rare apron form of Danchou-san today. I'm lucky I decided to stop by.
**Potato:** Ahaha, thanks for helping out, Danchou-san. You brought this food and drink here with Cassis-san after all! ...Saying that, I'm also only temporary help.
**Rye:** Hello. Is this where Barley-san's store is?
**Potato:** Welcome! It's here, although she's not here at the moment. Welcome to Barley's Brewery!
Woah, that's a super huge load! Could it be the food delivery has come?
**Rye:** Yeah, I'm Rye. I'm a Flower Knight, and a baker on the side. At Danchou-san's request, I've made a wholesale lot of bread to bring here, but...
...This festival is about celebrating the harvest, right? I get the feeling that there's quite a lot of people drinking.
**Cassis:** I think that's pretty standard for festivals... But, when it comes to Water City festivals, it seems to be their speciality.
**Potato:** It seems to be that the Water City Festival mainly drinks alcohol to celebrate the harvest. It also seems that there are many stores that are famous for their drink here.
**Rye:** Haa... So that's the case... I knew it, but I refused to admit it...
Danchou-san, why didn't you tell me? Don't you know that I hate alcohol?

*Whether Choice 1 “I thought you wouldn't come if I told you...” or Choice 2 “I only did it to help out Rye's business...” is chosen, the result is the same;*

**Rye:** Uu... I'm sorry, I'm not mad. Danchou-san thought I was good enough to put a request into my business.
But, really, this kind of festival... If I could, I'd go home now, but I need Barley-san to sign this off directly...
**Cassis:** ...What do you mean you hate booze?
**Rye:** Ah...Yeah, sorry. It's bad, but I hate it. I watch my father who always drinks it, and it looks like it only ruins people...
Father has been drunk ever since mother divorced him. Then all he does is drunkenly lament the fact, “Why did she throw me away?”...
**Potato:** Ah... So that's why...
**Cassis:** ...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you say such hateful things.
**Rye:** No, it's fine. If I don't properly explain my reasons, then there will probably be a misunderstanding later on.
I hate things like misunderstandings or deceptions. So it's not good to not tell people, and so I properly explain myself.
**Potato:** I see, so it's well intended.
**Rye:** So, I don't intend to hid anything about my father. Like how I need to now find him a second wife.
**Cassis:** Second wife?
**Rye:** Yeah, a second wife that can rehabilitate my father. That's the reason I became a Flower Knight after all.
**Cassis:** That's a pretty different reason... Well, I'm not one to talk about anyone else.
**Potato:** Anyway, so drink's out? So it's pretty difficult for you to stick around. You were surprised when you got to the city, so thank you for hanging around for this long.
**Rye:** It's my job after all, so don't worry about it, umm...
**Potato:** It's Potato, hello! Hey, instead of just waiting, would you like something to eat? It's not just drink we have here, but we have some amazing food!
**Rye:** ...Well, just a little. But, as soon as Barley-san gets back, I'll be going home, so something I can eat while walking would be good. What should I get...
**Cassis:** …......
**Potato:** Well, with your preferences, it's a difficult question.
**Cassis:** Yeah... But, in her case, isn't it because she's only ever seen the bad side of booze? Her father only ever used booze as a tool to escape...
I wonder if she knew the good way to drink, then she would be able to enjoy living more freely, I mean, I think she might become a little more selfish like me... Maybe I'm being too nosy?
**Potato:** Waah, I don't think it's like that. It's a lot like my own feelings. It's a festival after all, so it's a shame if there's no fun.
After all, she's come all the way out here, I want to make sure she goes home after having even a little fun. So, what should we do...

### Helping Out and Hating Alcohol

Rye had intended to go straight home once Barley had signed off her delivery. However, the store is extremely popular, so seeing that everyone is super busy, she volunteers to help out alongside Cassis.

**Barley:** I'm back! I'm sorry for leaving you to run the store!
**Potato:** Welcome back, Barley-san. No no, it's a festival after all, so it can't be helped.
**Rye:** Are you Barley-san? I've come to deliver the bread, so please sign here...
**Barley:** Ah, could you be Rye-san? I'm sorry, have I made you wait!? I'll sign it straight away!
**Rye:** No, I'm sorry for coming at a busy moment.
**Barley:** No no... OK, all signed! I've accepted delivery! Thank you very much!
Ever since Lotus Lake opened it's borders, the number of people who come to the Water City Festival has skyrocketed. That's why I don't have anywhere enough ingredients or manpower... I've had to order so much from other country's stores.
It's good you came today. Well, it's both a good and bad thing though♪
**Cassis:** Ara ara. If you don't mind, shall I help out? The outside tables are certainly fully occupied.
**Barley:** Eh!? That would be a huge help, but it would be bad of me to ask someone who came to be a customer!
**Cassis:** It's fine, Barley-san's booze always helps me to have fun. So, being able to drink after working makes it all the more special.
**Barley:** Waa, thank you! Then, could you please?
**Rye:** …......Umm.
...I'll also help.
**Potato:** Eh... Really? You said you wanted to go straight home.
Also, if you help, then you're going to be handling a large amount of drink...
**Rye:** That's... I hate it, but... But I can't overlook such a difficult situation and just go home. I fully understand the issues when a store is doing well and gets busy.
**Cassis:** ...Well, would you mind joining me in giving a hand? I'll carry the booze, and Rye-san can mainly carry the food orders. Would that be alright, Barley-san?
**Barley:** Yes, I don't mind it at all! It's a huge help that the amount of assistants has gone up!
**Rye:** Ah... Thanks. I'm sorry for making such a weird request.
**Cassis:** It's fine. Also, I was just thinking about inviting you to anyway.
**Rye:** Eh?
**Cassis:** Fufu, it's nothing, just talking to myself. Well, let's get straight to washing our hands and let's get ready.
Thank you for waiting. Three large flagons.
**Water Hyacinth:** What took you so long! OK! Worm Wood, I challenge you! Let's get drunk again today?
**Worm Wood:** You say that, but who is the one that's left standing every time?
**Water Hyacinth:** Today I absoluuutely won't lose! It's Barley's Brewery's grog after all! I can drink as many glasses as I like!
**Worm Wood:** Ufufu, I'm looking forward to taking care of you later♪
**Pitcher Plant:** Ahaha! You two get along well! Are you always like this?
**Water Hyacinth:** Aa? It's not that we get along! We're more....
...Super best friends!!
**Worm Wood:** Wait Water Hyacinth, are you already drunk?
**Rye:** Haa... So noisy...
**Cassis:** Fufu, but it looks fun. Don't you think that kind of chat is good?
**Rye:** ...Well, I don't think it's bad to have fun. I just don't get what makes someone drink.
**Cassis:** Ara ara, fufu.

### How to Enjoy Alcohol?

Rye is annoyed by the unruly voices of the drunks. Just as she began getting depressed t the fact that they were pouring their alcohol over her bread, she saw Yarrow and some others who were visiting as guests enjoying alcohol with their meal. She also gets an explanation from Potato about the joys of bars...

**Drunk Customer:** Hey, another drink here!
**Potato:** Hey! Wait a minute!
\Ah Gyahahaha...!/
**Rye:** Haa... Such unruly drunks... I think they're also pouring all their alcohol over my bread too...
**Barley:** Rye-san! Can you take these to that table over there?
**Rye:** Ah, yeah, sure.
Thank you for waiting. Here.
**Coneflower:** Thanks! Wow! Such tasty looking bread!
**Yarrow:** Ooh, great! It has that great freshly baked smell♪
**Rye:** Thanks. This has been reheated, so it's a little different from freshly baked...
**Yarrow:** Eh, is that right? But, it still has an amazing smell? \*Chomp... Chew chew...\*
Yeah, delicious! The taste and texture are both wonderful! Are you sure these aren't just freshly baked?
**Rye:** The flavour and sweetness is lost with pre-made bread, but with a little ingenuity, it can be as delicious as freshly baked bread.
**Yarrow:** Really... Looks like I need to get past my freshly baked snobbery...
**Coneflower:** Amazing, Onee-san knows a lot! What do you call this bread? It has an interesting shape, and there's something inside it!
**Rye:** That's a bacon epi, it's a bread that's been shaped to look like ears of wheat. There's bacon inside it...
**Soft Windflower:** Eeh... I'm so happy that I get to be able to eat such tasty bread. Barley's Brewery is famous for it's alcohol, but it's reputation for wonderful food is also completely true as well♪
**Coneflower:** Yeah yeah, that's right! So, Yarr-nee and the others, please enjoy your drinks and I'll enjoy the food...
**Yarrow:** Hey hey, are you planning on monopolising all the grub? The drink's all fine, but first we need some good food! Without any of that, the drink won't taste any good!
**Soft Windflower:** Enjoying alcohol by itself is fine, but this is a harvest festival after all. So it's best to enjoy it alongside some dinner.
**Coneflower:** Ehehe... Is that so? But if you just stick to drinking your alcohol, that would mean I get all the food to myself! It all looks do delicious too♪
**Rye:** ...There's still lots left, so you can get seconds if you want.
**Coneflower:** Yeah, thanks! So then, thanks for the food♪
**Potato:** Everyone seems please with Rye-san's bread.
**Rye:** Yeah... Even though they're in the bar, there are still people who want to get a proper taste.
**Potato:** Ahahaha! That's obvious, isn't it! Well not every single one of them is a drunkard, you know.
**Rye:** Ah, th-that's true...
**Potato:** There are people here that have that goal in mind, but there are also people here that enjoy their drinks alongside food. But then there are people like me who just enjoy the bars over drinking and eating.
**Rye:** Drinking area...?
**Potato:** Yeah, something like this kind of bar. The old man that picked me up would always frequent bars. I would work there as a poster girl, and so I ended up loving that kind of atmosphere.
At a bar, everyone can enjoy drinking.
**Rye:** Enjoy... Drinking...?
...Certainly, you could say that all the drunks look like they're having fun, but... Enjoying alcohol... I really don't get it...

### Be Careful of Hangovers?

Now that the wave of people has settled down, the party can stop for a breather. Asian Rice arrives with a delivery of additional food and while exchanging words, Rye suddenly bursts in from out of nowhere. For some reason, Rye had been drinking the alcohol that everyone thought she hated. The party is stunned by Rye, who won't stop complaining while crying.

**Cassis:** Fuu, it looks like the wave of people is starting to settle down a little bit. As expected, I'm worn out from working this amount.
**Barley:** Thanks for all your work everyone! I think it's going to get pretty busy in the evening, so please get your rest while you can.
**Potato:** OK, so I'll go and make us something for dinner. Everyone's been working so hard, you must all be starving?
**Cassis:** Ara, I'm so happy. I'm famished.
**Potato:** That's not allowed! Empty stomachs are our nemesis! If you don't eat your fill, you won't be able to do your best later!
**Asian Rice:** Hello, I've come with a food delivery. I received a lot of vegetables and rice from the farmers.
**Barley:** Asian Rice-san! Thanks! The rice stock was just starting to get worrying!
**Asian Rice:** Wow, is that so? Then that means I came just in time.
Rice is the source of power. In order to make this wonderful festival a success, everyone please eat♪
**Potato:** Rice, nice! I was just thinking that I wanted to chew on a mouthful of freshly cooked rice♪
**????:** Rice...? Rice...?
**Potato:** Hm?
**Rye:** Don't tell me... You're not a rice extremist, are youuu!?
**Cassis:** R-rye-san? What's wrong? You're demeanour has completely changed...
**Rye:** \*Hiccup\*... Uu...!
**Asian Rice:** Ummm... Rye-san, what are you trying to say? What does a rice extremist mean exactly?
**Rye:** It's the faction that decides whether all the food in the world goes well with rice ooor not!
Uu... Those kinds of people are really annoying...! It's not that I hate rice because I'm a baker, buuut, I really hate extremists...! \*Hiccup\*, U...!
Argh, grr, my throat is burning with this booze! It's just the worst----!
**Asian Rice:** Wow, you're quite the drunk, aren't you? Are you alright?
**Cassis:** Eeh? Rye-san, have you been drinking?
**Rye:** Uu... I just had a little taste, honessst... Ueee... I don't want any mooore...!
**Potato:** Ah-hah... Here, drink some water for the time being!
**Rye:** Uuu, Thanksh... \*Sniff Sniff\*...
**Barley:** So you're a crying drunk? I'm not one to talk about others, but this looks like it's going to be tough.
**Cassis:** So it turns out that Rye-san also has some bad drinking habits...

### A Token of Thanks

Once Rye has drunk some water and calmed down, she calls out to Asian Rice. “Food is all equally as blessed, as well as alcohol, so we should show our gratitude the the blessings of nature that we've received. What alcohol brings to each person depends on the drinker” she says.

**Potato:** How is she? Calmed down?
**Rye:** Yeah, she's still a bit spaced out, but she's fine...
**Potato:** Grr, she really shocked me when she suddenly got drunk. Also could it be because she was working up until not long ago and she hadn't had anything to eat? When you start taking in alcohol at that time, you end up in that state.
**Rye:** Uu, sorry...
**Cassis:** Either way, now that you've calmed down a little, would you like something to eat? But if you're not feeling well, you should take the rest of the day off...
**Rye:** No, if I rest a little I'll be fine. I've made my bed by getting drunk, so I'd better lie in it, so I'll see the job that I accepted to the end.
**Cassis:** Really? But don't push yourself. Now, are you going to eat anything...
**Asian Rice:** If you don't mind, take this.
**Rye:** Huh, you're the one from before... This is... Bread?
**Asian Rice:** Yes, it's bread made from rice flour. Please eat it.
**Rye:** ...\*Chomp\*...
...Delicious. I've tried making rice bread before, but this one is moist and chewy...
**Asian Rice:** I'm glad that you like it. I've also tried many times to make it, but I've never gotten it to be this good yet.
**Rye:** ...I'm sorry for earlier. I was drunk, and I said all that...
**Asian Rice:** No, please don't mind it. I also said some things in the heat of the moment, but it can't be helped when you're like that, fufu.
I certainly do love rice. Although I do of course love tasty things that aren't rice.
All of the food that we receive from nature is a precious blessing. I'm grateful to the Water City Festival for allowing all of us to celebrate these blessings in this way. It's wonderful that we can show our gratitude through food and alcohol.
**Rye:** Show your gratitude through alcohol...
**Asian Rice:** Yes, alcohol has been used since ancient times and has been tied to both celebrations and in cleansing the body.
With alcohol, people can enjoy themselves. But, if you take far too much of it, it becomes poison... But what happens depends on the one who drinks it.
**Rye:** …......
**Asian Rice:** And so, when Rye-san does decide to drink alcohol, make sure to take care that you drink appropriately, fufu.
**Rye:** Ah, y-yeah...
...Depends on us... It depends on the drinker, eh...?

### Blooms and Smiles are the Water City's Splendour

Rye had been drinking in order to better understand how to enjoy alcohol. However, it was difficult for Rye who is a bad drunk. Although, all day, Rye has been meeting new people and exchanging ideas, and Rye's heart is strangely warming up to it.

**Rye:** Thanks for the food. It was tasty, thanks Asian Rice-san, Potato-san.
**Potato:** It was nothing! Asian-Rice-san's rice bread goes really well with meat! I was able to make some super tasty sandwiches♪
**Barley:** It was super tasty! I wonder if I should put it on the menu for next time?
**Rye:** …...
**Cassis:** ...So? Why did you decide to drink earlier?
**Rye:** ...I was wondering if I could understand the enjoyment of drinking...
I have always only seen my drunk father drinking, so I never thought that you could enjoy alcohol.
But, I saw so many people enjoying alcohol today at this store, so I thought that if I try drinking it in the same way, I might be able to understand it just a little bit more...
Well, I ended up getting drunk in that weird way though. It didn't go well the other time I tried drinking before, so I think that alcohol and myself just don't mix.
**Cassis:** It all depends on your preferences and constitution, so it can't be helped. So... Do you really hate booze? Do you hate it more now that you've tried it?
**Rye:** ...I don't think I like it that much. I'm a weird drunk, and I really didn't like the taste. But...
**Cassis:** But?
**Rye:** Up until now, I absolutely hated it, but now I feel that my opinion isn't so strong any more. But I can't really put into words why...
**Cassis:** ...I see. Rye-san has met a lot of new people today. Most have them have been people that like drinking.
After meeting them and hearing their stories, I wonder how it has touched your heart?
**Rye:** How, it touched...
Ah... I see... It's not that I like alcohol, but...
**Barley:** Order up, for table six!
**Rye:** ...OK, I'll take it over.
**Potato:** ...Don't you think that Rye's expression is a lot better than before?
**Cassis:** Fufu, you're right. Maybe there's a weight off her shoulders now.
**Potato:** Ooh... I see? What kind of advice did you give her, Cassis-san?
**Cassis:** No? I didn't say anything. I just listened to what she had to say. All her actions are by her own doing.
**Potato:** It's a good point of Cassis-san's is that she's so easy to talk to.
Wait, didn't you come to my bar a long long time ago, Cassis-san? Ever since that time, you've always exuded a generous and mature air.
**Cassis:** Really? Did you think I was just a vagabond? Even though I only stopped by once... You really remember me
**Potato:** Well, it was the first time I'd ever seen such a beautiful and generous drifter after all. I was surprised to reunite with you within the Knight Company. I couldn't believe you were a Flower Knight.
**Rye:** I've come back with the dishes from table eight. Also... could I get some water, please?
**Potato:** Ahh, thanks! Hey, are you OK? Tired?
**Rye:** No, I'm fine. It's just... There are some people that stink of alcohol.
**Potato:** Ah, that's not good. Do you want me to serve them for you?
**Rye:** No, it's fine. Even though I hat the smell of alcohol, those people seem to be having fun while drinking so...
**Potato:** ...Really, well then please keep them here for a long time!

### Epilogue

Barley's Brewery has safely seen the end of the day's business. Rye muses on whether the real reason that she hates alcohol is due to the sad face of her father or not. After all, she wants her father to have a happy expression when drinking. In order for that to happen, she decides to put her efforts into finding a suitable partner for him to remarry.

**Barley:** Well then...
Thank you for your hard work today!
**Everyone:** [[Thank you for the work!]]
**Barley:** Really, thank you for your hard work! There's always tomorrow, but for now, the first day has finished safely!Thank you for helping out, everyone!
**Potato:** Same here, I've learned so much today. Let's work hard again tomorrow!
**Cassis:** It's been a long time since I've done such an everyday job. It looks like tomorrow's going to be tough as well, so please call if you need me. I intend to spend the festival wandering around Lotus Root after all...
**Rye:** ...Hey, everyone. You don't want to have a drink? After all, it is launch day, right?
**Potato:** Eh? Ah, I don't...
**Barley:** Saying that, tomorrow's a workday, so I wonder if tonight...
**Cassis:** ...Saying that, don't you want to have at least one?
**Barley:** Yeah, well... Ehehe...
**Rye:** Are you holding back because of me? ...Thanks. But, I don't mind if you drink.
**Potato:** ...Really? Well, after you're sweet words, should we have a glass? Barley-san, can we have a drink?
**Barley:** Yes, of course! Since it's a major event, a little bit won't hurt! It'll also serve as a prayer for tomorrow's success!
**Potato:** Oh, yippee! I expect it's going to be a great drink since it's from Barley's Brewery♪
**Cassis:** ...Is it really alright? Rye-san?
**Rye:** Yeah... I now somewhat understand. The major reason that I hate alcohol isn't the alcohol itself, but maybe it was the sad looking form of my father drinking it.
I didn't hate seeing all the customers who looked like they were enjoying drinking... So, if Barley-san and everyone enjoy their drinks, it should be alright.
**Cassis:** Really, if you think that way, it makes me happy as a drinker, fufu.
**Rye:** Yeah, so...
So as I thought, I really need to help my father out with getting remarried!
**Cassis:** Yeah... Yeah?
**Rye:** I want to get my father to enjoy drinking after all. In order to do that, I need to find someone who he can enjoy drinking with and who can make him food that compliments his drinks. If I can do that, it will definitely help my father with his rehabilitation.
Ah, also, I'd be really happy if it is someone who doesn't mind farming or bakery work.
That's right, it's probably a good idea to look for someone during the Water City Festival. The kind of people that come to this festival must definitely know good ways to drink alcohol...!
**Cassis:** ...Fu, fufu. I see, that'll probably be a good way to look for someone.
**Rye:** I've spoken a lot about it with Danchou-san, but everyone, if you know someone who would be good, please introduce me to them. I want them to meet my father.
Ah, maybe one of you would rather be it. All three of you are people who enjoy drinking after all...!
**Potato:** Eeh!? W-wait just a little bit here! Don't you think you're taking things a little too fast?
**Barley:** I-I would also like to wait a little bit more!?
**Cassis:** Is that so... For the time being, let's put that aside, why don't we have this discussion after tomorrow?
**Rye:** R-really...? Well, I'll try calling out to others tomorrow.
**Cassis:** For today, let's just take a rest, OK?
**Rye:** Yeah, it's been a long day.
**Potato:** OK, why don't we make a toast? Here you go Rye-san, some tea!
**Rye:** Th-thanks.
**Potato:** Well then... Here's to the success of the Water City Festival and to Rye-san's father having a great encounter! Chee---ers!
**Everyone:** [[[Chee---ers!!]]]
**Rye:** So-somehow, now that you've said it back to me, I'm a little embarrassed...
-*Even though each of them has their own thoughts, everyone has the same desire to smile. To smile when drinking, and to smile when not drinking. The festival to celebrate a good harvest is still yet to end!*