#The Tale Of Food Moonlit Confessions

[dream-meister-translations]

MOONLIT CONFESSIONS - PART 1

━

MASTER : Stars...So many stars...

DEZHOU CHICKEN : Master, Master? If you are too weary, you should return early to rest.

MASTER : Oh, I'm so sorry! I nodded off again! What were you saying about the status report of the theft of Kongsang's ingredients?

DEZHOU CHICKEN : You seem to be rather sleepy all the time these days, have you been having nightmares?

MASTER : Not nightmares...If I think hard about it, they're pleasant dreams.

MASTER : Since receiving the curious rock my father sent, I often dream about myself drifting in a river of stars. I think I'm waiting for something...

DEZHOU CHICKEN : A rock that gives someone dreams? Hm, it doesn't look like your standard-issue calcium carbonate. Just to be safe, I'm going to have its chemical composition checked out.

FULI CHICKEN : hey, hey. Is this the time to be hung up on this?

??? : Waaah, the ears on my hat are about to be tugged off!

Black shadows dash into the restaurant sobbing. Their faces are streaked with lotus paste and date paste so much so that no one can tell who triumphed.

FULI CHICKEN : I've caught the Mastermind behind the burglary and here you are getting cozy! Look!

MASTER : Moon Cake!?

MOON CAKE : Wah, why are you hugging me!? Don't treat me like a kid!

MASTER : Why are you here in Kongsang? In previous years, you've always spent this part of the year making mooncakes in Guanghan Palace.

MOON CAKE : H-How did you know? But Guanghan Palace... I can't go back to Guanghan Palace anymore.

MOON CAKE : It's been enveloped by a huge bunch of storm clouds and no one can get in from the outside. I heard Kongsang has shortcuts to every realm so...

MOON CAKE : I thought I couldn't take advantage of you guys. So I made you mooncakes for a few thousand people as a token of my appreciation...

FULI CHICKEN : What? You stole ingredients from Kongsang to make those mooncakes, what kind of token is that supposed to be! Besides, we haven't even agreed to let you borrow the Universal Formation!

MASTER : Come now, let's calm down~ According to reports, we've only lost 3% of ingredients. The other ingredients were all brought here by Moon Cake. If we get into the details, Kongsang's making a killing off this.

MASTER : We shouldn't make life difficult for an able young man like himself! I think it'll be best for me to take him home personally.

DEZHOU CHICKEN : Master...? You still have 5,731 reports on Kongsang to read through. Butler Guo...Seems very concerned about this.

MASTER : Ahem, ahem, ahem! I'm not doing this to go out and play, but to render aid to my neighbors and friends while investigating the anomaly at Guanghan Palace!

MASTER : Besides...

I look down at the rock in my hand, the faint golden gleam spreads down the veins in it. In the place near the river of stars, perhaps I'll find the answer to my dreams.

[never-ending-absurdity]

Vibrates into the 6th dimension

[casino-lights]

7, 12, & 17 for Lidia ❤️❤️

god I love writing codex entries. especially for crows. they're all so unserious. thank you for the ask!!!

7. someone describing a time your OC hurt them 

House Valisti is one of the more unremarkable Crow Houses, certainly. At least here in Rialto, they have neither the reputation of House de Riva nor the success of House Cantori. Still, if the rumors are true and there is a Valisti in Treviso, I do hope your husband has taken the liberty of hiring more guards for your grounds. Though I am loathe to recall it, the Santuono affair in Antiva City left unmistakable scars upon my mind and I shudder to think that your city may now be home to the same Valisti I encountered that night. Though my hand trembles as I put my memory to the page, you have asked many times and I do not wish to deny you the tale any longer.

The night of Santuono's ball, a woman whose face I did not see but whose delicate voice still lingers in my nightmares accosted me as I was enjoying a moonlit walk in the gardens outside the ballroom. The evening meal had not sat quite right with me, I must confess, and my husband remained indoors, so I made the foolish mistake of leaving alone. I was held at knifepoint and interrogated as to the identity of the man I had been dancing with before the meal, and any details he revealed in our conversations, but none of what I had learned about him seemed to satisfy her. She made me vow, on penalty of death, not to speak with him or his associate again, and not to tell a soul at the ball that I had spoken with her. She left as quickly as she arrived, but she sliced a small V into my palm, deep enough to bleed but not to scar, and told me it was a reminder to never cross House Valisti or make her regret her mercy.

I do not know what occurred at the ball after that. I gathered my husband and we departed immediately. I never saw Santuono that night, nor did I cross paths with the gentleman the assassin was asking about. A pity, as he was as handsome as he was charming, and my husband and I had been quite eager to meet him in our suite that night.

- From a letter sent by Lady Amanti of Rialto to her sister in Treviso.

12. your OC overheard while drunk

A letter in Viago's crisp hand:

Teia,

I will not "look after" Lidia. I am already "looking after" Illario. I cannot be in two places at once, and I will not be putting them in the same room. I encountered Lidia last night after two bottles of wine and she had some choice words about him. "I should have slit his throat when I had the chance and saved myself the trouble" was uttered more than once. It seems the two of them share the trait of repeating themselves incessantly while drunk. She also stated that she intends to "strangle him the second he fucks up again" and said that "he doesn't deserve the air he breathes, the food he eats, or the water he drinks." Additionally, she called the First Talon "a cowardly old hag who would rather pit her boys against each other than see them succeed, because the second they stop competing with each other they'll see it was her they should have been fighting all along." She then looked me in the eyes, worryingly sober for the briefest of moments, and said, "this is why the Talons are always at each other's throats. If their leader turns her own House into a cockfighting ring, what example is there for the rest of us to follow?"

Whether these are her true feelings or simply the nonsensical rambling of a drunken woman, I leave to your judgement. I put her words to paper only as my plea to have someone else watch her, if she must be watched at all. We really should just loan her to Rook and be done with it.

Yours,

Viago

17. a description of your OC’s family by a future historian

The resurgence of the Dellamortes is a fascinating subject. Caterina Dellamorte lost all five of her children and six of her eight grandchildren to a rival House, as we know, and it was thought to be the end of the family entirely when Lucanis Dellamorte was presumed to be an abomination and Illario Dellamorte was disgraced. However, following the Battle of Minrathous, they seemingly began working as a team, each taking on different responsibilities within the leadership of the Antivan Crows. Of particular interest, especially when studying the way the family resurfaced after near-total extinction, are their wives. Lucanis' wife, once known as Rook, was a legend amongst the Mourn Watch and brought several of her Nevarran traditions to Antiva. Perhaps even more strangely, Illario married an elven woman, Lidia, due to her surprise pregnancy with their first child. No records of previous marriages between an elf and a human have been found in the Dellamorte family tree, so it seems Illario was the first to risk their bloodline and reputation in such a way. Despite all odds, the name Lidia Dellamorte is revered amongst the Crows alongside such legends as Andarateia Cantori, the Demon of Vyrantium, and - though he remains a controversial figure in Crow history - Zevran Arainai. The Dellamorte family currently flourishes in Antiva, and all members trace their lineage directly back to either Illario or Lucanis. Thanks to their wives, both elven blood and strong magic now run in the Dellamorte blood, and those who descend from one of Illario's two children usually bear pointed ears while those from Lucanis' side of the family tend to have strong connections with the Fade.

- From the foreword of The People's Royalty: A Study of Antiva's Dellamorte Family.

[hypmic-writings]

If it's possible I'd like to request a fantasy AU with Jakurai, Ramuda and Gentaro fall in love with a wandering bard.

━━ ∘◦ ☆ ◦∘ ━━

Pairing: Ramuda Amemura x bard!reader; Gentaro Yumeno x bard!reader; Jakurai Jinguji x bard!reader

Genre: Fantasy!AU, Fluff

Warnings: None

A/N: Oh this one was so cute! I made them each different things, but kept Y/N as a wandering bard. A bard is a fantasy character class usually portrayed as a musician and use their artistic talents to induce magical effects. Hope this was along the lines of what you wanted! Enjoy~

⋘ ──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ──── ⋙

Ramuda Amemura

Ramuda is a rouge and specifically an assassin who lives a double life as a tavern owner

the first time he met you was when you stayed at his tavern for a few nights during a particularly bad stormy season

you were playing your trusty instrument and lightening the mood for some people while sneakily pushing out your basket for anyone to drop a few coins into

Ramuda loved hearing you play and listening to the tales you spun with your lyrics, but more than that, he loved watching you play

you were always so vibrant and mischievous that he never quite knew what you were going to do next, which was something new to him

you had absolutely no idea that Ramuda was an assassin who moonlit as a tavern owner, but you knew that there was more to him than met the eye

but still, the tavern was your favorite place to come back to after your adventures because the food was good and the company was even better

so one day, when most of the patrons had left, you managed to get Ramuda alone and the two of you spent the whole night talking

you begged him to let you write a song about him, but he just laughed and asked why you would want to write a song about a silly little tavern owner

when you smile and tell him that you know there’s more to him than just being a tavern owner, that’s when you see a flicker of a darker emotion cross his face before he’s smiling again

“You know, Y/N, nothing good has ever happened to bards who pry into other people’s business”

his warning goes unheeded though, and you still begin to write a song about him, and beginning to ask around to find out more about his past

but nobody knows anything about the secretive, mysterious tavern owner, so instead your song is filled with merriment and praise for his clean tavern and wonderful hospitality

and although Ramuda thinks it’s a fun song, he begins to feel conflicted about whether or not he can trust you with his secret

he’s never told anyone else and he knows that it might make you feel differently about him

but he’s definitely falling in love with your cheekiness and determination and he wants to have someone to confide in

and who knows - if you come around a little bit more and spend even more long nights drinking and chatting with you, he might just confess to more than just his secret night job

Gentaro Yumeno

Gentaro is a magician and specifically a warlock who was born with magical abilities 

you meet Gentaro while working as a bard for a princess that hired you on a whim to write some songs about her

Gentaro happened to be the court magician and the two of you end up spending quite a bit of time together

while he almost always has his head in some book or another, you find out that he’s writing an anthology of rare magic spells and potions he’s come across

you’re fascinated by him and begin to ask him about these spells, wondering if you can include any of them in your ballads, and Gentaro is happy to provide

you then find out that he’s a master writer and at first you’re worried he’ll steal your jobs because his poetry is so good and that’s just a step away from writing songs

but when he confides that he can barely hold a tune, you practically fall in love with him on the spot and you’re more than happy to have him collaborate on songs with you

Gentaro finds himself falling for you because of how different you are from those around him in the castle

while everyone else seems focused on the superficial lifestyle, easily falling for his lies and overall just boring to him, you’re different

you always keep up with his banter, and you can give it back to him just as easily as he can give it to you

whenever he uses small spells on you as pranks, you don’t get angry, but instead laugh it off and suggest using it on the palace butlers instead

Gentaro has felt that it’s been his duty, all his life, to sit still and live in the real world, which is why his imagination and creativity flourished in his mind with his writing and spells

but he fell in love with you when he realized that it was possible to be just as chaotic and creative in the real world too

so he’s more than happy to do magic for you whenever you ask him, and he’s always happy to be by your side at court meetings

and when the princess is angry that you added a verse about her bad haircut that resulted in a political scandal, she threatens to have you beheaded

and that’s when you and Gentaro make your daring escape together, which is just another normal Tuesday for you

but something that solidifies Gentaro’s admiration for you and your ability to turn real life into one of the adventures in his dreams

Jakurai Jinguji

Jakurai is a cleric working as a healer and he has some learned magical healing abilities as well

you first meet Jakurai when you’re travelling with a knight and the two of you are heading towards a battle in hopes of getting more songwriting material from an epic fight

the knight likes you enough to not want you riding out into battle with them though, so he leaves you in the medical tent

and while you’re there, you strum some soft tunes because yes, you’re a cheeky bard, but you’re not going to play bar music when there are people in pain all around you

that’s when you notice one of the healers using a glowing sort of magic to close up wounds without infections 

it’s a beautiful sight, so you’re immediately drawn to the man, introducing yourself and asking a million questions about how he’s doing that magic

the man introduces himself as Jakurai and explains that he’s a cleric who’s been studying medicine and medicinal magic for quite some time

you had been noticing how serious and calm he had been the entire time he was treating patients

but now that he was talking about medicine and medical magic, there was an excited brightness in his eyes that made you hum happily 

you would have thought that the healers thought of you as a nuisance, but it was quite the opposite

your music brought joy to the patients that needed it most, and nobody noticed this more than Jakurai

he loved to watch you play for the patients, teasing and laughing along with them as you told stories from adventures long ago

it was as though you were whisking them somewhere far away where they didn’t have to think about the pain they felt 

“The way you use your music to enchant people...it’s almost like a type of magic as well, isn’t it?”

he definitely falls in love with you over the course of the battles that take place and you find yourself doing the same

and when the knight asks you to come ride off with them to the next battle, you jovially decline and skip back to the medical tent

where you ask Jakurai if you can travel with him for a bit, writing some songs about the medical miracles he’s completed

and when he tries to say that they weren’t miracles but, were in fact, hard work and dedication, you simply wave him away with a cheeky smile

saying that miracles make for much better songs

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

[cxrtilage]

* Fan’s Backstory: 03.

Trigger Warnings: Subtle abuse, and general triggers often associated with fantasy cults. Theme: 魔女達のジグ by Floating Cloud (Oriental Dark Flight & Doll Judgement arrange) tl;dr: Fan meets a strange Fallen Angel for the first time, becomes entranced, and develops an unlikely but deep student-mentor relationship with him. His thoughts and beliefs are overturned, to the conclusion that despite having a clearer understanding of the truth, he must lie to himself so that he can live.

The market was abuzz with rumors of ghosts lately. Apparently a couple of people have been seeing flashes of a black being deep in the surrounding woods, gliding silently as if the forest floor wasn’t littered with crunchy leaves and sticks. Long hair flowing like water, the glinting of gold and pale bones reflecting the sunlight... couldn’t help but stir up curiosity in Fan’s mind. So in the dead of the night, after his parents feasted and fell into sleep, he slipped out of his bed and quietly went looking for the apparition, armed only with his kitchen knife.

It only took a few moonlit escapades to come in contact with the creature... and he was not what he was expecting. So human, and yet he was clearly some other sort of being; one with horns and claws and an aura of power that left Fan shaking in his sandals.

“A curious one, aren’t you? Little succulent. Why do you seek me? You know it’s awfully dangerous being out alone so late. There are so many scary monsters about under the cover of darkness... like me, for example~.”

A teasing nail carefully ran along Fan’s jaw, and as he stared into the deep onyx pools evaluating him, his soul shook just like they did that day, when he was supposed to be absolved but simply felt dirty. He shakily fell to his knees, tears pooling in his eyes. “...Are you God...?”

“God” burst out in a peal of laughter, shoulders shaking as he bent a little to unsuccessfully contain himself. Fan flushed in embarrassment at the reaction, ducking his head and fiddling with his glasses as he was patted like a dog. “You’re cute, sweetie. Sorry to say though, I am far from a God, and have no desire to postulate myself as one. I’m not Inugami.” He didn’t know who or what an “Inugami” was, but judging by the condescending mirth in the other’s eyes, he didn’t know a lot of things. “Th-Then...”

“Surely you’ve heard of Fallen Angels?” He had, of course-- God was a Fallen Angel, wasn’t he? So he wasn’t too far off the mark? But the other snorted at his musings, delving into a tale of monsters destroying the land and poor human villages being decimated and Master Attendants and Food Souls, and most of it he did recognize and things occasionally discussed by others, and of course their town had a few Food Souls as well, but he wasn’t quite aware it was exactly like this.

He had no reason to believe the Fallen, of course. Outsiders always lied, were blinded by darkness, and didn’t care to understand the greatness and truth of their God’s teachings. “Do not question, do not doubt.” But...

“Back again, my delicious friend?”

“You said something last time... about how Food Souls, and... even humans can become Fallen...?”

“Mm? Yes, and?”

“...Then... at our core... what is it that’s different between the three...?”

Looking terribly amused, Ba’alzebul curled a lock of inky black hair around a finger. “Hmm... What could it be~...”

“Please, laoshi...”

“Did you want my opinion or an answer for yourself?”

Fan pursed his lips, prompting a pat on the head. “You’re a smart human. I’m sure you’ll arrive at a good answer on your own.”

“Then, laoshi... what is God?”

“That’s even more personal than your first question, darling.”

“What’s with the troubled face today, little Fan Fan?”

“Fan Fan... no, anyway. I... I secretly bought some more books today, so, laoshi...”

“Yes, yes, I’ll hang onto them for you. What is it this time? Mm?” A black clawed hand snatched the worn book from his hands as Fan huffed in embarrassment. “‘Critique of Pure Reason’? Oh my, reading nonsensical fiction from Gloriville again, whatever would your dear parents say?”

“You’re the one who recommended it, laoshi! And... Mother and Father have been strange lately... God reminded them of something that happened when I was a child, and... now they’re obsessed with it...”

“And your dear ‘God’ didn’t say anything to you?”

“Well, after all, I am but a minor disciple...”

“Uh huh. So? What is it about?”

“... A... traitor to our faith... a terrifying, sacrilegious fire-breathing phoenix... Hey, laoshi! Why are you laughing?!”

“F-Fire-breathing phoenix...! Pff--”

“Laoshi!!”

“Laoshi... am I a bad person...?”

“That depends on who you believe is the authority on moral standards, dear.”

“I know... To... To everyone... I must be... a walking pile of sin, aren’t I...? I... I can’t take it... The more I learn, the more I read... The more I want to peel off this stained skin...”

“Why must you human teenagers be so dramatic?”

“Laoshi, this is serious! I... How could I let someone as disgusting as me live in this world... But I... I’m so... so afraid to die! Even though I... Even though I have killed so much...!!”

“Honey, I have killed far more humans than you. And you can’t use the excuse of me being a Fallen, right? Since you have decided that we are all essentially the same.”

“But... laoshi, you’re...”

“So you need to believe in your silly parents’ teachings or you’ll cry at night. Is that right?”

“Yes, but... but I...”

“Then believe.”

“Huh...?”

Ba’alzebul grinned a smile full of pearly-white teeth. “I am hardly someone that will tell you to do something you don’t want to do, darling. If you want to believe, then believe. Just don’t...”

“...don’t stop thinking.”

“Good boy.”

“...Okay.”

The Fallen Angel patted his head, and Fan sniffed, face red and tight with both his repressed and confessed feelings. He could do that; putting on a false mask for others was second nature to him by now. This was a step further of course-- he had to lie to himself, but also be aware that he was lying while simultaneously believing the lie. But Fan was nothing if not dedicated. He could do it.

Their time together seemed long, but soon his laoshi was leaving, wanderlust taking him, and Fan clutched parting gifts of gold in his chilled fingers, peering at the graceful back getting farther away through a blurry screen of tears. It was so short of a time for what happened, really-- he came with his answers, his questions, his danger and his nonchalance, turned Fan inside out with revelations and confusions and horrified understandings, then simply left like the wind. 

It wasn’t fair. Fan wanted him to stay.

He trudged back home, stashing his now large collection of books and his glinting new frames in a safe and hidden place, thoughts and loneliness swirling in his mind. “What is your dream,” his laoshi had asked him once. “...I want to become a chef. And... meet you again.” 

He put his hands together and prayed.

[dream-meister-translations]

THE TALE OF FOOD

MOONLIT CONFESSIONS - PART 13

━

The robo-bunny closes its eyes and silently proffers the core stone that had been on its breast.

ROBO BUNNY : The damage to your memory was not done by that explosion alone.

ROBO BUNNY : Every robot under the Micians' command has a system switch called the self-destruct protocol that was installed by their creator.

TGII : !!!

ROBO BUNNY : It is tied to your core stone's engine and can never be removed. Once you attempt to attack a member of the Micians, the system will automatically destroy you from the inside out.

ROBO BUNNY : More than a decade ago, a Mician emissary once came to Guanghan Palace. Their destructive actions enraged you while you were in a state of amnesia, so...

TGII : Then you pieced me together once again and put me into the glass room to hibernate.

ROBO BUNNY : Humans will not countenance betrayal from their underlings and would rather see them die than try.

ROBO BUNNY : Do you understand what I mean? This is human nature I am referring to.

TGII looks out over the drifting forms of the four in the distance, his gaze growing steadily colder.

TGII : Then is this act, also human nature?

TGII : To me, these do not even qualify as human nature. Assault, threats, temptation, this is what an animal would choose to do to survive.

ROBO BUNNY : Why are you...So close?

TGII : True human nature is defying your survival instinct, is fully knowing the risk and still pressing on foolishly...!

-

OSMANTHUS WINE : Where are you going, Master!

MASTER : Going by the robo-bunny's modus operandus, it is likely to feint and turn on us. But up till now, it hasn't appeared and I'm worried...

MOON CAKE : I just saw four figures hanging from the robotic arms in the distance...

MOON CAKE : Looks like it can't catch us and has found replacements. We won't be kidnapped, don't worry!

MASTER : What? No, we've got to get there right now! He...Won't leave us to die!

We leap over boulder after boulder as the moonlight shines down upon our elongated shadows.

-

ROBO BUNNY : Did you know? These robotic arms can toss them into another zone entirely.

ROBO BUNNY : Stop. I do not wish to see your self-destruct protocol activate once more.

TGII : No, you're gripped by fear. You fear me, fear the 'human nature' that I speak of.

The robo-bunny backs away a few steps before summoning a giant humanoid robot that engages Crab in Orange in a fierce combat.

TGII : Master, stop...!

But he manages to hold off the humanoid robot during the struggle long enough to free one hand to snatch away the core stone in the robo-bunny's paw.

TGII : As long as I crush my own heart, no one can ever use it to control me or Guanghan Palace again!

ROBO BUNNY : Stop! TGII!

None of this can be stopped, there's no turning back now.

CRAB IN ORANGE : From this day forward, I am Crab in Orange. I am free.

The military-issue blade pierces the heart, exploding it into many small blades. The skill that he had mastered so many years before from the Micians has finally come to be useful.

Crab in Orange is prone on the ground, his mechanic components shattered. Golden spiritual force pools around him, slowly losing its luster and hue...

On his chest is the robo-bunny that had leapt to protect his heart. Its body is riddled with the debris of Crab in Orange's shattered body and its spiritual force is fading away as well.

-

CRAB IN ORANGE : To defy your instincts...And choose...Is human nature...

CRAB IN ORANGE : Master, you knew...That better than anyone...

-

OSMANTHUS WINE : We're...Too late.

YIPIN POT : Without the power of their core, there is no salvaging a robot.

MASTER : !!!

CRAB IN ORANGE : You're...Alright...

CRAB IN ORANGE : I'm sorry, we destroyed...Your moon.

His hand is as icy-cold as ever. Yet the moon is warm as can be.

MASTER : Crab in Orange, your soul power is a warm shape like this. You won't have to rely on anyone else's power...You finally have your own heart.

(months later)

After bidding farewell to Yipin Pot, I became tied down making arrangements to welcome one of Kongsang's latest resident food souls. To store the mountains of spare parts, Kongsang has even built two new warehouses.

Ah-Fu runs in while everyone is bustling about, busy at work.

FULI CHICKEN : Hey, Master! Letter for you!

MASTER : Letter? Who is it from? It better not be some mysterious rock again...

FULI CHICKEN : Let me see...There's only a seal with the sign of a fish bone. Geez, who's trying to play mind games with me? So lame!

FULI CHICKEN : The letter even says 'I stole the real moon a long time ago'...Huh? A thief who's announcing themselves!? Do they really take me, Ah-Fu, for dead?

DEZHOU CHICKEN : Ah-Fu! How could you read Master's mail! One more hour facing the wall!

FULI CHICKEN : Geez!

[dream-meister-translations]

THE TALE OF FOOD

MOONLIT CONFESSIONS - PART 12

━

I see, I finally remember now. Its true identity is...

-

TGII : My Master!

ROBO BUNNY : You're here. How goes your study of 'Artificers' Record'?

TGII : I have finished reading it and completed my practical tasks for the month. But they have been putting me to work developing continuously-firing ballista, blades that explode upon stabbing someone...I am a little...confused.

ROBO BUNNY : The plan laid down by the Great Lord and the other elders will of course be for the good of the Micians. Don't worry too much.

ROBO BUNNY : Oh yes, I must leave the Micians for a while.

TGII : To carry out that secret mission? Where are you headed?

ROBO BUNNY : When you've made it into the School of Theoretical Research, you'll know. But, this is a risky business I'd like to keep you out of.

-

THE GREAT LORD : Just as I wrote in my letter, the construction of the mechanisms and theoretical research will take place concurrently. Your task is to hasten the splitting of Guanghan Palace and free up space for us to occupy with our man-made space.

THE GREAT LORD : The School of Theoretical Research will also be putting in the finishing touches to its research into man-made spaces.

TGII : Was Master also involved in this secret research project? I haven't seen him in a very long time.

THE GREAT LORD : ...Your master is still bound by his duty to his mission and has yet to return.

THE GREAT LORD : Go, my child. Do not disappoint us.

-

TGII : Hngh! The energy of this explosion...Is nothing like what they described!

My chest component has been damaged and the gears inside my cranial casing have ceased to turn. The machine oil is overheating, damage to conductor wiring is imminent...No, I have to cling to a drifting object to evade this!

TGII : Others? Did they die?

TGII : Ow! My skull...Something inside seems to have ceased functioning. I...What am I doing here...

He stumbles about, coming to lean at last on a drifting Osmanthus tree, sailing through the deserted sea of stars.

TGII : Why is a toy rabbit hanging from an Osmanthus tree?

TGII : No, this is no toy, it's a defunct robot.

TGII : It's out of machine oil, its body appears to have been damaged by a small-scale explosion. What a sad sight. Let me repair it and create a few more robo-bunnies to keep it company.

-

ROBO BUNNY : You've finally recalled it all.

ROBO BUNNY : Then do you understand why I did what I did?

A veritable thicket of robotic arms extend from a few Osmanthus trees, almost as though they were the fanatic disciples of the blooms of evil.

Four small humanoid silhouettes sway under the starlit sky, suspended in midair. Their struggle causes the arms to become even more animated.

TGII : What? How could you...!

ROBO BUNNY : I am thoroughly tired of the human race.

ROBO BUNNY : The Micians' research on artificial space failed. We, the robots on the front lines, were abandoned in this sea of stars for dead, left to degrade and lose our memories to the march of time.

ROBO BUNNY : They called themselves the chiefs of all that lived, created us. Yet they abandoned us so easily. The life that they gave us means so little to them that they both think little of it, yet also fear it.

The Mician insignia on his arm carries the prominent lopsided gash. The strength that went into the action only underscores the force of the emotions behind his decision.

ROBO BUNNY : From the moment I was born, I was a tool...I'd like to try making humans my tools for a change.

ROBO BUNNY : You must make a decision. As long as you will work with me, I'll put them down.

[dream-meister-translations]

THE TALE OF FOOD

MOONLIT CONFESSIONS - PART 11

━

The robo-bunny with the core rock installed within it begins to give off a red light. It floats up from the ground effortlessly, as if to fly outside.

TGII : Have you been planning for this moment, Central Collection Guild?

TGII : But this rock is only capable of unleashing its power when placed at the controls of Guanghan Palace.

ROBO BUNNY : That is correct. Unless...I modify my body to become the core control panel of Guanghan Palace.

TGII : !!!

ROBO BUNNY : This rock has a name. It is called the core stone. My understanding of it is far deeper than yours.

TGII : What do you...Want?

ROBO BUNNY : Seek me out at midday. TG Alpha II, I have never viewed you with any enmity.

-

MASTER : Do you really mean to go alone? It's too dangerous.

OSMANTHUS WINE : I do not mind hiding in the shadows and rendering aid to the deity when I must.

MOON CAKE : ...

YIPIN POT : I'd recommend that you recreate a brand new system of Guanghan mechanisms, rather than meeting that spooky rabbit on your own. Use Master's soul power to drive it and cause it to disintegrate.

TGII : I'm sorry to have made you all worry.

TGII : I've remembered many parts of my past...But I still can't remember when I met the robo-bunny or what we did...

TGII : The missing thing on my chest, the damaged memory component, the insignia that's been slashed out on my arm...

TGII : I have many questions that I must ask it in person.

MASTER : But...!

He leans over and ruffles my hair with his icy hand.

TGII : You have a task to perform right now.

TGII : There is a crying little hero over there...Will you help me return a full moon to him?

With a wave of his hand, he summons his portable robot crab mount.

TGII : Protect them, Unnatural.

We stare at him in silence, unable to express the maelstrom of emotions swirling in our hearts. I hesitate for a second before quickly thrusting something into TGII's hand.

TGII : !!!

The cold light that glimmers from his hand has taken on a golden speck. It is a crescent-shaped sliver of orange peel.

MASTER : This...Is what I use as an amulet for good fortune.

MASTER : Maybe I've been the Master of Kongsang for too long and it's become an occupational hazard. When I first saw you, I thought of a dish recorded in the pages of 'Simple Foods of the Mountain Folk.'

MASTER : Haha, a dish is the strangest way to praise a person I can think of.

MASTER : Anyway, if you ever get the chance, come to Kongsang, I'll treat you to it! You...Must come back safe and sound.

TGII : Very well. You'll have to make it for me when I return.

MASTER : ...?!

-

Illuminated by the cool glow of the moonlight is a white rabbit.

ROBO BUNNY : You're here. They've awaited your arrival for a long time.

Surprised, TGII looks sideways to find all of the robo-bunnies from Guanghan Palace gathered. They fill the slopes of the hill and the plains, their movements unsettling in their perfect coordination.

ROBO BUNNY : Look.

All of the rabbits mimic the movements of the robo-bunny. From left to right, right to left. None are spared from this wave of robots dashing.

It's chest glows, as though a core heart that commands this world of machines beats within it.

TGII : How did you...Manage to do it?

ROBO BUNNY : You made it, not me. How did YOU manage to do it?

ROBO BUNNY : You are the creator of this realm. Everything in Guanghan Palace was always yours to command.

ROBO BUNNY : I merely borrowed your glamor. Once you're back, we can build an immortal realm meant only for machines.

TGII : Aren't you worried about the Micians? They've already sent Yipin Pot to investigate. There'll be more of them in the future.

ROBO BUNNY : Looks like you've forgotten how talented you were as a mechanist.

ROBO BUNNY : Guanghan Palace has both offensive and defensive capabilities...No, it would be more fitting to say that it is a moving fortress of terror.

ROBO BUNNY : Strapped to the underbelly of this planet are numerous mechanical flint shells. They will explode with enough force to destroy Kongsang five times over.

TGII : !!!

TGII : No, this isn't what I want.

ROBO BUNNY : Want? You're a heartless creature, what desires could you possibly have?

TGII : ...! That rock...Is the heart missing from my chest, just as I thought.

The robo-bunny walks towards him, its mellow male tenor both persuasive and melancholic with despair.

ROBO BUNNY : TG Alpha II, you have been changed too much by your time with these people. I prefer you as you were before.

ROBO BUNNY : Hngh!

Just as it presses close to TGII, the amulet hanging on his breast throws off a steady light, striking it down!

TGII : You're too dangerous.

TGII : Tell me, who exactly are you?

A wickedly sharp blade is hairs away from the conductor wiring that links the robo-bunny to the hub. But this action only elicits a fit of merry laughter from it.

ROBO BUNNY : Hahahahaha, that you would wear a human accessory.

ROBO BUNNY : Very well, do it. Let me see if you can truly kill your creator with your own hands?

The clouds disperse to reveal the moonbeams streaming down upon the robo-bunny. It also bears a slashed insignia, with a line of barely legible tiny text below it.

"TG Alpha I."

[dream-meister-translations]

THE TALE OF FOOD

MOONLIT CONFESSIONS - BONUS CONTENT

-Full Moon Plan Part 1-

The robo-bunny lies there, still as the dead. The tremors running through the ground have yet to abate.

OSMANTHUS WINE : Go! The cracks here are about to reappear! Watch out!

TGII : Ah, so the mortise on the joint of the main support column broke. Please move to higher ground and wait for a moment please.

OSMANTHUS WINE : What? This isn't the time to be conducting studies on robots!

OSMANTHUS WINE : Master, we've got to hurry and climb up higher. Osmanthus sprigs of mine, long may you flower fine!

The rumble of another collapse floats up from underground. Guanghan Palace's crescent shape appears even more narrow now. Osmanthus Wine attempts to summon Osmanthus sprigs to send us up to higher ground. But after a few attempts, they fail to make their entrance.

OSMANTHUS WINE : Oh no, Guanghan's sustained too much damage and has no lunar essence left to nurture the Osmanthus sprigs...I can no longer...

He has barely spoken before he loses his balance from a particularly nasty jolt and almost falls into the gaping seam!

OPTION 1 : "Dive and pull him to safety." MASTER : Osmanthus Wine, grab onto me!

With just me, maybe both of us will...I hold onto his hand tightly but my heart sinks in despair.

But right that instant, everything becomes still. We lie stomach-down on the ground without moving. It is so steady it feels almost as if we are sailing on the crafts of the giants.

MASTER : The crack...The crack's been sealed? TGII, were you repairing the moon just now?

TGII : These mechanism designs are very familiar...I...

OSMANTHUS WINE : Since you can fix these broken machines, maybe...There's still hope for Guanghan Palace!

The mountain rocks and Osmanthus sprigs in the distance are still vibrating. We exchange glances, with the same thought in mind.

MASTER : TGII, let's put a stop to Guanghan Palace's collapse together.

OSMANTHUS WINE : That's right. I'm not about to throw my life away while hunting for Yipin Pot!

TGII slowly straightens upright and stares at me. His expression is unreadable, obscured by the dark-colored glasses he is wearing.

TGII : I'll help you, don't worry.

TGII : To repair the machines, we'll need the corresponding parts to swap out for the broken ones. I managed to get a scan of the parts we'll need over there.

He points in the direction of Guanghan Palace and bows his head, saying something softly.

TGII : ...To humans, the moon must be very important.

-Full Moon Plan Part 2-

The ruined palace's backyard leads into an endless forest of Osmanthus trees. Osmanthus Wine's form melts into the forest quickly.

OSMANTHUS WINE : Master, come see, I seem  to have found something rather curious...

TGII : This is a dovetail joint...!

TGII : Excellent, it's just what we need.

OSMANTHUS WINE : I'll lead the way, I...Know it very well.

-Full Moon Plan Part 3-

Our repairs seem to be fairly effective. On the way here, the core tremor aftershocks have steadily decreased and the moon is beginning to look plumper.

MASTER : Still, I just saw that the component's hub...It isn't a match for any of the spare parts we have.

OSMANTHUS WINE : Let me see.

OSMANTHUS WINE : Hm, I have never seen anything like this. Perhaps, we need to walk further inward?

The stars spin idly in the skies far away, the moon's glow is slowly growing richer, and the scenery on it is slowly starting to come back to life.

MASTER : You're right, let's keep walking down here and take a look...

-Full Moon Plan Part 4-

YIPIN POT : This is the last burr puzzle.

We're standing in the core zone and staring at the last empty cavity. Osmanthus Wine's eyes are full of anticipation. TGII slots the last component into the core mechanism's insides.

With a clank of the gears, the operation to repair Guanghan Palace is complete. But this all looks like nothing's changed.

OSMANTHUS WINE : Is that it? Has it ended? Why is there no improvement to my power over the Osmanthuses?

MOON CAKE : A moon...That never becomes a full one...

TGII : ...

TGII gazes at Moon Cake who is leaving on his own. He looks so alone, like a rudderless, homeless little canoe sailing to nowhere.

TGII : The mechanism has deteriorated for too long. We've changed all the components, but it'll take some time for operations to completely resume.

TGII : As for the power of the lunar Osmanthus, survey data suggests that the abandoned mechanisms and old creepers have been entangled for many years, preventing its growth. We just need to clean up those old mechanisms and it'll be full moon soon enough on Guanghan.  

YIPIN POT : At least Guanghan Palace has been fully repaired.

MASTER : Thank you, thanks...Yipin Pot.

YIPIN POT : I just did as my will dictated. As I have in the past and will in the future.

YIPIN POT : Let's leave quickly. We've got to go before the robo-bunny comes for us and restore the power of the Palace's Lunar Osmanthus...

OSMANTHUS WINE : ...! I see it...It's the robo-bunny!

-Guanghan Summit Part 1-

The robo-bunny's appearance is unchanged. But we are all crystal-clear that it is no longer the robo-bunny we used to know. Or rather, it was never what we thought it to be.

OSMANTHUS WINE : It's not yours, so why hang onto it?

ROBO BUNNY : ...

ROBO BUNNY : Click, click...

That's the...Robo-bunny's laugh. The cogs appear to be spinning at will, its laugh seems inexplicably tinged...By sadness.

YIPIN POT : Watch out, its eyes have turned red!

*FIGHT*

-Guanghan Summit Part 2-

The destructiveness of the giant robot that the robo-bunny is riding is amazing. Even with all of our powers combined, we are barely keeping up with it. Suddenly, it charges furiously at me, launching an attack!

TGII : !!!

TGII steps between me and the robo-bunny.

ROBO BUNNY : Uhm...

MOON CAKE : It hesitated! Quick, take the chance to...Toss the carrot! Maybe it'll do something!

ROBO BUNNY : Sorry. I'm a machine oilist. No obstacle will be allowed to exist...On the path that I've chosen to take.

Having had its damaged parts repaired, the giant robot gets to its feet. The robo-bunny's small eyes look at us, just as it had when we first met.

ROBO BUNNY : Unlocking...Second Form : Tenacity!

[dream-meister-translations]

TALE OF FOOD MASTERLIST 

DONATE : HERE. If you’d like to help us out! Would be much appreciated & will help us keep banging out content faster! 

MAIN STORY

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1

FOOD SOULS

BEGGAR'S CHICKEN

BRAISED PORK HOCK

BUDDHA'S TEMPTATION

CABBAGE BLOSSOM

CHILI OIL CHICKEN

DINGHU'S VEGGIE

DONGPO PORK

DOUZHI

EEL NOODLE SOUP

EIGHT TRIGRAM SOUP

FOUR-JOY MEATBALLS

FULI CHICKEN

HANGZHOU NOODLES

HARBIN FRIED PORK

KUNG PAO CHICKEN

LAMB PAOMO

MAPO TOFU

OYSTER OMLETTE

RED DAUGHTER WINE

RICE DUMPLING

SPICY DICED CHICKEN

SQUIRREL FISH

SWEET 'N SOUR PORK

TA-A-MI

YANZHOU RICE

YUXIANG PORK

EVENTS

SPRING NIMBUS

MOONLIT CONFESSION

AZURE HORIZONS

[dream-meister-translations]

THE TALE OF FOOD

MOONLIT CONFESSIONS - PART 10

━

MOON CAKE : 'The plan to use mechanisms to blow the moon up into pieces must be brought to fruition within five days. Should there be any difficulty in adhering to this timeline, you may request aid from Boneless Carp.'

MOON CAKE : 'The survival of our sect depends on you. You must not fail. Good luck.'

OSMANTHUS WINE : ...

MOON CAKE : The letter was signed...Twenty-five years ago.

MOON CAKE : No wonder the rabbit couldn't find any records on the current Guanghan Palace...

MOON CAKE : The Guanghan Palace I lived in, protected with my life, my home...

MOON CAKE : What did you do to it!!

Moon Cake jumps onto the control panel, channeling all of his soul power into the rock. Could he mean to...!

OSMANTHUS WINE : Moon Cake, what are you doing!

MOON CAKE : Don't you understand, Osmanthus Wine? Your Guanghan Palace is gone. It doesn't exist anymore! You'll never pass your trials and become an immortal!

MOON CAKE : It's all because of this fake Guanghan Palace that my home...My heroes' squad has...Nothing left to defend!

His sobs pierce my heart but...Once Guanghan Palace is blown up and collapses, everyone will be in danger. We must stop him...

I see blood flying out in an arc as Osmanthus Wine breaks free of his rope restraints. He has spent all his energy just to prevent Moon Cake from issuing the final self-destruct command to all the robots.

OSMANTHUS WINE : This place is very important to me. It has been my residence for the last centuries and millennium.

OSMANTHUS WINE : No matter how many times the wind barrier gets in my way, or the clicking bunnies...

OSMANTHUS WINE : Everything that is strange to you has become part of my recollections. This...Has already become the Guanghan Palace I want to protect!

OSMANTHUS WINE : Well my little reuniting hero, you still have things to do. There are many people out there waiting for you to protect them. Please don't give up...Please help me protect this place, protect Guanghan Palace!

MOON CAKE : Boohoo, boohoohoohoo...

Taking advantage of this moment, I hastily loosen my restraints and hand the small blade to the robo-bunny.

But Yipin Pot is far sharper than I am. He frowns and hits the mechanism to trigger a change in the lay of the land, as though to make us drop straight into the Universal Formation.

TGII, being furthest away, begins to slide slowly toward the gaping chasm. The rock that he used repeatedly in the core zone appears to have taken over his mind and trapped him in a trance he is unable to break free from.

-

TGII is adrift on a tiny piece of driftwood, staring motionlessly at the mortal realms.

ROBO BUNNY : What are you staring at? They've already forgotten you.

TGII : ...

ROBO BUNNY : Looks like your memory component took a blow when detonating the digital bomb.

ROBO BUNNY : We cannot survive like this and will eventually become space debris. Do you understand me?

TGII : Then let me start from the beginning...To build a Guanghan Palace out of robots. When they notice me through the telescope, they'll come to bring me back.

TGII : Boneless Carp says Guanghan Palace is beautiful and that I'm letting it go to waste. Then..Let me recreate one...Exactly like it.

-

TGII : No one. No one's come.

TGII : My memory component is slowly getting old, the memories it contains hazier and hazier.

TGII : But the memory that I destroyed Guanghan Palace with my own hands always remained intact. No matter how good a replica the fake Guanghan Palace is, I cannot erase the stains of the past.

TGII : No wonder I could do this. I'm not human after all.

MASTER : But this doesn't matter.

TGII : This voice? Is this the person who woke me? ...Where are you?

When he opens his eyes once more, what he sees shocks him. He is suspended midair above the chasm, only his hand...Only his palm feels uninterrupted warmth.

TGII : Master, your center of gravity's off. If you keep this up, we'll both fall into the chasm!

TGII : Let go! Don't waste your life over a robot!

MASTER : Be it robots or humans...Doesn't matter what you are, I just want to save you!

MASTER : I know what's inside your heart and that's more than enough for me!

The sound of heaven and earth recede, as though muffled. All he can hear is the howling of the wind and Osmanthus Wine's cheers.

The robo-bunny manages to take over the core control panel in time and prevents all the restraints from coming completely undone.

YIPIN POT : Just...As I expected.

ROBO BUNNY : Click.

The robo-bunny has cancelled the self-destruct protocols programmed into the control panel for Guanghan Palace. It's jumping up and down waving its paws. Then, it removes the core stone, shining with spiritual force, and places it on his own chest.

[dream-meister-translations]

THE TALE OF FOOD

MOONLIT CONFESSIONS - PART 8

━

(Years before)

COUNCILLOR : How could you get so hungry? Poor child, come with me. I have a lot of leftovers at my residence.

COUNCILLOR : Amazing! I never imagined a mere homeless child could carve an orange with such detail. Were you born knowing how to make this dish?

-

COUNCILLOR : Haha, have no fear. I have some Mician acquaintances and they are decent folk.

COUNCILLOR : The dish you are adept at making is one of the Great Lord's favorites and he wishes to taste it for himself. So who else could make him Crab in Orange as well as you can?

COUNCILLOR : As I see it, you won't be able to squirm out of attending the Micians' feast. So off you go with Papa to feast and be merry! Hahahaha!

-

GUARD : Assassin! Assassin on the loose! No, he's headed for the councillor!

The councillor looks back to find someone standing between him and his assailants. That firm resolute stance made what the boy was doing look as easy as how he cored the oranges for Crab in orange.

CRAB IN ORANGE : Watch out, Pa! Wah!

-

COUNCILLOR : Please, I beg of you. I'm old and have only this son...Please, no matter what you do, as long as he comes back to life...

MICIAN DISCIPLE A : As long as he comes back to life, the form is of no importance then?

COUNCILLOR : I don't care what you do as long as he lives!

-

MICIAN DISCIPLE B : TGII is standing outside and gazing off into the distance. What's he looking at?

MICIAN DISCIPLE C : I don't know. I heard that this all happened decades ago. But for his looks to have remained the same all this time, it's only possible with an android body.

MICIAN DISCIPLE C : Sometimes if you look closely, it's pretty scary.

MICIAN DISCIPLE B : Hush, stop that nonsense at once! If word gets back to his master, you'll never hear the end of it.

MICIAN DISCIPLE C : I know, I know! Who dares offend the two walking examples of Miscian research excellence?

CRAB IN ORANGE : Don't mind me.

MICIAN DISCIPLE B : Whoa! Where'd you come from!?

CRAB IN ORANGE : The Hour of the Tiger is here. Please inform the Great Lord that I am here to seek an audience with him.

MICIAN DISCIPLE C : Sure, p-please head towards the Chamber of Venerated Worthy on the fourth floor. The Great Lord has strict instructions that tonight's discussion is top-secret. You...Haven't been noticed by the others, have you?

-

TGII : Ingredients...Crab...Person...

MASTER : Mr. Robot? Mr. TGII? He sounds like he's sleep-talking.

MASTER : I didn't know robots could sleep talk...That's beyond anything I've ever imagined. Do they see robotic sheep in their sleep too?

TGII : ...

MASTER : Wow! Standing up the second after waking up is also way beyond my imagination.

MASTER : Master, do you think...I'm human-like...?

MASTER : What?

MASTER : Did you...Recall something?

TGII : ...

MASTER : I've...Met all kinds of people. Some looked downright shabby but had hearts of gold. Others were clothed in silk but performed the most heinous of acts.

MASTER : Rather than whether you look human, I think you should think about whether you want to be a real human...That seems more important to me.

OSMANTHUS WINE : Let's not get into philosophy.

OSMANTHUS WINE : Listen carefully, all of you. I'm hearing what sounds like an argument. We must be very close to the core control chamber.

ROBO BUNNY : Probe data indicates we are less than 3 miles to the target zone.

TGII : Good, let us keep pressing on then.

TGII : I want to go back for that rock. It...May help me remember more of my past.

-

The sprawling zone is full of mechanisms powered by an array of cogs and gears. The control panel is at the heart of the ring of mechanisms, a spartan pit in the ground, with only faint lines that shift about.

YIPIN POT : I've said it before that each area needs its core drive to keep spinning.

YIPIN POT : The core is made of components of spiritual force and soul power. For example, Kongsang's core is closely linked to the power of the Food God.

MOON CAKE : I know what you mean, but, but this isn't enough! This is totally insufficient as evidence!

MOON CAKE : A hero won't be so easily misled by flowery words and fanciful stories! After all, this concerns many people...I-I'm going to seek the truth myself!

Moon Cake rubs his eyes hard and rushes away.

YIPIN POT : After so long, I've finally made my choice.

YIPIN POT : Master, what will be your decision?

[dream-meister-translations]

THE TALE OF FOOD

MOONLIT CONFESSIONS - PART 7

━

TGII : It's spiritual force sensor part has been damaged.

MASTER : It was trying to protect us...What a brave little bunny it is...

OSMANTHUS WINE : What do we do now? I have questions I need to ask it...It hasn't been scrapped, has it?

TGII : Its knowledge search capabilities are unaffected, it is just currently incapable of independent function.

The robot stares off into the distance silently, as though contemplating something.

TGII : This place...Feels familiar.

TGII : I should know where to find the spare parts needed to repair it.

MASTER : But...

We need to find Yipin Pot, our allies are still being held captive by him. The sight of the robot holding the still form of the robo-bunny makes the words catch in my throat. Could he be...Worried about his friend too?

TGII : According to my calculations, the probability that the good-looking suspect is plotting to activate Guanghan Palace's core mechanism is an estimated maximum of 99%

TGII : Do not worry, frail little human.

TGII : Guanghan Palace has lain dormant for too long. Most of its mechanical parts will have been damaged severely due to neglect. He can only activate the core mechanism if we repair the parts.

TGII : As a hostage, your friend should be safe for the moment.

MASTER : You know what's on my mind...

TGII : You have expressions. I have expression analysis components.

TGII : But its accuracy is low. Perhaps it is because I lack something...Important.

TGII : When you awoke me in that tunnel, I felt...Close to it. So close...I thought...I was once part of it.

TGII : Ugh!

The squeal of his metal parts is followed by a spasm of pain that washes across his face.

OSMANTHUS WINE : Oh yes, TGII, do you know about the Micians? If I remember correctly, the insignia on your arm...Belongs to them.

TGII : Micians...The Micians...Urgh, I can't...Think!

MASTER : Let's give it a rest! He seems to really be suffering!

ROBO BUNNY : A search for Mician-related search terms has returned 236 results. The Micians are an offshoot of the Warring Kingdoms period Mohist school of thought, and skilled in the conceptualization of construction of mechanisms.

ROBO BUNNY : Due to their extreme ideology, they were shunned by mainstream Mohists, and gradually all traces of them vanished from the public eye.

ROBO BUNNY : Yet from the latest 51 results, the Micians who have hidden somewhere, have gone beyond the boundaries of human morals in their study of mechanisms and attracted covetous and jealous attention from the other powers.

The robo-bunny perched in TGII's lap relays information on the Micians without any trace of emotion. I wipe the cold sweat from TGII's face and notice that his insignia...Has a gash running through it.

MASTER : Why does your insignia have a gash going through it? TGII, do you know why you're in Guanghan Palace?

TGII : ...

TGII : I'm sorry, I seem to be unable to recall anything.

TGII : My memory chip has been destroyed intentionally. There are traces of the spiritual force that flowed through it. I am unable to repair it on my own.

All of a sudden, a slow tremor rumbles towards us from the distance, like the heartbeat of the earth. A sudden flare of light floods the space...Afterwards, everything returns to silence.

OSMANTHUS WINE : Could...Yipin Pot have reached the core mechanism!?

TGII : I've located the core of the Guanghan Palace. Please follow me, we'll mend the components as we make our way there.

MASTER : Are you planning...To modify the newly-repaired mechanic parts?

TGII : Yes, only we know how to get the repaired parts moving. If Guanghan Palace can be restored, the lunar Osmanthus will grow, the moon will reach its peak and Osmanthus Wine's soul power will be restored.

TGII : This is a battle with the probability of victory reaching 78%... Master, please do not worry. I used to be ranked top based on all abilities amongst the Mician inventors.

TGII : Hmm? What did I say...The Micians...?

All of us turn to stare at him. Even robo-bunny turns to face him, motionless.

MASTER : Did the core's reactivation jog your memory?

[dream-meister-translations]

THE TALE OF FOOD

MOONLIT CONFESSIONS - PART 6

━

??? : But my bronze steam engine stalls midair...

ROBO BUNNY : If you go without oiling it with machine oil for too long, the parts get rusty. At least in my experience anyway, TG Alpha II.

OSMANTHUS WINE : The two of you...Are just going to let them lie there?

TGII : I called upon a wood para-glider when I landed, but they had already lost consciousness. Humans are truly a mystery.

ROBO BUNNY : I've stored some backup supplies of machine oil here, try it on them.

OSMANTHUS WINE : Get out of my way!

The cool liquid seeps into my mouth. My blurred vision registers an immortal in long robes beside me.

OSMANTHUS WINE : They are lucky to be alive after you slammed into the ground from so high up! This is a beautiful mortal, not one of you foolish blockheads!

OSMANTHUS WINE : Hmph, if it weren't me...Hm? Awake?

MASTER : Cough, cough, cough, cough! Cough cough, cough cough cough!

MASTER : Argh, I never imagined being jolted from a coma by strong liquor...Cough, cough! Honestly...I've never been treated like this...

OSMANTHUS WINE : Of course not. This is a celestial brew and not to be found in any common cellar.

I look at the figures around me. Talking robots, a food soul masquerading as Heng'e...And the fact I'm in Guanghan Palace where the ground frequently collapses...

MASTER : Man, I'm really starting to miss Butler Guo...

OSMANTHUS WINE : Master, don't give up. Moon Cake's been kidnapped by the Micians and needs rescuing from you!

MASTER : Now that's more to the point.

Now that my questions finally look like they can be answered, I bolt upright putting on my best imposing demeanor.

MASTER : Osmanthus Wine, why were you pretending to be Heng'e? What are you and Yipin Pot planning? Who are the Micians? Why did you betray Yipin Pot?

TGII : Ah, I see. When humans are enraged, they can speak up to five characters in a second.

MASTER : And the robot furiously scribbling notes down...Who is he? Why was he shut away in a glass receptacle?

TGII : ...?

OSMANTHUS WINE : My apologies. I didn't expect this to anger you so.

OSMANTHUS WINE : I never claimed to be Immortal Heng'e. I am the food soul Osmanthus Wine, who took form 'neath Mount Liangying. Thanks to the wisdom of Immortal Wugang, I have now been given the chance to undergo trials.

OSMANTHUS WINE : Once I have passed all the tests and reached Guanghan Palace, my name will be recorded for time immemorial amongst the ranks of the immortals. Yet when I crossed the wind barrier, I found that the Palace was in ruins, as though it had been abandoned.

OSMANTHUS WINE : The vicinity of Guanghan Palace was shaking violently and the lunar Osmanthus withering away, taking with it my soul power day by day. 'Twas then that Yipin Pot came here.

OSMANTHUS WINE : He claimed to be an emissary from the Realm of Melanya and told me that Guanghan Palace lacked the spiritual force to maintain its rotations, causing the ground around it to shift and collapse.

MASTER : The robo-bunny said something like that too. Oh, by the way, why were you chasing it?

OSMANTHUS WINE : No one knows where the heart of Guanghan Palace is, except for it.

OSMANTHUS WINE : It hides amongst other robo-bunnies and only heads out to repair the Palace's other robots at midnight.

OSMANTHUS WINE : Yipin Pot determined from the striking noises it made, that it was very familiar with Guanghan Palace. But it's the only robo-bunny with any will of its own...

MASTER : Central Collection Guild, why did you have to sneak around at midn...Wait, what are you doing!?

I turn to find that the robo-bunny has leapt into the air and unfurled its wooden umbrella, sending us flying more than six feet away!

Simultaneously, a crack has formed on the spot where we'd been seated, the jet streams of tumbling rocks striking the robo-bunny out of the air.

TGII : !!!

[dream-meister-translations]

THE TALE OF FOOD

MOONLIT CONFESSIONS - PART 5

━

The light of the ripples of the water from underground reflects the faces of the two people before us.

Though he is dressed differently, I recognize him immediately. The thousands of times I'd imagined our reunion and none of them involved meeting him at this juncture.

YIPIN POT : How have you been, Master?

MASTER : Yipin Pot!? What are you doing here?

YIPIN POT : I have always been here. It's thanks to you I was able to enter Guanghan Palace and witness you unlocking the robo-bunny before finally crossing the rock wall barrier.

I realize what he means and unconsciously grip the rock in my hand tighter.

MASTER : Did Yi Ya send you? What does he want?

YIPIN POT : You should be asking what I want.

He shakes his hand and smiles. A violent tremor rocks everything and the Osmanthus sprigs burst from the ground to twine vice-like around my arms, forcing me to drop the rock!

'HENG'E' : Is this sufficient to remind you of your promise?

Yipin Pot takes the rock in hand and carefully wraps it up in his handkerchief.

YIPIN POT : Don't worry. With this, we won't require the guidance of that hare anymore. Once the power of Guanghan Palace's lunar Osmanthus is restored, you can...

YIPIN POT : Ugh!

MOON CAKE : Hero to the rescue! No one can snatch anything from Master!

Moon Cake suddenly jumps out from a corner, diving straight at Yipin Pot. This could be my chance to wrest the rock back from him!

*FIGHT*

YIPIN POT : !!!

YIPIN POT : Moon Cake, there are 0 records regarding the present Guanghan Palace. Did you ever consider why?

Yipin Pot murmurs into Moon Cake's ear as he brushes past. Moon Cake stands still, stunned.

MOON CAKE : You're saying...No! That can't be! What nonsense!

YIPIN POT : Yes, it's just my hypothesis. But now I'm inviting you to witness the truth for yourself with your own eyes.

MASTER : Don't listen to him, Moon Cake!

I anxiously tear the Osmanthus sprigs wound around my hands, but the force rebounds me into the glass tank.

MASTER : Ugh! That's a lot of blood...

MASTER : Why are these Osmanthus branches multiplying over and over...I can't get loose. Rats!

I promised I'd protect him, protect Guanghan Palace...I can't give up!

MASTER : As long as there's one person, one person who can help me get free of these Osmanthus sprigs, I can...

MASTER : Please, please...Help me!

??? : ...

??? : This power...Who could it be...

His breast shines with a glimmering glow, the tank's surface begins to crack. Immediately after, both the heavens and earth appears to shake violently.

ROBO BUNNY : Warning, warning. Damage to the glass room sustained has caused tremors. Tunnel and chamber will collapse within thirty seconds. Thirty. Twenty-nine, twenty-eight...

The walls of the tank break as he escapes and turns to look at me. His eyes are shaded by lenses and impossible to fathom.

??? : Plants are growing where they shouldn't. Activating gardening module.

MASTER : G-Gardening!?

Before I can say any more, several robotic arms issue from the rock walls, chopping down all the Osmanthus sprigs entwined around my limbs in the blink of an eye.

Like a rusted machine, he turns to Yipin Pot, body jerking. His head is vibrating slightly, as though scanning something.

??? : Good-looking suspect, suspicion level : 95%. Activating offensive module.

The shattering blast of cannon fire reverberates about the tunnel, thick grey smoke and the smell of gunpowder begins to fill the room.

YIPIN POT : Hehehe, Master, you appear to have awoken a rather nasty monster.

YIPIN POT : We don't have long, Osmanthus Wine. Let's withdraw.

OSMANTHUS WINE : ...No.

OSMANTHUS WINE : Why is the insignia on this robot the same as that on your handkerchief? Yipin Pot, are you part of the Micians too!?

YIPIN POT : ...Never mind.

Yipin Pot looks at Moon Cake. Moon Cake does not hesitate and follows him with an air of determination.

MASTER : Moon Cake, are you...Really going to go with him!?

MOON CAKE : Sorry, please don't worry about me. I just want to see the thing he's talking about for myself... It's about Guanghan Palace, I can't sit here and twiddle my thumbs!

ROBO BUNNY : Second warning, second warning. Tunnel collapse commencing. Three, two, one...

The tunnel begins rocking violently once more. In the confusion, Yipin Pot and Moon Cake's bodies form an arc as they jump up and out over the rock wall.

MASTER : Moon Cake!

I haven't quite gotten my balance back before my sight-line suddenly gets a boost.

??? : You can't stay in the danger zone, frail human.

??? : The risk of a geological disaster is extremely high. My propeller stove is about to start up. Please hold onto my head but do not take off my glasses, thank you.

??? : Three, two, one, ignition!

I hear a deafening bang as a hole forms in the rock wall thanks to the explosion. I am greeted by the welcome sight of sunlight as it filters down onto my head. And we are launched into the clouds, as though we were riding on a rocket.

[dream-meister-translations]

THE TALE OF FOOD

MOONLIT CONFESSIONS - PART 9

━

Guided by TGII, we dismantle the component that controls the direction in which Guanghan Palace rotates and remove the device that impedes the growth of the lunar Osmanthus.

The small robo-bunny is sitting a long distance from us, as though it is repairing its own spiritual force sensor.

MASTER : Reporting! The rotation components within a ten-meter radius have already been dismantled by me!

ROBO BUNNY : Rotation components within half a mile's radius of this spot have also been removed.

TGII : All rotation components within a three-mile radius have been removed and possible replacements for the component have been scanned for and removed.

TGII : Whatever direction the good-looking suspect chooses to direct it, Guanghan Palace won't budge.

MASTER : !!!

MASTER : Is this...Robotic efficiency?

ROBO BUNNY : This is the efficient work rate of a machine.

ROBO BUNNY : TGII, do you understand the implications? The significance of choosing to be human or a robot?

ROBO BUNNY : It means you've chosen whose side you're on.

TGII stares unblinkingly at the robo-bunny. Their expressionless faces make them seem very distant from their human companions at that very moment.

(Yipin pot appears as a hologram)

YIPIN POT : Thank you, for creating such an efficient robot.

YIPIN POT : In order to execute the plan even more smoothly, please allow me the pleasure of hosting you in the core control zone as my guests.

MASTER : Watch out, Yipin Pot's back!

*FIGHT*

But our attacks feel like a fist rammed into a bed of cotton as they go right through his body.

MASTER : How did he do this...Looks like a full-body hologram...

TGII : He actually imbued the projector of the control zone with his soul power...We should not underestimate this suspect.

YIPIN POT : Ha, no need to be in such a rush. We'll meet again soon enough.

He vanishes once more, as a gigantic robotic arm bursts from the ground. It vice grips around us as it speeds toward the core zone to prevent us from even trying to escape. The core control zone is...Too big. It's deep underground beneath Guanghan Palace and practically linked to the heart of the very planet itself.

Who was it and what was his purpose in trying to replace a whole moon with machines? The materials and manpower required for this undertaking give me a bad feeling about the odds of our success.

-

OSMANTHUS WINE : So you were just the Micians' lapdog, Yipin Pot.

YIPIN POT : Such uncouth words from an immortal.

OSMANTHUS WINE : ...

We are lashed to the rock wall with rope. In contrast to our obvious panic, Yipin Pot seems supremely self-assured.

YIPIN POT : I'm rather curious why an immortal like you would hate the Micians so much.

OSMANTHUS WINE : Because I know exactly what you are planning.

OSMANTHUS WINE : How dare a mere mortal covet and scheme to enter the immortal realms against the justice of the mortal realms.

OSMANTHUS WINE : I've also heard that you tried to move the Palace to the mortal realms to try and facilitate the sect's move...Hahaha, what you'll come up with next truly tickles me!

Yipin Pot remains silent, deep in contemplation. With some concentration, he summons a tiny Universal Formation!

YIPIN POT : Your formation has been shattered by the gale winds so I can only settle for moving a part of it here.

YIPIN POT : Be that as it may, it will be enough to send all of you away.

MASTER : What do you mean? Why are you sending us away?

YIPIN POT : Because I'm going to destroy this place.

OSMANTHUS WINE : What?!

YIPIN POT : Deity 0s, sorry to disappoint you. I won't be at the beck and call of the Realm of Melanya, nor will I execute the plan to move Guanghan Palace at the behest of the Micians.

YIPIN POT : Even if they have promised me my freedom.

Yipin Pot retrieves the rock from within his sleeve and gently puts it into the control panel. The empty dent is a perfect match for the rock. The moment they meet, blinding light fills the place and I hear a familiar heartbeat.

YIPIN POT : I've finally come to understand. That when one entrusts hope in freedom to someone else, that is the beginning of losing one's freedom.

TGII : Ugh...!

The same cry of pain comes from Osmanthus Wine on the other side of the room. He appears to have gathered his soul power for a life-and-death struggle against Yipin Pot.

YIPIN POT : Is Guanghan Palace that important to you? Even if...It's only a pale imitation of the real Guanghan Palace?

MOON CAKE : Ha...Hahaha! I've finally uncovered the truth. So the Guanghan Palace I've been protecting has already...Been...

We are all stunned by that strange peal of laughter. Looking up, we realize that it's Moon Cake. The dazed look on his face gives the impression that his soul has left his body.

Moon Cake holds an opened letter as he stands before TGII distractedly. The robot's lopsided shirt collar and Moon Cake, who is staggering about, form an eerie tableau.

MOON CAKE : Everything Yipin Pot says...is true.