Esper Story: Parmi

Parmi, from now on you'll be in charge of receiving customers at the front desk.

No prob, boss!

Is this the Larkspur Detective Agency?

Yes, welcome!

...

Are you guys taking any new cases today?

Of course! Parmi, help this lady with her coat.

I can take that for you miss.

Madam, this way please... Ouch!

My coat!!!

Sorry...

My apologies madam, I'll get your coat cleaned up right away!

This felt is double-layered camel hair! How are YOU going to clean it?!

Ugh! Everything seems to be going wrong!

Ah... Tevor... She left...

Yes, I can see that...

Parmi, do you know what to do when receiving a client?

Umm... Wave and smile?

...

Umm... Also, help them with their coats and pour coffee?

Not just that. As the face of our detective agency, you have to let the client feel our sincerity.

Put yourself in their shoes and know what they're anxious about.

Hello... Is this the Larkspur Detective Agency?

Here, I'll demonstrate.

Good day sir. What can we do for you?

So... That's pretty much it.

Sir, soothe your worries. You have complete client confidentiality here.

We give this privilege so you won't hesitate to leave out any key details.

Investigator Tevor, how did you know...?

Our words might deceive us sometimes, but our body language never lies.

You stopped suddenly in the middle of what you were saying, touched your earlobe, and swallowed. That was your tell.

Also, when I confirmed the information with you, you unconsciously looked down to the left.

Sure enough, you are as good as they say! What meticulous observation!

Is this the Larkspur Detective Agency? I have an emergency!

Hello miss. What can I help you with?

Someone stole my dog! Please help me find him!

Calm down. Please have a seat and tell me all the details.

Actually, forget it... This agency doesn't look like much...

Don't worry, we're all professionals here.

Tell me a little about your situation. When did you first notice your dog went missing?

That's about it... When I came back from my work trip this morning, I found the front door to the yard was pried open.

She woke me up. That's when I found out the dog was missing.

Did you hear anything strange last night?

No... I had one too many drinks last night though, so I slept pretty sound.

Were there any suspicious markings on the door or lock?

Uhhh... How am I supposed to know, I'm not a detective...

Sir, please don't leave out any key details. Anything you remember could be important to cracking the case.

Earlier you said you didn't hear anything, but you were fidgeting with your earlobe when you said it.

Then, when you were referring to the door and lock, you stole a glance at the woman next to you. I asked you to confirm your details, and you never looked me in the eye.

What are you hiding?

Nothing! I'm not hiding anything! This girl is full of it!

I'm not trying to slander you... Our words might deceive us sometimes, but our body language never lies.

I... I didn't!

Why can't you look me in the eyes? Tell me!

Were you too drunk and forgot to close the door?

I...

So that's it then!

Hold on! Wait...!

Parmi, what happened here? Were those clients?

They didn't sign with us. We just had a talk and they started yelling and fighting.

Why were they fighting?

I have no idea...

I tried doing it up to the standards you demonstrated, to see through the lies of the clients and convince them that the Larkspur Detective Agency is legit.

Strange... Why didn't they develop admiration for me? Why did they start fighting instead?

Why are there so many people here?

There's a very popular Milk Tea Shop over there. These people are all probably in line to buy some delicious milk tea.

Ah, I remember now. That shop recently released a new product called "Autumn Impressions".

But all these internet sensation Milk Tea Shops never have good tasting drinks... They just look good on the outside.

True. But that shop's owner is trying their best to make good Milk Tea though.

Oh? You've had some?

Ms. Parmi! You've finally come!

Hmm? What is it?

The owner saw you outside, and told me to come get you.

Parmi, you know the owner of this shop?

Not really. I've been here a few times for drinks, that's all.

Ms. Parmi, I've been waiting for you! Want to taste our newest "Autumn Impressions" drink?

Oh that sounds nice! Thanks!

So you called us over here just to have us try your new Milk Tea?

Of course! To have Ms. Parmi try our new products is an honor!

It was all thanks to Ms. Parmi that our newest "Autumn Impressions" is selling so hot!

???

How did we do today?

Only half as much as yesterday...

Hmm... Guess things got old quick.

When our newest drink is ready, the customers will all be back.

Yea, but all they do is take selfies in front. No one buys anything.

Hmm... I wonder why...

Well... Maybe if you guys focused more on the taste rather than what the cups look like...

Who are you?

Ah sorry! I overheard you guys talking about sales, and couldn't help myself...

So you're saying our Milk Tea doesn't taste good?

Yea, the drinks all look amazing, with beautiful crackers and nuts on top...

But all that extra stuff makes it taste weird. You don't even know what flavor it is anymore.

...

Moreover, the layered design forces the syrup to settle below. So it tastes too sweet when you first drink it, and becomes basically tasteless at the end.

But young people these days all want fancy designs and concepts and stuff.

Well, having a great tasting drink could also be a form of art...

So that's how you met.

Yea... Back then I didn't take Ms. Parmi's words to heart.

So you don't agree with her?

I understand where she's coming from, it's just that...

She's never been in business herself, so I thought she just didn't understand.

To my surprise, she returned the very next day!

Hey Milk Tea guy. I thought up a good way to liven up your products.

Oh? Do tell.

If you want the drink to look good on the outside, perhaps consider improving on the raw materials.

Focus on the fruit and maxing out freshness and sweetness.

Then you can adjust the variety and concentration of the tea base to neutralize sweetness.

I wrote down all the specific ideas. If you're interested, you can take a look.

...

I adjusted the ingredients according to Miss Parmi's suggestions, and the taste really improved!

A mix of psychedelic sweet and sour, just like a street full of fallen leaves in Autumn!

So I rebranded it as "Autumn Impressions" and made it our first new product this fall.

So... This Milk Tea is actually Parmi's creation.

Way to go, Parmi!

It was nothing. You were the one that made the actual Milk Tea. I just helped things along.

No need to be so humble! We owe our success right now to you!

Ever since "Autumn Impressions" went on sale, we've been waiting for you to return. I wanted to personally extend my gratitude.

You're too kind. The important thing is we all have this delicious new Milk Tea to enjoy!

Oh that's right, what do you do for a living, Ms. Parmi? Would you be interested in coming on as a drink designer?

Tryin' to take my talent?

Well, I know talent when I see it... Doesn't hurt to try heh heh.

Thanks, but I like the job I have now.

Huh. Alright then.

But if you guys need help every now and then, I'm glad to be of assistance!

I'm more than happy to come over and help you guys perfect the taste of new drinks!

Wonderful! I think we'll be seeing a lot more of each other in the future, Ms. Parmi!

From now on, all your drinks are on the house! Oh, same goes for this gentleman here.

Thanks!

I heard we'll be able to taste all kinds of goodies from other regions this time!

So many people...

Now THIS is a party! It's like the entirety of Utgard is all here!

Oh Parmi, fancy running into you here.

Amy! How've you been?

Ugh... Work is brutal lately. Hey let's catch up sometime!

Oh hey, it's Ms. Parmi! You guys are off work early today.

Yea, our boss wanted us to experience the fine cuisines of the world today!

Good evening Parmi. Didn't think I'd run into you here.

That ice cream shop up ahead is really good.

Oh hey Jayson! Alright, I'll try it out for sure!

Parmi, are you an Utgardian?

Nope.

Then how come you know EVERYONE here?

Huh? You mean you guys don't know them?

Amy was a client remember? We helped her find her cat.

Abu is a security guard for our building. He works in the basement garage.

Jayson is a Marshal for our district. Tevor met him before.

Man... I don't remember any of that. Tevor, do you remember these people?

Hmm... After hearing Parmi's explanation, I do seem to recall meeting them before, but not to the extent that Parmi remembers them...

Guess Parmi has an excellent memory when it comes to people then.

Guys, you wanna try some Green Bean Cake? They're a delicacy in Tangton!

The aroma of green beans neutralizes the sweetness... Not greasy at all.

So this is what desserts taste like in Tangton... Complete different from Utgard.

I want to eat that cake over there. The one that girl has.

I wanna try some Green Bean Cake too!

Miss, if you're buying some, I'll give you a few extra pieces!

You could learn a lot from Parmi... How to get along with your co-workers... Not scaring clients away...

I've never scared away any of your clients. They all had too much baggage and not enough cash. They weren't interested in our services.

Plus, what's so hard about complimenting people? I don't need to learn something that useless!

Complimenting is an art in itself. Not as easy as you think.

Hey boss man! Lemme get 3 sticks of the roast squid!

Yo what's up little lady! Comin' right up!

Oh man... This squid is really... Really... Chewy!

Uhh... If you don't like it, you don't have to eat it all, it's okay...

Hey! That was my version of saying it was good!

Relax, Intisar.

The squid was a little overcooked at the tips, but don't you think that extra chewiness adds some tang to the flavor?

Yea... Like eating rubber...

But the main part is still tender and soft. You can just eat around the tips.

Well, if you put it like that, I guess it ain't half bad.

So? Ready to admit it?

Yea yea yea... Parmi is the queen of compliments.

So what's your secret?

I dunno... Never thought about it.

Probably because Parmi is just naturally optimistic. She sees the positive side in all things.

The world is beautiful no matter what in her eyes. It's kinda contagious actually, heh.

So that means I'm too pessimistic?

Not at all, you're just more... Straight forward... In a cool way.

Really?

True also... Saying what's on your mind is a great quality.

You always get right to the point. Something Tevor and I can't do.

Uhh... Thanks...

See? Natural talent...

Ugh... Even the most clever chefs can't cook without the correct utensils...

Tevor, what's wrong?

This case can't be solved. There're no clues whatsoever, and I can't think of anything to move things along.

Then why did you agree to take this case? Even the Marshals couldn't figure it out.

For our Agency's reputation and fame, of course!

We've been getting fewer cases recently. If this continues, we'll be out of business.

If we can find the culprit for this robbery and murder case, our reputation will skyrocket!

Too bad there aren't any clues...

Hmm... Didn't the Marshals say there was a witness?

That's where the problem lies.

The witness was the victim's son, but he was so traumatized that he went mute.

Stress-induced aphasia?

Yea... Or the Marshals would have figured this out by now.

Perhaps I can help...

What do you mean?

I can delve into his dreams, and help you find some clues.

You can do that?! Worth a try!

So this is his dream?

*Sobs*... Mom...

Mom, wake up!

*Sobs*... Mom... Please wake up!

*Sigh*...

I see... Allow me to grant your wish!

!!!

What is this place?

A place where your desires come true.

Tell me, what is it that you wish for the most?

I... I want my mom back!

She's hurt! She won't wake up!

Your mother is right there...

Honey... I'm right here.

Mom?

Mom! You're okay!

I'm here to say goodbye sweetheart... I'm going to a distant place...

You don't want me anymore?!

Of course not sweetie... You're the only thing I care about.

But life is full of goodbyes... I know it's not fair, but mommy knows you're brave!

Mommy... I'm sorry...

It was my fault... If only I were older... Stronger... I could've stopped those bad men...

Shhh... Mommy would never blame you. I'm so glad you didn't get hurt.

But...

But can you be a good boy and do one more thing for mommy?

Anything!

Mommy wants you to continue being brave, and grow up healthy and strong.

I know you'll make your mom proud!

!!!

How do you feel?

It's you...

Ugh... I... Can talk!

Wow, he actually talked. Nicely done Parmi!

Hey kid, I gotta few questions for you.

Tevor, let him rest a little. He needs time to get his bearings.

You want to ask me about my mom, don't you...?

Go ahead... I'll be fine.

I heard there was an Esper here that could cure memory loss?

My child never leaves the house. Can something like this be fixed using dreams?

Can I talk with my late wife through a dream?

Can you make it so the girl I like dreams about me? I'll pay double!

Wait... Hold on... It doesn't work like that... This is a detective agency!

This is NOT what I had in mind!