MAID IN VALENTINE

Finally! It's about time.

Ade, Soda. Are you ready?

We're all set here, and the chocolates have all been prepared.

I made sure the shop was sparkling clean too.

Good. In that case...

let's begin the Valentine's Day event!

Woohoo!

Wait a minute... It's not Valentine's Day yet.

I know. That was a practice run-through just now.

I've still got a few things to do before we close. Can you help me out, Cocoa?

!!

Closing is my jam! Of course I'll help.

I'll go wipe the windows one more time.

No matter how many times I wipe the windows, they're always stained...

Sounds like a plan.

We're nothing if not well-prepared. I'm sure the customers are going to love it.

Noooooooooooooooooooo!!!

My maids! What is going on here?!

...

...

...

You've all done très magnifique preparing for the special event.

The desserts are incroyable as always, particularly the chocolate.

Truly something worth attaching mon sobriquet to.

However!

Zis chocolate is just that: chocolate, and nothing more.

Non, I cannot say it is a Valentine's Day chocolate.

Boss, I don't quite understand...

I ask you, what do people do on Valentine's Day?

Express their feelings for someone by giving them chocolate?

Précisément!

It is a très romantique time to express your amour. That is what Valentine's Day is.

So, do you know what is missing in this chocolate?

Milk-flavored Splendamin?

Non.

Oh...

Some ketchup?

Non!

Darn, I thought I had it.

Isn't it obvious? They need some tender loving care.

Oui!

For an occasion like Valentine's Day, you must pour your heart and soul into the chocolate.

These are the most essential of all ingredients, and they are absent here!

This is truly infortuné, but it seems I have no choice but to cancel the Valentine's Day event.

But Boss...

That is, of course,

unless you all can concoct the ultimate Valentine's Day chocolate with the days that remain.

If you fail, then the event is annulé.

Oh boy, what are we gonna do?

We tried so hard to prepare...

...

True Valentine's Day chocolates...

Hey, Master.

Master! It's terrible!

... *Sob*

Well...

You got that right.

You have to help us, Master!

Yes! We've been working so hard preparing for this...

... *Sob*

...

You're not busy, are you, Master?

Then can I ask a favor of you?

Other than the chocolate, I feel that we're in need of an inspection regarding our overall service.

If it's okay with you, I'd like you to let us serve you and then give us your feedback.

!!

Oh...!

Are you sure it's okay?

All right then, this way.

Time to show you what a professional maid can do.

Ready to go?

Get ready for an all-new experience.

Our Valentine's Day-themed service!

Why are you making that face?

Your breathing is ragged as well.

Are you not feeling well?

Hm...

I'm glad you're so... eager to assist. But for now...

Precisely.

Just allow us to serve you, and let us know if there are any problems or if we've overlooked something.

All you have to do is sit here nice and comfortably,

nod your head, and give us some positive affirmation.

Great.

We'll start from the top, then.

We've decided to change our greetings for the occasion.

Soda, at your service, Master.

From my heart to yours, happy Valentine's Day.

Love you!

Master?

Is it? That's a relief.

I'm up next.

Just a moment.

Wrong. This is a special item from our Valentine's Day menu.

Sweet & Sour Curry Rice of Love.

Don't worry, you won't get sick. I made sure of that.

What do you think?

Since it's Valentine's Day, I used some ketchup with a smidgen of chocolate zest in it.

Now, I'll bring out the dessert.

It's not much, but I worked hard on it.

I hope you enjoy it.

How is it?

Haha, thank you.

Any chance you could elaborate?

I suppose that's a relief.

Let's move on, shall we?

But we're not open yet... excuse me.

Um, excuse me...

Are you holding any chocolate-making classes at the moment?

Oh, hello Miss. Nice to see you again.

I'm sorry, but we haven't gotten permission from our Boss, and the event has been postponed.

Oh...

Don't worry, I can still give you a few pointers.

You're trying to make chocolate, you said?

Yes. I tried making it on my own but I'm not confident.

This is the best I could come up with.

You made everything in this box?

Yes...

It looks delicious. I can see you put a lot of effort into the shapes and the wrapping.

Phew... I'm glad you approve!

Thank you, it was a lot of work.

... Huh?

Co-Co-Co-Commander?!

Wh-what are you doing he...agh!

Ouch... I'm okay.

Oh no, the chocolates!

I'm sorry! I'll clean it up at once.

...!

Just a second, Commander, that one is...!!

...

*Gulp*

...

...

Uh...!

... Yes.

I really put my heart into making them.

Wait, that sounds like...

These chocolates were made with TLC, weren't they?

Can I have a look at those?

Oh, sure you can.

Hmm...

Do you notice anything, Cocoa?

Hmmmmmmmm...

... I'm not sure.

*Sigh*

Is something wrong? You mentioned something about your Boss delaying the event?

We have to make some true Valentine's Day chocolate.

If we can't do that, then we can't hold the special event.

That's a real pickle indeed... oh!

Would something like this help?

What is this?

This place used to be on the surface, and was really famous. I used them as a reference when making these chocolates.

Apparently, they were especially known for the chocolates they sold during Valentine's Day.

Heh, it's even got Cocoa's name in it.

Hmm...

... I see.

I need to go up to the surface.

If there's any hidden secret about the chocolate we need to make, we'll find it there.

Cocoa, you can't just go up the surface whenever you feel like it.

There's no way they'll grant you permission, especially if it's about finding a chocolate recipe.

...

...

...

Erm... well, I'll be going now.

This is it.

Sweets & Cocoa's factory. Where the secrets are hidden.

I'm not detecting any Rapture presence nearby. We've finished setting up the decoys as well.

Roger.

*Cough, cough*

Ugh... so much dust!

We're probably the first visitors in decades.

Sounds like it needs a nice once-over.

Hehe. Good thing I brought the cleaning supplies.

Soda, we all love to clean, but there's a time and a place for it. Just don't overdo it.

Okie dokie.

What about you, Master?

Yes, that would make her happy.

You're gonna help too, Master?

I'll start preparing th... yikes!

Yeah, just accidently spilled a bucket of water, that's all.

Guess that's the first thing I'll be cleaning up, hehe!

Hehe, she may be a bit clumsy at times, but she's good at her job.

I know what I'm doing.

I'm more than capable of handling myself.

Very well.

Cocoa, you and Master both head into the factory and investigate.

You got it. I'll find what we're looking for.

Best of luck.

I'll check from the other side to see if I can turn up anything... what the...?!

This place is gonna be as clean as a whistle when I'm done.

Hmm? Wonder what this button is for...

Uh-oh...

I think it's the sound of the equipment starting up.

I saw Soda press some strange button.

Sorrysorrysorry!

You are finally here...

I am the manager of this factory, Sweet Johnny.

Welcome to Sweets & Cocoa, where all your sweetest dreams come true!

...

Let me guess, you all came here to learn how to make chocolate.

!!

That's right. We're trying to learn how to make the ultimate Valentine's Day chocolate.

What...?

Hey, manager.

Is that something you could teach us?

... Very well.

First, we should start with the ingredients. Oh, I guess we can't do that now. It's been years since any delivery trucks came to this place.

We'll have to use ingredients that have been preserved in cryogenic storage. The cacao beans in there are top-shelf though, and they'll still be fresh.

Once we've gathered our ingredients, we can start roasting the beans. After that, toss some magical spices into the cocoa beans and mix them all together.

Last, but not least, we'll add some cocoa butter!

You sure like to talk...

Yeah, a little too much.

I would appreciate it if you didn't interrupt me.

Anyway, that's the gist of it. Any questions?

... No?

Then run along and fetch the ingredients.

Once we have those, we can begin in earnest.

...

Master, what should we do?

All right.

Whoa, these really are cacao beans. This is the first time I've seen them.

Here's some cocoa butter.

They're both frozen solid.

I believe so.

Let's head back, Master.

Hehe, now we can learn how to make chocolate!

This is exciting.

Soda, we're not here to have fun.

You must conduct yourself in a manner becoming a professional maid.

I know, but...

I'm just so stoked that we're making real chocolate and not the fake stuff using Splendamin.

Aren't you excited as well?

...

... Maybe a little.

No. This is my first time.

Yes. This is not an opportunity that comes by often.

In fact, if we remained in the Ark, we would never have this opportunity.

Thank you for bringing us out, Master.

I'll make you some genuine Valentine's Day chocolate if it's the last thing I do, Master.

And I'll make you a chocolate cake!

Hehe. Let's head back to where the manager is.

We brought all the ingredients.

Good. We need to go through the defrosting process, so give them to me.

We'll start soon, so if you could prepare the countertop, please.

First, get the fire going on the burner and roast the cacao beans.

How strong should the flame be? How long do we roast them?

The flame's perfect as is, and you want to roast them until they start giving off an aromatic smell.

Oh, okay.

After that, peel off the skin and put them in a grinder.

Then you add spices to the mix

What spices do we put in?

Whatever you like.

Even ketchup?

As much as you want.

...!

Hey, Mister.

What? Next up, we have to mix in the cocoa butter,

so we have to focus. We're nearly done.

I don't think we're going to end up with proper chocolate by doing this...

I'll field any questions after we're done.

Next. Mix the cocoa butter.

...

Why is it so misshapen?

I made mine in the shape of a dinosaur.

Making chocolate requires precise measurements and actions, just like baking.

How could it be possible to make chocolate taste better in that way?

Is that what you think?

What was running through your head when you were making the chocolate?

I was thinking about how good it was going to taste.

I was thinking about dinosaurs.

...

Do you realize what I'm saying?

Think of what you said when you first got here.

That's right. We're trying to learn how to make the ultimate Valentine's Day chocolate.

Hey, manager.

Is that something you could teach us?

You said you wanted to make chocolate fit for Valentine's Day.

If that's the case, as you're making the chocolate, you must be thinking of the person you intend on giving it to.

Their personality, their personal preferences. Their reaction when they receive your gift.

...

The Boss had mentioned that before, but I had forgotten.

Unless you're thinking of these things during the process, you'll never end up with true Valentine's Day chocolate.

You might as well try making chocolate without cocoa beans.

Hey, you. Over there. The one staring off into space.

How do you know these ladies?

Hehe. I also like Master.

Yeah, me too.

M-Master...

That should work just fine.

Hmm, it seems to me that you have feelings for them.

Ladies, think of this ignoramus when you're making your chocolate.

As I mentioned, focus on their personality, preferences, and how they'll react when being given the chocolate.

Think over each of these points very carefully.

Does that feel good, Master?

Good.

Does it feel good when I do it?

Do those sounds mean you're enjoying it more?

Already?

Maybe massages aren't to your preference.

Oh, well, good.

Can we at least hold hands while we talk?

Me too.

Feeling relaxed, Master?

We want to ask you a few questions that could help us better understand you. That way it'll help with our chocolate.

Would that be okay?

How sweet would you like it?

Got it.

Do you eat breakfast in the morning?

Good, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

I don't mean to interrupt, but people do say that it's important to have breakfast every day.

Onto the next question. How would you describe your personality?

Yes?

I-I'm sorry for bothering you...

So you're saying we shouldn't change anything?

You have such big hands, Master.

Are you okay? You look a little uncomfortable.

If you need anything, just tell us.

I'll take care of you in no time.

...

You're right.

... Hehe.

Very well.

We'll try to relax and act the way we always do when making the chocolate.

Would you like to try it, Master?

What do you think?

More delicious than what we sell at the cafe?

...! Then...

Are you starting to get the picture?

This is true Valentine's Day Chocolate.

I didn't do this for adulation.

I'm simply doing my job as the factory curator.

However, if you care to express your gratitude in some other form, I certainly wouldn't be opposed to it.

...

But as I said, I didn't do to this merely to be thanked...

You say that, but it sounds like you do expect to be repaid somehow.

Totally.

I am an AI machine. I am not swayed by such trivial things as emotions.

You're worse than those snot-nosed brats who would run all over the factory while making chocolate.

You remember all of that from before?

Of course. I'm an AI. A good one at that.

There were always children lining up in front of the factory,

eagerly awaiting their chance to get chocolate.

My greatest pleasure in life was getting to see the happiness on those children's faces.

It became like my mission.

I think I'm starting to understand what you want.

Will you continue to look over this place?

Yes, why? Is there a problem?

Don't you get lonely?

Not at all. How could an AI get lonely?

...

Having said that, it is a nice change of pace to meet people once in a while.

Hmmm...

That's okay. This factory is where I'm supposed to be.

However...

If you're not busy, it would be nice to see you again next year on Valentine's Day.

I'll fine-tune my speech so that it's better than before.

...

How are you feeling, Cocoa?

I feel great.

Like I can make the best Valentine's Day chocolate ever.

Hehe, me too.

What about you, Ade?

Hmmm...

Master, what do you think?

Hehe, thanks.

I always do.

My only question is who do we think about when we make the chocolate again?

Do we think about the customers?

That's right. As long as we do it with sincerity, our chocolate will never suffer.

...

...

...

...

You all made this chocolate?

Yes, Boss.

... I see.

I'll have un petit taste.

...

...!!!

This...!

Boss?!

My goodness!

This is fantastic!

It's as if I can feel your emotions coursing through it!

Which means...?

Not only is this truly Valentine's Day chocolate,

but you yourselves are all Valentine Maids!

You passed with flying colors!

Whatever you thought of while making this, do not forget it!

I guess that means we can go ahead with the event?

Woohoo!

We did it!

Thank you, Master.

We couldn't have done it without your help.

We should also thank Sweet Johnny.

Are you leaving already?

Don't get ahead of yourself.

We're a way off from selling this stuff.

To be honest, I was hoping you could stay a little longer, Master.

I'm sure it'd help me produce even tastier chocolates.

Cocoa, Soda. You mustn't put Master in a difficult position.

Master has already helped us enough.

You don't want Master to leave, do you Ade?

Well, no, it's just that...

Really, you don't have to if you don't want to.

We can go back to the Ark and make desserts!

No, Master will be staying here and attending to the cafe.

Aw man...

Hehe.

Thank you for today, Master.

Phew! Thanks for helping out, Master.

That was quite the deluge of customers.

Thanks, Master. I hope we didn't work you too hard.

Sorry, I knew we were being stubborn by having you stay.

Hehe. Thank you for saying that.

Hehe, don't mention it.

Yep. Everything's been cleaned to a pristine sheen.

All done.

Now you can rest... oh, my goodness!

We completely forgot to set aside some chocolate for you.

I'm so sorry. I'll make some right now.

This one was our best-seller today, I'll make some... wait a minute...

I'll make my special dinosaur chocolate... hey...

Wh-what should we do? We ran out of ingredients!

It's all my fault...

We sold so much chocolate that we're completely out...

Just a sec, I found something good.

Aren't those the rejected ones from throughout the day?

I'll go buy some more ingredients. You wait here, Master.

Are you sure?

I...

I suppose you're right.

Well, in that case...

Here, Master. Open your mouth.

Of course.

Say, "Ahhh..."

Open wide!

How is it?

Good!

There's more where that came from, so don't close your mouth just yet.

Come to think of it, we didn't eat any chocolates ourselves!

Yes! Yesyesyes!

...

Ahhhh...

Delicious!

M-me as well?

...

If you insist...

...

I hope those ladies managed to pull off the Valentine's Day chocolate...

They did attend my class though, so there shouldn't be anything to worry about.

I should prepare for next year. Who knows, they might come again...

...!

Are you sure this is the place?

It's supposed to have been abandoned for several decades at least, but there isn't even a speck of dust.

Pal, Signal.

Is this the correct location?

Positive. No doubt about it.

Maid For You confirmed as much.

All right.

I already told you. We're here to check if any food supplies from the surface have been smuggled underground. It's one of the many duties that our position entails.

But are you positive this is the right place?

Okay then. You and Signal head over there and wait until we're done.

How come this place is so immaculate?

And what's with this button?

It's like it's begging to be pushed.

Wait, if you press it...!

About time you showed up.

...

What is this? A hologram?

Hold your fire! You scared the bejeezus outta me!

I've got to ensure the safety of our client, and the Commander as well.

Speak up, blue boy. Who are you?

I'm the manager of this factory.

Where your sweetest dreams...

What are you thinking, going around pushing buttons like that?!

Hehe, sorry.

Sweets & Cocoa...

I can't take much more of this...

I should have requested for Sugar to come along...

What'd you say?!

If Sugar was here, she'd be off hotroddin' on that motorcycle of hers instead of fulfilling the mission.

... That's actually so true, it's kinda scary.

... But nevertheless! You've been assigned to this mission, so do your job properly!

To make proper chocolate, time is of little concern. If it takes longer than a year, then so be it.

Wait, is that why you requested this mission?

Is now really the time to be having this conversation?

But why chocolate? And why are you giving it to the Commander?

Sssh, the Commander will hear you!

...

I was going to give it to a friend.

I tried to make some chocolate myself, but failed miserably, so here I am.

D-did you give any chocolate to the Commander?

Sure I did.

!!

Homemade?

Nah, just some left-over milk chocolate that I'd been munching on.

You call that a gift?!

Why not? The Commander loved it.

I don't believe you.

Why were you even giving chocolate as a gift in the first place?

You two weren't alone in some fancy hotel or something like that, were you?

We bumped into each other on the street.

!!!

Well, at least there wasn't a lot of pomp and circumstance surrounding it.

But wait! Did you feed chocolate to the Commander m-mouth to mouth...?

Nah, just tossed a few chunks into the mouth.

!!!

...

...

S-sorry.

It's just that Privaty is so adamant about wanting to make some chocolate...

What a lousy welcome...

I assume you want me to teach these ladies how to make chocolate as well?

As if I had to ask. Of course that's what you want.

The look in the eyes of these ladies is identical to that of those children I remember all those years ago.

I must say, getting shot at was a new experience, but regardless, I must do my job.

Welcome to Sweets & Cocoa, where your sweetest dreams can come true!

Be quiet! We're having a conversation!

YOU be quiet and listen to my instructions!

You listen to me you little... Gah! Commander?

I told you not to come here.

When did... How much did you hear?