Toy Store

Welcome!

Ah! It's you, Old-Timer!

Good to see you! Who's that behind you?

What are you staring at?!

Never seen a Nikke before?

Oh my, it's a child!

Hey! Who're you calling a child!

You're probably younger than me!

You're right, I am a child!

It's always nice to meet a fellow youngster!

I told you, I'm not a kid!

What kind of customer service is this?

Haven't you had any staff training?

Not me!

What's staff training?

Wait... you haven't?

But... but that...

Ah, I get it now.

So our little friend wants the staff to be nice?

I like nice people, too!

...

Are you pulling my leg right now?

I'm leaving.

Hey, don't go!

Why don't you stay a while?

We can have fun together!

I'll stop teasing, promise.

Really?

Really!

Really?

Don't you believe me, Mica?

Sure I believe you!

So, what sells best here?

The most popular thing in the shop? That would be...

Nothing!

Nothing?

Yep. No one ever buys anything...

!!

Not a single customer.

Hey, come on! Chin up!

H-how about I buy something?

Really? Will you be our customer?

Hehe. Thank you.

Right this way then. Let me show you something really neat.

You stay here for a bit, Old-Timer.

Gah, you scared me! What is this thing coming from a box?!

Belorta, you said you wouldn't surprise her...

Gah! The ground is gonna cave in!

Hehehe! Isn't this fun?

Maybe for you!

Yeesh!

Snakes popping out of a gift box...

The ground giving way when I go to see a doll..

This is no toy shop, it's just a prank shop!

No wonder you all can't sell anything!

But didn't you have fun?

Not at all!

I'm never coming back here!

Never?

Never!

I... I understand. If you don't like us, that's fine.

I was so happy to finally have a friend...

Huh? Hey, what are you so down for?

I'm sorry. I didn't know you would hate it this much.

Um... hey... don't beat yourself up too much.

I dunno... maybe I'll come back sometime.

Really? Thank you!

Thank you, Soline!

Jeez, you're easy to please...

Well... I'll be going then. See you later... or maybe not. I don't know.

Wow, a new friend!

We finally have someone else to prank other than Mica!

Huh? Prank? Who?

Never mind, it's nothing.

Feel bad? How come? Being friends is a good thing!

Right! Friends are great!

Hey there, Old-Timer.

Hello, Old-Timer!

Yeah, we were bored, so we thought we'd do some redecorating.

What do you think? Pretty creepy, right?

Nice! Mica and I worked hard on it.

It wasn't easy, but I'm proud of it.

Now you can help us out.

Since it's a haunted house and all, I want you to dress up as something scary!

Woo-hoo! Thanks! What kind of costume would you like to wear?

That should suit you perfectly!

I'll go get the grim reaper costume.

That should suit you perfectly!

I'll go get the goblin costume.

Um, Belorta... we don't have a goblin costume.

Oh... no worries. You'll just have to be the grim reaper then!

Tah-dah!

Wow, you really do look like the grim reaper!

I'm scared you're gonna get me!

Is this it...?

It can't be, this is a toy store...

Commander? What are you doing here?

You don't look so good...

Your face is all white...

Oh, that explains it! You really pull it off.

Anyway, do you guys happen to have this limited edition figu...

???

Wait a sec...

That's it!!

I can't believe I found this here...

Are you talking about this one?

You plan on buying it?

Of course! This is a limited edition figurine!

Do you know how hard it is to find this?

I'm afraid that's for display only. It's not for sale.

What do I need to do to make you change your mind?

Pitch in with our haunted house.

Huh?!

That's right. As you can see, we worked our butts off turning the toy shop into a haunted house.

I want you to dress up, then hide and surprise any customers that come in.

If you do that, the figurine is all yours.

I don't know... Sounds like a lot...

Fine, I'll do it.

Excellent! What should we dress her up as?

Actually, she already looks pretty scary as is. I don't think we even need to give her a costume.

Yeah, she's already super freaky!

Is... that a compliment?

Yes! You fit perfectly with the haunted house.

Hide here under the table. When a customer arrives, you can give them a good scare.

Got it.

Wow, it's actually pretty comfortable down here.

Where are all the customers?

Don't worry, they'll come soon.

Aw man... After all that work, no one's gonna even show up...

How long do I have to stay here?

Hmm, seems like a slow day.

Jeez, not even a single person...

That's okay! We'll try again another day.

Maiden, you can come out now.

...

Huh? Maiden fell asleep!

Huh, she fell asleep.

How unprofessional! There's no way we can sell her that figurine now.

Welcome!

Oh, hey Commander. What are you doing here?

Fair enough.

I dropped by to look at some toys, but

Belorta and Mica ended up asking me to watch the store for a bit.

I didn't have any plans, so I said yes, but

they're still not back...

I've been handing out strawberry candy to the customers.

Commander, if it's okay with you, would you like to keep me company?

Welcome!

Diesel? Commander?

What are you two doing here?

So we're part-timers, then?

I guess you're right.

Yeah, I'm looking for a cat toy.

A few days ago, my cat

started playing with a string, and he loved it.

So I thought it might be good to get him a proper cat toy...

I think we've got just the ticket.

Which do you think would be best, Commander?

Sounds good.

But where do you think they stock those?

I'm sure that'd work,

but do you think they'd sell shoe laces at a toy shop?

If you can't find them, I can come back later.

Is that okay?

Sorry, this is actually my first time being inside a toy shop.

It's okay. It's nothing urgent.

In that case...

have some strawberry candy!

Wow! Looks delicious.

You came all the way here so I don't want you to leave empty-handed.

Candy makes everything better!

Thanks, I'll come back later.

Take care, you two.

Phew... running a store sure is tough.

I think the train station suits me much better.

Where the heck are Belorta and Mica anyway?

Welcome!

Didn't expect to see you two here!

I'd like to buy a doll to be a test subject.

But it seems the owners aren't here, so I guess I'll have to come back later?

Something tells me you two aren't exactly doll experts.

Err... Commander, are you sure about that?

Hmm... Is that so?

I'm looking for a doll with ball joints, full articulation. About waist height.

I need to be able to disassemble it, and...

Hehe, I knew it! I'll come back later.

Before you go, have some strawberry candy.

Oh, I was craving something sweet! Thanks!

See you around.

You can say that again.

Whoa, hey you two!

Hey, Alice.

Are you looking to buy a toy?

Actually, I heard I could get some strawberry candy by coming here.

You haven't run out yet, have you?

Are you talking about this?

That's the stuff! Hehe.

If it's okay with you, could I have some too?

Of course you can have some. After all, candy always puts you in a good mood.

Thanks!

Ah...

Could I maybe have one more? For the Queen?

She might be upset if I kept it all for myself.

Sure, no problem.

There's plenty to go around.

Hehe, thanks!

I've got to hurry back so we can eat it together!

I hope you both enjoy it.

See you guys later!

Bye bye.

Hey, whatever brings in business!

I'm just glad I brought enough candy.

We're back!

Oh, hi Old-Timer.

Sorry we're late.

Welcome back.

We wanted to check out this new type of firecracker and lost track of time, sorry!

Oh no... not a single sale while we were gone.

I was at least hoping for a few sales...

But then again,

we hardly ever have any customers.

I shouldn't exactly be surprised.

Sure, but it'd be nice to at least have some...

You're right, even just one would be nice!

Servant?

What are you manning the store for?

*Yawn* Hey, Burly Bear.

Took over?

You must have deep pockets in order to do that.

You're not secretly rich, are you?

You did?

Then you should be at the police station, not here.

Neve, call the police.

I came to buy a gift for Alice.

There's a stuffed doll she always hugs tightly whenever she goes to sleep.

It's totally adorbs.

But it's a bit worse for wear, so Ludmilla and I wanted to get her a new one.

That's what we're hoping.

Oooh! Look at this one, Ludmilla.

This one looks super cuddly.

Should we get it?

That thing is bigger than Alice.

Where will we put it?

Fine... can I at least cuddle up with it? Just once, pleaaaase?

Even if we can't buy it, I can at least test out how cuddly it is.

Just to... to try and...

Zzzz...

No. Just leave her.

She'll be angry if we do, and you won't like her when she's angry.

Would you mind helping me，

look for a suitable gift?

This place has all sorts of cute knick-knacks.

A music box?

This would look nice back at the home office.

Let's see how it sounds.

Hey, what's wrong with this thing?

Must be defective.

Oh, is this a moving robot?

This place has everything.

What the... this is broken too?

There sure are a lot of defective products in here.

Seems more like a junkyard that a toy store, if you ask me.

Oh, right. I nearly forgot.

Well, considering Belorta and Mica are MIA,

is there any chance you could give me some recommendations?

I'm completely in the dark when it comes to this kind of thing.

I think Neve would get a kick out of that more than Alice.

A rabbit doll? Hmm... that's a good suggestion.

Alice does have a soft spot for our furry little friends.

All right, let's go with that. As for what color, I think pink suits her best.

Any chance you could gift-wrap it for me?

Thanks, Servant.

You've earned yourself a new customer.

Neve, time to wake up.

Let's go give Alice her present.

Zzzzgrerenn... eh? How long am I out?

Did you pick a gift?

Oh nice, that sounds perfect for Alice.

Anyway, see you next time, Burly Bear.

Hmm? Hey, Rabbity!

I came to buy a rabbit doll.

Yeah, I think it's about time I got a new one.

I had my sights set on a pink one.

But I wanted a rabbit doll...

But I wanted a pink one...

Do you think that's a bad idea?

That's what I thought!

A pink rabbit doll it is, then!

Yippee! Thanks, Rabbity!

I can't wait to show this off to Queen and Nanook.

See you next time.

Wowee!

Master, why are there so many interesting toys here?

If they got into the wrong hands, like mine, they could be deadly weapons.

You're calling her a pro?

I've yet to see a "pro" that plays with toys.

That's right.

Toys are made to play with.

Speak for yourself. I don't necessarily agree.

Are you the owner of this store?

Yep, that's us.

Is there anything you're looking for? We'll help you find it.

Hmm...

I'm the head maid at the Maid Cafe near here.

I've noticed our customers seem to have a lot on their minds as of late.

I just want them to have a good time when they visit us. Are there any toys that would work for that?

Let me see...

How about roulette, where a bad spin nets you a punishment dished out by a Nikke?

How about scratch-off tickets where the prize is a saucy picture of a maid?

... Gasp!

Oh boy, that's a toughie.

Master. You pick for me.

Roulette, huh?

Mwahahaha!

Now I shall tickle the feet of every customer in this cafe!

Nary a foot nor an armpit shall be safe!

Agh! Help me, head maid!

Wait just a moment.

A true maid determines the winner through roulette.

You shall all spin the wheel, and whoever lands on this square,

will be the first to be tickled mercilessly. How about it?

!!

!!

...

Scratch-off tickets, huh?

Hehehe...

My name is Jonathan. My occupation: Stalker.

I will take a picture of all the maids here at this store.

My mission: To make all of you look as bad as possible!

You monster! How could you be so cruel?!

Help us, Cocoa!

Wait just a moment.

A true maid uses scratch-off tickets to determine whether or not weirdo stalkers can take unflattering pictures.

The person who picks the winning scratch-off gets to take a photo with Soda.

How about it?

!!

...

I think it's a good idea.

I can fight valiantly against the villains,

and the customers can have fun watching.

Uh... Not exactly sure I get what you mean, but I'll get that wrapped up for you.

Any other toys you're interested in? Feel free to browse.

Hm...

Hmmmmm...

What is that funny-looking orange slipper?

I can see that you have good taste! That's a slipper meant to look like a fish.

What kind of fish was it again... was it carp?

No, I think it was a shark.

Anyway, it's a fish that lives in the sea.

In similar fashion, we've also got a squid mask and an octopus suction-cup plush.

...

Wow! Cocoa, what are these? They're so cool!

They seem to be mimicking different forms of marine life.

That's awesome! You're amazing, Cocoa.

The ocean, and naturally all marine life, only exists on the surface.

But you've managed to bring a taste of that to the Ark. You're truly a genius, Cocoa.

Hehe!

I'll take this as well.

I assure you it was strictly professional.

Something completely outside the realm of possibility for an amateur.

This was a notice that was posted at the toy store a few days ago.

The cats are getting a bit tired of the toys that are at the shelter,

so I was thinking of buying them some new ones.

Can you help me choose which ones to buy?

Yes,

but there's only one problem.

Usually, when you buy an item for the first time, you need to test it out.

However, if I do that myself, I end up ruining the toys...

So that's where I need your help.

??

Where are the owners?

Hmm...

Those two like to horse around, but they are helpful when it comes to suggesting which toys to buy.

I guess we'll have to do it ourselves.

Good idea.

...

What is this?

It's interesting, but I don't know how to play with it.

Uh... you usually put some other toys inside of it.

If you put something like say, a cat ball, or some other toy cats like to play with inside it,

they can put their paws through the holes and try to bat at it.

I actually came to buy some cat toys as well.

I heard there were some new releases, so I wanted to donate some to the shelter.

Oh! An ally.

The store owners aren't here at the moment, so we're having trouble making a selection.

Sure, if you're okay with it.

Although...

How about we first figure out how to play with that box?

All right!

...

How about that.

Now that all these balls are inside it, I feel like batting them around.

Still, so far it's no great shakes.

Surely there's some way we can make this more exciting?

Like a wind-up mouse that moves on its own, or something mobile like...

Meow!

Looks like she's really into that toy.

I bet the cats at the shelter will love it.

I'm gonna buy one.

...!!

Looks like I should buy some more balls.

...

Sorry, I got a little worked up. My mistake.

Right.

Any chance you can point us towards any other toys that are of interest to you?

...

Let's see...

How about some cat wands?

Loads,

but cats get tired of the same toys quite easily.

So I try to swap out the old toys for new ones once in a while.

Hmm... there are so many types to choose from.

Is there anyone that you like in particular?

Not really.

When you're my age, you've played pretty much all the wands available,

so regardless of what you play with, it's not terribly stimulating.

Still, you never know, so go ahead and choose one, Scoops.

Hmm...

No surprises here.

A classic toy with a classic design.

I should have figured that the cat wand would be a disappointment.

Meow!

Meow!

Wow, she nearly made it all the way to the front of the store with that jump!

Meow!

Wow, she nearly hit the ceiling with that jump!

This cat wheel...

Meow!

Hey, check out this cat tunnel.

Meow!

*Yawn*

... Weird.

Why am I so tired? All we did was shop.

Pff...

What's so funny?

... Meow?

That's right.

I hope the cats at the shelter get as much fun out of these toys

as you did.

Welcome, Old-Timer.

H-hey there,

Old-Timer!

I knew you'd catch on so quickly, Old-Timer!

Hehe, absolutely! And guess what? We've got some winter-exclusive toys too!

There are lots of cute things in stock right now.

Wanna come see?

P-Pit Boss?

Oh? Hey there, Pit Boss!

What are you doing here?

!!

Holy moly!

What a coincidence!

W-we had a feeling that you'd be here for some reason...

Looks like we just hit the jackpot!

Ah! It's the same for us!

I-I'm here with Blanc... to buy some toys, too.

Hmm? More customers?

W-welcome!

Hey, isn't that what you wore back at Snowfield Hot Spring?

I still think it looks fantastic. Don't you agree, Noir?

Yeah, it's super cute.

Thanks!

You said you wanted to buy a toy? What exactly do you have in mind?

We're looking for something to jazz up our stage!

Something that'll not only surprise but truly wow the audience!

Have you got anything that fits the bill?

It'd be even better if they're related to winter!

Hmm... something to decorate the stage...

This is a toughie...

Why don't you check out our winter selection?

I was just about to bring some out to show Old-Timer.

You may just find something that catches your eye.

Sounds good!

Winter selection, you say? Sounds intriguing!

All right, then. They're right here.

Wow, that's a lot more than I expected!

... They're all so cute and interesting.

I know, right? Mica and I picked them out together!

I guarantee they'll add an extra dose of excitement to your performances!

I don't doubt that!

What's this tree-shaped plushie?

Oh, that one? When you press the button on the back...

Hahaha, that's so adorable!

I'm sure the audience would love this.

Yeah, I think so too! We'll take two of them, then!

Mind helping us pick something too, Pit Boss?

Something that would make the stage really pop.

Wow!

The colors are incredibly vibrant and lovely!

So pretty

and eye-catching too!

I think it'll look quite nice up on the stage.

Thank you, Pit Boss!

That figurine looks so much like you two!

Just look at how cute it is!

Naw, thanks!

We'll take this as well, then.

Thanks, Mica!

But, what's the deal with that red box in the corner?

I've been curious about it since earlier!

Oh, that?

I've actually never seen this box before...

Gah!

Whoa!

How pretty!

Surprise!

Do you like the gift I prepared for you?

Didn't see that coming, did you?

... *Sob* That was so mean!

Y-you really startled me!

What's this snow made of, anyway? Cotton?

What's your point?

Whether it's snow or cotton, it's all pretty, isn't it?

When will I ever find the time to clean all this up...

But...

It's really pretty, though.

You see?

Do you have any more of these toy boxes?

Hmm? Yeah, I do. Why?

These toys would be perfect for the grand finale of our show!

Everyone wouldn't be able to take their eyes off of it.

We'll take all that you've got.

Sure thing!

Welcome, Old-Timer.

Welcome!

Oh, hello, Coach.

Pompoms!

Yeah!

Hehe, are there maybe a bit too many?

I ordered a special pompom for the cheerleading competition,

and they've prepared so much for me.

I gotta pick one of these, but it'd be a real pain to do it alone.

So, I called you over to help.

Since Bay's got her eyes set on this for the contest,

we took special care in preparing this.

You can look forward to it!

Shall we get started then?

Ta-da!

Huh? It just looks like a regular pompom.

Keke. Of course, it isn't.

Go ahead and shake it!

...!

This one's made of a special material. It flashes when you shake it.

However, the brightness can't be adjusted.

... I don't think the judges will be able to see us clearly

if we use this pompom.

Hmm... Is that so?

Um... How about this one?

It's got a longer handle, so it won't slip out of your hands easily.

Doesn't it look good when I shake it?

Isn't this...

Huh!? Is it?

It's so cute

that I thought it was a pompom... *Sob*

It doesn't matter.

There's a ton of them, so let's keep digging.

Hehe, okay!

There must be one that you'll like!

Hmm...

Mm-hmm!

Phew...

*Sob* What should we do, Belorta?

It seems like there aren't any pompoms that Bay likes.

I've shown her everything we've got...

Had I known this would happen, I would've prepared more.

*Sob* Those won't make a difference.

Yes, it's too plain to use in a contest!

Hmm...

The color seems to go well with Rewind...

It's so pretty!

I wanna rehearse with it for a bit. Can you help me check how it turns out?

Here? Now?

Yeah, I'd like to hear your opinions.

Go! Go! Victory! Go! Go! Victory!

You can do it!

Cheer up!

*Huff huff*

How was it?

Wow, it was like you were dancing in a rain of flowers!

Hehe, it looks amazing!

That's right!

Your cheerleading routine

made this normal-looking pompom

so special!

...!!

I'm flattered...

Bay must be tired, Old-Timer.

Her face has gone all red!

Naw, Bay's sooo cute!

Thank you, everyone.

I'll try my best to practice with this pompom.

Good luck!

You can do it!

Old-Timer, hello!

Welcome!

Oh, Teacher?

Oh no,

I'm not here for that.

Huh?

What?

You're not?

But this is the Toy Store.

I know,

but Rei said you sell all kinds of interesting items here.

Things that improve your concentration

or help your grades go up.

Oh,

and snacks that help clear your mind.

Hehe, you came to the right place!

You should've just said that's what you were looking for.

I don't know about every little thing she mentioned,

but we do have candies that clear your mind.

I'll bring them over!

I'll fetch you something that boosts your concentration and memory.

Ta-da!

Here it is!

I brought this too!

What's this?

That's quite a large box.

Great guess, Old-Timer!

It's a board game that focuses on improving your concentration and memory.

A game?

That's not quite what I was looking for.

I don't think a game could really improve your cognitive skills all that much.

Trust me, you'll change your mind once you try it.

Come on, give it a shot.

And make sure to try this candy too.

It'll help, guaranteed.

...

Sure, just once.

Great!

Why don't you join us, Old-Timer?

All right, let's start!

What the... you're doing great for your first time!

What'd you think?

Wow.

This game is more intense than I thought it'd be.

I think I'm getting hooked.

... Yeah.

Plus, the candy Mica gave me seems to be working.

The refreshing sensation in my mouth made my mind feel clearer.

Hehe, I'm glad it worked for you.

...

Let's play another round.

Sure, this time I'll win!

Dang it! I lost again.

Let's go again.

Ugh... you're just too good at this, Zwei.

O-one more round.

I-I'm fine.

Let's keep going!

Hey, Master Captain!

What are you doing here?

I want to buy Morgan some new clothes.

His outfit tore while we were working at the Maid Cafe.

Nothing I'd find at a clothing store would be able to fit Morgan.

He's no bigger than a doll.

Doofus! Doofus!

Anyway, I think Belorta and Mica have stepped out.

The place was empty when I got here.

Hello Bel—Huh? Trainer?

What a treat running into you here!

Hi, Biscuit.

Oh, hey, Mast. I didn't see you there.

I came to buy some toys for the puppies.

I bought some yesterday, but they broke right away.

Where are Belorta and Mica?

We think they must have gone somewhere else for a bit.

I see... The puppies are all waiting for me, so I really need to hurry back.

And I need to buy Morgan some new duds and get back to the Maid Cafe ASAP.

What was that about Morgan?

His clothes got torn, so I'm getting him new threads.

Oh, gotcha! Why don't I lend you some puppy clothes?

Puppy clothes?

Wouldn't that work in a pinch?

Hmm... I appreciate the offer, but we need something pretty specific.

A butler outfit, to be precise.

Oh, sorry, but I don't have anything like that.

You don't have to apologize!

Jeez, it's been a while already.

The cafe is gonna be packed with customers before long.

Really? If you could do that, you'd be a real lifesaver!

Sorry Morgan, but you'll have to go without clothes for a bit.

Embarrassing! Embarrassing!

I just thought of something! Would a cape work by any chance?

A crepe? How's that going to help?

Not crepe, cape! Here, let me show you.

Oh wow, this should fit with the maid concept perfectly!

Good! I put this around the puppies' necks whenever they're feeling chilly.

Morgan, could you indulge me?

This cape is the one the youngest puppy at the shelter wears.

I just hope it'll fit.

Hmm... it's a bit loose.

I guess there's not much else we can do. I appreciate you trying to help, Biscuit.

No worries, the cape is adjustable!

If I tighten up the elastic band, it should fit, but it may be a bit uncomfortable...

Perfect fit! Perfect fit!

Does it feel okay, Morgan?

Dogs come in all different shapes and sizes, so I modified the cape to make it adjustable.

That way, all kinds of puppers can fit into it.

You're so talented!

Ha, this is puppy care 101.

Thanks! Thanks!

Will it be okay if I borrow this cape, just for today?

Of course. The puppies don't usually like wearing it because they find it uncomfortable.

Thanks! I'll take good care of it and return it to you as soon as I can.

Hehe, hurry along then.

I've got to get back to the shelter as well.

It's time to play fetch with the puppies.

... But I guess I can't do that, actually. Since I wasn't able to buy a ball.

Would this starfish toy work?

Hmm? What's this?

I bought some as decorations for the Maid Cafe,

and I have one left over.

Do you think this would work for playing fetch?

Oh sure! Those furry lil' guys will play with just about anything.

I'm glad to hear that. In that case, consider this a gift.

Really?

You really saved our butts, so it's only right that Morgan and I repay you in the pirate fashion.

Hehe, thanks.

Oh boy, would you look at the time? I've gotta get going.

See you around.

I've gotta run too.

Hello, Old-Timer!

Yeah, Belorta is out running an errand.

Are you here to get a toy, Old-Timer?

Oh, wow! I'm glad I stayed in the shop then.

I'm gonna brag about this to Belorta when she gets back, hehe.

Oh, is she back alread...

Captain?

Fancy seeing you at the Toy Store! ★

Hey, Sora! Welcome!

Hello, Mica.

You're here again today.

Hehe, I couldn't resist, so here I am again. ♥

Yep, that's right! ★

I'm not sure if you remember,

but I've got a few little friends. ★

Whenever I visit them, I always bring them some toys. ♥

There's no toy store quite like this one. ★

They've got all kinds of cool toys you've never seen or heard of before,

and the selection changes every season, too. ♥

So I end up stopping by often without even realizing it

and wondering what new toys they have today, hehe.

Hehe. Actually,

Belorta went out today to get a new toy again.

She said she found something really fun and was totally excited about it!

You can definitely look forward to it!

That's great news! ★

Finding new toys is definitely Belorta's favorite thing, isn't it?

I'll be sure to drop by tomorrow too!

I must say, you're doing a wonderful job managing the store on your own, Mica. ♥

Hehe!

It's no biggie. I'm used to it by now.

Oh, what's this now?

Your helmet seems a little crooked.

Let's see... if we just do this...

There we go. All better!

Hehe, thanks.

Now then, since I've made a trip out here,

I intend on leaving with my hands full! ★

Are there any toys you would suggest?

You always have the best recommendations.

And you do such a wonderful job of introducing them that I can't help but snatch them up. ★

Oh, we've got plenty of things!

Come along, Old-Timer. I'll introduce them to you, too.

Will you both be coming tomorrow as well?

Of course! Captain's coming again tomorrow, right?

...

...☆

Yayyy! Belorta's gonna be so happy about this!

Hehe, glad to hear it.

Well, see you tomorrow, Mica. ★

See you guys tomorrow!

What do you mean?

... Hehe, I hear that a lot. ★

They're just so cute

and pure, you know?♥

But sometimes, it makes me a little sad knowing that these kids will have to face this harsh world someday...

...☆

Hehe. I'm not used to being so serious. ★

Anyway, Captain, don't forget to come tomorrow.

No going back on your word! ♥

Welcome, Old-Timer! ♡

Hi there!

Hello.

I came to buy a gift for Soline.

It's nothing special.

I've been impressed with how well she's handled her recent tasks

and have received various gifts from her, so I wanted to return the favor.

Ohh! So you're here to get a gift for that little cutie! ♡

It seems you know Soline quite well.

Yeah, she's my friend.

Hehe, she drops by sometimes

and goes, "What, no customers again today?!"

That works out nicely, then.

I was just having trouble deciding what to get.

You two must know what Soline likes, right?

You betcha!

We know her like the back of our hand!

Ah, then how about I give you a few suggestions?

Yes, I'd appreciate it if you c—

Nah-uh, no way!

Eh...? Why not?

Heh, it wouldn't be any fun if it were that easy, right? ♡

Besides, gifts should be chosen by the one giving them,

and not someone else.

Right, Old-Timer? ♡

I understand.

Very well,

I'll select the gift myself.

I've heard that the essence of a gift is understanding what the recipient likes.

Since Soline enjoys cute things, I should choose something that is generally cute.

Ah...!

I'll first choose a doll.

Oh,

this is rather cute.

I'll go with this one for now.

Hmm... You're really gonna pick this one?

You said you'd pick something cute...

Yes?

Don't you think it's cute?

Especially these bulging eyes.

To me...

Ehh, no butting in! Brid's the one giving the gift!

Ugh... okay...

Soline also likes stickers.

She seems to enjoy sticking them everywhere.

Hmm.

This is cute.

I'll go with this sticker.

A-are you... really going to go with that?

Yes.

Here, the skeletons are smiling so widely, aren't they?

With the hearts added, it looks even cuter.

Oh...

Kyahaha! Isn't it just the cutest?!

Then, next one...

O-Old-Timer...

Is it really okay to not stop her?

... This looks good too.

It's cute.

Kyahahaha!

Kyahahahaha!

Y-yeah...!