Scenario:Cassius - Unexpected Leisure Activities

Unexpected Leisure Activities

Beatrix and Zeta find Cassius lounging around reading in his yukata despite the lateness of the season. He claims the hot weather makes a yukata the only logical choice. Beatrix and Zeta decide to go shopping to make up for the vacation they spent monitoring him. Cassius comes along, still yukata-clad.

---

It has been a few days since the crew learned to make sushi with the kappa on Tono Island.

The Grandcypher is docked on a nearby island where they stopped the previous night for supplies. Cassius has been reading in his room since he woke up.

Cassius: So a flying subspecies of shark was discovered... How fascinating.

Zeta: Hey, Cassius. Time for me to check you haven't gone AWOL. I'm coming in, okay?

Beatrix: Huh? Why're you still wearing that yukata?

Cassius: Because the temperature remains elevated despite the lateness of the season. Is this what skydwellers call a "second summer"?

Cassius: I believe it was you who advocated this garment for its breathability and facilitation of heat dissipation. The more relevant question is: why are the two of you not wearing yukatas?

Beatrix: Why is he talking to us like we're the weird ones?

Zeta: Yeah, he's definitely the one with his wires crossed. He's all outta whack with the season.

Beatrix: Right...

Cassius's outfit reminds Beatrix of their recent summer vacation. She sighs.

Beatrix: In the end we were so busy running around after Cassius, we didn't get a chance to properly enjoy the summer.

Zeta: Yeah, I just wanna cut loose and go on a shopping spree.

Zeta: In fact, that's what we should do. It's time to hit the shops! You can come too, Cassius.

Cassius: I fail to see why, when you were clearly unhappy about accompanying me before. Is this some sort of stress test?

Zeta: We have to keep tabs on you. We can't very well leave you here on your own.

Cassius: Ah. Indeed.

Zeta: It's not like there's nothing in it for you. I bet they'll be selling some local specialties in the shopping district.

Cassius: Local specialties...

Cassius: Very well. Doing nothing but reading was beginning to take its toll on my fitness.

Cassius: We should depart immediately, or else there won't be time to scout the entire area.

Beatrix: Wait a minute, I think we've got our mission briefs in a bunch.

Zeta: And are you really coming out in that getup?

Cassius: I see no reason to change. A yukata is the logical choice to avoid excessive perspiration and the resultant discomfort.

Zeta: Sigh... Fine. Whatever you want.

Beatrix: I guess we're less likely to lose him in the crowd if he sticks out like a sore thumb.

Cassius: Well? Are we going?

Cassius's keepers exchange a weary look and a sigh.

Seeming not to notice their mood or its source, Cassius leaves the room with a spring in his step.

Unexpected Leisure Activities: Scene 2

Cassius's yukata gets him mistaken for a clothing store part-timer, and he is dragged away to help staff a sale. He is eventually joined by Beatrix and Zeta. With the gift certificates he receives as compensation, Cassius treats his watchers to a shopping spree.

---

Cassius, Zeta, and Beatrix head to the shopping district.

They weave their way through a bustling crowd of shoppers.

Cassius: This place is quite crowded.

Beatrix: It's always like this when there's a sale on.

Cassius: What do you mean by sale?

Zeta: It's when merchants offer better deals on their merchandise, like selling clothes for half price, for example.

Cassius: Why would they need to lower their prices? Are they purging defective stock?

Zeta: Haha, no, no. Clothing prices change a lot according to the season and what's in fashion.

Beatrix: That's right! So you might be able to grab something you had your eye on for cheap once the season changes!

Cassius: Then the price fluctuates with the season, regardless of product quality, deterioration, or flaws?

Cassius: That means merchants fail to optimize production according to supply and demand, resulting in a market surplus. This is irrational behavior.

Beatrix: Whoa, look! That place is offering ninety percent off on everything!

Zeta: Hey, you're right! And it looks like they've got a pretty good selection!

Beatrix: Time to swoop up some bargains! C'mon, Cassius, get the lead out!

Cassius: Those two always seem to be in a rush.

Cassius heaves a sigh and is about to follow when someone catches hold of his arm.

Cassius: Hm?

???: There you are! C'mon, we're over here! Let's go!

Cassius: "We" who? Go for what purpose? And which way is "over here"?

The stranger hustles Cassius off in the opposite direction from his companions.

When the man releases his arm, Cassius finds himself in a clothing store.

???: Phew... Finally found ya! I was worried when you didn't show up on time!

Cassius: What arrangement are you referring to? State your purpose in bringing me here.

???: Huh? You're the new part-timer, aren't you?

Cassius: I was merely accompanying my keepers on their shopping trip. I am no "part-timer."

???: You gotta be kidding... What're you wearin' that yukata for then?

Cassius: Its breathability and heat-dispersing design make it the only logical choice of attire in this weather.

The man stares at Cassius in puzzlement, finally seeming to realize that he has the wrong person.

???: Sorry... I just assumed...

Shopkeeper: Y'see, I'm the owner of this shop. We're having a sale to clear out our yukata stock.

Shopkeeper: We had to hire a part-timer in a hurry to help out, and we asked him to come to work in a yukata, so I figured you must be him.

Cassius: A case of mistaken identity. I see. Then there is no reason for me to remain.

Cassius turns to leave, but the shopkeeper calls out to stop him.

Shopkeeper: Wait! We're really short-staffed right now. Would you consider helping us out?

Cassius: I am currently being kept under observation. If I am seen to have gone absent without leave, I will face punishment.

Cassius: Hm?

Near the exit, Cassius's attention is arrested by several stacks of paper.

Cassius: What are these?

Shopkeeper: Oh, those? Shopping district gift certificates.

Shopkeeper: Basically, the certificate is redeemable for ten percent more than its price. Buy a hundred-rupie certificate, and it spends like a hundred and ten rupies. Get it?

Cassius: That amounts to a loss for the merchant. Where is this extra ten percent coming from?

Shopkeeper: Well, that ten percent is taken from the membership fees we pay to do business in the shopping district.

Cassius: Even so, it's a net loss for the shop.

Shopkeeper: Hahaha! Well, y'see, those gift certificates can only be used in this shopping district.

Shopkeeper: So we all get a sales boost from the extra customers drawn in by the special offer.

Cassius: Heh... I see. "Lose the battle to win the war." A distinctively fossildweller strategy.

Cassius nods, coming to some private conclusion.

Cassius: I propose a trade. I will help you in return for some of those gift certificates.

Shopkeeper: Whoa, really? You're giving me the better end of that deal, y'know!

Objections seemingly dispelled, Cassius throws himself into the role of clothing shop part-timer.

Shopkeeper: Welcome! Have a look at our fine selection of yukatas—all on sale!

Cassius: I can vouch for their breathable fabric and suitability for the heat. They are also surprisingly resistant in combat situations thanks to their excellent quality. I highly recommend them.

Shopkeeper: Your delivery's a little stiff, slim. Try to relax!

Cassius: Understood. I will adjust my behavior immediately.

With the shopkeeper's advice in mind, Cassius stations himself near the front of the store. He notices a woman who seems to be conflicted over her selection.

Customer: Hmm... I think this shade of red is a little flashy for me at my age.

Cassius: "Is there anything I can help you with?"

Cassius approaches and awkwardly recites the greeting the owner taught him.

Customer: Oh, hello, young man. Why yes, there is. Do you think this shade is better suited for a younger woman?

Cassius: What possible import could age have in regard to color selection?

Customer: My parents always told me I should dress in elegant colors appropriate for my age. I suppose that's why I still worry over it.

Cassius: What a fascinating point of view.

Cassius: I read somewhere that while red is a bold color, when worn correctly, it only enhances the elegance of the wearer.

Cassius: I am unaware which opinion is more widely held, but to me, you appear more than young enough to wear this color.

Customer: Oh, hahaha... Oh my! What a savvy salesman you are!

Cassius: "Salesman"? Are you complimenting my skills in the field of moving discount merchandise?

Customer: Oh dear, I didn't mean to embarrass you. Anyway, thanks to you, my mind's made up. I'll take this one!

The woman leaves the shop with the yukata in a parcel under her arm and a bright smile on her face.

Shopkeeper: Haha! You've got a flair for this! Keep it up!

Cassius: I'm not entirely certain what I did, but if it was helpful, I am satisfied.

The shopkeeper sends Cassius outside to work his charm on the passersby. As Cassius steps out the door, he hears a familiar voice.

Beatrix: Cassius! So this is where you were! What've you been doing!

Cassius: Selling yukatas.

Zeta: We've been looking all over for you! Don't just vanish like that!

Beatrix: You know we're supposed to be keeping an eye on you! You're this close to getting your jam privileges revoked.

Shopkeeper: Oh, are you his friends? Sorry. This was all a misunderstanding on my part...

The shopkeeper explains how he dragooned Cassius into service.

Zeta: Even so, Cassius, you should've said something to us first.

Beatrix: As long as we're here, you wanna help him out? That way he'll finish faster, and we can get back to shopping.

Zeta: We can't leave him here alone at any rate.
Hey, Shopkeep. If we move all your stock, you'll close up for the day, right?

Shopkeeper: Yeah! And it'd really help me out!

Beatrix: All right then! Let's give 'em the hard sell!

With two extra salespeople on the floor, customers practically fly from selection to purchase. The chime of the register and the door chime ring out a constant, merry chorus.

When noon rolls around, every last yukata in the store has been sold.

Zeta: Phew! Done and dusted!

Beatrix: That went even quicker than I thought!

Shopkeeper: Wahaha! Thanks so much! You really were the right people for the job!

Cassius: It is only logical to work hard in return for one's wages.

Shopkeeper: That's right. Here're your coupons, as promised!

Zeta: What? That's all you get? Don't you want cash?

Cassius: No. This is the compensation I requested.

Cassius: These coupons may be redeemed for ten percent more than face value. I recommend you use them for your purchases today.

Cassius looks oddly proud as he displays his morning's wages.

Beatrix: Well... We were going to be shopping around here anyway, so I guess it is logical.

Zeta: Ahaha, Bea, you're starting to sound like him!

Cassius: Heh...

The three part ways with the shopkeeper and turn their attention to clothes-shopping and food stalls.

Zeta: Mmm, these dumplings are so good!

Cassius: Munch... 'Mbeed.

Beatrix: Hahaha! Don't talk with your mouth full, Cassius!

Zeta: Hehe. This reminds me of hitting the stalls at the Riverfolk Festival. You got lost there too, Cassius.

Beatrix: You're kind of a handful, but I hope we can do this again sometime.

Cassius: Yes. Though I could do without the unplanned detours.

Cassius: (That said, I did gain new insights. And was able to obtain some pleasing delicacies.)

Cassius: (Heh. Not a bad break from routine.)

A satisfied smile lifts the corners of Cassius's mouth.