Scenario:Sandalphon - The Ideal Cafe

The Ideal Cafe

During one of his regular visits to a cafe that peaked his interest, Sandalphon runs into Ladiva, Cagliostro, and the boy they're looking after. When asked about the kind of cafe he would like to open, Sandalphon reflects on the owner and the way he runs this cafe.

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Sandalphon: (Hmm... The coffee here is rich, perfectly balancing the bitter and acidic flavors.)

Sandalphon: (On top of that, the menu has very few items, and the general atmosphere is calm and quiet. This place has been curated down to the smallest details.)

Seated inside a cafe, Sandalphon finishes his coffee and looks over at the owner working in the kitchen.

The man meets Sandalphon's gaze and tilts his head knowingly.

Owner: Would you like a refill?

Sandalphon: Yes, please. I'll have another cup of your house blend.

Owner: Coming right up.

Sandalphon: (It's nice that he keeps his customer interactions quick and simple.)

Ladiva: Here we are. Now remember what we said? No more taking candy from strangers and following them home.

Boy: Okaaay! Cagliostro, you go first!

Cagliostro: Are you even listening? Good grief... I swear you've got no sense of self-preservation.

Ladiva: Do you see any open seats?

Ladiva: Oh, if it isn't Sandalphon! Fancy meeting you here. Do you mind if we sit next to you?

Sandalphon: Not at all. I was just thinking I could use some company.

Permission granted, Ladiva and friends sit down and order their drinks.

Sandalphon: You've brought an interesting entourage today. I don't think I've ever seen you two together before.

Ladiva: Now that you mention it... Well, it just so happens that we got to know each other while rescuing this little one from kidnappers.

Boy: Thanks for that, by the way! I nearly got sold to some really bad people...

Cagliostro: You need to watch out for yourself, kid. Us cuties won't always be around to save you!

Boy: Right! Ehehe...

Cagliostro: Sheesh... Sandalphon, maybe a scolding from you will do the trick!

Sandalphon: Must you always act like that?

Cagliostro: What, is it a crime for the world's prettiest girl to show off her good side?

Cagliostro: Don't answer that—it was rhetorical. What are you doing here anyway? Checking out cafes now that we've got some time off?

Sandalphon: That's right.

Sandalphon: I visited several, but this is the one I keep coming back to. Something about it calls to me.

Ladiva: The place is very nice. I should take some notes for when I open Raduga next.

Ladiva: Speaking of which... Sandalphon, you want to open your own cafe, right?

Ladiva: Are you thinking of taking inspiration from here?

Sandalphon: Maybe... At the very least, I think Lucifer wouldn't find fault with an establishment that focuses on brewing excellent coffee.

Ladiva: Hehe, I understand. Wanting to create something that your loved ones would approve of is only natural...

Ladiva: Add in what you yourself want, and I'm sure you'll come up with something wonderful.

Sandalphon: What I want... Now that I think about it, I've never gone to a cafe with Lucifer before.

Sandalphon: I used to think locations only held as much meaning as whoever I could meet there...

Sandalphon: I... have no clue what my ideal cafe would look like.

Seeing Sandalphon start to drown in his own thoughts, Ladiva throws him a lifeline.

Ladiva: My goal with Raduga is to make it a warm, safe place for all who visit.

Ladiva: I only hope I'm succeeding.

Cagliostro: Have you seen all the people sprawled out over your bar? You've got nothing to worry about.

Ladiva: Hehe, thanks, Cagliostro.

Cagliostro: In my case, whenever I'm looking for a place to sit down, it's because I've hit a wall with my research and need a change of pace. Ideally, I'd want somewhere quiet.

Cagliostro: This particular cafe isn't half bad. I might come alone sometime to organize my thoughts.

Sandalphon: Hmm... I guess this place is welcoming even to solo visitors.

Sandalphon: The chairs are also stiff enough to be proper, but cushioned enough to relax on. The lighting is also balanced to a soothing level.

Sandalphon: I just feel like there's also something else I'm not seeing... Something more...

Cagliostro: If it bothers you, then figure it out.

Cagliostro: Thorough research and analysis is what created this super-duper beauty right here, after all!

Boy: Yeah, you should listen to Cagliostro! She knows what she's talking about! She's like the perfect girl!

Boy: That's why I... I...

Sandalphon: (So that's how he sees her...)

Cagliostro: Well, I am the world's number-one cutie. It's no wonder you'd feel that way!

Cagliostro: But make no mistake. You and I are very different beings at our core. I'm probably more monster than human at this point.

Ladiva: Cagliostro...

Cagliostro: It'd be for the best if you kept your feelings to yourself.

Boy: O-okay...

Ladiva: There's nothing to be ashamed of. Your love is still precious, even if it isn't returned.

The boy's shoulders sag as he looks dejectedly down at the table.

Sandalphon: (That hit him hard, but is there anything I can really say to make things better?)

In one smooth motion, the owner places a plate of custard pudding in front of the boy.

Boy: Pudding?

Owner: Courtesy of the young lady.

Cagliostro: Ah... Right, I'll pay for it. Sorry to make you go to the trouble.

Taking a bite of the jiggly treat, the boy brightens up immediately.

Boy: It's sweet... Yum!

Boy: Cagliostro, Ladiva... Can we come here again sometime?

Cagliostro: That depends... I suppose until you learn to keep yourself safe, someone will need to keep an eye on you.

Ladiva: I'd love to spend more time chatting with you darlings!

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, the cafe's owner quietly polishes a cup with a cloth.

Sandalphon: (Wait... Is he actively cultivating the atmosphere in here?)

Sandalphon: (Maybe I'll be able to figure out my ideal cafe sooner than I expected...)

Sandalphon muses to himself as he continues to watch the owner working from afar.