[x] “Did you take mother to such a festival?”
[x] Ask about good locations to take Wriggle.
- [x] Be sure to get Mother's opinion as well.
[x] Ask about some old tales.
- [x] “That reminds me of the tales of the locked shed in the forest...”

As we start walking towards the Merchant area, I ask, “Did you take Mother to such a festival?”

Father answers, “Actually, she ended up dragging me to one. I agreed to go a week before, but forgot since I was too busy reading. She was certainly upset... but that didn’t stop her from dragging me around the place. I asked her why she bothered and she said that there was no one else that she’d rather go with. It was after that festival that I started devoting some time away from books. When the next festival came, I was the one at her door.” He chuckles as he finishes speaking, scratching his head sheepishly. That certainly sounds like something mother would do.

We walk through the beginning as I wonder which shop father was taking me as I ask, “I wish I could have talked to mother as I wanted to get both of your opinions on good spots to take Wriggle.”

“If you don’t mind heights, the roof of the school house is a good fireworks viewing spot. There’s usually a ladder nearby you can use to get up there. As for other places, usually the Kirisame and Yamada shops run little booths, though I think Yoshiharu is doing it to catch sight of Marisa. He must be the most stubborn man in the village, wanting to see his daughter yet not acknowledging her career choice. It’s almost like the Miyamotos... but Kirisame’s shop somehow avoids competition, and the whole thing played off in a way that no one took note of it. Mokou’s stand has always been around even in my youth, and I remember seeing some rabbit girls running some gaming booths; the same goes for the Sunoharas who like to run games of strength. Hopefully Marisa’s attempts at fireworks this year won’t leave people running for cover.”

I remember that, it was a small thing Marisa did to test things out. I knew I should have been worried when she said “Fireworks are all about power;” she used too much powder and the area was bombarded with falling danmaku. It was fortunate that Marisa decided to test this in an area with nothing of importance in it as I think I saw a few craters. She didn’t charge for the test; surprising as I remember her services at her ‘shop.'

Father continues, “About your mother’s advice, I’d have to talk to her about that as, well, she wouldn’t omit certain 'details' that you’d rather not hear. I’m sure I can get some notes prepared by tomorrow...”

We enter one of the clothing shops, a rather high end one at that. “I hope you didn’t spend too much money on this outfit, Father.”

“You should tell that to Lady Akyuu since she got the idea to buy the outfit after I talked to her about giving it to you,” Father answers. He turns the clerk and asks, “Is the outfit ready?”

The clerk nods. “Indeed it is, all I need to do is double check the measurements and it should be ready by tomorrow. I do have that little girl with the doll to thank as it was her skills that allowed me to finish today. I made sure to pay her well for the assistance.” Alice?

I'm then ushered into the back room to have various measurements taken, surprisingly it was mainly of my current clothes and such. And then it was over. Surprisingly quickly...

-----

We leave the store, and I hurry to keep up with Father as he goes to Miss Fujiwara’s stand, ordering two plates of yakitori. After taking a bite, I ask, “Father, do you know any interesting tales concerning the festival, or about that locked shed in the forest?”

After he finishes one piece, he explains, “That shed is said to be the Bandit Lord’s stash, and that the lock is so complicated that attempts to force or pick it would render it unusable. The shed itself is built so strongly that it’d take a truly excessive amount of force to break though it, so it’s unlikely we’ll ever know what’s inside since he disappeared. It’s also rather deep in the forest from what I hear, in a place unaccessible for all but the most prepared and experienced hunters; although, if someone was to map out the forest completely, they’d have a sizable advantage for finding it. I actually wouldn’t be surprised if the Bandit Lord was actually hiding out in it.” Interesting, another case of that man coming up.

Father continues, “I remember a few things regarding old festival tales, such as seeing a rabbit girl selling various striped panties, claiming they were from a moon dweller. I certainly stayed clear of that even when your mother wasn’t with me. I'd also heard a bit about a kedama festival nearby; it was quite a sight to see a smaller festival with nothing but those little guys. I think I saw some eyeballs with wings too... Anyways, the year after that, it wasn’t there, only a sign saying ‘Moved to avoid the Red-White Destroyer’s wrath.’ There’s also Lady Yukari's supposed habit of visiting the festival: there’s been times where a rather attractive woman with blonde hair and purple clothing appears with many guys staring and drooling. When I did see her, I was already dating your mother and somehow I wasn’t affected. I suppose that’s love for you.” Purple clothing? Like in that picture Kamui has?

I ask, “Is she fond of wearing a white hat with a red ribbon? I think Kamui has picture of her... though I still think Wriggle’s better looking.”

Father chuckles, “You should be sure to tell her that sometime, as I’m sure it’s something she’ll be glad to hear.” I can already imagine her pouting in response to Lady Yakumo's appearance, as if that picture is any sign, she's tauntingly confident about her womanliness. I think I heard Akyuu talking about her once or twice, something about a past life.

Before we can say more on the topic, a man comes up. “Shin! I was looking for you, I was hoping to get your input on something.”

Father responds, “Hideo, if it’s about Ginji’s life, my suggestion is to swallow your pride and accept his choices.” They start discussing things concerning Ginji, so this must be Ginji’s father. I hadn't visited Ginji’s parents' shop much, so I didn’t recognize him.

“Hideo, don’t you trust your son’s judgment? In my time with him, he seems to have made some of the most infallible decisions I’ve seen for someone his age.” Father remarks.

Hideo answers, “It’s that spook that I’m having issues with; I’ve already come to accept the two humans. Nothing good can come of pursuing some... floozy!”

I could easily answer back since I’ve met all three of the Prismrivers... but would it be out of place?

[ ] Answer back as it’ll resolve things faster.
[ ] As much as I want to, it's rude to cut into their conversation.