Testing out yet another ambiguously gay blonde Tales ruler.

[nattoontoast]

Character: Richard
Fandom: Tales of Graces
Player Name: Reiko

[For the sake of this voice test Richard has been in the bubble for a little over two weeks, during which he's discovered many modern conveniences and enjoyed the comparative luxury of freedom from leadership responsibilities and assassination attempts. The bubble is completely fascinating and the presence of his friends - those who he's even come to look at as family, here have left Richard with a sense of peace, comfort, and dare he say even joy. If asked, Richard would term the bubble idyllic. A veritable Eden.

Save for one minor detail. Hardly worth mentioning, really. But after two weeks of searching nearly every shop, cafe, and restaurant in the bubble, the displaced monarch just has to ask.

He turns on his SFC, clears his throat in a decidedly delicate fashion, and smiles into the camera.]

Hello fellow foreigners. I, Richard, have a request, if anyone would be so kind. I am unsure as to if this is a delicacy served here on this planet but if any denizen of this fine bubble could see fit to enlighten me as to the whereabouts of any sort of natto dish, I would be most sincerely grateful. For those who are unfamiliar with the foodstuff, it is a fermented soybean of succulent flavor and great health benefit. It has a very distinct fragrance. Ahh, what I wouldn't give to smell the delectable aroma of natto in the morning once more...

Please, has anyone heard of this dish and if so, is it at all available here in Vatheon? Thank you all so much for your time.

Comments

[keepsthefire]

[Richard, I'm sorry. You're not going to want to hear this, but...]

Natto?! Seriously?! Yehknow, I can forgive a lotta things when it comes to food, but natto is the worst!

[nattoontoast]

[Worry not, Rin. Richard is quite used to people not understanding the wonders of natto.]

I mean no offense sir, however perhaps your palette has simply not yet matured enough to appreciate the complexities of a dish such as natto. The aroma is, of course, off putting to those more inclined towards the safe, sweet, or bland dishes so favored in childhood.

Ahh, but if only everyone could appreciate it as I do, the world would be a much more satisfying place.

[World peace through natto. Yup.]

[keepsthefire]

[Rin is totally mature--

Wait.

Sorry Richard, not buying it. Rin has his arms up in a cross in front of himself, shaking his head rapidly.]

It's not just the smell! That stuff is... is just nasty! I've had convenience store food that tasted and looked better!

[nattoontoast]

I am not certain what a convenience store is, though I can guess, but I will admit the look of natto is similarly off putting. Yet it belies a flavor so involute in its intricacies it is often written off as simply "bad" by the layman. Furthermore, natto has been linked to long life, increased health, and even improved memory well into old age! It truly is the most miraculous of foods.

[He will not be deterred, Rin!]

[keepsthefire]

Well I don't gotta worry 'bout long life, trust me on that. And I'll worry about my memory when I actually get old enough to care.

... but if you really want some, there's a store here that's a lot like the ones I know back home. It might have it.

[lucentpalisade]

Can you put natto in a crablette?

[ Come on Richard! It'll be awesome! Two great tastes that will taste GODAWFUL combined? great together! ]

[nattoontoast]

[He gives a light, affectionate chuckle.]

That is an excellent experiment to try, Sophie. We should do so at once, provided natto can be acquired.

[Sophie what have you done?!]

[lucentpalisade]

Do you think we can find it at the store? I found lots of things there.

[ Something terrible that should never never be allowed the light of day! Vatheon is DOOMED. DOOMED~!! ]

[nattoontoast]

Unfortunately I have not been able to locate it in any store. Do you know of one which I may have overlooked?

[No one will be safe!]

[lucentpalisade]

There's a big building that has a lot of different kinds of food and things near the plaza. Maybe we could look there.

[ Sophie will suggest they make enough for alllllllllllll of Vatheon! ]

[protectingwishes]

Richard you... eat that stuff?

[nattoontoast]

Of course! Have you never tried it, Asbel? You simply must!

[protectingwishes]

But it looks like dog drool.

[nattoontoast]

One should not judge a book by its cover! You of all people should be aware of that, my friend.

[protectingwishes]

Well yeah... But books don't smell as bad as natto.

[Just thinking about the stuff makes him queezy.]