Things begin with what turns out to be Narcissus asking where everyone is. Echo asks back where (he) is. Narcissus asks who she is, but Echo just parrots it back at him. He compliments her, she reflects it back. Narcissus laughs and says everyone says that about him, like he’s so dreamy. Echo repeats the latter half of that at him.
Narcissus asks if Echo is like everyone else and asks if she’s Repeating his words to get his interest. She doesn’t answer. Narcissus calls her boring like everyone else and asks her to entrance him with Her Own Words. Due to how Japanese grammar works she ends up asking him to entrance her. Narcissus says he can’t just be enthralling her the whole time because that’s just dull.
Echo repeats the word dull, so Narcissus takes that to mean she thinks he’s boring. He decides he’s not going to talk to her anymore over that. He bids her goodbye, calling her boring again and commenting that he thought she’d entrance him more than she did. Echo thinks to herself that she shouldn’t have fallen in love. She just liked him, and yet it pains her so much.
Title card pops up with a slightly fancier presentation than normal, though the title of the prologue is just Prologue.
Scene then tunes in at a tropical botanical garden in the Koto City/Ward part of Tokyo, specifically the Shinkiba area. Ryouta is loudly impressed with the giant domes and asks if it’s made entirely of glass. Shirou tells him to settle down and not bother everyone else around. Ryouta says he knows and says he should take pictures to show everyone. You either say you’re excited to visit, guess that Shirou is excited inside, or tell Ryouta to make the pictures good.
In B, Shirou is a bit embarrassed that you saw through him, though he plans to stay calm anyways. In any case he suggests you guys make your way to where you need to go, and that Ryouta can take pictures but he shouldn’t get separated from you two. Ryouta obeys and suggests you all hurry along.
You guys enter the dome, and Ryouta starts talking about how it’s unusual for him to be in a tropical botanical garden. He decided to tag along when you guys said you were heading out, and he asks what kind of place the facility is. Shirou explains that this is Yumenoshima, an artificial island in Tokyo Bay that was originally a landfill. The gardens use heat from scavenging mills to create a tropical environment in a giant greenhouse. That way, precious tropical plants can be cultivated and stored, which makes it highly important in Walled Tokyo.
Ryouta asks if tropical plants includes bananas. Shirou says that due to, shall we say, certain things happening, you guys have ended up needing tropical fruits. Ryouta understands why you guys came now and asks if it’ll be that easy to pick up. Shirou says he already booked an appointment and points out someone who’s reliable when it comes to crops. Ryouta knows who he’s talking about and says it’ll be fine to trust him since he’s an expert on fruits and veggies. You either know who they’re talking about or ask who it is.
Time skips a little as you guys reach a rest area where at least one cafe and some stalls are set up. You guys look at a wagon cart over there, where there’s a bear selling fruits and vegetables. This turns out to be Volos, who thanks you all for coming so far and asks if everyone is taking all their vitamins and vegetable fibers. You either respond that you are of course, admit with some embarrassment that you aren’t, or ask if he’s photosynthesizing.
In A, he’s happy to hear that and figured you were. In C, Volos laughs and says he’s doing so everyday with his beloved veggies. In any case Ryouta laughs and says that’s Volos’s sort of greeting, then answers that he’s on top of that for sure. He talks about how the oranges he eats at the kotatsu are nice, but he eats so many his hands turn yellow every day.
Volos starts ranting about how that must be due to the beta cryptoxanthin in oranges and that the liver turns it into Vitamin A. It has no effect on the body, but it’ll turn to fat if you take in too much, which then becomes visible as a yellow color through the skin. He’s about to say more when Shirou politely but firmly cuts him off saying they’ll listen to the details next time since you guys have stuff to do.
Volos apologizes for breaking off into a lecture when it comes to fruits and veggies. Shirou apologizes for the sudden call since he figures Volos must be busy, and he hopes he’s not getting in the way of his business. Volos tells him it’s fine since things are slowing down now and he was considering taking a break soon. He’s happy to help and apologetic about having to call them over from all the way from Shinjuku. (The internet tells me it’s 30 minutes by train or an hour by bus.)
Ryouta says he’s surprised to see fruits and veggies sold in a botanical garden and asks if being in a greenhouse makes them turn out better. Volos says that’s not quite the case by default. Because of the cultivation there’s a bit of interchange happening. Research results are sold off wholesale, and on Halloween monster pumpkins are made and put on display. It’s a place with a collaborative system, and Volos mentions they made watermelons for summer earlier.
Volos also brings up something else as he digs up some packages from his wagon. They’re the cacao fruits you asked him for, and he says he’s picked some good ones for you. Shirou says chocolate is made from cacao, which is also a tropical fruit. He asks if that’s why their appointment was over here. Volos says that the request was for fresh cacao, so he figured he could give you some that were just harvested there.
Ryouta is surprised at how hard the fruit is and asks how it’s turned into chocolate. Volos explains that the outer part of the cacao is called a pod while the cacao beans inside are what’s used to make chocolate. The ones he gave you are specially recommended, and he feels that they ought to make some really nice chocolate. He’s about to start talking about cacao mass when Shirou preempts him and explains that’s what pulverized cacao beans are. It’s commonly used for making sweets.
Volos is surprised to be upstaged but says that’s right, saying Shirou is knowledgeable. He keeps quiet, and you point out that Volos looks like he really wants to talk about his crops. Volos then talks about how cacao mass is made. After harvesting, fermenting, and drying, roasting comes next. Shirou interrupts before he goes any further and thanks him for everything.
Volos says there’s an explanatory pamphlet in with the cacao and offers to explain anything further if you don’t understand anything. You either thank him, awkwardly say next time, or ask him to explain in private. In C he has an extra line about him happily offering to teach you until you’re satisfied.
Anyways Ryouta is excited about the cacao being special and promises to bring Volos back some chocolate when it’s done. Volos laughs and says he’s excited to hear that. The subject then reminds him of something, so he asks why you asked him for cacao beans all of a sudden. Given the time of year he does have a guess, but he comments that it’s odd to look for cacao specifically. You start to explain that things happened a few days ago.
Flashback kicks in of Licht making a phone call to you, greeting you and asking if you know about the Tokyo Sweets Show that happens around this time of year. You tell him you don’t, so he says he’s happy to explain it to you.
So from Valentines to White Day, there’s a big event going on that gathers all the kinds of sweets in Tokyo. This time the Tycoons are supporting the event, and they’re currently busy with setting up shops. Anyways, Licht gets a bit bashful as he asks that, if you happen to have time, he’d like you to come visit and try out some specially picked sweets. There’s an eat-in space prepared which has some of his art up as decoration.
Hakumen cuts in by kicking Licht over and stealing his phone to hijack the conversation. She greets you and says she happened to overhear that you were coming. Licht tries to ask for his phone back, and Hakumen ignores him as she sighs about how the booth mascot character isn’t her, the super courtesan with the loveliest tails/the Super Beauty Love Max.
Hakumen whines that she already went ahead and made a giant panel of her slightly extreme but super★sexy body (in her jailer outfit). Licht comments that it was judged it bit too much for the event this time. Hakumen takes it in stride and says she’s not the type to complain. She then prompts Melusine to come greet you too.
Melusine is in her Valentines dress and tries to tell Licht again that she can’t work in that dress because it’s embarrassing. Licht tries to cheer her up and says her chocolate cake will be a hit for sure. Melusine tries protesting that it clashes with her image as someone who avoids people and suggests having Hakumen be the poster girl instead. Hakumen says it’s fine since she has her own things she wants to do. Licht and Melusine find this strange.
Hakumen proclaims that since she’s not on the billboard anymore she’s free. That means she won’t be working in public but doing something private. And on that note she has a request for you. She declares that she’s doing some sort of super special collaboration with you. Licht protests that while he did ask you to come, that wasn’t what he was asking you to join him for. Hakumen whips him and cuts him off.
Hakumen turns back to you and says she’s already got her booth set up. She’s so excited for it that she says her whip is shaking. Hakumen then tells you she’ll send an invite later to a meeting for more details and that Xolotl will call you. She turns off the phone, and the scene cuts off Licht’s protests that he wasn’t done talking to you.
Back to the present, Volos compares what happened to a typhoon blowing on a greenhouse covered in vinyl. Ryouta says that Hakumen got more intense at the end and insisted that she won’t accept any cacao not picked by you. Volos comments that it’s pretty orthodox of her to want to make chocolate starting all the way from cacao beans.
Shirou says if Hakumen doesn’t accept these ones, she might get so worked up that Xolotl’s life could be in danger. If it were cacao mass it’d be one thing, but it’s hard for guys like you to find cacao that wouldn’t be sold on the markets. Volos understands why you guys asked him for help now. You either say you can’t refuse a request made of you, say Hakumen was really pushy, or say you got excited about it too.
In A, Volos says he was surprised when you asked at first, but he thinks that’s one of your good points. In B, Ryouta remembers she was so intense that he couldn’t bring himself to pick up some teacakes she had out. But he was able to get some after things were done.
Anyways, Volos hands over the packages and warns you about how heavy they are. He doesn’t think there will be any issues, but the cacao is a research product so he asks you to fill out a report when everything is done. You thank him, say you can handle it, or ask if the cacao will explode or something.
You put the packages into some big bag you have with you. Volos then notices some other customers and invites them to take a look at his stuff. The people he’s talking to are more focused on you, and it happens to be Barguest and Kenta.
Kenta comes to greet you, and Ryouta notes his presence and figures that must mean Barguest is that other guy with him. Barguest comments on the coincidence of running into you guys and was worried when Kenta started running all of a sudden. You either greet him, ask about his cool clothes, or ask if they’re on a day trip.
In B, Barguest is surprised you’d say that about his clothes and asks you to stop staring. He also tells you they were a gift. He found them just inside the front of his house with some note saying they’re being given to him. Barguest says he has an idea who sent it since the note was written on the back of some test paper. But he figures he might as well wear it for the occasional outing. Meeting someone he knows was a surprise though.
Ryouta says it really is a surprise to see them and asks if they came to visit the gardens. Kenta says he has homework that involves drawing some flowers, so Barguest brought him over. Barguest says he’s always working but couldn’t turn Kenta down, so it’s the occasional day off. He calls it a bit of a family present.
Shirou says there’s lots of rare flowers here so Kenta can surprise his teacher with his drawing. Kenta happily agrees and says he’ll do his best with it. You wonder what you guys should do since you have no other errands for now. Volos suggests you guys look around since you’re there and all. There’s a cafe restaurant inside that serves otherworld cuisine, and after a break it’s be fun to look around.
Ryouta’s mind is blown at the mention of this cafe restaurant and excitedly suggests you guys all check it out. You either get excited about that cafe too, say you were just thinking of taking a break, or say you’re interested in plants.
In C, Kenta asks if you’d like to look at the flowers too and if you’re going to see them with him. Volos is glad he’s taking an interest and says the flowers would love to be drawn. Kenta asks if that’s true, so Volos says fruits, veg, and flowers are living things like them. He thinks they’re excited to be drawn by Kenta. Kenta seems worried by that and says to Inugami he’ll have to draw good then.
In any case, Volos says he has some tickets that can be used at that cafe restaurant and offers them to everyone. Barguest accepts and thanks him for being so nice to Kenta. Volos mentions that there’s a special exhibit around the dining area about flowers related to love and suggests looking if they’re interested. He does say he thinks kids might not be though. Barguest seems a bit shocked and says it’s a bit early for Kenta to care about that. Volos says he’ll go back to his shop, then tells you to read the pamphlet and make something nice.
Camera shifts over to the cafe area where Gyumao thanks Snow for coming all the way to this appointment on such short notice. Snow waves it off and says he’s here to help with the current project on Claude’s orders. He does comment on it being an odd choice to meet at and asks if there’s a reason.
Gyumao signals with his eyes and speaks in a whisper so only Snow can hear. He talks about an unexpected development happened and that he’s been asked to help with a new project from the Tycoons quickly. It’ll be announced at the Tokyo Sweets Show, same as something else they’re already working on unveiling. He describes it as having terrific force and power, and that it’s clear that he needs to split up His Company’s Project.
Snow understands and comments that he figures it must be related to Hakumen, though he chooses to not ask into it. Gyumao says that if the cooperation goes badly then the venture is likely to be taken over. Because of that, he’d like to keep That One Matter a secret from the Tycoons too. It’s the collaboration with the Berserkers they’ve finally managed to make happen, which involved a lot of dealing behind the scenes.
Snow swears to not make the project Claude was working on a waste. He also mentions he was just thinking of giving back that Prototype Model that was borrowed. He’s already tried it out and has his opinions formed, then hands a draft for a presentation for the big day. Gyumao is impressed with how fast Snow works and comments that it was worth it to make an offer.
Snow changes the subject and mentions that he heard that a certain blue lizard was being put up for the advertising. He also heard that her master strongly recommended her for an important part, so he says he can’t fall behind. Gyumao is a bit weirded out by this and says it’s good that Snow is feeling motivated.
Gyumao takes a moment to sip his coffee and look around, then falls over in shock at noticing you guys at the cafe too. Snow comments on the coincidence of seeing you guys here, and Gyumao asks why you’re there as he gets back up. Gyumao then asks Snow to keep their discussion a secret since you’re already working together with the Tycoons. Snow smiles and says if those people get involved then things will get interesting.
Anyways, Snow says you guys will notice them soon enough so he asks what Gyumao plans to do. They could sneak out the back. Gyumao decides against it since sometimes going on the offense is an idea instead of retreating.
At this point Ryouta notices Snow and Gyumao, so he points them out to you. Gyumao pretends to have not seen you earlier and asks how you’re doing. Snow follows suit and comments on meeting you again in an unusual place. You either comment on the odd pairing, say Gyumao has good dress sense, or be amazed to see Snow in more casual clothes.
In B, Gyumao laughs and says you have a discerning eye. A suit that braces his mind and muscles is all well and good, but sometimes wearing other things is nice. He notices how hard you’re staring at him, so he offers to give a more private presentation later if you like.
In any case, Ryouta comments on how unusual it is to see Snow and Gyumao together, so he asks if they’re talking business. Shirou tries to pull Ryouta back by telling him he’s being rude, then apologizes to the two. Snow waves his concern off and says it’s just a simple meeting. Gyumao says their business is concluded so he was thinking have having some tea. He invites you to join him and asks if you like Hourai cuisine.
Barguest feels like he’s crashing in on something and apologizes, then tries to prompt Kenta to make his greetings before noticing he’s not there. He asks you if you’ve seen him, and Shirou figures he’s either at the regular exhibits or the special ones. He suggests splitting up to look for Kenta. Barguest agrees to the suggestion. You say you’ll check the special exhibits since maybe Kenta will be looking at the booth decorations. Then you ask what Barguest will do.
Barguest says he’ll check the special exhibits too. Gyumao comments that there’s an exhibit about flowers relating to love happening, so Snow suggests they go take a look too. The four of you then head on over.
At said exhibit, Echo is reading off the common and scientific names of flowers as well as their meaning in the language of flowers. The anemone for example means fleeting love and the pain of love. Edelweiss is the passion of first love. You notice Echo and wonder what’s up with her. She’s cute, but also seems sad.
Narration describes Echo as speaking so quietly that it looks like she’s practicing to speak as she reads things off. When she gets to the daffodil/narcissus flower, she slows down as she reads off that it means self-love and narcissism. Then she apparently repeats the line “I want you to love me once more.” Tears fall from her eyes, and light engulfs everything as the episode half ends.
Hm, I wonder who gave those clothes to Barguest
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