Ryo stood frozen, his eyes wide as they scanned the horizon. The grassy fields stretched out beneath the golden hue of the autumn sky, painted in oranges, ambers, and deep browns.
The wind was gentle, carrying the scent of wood, grass, and the faint sweetness of baked apples from the distant village. The trees swayed softly, their leaves drifting lazily down like falling memories.
Children scattered across the fields, laughing and squealing with joy, their voices filled with a foreign language. Some ran barefoot across the grass, giggling as they played old, forgotten games.
Tag and Chase—shouting…
"Tag, you're it! You're it!"
"No fair, you touched my shadow!"
"That means I get three seconds to run!"
Others gathered around a straw-stuffed scarecrow, poking it and laughing.
"Boo! I am the crow king!"
"Look out! The scarecrow's coming to life!"
A group of kids galloped by, each riding a crooked wooden stick like a mighty horse.
"Ride, my noble horse, we ride to the castle!"
On the hill's slope, a little girl rolled down in dizzy circles while another wove wildflower crowns, placing them gently on her friend's head.
"Now you're the autumn princess!"
"No, you are! You made the crown!"
Some mimicked animal sounds, barking and meowing.
"Woof woof! I'm a puppy!"
"Meow! Catch me if you can!"
Others chased after the wind, arms stretched like wings, laughing as it tugged at their sleeves like invisible hands.
"The wind's faster than you!"
"Catch my sleeve if you can! Hahaha!"
Ryo couldn't speak. His throat tightened, and his vision blurred as tears started slipping down his cheeks. He didn't even realize it at first.
Something deep inside him stirred—something old, soft, and buried.
A memory of simpler days. Of flipping through well-worn fairytale books as a kid. Of imagining places like this but never thinking he'd stand in one.
He placed a hand over his chest, feeling the warmth, the ache.
"This… is… such a beautiful sight."
The fairy greatmother, who had been quietly watching him, stepped forward with a touch of concern in her voice.
"Oh dear… Is something wrong, Mr. Detective? Why are you crying?"
Ryo blinked, finally noticing the tears.
"Oh!" he laughed faintly, rubbing his sleeve across his eyes.
Then he smiled—soft, genuine, and full of emotion.
"Sorry, ma'am… just… the view is very beautiful. It's worth crying about."
The fairy greatmother gave a soft smile of her own, placing a hand over her heart.
"I see… I am ever so glad you love the view of the kingdom."
Ryo nodded slowly, his gaze drifting back to the laughter in the field. He was really here, in a storybook world—a world like the ones from his childhood, now alive and breathing all around him.
For once, he didn't want to solve a mystery or chase the next clue. He just wanted to stay here, caught in the moment.
Looking around once more, the laughter, the games, the timelessness of it all—it felt like stepping into the pages of those childhood storybooks, the ones he had held close during quiet moments of wonder.
He didn't want to leave. He just wanted to watch.
The Juice Footman, standing behind Ryo and the Fairy Greatmother, bowed with regal composure.
"We have served our purposes now, so we shall take our leave, my lady. Good sir detective."
The Fairy Greatmother smiled warmly, folding her hands with grace.
"Thank you for the exciting journey back home."
The Sandwich Coachman—silent but ever reliable—stepped forward and handed Ryo his backpack.
Ryo smiled, taking it. "Thanks, my sandwich. My juice. My fried egg. And… thanks for slowing down before we entered the portal."
The coachman and footman both gave a flawless royal bow. The Footman then added proudly…
"Would you like to drink from me now, good sir detective? I can transform back to your boxed orange juice right away."
Ryo winced, clearly uncomfortable at the idea.
"Uhhh… no problem, juice. I'm fully… hydrated from the juices in the in-flight meals."
The Footman bowed again, pleased with the response.
"Very well, good sir detective."
And with a shimmer of glitter and sparkles, the Juice Footman, Sandwich Coachman, Fried Egg Unicorn, and Banana Carriage vanished—leaving behind nothing but a soft breeze and a sparkling trail in the grass.
But their magical exit caught the attention of the children in the fields. One by one, the kids stopped playing and turned toward Ryo.
Then more noticed. Dozens of curious eyes landed on him.
One girl pointed. "C'est qui lui ?" (Who is he?)
A boy whispered. "Il a des vêtements bizarres !" (He has weird clothes!)
Another girl said. "Il vient d'où ?" (Where's he from?)
Ryo blinked, worried. "Uh oh..."
The Fairy Greatmother flinched slightly, quickly hiding her wand behind her back. Her voice lowered in a hush.
"Oh dear… I mustn't let them see. No one in Evendelle knows I'm a magic-casting fairy."
And then—suddenly—all of them sprinted over with excited energy.
The children gathered around Ryo like bees to a flower, completely fascinated by his strange clothes and unfamiliar face.
They started speaking all at once, their voices layered and chaotic in a language Ryo couldn't quite grasp.
"Pourquoi tu portes ça?"
"C'est une armure?"
"T'es un chevalier?"
"Tu viens du château de glace?"
"Pourquoi t'as une cape sans être un roi?"
Ryo felt the pressure build as the crowd thickened around him.
The Fairy Greatmother chuckled softly. "Oh my… the children certainly love you."
Ryo chuckled nervously, fidgeting slightly as one little boy tugged on the edge of his trench coat.
"Uh… I think it's because I look so out of place, ma'am…"
"Wooowww kid, take it easy…" he added, gently trying to free his coat sleeve.
But the kids didn't understand a word he said. Still, they kept chatting excitedly in their foreign tongue, bombarding him with more questions.
Then he caught it, a familiar and well-known word—'Bonjour.' One little girl said it with a bright smile as she curtsied.
Ryo froze. His eyes narrowed a little.
That word—Bonjour. French.
He slowly realized… the kids were speaking French.
Of course. He was in the fairytale world of Cinderella… and this kingdom, this entire setting—it was based on the French version. This was his reality now. The fairytale world of Cinderella… but with a breakfast banana carriage and a Fairy Greatmother with a different surname twist.
As the children crowded even closer, the Fairy Greatmother stepped beside Ryo, her movement gentle and unnoticed. She carefully raised her wand behind his head and gave a light tap—spark—a faint shimmer barely visible.
Ryo felt a small warmth in his mind.
He turned his head slightly to glance at her. She simply smiled, hands now calmly folded.
Suddenly, the world shifted.
Now he could understand what the children were saying—as if they were all speaking his own language.
"Are you a knight?"
"Where's your horse?"
"Why are your clothes so weird?"
"Did you fall from the sky?"
"Can I touch your clothes?"
"Do you have candy?"
"Is that a real hair?"
"Do you have magic in that big coat?"
"Can you tell us a story?"
"Are you a prince in disguise?"
"Did you fall from the stars?"
"Are you here to fight a dragon?"
"Do you live in a tower? Is that where you got your weird clothes?"
Ryo groaned softly, offering a lopsided, tired smile.
"Oh great… she put a magical translation device inside my brain."
Since the children couldn't seem to stop bombarding Ryo with questions, clinging to his coat, tugging at his sleeves, and bouncing with endless curiosity, he sighed and came up with an idea—something simple, but magical in its own right.
"Alright, you little brats!" he said with a cocky grin, stepping back and placing his hands on his waist like a showman.
A small boy blinked and pouted. "Oh my gosh, he called us brats..." Then the boy squinted, confused. "Umm... What does 'brat' mean, mister?"
Ryo's eyes narrowed, half-exhausted. "Mister...?" he repeated under his breath.
Then came the inner sarcasm.
"Yeah, wonderful. Add that to the list—'Mr. Detective,' 'Sherlock,' 'Sir,' 'Mortal Detective,' 'Foreigner,' 'Mr. Sarcasm,' 'Good Sir Detective,' and now just 'Mister.' Seems like no one bothers to use my actual name anymore, ever since I became a detective."
But then he figured.
Maybe… maybe it was best his real name stayed under wraps in this fairytale world. Who knows what kind of magical bureaucracy they had here?
He needed an alias—something safe, something no one would trace. And so… he went with a nickname only his family ever used. Regret came instantly…
Arms crossed and smirked, he raised a finger confidently.
"The name is not just 'Mister,' okay brats? The name's Mr. Jokester!"
A little girl's face lit up like fireworks. She bounced on her feet.
"WOW hahahaha! What a funny name! Are you a clown, Mr. Jokester?!"
Ryo flinched. The nickname already sounded ten times more embarrassing out loud—especially from a giggling five-year-old.
Off to the side, the Fairy Greatmother daintily covered her mouth and let out a quiet, warm giggle. It was a sweet sound, like a bell hidden in a garden.
Then a boy practically vibrated with excitement.
"OH OH! Are you gonna tell us a joke, Mr. Jokester!? Please tell us a joke!"
Ryo held out his palm toward the crowd like he was commanding the stage.
"No jokes, kid. I'm gonna show you a super cool magic trick. You're gonna be so blown away."
The entire group of children gasped in harmony, their eyes wide with anticipation.
"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!"
And then they chanted like an audience before a grand show, fists up, bouncing.
"MAGIC TRICK! MAGIC TRICK! MAGIC TRICK! MAGIC TRICK!"
With a sly grin, Ryo pulled a silver coin from his pocket.
"Okay, I need two volunteers from the audience!"
Dozens of hands shot up. "ME! ME! ME! ME! ME! ME! ME! ME!"
He scanned the crowd, then pointed. "Alright, I'm choosing... you and you. Yeah, you brats."
A boy and girl squealed in delight and hurried forward. "YAAAAY!!"
Meanwhile, the rest groaned in adorable defeat. "AWWWWWWWWWWWWW!"
Ryo crouched and placed the coin in the little girl's hand.
"Close it tight," he said, waving his other hand over hers dramatically.
He snapped his fingers. She opened her hand. The coin had vanished.
She gasped, spinning her hand to check both sides.
"Oh! It's gone!" Her wide eyes shot up to him. "Where is the coin, Mr. Jokester?!"
Ryo smirked. "Relax, kid. Now comes the coolest part."
He turned to the boy beside her, who stood waiting with excitement all over his face.
Ryo reached behind the boy's ear… and pulled out the missing coin.
The boy jumped. "WHAT?! The coin came out of my ear!?"
The crowd erupted.
"WOOOOOAAAHHH!!!"
"MR. JOKESTER IS A WIZARD!!"
Ryo gave a mock bow like a magician at the end of a grand act.
"Just a bit of cleverness, you brats."
Then he winked, pressing a finger to his lips like it was all part of a secret mission.
"But shhh... don't tell the king."
The kids all giggled and nodded with big grins. "Okay, Mr. Jokester!"
The Fairy Greatmother stood beside him, hands gently folded, her soft eyes watching Ryo's act with fondness. There was no magic in her wand at that moment—only in the joy she saw unfolding before her.
She smiled warmly and whispered to herself, almost like a mother seeing her child make friends for the first time. "Oh my... he really is starting to belong here."
But it didn't end there.
"Mr. Jokester, show us more magic tricks!!!" the kids shouted in unison, their hands shooting up with sparkly anticipation.
Ryo smiled weakly, rubbing the back of his head.
"Sorry, all you brats. Mr. Jokester here got somewhere important to be."
"AWWWWWWWWWW..." The kids all deflated dramatically, arms hanging like limp noodles.
Ryo couldn't help but grin. He gave them a confident thumbs up.
"But don't worry—you brats were such a good crowd, I brought a little present."
Their eyes sparkled like someone just dropped a bag of diamonds.
"PRESENT?!"
Ryo reached into his backpack, unzipping the middle compartment. He pulled out a large plastic bag stuffed with small, shiny-wrapped chocolate bars. These were his personal stash—mini chocolates he'd taken from his old patrol days. Back then, they were the only thing keeping him awake through long stakeouts and hours of paperwork. Now, in this fairytale kingdom? They were gold.
"Oooooooooh... What is that?" one boy whispered, mesmerized.
Ryo chuckled. "These? These are called chocolates. You eat 'em."
A little girl blinked, tilting her head. "Chocolate...? What's a chocolate, Mr. Jokester?"
Ryo paused. That's when it hit him.
Right. Chocolates aren't common here. In fact, in a 1697 setting like this—French fairytale land—they were rare and reserved for the rich. Common folks in villages like this might never even smell one, let alone eat one. Sweet chocolates weren't even a thing yet—mostly bitter cocoa drinks for the nobles.
And yet, here he was. Sharing sugary treasure with the village kids of Evendelle.
Ryo peeled one open for them, revealing the glossy mini chocolate bar like it was some kind of ancient relic.
"IT'S SHINY!" a boy gasped. "IS THAT A TREASURE?!"
Ryo chuckled. "Kinda. It's like candy—y'know, the stuff you brats love."
"CANDY!!!" the kids all squealed, practically bouncing.
Ryo crouched down, handing the first pieces to his two earlier volunteers.
"You two were the good brats who helped with my trick—so you get the first taste."
The boy and girl took the chocolate, curiously sniffed it, and then popped it into their mouths. Their eyes widened. They froze for a second—and then—
"MMMMMMMMMMM!!!"
"It's sooooo sweet and yummy!"
The other kids exploded with jealousy. "NO FAIR! I WANT ONE TOOOO!"
Ryo held up his hands, grinning like a snack-distributing Santa Claus.
"Alright, alright—listen up, my loyal crowd! You were all excellent audience members. So, Mr. Jokester will give each of you three pieces. Form a line, no pushing!"
"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!" they all cheered.
One by one, the kids lined up as Ryo handed out the chocolates with a chuckle.
"Here ya go. Don't eat it all at once... well, okay maybe do.
"Here you go. Don't drop it."
"Yep, three for you"
"Three for you—next!"
Each child eagerly unwrapped their pieces, and once the chocolates hit their tongues—pure bliss.
"It tastes like hugs from a rainbow!"
"My mouth is doing a happy dance!"
"This is better than bread with jam!"
"It's like a kiss from a unicorn!"
"How do I marry a chocolate?!"
"My tongue just met its best friend!"
"Can I have another life just to eat more of this?!"
From the distance, the calls of parents echoed through the village, voices ringing out through the air like evening bells summoning their little ones home.
"Éloïse! Time to come home!"
"Marcel, lunch is ready!"
"Claudine, bring your little brother too!"
"Jacques, don't make me come over there!"
One of the girls curtsied adorably. "Thank you for the chocolates, Mr. Jokester! We're going home now."
A boy gave a polite bow. "Your magic trick was amazing! Please show us more next time."
Another little girl turned to the Fairy Greatmother, grinning up at her.
"Teacher, you're lucky to be friends with Mr. Jokester!"
Ryo blinked. "Teacher?"
The Fairy Greatmother smiled warmly. "He's not only my dear friend… but now, he's a friend to each and every one of you. Isn't that wonderful?"
"YAAAAAAAY! Mr. Jokester is our new friend!" they shouted, throwing their hands into the air.
As they all waved and ran back toward their parents, they chanted together.
"Bye bye, Mr. Jokester!!"
Ryo waved with a smile. "Alright you brats, don't trip and eat dirt on your way back!"
He turned to the Fairy Greatmother, a curious brow raised. "So… you're a teacher, ma'am?"
She nodded gently.
"Why, yes... In order to keep my true nature hidden from the kingdom, I chose the quiet life here as one of the humble village teachers. It allows me to gently guide the little ones of Evendelle, help shape their hearts and minds... all while keeping a careful watch over the magic that still lingers in this realm."
Ryo chuckled, arms crossed. "I see. Just… don't start teaching them how to enjoy extreme space rides, ma'am."
She pouted, hands on hips. "Hey!"
Then she softened, smiling sweetly.
"But truly… thank you, dear, for spending time with my little students. The joy you brought them today—it was like watching stars dance in their eyes. A beautiful scene indeed."
Ryo shrugged with a smirk. "You're welcome, ma'am. Just doing my part as Mr. Jokester."
Then, Fairy Greatmother pointed towards the village. "Let us head into the village, shall we, Mr. Detective?"
Ryo put his backpack on his back and nodded. The cool autumn breeze moved around them as they walked down a curving cobblestone path. Orange and gold leaves floated down from the trees, gently landing on the ground.
The village smelled like earth and fallen leaves, and their footsteps made a soft crunching sound. Small stone houses lined the streets, with smoke slowly rising from their chimneys, making everything feel cozy and peaceful.
As they made their way, Fairy Greatmother, her warm smile tinged with curiosity, asked in a gentle tone.
"So, how will you begin your investigation?"
Ryo lifted one finger, a determined glint in his eyes.
"First, we're going to visit Cinderella's stepfamily's home."
Fairy Greatmother gasped, her expression tightening with concern.
"But… are you sure about them? You know how they treated Cinderella, do you not? Their cruelty is something I cannot easily forget…"
She continued, her voice soft but filled with worry.
"I have already searched their manor, you know. I sneaked in quietly myself."
Ryo sighed, rubbing his temple.
"Yeah, I'm expecting a headache dealing with them. But I need to interrogate them further. You mentioned before there's a rumor that someone wants revenge against Cinderella."
He continued, his tone thoughtful.
"I figure someone in the stepfamily might hold a grudge. After all, Cinderella was chosen by the prince instead of one of the stepsisters, and that could've led to her being kidnapped. So, I want to make sure."
Fairy Greatmother sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping with reluctant defeat.
"I see. Then, I suppose we have no other choice…"
Ryo raised a second finger, speaking calmly but with resolve.
"Second, I'll ask around the kingdom—see if anyone knows anything about Cinderella's disappearance. Every clue counts."
Fairy Greatmother nodded, though her voice betrayed a hint of concern.
"Very well, Mr. Detective. I pray Cinderella is safe, wherever she may be."
As they reached the entrance of the village, an old constable, the village's law enforcer and gatekeeper, stepped forward, blocking their path.
"Hold it right there!" the constable commanded, eyeing Ryo suspiciously. His weathered face furrowed as he scanned Ryo's foreign appearance and strange clothing. "So, who are you, young man?"
Before Ryo could answer, Fairy Greatmother interrupted with a calm but authoritative tone, not wanting to reveal too much about Ryo's true nature.
"He is my friend's child. He lives far away, and his mother has business here in Evendelle, but she is unwell and cannot come herself. So, her son is handling the matter in her place."
The constable rubbed his chin, considering her words carefully.
"Hmmm, I see, Madame Roselia."
Ryo blinked, realizing. He thought to himself. "Roselia? So that's the name she uses here to hide her fairy identity?"
The constable glanced back at Ryo, his suspicion still lingering.
"And what is your name, young man?"
Without missing a beat, Ryo casually saluted with two fingers, his grin wide and confident.
"The name's Mr. Jokester."
The constable's brow furrowed in disbelief. "I... I see…"
The constable's gaze turned even more serious, his arms crossed.
"If that is your name, then surely, you can tell me a joke?"
Fairy Greatmother's expression turned worried as she glanced between Ryo and the constable, unsure of where this would lead.
Ryo smirked, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "Okay, sir."
Fairy Greatmother looked even more concerned.
Ryo cleared his throat dramatically. "Why did the chicken refuse to cross the cobblestone road?"
The constable tilted his head, intrigued. "Why?"
Ryo grinned, delivering the punchline with flair.
"Because it heard what happened to the goose—got charged, plucked, and now it's guarding the gate in your uniform!"
There was a brief, uncomfortable silence.
Fairy Greatmother blinked in stunned surprise. "Ummm, Mr. Jokester, that's... well, that's not really…"
But before she could finish, the constable burst out laughing, tears streaming down his cheeks as he clutched his face.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA!"
Fairy Greatmother stood frozen, shocked at the constable's reaction.
The constable, still laughing uncontrollably, slapped Ryo on the shoulder, almost doubling over.
"HAHAHAHAHA! That's a good one, young man! You're far too funny, HAHAHAHAHA!"
He pointed with his thumb toward the village, still chuckling.
"Alright, young man, Madame Roselia, you both may enter... hahahaha, that's the funniest joke I've heard all week!"
He shook Ryo's hand, grinning from ear to ear. "Comedian of the year, right here!"
Ryo gave him a playful salute. "Glad you like it, sir." Then, he patted the constable's shoulder. "Keep up the good work."
The constable saluted back, still smiling like a kid on Christmas morning.
"Yes, sir, our most esteemed guest—may your jokes never run dry!"
Ryo and Fairy Greatmother continued their journey into the village.
Fairy Greatmother sighed in relief, her hand over her heart.
"That was a close one. But why use such a risky joke?"
Ryo shrugged, his grin still present.
"Well, from my experience back in my world, when things are tense, sometimes a risky joke is the best way to break the ice."
Fairy Greatmother's eyes softened with understanding.
"I see. It appears that the big village of Tokyo has its own way of handling situations…"
As they stepped into the heart of the village, Ryo couldn't help but feel dozens of eyes following him. The soft rhythm of his boots on cobblestone streets echoed slightly louder than before.
The charming, fairy-tale town—with its vine-covered cottages, flower boxes, and chiming bells—had fallen unusually quiet in his presence.
Villagers paused in their errands, whispering amongst themselves as their eyes narrowed on the trench coat-wearing stranger.
"He doesn't look like he's from anywhere near Evendelle..."
"What's he wearing? Is that some kind of enchanted armor?"
"Look at those boots… never seen leather stitched like that."
"Do you think he's from a distant kingdom?"
"No way—he looks too strange, even for that!"
"He could be a sorcerer in disguise."
"What if he's the one who made Cinderella vanish?"
The uncomfortable weight of their stares began to press on Ryo's shoulders. He kept walking, posture steady, but inside, he felt the tension creeping into his chest. Just as the atmosphere was beginning to thicken—
"Mr. Jokester!"
"Look, Daddy! He's our new best friend!"
"Hi Mr. Jokester! Show us another magic trick later, okay?"
"Mommy, that's the man who pulled a coin out of my ear!"
"Thank you for the chocolates, Mr. Jokester!"
"We love you, Mr. Jokester!!"
Children poked their heads out from behind doors and windows, waving energetically with bright, cheerful smiles. The same kids he had spent time with earlier—his brief audience of joy.
Ryo blinked, then smiled back awkwardly and waved, continuing down the path as their tiny voices echoed behind him.
Beside him, Fairy Greatmother's expression turned from warm to worried. Her eyes scanned the village with care before she leaned in slightly.
"Mr. Detective, perhaps… it may be wise to change into the kingdom's attire—just for a time. These stares… you're drawing far too much attention."
Ryo shook his head without hesitation. "No need to change outfits, ma'am. I'm keeping the trench coat."
Fairy Greatmother's brows furrowed slightly. "But why?"
Ryo stopped walking for a moment. His eyes, usually calm, now sharpened with intensity as he turned to her, voice low and precise.
"Because the moment the real kidnapper—the true culprit behind Cinderella's disappearance—lays eyes on me, they'll feel threatened."
Fairy Greatmother gasped, her heart skipping a beat at the mention of Cinderella.
"You mean... the kidnapper might be watching us right now?"
Ryo resumed walking, voice steady and strategic.
"Yeah. And not just the kidnapper—anyone involved in this might try to make a move. We can catch them off guard and start pressing them about Cinderella's whereabouts."
He smirked, his gaze slicing through the autumn air like a blade.
"Because I have a feeling… this isn't the work of just one person."
Fairy Greatmother stared at him, stunned by his bold deduction. Slowly, she raised a hand to her chin, eyes narrowing with thought.
"I see… now that you mention it, that truly does make sense. It's clever—risky, but clever."
Then, she stood straighter, eyes burning with resolve.
"Very well, then. Stay as you are, Mr. Detective. We shall face whatever comes together."
And Ryo was right…
Somewhere unseen, hidden from all eyes and veiled by shadow, the true culprit watched. It was not alone. Silent figures lingered nearby, their presence barely a whisper in the air, all observing with cold, unwavering focus.
They had been watching in silence… until he arrived.
A stranger with a foreign face, a strange coat, and a fearless stare that didn't belong in this land.
In the unseen dark, something stirred.
Raspy, inhuman voices whispered slowly, thick with curiosity and venomous dread—
"Who… is that man?"
"Why has he come to our kingdom?"
"He doesn't belong here. He's an intruder."
"That man... his very existence is a threat."
"Could it be… he's looking for Cinderella?"
"Cinderella must remain hidden. He cannot be allowed to find her!"
"She belongs in the shadows, where he'll never reach her."
"I think he knows too much. We can't let him live!"
"We'll deal with him soon."
"The moment we strike… his screams will echo."
The whispers echoed like a curse.
And the darkness answered with silence… for now.
With that, the dark side of the fairytale had begun—an unrelenting force bent on twisting the story's fate into something no one could have imagined. Cinderella was missing, stolen into shadow,and thetale that once promised dreams now whispered only dread.