On an ordinary afternoon, the wide streets of Ragunna bustled with people, more lively than in previous years.
The long-anticipated Carnevale was set to return, news that had already spread throughout Ragunna and even across the seas to distant shores. Over the past few days, travelers from all corners had appeared in the city. Even before dinner time, Trattoria Margherita was already packed with eager diners.
Ragunna's fine wines were as captivating as its breathtaking views. Nectarwine had the power to lull someone into a sweet dream, though overindulgence occasionally led to incidents.
What started as a small disagreement over taste soon escalated into a heated debate. Perhaps it was the weariness of restraint, or perhaps the sleepy afternoon simply needed a bit of excitement. Either way, more and more people gathered, joining the argument.
The debate grew fiercer and, in the end, exploded into a full-blown fistfight.
For a moment, the restaurant became a stage. Pizzas and desserts flew through the air, seafood leaped from plates and landed on the faces of passersby, and onlookers scrambled to hide, though many couldn't help but peek back to watch the chaos unfold.
"Everyone! Oh, don't do that! You'll shatter the plates! Put down your cutlery, it's dangerous, you hear?" The owner cried out, her tail puffed up as she jumped up and down, waving a pizza paddle. Still, she was too afraid to get too close to the commotion.
Just then, a small figure darted from the crowd.
"Please, calm down!"
With a staff in hand, the little figure traced a wide arc through the air. A golden bird descended from the sky, seemingly carrying the weight of the heavens. It barely touched the two enraged men on their foreheads, like a dragonfly skimming the surface of a pond.
The two men, who had been at each other's throats just moments ago, instantly calmed and fell face-first onto the table with smiles, snoring softly.
"Don't worry, they've just fallen asleep," said the petite blonde Acolyte as she tucked away her staff, "However, disturbing public order is a violation of Order regulations. Those who disturb the peace must face appropriate punishment."
"Temperance is a virtue granted to us by the Sentinel. It makes both food and Nectarwine all the more delicious... I hope this little incident hasn't ruined anyone's enjoyment of their time here in Ragunna."
The Acolyte's smile was gentle and warm as the silence around her stretched on.
By the time more Acolytes arrived with La Guardias in tow, the commotion had already ended.
"Yes, yes, I saw it with my own eyes! She knocked out those two big guys with just one tap of her staff! Then, out of nowhere, a huge Plushie Echo appeared and carried them off! She looked young, but you can't judge a book by its cover..."
A diner, who had stayed behind to help clean up the aftermath, described the scene with no small amount of enthusiasm.
The lead Acolyte pulled out his Terminal to file a report, only to find that one had already been sent to the Order, detailing the incident and the whereabouts of the two who had been taken away.
"So... does that mean it's all taken care of?"