| “ | There are endless things to talk about in this world, but we can pick one or two to discuss at length. | ” |
Bio[]
Tea Cake is a storyteller whose greatest hobby is finding people to tell stories to, but she always loves to keep the suspense and never finishes a story in one sitting. Not one to stand on ceremony, as long as she's got a table, she'll start telling a story anytime and anywhere. When telling her stories, she always acts out the parts of the characters in the book, doing the voices and mannerisms and everything. Aside from her talent for storytelling, in everyday life she's also a pro at telling deadpan jokes and is always saying things that leave people nonplussed.
Food Introduction[]
Tea cake is a famous tea pastry of the Zhejiang region, with an outer skin made of glutinous rice and inner filling made mostly of lean meat, soy sauce, and bamboo shoots. It has a square shape and a savory flavor, and since ancient times it has been served in tea houses, thereby earning its name. Nowadays, people seem more accustomed to eating tea cake alongside soy milk as a simple and delicious breakfast.
Other Info[]
How to Acquire[]
Associated Events
- Encore Party XV
- Moon & Wind Affections
Initial Stats[]
 Soul Power
|
1268 |
|---|---|
 Attack
|
42 |
 Defense
|
20 |
 HP
|
289 |
 Crit Rate
|
656 |
 Crit Dmg
|
643 |
 Atk Spd
|
714 |
Skills[]
| Windborne Green Tea | Basic Skill | |
|---|---|---|
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Tea Cake flaps her folding fan, sending leaves to attack the enemy, dealing 100% (180%) ATK as damage plus 145 (1885) extra damage to the nearest enemy. | |
| Emerald Cyclone | Energy Skill | |
|
Tea Cake flutters her folding fan, kicking up a cyclone that deals 40% (80%) ATK as damage plus 45 (585) extra damage to all enemies, while also lowering her own damage received by 10%, lasting 3 seconds. | |
| Emerald Jade Cyclone | Link Skill | |
|
Tea Cake flutters her folding fan, kicking up a cyclone that deals 60% (100%) ATK as damage plus 56 (728) extra damage to all enemies, while also lowering her own damage received by 12%, lasting 3 seconds. | 
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blue = lvl 1
red = max lvlVoice Lines[]
| JP | CN | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contract | Through vast lands and sweeping history, the earth persists amidst meandering of memory. You there, Dear Listener, what tale would you like me to linger over today? | ||
| Log In | Happiness smiles upon us on this auspicious day. You seem to have returned in good spirits, Attendant. The tea and pastries are all prepared, so how about I pick up where we left off with our tale from last time? | ||
| Ice Arena | Could this be that place recorded in the annals, land of pure frost, as tranquil as a mirror? Legends say passing through here requires a patient soul and sharp focus... Aack — It's slippery here. Attendant, how are you walking so steady? | ||
| Skills | Long story short: what goes around, comes around — | ||
| Ascend | Oh my — That feels nice — | ||
| Fatigue | I'm feeling a bit fatigued, so today we'll just stop here... | ||
| Recovering | When I'm not telling a story, it truly does feel a bit strange. | ||
| Team Formation | I'll try my hand at it — as for the result, I'll leave that up to fate. | ||
| Knockout | When the dust settles, everything will come around again. | ||
| Notice | I know there are all kinds of cooking techniques, but I like just winging it. And I'm even less particular about choosing ingredients — Huh? Attendant! Why are you running? I promise it won't kill you! | ||
| Idle 1 | They say Nanli Print Shop has an infinite trove of books. They've no doubt quite a few of those comics that you usually enjoy, Attendant... Hee-hee, let's make a visit when you've got time~ | ||
| Idle 2 | Everyone in the world knows the Light Kingdom is protected by the Four Divines and has enjoyed peace and prosperity for thousands of years. But who knows of all the little ups and downs along the way...? | ||
| Idle 3 | Oh? Attendant left a lot of scrolls here with stories I've never read before. I'll have to give them a good perusal one of these days. | ||
| Interaction 1 | A folding fan and a gavel are all one needs to travel the world without even stepping foot outside one's door. What, you don't believe me, Dear Listener? Then allow me to elaborate — | ||
| Interaction 2 | Why do I always have a hard time bringing my tales to a close? Heh-heh, that's because — the more I dwell upon them, the more they pull me back in. | ||
| Interaction 3 | And as for what came of that pair of bumbling swordswomen... well, for the rest of it, you'll have to come back tomorrow~ | ||
| Pledge | In all the twists and turns of mortal life, "love" stands above it all. Before when I told these love stories, I always felt like I was just an audience member. But suddenly I find myself a participant. So if you're ready, then from this day on, let's you and I read this great and magnificent "story" together, and never let it come to an end. Alright? | ||
| Intimacy 1 | Oh my — Are you telling me, Attendant, that you really believe the reason I invite you day in and day out to this tea house is merely to tell you these once-upon-a-time and happily-ever-after stories? | ||
| Intimacy 2 | After telling these topsy-turvy tales of strife and turmoil for so long, the only time I get a hint of peace and tranquility is when I'm by your side. | ||
| Intimacy 3 | If you, Dear Listener, want to hear what happens next, you'll have to scoot a little closer. | ||
| Victory | Looks like today was a lucky one, and so we had such a good result. | ||
| Defeat | Life is vast, full of blessings and misfortune, so why should tear myself up about one loss? | ||
| Feeding | A thank-you gift for my stories? You're too kind, Master Attendant. Just keep showing up to my tea house, and you're good. | ||
Skins
| Graceful Egret Raft | |||||||
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| Moon & Wind Affections | |||||||
| Food Souls | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Main[]
Sprites[]
Sprite Animations[]
Normal[]
Graceful Egret Raft[]
I. Storytelling
"As sun and moon gallop across the sky, events of centuries past fade into obscurity. Empires, wealth, and nobility turn into dreams, and imperial rulers of history are but pawns." "The Northern Dynasty, for instance, was crawling with talent. Especially the Northern Royal Highness with all kinds of exquisite things and blades up his sleeve..." ...
I smacked the wooden clapper and was about to fold up my fan with a flourish—when who would've guessed, I overdid it a little and not only didn't close up the fan, but knocked the wooden clapper over with my sleeve, startling the little sparrow in the thatched cage that was pecking at some food.
"Sigh... I've practiced a bunch of times... and I still can't pull it off..."
I've seen Attendant do it all the time, a smack and a close, so how come when I try, it's like slapstick. —It really is a lot easier to listen to a story than to tell one.
As I was exclaiming to myself, I saw a figure loom close, picking up the wooden clapper before I could.
"A-Attendant.. I thought you were supposed to be at the tea house today..." "You still haven't finished telling what ended up happening to this Northern Royal Highness."
I watched Attendant take back the wooden clapper placed on the table, not knowing how to answer. Then I heard a laugh from overhead.
"Why the sudden interest in learning storytelling today?"
"Because these few years you've been wrapped up in traveling the land, not sullying your hands with work, and I thought I'd improve the menu so you can eat some delicious and nourishing delicacies...
...Uh-oh, I've blurted it all out... Attendant is a learned and informed person, and has an otherworldly talent for storytelling. He just never got famous, which is why we're in such straightened circumstances... Won't he take my criticism as an affront to his pride...
"You really want to learn?"
But Attendant wasn't mad after all. I instantly gathered myself and anxiously replied:
"Of course! Not only can one make money with this craft, but it's also cool. With the clapper in hand and an audience gathered round, isn't it beautiful?"
Seizing the opportunity, I did my best to butter him up while expressing my earnest interest in the hopes that he would be willing to teach me himself. But he just laughed and had me follow him out the door.
In the bustling market fair, there were a handful of lively tea houses all packed with customers. On the stages, the storytellers were all vividly weaving their tales and oozing with a magical aura. But I didn't have the patience to sit and listen to stories.
"What's the point of coming here?" "Relax. Just listen and watch."
I blurted out my question, but I knew from his personality that I wouldn't be given an answer any time soon. So the best I could do was listen.
What I didn't expect was that the Northern Royal Highness who always subverted court authority got painted by the storyteller on stage as a traitor that sold out his country. And because he was a Food Soul, Food Souls became the reason for human disasters.
This gimmicky nonsense had the whole audience singing its praises, which was miles away from the picture of a storytelling session that I had in my heart.
Attendant was a wordsmith and a hero with both wisdom and courage. How could they be so awful? Attendant cherished storytelling, but he also was a very tolerant person. Well, he could—but I couldn't!
A mood was coming over me. I was going to pick them apart till they had no more armor.
As I was about to pound the table, Attendant—who had been silent all this time—suddenly held me back. There was no rage in his eyes like mine. But something that I didn't understand did flash through them.
But before I had time to ask, he was getting me up and taking me out of there.
II. Alley Exploration
After that, we made the rounds to a number of tea houses. Without exception, they were all talking about the Northern Dynasty, each storyteller with his or her own flowery and extravagant style.
I rubbed my throbbing head that felt filled with doubt and confusion.
But Attendant remained silent, as if waiting for something.
And all I could do was follow him.
Until we came to one little courtyard where a white-haired old man happily welcomed us inside.
Glasses clinked, and the smell of wine suffused the air. The old man started talking about old days, and that's when I learned that his family for generations worked as servants in the Northern Dynasty palace. Attendant just happened to make his acquaintance.
In a few words, I felt like I'd jumped back in time and was there under the tiered eaves of the Northern Dynasty palace. Characters rose and fell, and it gradually overlapped with what Attendant said.
Out of nowhere, a rare peace stirred up in my heart like ripples.
As I was lost in this feeling, suddenly the sound of a greeting caught my ear— "Lately people have been talking about an all-knowing storyteller, and that's you. Your looks practically haven't changed since you were the official historian in Jade City back in the day, except maybe more natural and unrestrained. "I'm flattered."
Official historian...? No wonder he's so learned and informed. He had built up that knowledge over the years.
"Then why didn't you continue on at the palace? Someone of your talent could wear fine robes and eat the nicest food, and live the high life."
I couldn't help interject, but I instantly got looks of confusion from the people across from me... Not good... did I say something I shouldn't have...?
"Ahaha... I mean, Attendant is far-sighted and a keen observer. If he'd have stayed on in the palace and recorded the history of the Northern Dynasty in his annals, then they wouldn't have become that bunch of lies the other storytellers spout."
But Attendant just resignedly shook his head as if waiting for the right moment, then he spoke up: "You should know, the history in the Northern Dynasty then was recorded by my own hand. But now what gets spread to the people... is what you see nonetheless."
...So that's the way it was.
He went on to say that when he was the official historian, he traveled far and wide seeking true history, but among the people all he saw were too many people calling themselves storytellers that would really just fabricate lies in order to make money and garner fame. They would even go so far as to undermine or alter historical fact.
Disbelief and disappointment finally caused him to resolutely abandon his post as official historian. And also abandon the glory that should belong to him.
"You should also know there are myriad ways to make a living, by plowing or weaving or waiting tables, or by flattery and obsequiousness But if the only point of storytelling was to make a living, then I don't see why I would waste my breath at it."
I gazed at the equanimity on his face in silence for a while. He was right. He didn't care about a couple pieces of silver, nor did he care if money was tight or not.
"The shores of history are vast. If I grab onto a cloud or a gust of wind and put it into a story, it's only because I want to use them to remember the color of the blue sky overhead or the flowing rivers underfoot." "From ancient times to this day, many people have protected this land. I am just a retiree from the game, doing what I can to make sure the truth doesn't turn to dust. Just protecting my own, minuscule voice, that's all."
He looked out the window as if the breeze was blowing and the clouds were billowing in his eyes. Then he looked back at me with a profound stillness.
"Of course, that's just what I've seen. Just now, you saw with your own eyes that stories are told in all manner of ways. Perhaps they all have their own lofty ambitions, but in the end, no matter what path you want to walk down, you will need a goal and an answer in your heart." "That is, ask yourself why."
I found myself stunned. So that was the point of this outing.
But that feeling of complexity still nagged at me. Before me was indeed a path, but I didn't seem to be able to see just where it led.
But Attendant just shook his fan and said with a laugh: "No need to rush. After you've got some time under your belt, you'll come to a realization, and the answer will slowly make itself known." "Starting tomorrow, you will train in the art of storytelling with me."
III. Travel
"Aw, folks, do you really want to go exploring the far depths of the east? I'm not joking. The sea there is deep and treacherous. You really won't turn up any treasures."
"Captain, you're mistaken. We're not going to trawl for treasures. You may have heard, in the depths of the East Sea there lives a mermaid with a body as luminous as the moon and spirit power as strong as a deity, but a temper like a fierce storm..."
"Oh, interesting. I've grown up here from a boy. How come I've never heard such fanciful tales?"
"Well you just did now, didn't you, Captain? I'll tell you more. Look—Perhaps if you knock off half the price of our fare? these manuscripts in my hand are one-of-a-kind treasures..." ... The ship drifted on, but it couldn't erase the traces of our coming and going in these lands.
I followed Attendant on our rootless wanderings and crossed over steep mountain peaks. But nothing ever came of it, and we even almost got eaten by Fallen Angels a few times.
But I never thought the journey arduous. Those buried stories and legends were like vivid paper sketches, and no matter how the stars shifted or the universe turned, they were still as bright as ever.
The seasons passed, and I traveled to many places. I also read and heard and experienced considerably. On stage, I wasn't as green as I was just starting out. I was beginning to come into my own.
Every time I saw the audience below the stage moved by a story, even though the reactions were different, they were all the most authentic of emotions. In my heart, it felt like a bright light swept through, igniting a torch that was warm and glowing.
At the same time, the fire was constantly pushing me and telling me that I had more places to go to up ahead.
But even so, the whole time it felt like something important was missing in my heart... Could it be that I was after something more than this?
That question from the start appeared before me again and again. Ultimately... why did I tell stories?
I had tried before to persuade myself that I was after truth like Attendant, but in the end that wasn't the end-all-be-all that I was after.
Until one day—I happened upon a village. "If you hand over your salary, the Lord will be gracious and bestow spirit medicine to save your child." "The Lord's power is limitless. All who join my church, remain faithful, and worship the Lord are guaranteed to enjoy eternal life." In a constructed temple, a block-robed believer smiled a malignant smile with a face like a queer bronze statue.
As heavy winter snows fell, the villagers kneeled and prayed at the temple day and night. The altar was piled with crops and valuables, while outside the walls people went hungry.
When we arrived here, this was the sight we were met with.
We were recording that sect posing as a holy church, yet was anything but good and honest.
Even though my intuition told me it was dangerous and urged me to leave fast...
...still, seeing it with my own eyes, I just wanted to use my power to do something.
IV. Lectern
Honesty is easily taken advantage of, and ignorance cannot be remedied overnight. I knew the innocent villagers didn't deserve to be hoodwinked and harmed, and perhaps there was still hope to dispel their ignorant fanaticism.
And Attendant didn't stop me. I weaved the sordid tales regarding this church that I'd collected into a story, and when I was done spinning my yarn, the reaction beneath the stage was not what I was expecting.
"I don't know where this little girl came from with her mouth full of bunk. How can anyone just mouth off about the Holy Lord like that? Do you have no humility?!" "The Holy Lord bestows us with spirit medicine and long life eternal. Your bold-faced slander will be met with retribution!" "That's right! Kick her out! Kick her out!"
It went from cool sarcasm to unbridled name-calling, and then later, there weren't even but a scant few hanging around to curse me.
Feelings of powerless came over me in waves, like I was plunged into an icy pool; but I still clutched the wooden clapper in a determined grip. If no one spoke out, then perhaps this icy winter would devour everything.
Fortunately, light will always pierce through the ice eventually. Just like—the appearance of that child.
"Miss Tea Cake... I saw those people in black robes take the old uncle who lives next-door.. a-and they hit him! Exactly like you told in your stories." His clothes were tattered and old, but his eyes were uncommonly clear and bright. "I know hitting people isn't right, so they must be bad people! But Ma and Pa don't believe me..."
As he said that, the boy pulled on the hem of my clothes, his innocent eyes brimming with courage. "Miss Tea Cake, you once said that the bad people always get chased off by the hero in the end. So can you tell me, where is that hero?"
In the dark night, the boy's words were like a spark, but it was enough to provide me with comfort. So... my efforts weren't all lost to the East wind. Those reminders and warnings finally pried loose the firm ice.
"Don't worry. A hero will surely come."
Although I knew I was a far cry from the heroes in those books, I certainly wouldn't let that stop me from giving it my best. But the church members were numerous, and their ways were crafty and devious. In the end, it far exceeded my capacity to deal with.
I limped along, my body riddled with wounds, while I did my best to protect the shivering boy in my arms. When I thought there wasn't a single ray of hope left, the situation finally took a turn.
The men in black fled beneath a fire-red sky, and a sword-wielding hero gave this long-suffering village a new lease on life.
I was finally relieved of my heavy burden. I smiled at the boy and said:
"Look, a hero has come."
In the aftermath of the disaster, ultimately some villagers slowly snapped back to reality. The fog had been lifted, and words of thanks came pouring out.
And then I knew that I myself wasn't the "hero" that they talked about, but rather...
...someone who just made a change. I felt something in my hand.
Attendant once said he didn't want history to become dust, but I think—
No matter what story, be it a pure fiction or a true account of events, everything always comes across different from each other. But when they can be read for the people of the world and engender new ideas and meaning, and even change the face of things... ...that is how they live on.
My wish is to use my mouth to spread true and useful stories. Not to get the largest audience or amass the most wealth, but just because some stories are worthy in and of themselves to be told to the world.
That is the meaning stories should bring, and also why I stay faithful to them. And if there is no one like that in this world, then...
...let me become that person.
V. Tea Cake
A din of voices filled a tea house full of guests. Gongs and drums banged as fans opened and closed. The guests all held their breaths and craned their necks at the young woman on the stage.
"This world indeed is turbulent and perilous. Today, let me tell you about a church..."
Almond Tofu and Laba Noodles held trays of tea as snaked their way through the crowd. "Miss Tea Cake is so amazing... The place is packed again today. Looks like we'll have to go prepare some more pastries..." "Right... Ever since Tea Cake came, the guests have been streaming in."
Meanwhile— Chrysanthemum Wine calmly drink a glass of wine and looked at an animated Fire Crystal Persimmon Cake at her side. "What? You hear a story and you feel like you're going to go on some heroic mission?"
Fire Crystal Persimmon Cake slapped the table and pointed at the stage with a sweep of his sleeve, saying: "Listen! That brave and valiant warrior rushing into a crowd of black-robes with sword drawn that Tea Cake is talking about—isn't that just me?!" "..."
"...the crowd of black robes were thrown to the ground by the sword's blast wave. The yellow-robed heroine moved with speed, and in the blink of an eye, she pinned another person trying to flee under her sword..."
The whole crowd erupted in cheers and applause, and only Fire Crystal Persimmon Cake hung his head in disappointment. "...What? ...So she wasn't talking about me..."
The next second, he felt someone poke his right shoulder. Turning his head, he saw Chrysanthemum Wine with eyebrows raised. "Hey, your scene is up."
"What? Sppff... Hahahaha, you know what they say! The real masters always work behind the scenes!! Ahem-ahem!"
"...In but a moment, the dust had settled, and the heroine-in-yellow's helper brought the captive villagers to reunite..."
"???!!! How did *I* become *your* helper?! Aw, c'mon!" Chrysanthemum Wine cracked a smile as the cries and mutterings of the person next to her got drowned out by the cheers of the crowd.
"...Dear audience, as for what happened next, please wait till next time—"
The young woman in green on the stage calmly banged the wooden clapper, then bowed and left the stage under the sound of sobs and sighs from the audience.
Once backstage, Tea Cake let out a sigh of relief, then suddenly felt someone tugging on her hem.
She looked to see that it was a girl batting a pair of limpid eyes full of curiosity. "Miss Tea Cake, you really tell a good story! But... How do you know so many interesting things?"
Not expecting the young lady to ask such a question, Tea Cake was a bit taken aback, but she quickly recovered and said with a laugh: "Those stories come from life, from history. I myself am not really that interesting. I just listen with my heart and speak with a purpose. It's in the speaking and the hearing that it gets its meaning. You yourself actually don't think the stories are interesting, but rather that they... are meaningful."
Upon hearing Tea Cake's words, the maiden fell into thought, then lifted her head a moment later. Tea Cake saw her eyes flash with light. "That sounds... amazing! In the future, I want to be just like you, Miss Tea Cake!"
Tea Cake's smile spread wider. In this pure and youthful face before her, for a fleeting moment, she seemed to see herself just starting out all those years ago.