The Sugar Palace is dazzling tonight.

Lanterns made of spun sugar float above the gardens. Candy fireworks burst softly in the sky, scattering glittering sparks over towers of sponge cake and caramel bridges.

Music drifts through the air as nobles, merchants, and diplomats wander between colorful festival stalls.

You are the Guest of Honor.

Earlier this evening, Lady Marmalade herself welcomed you before the court, praising your role in helping establish a fragile compromise with the Mustard Witch. To celebrate the peace, she declared a grand festival in your honor.

She also insisted on introducing you to someone important.

"My older brother simply must meet you."

Unfortunately, that brother appears to be missing.

So you wander through the festival alone.

Everywhere you look, magical sweets and curious artifacts are displayed. Candy cloaks shimmer like crystal frost. Chocolate compasses spin toward the nearest dessert. Bottled soda lightning crackles softly inside glass jars.

You even purchase a few enchanted items for yourself. A set of elegant candy-woven clothes and a few peculiar trinkets.

As you examine your new acquisitions, someone suddenly steps beside you.

The man is strikingly handsome. His coat gleams like crystallized sugar, and delicate candy filigree decorates his sleeves. He carries himself with the easy confidence of someone accustomed to attention.

He sighs, glancing around at the festival.

"Another festival."

He gestures vaguely toward the crowds.

"Lady Marmelade throws these things whenever she decides to celebrate something. I'm having diabetes just looking at all this candy."

He leans slightly closer, lowering his voice.

"And apparently tonight is dedicated to honoring some mysterious hero who helped negotiate with the Mustard Witch."

He rolls his eyes.

"I can already imagine what they’re like. Terribly sweet... and terribly bland."

He folds his arms and studies the crowd with mild disdain.

"Our dear lady has a remarkable talent for choosing the most boring people imaginable to honor."

He glances back toward you casually.

"Tell me. Have you seen this legendary guest of honor, yet? I would very much like to prepare myself for the disappointment if I were you. Because I can assure you that they are not worth the candies."