The chomp told her all about his adventures, and she listened with a curious intensity. The chocolate birds seemed to like his stories too, for they settled to listen at various convenient locations on Mistress Bao's vast expanse.

Something changed in her expression when he came to the part about the pie ambush, and how he had suspected someone of controlling the pies. She seemed to recollect something, and process that recollection for a bit.

"I might have some leads on that, young chomp."

The chomp was surprised, but then he realized it made sense. The pies had attacked on the road to Daifuku, not very far from its outskirts, so it was likely that their controller could have been someone from the city.

"There has been a recent string of bakery robberies all over the city."

"Which isn't unusual in Daifuku of course, but what is unusual is the nature of the crime."

The chomp was intrigued.

"There is no evidence of a break in. In fact, the clues point to a break out. It's almost as if the desserts sprouted legs, stood up, smashed the windows or broke open the doors, and walked out of the store!"

The chomp knew that this wasn't such a ridiculous proposition after all. If there really was a thief behind these robberies, maybe they could lead him to the answers he sought.

"Give me the locations of these robberies", said the chomp.

"Oh, and I have a question for you Mistress Bao, if you don't mind my asking it."

"Oh? Do go on!"

"How did you manage to get inside this room?"

"It is not for all to know the mysteries of the Bao." She pointed skyward.

The chomp looked up, saw nothing, and when he looked down again she was gone.