Author's Notes:
I made another uh-oh again. Apparently, Hitoshi's surname is Furuta, not Furata. Damn. I'll go with his correct name from now onwards.
"How about getting yourself some slaves then?" Having shared his side of the story with Legatus Seamus, only for the latter to suggest something like this to address current his shortage of manpower.
"Even from you, it's not that funny a joke, sir."
"Did I jest? Oh!- And preferably have yourself pretty female ones!" Seamus pressed on as he patted him on the shoulder in a friendly manner, not realizing he was telling him to do something against his moral code. More of something said fellow would do himself under the same circumstance. After all, Hitoshi had the power, influence, prestige and money, at least to his understanding. Little did he know, Hitoshi was already short on funds due to the capital he invested in on the café bistro front for his smuggling op. He put the much-awaited opening on hold as there were more pressing matters to attend to now. Courtesy of his liege, Zorzal El Caesar.
"Your understaffing issues stems to all of us, Furuta. Do try to understand? Tell you what, you and me we will go down to a dealer I know in the Azure District." Hitoshi huffed a sigh, unsure of whether Seamus understood or not his intent.
"Don't misunderstand, Furuta. I am doing what's best for everyone. If you have slaves, their loyalty will be unquestioned…." He seemed really into this for once, maybe it was his way of showing he was a reliable co-worker.
"Even a dog can bite its master's hand." Hitoshi countered, no loyalty was unquestionable.
"They'll follow your commands to the dot."
"But they wouldn't be adventurous or creative, they won't even take initiative." He set rather high standards for his own crew of professional cooks and kitchen hands and still expected more from them in taking charge of their own makes to asset some responsibility in their work. How well would a slave work beyond directives?
"At night, you will never be lonely." He ended with a lascivious look despite every counter Hitoshi gave.
"Do you take me for some sort of deviant, sir?" Seamus looked a little unconvinced by Hitoshi's expression. Deep down, he felt their dearest Kitchen Head deep down had a sadistic personality, call it intuition. Even so, he waited eagerly for Hitoshi's approval as if he would organise an outing just to search for slaves in particular.
A long uncomfortable pause stalked between them before Seamus understood he'd done something wrong. Then Hitoshi spoke.
"I was a slave once, or-….. nearly close to one. So you'll forgive me for not thinking too fondly of the notion." Even though his tone was neutral without spite or emotional compromise. His words left the friendly Legion Commander in a poor and embarrassing spot in their conversation.
Few understood what it was like to be owned by another in body and soul, to know that your entire life and destiny revolved around serving and becoming a stepping stone to the "master". The Empire abided by the laws of nature, the strong ruled the weak. Japan was a little more complicated than the former, slavery was just a convenient word in the 21st Century. Real slavery existed in other forms or names. Human trafficking, forced conscription, syndicate drug muling. The modern world was truly an ironic place. But here in the special region, things were much simpler, and Hitoshi found this simple honest fact a virtue onto itself. Here, they didn't lie about what it was.
"Really?….. I was not aware, my sincerest apologies." Legatus Seamus finally surrendered.
"It's fine."
"I-Is it?"
"I'll hold you on a rain check on that offer then." As reluctant as he was, it would at least get Seamus off his back on this. He was trying to be gracious since the Legion Commander had done him a favour, and that was granting him access to the Palace Dungeons to see a certain someone.
"The slave auction really has a large variety, the last few years have been an influx of Warrior Bunnies. Even a peasant can afford them, and they have all the right curves as well, I tell you. You will not be disappointed, Furuta!" He said rather cheerfully despite Hitoshi's previous comment in slavery. It was just the social norm here perhaps.
Inwardly Hitoshi was deep in contemplation, his disciplined expression showed none of it to his conversation partner.
-Warrior Bunnies..-
The name was a rough Imperial translation that defined what they were, the name they called themselves was slightly different and harder for even him to pronounce, although their native language was almost non-existent now. Warrior Bunnies Tribes no longer prevailed in the world occupied by the Empire.
There was one example right where he worked that he saw every day, then there was also Delilah and Griine back at Alnus. He had also seen quite a number in Akusho itself, ironically, slaves amongst those lower-incomed citizens too. Indicating their high supply and low demand from an economics point of view.
Hitoshi was too unfamiliar with the Warrior Bunnies culture and history with the Empire. Delilah never spoke about it when a drunkard tried to come on to her or even his hopeless Team Commander Itami as a light conversation topic. He did however, see the mental scars from just her sadden expression and eyes alone. It was likely not a pretty history not just for her, but the entirety of the Warrior bunny culture as a whole. A certain someone was no different…. Somehow a rather.
"I even have two helping the household and taking care of my ailing mother." Seamus continued on without noticing Hitoshi occupied by his inner thoughts. Hitoshi returned to reality just catching word of this, judging from Seamus's opinion, it sounded as if he treated them fairly and as hired help rather than actual slaves.
He had more pressing matters to attend to though, so he bid Seamus farewell until later in the evening for Zorzal's war council meeting and dinner to "reward" his loyal generals as the person himself described it when passing him the instructions. His expectation was for Hitoshi to make something even better than what they were already eating, there was only one sort of meal that could sate such show of Grandeur.
"Master Furuta! What brings you here?" Announced the head kobold among the other idle guards stationed to run the Palace Dungeons. His fellow wolf heads turned to their surprise to see the man who made their life worth living thanks to three wonderful meals a day in the last place they would expect to see him.
"Orders, Master Warden. Be it as it may, the scum and enemies of the Empire and our Liege dwell here. One of them is still an Imperial Princess." Hitoshi immediately handed the head prison guard his papers written by Seamus and endorsed with Zorzal's terrible signature.
"Please, Master Furuta. I am but a mere sentry, you are being too courteous." The head prison guard tried to wave off Hitoshi's respectful salutations with modesty.
Hitoshi had chosen to come alone, there was no need to create complications or drag any of the others into this personal quest of his. His only possessions were a covered basket that had quite a heft to it. Before the prison guards had the moment to ask, he already took the initiative to present the basket to the guard for inspection. Lifting the towel that covered the basket was perhaps the start of good things to come in their rather boring shifts as always within the dungeon. Steam rose from the exposed foods, a whiff of delight passed the inspecting prison guard's nostrils and accidentally set off his grumbling stomach, deprived of breakfast because of the nature of his shift work.
Seeing this reaction much to the prison guard's embarrassment, Hitoshi dug his hand into the basket and retrieved a neat triangular wrap that gave off a distinctively meaty whiff. Holding it out towards the Prison Guard whose stomach betrayed him.
"F-… For me?"
"Compliments of his highness. Please keep up the good work, gentlemen." With a grateful smile that showed sincerity, Hitoshi began handing out more of these wraps over to each and every one of the Prison Guards including seconds.
Without a second thought to their situation, as they were under a shift, the Head Prison Guard unravelled his paper wrap to reveal a sandwich that was toasted together with rolled slices of salami, ham, lettuce, tomato, olives and a strange orange-coloured sauce.
(Crunch) The sound of his mouthful echoed through the confines of the dungeon corridor.
"Mmm!- MmmmHmmm!" The Head Prison Guard immediately melted to the warm taste of sweet and savoury meats melded together with just the right amount of sweet vegetables and sourness provided by the sauce. Encouraging the others to follow in suit, since he already committed the initial sin of eating on duty.
Hitoshi did ask this as a light question while adding to their sin with a citrus beverage poured from a chilled vessel that added to most of the weight of the basket. Apparently, Vice-Praetor Ruflus of Oprichnina was supposed to be the one making his rounds to inspect. But as of late, that fella had left the job of signing the inspection log to an NCO of the Optio rank who he himself barely came at all.
It appeared that this "bribe" had the desired effect he wished for that would help bring the prison guards in his favour should anything go against his plans, he would at least have people inside. The Head Prison Guard personally escorted him to the prison cell where the most recent occupant had made headline with Zorzal's faction and disastrous news with the pro-peace faction.
Through the narrow corridor, several eyes could be seen through their cell slits, staring hard at Hitoshi or rather the basket that held something good inside. It would normally be hard to smell anything, but the bland foods they ate and the unfamiliar scents that wavered through the air stirred their consciousness. Sadly, Hitoshi had none to give, the rest inside his basket was meant more only one person now.
At last, they arrived outside the designated cell where the sentry proceeded to unlock the door.
"Princess, it is time for your afternoon meal." He called up the occupant to arouse in a rather cold manner. Not caring if there was a response or not.
From where Hitoshi was on the outside of the cell, he was already appalled by the abysmal living conditions. Poor lighting, constant dampness, a bucket for a latrine, a cot made of simple straw and rodents currently chewing on some unfinished food in her bowl and plates. Her lifeless figure was slumped at the corner wall where the only other opening to the cell let sunlight fall upon her ragged figure.
The Head Prison Guard left him with the set of keys before returning to his in-between snack of sandwiches, showing how much, he trusted Hitoshi not to break her out of here. Not that Hitoshi had the time or resource to do that, furthermore it would damage his cover.
"Your Highness, it's me. Furuta Hitoshi, I've come to attend to you for this afternoon. I've brought you something to eat for lunch." Placing the basket down upon a narrow table, which was the only other furniture in this dungeon cell, Hitoshi started off by shooing away the rodents back into their crevices, this food was meant for her after all.
"I require your pardon." Hitoshi still acknowledged her identity is an Imperial Princess, requesting pardon as he lifted her onto the cot after a quick dusting. In that brief contact, he had a better look at the state of her body since her arrival. This appearance hardly resembled her status since birth. Her crimson hair was a mess, the prison clothing seemed more like rags than an actual attire. Bruises and septic cuts were visible throughout her hands and legs. The cell hygiene and her lack of self-administering led to worsening of these traits. It appeared that she no longer cared, as seen from the blankness in her eyes.
Hitoshi did his best to make the place more appealing. Clearing the latrine, spreading sulfur near the crevices which he shooed the rats into. But there was no way of removing the dampness, at most all he could do was simply prepare a dry bath. Retrieving a flask of hot water, he poured it into a basin bowl along with a few drops from a vial. Placing a cleaning towel into the lukewarm waters, it carried up the scent of the oils, lavender to be precise. It had a calming effect upon one's nerves and on an added note, rats hated the smell and avoided it as much as possible.
The most he could do was brush the towel against the exposed parts of her body, face, neck, hands and legs, within the boundary of respect for her modesty. He hoped that it would reduce her discomfort even slightly.
Now it was onto the main point of his visit. "Your Highness, I've prepared something special for you today." Hitoshi lightened the basket further by pulling out silverware utensils, neatly arranged in front. Followed by a cylindrical porcelain earthenware jug.
This was the meal he would serve, Hitoshi unlatched the metal clasps holding the lid firmly during transportation. A pop sound relieved the pressure built up from the sealing, a puff of fragrant aroma leagues above the simple sandwich he'd used to curry favour the guards now circulated throughout the cell. There was only a slight reaction on Princess Pina's end, a sudden twitch of her finger that was almost unnoticeable.
Her meal was served.
Yet, Pina made no attempt to feed herself despite her malnourished look. As if her suffering was hers alone to bear. Hitoshi sighed internally, he was not a therapist. But if Pina were to die here, no one was going to undertake a serious reclamation of the Empires assets when Zorzal met his end which he will in time to come. Hitoshi had already given up on the other Prince, Diabo. Subjects always recalled who ran and who endured. And Prince Diabo fell in the former category, it didn't matter how competent he was in statecraft or domestic affairs. No one would respect a coward. If Pina wasn't around to undertake the mantle of responsibility, the Empire was doomed to collapse on its own weight. Hitoshi didn't give a damn about the Empire as a whole, but the people who he had come to know would suffered dearly. It was within his power, it was within his principle to help those that needed it.
"If your highness will excuse me, I shall feed you." At this rate, the soup would go cold. He picked up the soup spoon and scooped up a generous portion and brought it up to his chin to cool it with a light blow.
That hollowness in her eyes, betrayed her awareness of her surroundings. The spoon was inserted into Princess Pina's open mouth and poured carefully into her tongue.
"…. Heh?..." The soup's essence carried a mild note of spice, even without entering her throat, the liquids had an almost revitalising effect. She at least took the effort for her throat to move, swallowing the contents swilling around in her mouth.
Hitoshi refilled the spoon with another scoop and held it near her mouth, this time her head craned forwards to receive the soup as if craving for more of that hot soup to experience that very brief moment of ecstasy once more. Hitoshi repeated the process a couple more time quicker, with her awaiting his every spoonful with impatience. Her hand soon loomed over and clasped his holding the spoon to direct it quicker into her mouth as she felt he was not moving fast enough.
When he relinquished the spoon, she took it hurriedly and began to wolf down the soup and contents hungrily. There was not a shred of etiquette or dignity as her only wish was to consume the meal until it was gone. Even with the thought that it would soon come to an end, all Pina wanted to do was eat to sate her starving belly and soul. Droplets not of the moisture hanging from the ceiling fell to the floor, bearing the salt of sorrow.
Seeing that his patron was busy feeding herself fine, Hitoshi rested against the wall opposite.
"…. Furuta-dono…" She said still sniffling.
"That's me."
"… I have… failed everyone…." Even if it was in a soft tone, it was still audible to him. Droplets of natural salt rained upon the soup, more than was already needed.
"Did you?" He said fiddling around with his zippo.
Princess Pina could only look up to him with teary eyes, to know why he said that?
"Your idiot brother's forces are purging the pro-peace faction, there's nothing that can be done. Your Rose Order of Knights are fighting a losing battle of attrition against the Legion-backed Oprichnina at the Jade Palace. Your Father is bed-ridden with signs of worsening, at this rate, I think his highness will really become the Emperor if nobody still exists to challenge him. But so what?"
"So….. what?" All she heard were rumours from the passing guards of the situation turning for a worst than when she'd been thrown into this dungeon.
"You're still alive and whole, that's one thing to be happy about. Your father isn't dead, so Zorzal cannot be endorsed as the Emperor yet. But most of all, you have the one trump that Zorzal can't hope to match, that's why you are here instead of being executed. Even he knows the consequence of killing you too early." Princess Pina didn't need to think about who he was referring to.
"Japan cannot intervene in internal affairs of the Empire. I have read your country's foreign policy over and over! The Jietai will not help!"
"Really?" Hitoshi said with a tone that sounded unconvinced.
"Because not too long ago, I heard of a reckless idiot who chose to break protocol to save a little girl from a political purge at the expense of the Jade Palace embassy. Another that disobeyed directive to slay a dragon. Have you perhaps meet any of them before?"
"… Itami….?" For a brief second, it appeared on her face that she believed he was her salvation as well, but then became pragmatic about it. "No. Even if I ask, he will not oppose an entire-."
"Nation, no." Hitoshi completed her sentence which baffled her why even he acknowledged it, then what was the point?
"But he will come for you."
"…. Why?" Pina looked at him like she wanted to believe in his words.
"Because unlike most of us, that stupid otaku follows his own path. He'll do what he thinks is right without a second thought." Hitoshi's index finger pressed upon her temple.
How could Hitoshi be so sure, he wasn't. From his personal experience with Itami for the last six months since his commissioning, he'd say Itami was still a better NCO despite his otaku quirks. He did however perform calmly under pressure and considered contingency plans always. He had more plans for escape than an actual confrontation, almost always expecting shit to hit the fan when they patrolled where it always coincidentally did. He was a survivor, but he would not neglect his comrade's safety over his own. And that was the redeeming quality of his character and why the Special Region Harem of his stuck to him like glue contending for affection.
"Even we have our pride, your highness. If Itami would be willing to come here right after hearing of your situation. Why do you think the Special Task Force will not do the same? Why should we be outdone by one of our laziest members?"
A whole army followed Itami in his footsteps because of a single moral decision. That was not because of power or influence. That was something else that Hitoshi could not explain in words but had been a beneficiary to this charity once upon a time. That's why Hitoshi greatly envied him.
Inwardly, Hitoshi wished to have the same conviction that Itami Youji had. To follow his heart freely and as unhindered as his boss. Hitoshi knew that deep within, he had no such conscience even if everyone thought he did, it was merely a façade. Everything was quantified and qualified, like a machine. Sympathy? Compassion? He expressed it, but did he really own it? Or were these just obligations he carried out because his Shishou taught him to hold on to these values, or because he told himself that-….. "he" would have done the same?
"You look more troubled than me, Furuta-dono." Princess Pina said to him with a weak smile.
Within an instant, Hitoshi's expression returned back to his same emotionless look, after confirming it had not been in that state initially. Princess Pina took heart that even he had his troubles, how could she think she was the only one?
Princess Pina went back to finishing the soup and its contents, finding that the more she ate the more her strength seemed to come back in leaps and bounds.
"May I ask what this is, Furuta-dono?" It was chicken, that was all she could make from in the clear soup. But never had a food that was commonly an appetizer do such wonders to her activeness.
"From where I come from, they call it Imperial Herbal Chicken Soup, one of many dishes served to an Emperor." Hitoshi answered her.
Hearing this, Pina's own thoughts lingered to the meaning behind the choice of dish he made for her. Was he silently indicating a suggestion that she should fight to be the next empress?
"That was six-hours of slow cooking chicken with Wolfberries, Ginseng, Ginger Root, JuJube Fruits, Dried Scallops and Chinese Angelic Roots. Finding those ingredients was the other half of the battle."
There were herbal remedies, but no herbal nourishment foods. Medicine was already as expensive as it was. It was thanks to the books on herbalism scavenged from the lonely archives under Zorzal's permission that he came to know that most of the flora and fauna collections were quite close to the ones on earth. Perhaps they were brought over by the earliest of human settlers into the Special Region, perhaps it was the other way around. He knew the location but not where they grew, that was where he had Tequila and her sharp nose to thank.
Hitoshi patiently waited for her to drink up all of the contents, to the point that she even threw away etiquette once more in all her composure to drink the last drops of stimulating chicken essence. As if Hitoshi had not served her a mere food but an elixir that would give her all the strength and resolve to take back everything, she was poised not to waste a single bit.
"I have a dream worth fulfilling, I'll do everything and anything to make it happen. But when I look back to those days I made hard decisions…. I don't want to know regret. Why didn't I do this? Why didn't I save him? My dream should not be at the expense of others." The Princess listened to his words with great attention as it seemed to come from deep inside.
"One day, you'll be an Empress. There'll be times when you just want to forget the troubles, don't. Because soon the next time you'll say the same thing and the next time again, till a point in your life you just stop caring."
"Why is it so important?" Even as a Princess, she was faced with the heavy burdens which she wished to escape from every day. When it was entirely out of her control, and she ended up here, she truly gave up on everything.
"Because that's what happened to your father."
"You don't know my father!" Pina replied rather offended that he said Emperor Molt didn't care for the Empire.
"Sixty-thousand troops dead, what sort of expression did he give, your highness? When your brother made a scene, did he reprimand him?"
"But all he does is for the Empire?"
"That's right." Princess Pina was once again, confused why he agreed with her if he was pointing out a flaw in the current Emperor.
"Kings rule kingdoms, Emperors rule empires. But his majesty is being ruled by the Empire." Pina did not understand, even though it sounded grave and something she should take note of less she suffer a supposedly similar fate that Hitoshi seemed to see in her.
"Your father let's the empire run him to run itself. He isn't the brain of the organisation anymore, just a working cog in an enormous system. When a situation enacts, he reacts. He's basically a human puppet."
The thought ran deep into Pina's thoughts till it frightened her as she visibly shivered. Then a hand fell upon hers that were clasped together.
"But you can be better." It was but a mere sentence, but the effect was profound. This and his serious but light of heart expression compounded together.
"But-…. I worry..-."
"Because you care what happens if things don't go accordingly. What your peers call your naivety and innocence, is your consciousness of the things that happen around you."
"I'm too far behind in succession-…"
"Even the youngest son or daughter has a chance to be monarch one day."
"You put too much faith in me, Furuta!"
"No. You put too little faith in yourself." It was here that all things snapped into place. Why she would not go beyond her calling as an Imperial Princes beyond her brothers.
It was at this time, the sound of footsteps outside reported the Head Prison Guard returning to announce his end of visit. Hitoshi got up from where he sat and dusted his pants, he walked up to the reinforced cell door.
"You've done things that even the Emperor couldn't have dream you of doing or have done himself, and you did it on your own accord. You saved the Empire from Japan and made an ally out of them in exchange for nothing. Take pride in that, your highness."
As they expected, the Head Prison Guard happily arrived to pick up Hitoshi and lock the cell once more. Surprised that the Princess made no attempt to escape despite the open cell door. And she was no longer a person dead inside, but a woman of strength. Eyes burning as bright as her crimson hair. What did the Kitchen Head do to create this change? He had no idea.
"Furuta-dono. One moment." She answered him in a more dignified way compared to the last time. To which Hitoshi gave his full attention.
It was only now that she realized after her thoughts were cleared and strengthened, that Hitoshi Furuta was acting very out of character. For a chef, for a mere private soldier of the Jietai and even for a spy. His presence in her eyes and her evaluation of him were in a level that seemed to match the feeling her father gave when conducting statecraft matters. As Hitoshi had just said, cold and calculative. He was not here out of sympathy to encourage her, he was ensuring that she, his investment was staying on track.
"Who are you really?" It was not the initial reason she stopped him, but it kept gnawing at her brain to find out.
Said person of enigma placed a cigarette into his mouth and lit it with his zippo, puffing a few before giving a fitting answer. Saying the very thing that described all that he was and yet nothing about him.
"I'm just a cook."
The citizens whom made the trip to work and back along this particular avenue won't miss Old Teresa's house, or what it slowly became after five days of intensive renovations to its exterior and interior. Her house was already a particular icon on the streets for its beautiful front gardens and cottage feel.
That image had not been disturbed during the renovation, but rather improved upon and extended. Passers-by eagerly counted the days till the opening of this so called "cafay bistrol". That was not far yet not near opening their doors. There were a multitude of quirks to handle before an opening.
Forget the accountings that Hitoshi was constantly on top of, the incomplete menu and target customers. Hitoshi managed to find the perfect workers who would not snitch on him in concerning the underground smuggling operation. The only real issue was their training and readiness in serving their future patrons.
"Furuta Big Bro! Furuta Big Bro! Look! Look! I made a star!"
"Furuta Big Bro! Lookie here! It's a mud ball!"
"Furuta Big Bro! 'ts not fair!"
As in, their service skills and simple bread making were understandably appalling. When Pulp's young siblings urged him to employ them, he was expecting a similar reliability and maturity of the former. But who was he kidding, they were still children. They still wanted to do things a child wanted to do, have fun, be curious about new things. Such luxury was not afforded to Pulps early in his childhood at their age. Call him a slaver for making underaged children work at his establishment, this wasn't Japan and the Empire had no such law enforcing against child labour. But in a society that discriminates based upon race, that was hardly an issue.
The only glimmer of hope came from Pulps himself, eagerly listening to Hitoshi's instructions on how to bake a simple bread during a lesson he conducted for the seven Kalbu siblings only because they were hounding him on and on till it became hard to concentrate on accounting work.
"Knead with body weight or you'll tire yourself out." He could see that the boy was earnest, but at this rate he would tire himself out before serving the bread to the patrons. The café business could not just be about baking breads and pastries, it involved brewing teas and other light beverages as well as serving the patrons.
"But I don't have da weight, and it keeps get'n harder."
"Then, sprinkle some water and keep the flour in moderation. You won't have time to play around with the dough all day, boy." Hitoshi could see he was struggling to do something out of his original trade, but he was at least willing mind and body. So he showed the dog boy the proper kneading method that reduced the time to properly even it out while saving on ingredients as well.
"Che! Hito Bro always makes it look easy- ADAAII!" A vertically angled palm struck the base of his skull from behind.
"Big Bro. Master Furuta is a full-fledged chef, while you are a reforming street urchin!" The words of his sister were harsh as always, the rest of the Kalbu siblings would also laugh whenever Siria, their eldest sister reprimanded their older brother or gave him what they called "strokes of loving afflection!", even spelling affection wrongly.
"L-Leave me alone." He said meekly.
"Big Bro. I would recommend that you listen to Master Furuta with both ears and carry his lessons to heart. Or else my hopeless brother will only be capable of doing the dishes and serving out orders." Even when she meant the best, it almost sounded like he was truly hopeless. But perhaps this was the way she inspired him to work hard.
"Is so cruel! Aren't I ya big brother!?"
"I just don't want Big Bro to be a jobless loser depending on Master Furuta's kindness." She seems to have said her fill before returning to her own dough works.
"How is yours coming along, Siria?" Hitoshi came to inspect hers only to find tiny works of art in front.
He picked up one that was shaped like a horse or pony, looking down at another that was shaped as a maiden, and another that looked like a brave centurion.
"You really have quite the knack for this, Siria." Hearing his compliment, caused her to blush.
"N-no, it's just a habit of mine." Was all she could sheepishly say.
"Can you do other shapes?" But Hitoshi asked with genuine interest to her works. This could really become the shop novelty. Depending on the speed it took to do one, that is. Adorable shapes that had appeal to children and Noble women who had the time to spare.
Depending on the speed it took to do one, this could be where the café bistro truly shone. Tea breads and coffee at the café bistro. The only real worry left was the target audience, the class system in Sadera truly prevented a diverse market. Meaning, if he chose to serve higher income and nobility, he could not serve the lower income groups and vice versa. It was quite a troublesome spot he was in, he would need to consult specialists in this sort of trade to get better advice on marketing.
With nimble hands, she created another that looked like a dog person. Hitoshi affirmed himself, he'd just found his baker.
"And that is…..?"
"This one's Big Bro!" She said with a warm smile as she held it out.
"Siria… I…." Pulps felt all warm and fuzzy inside, he would never have thought his sister would show him true soft affection in this way. A teardrop nearly came out of his eyes, nearly that is.
Until she said, "So that when it's baked, I can take joy in biting off his head." With all the delight.
(Bang) The sound of a forehead hitting the table shook the table contents. An elder brother lamenting in sorrow why his sister was so mean to him as of late. His younger siblings only fanned the flames of humiliation with their laughter and giggling for making such a pitiful sight.
Even Hitoshi looked away to hide a smirk that can out unconsciously.
"Wahh! Even Hito Bro's a traitor!"
"No-. I think you're reading too into expressions."
"Am I?!"
"Calm down, Big Bro! (Sigh) You can have these ones when they're baked…. That's why I made them anyway…." Siria murmured the last part to herself which her brother failed to catch hold of despite supposedly keen hearing. But Hitoshi didn't, and it said much about Siria's attitude towards her brother. She still loved him and respected him but had to be hard on him for their siblings' sake.
Still, it was enough for Pulps to be joyful. Eating something his sister made for him, it made her a little embarrassed to see him so ecstatic about something so trivial. Hitoshi placed the breads they'd made onto a pan to be slid into the oven that was warmed up and awaiting the bake.
"I guess it's time for tea, then." Hitoshi announced after he closed the oven and turned the hourglass set to the appropriate time.
"Tea! Tea!" The Kalbu siblings beamed as they jumped about at the kitchen island, this was the one snack time they looked forward to the most since their arrival five days ago from the slums within the Akusho district.
"Pulps, go find Teresa on her morning route and tell her that tea will be ready in twenty."
"Aye, sir!" Pulps jumped out of the window of the second floor to carry out his task. Hitoshi could only sigh while his sister apologized on his behave.
"I am very sorry for my brother's conduct, Master Furuta! He sometimes forgets we aren't in the Akusho or that he should not be going out other-mugh?!." Hitoshi stopped her mouth from speaking further with a confectionary he'd made earlier in an experiment.
"I promised I would take care of all of you, didn't I? Will you leave it to me to worry about your elder brother's education, Siria?"
"Um-…. Mm! Master Furuta did say that. Alright, please take care of my brother and me."
"I will. Mmm… better manage your siblings before they wear themselves out before the buns are ready." Hitoshi pointed to the young Kalbu siblings who were jumping about hyperactively as if on a stimulus. Siria quickly gathered them and herded them out as Hitoshi cleaned the table and utensils whilst finishing up with a floor sweep. Cleanliness was everything in Hitoshi's kitchen work area, he hoped it would be enforced here just as it would in any other of his establishments. Not many knew it, but enclosed kitchens were in fact the dirtiest place to be and for germs to multiply. Humid confines, where chef and attendants alike went in and out with sweating foreheads and glands. The grease of the food sticking to the floor and wall tiles, acted as a perfect cultivator for bacteria colonies. And to top it off, this was where your food came from to be served. Hygiene standards were even lower here. Talk about, the food that he would serve, what about the smuggled food going through the sewers to the Akusho district? The locals might not mind since their area was already rat and bug infested, but what about the outpost and Third Recon Group?
Once the kitchen was at an acceptable level of cleanliness, he sat down at the table reviewing the bill of sales and receipts from his food orders from the wholesalers. The bread was not far from done, although he still had a few minutes to spare.
His quill tapping against the oak table while he pondered on the right set of actions to take him out of the red. Patch had been surprisingly thrifty when it came to the expenses on marketing, allowing for most of the expenses to go into their books as "food experimentation", in actual fact was being sent to Akusho through the sewers. Misari's fellow prostitutes had already come by to pick up today's rations. And with the volatility of the political situation, it was applying pressure on Hitoshi harder to maintain the flow of necessities through the few channels because merchants and vendors were pulling out in anticipation of hell breaking loose in the Capital City. Even tradesmen could tell that something was about to happen.
The hourglasses sand had emptied as he checked in every five minutes to ensure an even bake, though it was better to leave the oven untouched.
He extinguished the oven after the retrieval of the sweet-smelling buns on their trays permeated their aroma throughout the kitchen.
""They're ready! They're ready!"" The sensitive noses of the dog people could instantly notice Hitoshi pulling their creations out of the oven. Siria did all she could to quieten them down at the dining table, but they were uncontrollable until a gentle voice could be heard in the dining area. Teresa had returned from her occasional afternoon walk, she had a unique aptitude when dealing with children. It made Hitoshi wonder if she once had children of her own who left when they became independent enough, it seemed that all that inhabited the house before he collaborated was just the lonely old widow.
Hitoshi finished off their buns with some powdered sugar to add a little bit of sweetness to the crispy yet savoury outsides.
He heard the sound of someone enter the kitchen to look for him.
"Welcome home, Teresa. Can I interest you in some coffee for beverages?"
"Oh! Most certainly! No- rather, that is not why I came in. Will it be alright if I have an acquaintance join us for this hour of breaking bread?" Inquired the elderly woman who owned the house and part of the establishment.
"Any guest of yours will be a guest of the shop."
"Excellent, I will inform her of the good news!" The old woman smiled as she moved with more energy than he'd seen her in previously. This must be a very special guest for her to show such enthusiasm, Hitoshi took note to be on his best conduct in order to preserve his co-founder's dignity among her friends. Shop houses here weren't as highly regarded in the housing estates and their value, so it appeared that Teresa might appear on troubled times to lease out half her property to someone else.
Hitoshi carried the tray with the buns covered by a towel to preserve their heat while they were in their process of resting to the dining where the occupants of the house would share their afternoon tea together.
"I hope you've all washed your hands." He asked the Kalbu Siblings who were too anxious to take their seat in the dining as they were told to do.
"""We haaaaveeee!""" Did they really? He would let Siria give the final word.
"Nonsense! You lot only played around splashing water at each other, how wasteful!" Their elder sister puffed.
"Chie! Big sis's so picky."
"You're gonna be single feh the rest of yah life-yeearrrghyahyahya! It hurts!" The big sister pulled the naughty little one by the dog ears, causing him to yelp a few.
"That's a shame, I thought you would all clean your hands before meal times. Now the breads wouldn't taste as nice as they would." Hitoshi said with a sad smile.
The guilt trip worked as they rushed towards the sink to wash their hands thoroughly and awaiting Siria to wipe them clean with a towel on their behalf ASAP.
Hitoshi could hear the plates and cups being put out by Pulps through his own initiative and Teresa having a light but cheerful conversation with her guest around the corridor corner. He placed the tray of breads at the pantry table as he retrieved the jams and butters, then Pulps came over when he was done.
"Man, Teresa's friend is really pretty…"
"For kid without hairs between his leg to be saying that means little."
"I ain't kiddin, Furu Big Bro!" Pulp behaved rather grown-up about Hitoshi's light tease which bugged the latter, even though it was not something he should really care about concerning how other people looked.
Teresa was in conversation when she saw Hitoshi come in whilst the younger of the Kalbu siblings dashed to their seats in anticipation of the breads.
"Ah, Hitoshi. I'd like to introduce you to a charming acquaintance I happen to bump into today."
Her guest stood up raising her hand towards her.
"Please, Madam. Allow me to give it myself." Teresa nodded in understanding and turned to her co-founder of the café bistro, noticing for a brief moment a look of unsuspectedness and unpleasant surprise appear then disappear from his face, replaced with the usual emotionless calm.
Teresa's white-haired acquaintance turned to face Hitoshi with the intention to give her introduction, only to give her own look of surprise.
The bunny-eared mystery guest of Teresa's spoke in a fluent and foreign tongue that no one in the room understood except Hitoshi. Something she learn in exchange for teaching Noriko the Imperial Language in their four months as pleasure slaves.
"Oh! Furuta-kun, what a pleasant surprise to find you here."
After all, to know your enemy, you must know what he speaks.
Tyuule and Teresa watched as the Kalbu Sibings munched away adorably at what Hitoshi called a Danish Bread.
Through an extensive use of beating the batter which comprised heavily of milk and eggs than flour like most breads, the result was an unusually sweet bread. Not overpowering, yet not underwhelming either that it felt like they skipped on anything. The crispy outside was folded and rolled to form an intricate and interesting swirly design, where the bread peeled according to the roll as well.
"Furuta Bro was right, it tasted better!" Hitoshi had given them a similar bread before, the only difference was the lack of icing and less milk being used in the bake because he was unsure if Dog people like many of the humanoids and beastmen could handle human food as well or poorly as their canine counterparts on Earth.
It was apparently not the case, although their diet preferences were still based on their teeth structure and consumption classification as dominant Carnivores. Meanwhile, the Kalbu Siblings were under the belief that washing hands improves the taste of the food. Hopefully, they could keep up that practice for better hygiene.
Tyuule was made to withhold her own indulging of the no doubt delicious pastry by her new acquaintance Teresa, who promised her the wait would be worth it. She was left with the option to watch enviously as the dog children ate theirs with mouthful bites and finger licking.
Teresa was more fascinated by Hitoshi's unusual apparatus used to make this strangely energizing drink she'd come to appreciate known as "coffee". Form what Hitoshi told her, he commissioned a dwarf to make this marvellous apparatus of beakers, vials, glass tubes swirling around to produce this wonder drink out of a widely known and mediocre bean used commonly as chicken feed.
The beans were hand grinded before pouring into the funnel end of the glass apparatus, slowly but surely, she could see the dissolved bean powder under a controlled flame move through the tubes from the dark brown nectar that only dripped out of the facet into two tea cups.
There was an unexplainable art form to the way Hitoshi prepared and made these scrumptious goodies and delicious beverages alike that Teresa always found comforting. She was not the only one with those thoughts though.
After a decent amount had been filled for the two cups, he brought over a jug that had been on a stove undergoing a "micro-foaming" process which had taken much of his attention for the entire process because it wasn't an easy feat to pull off for someone who wasn't working at the café daily as a barista.
Carefully, he poured the foamy white milk into each of the dark coloured liquids within the cups, causing an infusion between the light and dark colours, transforming the dark solution into a light chocolate colour to unfold before the two who would partake in this drinking of the beverage. Tyuule instantly had a reminiscence of one of his previous creations with a similar shade to them.
Despite her inner enthusiasm, the scent she picked up from the warm liquid beverage was sending her a different signal. In fact, different from the confectionary called "chocolate".
Hitoshi pretended not to notice the flop of her ears that seemed to always give away her emotions no matter her cultured poker face. He'd already given up on wondering what her motive was for coming here.
Hitoshi didn't believe in such a fickle thing convenience as fate or coincidences such as Teresa being saved from a scam on trinkets the old lady wished to purchase for an exorbitant amount of money she had. There was not a doubt that Tyuule knew what he was doing here, at least on the surface.
Back to the coffee, he left his finishing touch in a rather unexpected manner for both Tyuule and Teresa. Through the process of carefully pouring the milk, on the surface he was able to draw shapes.
"My…. How wonderful!" Teresa expressed her awe through her compliments, even if it was only a mere decoration.
"Here you go, enjoy." Hitoshi carried the cup and placed it in front of Teresa and did the same for her unexpected guest as well. But in Tyuule's case her hands wrapped around his to take hold of the cup. Those hands were surprisingly soft and gentle, but Hitoshi didn't feel relieved just the opposite. He knew how cold her heart truly was.
"Mmmmmmmm!" Teresa's youthful delight from a mere sip of her now favourite beverage betrayed her age.
"Ten out of ten!" She replied in the same youthful manner.
"Your praise is quite unnecessary, Teresa. You are the master of the house remember?"
"I am merely giving you my feedback on how you may improve in your business." She stated as a fact.
"Even though ten out of ten doesn't really give me much sign on what to correct…" Hitoshi was too tired to address it.
It was during this time that the other patron of his coffee brought the cup up to her lips to take a sip. There was something of an unusual grace to the way she drank, without a sound and a posture that exuded dignity.
"Haaah…." After drinking down some of the warm fluids, she let a rather erotic sigh leave her lips, all the while, an expression of relaxation and comfort could be seen on her face despite her shut eyes.
"You seem to have enjoyed it as well, my dear. And even before digging into Hitoshi's pastries." Teresa chuckled as she received another follower of the coffee cult.
"So? How was it, dear? Give Hitoshi your opinions as well." Teresa urged her believing it was for the sake of Hitoshi. She seemed to have conveniently forgotten the true purpose of the Café Bistro as a front, or rather she was merely believing the lie that it was in order to sell it.
"It was good." Was all she managed to give as a response, but deep down it was something else entirely. At first there was the invasion of a strong potent bitterness to the coffee, but as the cream and dark fluids melded she could taste even the slightest of sweetness from the milk that had been added.
"It's called cappuccino, one of the more enjoyable espresso coffee makes."
Tyuule had been quite fatigued today from all the tedious state craft she had been left to manage in Zorzal's steed while he played with the other slaves or did the only thing he was capable of doing. Goading fellow incompetence into sharing a meaningless materialistic life and ambition.
So to take a moment off these burdens, she excused herself. Under the pretence of investigating on how far Hitoshi had progressed with his little side project. The crown prince might be fooled, but the Warrior Bunny knew there was something to the eccentric chef's true agenda in building this restaurant. It was written all over his face. Just because he had no ill intent towards Zorzal and her plans didn't mean he was not worth paying attention to.
All those burdens, all those strains and stress seem to melt away with the warm whiff of this fragrant scent and sweet fluids running down her throat. A sudden stimulation flowed through her body as well, rejuvenating all the lost energy she had.
"That's the effect of the caffeine in the coffee, it awakens the body. And to some extent could be used to sober up from drunkenness as well." Hitoshi gave this information freely to explain what she was feeling.
"Although, it's only a perceptive feeling. So you shouldn't work too hard afterwards." To this Tyuule smiled at him in a way that made him feel sceptical.
"So you could tell, huh? You certainly do a lot more, know more than someone of your station would."
"…."
"Um-….." Teresa felt as if these two fell into a conversation where they were the only ones around.
"But then, His Highness Zorzal would not have taken interest in you if you were not."
There was only a slight shake of Hitoshi's brow as the Warrior Bunny disclosed details that Teresa was not aware of at this point.
"His highness…. Zorzal?... Hitoshi, I did not know you had such a history." Teresa expressed surprise in the more rational way when receiving news that did not weigh on her as heavily.
"No, Teresa. Still working for." Tyuule said with a smile underlined with mischief as she dug into the bread she had much awaited.
"Mmmm!?" Her ears shivered about to the bread sweetness overpowering her composure, once again exposing another of her least known emotions before them. Hitoshi stood silently before them.
"Um, then. Does Tyuule also work for His Highness then?" Teresa was confused how Tyuule seemed to have known Hitoshi beforehand. Coincidence, she believed, but what were the chances. Still, she was not a fool to the antics and etiquette of Royalty. Or how Tyuule's identity as a Warrior Bunny could be in the one place that she could not imagine would have Warrior Bunnies in service to.
At this question, Tyuule seemed to have found she had shot herself in the foot, while she quickly drank down the coffee at her side to push down the bread half-swallowed and was potentially choking her.
"Miss Tyuule is His Highness's "private" secretary." To her surprise, Hitoshi answered on her behalf when even she had no words to give immediately.
"She handles all the administrative work to His Highness and his "private" matters as well as coordinate our human resources. Incidentally, she's also the person that decides our salary."
Teresa seemed satisfied with the answer even if it was minor in explanation. Tyuule was slightly relieved after Hitoshi's quick thinking saved her from spelling out her real status in such an awkward stance. She could lie, but at the time it would have seemed untrue, leading Teresa to distrust her future responses. But she was not happy about it as well, specifically when Hitoshi emphasized the word "private" and twice at that.
"Eh, that is correct. Furuta is indeed my cute little dog." Her charming smile betrayed the severity of the proclamation. She even made the cutsy action of a dog waving a paw, and purposely made him look towards the Kalbu Siblings.
-Guh!- Hitoshi was not so thick-headed to not notice that taunt.
"Uh-." Teresa could feel a sudden build in tension.
"Your cute little dog, huh? That's new. I didn't know dogs could cook well enough to feed Royalty. Say, if a dog cooks food then should his food also be….. dog food?" It sounded like he was sarcastically mocking himself, but Hitoshi returned his insult with silent meaning as he took a bite out of his own bread. It was particularly effective towards a person who secretly held personal pride, like Tyuule. It was like he was saying she was eating his dog food.
Even Teresa wasn't oblivious to this silent feud between them, but it was clear they were close in terms of working relationships.
It wasn't like before where he gave her room to pull out from. Tyuule realised her mistake in going too far in testing his limits, forgetting he wasn't the type to take lying down.
"Fine. I am sorry I called you that." She said awkwardly but with genuineness.
"Mm. You ladies enjoy the tea. If you're craving for more, help yourself to the rest in the oven. I left them there to stay warm." Hitoshi had enough, he didn't want to stay around with her.
"You lot, your seconds are in the basket under the towel because I knew you be finished before Teresa and her guest. Take only what you're allowed, remember to leave some for your elder brother and sister."
"""Yessss!""" Those brats intentionally dragged their compliant answer as if it were a given. He didn't want to come down here again with them complaining they didn't get their share because someone else took it.
Hitoshi gathered his belongings from the kitchen and headed up to the office on the second floor where it was more peaceful to collect his thoughts and to perform check and balance.
Watching him leave the premise without even engaging more, Tyuule felt disappointed. Her feelings were reflected in her drooping ears unconsciously. Teresa was somehow able to pick up an interesting topic to continue their chat but could still see her guest's thoughts elsewhere. The back end of her lips rose slightly in response.
"I just remembered I have something to give you, Tyuule. Will you excuse this old lady? It might take some time to find, I have a terrible memory when it comes to keepsakes."
"…S-sure, Madam. Anything for you."
"Thank you, dear. I knew you would understand. Right, now off to find that trinket…." She went off murmuring to herself as she disappeared into her bedroom on the ground floor.
"…." Tyuule saw this as a better time than any, Teresa said she would take some time, but she herself won't be long in where she intended to go. She got up and went up to search for where Hitoshi went.
Despite her sensitive hearing and cautious stance, she was not able to notice the old woman watching her from behind the corridor as she looked for her fellow staff member.
"Teresa, what are-…" The old woman quickly quietened down the serious Siria and brought her away from sight at the corridor she was in.
"Where's your guest, did she return home?"
And all Teresa did was smile.
The pen and the paper barely contacted as Hitoshi began his brainstorm on solving the outstanding problems he faced in regard to the opening of the café bistro due to commence within the week.
He had at least decided on one thing, which was the manpower issue, as reluctant as he was. However, he would make great accommodations for whoever he found willing to work hard.
A knock came to his door that did little to interfere with his line of thought, since he was experiencing an idea block at the moment.
"Come in."
At first, he thought it was Pulps. A little surprise he was following etiquette this time considering the many times he told him to knock before entering and await permission, as well as using the door to exit. His desk had its back facing the door behind while he had the view from the window in front of him, so he could not expect the person who was entering was not the person he thought it was.
"You have quite the interesting gathering of company." The voice was unmistakeable.
Hitoshi got up and turned to face the person who should have been downstairs talking with Teresa than conversing with him. It only confirmed his theory that Tyuule had indeed come here for him rather than as an acquaintance to Teresa. She was using his partner-in-crime as an excuse to come here to do what, Hitoshi wanted to know.
The question was, why was it her snooping instead of that Haryo surbordinate of hers? The warrior bunny took his permission to enter as an excuse to sit on his guest room bed across from him to make herself comfortable.
"Is this perhaps the little kingdom you wished for yourself?" She reminded him of their previous deep conversation a few days back, she raised her leg whilst lying back onto the soft quilts. Tyuule seemed to be a master of seductive poses, because she seemed capable of keeping up this all the time till it became habit he thought.
The answer to that question made him conscious about how he answered and whether it would show otherwise on his face to indicate this establishment was anything but what it was intended for.
"Like I told His Highness, just something out of hobby." That was the right answer in his books.
Tyuule just chuckled at his response.
"Indeed, this place could not possibly be Furuta's dream." She left it vague as possible, only making it difficult for Hitoshi to answer.
"…." It was not at all in a relaxing mood with Hitoshi standing while Tyuule was treating his the bed of his temporary lodging as her own.
"That also implies your small restaurant is not so small after all." She gauged this using the café bistro as a reference. In her perspective, it was already impressive for a first start.
"Do be a bit more relaxed, Furuta. I did not come here with the intention of squabbling or inspecting your actions on His Highness's behalf."
"That can be seen. But what about yours?"
A breath of air escaped her mouth accidentally. "Still cautious, I see."
"I see no reason why I shouldn't." What did that mean? Tyuule wasn't entirely clear.
"Is there a reason why?" Tyuule would come to regret speaking before thinking as it was already difficult getting him to say anything that would make the conversation interesting. It did, just not the way it favoured her in particular.
"Well, when you've been thrown into a life-and-death situation at someone else's whim, I think you'll have plenty of reasons to be wary of him or her."
"…. I see…." How could she forget such an important thing? It may have been history and hidden from Zorzal, but Hitoshi was still crystal clear of her methods and her personality.
She'd really done it now. She directed him into a subject which neither of them really wanted to address. She was already regretting coming here but she had just stuck her foot knees depth into the tar so what harm could come further than this.
"Would it be too late to apologize?" Tyuule was the type that was prudent, but also was willing to play gambles in ways that would shake her opponent.
Hitoshi only remained where he was with the same expressionless look on his face. But in truth, he was astounded by what she had just asked of him. Apologize?!
That was breaking her character down on so many different levels.
"(Sigh)." Hitoshi gave no immediate response, only sitting on back on his armchair to ponder again.
The warrior bunny was interestingly stating intensely at him, awaiting a response anxiously. He was also doing the same, except not staring intensely. Judging the hue of her eyes painted in blood ruby and the motive behind every word she used. To be honest, he had his doubts about her since day one. But after a brief reflection, he actually realized that this was a windfall opportunity to get her off his back throughout the entire period and perhaps even have her reduce collateral from their idiot boss. Hitoshi decided on the option to break ice even though it was risky, but then again. It appeared that she too had taken the risk and was the first to actually initiate.
"I don't think I can, Miss Tyuule."
Hearing his final verdict however….. she was unable to suppress her downcast emotion, responding with only, "…. I see." Only for Hitoshi to halt her retreat with what he planned to follow with next.
"Because if we do this, our original agreement will be void and my subordinates might accidentally meet with unfortunate ends. Whether it was by your design or not."
"Ah-." It took a moment for Tyuule to recall what he was referring to. But remembered. In exchange for not messing with her affairs, she would not disturb his staff or him. In a way, her promise was reflected as her commands to the wolf heads and Haryo tribe to lay off his staff, the moment it ended, meant that immunity was gone. And around these parts, lowly servants disappeared every day all the time.
"In fact, maybe this calls for a refresher. A renewal per se."
"Re-…newal?" She was a little anxious that she had not gotten her hopes up on what he had yet to finish saying and what she thought.
"No, perhaps that word was wrongly conveyed." Hitoshi murmured. "A clear slate in relations perhaps, we start over from the beginning." At this point Tyuule was only repeating the key words of his sentence as she had difficulty comprehending this sort of line of thoughts.
Hitoshi held out a hand instead to better convey his intentions, with a light but sincere smile to add.
"Will you be willing to take this opportunity with me in having a fresh start in our continued working relationship?"
Tyuule gazed at his hand and then at him with a bewildered expression, not clearly comprehending what he had just said to be true. Did he want to have a fresh start with her, after all she'd done? Because clearly, she wouldn't in his shoes.
Her hand reached out shyly, and it was all that was required for Hitoshi to complete the rest. He pulled her hand in for a strong but firm handshake.
"You've probably heard it before, but my name is Hitoshi Furuta. I've studied in culinary arts nearly half my life, in the hopes of one day owning my own restaurant." Hitoshi gave a brief re-intro, it encouraged her to do the same in her own way.
"T-Tyuule, I serve Crown Prince Zorzal."
"Nice to meet you, Tyuule. I might be difficult to deal with, but please take care of me."
"Ah-… please do…. The same for me?" She responded unsure of whether it was the right way of responding to that overly humble way of introductions. It may not have been easy to carry out, but the person in question had done the hard part and all she had to do was accept and follow through. For once, she cursed any semblance of pride she still had when it came to basic etiquette or did she forget all these things when dealing with foreign dignitaries? Her own people were especially blunt so there was rarely any roundabout way to do things.
But was this all she wanted to say? She wondered.
"I-…." just as Hitoshi was about to return his hand, she spoke again.
"Mmm?"
It took only moment, however that was all she needed. If she spoke the truth would it change anything? That was what lingered on her mind. She wanted to test it out and see what Hitoshi could do to turn it around like he always seemed to do.
Hitoshi could see a serious expression form on her face gradually, wondering something was up. She wanted to say something important he figured.
"I relish the day…" Her hand strength started to increase around his, as she looked up to his eyes and for once said what she genuinely thought. Without noticing her face had a smile with traces that would have been taken as insanity.
"His Highness falls into the same sort of despair that I had."
Again, a silence matured. Tyuule found she was really horrible at these sorts of socializing skills despite her talents in the use of her womanly wiles, perhaps she over-depended on them all this while. And worst off, Hitoshi just stared at her without expression. But in truth, he was bemused, it took a while for him to get back into a workable route.
"Yeah… I do too."
"Pfffffttttttt-…ahahahahahahahahaha…..!" The warrior bunny couldn't hold it in, it was just too much. And what's more, the awkward look of his face contorting to say it. She knew it was rude to laugh, but it was just too amusing.
Hitoshi was just left with an awkward situation to recover from, but he had no choice but to wait. Although, whatever he'd done had helped move things on in a lighter tone. He didn't know if she knew it for a fact, but even the way she laughed was beautiful. Maybe if Kurata were to bear witness to this laugh and smile, his feelings might waiver for Persia. The thought entertained him to the point that even he chuckled lightly.
Tyuule thought he had caught on to her infectious laughter and unrestraint let her feelings be free for once. This was probably the first they'd shared an honest to god interaction that had not been with hidden suspicions or deep thoughts of intent from one another.
Tyuule would come to relish these moments and emotions until the day her mission was to be fulfilled….
She would have a second thought.
They had lost track of their initial motives. Hitoshi was supposed to continue his work on the incomplete Administrative affairs of the cafe bistro. Similarly, Tyuule forgot she had only meant to stay here for a moment while Teresa excused herself. But the old woman would leave her to do what she wanted, in fact she supported it.
She merely inquired to know about what sort of restaurant he intended to run, because her impression of one owned by Hitoshi far exceeded in expectations to the ones that were dotted about Sadera or even the Continent of Falmart for that matter.
Hitoshi ended up giving her a detailed description of his future plans. It was this far in their progress that even Hitoshi couldn't hide the fact that he was Japanese. But it was plain obvious to begin with.
"Why would you let your patrons witness you cook, would you not be afraid of them judging, criticizing you?" Tyuule had trouble understanding the teppanyaki and open grill concept that he shared as one option he wished to have.
"There're a few ways of answering that. For one, they can have confidence that I'll cook it in the way that they prefer. If not, they could always instruct me and if they wanted to make changes I would only be happy to do so."
"I see… so you establish an interaction with your clients. You could build relations, create a network of connections-."
"You seem to have a knack for these sorts of things, Miss." Hitoshi politely interrupted her as she seemed to go off on her own like before when she realised the potential of certain concepts she had only just learnt.
"With that kind of drive and ambition, I think you might make a pretty decent manager to several joints." She certainly had the looks and winning smile to gain patrons and balance human resources with just appearances alone.
"Is that so….." She learnt a little more than she'd hoped.
Hitoshi looked at the window, noticing the transition between clear sky to a warmer colour.
"It'll be an hour till the crew needs me to whip up something for his highness and his retinue for tonight's banquet."
"…." Just when she hoped that this would continue on for a little longer, their responsibilities came knocking. And to think, it was only talking about Hitoshi's things. Tyuule had no chance to share anything, yet she thoroughly enjoyed this kind of talk.
Hitoshi went to the desk to gather his notes and writing apparatus into a bag. Tyuule loitered near the desk and watched him pack up.
"What is this?" She picked up a sheet that had fallen to the ground and noticed doodling on it that was more of a pen looming over than actual plans being conveyed into this piece of paper. Hitoshi inadvertently let out a sigh, he was reminded of the little progress he made.
He came over to retrieve it when she held it out to him.
"What's holding the café opening."
"Why?" Even Tyuule found it weird from her perspective. He had already built the place, he had seeming funds and manpower, and last but not least, his food and beverage were unmatched as expected.
"It's about my target audience." Tyuule seemed to understand what he was referring too now. In the governing of her own people and much later, the empire domestic affairs, she'd learnt and applied directives on the differences in social class.
"If I serve the higher class, I'll have a smaller sale and-…. More difficulty experimenting. If it was for the lower class and workers, it would be difficult to generate revenue to funnel resources into experimenting on more complexed dishes which is unnecessary to this crowd which I intend to serve to His Highness in future. I worry that the ends might not justify the opening of the bistro in the long run when I leave it to someone else to run."
"So you are stuck in indecision between serving which of these two different classes of people, am I correct?" She put it pretty bluntly, but Hitoshi understood that it wasn't out of mockery or her being judgemental.
Hitoshi nodded.
Her slender hand rested upon her chin as she pondered this problem as if her own. She was so sincere, Hitoshi thought it rude to disturb her line of thought.
"Have you considered segregation?"
"I have, although I can see a recipe for disaster waiting to happen. Furthermore, I don't think I have the manpower to serve both patrons."
The nobles and the rich, didn't like being associated with the lower incomed and lower class. The same could be said for the other side, they didn't sit well with one another. Hitoshi had seen their antics from over a month of staying in the Capital City of Sadera.
"You can have them seated together." Tyuule finally spoke after much contemplation.
"But-."
"It is not the seating arrangement or the preference when it comes to the upper class. It is about showmanship." Tyuule began to explain to him.
"If I was a wealthy merchant's wife, searching for a place to enjoy a midday snack with company. I would go to an establishment that can best exhibit my show of wealth. Things like taste, ambience and service are secondary when it comes to the establishments fame and expense. This way, I would best flaunt my wealth to my fellow acquaintances. This is why the wealthy visit and patronise stores."
Hitoshi got a better understanding but saw not much of an alternative yet. So he continued to listen to her advice carefully.
"In the case of the lower incomed and class, simply finding a place to fill one's stomach or have value for money is a welcoming place. But of course, if it tastes good I would not mind spending a little more when I have the chance to or sharing amongst my companions."
Hitoshi realised she had a very clear grip on the desires and needs of the people as a whole in a community or in her case a tribe. She was definitely leadership material.
"Grades…." She murmured at first as she was developing her own response.
"What?"
"Different grades of foods and drinks which you may serve. Some cheap enough for a worker's daily wage to fill his stomach, while some so extravagant it was a waste of money, but would still impress clients with its presentation and level of service offered with its choice."
Hitoshi had one type of analogy for it, although it wouldn't be applied to cuisine served in a restaurant to serve different levels of cuisine. It was called food grading, like beef quality grades or wine. This was something not even done on the other side of the Gate.
"Will that really be enough? I just can't see them tolerating one another seating two paces from each other."
"Not in the rational sense, you will not. In fact, your business would be dubious in the eyes of the public at first. But soon, there will be patrons adventurous enough to go and eventually the crowd would follow."
"Why do you say that?" Hitoshi asked to which Tyuule smiled as she felt reliable for once to someone.
"Because you will have given them a reasonable place to rendezvous."
That's right. The Nobles and the wealthy didn't only talk amongst themselves, they also conversed with tradesmen and discussed business contracts. A place where they could freely converse without breaking the social ethics. Perhaps even in the wildest of sense, forbidden lovers separated by their lineage having a secret meeting here.
Hitoshi realised he was looking at the picture rather one dimensionally, why didn't he bring this up sooner with someone like Teresa? Perhaps he was looking down on their abilities too much or relying too much on himself. Either way, it was incredibly prideful and narrow of him.
"What do you think, Furuta?" Tyuule had been so absorbed in crafting up a suitable means for the establishment that she only just noticed Hitoshi in a dazed expression. He recovered quickly and looked to his unexpected benefactor.
"I-….. Don't know how to thank you…. Miss."
Seeing his utterly confused expression mixed with a show of humbleness broke down her own prideful exterior.
"Uh-…Mn. It was not that big a deal….. I suppose, if you are really sure-.." She began fiddling with her fingers.
"… Tyuule…." He could only hear her softly murmur her own name.
"Yes?"
"I said, Tyuule…. I would not mind you calling me that from now on. Is that a no?" If he had been in his normal composure he would have found it suspicious. But he was not.
Instead he bore witness to a beauty who gave a shy but cute response hoping for a reply. He knew he played and watched too many galges with his old roommate that it was infecting his mind with the power of 2D realities and "gap-moe" emulators.
"No…. Not no-.. I mean-… If it's alright….. Tyuule?"
Tyuule smiled brightly in a way she hadn't before and got up eagerly as if the whole day was worth this one favour granted and had satisfied her enough.
"It was a good day today, Furuta."
Tyuule approached the door ready to leave.
"Um-."
His voice leaked from his mouth, and it make her turn around expecting to hear something from him. Even though he didn't intend to say anything at first.
"If you'd like, I'll walk with you back to the palace." Now it was Tyuule's turn to be surprised that even her ears stiffened straight.
But instead of politely refusing him, she just accepted with a nod.
Hitoshi quickly packed his belongings and went down with her to the lobby where he informed Teresa and the Kalbu Siblings of his return to work. They said their goodbyes till next time in two days when he was a bit freer. Teresa didn't say a word however. She only nodded when he said he was leaving, then gazed at him with a very weird but bashful expression. This old woman had to lay off the shrooms in her backyard because even he knew they weren't herbs as she claimed they were, not in the medicinal sense that is.
At first, they walked side by side quietly down the street towards the palace, then halfway through she re-entered the topic about the future Restaurant of Hitoshi. Hitoshi dutifully explained further, however half of his mind was preoccupied with something else. His thoughts on their departure.
Why did he say that? Was it because there were always people looming in the streets who would snatch a pretty girl at this time of evening especially around these streets and he did that out of concern? She would have been the last person he offered that sort of gentlemen's compliment to. His own responses were confusing the hell out of him, yet he wanted to let it go with the flow.
That wasn't all. Every time he explained something and she listened and replied, he wanted just to hear her drone on or rather… just have her lock that smile that she had in place.
Even though he knew that it was the cause of all this distress in him, he didn't want it to stop. It became such that he was forced to question himself for his actions and thoughts now and when he made his departure from her.
-Hitoshi Furuta, what the hell are you doing?-
But until then….. maybe… he would just indulge in this feeling.