To an untrainned eye, a market place is nothing more than a place filled by a large crowd exchanging goods that never go out of the ordinary. The main thing that can be found in such a place is food, while a few craftmen set up shop nearby to provide their services to passer-bys.
But a market can also be much more than that. If you know what you are looking for, it can also be an unending source of information about anything. A quick glance at the tables can tell what trade routes are opened or closed. The reactions from shopkeepers to known criminals coming past can tell which gang controls the area. The way shoppers dress is the perfect indicator of the level of wealth of the neighborhood. And there were many more things to find in the middle of the busy alleyways.
« I am going to take three of these, a handful of those and one of that red fruit over there. »
The old woman that was holding the shop nodded as she weighed the goods asked by the tall cloak-wearing man standing in front of her. Just by the way she moved and handled the products, it was clear that she had a lot of experience in what she was doing. So much so that it did not take her long to announce a price that he was quick to pay. The fruit and vegetables disappeared under the cloak and the man turned around, disappearing into the crowd.
At the corner of the alleyway, a pair of cloaks were waiting for him. While one of them was just as tall and impressive, the other was smaller and thinner. But in the crowd there was nobody to really notice them. When he joined them, they all started to move away from all the activity and into calmer streets.
« What did you buy ? » asked the small figure, her bushy tail slightly wagging under the heavy cloath.
« Some fruits and vegetables I have not identified yet. They remind me of something that I know, but I want to be sure. »
« But why, Doré ? You have all that food in small boxes. »
But it was not Doré that replied.
« Information, Wulpa. Just like everything else. »
« Fünf is right. If we ever need it, we would know what is good to eat and what is not. And on top of that I can spice up the routine a bit with those. »
The young fox looked the two in the eyes before nodding. She had understood most of it, but she still struggled with concepts like supply lines and intelligence gathering. Not like it was important for her anyway. What really mattered was that she had a roof, food several times a day and not being enslaved.
« And what are you going to prepare ? Can I taste ? »
« Hey there calm down for a second. I don't have much. And on top of that I am probably going to use most of it just to see what's in it. If I can salvage anything, maybe I'll try to make something from where I'm from. »
Her eyes started to shine with an almost childish expectation of a delicious meal to come. Both men could only smile, a sharp contrast with the buildings delapidated by the earthquake all around them. Moments of joy were rare in those difficult times.
At least The Playful Elf and the few surrounding buildings had remained relatively intact. Sure it needed a few repairs after that, but the neighbors were thankful of those that had taken over the brothel. Thanks to them, the street had become much safer and their quality of life had improved slightly. However, with the way they had closed themselves from outside contact, the only way they could thank them was by not trying to interact with them. That did not mean that everything was completely calm either.
« She needs medicine. It is very urgent ! »
As the three entered back into the main room on the ground floor, they were not really surprised to see Misery, trying to argue with whoever was the highest ranked soldier at the moment. And it seemed that this time, she was lucky enough to land on Sergei himself.
« I'm sorry, Misery, but we are not a non-profit for prostitutes. I am not giving anything to anyone. I don't want any of my resources out in the wild. »
« Please… I beg you. »
« Listen. As much as we would all like to think we are some kind of knights here to save everybody, we are not. This is an active military operation, and I don't have anything to spare. »
Misery stayed silent in the middle of the operators that were trying to relax on their down time. They all had strong opinions on the matter, but none spoke up as it was not their job to take those decisions.
« Is that what we all get then ? Is that what we get for bringing you all that information on all the criminal organizations in this district ? »
« And have you forgotten that we found a way to give a few of you a safe roof ? We're doing our best here, but I am sure some of my boys would enjoy having a bit more room. »
The winged woman sighed, shaking her head from side to side. She was still standing her ground, but he had a point.
« Fine… You will not do anything, and I will not be able to change your stance. But if ever, one day, the opportunity to act presents itself, you should take it. People in Meridianna can remember things for a long time. Might be useful if one day the guards of the city finally come around to raiding this district. »
She clearly did not want a reply as she immediately turned around to face the exit. However, she still took the time to give a smile to Wulpa as she passed in front of her. The girl could not really smile back as the angel closed the door behind her.
« Doré, Fünf. Report. »
From the tone of his voice, it was very clear that Sergei was not very happy about the situation. But he could not take any other decision. He could just carry on.
« Situation around the market place has calmed down quite a bit, replied Fünf as he took off his cloak. All the groups have reduced the numbers of thugs they have deployed in the area. Their equipment is still the same however. »
« Would not be surprising to see them jumping at each other's throats the moment one of them fucks something up. » added Doré.
« And Bessara's assets ? »
« Nothing there as well. Seems like they are still too scared of us to try and take it. It has been months though. Might be preparing something. »
« And you, Wulpa, have you noticed anything strange or out of the ordinary ? »
Being a lot more used to the life in Meridiana than any of the operators of Fantôme, the main reason she tagged alone in patrol was to detect the more subtle differences.
« No, sir. Just sometimes, I hear this sound faintly to the north. It is the same sound as your flying machines, but as if it was coming from the other side of the city. »
« I see. Thanks Wulpa. You can go now. »
The young girl gave a nod before going up the stairs, leaving the operators between themselves.
« They are still moving supplies to the Jade Palace ? How long have they been doing it ? » asked Fünf, finally taking off his light plate carrier.
« Well, replied Doré, they are literally transforming an old palace into a functioning embassy. Couldn't really expect anything else. »
« They could at least think about us and send some stuff our way. »
« Ah, that's a good one. »
But Doré's laughter was quickly interrupted by Sergei quickly clapping to get the attention of all the operators in the room.
« Alright guys, listen up, he started in French without fear of any outside ears eavesdropping. We have received an update from the Jade Palace and the Princess. As you already know, Crown Prince Zorzal is one of the top Saderan VIPs and we have suspicions of him having capabilities to send operatives to Alnus. All the intel we have managed to gather on him so far have not led us anywhere. But we might have a great opportunity. He has launched a job offer for a new personal cook for the kitchen of his personal palace. »
The operators started to share looks between themselves.
« Wait are we really going to do this ? » asked Soul who has just woken up from a short nap after his previous patrol.
« Not "we" per say, replied the commanding officer. I am looking for a volunteer that knows a bit about cooking and who is willing to do this. »
Again, most did not actually know how to react at such a briefing. Sure, they all understood what the point of this mission was and how important was the information they could gather that way, but it still brought up some questions by the operators.
« Why aren't they sending a DGSE guy ? We aren't trained for this. »
« We are too short on time on this one. I doubt that they have an agent ready for this kind of operation. And even then, by the time we get him here, the window might already be closed. I know that none of us are spies or anything, but we have no choice. One of us will have to go there and cook for that motherfucker to gather as much intelligence as we need. And I need a volunteer. »
Silence.
Their mission had always been to observe from afar to collect all the information needed to strike. But here, they were asked to do the exact opposite. They might have been members of the Special Forces, but their inherent capability to adapt might have reached its limit with this operation.
« I'll do it. »
Suddenly, Doré stood up from the crowd.
« Are you sure about it ? This is no simple mission. »
« I am completely sure, sir. I'm probably the only one here that knows anything about the local cuisine, and I'm among those that the Prince has not seen during the shootout back there. »
Some in the crowd nodded in agreement while others shared looks of relief. Sure, they had no problem with doing the support work outside, but they were just glad they did not have to actually do the it themselves.
« Very well then. I'll send it back up to Thunderhead to see if we can get more info on this. But from what they have already told me, you have a few days to prepare yourself before showing up to his front door and asking the guards about the position. After that, it will all be about getting as much data out of there before you get spotted. Understood ? »
« I understand, sir. »
« Good. Now… Let's get cooking. »
Alnus Village, La Halebarde Noire, February 27th 2017, 2000 hours AT
It was not really a surprise that at the moment they all sat down at a table, a large group formed all around them.
« Miss Lalena, we were so worried ! »
« Your Holiness ! Why are you wearing bandages ! »
« Is it true you fought a dragon ? »
Of course, it is the kind of activity you do not want when you are trying to run a tavern. Employees tried to clear off the crowd by asking nicely, but it is difficult to argue against crowd mentality. It had to come to threats of closing the tavern for the mob to finally clear. It seemed that drinks were more valuable than tales after all.
« I am so sorry about this, Sir Moreau. We are doing all that we can do to prevent other clients from bothering you. »
It was one of the barmaid, a young human woman they had already seen from time to time working at the tavern. However, it felt like something was missing.
Or rather someone.
« Where is Delilah ? It's usually her shift by this time of day, no ? » asked Muhamad as he looked around the entire room.
At first, the bartender did not reply. She was searching for her words, as if she was trying to announce a tragedy.
« Well… Huh… Delilah is not here tonight. And she will not be for what I fear will be a long time. She… How do I say it ? She has been… arrested. »
« I'm sorry, what ? »
Again, the employee had trouble answering the question.
« I do not know, Sir. A few nights ago, she apparently did something very bad at the hospital and they apparently had to summon soldiers dressed in black from the other side of the Holy Gate. »
The group shared dumbfounded looks in between themselves.
« They had to bring in counter-terrorism ? What the actual hell happened ? »
« I do not know. There are only rumors… Some people say that she attacked someone at this hospital, other say that she locked herself in a room with a prisoner… It is incredibly hard to tell the truth… »
« Well damn. You go out of town for a few days to kill a dragon and then some wacky shit happens. »
« Yeah. Can we get some beers to think about something else? »
The employee nodded before returning behind the counter, preparing the pints and the drinks for the entire group. And when she finally came back to deliver the first batch out of the dozen glasses, the atmosphere had barely improved. A strange feeling of shock and surprise was floating in the air, but it was not something a bit of alcohol could not fix.
« Rory, are you really sure your are in a state to drink ? I don't know if the doctor would recommend it. »
This comment of pure good faith came from Tuka, still waiting for her drink while the apostle was already holding one in her hand.
« That doctor knows nothing about the inner workings of my body. I can drink all I want now and I will not restrain myself. »
« However, the treatments and medication he gave you did accelerate your regeneration. If I remember the story correctly, the apostle of Zufumut had to wait an entire week to recover from the loss of just one limb. »
Lelei's unsolicited comment made some of the soldiers chuckle as Rory turned her now angry look towards the mage.
« How do you dare disrespect a direct messenger of one of the most important god of this land. »
« Oh I am not disrespecting you, Your Holiness. However, it is clear that you are not the apostle of the god of medicine. »
That reply was so unexpected that it left everyone completely silent or chuckling. And Rory herself could not believe her own ears. And even if she had really said that, she was more impressed than angry at this point.
« Well I am sure you did not learn to speak that way with Kato. »
« Books and teachers are not the only sources of knowledge. My experience with this group has allowed me to learn things I would have never found otherwise. It widened my view of the world. »
Some soldiers laughed.
« Shit… Looks like we're bad influence now ! »
The laughter was quickly replaced with cheers as the rest of the beers arrived on the table. They were quickly distributed to everyone still without one before drinking really started. Quickly, small talk started between groups of two or three as the mood lightened up.
« So does anyone know what's going to happened with the Dark Elves ? » asked Marc who had already downed a good quarter of his pint.
« I don't know, replied the Lieutenant. Didn't get a briefing on that one. But there aren't that many solutions anyway. Either we send them stuff to help them rebuild, or we bring them all back here. Don't really know what's going to happen. »
« Too bad the situation sucked so much for them. They pray to a god that then decides to completely shit on them just to try to fuck with us. Like they're getting caught in the crossfire, but in a worse way than usual. See what I mean ? »
Anthony nodded.
« Yeah, I understand. That kind of stories never ends well, does it ? By the way, Rory, it reminds me. What happened with Giselle ? You know where she went ? »
The apostle sighed, as if she did not want to think about the blue winged reptile.
« Knowing her, she fled to hide in a corner to heal her wounds before flying back to Belnargo to report everything to Hardy. She might be the better fighter in a direct confrontation, but she is still young. All this will serve as a reminder that we, as Apostles, are not all powerful despite what she would like to believe. »
« Where does she comes from anyway ? And what was going on with the whole "sister" thing ? »
This time, it was her that chuckled.
« I do not know much about her past. In fact, nobody but Hardy herself knows anything about her past. Of course, she spent years in her temple, but apart from that, there is nothing. And calling each other "brother" and "sister" is part of the tradition between apostles. Some say it comes from how the first apostles were all siblings, but those are just oral legends, origins of which have been lost to time. »
« Then I guess nobody but you knows about your own past either, am I right ? »
Marc's question immediately attracted a worried look from Anthony. That was probably not a good topic to bring up with her. And even if she was still covered in bandages, there was no doubt she would be able to easily throw a quick punch at anyone around the table.
But instead, she continued to drink.
« Despite my status as a demi-goddess, she finally continued, my memory is not without its limits. I have sadly forgotten where I came from, who were the person I knew and even what were the first tasks I accomplished in the name of my lord. »
« Like you have no idea at all ? Man, that sure sucks… »
« I appreciate the compassion, but this is not something that I wish to discover. So much time has passed that it would be of no use. I would rather keep a memory of companions that have followed me. »
« And are you going to keep a memory of us ? »
She laughed.
« Oh but you might probably outlive me. The most relevant question is whether you will keep a good memory of me after I ascend. After all, I am going to need some followers to start my own cult. »
The wide opened stares she got in reply only made her laugh even harder.
« What are you ever going to become the goddess of ? Like genuine question, do you get to choose what you want or something ? »
« Ah ! You see you can ask interesting questions when you want to, Marc. Well I have two solutions. Either I select a field that is considered minor within all those currently held by my master, or I select one that does not have anyone representing it. »
« So what are you going to choose then ? »
But she did not answer. In fact, she lowered her head back into her drink, like she was a bit too embarrassed to reply to the corporal. While some saw it as a sign that it was not wise to go further, it only rose the curiosity of others.
« Do you have a first idea ? » launched Frederico, who had already finished his own beer.
« I… Uh… Love. There is no god of love currently. »
Silence.
A very awkward silence.
« Love ? »
« Yes... »
« I don't really know if I should ask why... »
« I… I spent my whole life in the heart of death. So much that witnessing scenes of love when soldiers return home to their families always moved something deep within me. After a millennium spent in the middle of blood, maybe this is the most logical way for me to advance. »
As she spoke, it felt like she was gaining confidence with every word leaving her mouth. The only reactions were a few respectful nods that reinforced her into the idea that she should not be ashamed of her decision.
« Well we all assumed love was one of the first concepts to get a divinity. »
« I always wondered that as well. But it is how things are. Most of the time, people with problems of heart end up praying to one god or the other, but they do not have any idea how to handle things. Escpecially when the Apostles are around. »
« I mean I could see myself as a guru of goddess of Love. » laughed Daniella after downing what remained of her ale.
« Wait a second, then interrupted Johann. If you become a divinity, does that mean you will have to pick an apostle ? »
« Well, I do not have to per say. But it is common knowledge among theologists and the like that having someone on the ground is the better way to secure your interest in a matter. »
« Have you chosen someone ? »
« Calm down. This matter is far from being the most urgent of affairs. In fact, I believe you should probably focus more on whatever task your officers will order you to accomplish next. »
The remark brought everyone back on the ground.
« Oh please... Can't we get some rest ? »
Muhammad's moan reflected a sentiment shared by many of the soldiers who groaned and nodded.
« Look, intervened Anthony to settle his team down, I have not been briefed on our next mission yet. So we probably still have a few days of calm before going back somewhere. And I am not going to lie, but the whole expedition did not really happen on paper. So, if I have to make a guess, we are probably going to return to the Jade Palace pretty soon. »
« Well at least we're going to stay in one place and not have to walk around with all that weight on our backs... »
But the Lieutenant shook his head.
« Seeing how everything fucked up last time and the whole peace talk thing, I doubt things will be very calm. »
« Halt ! Who goes there ? »
The morning was cold on the side of hills of the capital. As the sun slowly lifted itself from behind the horizon, light progressively started to creep up the large avenues and the small alleyways, warming the air in its path. But the guards who had already spent the entire night standing still had heavy coats on their shoulders, making them larger and more intimidating than what they actually were.
Near the gate of the south palace, the pair that protected the large door were surprised to see a similar shape slowly walking towards them. It was the only figure in the wide street that crossed the large park that surrounded the hill of imperial palaces.
It seemed to ignore calls from the guards until it stopped only a few feet from them. The men at arms could not see the face of what was most probably a tall man, hidden under a thick hood.
« What is your business in the palace ? » asked the older and more experienced guard with a deep and powerful voice.
« It has come to my hear that those living within this palace were looking for a new cook. I am here to apply for the position. »
The man had replied with a strange accent, unknown to both pairs of ears. The youngest of the two guards looked at his partner, a bit confused, looking for a confirmation of something he had not heard about before. His superior seemed more suspicious than anything else.
« A cook, heh ? Let me see your face first. »
Without any question, the man complied. Without any sudden movement, he rose up his two arms and took the hood off, revealing his face to both guards. And, well, it would be a lie to say that they were not surprised a bit. It was not commonplace to see men with skin this dark in the capital, and even less so outside of diplomatic delegations.
« What do we do, sir ? Should we tell the Commander ? » whispered the young guard.
« Yeah, you are right. Go tell him. I keep him here. »
« Understood, sir. »
He saluted before turning towards the palace and quickly making its way toward it. Behind him, he left the older guard and the visitor, alone in the cold. For very long minutes, both stood their ground, looking each other in the eyes. But while one was trying to understand who this mysterious man really was, the other was just standing without moving, showing that he would not give up on his efforts.
« Do you have anything under your cloak that I should know of ? »
« Nothing but a few elements necessary for the practice of my craft. Cutlery, some recipes, some spices as well. »
« Yes… I see, I see… »
After this short interruption, the stare contest resumed. The guard was not sure of where he could come from. While his skin was more akin to the people living in the southernmost regions known to man, his accent was not telling the same thing. In fact, he had not really heard this kind of accent before. He wanted to know more, but that was not his duty. His work was to see if people could be let in the palace and if they were carrying dangerous objects. And to accomplish this mission, the only thing he could do was to keep this man in check until someone in the know could arrive.
They stayed like this for another set of long minutes. Long enough to give a chance for the sun to peek from above the trees, creating long shadows on the paved ground. The glow was starting to beat down on them, heating their bodies hidden under their heavy coats.
The status quo was only broken when footsteps drew closer, coming from the palace itself. When they were close enough, the guard turned around to see who was coming and salute them. While seeing his young partner was not a surprise, he had expected him to be accompanied by the Commander of the guard or another important official. But here, it was not one of those persons. Rather, one of the Prince's personal slaves was closely following the young man at arms.
And for a slave, she was very well dressed. She had a coat of her own that would have fitted the richest of aristocrats with its embroidered patterns and gemstones, all the while keeping it extremely apparent that she was indeed a Warrior Bunny. No attempt had been made to hide the white fur and the long ears that were growing from the top of her head.
Oh, he knew exactly who she was and where she came from. Everybody remotely linked to the palace of the Crown Prince had heard the story one way or the other. And having managed to get the queen of one of the most martial races as your slave was an important mark of prestige.
« Is this the man you were talking about ? » she asked with a tone that really showed her authority.
« Yes, Madam, the young guard replied. He came and asked about the position of cook. »
Silently, she stepped in front of the unknown visitor. She started to examinate him with her look, judging every single detail she could find.
« Come with me. » she finally said before turning around and walking back towards the palace. But the guard had something to say.
« But Madam, he has not been searched. »
« It is no problem. He is going to stay with me, and I will keep an eye on him. »
Her voice was not reflecting any anger or negative feelings towards the guard, while some other would have have yelled and punished him for daring disputing their authority. Yet, her expression was still one of undisputable authority.
Silently, the visitor cooperated and followed the bunny woman all the way towards the large front doors. There was another set of guards in faction there, and they immediately opened the wooden panels when they approached, allowing access to the main hall. This room, and overall this entire palace, was far from being as gigantic as the one that stood higher on the hill, but it was not really trying to. The palace of the Crown Prince had not been designed to be the political center of an entire empire, but rather a luxurious home for living and parties.
Without any word, she led him out of the hall and into sets of corridors. The luxurious feel quickly started to fade away until it was clear that they were in the are dedicated to servants and people serving the Prince. And it was finally at this moment that she finally spoke, but without turning her head.
« I was not expecting someone to answer this call so quickly. »
« Information travels more quickly than you might think, Madam. »
It was the first time she heard her voice, and there was so much information to get from those few words. His accent was indeed strange, as described by the guard that had come to tell her of his arrival. It was not something she could recognize just like this. However, what was very clear to her was that he had already understood he would be below her in the pyramid and that he spoke with the respect that came along with it.
« What is your name, cook ? »
« You can call me Doray, Madam. At your service. »
« Well, Doray, you will not be at my service. In fact, now you are not to anyone's service just yet. You will first have to be evaluated to see if you are worthy of such a task. »
« I understand, Madam. »
« Very well. Here are the kitchens. For now, the Prince is not within his Palace, so you will not prepare anything for him. However, I know his tastes. You are now tasked with preparing something that should be able to contempt his morning hunger. »
Doray nodded as she opened the door. The kitchen was objectively a large room, but it felt small and crowded. Out of the entire space, only a small portion of it was actually free for people to walk and stand. Large tables, used as workspaces, were taking most of the space and firepits occupied the entire back wall. Of course, there was also a small door, on the opposite of the entrance, that gave access to the various reserves and stocks.
« And how much time do I have to do the task you have asked of me ? »
« For now, as you are not familiarized with this particular kitchen and the ingredients, I will allow you to take all of your time, within reason. There will be guards patrolling the corridors all day. Tell one to come to me when you will be done. »
She started to walk away back towards the hall but Doray still had something to say.
« If I dare say so, I do not like working for someone whose name is unknown to me. So, Madam, is it possible for me to know your name ? »
It stopped her right in her tracks. He was still respectful, but he was still able to step out of the rank. It was an interesting development. So, she decided to reply.
« My name is Tyuule. And I hope you will not disappoint. »
« Fantôme Actual, Fantôme Three. Two is in. I repeat, Two is in. »
« Copy that. Was he searched at entry ? »
« Negative. He entered the target with all his gear. »
« Understood. Keep an eye out for any signal. Fantôme Actual out. »
Two shadows were lying low on a far away roof top, obversing their partner with great interest.
« You think he is actually going to pull it off ? »
« I don't know. Guess he will not last very long. Just have to hope he is going to stay there long enough to actually get any intel out of there. »
The two operators had been there for several hours, carefuly observing everything they could about the palace. But, in the night, there was nothing but a few sets of windows lit up by candles, nobody entering nor leaving.
But suddenly, something struck one of them.
« Shit... That woman... »
« What ? »
« She was at the shootout. She is one of his personal slaves. »
« Well damn. She got one hell of an upgrade. »
« Yeah I guess that is what you get for jumping in front of rifles to defend someone. »
« That is pretty weird. We should probably report it. I have a bad feeling about this. »
There was a light tap on the door of the Prince's work room. He was not there, but the room was not empty. Tyuule used this down time to work on the small matters, the everyday paperwork needed to properly handle all the resources needed for this entire palace to live. She was sitting at a small desk, in the far away corner of the room. Far from her was the idea of sitting in one of the chairs that surrounded the large table dedicated to the Prince's own meetings.
« Yes, she simply stated without moving her look from her work. You can come in. »
With her large ea rs, she easily heard the light sound of the door joints rotating as someone opened the panel. After that, there was the distinct set of metallic noises of a set of armor. And then finally, a voice.
« Madam, the cook says that he has finished. »
The surprise made her stop her activity to turn her head toward the guard.
« This early ? Are you sure he did not ask to bring me another message instead ? »
« I am certain, Madam. He said that he has finished and that you should come to the kitchens. »
Slowly, she put down her quill and her parchement and stood up.
Without any aditional word, she left the room and went down all the various corridors of the palace that lead to the kitchen. Even without anything coming close to her mouth, he was already going well over her own expectations, which only added to the mystery. When she had sent the horse rider carrying her message, it was true that she had expected strange characters to arrive. But at that moment, he was already defying her first expectation and impression. And as she made her way towards the door of the kitchen, she wondered if it was a good or a bad thing. But in the last few meters, she picked up something else. Something that sparked her curiosity even more.
The smell.
A smell that she had never encountered before. It was with a strange eagerness that she opened the door, just like a child being attracted by sweets and candy.
« Fantastic, Madam Tyuule. You have arrived just in time. Everything just finished cooking and is ready to be served. »
She did not recognize the kitchen that she had left earlier. The workspaces had been cleaned of most of the useless objects that had still been lying there before being covered again by what had been used for this cooking trial. And she did not recognize him either. He had dropped his heavy winter cloak, showing his bulky nature. He was standing in front of the firepits, one of them still ablaze. He quickly turned around, carrying in his hand a tray containing several pieces of what looked like bread. And his skin, slightly wet from a few drops of sweat, shined with the light of the flames, giving his smile an aura that struck her.
« I understand that you have completed your task. »
« Indeed. Please, seat down. Everything is ready. »
Near the table, there was a lone stool, as if it was waiting for her. In front of her, food and drinks were already laid out in small plates and cups. But the plate of bread he carried was put in a central position. Identifying everything was almost impossible, her senses overloaded with alien smells and sights.
« What is all of this ? » she asked, a bit dumbfounded.
« Only what you have asked of me, Madam Tyuule. What you see before you should be enough to contempt the hunger that follows the sleep of the Prince. »
« And what should I start with ? »
« There is no order, Madam Tyuule. You can enjoy the taste of the food and the feeling of contempting your hunger in any order you find to your liking. »
« I... I see... I will try the bread. »
Taking a piece of bread from the tray should have been easy enough. But she was unsure of what she was extending her hand towards. She could not even feel her own hand slightly shaking.
What she felt, however, was the hot crust slightly cracking under her fingers. When she brought it to her mouth, the sweet smell grew more and more in her nose to the point of it being almost dizzying. And it was only at that moment that she dug her teeth in the dough. There was not much she could do at that point to turn things around as the sweet taste filled her mind. It was a new experience, and an excellent one on top of it.
« I am glad that you are enjoying it, Madam Tyuule. »
His word violently brought her back down. She had shown her feelings, and he had seen them.
« Y... Yes... This is good, she faltered with embarrasment. What... What is it ? I have never tasted this before. »
« I call it Macatia. A sweet bread made from the normal ingridients as well as sugar, making it perfect for moments when one needs a treat, like in the morning. »
He then went on to present everything that he had prepared. The way he spoke, even if his words were not complicate, made it very clear that he perfectly knew the subject he was talking about. But there was something else in there that made him very different from all the cooks that had worked in that kitchen in the past.
Genuine passion.
Everyone was looking for prestige and riches in this world. All the positions available in any of the Imperial palaces were highly sought after by people wanting to improve their own position by trying as hard as possible to please the people in power. Doing things by heart was de facto banned by fear of it not being good enough.
But did he care ? Apparently no. He was just there, explaining his work like a teacher, almost like he wanted her to try and make the same. And she listened carefully, enjoying every of the various plates he had made. Fruit, vegetables, patisserie, meat… He had done everything. And now she just had to ask him questions.
« Doray… »
« Yes, Madam Tyuule ? »
« Where are you from ? »
« I… I come from an island. An island far away in the south. It would be hard to give its exact location, as I have spent so much time travelling from island to island and from boat to boat, doing my art to survive and keep on travelling. »
« So you are a travelling man ? »
« Yes, one could say that. Going from one town to another is something that I still find enjoyable even after all these years. You would be surprised the differences between the life of people separated by just a single day on horseback. But when I arrive in a city on the scale of this capital, I try to settle down to really experience everything. »
« And this is the reason you have come here today… »
« Indeed. »
« But why come to the service of the Crown Prince ? Are they not dozens of safer opportunities for you in this city ? »
He stopped for a second to think about his answer.
« Maybe... Maybe it is for the challenge. Putting myself in such a situation where I have access to the best of supplies, but also have the greatest pressure might allow me to better my craft even more. »
« Maybe ? Are you not sure of what you want ? »
« Nobody is sure of their future. I let things come at me first. Anyway, now, if I dare, I feel like it should be my turn to ask a question. »
Maybe he deserved it. With all the good things he had made her eat, a reward was probably fitting.
« Then go ahead. »
« I have summed up my past because you think I stand out from people usually standing in my place. But you, Madam Tyuule, you are a Warrior Bunny standing as a well dressed counselor to the Imperial Crown Prince, a man known for his hatred of other races. Is a summary of your past something that you can give me ? Or am I stepping out of the line too much ? »
She did not really expect such an interrogation. But in retrospect, she probably should have. Silently, she thought of what she could reply. She should not be too harsh, which would drive him and his mastery away, but she should not be too soft to not give any impression of weakness.
« My past is something that I wish to keep to myself. You will hear many stories from small talk all over this city. You will hear tales of shameful actions. Most, if not all, are completely false. »
Bringing up her past, even in such a manner that kept all importants details to herself, was a painful endeavor. And at this moment, she was expecting more questions, asking for details she honestly did not want to talk about.
« I understand. Thank you for your reply. »
But instead, he simply nodded. His words were calm and full of respect.
And so, for long seconds, they remained silent. One in front of the other, nobody moving, nobody saying a word. In a way, she wished she had more questions she could ask him without it being too much for a first interview.
« Anyway, Doray finally said to start things back up. Did I pass, Madam Tyuule ? »
She found herself a bit dumbfounded, struggling a bit to find her words.
« Well… Huh… Yes ! I mean, now you will cook directly for the Crown Prince. His tastes should be satisfied with your cooking. But for now, I must lead you to your quarters. You should also be able to meet the rest of the kitchen workers and prepare your first shift for tonight as the Prince will return this evening. »
« Understood. Knowing that my work will be appreciated by such a person fills my heart with joy. »
« Then come with me. »
She stood up from her stool and walked back through the door, waiting for him in the corridor as he gathered back his belongings. He then followed her through another short set of corridors and stairs to where all the servants lived. Those were far from being the most prestigious living quarters in the entire palace, but most that worked here did not care as they still had a roof, a bed and meals.
She finally stopped in front of another door and knocked. On the other side, she could hear the steps of someone coming to open. And, quickly enough, the door was lightly opened by a young man that simply poked his head through the gap.
« Yes... Oh, Madam Tyuule ! Do you need something ? »
Tyuule recognized the face as being one of the assitants of the cook., even though she had never bothered to learn their names.
« No. I have come to introduce you to the next cook of this palace. »
The look of the young man shifted from the Prince's assistant to the tall man standing behind her.
« I am very much looking forward to meet all the people that I will work with. » he said, slightly bowing in respect.
The man seemed surprised as he opened the door wide open.
« Oh... This early ? Well... Huh... Enter if you want. Most of us have taken the day off and are out in the city, but there are still a few here. »
« Well, of course. »
As Doray stepped inside, Tyuule remained in place.
« Well this is where I must leave you. I have other matters to attend. Be ready for tonight's dinner. »
The two cooks bowed before she walked away, leaving them to their introduction. It was only when she was completely out of hear shot that she let out a word to herself.
« What a strange man to send as a spy. »
Hello and thanks for reading the thirty-second chapter of Gate : Opération Marteau de Justice.
If last time out things got concluded, we're kicking some things started now. This is the buildup towards the arc linked with the Jade Palace, but I cannot tell much more as it would ruin the surprise of what will or will not change. The only thing that I will say is that original ideas will definitively happen.
Not much else to say, really. Things are going smoothly on my end, classes come and go without much trouble and I keep on writing.
Anyway, thanks a lot again for reading and I will see you in the next one.