The Restaurant

Led by Nathan and Fyra, Felix and Velvet made their way through the gorge, finding themselves in a beautiful, lush forest. The massive, old trees covered the area in cool shadows, vines snaked across the various trunks and rocks, the chirping of birds was heard from near and far, and brooks ran throughout.

“Is this the Empire?” Velvet asked in awe.

“Yes, this is what you could call our core territory.” Nathan responded bluntly.

But as Velvet’s eyes glazed over her surroundings, something tinged at her heart. Something almost like…nostalgia…

Is this…? Deeply buried memories started bubbling up to the surface, but just before they could reveal themselves, Velvet’s reverie was awkwardly interrupted by Fyra. “Hey, Nathan! I’m tired! Can we stop at Mallow?”

“I suppose so.” Nathan turned to look at Felix and Velvet. “I assume you two are tired as well, and you’re probably hungry too, right, Felix?”

Felix was actually starving. After finishing off his rations, he had to gather his own food, mostly fish and birds. He’d kill for a real meal right now. “Yeah, I am, actually.”

“All right, we’ll stop for some food then.”

Nathan led them down a winding footpath. Parts of it were almost like a cave of trees, shrubs, and bushes.

A lot of the greenery in the world was actually quite new. Most forests were clear cut before the war, and the war itself caused untold damage to the environment. However, this forest had clearly been untouched by all of that. It was ancient, centuries old, at least, and carried with it history, and perhaps even wisdom.

The path they were on soon led to a small cottage that looked like it was being hugged by the forest. Next to the front door was a sign that said “Mallow.” Nathan confidently opened the door, revealing a small dining area.

“Is this a restaurant?” Felix asked.

“That’s right.” Nathan led them inside and sat down at a table against the wall right next to a wide window. “A charming little place, isn't it?”

Felix sat down and looked around. The atmosphere was very cozy, but small, only having six tables total, and it was currently empty except for them. The building was in great condition and had a very natural feel that almost made it seem like an extension of the forest. Its floors were beautifully finished hardwood, natural light shone in from the large windows, and the furniture was simple, but sturdy and masterfully crafted.

Felix looked over at Nathan. “You know, I wasn’t expecting there to be restaurants here.”

“Oh? Why not?”

“It’s a bit frivolous, don’t you think?”

“I suppose, but while it may be a luxury,” he smiled, “it’s a service that people enjoy and can afford.”

“You got me there.”

A large thump interrupted their conversation. They both looked over to see that Fyra had crawled up onto the table to get closer to a now taken aback Velvet.

“Come on, Fyra, have some manners.” Nathan grabbed her by the collar and plunked her down on her seat, saving Velvet.

Fyra closed her eyes, blushed, and rubbed the back of her head. “Sorry, Nathan!”

A man approached and greeted them with a smile, “It’s nice to see you again, Nathan, Fyra.” He looked over at the two guests on the other side of the table. “I don’t believe I have met you two before.”

“No, we’re new. I’m Felix.”

“And my name is Velvet.”

“I see, well, it’s good to meet you two. My name is Graham. I run this little restaurant.” He handed each of them a menu. “Take all the time you need to decide.”

“Thank you, Graham. Can you start us off with four teas, though?” Nathan asked.

“Coming right up.” Graham briskly walked off and into the kitchen.

The menu was small but had a decent selection. One thing that caught Felix’s eyes was the lack of prices. Putting down his menu, he asked, “Nathan, how exactly do you pay for your food here?”

“Oh, I’ll handle that, don’t worry. Just order whatever you want.”

Felix wasn’t really sure what to get, but there was one thing that caught his eye.

Graham quickly returned carrying four piping hot cups of tea on a tray. “Here you all go.” With expert dexterity, he quickly and precisely served each cup before once again heading off into the back.

Even though Velvet had heard Nathan order tea, she didn’t actually expect to get any. After all, it was so rare. However, whatever was before her now, it looked like tea, it smelled like tea… With hope in her voice, she asked, “Could it be? Is this real tea!?”

“You could say that.” Nathan took a sip of his own. “None of the leaves for standard blends grow in this area, but there’s a local tea brewer who managed to create a decent blend from only domestic flora. He calls it the Imperial Blend.” He took another sip. “It’s okay.”

An original blend… Velvet tentatively picked up her cup and brought it to her lips. The flavor hit her like a gust of wind. It was unlike any other tea she had ever had. The flavor was floral, and it had almost a tinge of earthiness. And the aroma was as if you were into the depths of a magic forest. She set her teacup down with a soft clink. “It’s good.”

Felix looked at her and smirked. He knew she liked it a lot.

However, while Velvet had deliberated the taste, Fyra had already chugged down most of it, an action that Nathan seemed to find amusing.

Graham returned. “Have you decided on your orders?”

With confidence, Nathan requested his order. “The usual, please.”

Felix looked over his menu one last time. “I’ll have the venison.”

“Got it.” With their orders taken, Graham once again disappeared into the back.

As Graham left, Nathan leaned over and questioned Velvet, “By the way, your name is Velvet, right? Could you by chance be one of the Gwehrtain Angels?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“I see.” He leaned back. “That changes things then. You two are more than just refugees, you’re guests of honor. After this, I’ll take you both to see Kaiser himself.”

Velvet and Felix were both taken aback by this. Of course, being welcome as “guests of honor” and meeting with the leader of the Empire should be a good thing, but being so high-profile came with all kinds of risks.

As the party waited for their food, Fyra assaulted Velvet with an endless stream of chatter and questions. Velvet was barely holding on, but Felix found it nice to see her make a friend, or more accurately for someone to make her a friend.

The food was soon brought out and served by Graham. “Please, enjoy, gentlemen.”

Nathan was given a kind of stew while Felix was presented with his venison steak. It smelled and looked delicious, reminding him of the steaks he was served back when they were in Republican custody. Picking up his fork and knife, he cut into it and took a bite.

The taste struck him like a bolt of lightning. Cooked to a beautiful medium rare, the venison was juicy and tender. The flavor was very rich, and while lightly seasoned, each spice perfectly brought out and enhanced the meat’s natural flavor.

“It’s delicious…” Were Felix’s only words.

Nathan looked up and smirked. “I’m glad you like it.”

The two soon finished off their food. Felix was thoroughly satisfied. It might’ve even been the best meal he’d ever had.

“We’d better get going. Let me pay.” Nathan reached into his jacket and pulled out several small jars, each filled with a different type of power.

Felix leaned in close to look. “Are those… spices?”

“Yeah. I’m sure they’ll cover our bill.”

“So it really is true that you don’t have money here, huh?”

“That’s right.”

“Isn’t it inconvenient, though? Having to barter for everything?”

“Of course, but giving up freedom for convenience eventually leads to neither.” He placed down each jar on the table before getting up. “Now let’s get going.”