Chapter 19:
Doppolia: A New Magical World
Saki and Marina held the double doors open for us to enter. As we took our first steps inside the dining hall, the aroma grew stronger.
For a massive room similar to a school cafeteria, there was only one long wooden table at the center. The table was long enough to hold 22 wooden chairs on each side, with two at each end. The seating’s backrest stretched out longer than my standing height.
A crimson carpet covered the flooring, complementing the white walls and large columns placed around the empty space. Staff members entered and exited through a different door that led to the kitchen.
The chair furthest away from the entrance was larger than the rest, as if it were a throne. It stood out more since it was made of gold, signifying its importance. Who’s sitting on that throne?
As we gazed at the fancy room, Kaido headed towards the table. “Please take a seat,” he encouraged. We kindly took up his offer and headed to the table.
We agreed to sit at the end of the table, near the entrance. The table had a red cloth stretched from each end, with small candles lit on top. There were empty glasses, golden utensils, and double-stacked white plates prepared in front of each seat.
Prince Kaito took his seat on my side, but on opposing ends, near the golden throne. His little sister pulled up a seat right next to him, invading his personal space.
“You guys should sit closer,” Kaito gestured for us to sit closer to him, but we sadly refused. We left a considerable distance between us and the royal family as a sign of respect. At least… that’s what I saw in some manga.
Kiriko’s and Kaito’s servants stood near the wall behind them. Kaito turned his head to Gralan and called him over. “Gralan, any word of Endo?”
Gralan lowered his head, placing his hand on his stomach. “I’m afraid King Endo will arrive late for dinner. He gave his condolences and said you are allowed to start without him.”
“Oh… I see.” His eyes lowered. Though he tried to hide it, I could hear the sadness in his voice.
Princess Kiriko sensed her brother’s disappointment. “Big brother is probably just busy working on his swordsmanship again,” she claimed, in a cheerful tone. “Ever since the Demon King took mom’s and dad’s lives, he’s constantly practicing his skills to avenge them.”
“Forgot about him. He’ll come later. More importantly, you must be hungry from your sightseeing. Let’s start eating!”
The working staff overheard Kiriko’s order and brought the freshly made food into the dining hall. One by one, they displayed each dish on the table.
Amada’s and our jaws dropped to the ground. Our mouths salivated at the quality of the food placed in front of us. Wagyu Steak. Sushi with exotic fish. Caviar. Whole roasted turkeys. Bird’s nest soup. A mountain of white rice.
“Have you guys ever seen something so delicious?” I asked, struggling to hold my hunger.
Amada responded while constantly sucking her saliva back into her mouth. “No… but I can’t… wait to enjoy this!”
Soon after the last dish was served, all six of us gazed at the beautiful display of food for a moment. We then gave our thanks to God before it was time to eat.
Kaito advised us, “Since you are the guests of honor, please, grab your plates first.”
“No, it’s alright. I believe royalty should eat first.” I countered him. Personally, I felt that eating first would be disrespectful to the host. That’s how I was taught back home.
Neither one of us wanted to have the first meal. We went back and forth, encouraging the other to dig in first, for a while.
However, everyone else at the table ignored us and feasted on the food.
“What are you doing, Takumi?” Amada said while stuffing her mouth with rice. “You should listen to the prince and start eating.”
Kiriko added on to what Amada said with her mouth full. “Yeah, brother… you’re royalty. You shouldn’t wait for your guests.”
Kaito and I awkwardly gave each other embarrassed glances. Soon after, we laughed at each other and then joined the others.
…
I grabbed every sample of food that would fit on my plate. My eyes fluttered with happiness as I tasted the food. The quality definitely tasted fresh. I could tell they hired chefs who made the food with love and passion.
Princess Kiriko insisted on serving her brother. Hinabe ate like her life depended on it. This was the longest time I had seen her awake.
Amada and I constantly fought for the last portions of a dish, playing tug-of-war with the plates.
Neither one of us gave in. We fought for the last steak. “I grabbed it first!”
“No, I did!” Amada admitted.
Although I won the savory piece of steak, I panicked as the rice was running out. We both reached for the rice. Unfortunately, my hand slipped. My life flashed before my very eyes as Amada swiped it away. “Hey, give that back!”
As we fought for the food, Anojin eventually stepped in as we fought for some lamb chops. “Let go of the food, you fraud!”
“Shut up, dumbass!” I retaliated, not giving up on the lamb chops.
With the royal siblings eating in peace, our side was more hectic. Manners flew out of the window once we got comfortable. However, everyone at the table enjoyed eating their meals. When one of the meals ran out, the staff quickly replenished it, treating the situation as if it were an all-you-can-eat buffet.
…
After our delicious feast, we paused to let our stomachs digest. Hinabe quickly fell asleep. Amada and I leaned back on our chairs. We rubbed our inflated bellies that popped out of our shirts.
Kaito observed our reactions and kindly raised a question. “How was dinner?”
“That was so good,” I exclaimed. I had my share of food for the entire week! I could fall into a food coma at any second.
“Yeah.” Amada happily agreed. “This tasted delicious, way better than what we eat at the guild.”
“Excellent. If you’d like, how about you stay the night?”
“Brother?!” Princess Kiriko questioned her brother’s absurd invitation. She softly pulled on his arm, trying to get his attention.
We were left in shock. Even their servants stood behind them in shock. Kaito already offered us free food, and now a night in the royal mansion. This was more than just good hospitality.
Gralan broke the silence, advising Kaito to rethink his decision. “Prince Kaito. Though I am familiar with Mr. Satori, you hardly know them. Offering them dinner was one thing, but offering them a rest here is ridiculous!”
“You’ve already treated us with some wonderful food.” Amada carefully explained. “We couldn’t possibly stay here.”
Anojin slammed his hands on the table and stood up. “Yeah, we don’t want to stay here any longer! You probably want us to stay and spend some more time with Amada and Hinabe.”
Kaito nervously shook his hands. “No. That’s not my intention at all. It’s starting to get late. You guys are my guests and deserve the finest of hospitality. In addition, I still want to speak with Takumi regarding his adventures.”
Everyone looked towards my direction, awaiting my response. I felt the pressure in the room creeping up on me. Seeing how nothing could be bad, I accepted his kind offer. “Thank you for allowing us to stay here.” I slightly bowed my head to give my thanks.
“Excellent.” Prince Kaito softly murmured and let out a subtle smile. His sister sensed his happy smile. She didn’t know us. However, she quickly accepted us into her home after seeing her brother’s face.
“Mr. Satori, would you mind stepping out for a second. I want to speak with you regarding where you will be staying.”
“Alright.” Without hesitation, I stood up from my seat and followed the prince to the exit.
Princess Kiriko wanted to accompany her brother, but he forced her to remain in the room. “Sorry, Kiriko. I want to speak with him privately.”
Kaito glanced over at his bodyguards. “Don’t worry, Gralan. I’ll be back soon.”
“Very well, my prince.” Gralan looked on worried as he sent him off.
Everyone remained in the room as we closed the door behind us.
…
With only us, we stopped in front of the dining hall. “Sorry about that. I just wanted to speak with you alone.”
“Oh, that’s alright.” If he wanted to hear about my adventures, we should have done it back inside. My group could tell their sides of the stories. I felt that would be more entertaining for him. But I didn’t decide to fight the prince over something unnecessary.
Before we strolled to our rooms, Prince Kaito paused in front of the dining hall. “Alright, now that we’re alone. I have a question for you, Mr. Satori.”
I sensed no hostility in his voice. I assumed he wanted to know about Mr. Satori. However, I barely knew anything about him. If he asked me anything, I needed to think of excuses. I obliged and stood up.
His kind voice shifted into a more serious tone. “Are you from Japan?”
…
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