A month quietly passed as Elyra taught her three new students the art of cooking. Predictably, there was no mastering the craft in so little time, even with their enhanced stats, so Bastion abandoned the idea of waiting years before opening the restaurant. Instead, they would continue learning through hands-on experience once the business was running.
Their training therefore focused on the fundamentals. They learned every dish on the menu from its ingredients and preparation to its presentation, observed Elyra's cooking firsthand, received the Cook and Clean skills, sampled every variation of each dish, and practiced the etiquette expected when serving customers. They also spent time at Kit's Sweet Paw Pantry waiting tables, where their exceptional Dexterity allowed them to adapt to the role remarkably quickly.
By the end of the month, they could already keep pace with Elyra in the kitchen despite their lack of experience. While they were still far from accomplished chefs, they had become competent enough to serve customers while continuing to refine their craft.
With that, Bastion finally opened the restaurant. Elyra took charge of the kitchen while Selyn and the panthers settled into their new roles, confident that before long they would be skilled enough to begin experimenting with dishes of their own.
Through word of mouth from the boutique's regulars, a respectable crowd gathered for the restaurant's opening just before sunset. The clientele consisted mostly of ladies from high society free from courtly obligations, curious nobles eager to sample the latest novelty, and, unsurprisingly, Princess Aria herself, whose arrival drew no shortage of discreet glances and speculation.
"The Shadow's Cuisine, hmm? An interesting name," she commented as she stepped inside, dressed in an elegant maroon gown. "The architecture is rather unique. I don't believe I've seen anything like it in the kingdom."
Unlike the rest of the kingdom, which favored carved timber, woven vines, and open-air pavilions reclaimed by the jungle, the restaurant embraced smooth stone floors, white plaster walls, and dark oak furniture with crisp, geometric designs. Tall glass windows stretched from floor to ceiling, framing the jungle beyond while crystal chandeliers bathed the dining room in a warm golden glow.
Every table was draped in pristine white linen, set with polished silverware, crystal glasses, and neatly folded cloth napkins, each separated by enough space to allow private conversation. At the back, a spotless open kitchen sat behind a wall of glass, letting diners watch every dish being prepared.
It was unmistakably foreign, a modern fine dining restaurant dropped into the heart of a jungle kingdom, and the contrast alone was enough to leave a lasting impression.
"Thank you for the compliment," Bastion replied as he personally took on the role of her server for the evening.
He escorted her to a private table on the balcony overlooking the dining room below before placing a menu in front of her. Each dish was accompanied by an illustration and a list of its ingredients, allowing guests to know exactly what they were ordering.
"Quite a unique assortment," she remarked as she skimmed the menu. "Acquiring these ingredients must have been difficult."
"I believe the prices reflect that, Your Highness," Bastion replied. "Though I expect they'll come down once demand grows and reliable trade routes are established throughout the kingdom."
"Yes, I can see that," Aria said with a faint nod before setting the menu aside. "I'll have everything."
"An excellent choice, Your Highness," Bastion replied with a bow.
As he straightened, Selyn landed lightly on the balcony carrying a tray laden with the first course. Sushi, assorted onigiri, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki were carefully arranged before the princess.
Aria regarded the spread with approval before glancing toward Bastion.
"Impeccable service," she remarked. "Though the lack of discretion leaves a little to be desired."
"Your privacy is assured, Your Highness," Bastion replied. "I simply use a device to facilitate communication with the kitchen."
"Telepathy?"
"That would be correct."
She nodded, accepting the answer before taking her first bite of sushi. Her eyes widened almost imperceptibly as the rich, buttery fish melted on her tongue, balanced by the gentle acidity of the seasoned rice and the savory depth of the sauce. It was unlike anything she had tasted before. Compared to the kingdom's hearty, robust meat dishes, the flavors were delicate, layered, and remarkably restrained, each ingredient complementing the others instead of competing for attention.
"This is delicious!" she exclaimed, all traces of her reserved, regal composure melting away as she eagerly reached for another piece, then another, until every last bite had disappeared from the table.
The instant she swallowed the last of her okonomiyaki, Selyn landed lightly on the balcony with the next course. Golden tonkatsu rested beside neatly sliced steaks glazed with their own juices, while a fluffy omurice split open beneath its silky egg revealed fragrant fried rice beneath. Beside them sat several bowls of ramen, each with its own rich broth, aromatic oils, tender cuts of meat, and perfectly cooked noodles.
Aria barely spared Bastion another glance as she sampled each dish in turn before enthusiastically devouring the rest. Despite her hastened pace, not a drop of broth stained her elegant Rank 3 gown, nor did a single drop of oil touch the table. Her veil remained perfectly unstained, her extraordinary Dexterity allowing her to eat with astonishing speed while retaining flawless etiquette.
No sooner had she drained the last spoonful of broth than Selyn returned with dessert. Mochi in an assortment of flavors, slices of velvety cheesecake, delicate sponge cakes layered with fresh cream and fruit, and scoops of handcrafted ice cream were arranged before her like works of art.
This time, Aria slowed down. She lingered over every bite, letting each sweetness fade before tasting the next, savoring the meal until the final spoonful was gone. Leaning back in her chair, she let out a contented sigh, more satisfied than any royal banquet had ever left her.
"Impeccable," Aria said with an approving nod. "Though it is a shame that some of the dishes are only Rank 1. Still, I especially appreciate that I'm completely full despite sampling everything. You designed the menu so a Rank 3 could leave satisfied after ordering just one set, didn't you?"
"That was indeed the objective," Bastion replied with a professional smile. "Would Your Highness care for anything else?"
Aria considered the menu for a moment. "Hm... I'll take three servings of the final course. My sisters will likely appreciate the treats."
"Of course, Your Highness."
Selyn landed lightly on the balcony as swiftly as ever and placed a magic ring containing the order on the table.
Aria picked it up and glanced inside, finding everything to her satisfaction. She then set a magic crystal on the table.
"Keep the change."
"We appreciate your patronage," Bastion replied with a respectful bow.
"Now," Aria said, her expression turning serious. "It's time for business. You may take a seat."
"Excuse me." Bastion inclined his head before taking the offered seat.
"With tonight's meal, I am confident in my decision," Aria said as she placed a magic contract on the table. "One thousand years in my service. Upon completion, you will receive one thousand magic crystals. Given your capabilities, I assure you this is the most generous offer you will receive from me."
Leaving the contract untouched, Bastion replied, "Quite frankly, Your Highness, I find the offer insulting."
"Insulting?" Aria echoed, raising an eyebrow.
"You value me at no more than 10 times the price of a Rank 2 slave. Yet you've personally seen what I can accomplish. At a minimum, I should be valued as a Rank 3 slave."
"So you expect 10,000 magic crystals?" Aria's gaze hardened. "Careful, Bastion. I find your confidence refreshing, but I won't be mocked."
"I have no intention of mocking you, Your Highness," Bastion said, meeting her gaze without flinching. "I'm merely pointing out that you've greatly misjudged our respective positions."
"An important distinction?" she asked.
"A very expensive one."
Aria rested her chin on her hand. "Then explain it to me. Why should I pay you more when I could simply force you into a contract without pay or expiration?"
"Because this is a negotiation, not an extortion, Your Highness." Bastion smiled faintly.
Silence settled over the table as Bastion leaned back in his chair.
"Do you know the foundation of any negotiation, Your Highness?"
"Enlighten me," Aria replied. "But tread carefully. My patience is wearing thin."
"Every negotiation begins with one fundamental requirement. Both parties must stand on equal footing. In civilized societies, the law places everyone on that footing regardless of their individual strength. Here, there is no such protection. Power alone decides who gets to negotiate and who is simply told what to do. That power can take many forms, and one of them is leverage."
Bastion held her gaze, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"And I happen to have leverage over you."
Aria's eyes narrowed. "What leverage could you possibly have?"
"You're positioning a queen on the throne," Bastion replied. "Whether that queen is you or someone else is irrelevant. You've already begun making political moves toward that end."
He folded his hands on the table.
"To ensure we negotiate as equals, I've planted explosives comparable to the one you witnessed severely injuring Ravok near the estates of every one of your political rivals. If these negotiations fail, I'll have no choice but to detonate them, plunging the kingdom into a civil war with every finger pointing at you before you're ready to seize the throne."
Aria studied him in silence. His heartbeat remained steady, his breathing even, and his posture relaxed. He showed none of the hesitation or uncertainty she would expect from those making empty threats. It proved nothing, but it made dismissing his claim far more difficult.
"Well?" Bastion asked, a faint smile on his lips. "Shall we continue our negotiation, or... shall we end the evening with a bang?"
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