The group stood proudly amidst the newly renovated shop, their sweat and laughter mingling in the air. The once-dilapidated building had undergone a stunning transformation. Polished wooden panels replaced the worn-out floor, while vibrant curtains adorned the windows, filtering the sunlight streaming in. The scent of freshly varnished wood and paint filled the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and chatter.
The renovations had been a labor, with each person contributing their unique skills. Adriana's meticulous attention to detail had ensured every surface was spotless, while Sasha's brute strength had come in handy during the demolition phase. Sharone's artistic flair had transformed the interior, with colorful tapestries and intricate carvings adding a touch of whimsy. Adriana's organizational prowess had kept the project on track, and Koniko was surprisingly helpful when it came to the arrangement of how the room would look to any patron. As for Dona ..... well, Dona had mostly supervised from her newly discovered favorite couch, offering critiques and demands,Saleem silently standing beside her.
The result was a cozy, welcoming space that felt like home. The group's new shop, aptly named " Silver Palace " would soon become a hub of activity, attracting customers from all corners of Ekron.
For now, though, it was a haven for friends to share laughter and stories.
Kojo wiped his hands on a towel, grinning. "Finally done! Now, who's ready for some food?"
"Finally done! Now, who's ready for some food?"
Sharone chimed in, "I want those spicy meat pies!"
Lin nodded, "And those sweet pastries!"
Koniko rubbed his stomach, "Give me all the meat!
"Are you a part of the menu, darling?" Sasha asked seductively slowly inching closer to Kojo.
Adriana chuckled, and caught Sasha with one hand halting her movement.
Dona sat up at the mention of food. "I don't discriminate when it comes to your cooking . Hurry up and feed me."
"That's not a very lady like thing to say." Saleem scolded.
" Don't act like your not hungry too." Dona said.
" Well....."
" Don't worry you guys , they'll be enough for everyone." Kojo said.
Just then, the door swung open, and a cloaked figure entered. All eyes turned to the enterance.Felix scanned the room, his eyes locking onto Kojo .
"Oh I'm sorry if I was Interrupting." He said with an awkward smile."
" Who are you?" Saleem asked defensively moving standing in front of Dona.
" Oh,yeah sorry.Greetings, " he bowed his head.
"I'm looking for a man named Kojo Atari." He said with a smile that
Kojo tossed the towel aside.
"That's me."
Felix approached, his movements fluid. "I'm Felix, a traveler." He said stretching out his hand. Kojo shook it. Felix's grip was surprisingly strong and his fingers were cold. Kojo felt callouses on his palms. And looked down to inspect the hand. There were scars on it.
Felix hurriedly pulled his arm back into his cloak
" I heard this place was hiring and thought I'd offer my services."
Kojo narrowed his eyes, sensing... nothing. No arcana, no unusual energy.
Felix sensed that he was being scrutinized but still maintained his composure. However Kojo's intense gaze caused him to shift uncomfortably, and he gripped the dagger strapped to the back of his waist hidden under his cloak.
(This guy's one fishy character. No aura, no nothing. And he just randomly walked in here looking for you? He looks innocent and all but Something just doesn't feel right.)
Sysia's warning fell on deaf ears.
"What can you cook?" Kojo asked, intrigued.
Felix stuttered, "M-meat... and... uh..."
Kojo tapped his forehead with an index finger, downloading recipes into Felix's mind with his ability.
"You're hired. I'll show you to the kitchen."
Felix's eyes widened as he stumbled backward.
"Wh-what just happened?" Kojo held his hand and pulled him behind the counter.
Kojo gestured toward the pots and pans. " Now Get cooking!"
Felix stood frozen, the dagger still clutched in his hand. The others returned to their tasks, oblivious to the tension.
"Are you sure this is okay?" Sharone asked glancing at Felix who still stood frozen with a look of unbelief on his face.
"Yeah it's totally fine." Kojo reassured.
( What if he poisons you?)
" I can taste any poison that in the food plus I have resistance to poisons. I'll be fine." Kojo thought.
( Why do I even bother with you.)
Sasha teased, "Hey, new guy, don't disappoint!"
Lin called out, "Meat pies, please!"
Adriana laughed, "Lin, you're going to burst!".
Felix finally composed himself, hanging his cloak and rolling up his sleeves.
"Well, I suppose I have a job to do. It wouldn't hurt to get a bit closer to them. I have three days after all."
As he began cooking, the aroma of sizzling meat filled the air.
( I still don't trust that guy.]
Kojo smiled.
" I know. That's the point."
Moments later, the door burst open, and Lloyd strode in, his eyes shining with excitement.
"Where's Kojo?" He yelled scanning the room before his gaze came to land on the white haired boy seated on a table in the middle of the room."
He instantaneously dematerialized and appeared beside him.
"I've made a groundbreaking discovery!" he exclaimed.
" You don't have to yell. I'm right here." Kojo said mid-bite.
" Well now that you're here I think we need some of your insight." Kojo said as he gestured for Felix to serve him.
"Try some of Felix's cooking and tell me what you think."
" "I don't have time for frivolities, Kojo. This discovery—Who's Felix?" Lloyd asked.
Felix nodded at him from his spot in the kitchen.
" Anyway thats not important." Lloyd said waving him away. Lloyd then opened his mouth and began a long monologue of how he came to examine the different concentrations of Mystium and how the different colors which had different elemental attributes were when they were stable and how they reacted to stimulus i.e the extraction process.
Kojo anticipated Lloyd's rant and seized the opportunity. With a mischievous grin, he took a spoonful from the bowl in front of Lloyd and shoved it in his mouth mid sentence.
"By the gods... What sorcery is this?"Lloyd's eyes widened in surprise, and he automatically began chewing. His expression transformed from skepticism to astonishment.
Kojo chuckled. "Culinary magic. Try anither bite. Don't hold back"
Lloyd's gaze swept the room, taking in the spread of dishes. His eyes widened as he spotted the succulent meat pies.He grabbed the bowl and began to stuff himself full of food.
"By... the... gods," he stammered, flavors overwhelming his senses.
Everyone watched as the normally scowl faced scholar and researcher,Lloyd's face, contorted in pure bliss. He melted into the flavors, his knees weakening.
" What! Wait,No! I didn't come here to fill myself up with food." Lloyd regained his composure, his expression turning serious.
"Kojo, follow me."
He grabbed Kojo's arm, dragging him out of the room.
As they exited, Eden and Rey walked in, a surprised look crossing their faces. Eden decided to follow his master while Rey stood there watching as the three left.
Rey raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?"
Adriana patted the empty seat beside her. "Sit down, brother and have some food. You look Exhausted ."
" Lloyd said he made a ground breaking discovery so he's taking Kojo over there to go have a Look." Sasha responded to his question.
" Huh" Rey said taking a seat beside his sister.
He was served and took a bite.
"Divine... This is divine," he whispered melting into flavors.
Koniko grinned. "Welcome to the Silver Palace."