The hall was silent, the only sound the soft flicker of chandeliers overhead. All eyes were fixed on Sapphire Rosabelle Astley, who stood at the center, small in stature but radiating an undeniable authority.
⠀
She raised her hands gently, and the workers instinctively straightened, breath caught in their chests.
⠀
"My dear friends," she began, her voice clear and melodic, yet carrying a firmness that commanded attention. "I am Sapphire Rosabelle Astley. Some of you may know me already through the healing hall in Eddlleguard, and for others, this will be our first meeting."
⠀
A few of the workers from her hometown exchanged quick, awed glances. Liora Vandren's hand rested lightly on her apron, her eyes bright with anticipation.
⠀
"I want to begin by congratulating each and every one of you," Saphy continued, her sapphire eyes sweeping across the crowd. "You have worked hard, demonstrated skill, patience, and composure. Your dedication has earned you a place here — in my team, in my establishment, and in a future I hope to build together."
⠀
The workers' hearts swelled. A few shy smiles appeared; some nodded, almost unable to believe their ears.
⠀
Saphy let her gaze linger on them a moment, then shifted smoothly to the next point.
⠀
"Tonight, we are gathered not only to celebrate your accomplishments but also to share a meal — a banquet prepared with care and thought. All the dishes you see and taste here are part of what will be served at my restaurant. Every flavor, every combination, has been designed to delight, to nourish, and to create a space where anyone can enjoy a meal prepared with skill and love."
⠀
She gestured gracefully toward the tables, where rows of carefully arranged dishes awaited. The aroma was rich, comforting, and tantalizing, filling the hall with warmth.
⠀
"You will soon have the opportunity to taste everything," Saphy said, a gentle smile curving her lips. "I want you to experience not only the food itself but the care that goes into its preparation. What you see tonight is a reflection of the standards we will uphold together in the restaurant."
⠀
Liora Vandren exhaled quietly, whispering to herself, "…It's all… so perfect. She… she really plans everything."
⠀
Saphy's gaze softened as she looked at the kneeling workers, then those who had already risen.
"Each of you will have a role," she continued. "Whether you are serving, cooking, or maintaining the hall, your contribution is vital. And while tonight is a celebration, it is also the beginning — a glimpse of the world we will create together."
⠀
A few of the widows exchanged emotional glances, whispering softly:
"…She's… she's thinking of all of us."
"…She cares about every little detail…"
⠀
Saphy let her words settle, then concluded her brief speech:
"Enjoy this evening, savor the flavors, and take this moment to feel proud. You have earned it. And I look forward to seeing all of you shine in the work ahead."
The hall was bathed in the warm glow of chandeliers, the air filled with the soft murmurs of the workers from Eddlleguard. Sapphire Rosabelle Astley stepped forward, her snow-white hair catching the light, eyes scanning the crowd with calm authority.
⠀
"Tonight," she said, her voice melodic yet firm, "I will introduce the dishes you will help prepare and serve in the restaurant. I want you to see, smell, and understand each one before we begin the meal."
⠀
The workers straightened, some leaning forward, others whispering softly to each other. Liora Vandren's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
⠀
Saphy gestured gracefully to the first table, where rows of golden, crisp chips were arranged in bowls of varying colors and shapes.
"These," she said, "are our chips. Each one is flavored differently. Notice the aroma and texture — but do not taste yet."
⠀
The workers leaned in. A delicate, savory scent rose from the bowls, mingled with hints of herbs and spices. Their noses twitched with curiosity.
"…What are these made of?" whispered one cleaner, tilting her head.
"…I don't know…" said a widow softly, "…but the smell… it's amazing."
Liora picked up one, turning it over in her fingers. "…It's crispy, golden… but strange… I've never seen anything like it," she said.
⠀
⠀
Grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup came next. The cheese gleamed, the soup rich and aromatic, with hints of roasted tomatoes and basil. Liora's hand twitched slightly, eager to taste. "…It smells like… comfort itself," she whispered.
⠀
The platters of fried chicken with assorted dips drew their attention next. Golden, crunchy, and glistening, each piece sent savory, spiced aromas into the air. The children's eyes widened in wonder.
"…So crunchy…" whispered a widow, "…and the smell… amazing."
⠀
Saphy moved to the fried chicken burgers, tender chicken tucked into soft buns with fresh greens and sauces. "…Notice the layers, the textures…" she instructed, gesturing to the assembled plates.
"…It looks… perfect," Liora murmured again. "…So much care went into this."
⠀
The beef smashed burgers followed, rich, hearty aromas rising from the caramelized edges of the patties. "…I've never smelled beef like this before…" one worker whispered, leaning closer.
⠀
Finally, the steak, seared to perfection, rested on its plate with compound butter melting slowly. The scent of buttery richness and seasoning spread through the hall. "…It smells… divine…" breathed a widow softly.
⠀
Saphy let her gaze sweep over the crowd. "…All of these dishes," she said gently, "are part of what we will serve in the restaurant. Notice the colors, the aromas, the textures. Let it prepare your senses for the meal ahead."
⠀
The hall was alive with soft murmurs of awe and wonder. Plates were untouched, but hands hovered over the food, noses tilted to catch every fragrance. Children peeked curiously, whispering excitedly, while the workers silently marveled at the sight of these bizarre yet tantalizing dishes, their imaginations alight with curiosity and anticipation.
The hall was bathed in the warm glow of chandeliers, the air filled with the soft murmurs of the workers from Eddlleguard. Sapphire Rosabelle Astley stepped forward, her snow-white hair catching the light, eyes scanning the crowd with calm authority.
⠀
"Tonight," she said, her voice melodic yet firm, "I will introduce the dishes you will help prepare and serve in the restaurant. I want you to see, smell, and understand each one before we begin the meal."
⠀
The workers straightened, some leaning forward, others whispering softly to each other. Liora Vandren's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
⠀
Saphy gestured gracefully to the first table, where rows of golden, crisp chips were arranged in bowls of varying colors and shapes.
"These," she said, "are our chips. Each one is flavored differently. Notice the aroma and texture — but do not taste yet."
⠀
The workers leaned in. A delicate, savory scent rose from the bowls, mingled with hints of herbs and spices. Their noses twitched with curiosity.
"…What are these made of?" whispered one cleaner, tilting her head.
"…I don't know…" said a widow softly, "…but the smell… it's amazing."
Liora picked up one, turning it over in her fingers. "…It's crispy, golden… but strange… I've never seen anything like it," she said.
⠀
Saphy moved on, pointing to French fries and potato wedges.
⠀
Next were hash browns — golden patties with flecks of caramelized onions. Steam curled from the edges, carrying a warm, inviting aroma. Liora tilted her head, mesmerized. "…Golden, crisp… smells like breakfast… I want to eat it already."
⠀
Mashed potatoes followed, creamy and smooth, rich with the buttery scent that made the workers' mouths water. One cleaner whispered, "…So soft… it smells… heavenly."
⠀
Saphy then introduced chicken sandwiches, neatly stacked with crisp lettuce and tender chicken, the aroma savory with a hint of sweetness from the toasted buns.
"…They look… perfect…" one waiter murmured.
⠀
Grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup came next. The cheese gleamed, the soup rich and aromatic, with hints of roasted tomatoes and basil. Liora's hand twitched slightly, eager to taste. "…It smells like… comfort itself," she whispered.
⠀
The platters of fried chicken with assorted dips drew their attention next. Golden, crunchy, and glistening, each piece sent savory, spiced aromas into the air. The children's eyes widened in wonder.
"…So crunchy…" whispered a widow, "…and the smell… amazing."
⠀
Saphy moved to the fried chicken burgers, tender chicken tucked into soft buns with fresh greens and sauces. "…Notice the layers, the textures…" she instructed, gesturing to the assembled plates.
"…It looks… perfect," Liora murmured again. "…So much care went into this."
⠀
The beef smashed burgers followed, rich, hearty aromas rising from the caramelized edges of the patties. "…I've never smelled beef like this before…" one worker whispered, leaning closer.
⠀
Finally, the steak, seared to perfection, rested on its plate with compound butter melting slowly. The scent of buttery richness and seasoning spread through the hall. "…It smells… divine…" breathed a widow softly.
⠀
Saphy let her gaze sweep over the crowd. "…All of these dishes," she said gently, "are part of what we will serve in the restaurant. Notice the colors, the aromas, the textures. Let it prepare your senses for the meal ahead."
⠀
The hall was alive with soft murmurs of awe and wonder. Plates were untouched, but hands hovered over the food, noses tilted to catch every fragrance. Children peeked curiously, whispering excitedly, while the workers silently marveled at the sight of these bizarre yet tantalizing dishes, their imaginations alight with curiosity and anticipation.
The last of the dishes was introduced, and the hall was already filled with overlapping scents—warm, savory, rich, and unfamiliar in the most tempting way. The long tables looked less like a display and more like something out of a dream.
⠀
Before anyone could move, a priest stepped forward.
⠀
He was not wearing anything overly extravagant—simple white and blue robes, clean and dignified. He raised his staff lightly against the floor, and the soft sound echoed through the hall.
⠀
"Before we partake in this meal," he said gently, "let us offer our thanks."
⠀
The hall gradually quieted. Children stopped fidgeting. Even the most restless workers straightened their backs.
⠀
The priest closed his eyes and clasped his hands.
⠀
"O gods who watch over this world,⠀We thank you for the warmth that fills this hall,For the hands that labored, for the hearts that prepared,For the harvest we did not sow, and the kindness we did not earn.⠀Bless this meal, that it may become strength in our bodies,Bless this gathering, that it may become warmth in our hearts,And bless the one who brought us together here tonight,That her path may be gentle, and her days be long.⠀May no one leave this place hungry,May no one leave this place burdened,And may gratitude remain, even after the last plate is empty.⠀Amen."
⠀
For a moment, the hall remained silent.
⠀
Then, softly, almost instinctively, voices echoed, "Amen."
⠀
As the priest stepped back, the chief examiner cleared his throat. His sharp voice cut through the lingering solemnity, but this time, it carried a hint of amusement.
⠀
"Well then," he said, spreading his arms slightly, "today's food is unlimited. No portions, no restrictions."
⠀
He looked over the crowd and allowed himself a rare smile.
⠀
"Eat to your heart's content."
⠀
For half a second, no one moved.
⠀
Then—
⠀
A child laughed.
⠀
Someone else gasped and hurried forward.
⠀
Chairs scraped. Footsteps rushed. The orderly hall instantly turned lively.
⠀
"Unlimited?! Did he really say unlimited?!"
⠀
"Hey, hey, don't run—!"
⠀
"But it smells so good—!"
⠀
Liora Vandren stood there for a moment, then exhaled and smiled. "Alright… let's go."
⠀
The banquet began.
⠀
Laughter filled the air. Children tugged at their parents' sleeves. Plates were filled, then filled again. The earlier nervousness vanished completely, replaced by voices, movement, and the simple, honest joy of a feast.
⠀
For the first time since entering the hall, everyone truly felt at ease.