“These are the finest green rooibos leaves you can find in the Empire. Or would you rather prefer earl grey or hibiscus?” The auburn coils of her hair touch the ivory wooden table as her delicate rosy hand places the golden saucer with a teacup like a fluid before Rein. She could see the cup reflecting on her hazel eyes.
“No, I'm fine. Every tea has its unique taste and I love them all.”
The lady proceeds to put another teacup and saucer across Rein. As she sits on the dyed velvet cabriole, Rein takes a sip on the tea looking at the oil painting of a lake before her.
“How'd you like the picture?” the lady notices her eyes on the painting.
“I actually don't quite get artistic values in any sort of painting.” Rein puts the cup back on the table. “But I know when something is beautiful.”
“The day after you came here last full moon, the sunset painting was sold to an aristocrat to celebrate his parent's birthday.” The five strange pots on the cabinet standing beneath the paint are still as weird as the first day Rein saw them. “The following day this one finished. This was supposed to go at the foyer, though.” The lady sips her tea and puts it back on the table. “So, how are the people I sent?”
“As of this morning, they are punctual. They actually do their jobs as they're told to. And the cooks can do my recipes.” Rein rubs her thumb on the teacup ear. “I don't know if they'll last, though. You can seldom find servants who are willing to take orders from someone younger and who's not even an aristocrat.”
“Well, in case it does, I'm here to help.”
Suddenly, someone knocks on the door. A man bringing a parchment opens the door. “Here it is, Lady Veronica.” The man places it on the table and stands beside them.
Veronica slides the parchment beside Rein's cup. “If there're changes you want to make, we'll do that.”
The neat parchment before Rein highlights 'Ambrosia' and its signature line. Their services and menu are elaborated finely on the front area while the back area shows the directions and mailing address of the establishment.
“I think it's good. I'd like to take this as is.” It was done according to what she had said.
As Rein finishes her tea, the man suggests as he picks the cup and saucer, “Would you like seconds, Madam?”
“Oh. No, thank you. I'm good.”
Veronica takes the parchment and hands it to the man. “We'll deliver half of the leaflets we've made to you immediately. And, as promised, we'll distribute the remaining half tomorrow and put up posters on the billboards. Is there anything of your concern?”
“Regarding the menu. When will it be delivered?”
“Oh, right.” Veronica looks at the man and speaks to him. “Include the menu with the leaflets.”
“Understood, Lady Veronica.”
“Okay. Then, I think I should be leaving.” Along with Rein's poise preparing to stand, Veronica gradually gets on her feet to accompany her.
“In the next two weeks, Lumere Festival will start. How'd you like to take part in the celebration?” The man opens the door as Veronica and Rein step out of the room.
Lumere Festival is the celebration of Lumere, the god of harvest and arts. Every year the entire Aldea celebrates this however only the Empire's celebration lasts for three days. The Merchant's Guild holds competitions of the healthiest and biggest vegetables harvested in the farms of the Empire before the day of the festival. They also have competitions available for every restaurant in Suden which will take place at Prayne Park.
Several other events such as the Silent Theater and Operas will also take place for the entire three days.
“Entering in the competition would do something for our reputation, though.”
Veronica holds the wooden rails as they walk downstairs. “Yes. And, both of the Silent Theater and Opera companies here are actually asking me if you could take part in their performance.”
Rein laughs. “Do they really know me that much?” In the past, Rein had refused the three theater companies who offered her a spot as a musician.
“Don't kid. Most of the performing artists in Aldea know you.” The smile on Veronica's face widened. “There's only one non-aristocrat who can play any instrument like an aristocrat or even more than an aristocrat. Who knows, you're young.”
“Oh. No, no. I want to run a restaurant.” They arrive at the vast foyer of the Suden Merchant's Guild. An elegant oil portrait of Veronica is displayed on the wall across the doors. Her upturned nose and gentle expression are even more emphasized while the grandiose of her fine frock and jewelry indicates her elegance.
Veronica notices Rein taking a glance at her portrait. “Oh, you know the daughter of the cousins of the Gruents, right? What was her name again?” Her face looks puzzled as she tries to recall the name.
“Maxine.”
“Yes, yes. Maxine. Her portraits are the best. She's quite famous with the young female aristocrats here. I heard she's marrying the duke's heir.”
“Yes. Right after the Lumere Festival.”
“And that's why I definitely wanted her to do my portrait before it happens.” As Veronica opens the other door, light flushes on the floor. “So, would you take it? It's only for the festival, Rein.”
Rein smiles. “I'll let you know when I decide.”
As Veronica sets her off, Rein walks back to her restaurant. She thought of Maxine and remembers to write a letter for her.
“Hey! Hey!” Rein hears a familiar man's voice coming at her. A tall young man suddenly appears before her. On his back is a basket full of potatoes. “Ah fun ye.”
“Oh. Is there something I can help you with, Sir?” Rein sneers at him.
“Dinnae ca' me 'Ser', Missus ,'' his sudden Traviunian speech surprises Rein. “Keek 'ere, we git quality neep. Tis cheep tae.” He puts the basket of potatoes on the brick road.
“Ah awreedy tellt ye,” all of a sudden Rein breaks off to Traviunian. She clears her throat and continues to speak, “I already told you. We get our vegetables from the Merchant's Guild.”
“Whit? Merchants dinnae git neep fae us.”
“That's what I was saying.”
“Whit, jobby. Ye gonnae dae guid tae yer fellar, Rein.” He looks disappointed and puts the basket back.
“I'll do you a favor when the time comes, Jade.” She taps his shoulder and he continues on his way.
Jade was a fellow Traviunian. They didn't grow up together but their villages were nearby and sometimes he would go in Wyne, Rein's home village, to visit his father who is a farmer. They are not friends but are acquaintances.
Rein arrives at the ajar door of her restaurant. She sees a young woman and man putting on white curtains while another young man is wiping and cleaning the chairs and tables.
“There was a delivery from the Merchant's Guild, Mistress Rein,” the young man wiping the chair stands up to speak. “The boxes are right there.” He points near the palm tree which is beside Rein.
“Oh, thank you.” Rein goes to the boxes and scans the contents.
The awkwardness when she left hours ago was still present. However, she didn't mind it, as long as they do their jobs right everything will go right.
She takes leaflets from the box and stands. “May I know where's Marie?” she turns to them and asks.
“She's in the kitchen, Mistress Rein. Should I call her?” the young man seemed to be the only one who can speak among them.
“Yes, please do.”
He opens the door of the kitchen and walks in. A few moments later, he steps out with a woman wearing a white apron. The young man returns to cleaning the chairs.
“Is there something I need to do, Mistress?” the woman speaks politely as she takes steps before Rein.
Rein hands over few parchments. “These are the menu. Please do keep them in the nearest drawer near the kitchen door.”
“I understand, Mistress Rein. Would that be all?”
“Yes, you can go back to the kitchen.” Marie turns her back and walks to the kitchen. “Laura. May I ask for your assistance here?” she calls to the young woman who is about to finish doing the curtains.
“Yes, Mistress Rein. Right away.” Laura goes down from a chair and walks to Rein. “What would it be?”
“These are the leaflets,” Rein points to the boxes. “I would like you to help me by giving them out in the streets and spreading the word.”
“Understood, Mistress Rein.” Laura begins to pick few leaflets. Afterward, she looks at Rein in confusion. “Um, may I ask?”
“Yes?”
“Do we have to empty all of these?” she pouts.
Rein lets out a small laugh. “No, we don't have to. Just take as many or as little as you can.”
“Alright, then.” Laura returns to the boxes.
“I'll leave the place to you for a while.” Rein announces to every person inside who can hear.
* * *
The bright rosy skies painted on the waters flowing in the canal. The reddened lights blocked by the structures touch gently on her face. The curlicue trims of these structures are accenting through silhouettes.
Her first day in the Empire is nearing its end while she is still about to begin her life. After walking in the streets of Suden giving out leaflets publicizing the opening of the restaurant, all of the enthusiasm she gained waking up in the morning drained at once.
Rein takes a seat on the nearby wooden bench to rest her back. She wearily places the remaining three leaflets and leans her neck on the bench's backrest staring at the azure sky gradually transforming purplish.
Calmness. She had to remember almost all of the streets in less than a day to avoid getting lost. Resting far from the busy streets of Suden eases her spent mind.
"Excuse me, Madam." Rein hears a mysterious voice coming from her right.
"Yes?" Rein ignores the urgency of the standard wherein women should behave with etiquette at all times.
"Pardon me for sitting without your permission. I would like to ask something."
"Gang 'heed." Rein lets out her in Traviunian speech as she feels relaxation in her position.
"I'm interested in visiting Ambrosia tomorrow."
When he spoke of the restaurant, Rein's senses came back. As she raises her head and turns to where the voice is coming, a man wearing tawny cinched trousers and creamy tunic was sitting beside her.
In an instant, she stands and curtseys griping her jade skirt with all her strength while stooping her head even lower. "Forgive me for the utter vulgarity of my behavior, Your Majesty."
The Crowned Prince of Aldea was undoubtedly the existence before her. Other than the embarrassment of her shameful behavior, she had ruined her reputation to the prince in their first meeting.
The prince stands and gestures, "Oh, you don't have to. Please do return to your seat."
Rein eases up and goes back to her seat with flushed cheeks. This is an utter embarrassment. I even spoke impolitely.
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