It was a lovely Saturday on the 27th of January.

Weekend classes had ended for today, and Aya had just started packing her things when her hen-folk friend Aimee Heartfield practically bounced up beside her with the usual cheerful look on her face.

“Whew~! Lucky break today, huh?” Aimee chirped while brushing a crease on her sleeve. “Professor Barlowe's letting us off with just a lecture? No oven time? I feel blessed!”

Aya giggled, sliding her notes into her folder. “Mm-hm~ I honestly needed a break from sugar-spinning. My fingers still smell like syrup from the projects this week!”

“Same,” Aimee said with a chuckle. Then her eyes lit up as she remembered something. “Hey! Are you free for brunch? It’s my treat today!”

“Brunch?”

“Mhm!” Aimee puffed her chest slightly. “I just withdrew my February allowance yesterday. Mama sent it early! Sooo… I figured I’d be nice before I start recklessly budgeting.”

Aya tilted her head. “Are you sure you should be spending it right away?”

“Oh come on,” Aimee grinned. “It’s only once in a while that I treat you! Always has been since we were second years, right?”

“Oh my, I wouldn’t want to keep on imposing, Aimee…”

“Aww, it’s alright, Aya! You’ve done plenty of things for me too, so it’s only fair that I pay you back!

Aya laughed softly. “Mm-nay...~ Well… I suppose that is true.”

“That’s the spirit!” Aimee beamed. “Come on! I’m already thinking spiced yam soup and some soft croquettes!"

“Spiced yam soup sounds lovely!” Aya nodded and smiled before falling into step beside Aimee as they exited the classroom together.

But just as their shoes tapped into the hallway tile—

“Miss Ribbuns?”

Aya and Aimee turned at once, and there stood their badger-folk Advanced Culinary Arts teacher, Professor Crispin Barlowe, having just stepped out from the other classroom door, with his hands clasped behind his back as he eyed them beneath his silver spectacles.

The two girls glanced at each other, wondering what it could be.

Aya stepped forward politely, with Aimee trailing just behind her. “Good morning, Professor Barlowe!”

Professor Barlowe nodded and greeted warmly in response. “Miss Ribbuns. Miss Heartfield. Apologies for the sudden stop—may I speak with Miss Ribbuns for a moment?”

Aimee answered immediately. “Oh! Of course, Professor!”

At that, Aya turned to her friend, smiling apologetically. “I’m so sorry Aimee, will it be okay? I’ll follow after you after this.”

Aimee waved her off with a bright smile. “Don’t worry one bit! I’ll go on ahead—I know where to find you later!”

And just like that, she gave Aya a wink, spun on her heel, and disappeared down the hall.

As soon as Aimee was out of sight, Aya turned back to Professor Barlowe. “Is everything alright, Professor?” she asked him softly.

“Quite alright, Miss Ribbuns,” he said with his warm smile. “In fact, I wanted to ask if you’d be interested in assisting the culinary team for this year’s Concorde Summit.”

“The… Concorde Summit?”

She tilted her head slightly, ears giving a soft twitch. “I’m terribly sorry, I don’t believe I’ve heard of it before…”

“That’s perfectly alright,” he said gently. “It’s not uncommon. The Concorde Summit is an annual educational gathering. Institutions from across the Wonderforest attend—each one sending delegates to share ideas, discuss developments, and build collaborative relationships.”

Aya’s eyes widened. “Ooh…!”

“This year, Saint Maribelle’s has been asked to host,” the professor continued.

“Really?” Her ears perked up instantly. “Then… will there be a banquet, Professor?”

Professor Barlowe chuckled. “Exactly that, my dear. A formal banquet and event reception. Quite an extravagant affair, truth be told.”

Aya clasped her hands in front of her chest. “That sounds… wonderful! And… exciting!”

“Hence I am here because I’d like to ask if you’d consider joining the culinary team,” he them added. “You and several other upperclassmen from Advanced Culinary Arts will be representing the school. The summit will take place in Rosequartz Town, along the Eastwyn border. There, you’ll be working side by side with the town’s chefs throughout the week.”

Aya’s mouth opened slightly, letting a breath of wonder escape as the professor continued.

“The first three days will be for the summit meetings—faculty, delegates, guest speakers. Then the rest of the whole week will be the formal banquet and auxiliary receptions. Not only will the culinary team handle the banquet, but they will also provide daily food service for all attendees."

Aya’s ears lowered just slightly. “Oh… I-I’d love to, Professor, really! It all sounds incredible but…” She fiddled with her fingers. “But I… I’m not sure I can afford something like that. There’s travel, and lodging, and meals, and I’d need to bring fresh ingredients and extra clothes and—and—and soap, probably—”

Professor Barlowe held up a hand with a light chuckle. “Miss Ribbuns. Breathe.”

Aya stopped, then said softly, “Yes, Professor…”

He smiled. “The academy will cover your expenses. Travel, lodging, and your daily needs will be provided. As for the ingredients, it’s not just a one-person job, so please do not worry. I believe that the chefs of Rosequartz Town will procure all the ingredients needed.”

Aya’s eyes shimmered.

“Really?”

“Yes, Miss Ribbuns, really.”

Aya’s smile grew brighter and brighter, and then it was followed by a little bit of curiosity that made her say, “May I ask… why me, Professor? I mean, if you don’t mind my asking.”

Professor Barlowe let out a sheepish little chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. “Ah, well. If I’m being perfectly honest… one of your upperclassmen who was originally chosen as the final member of the team fell ill, unfortunately. Quite last-minute.”

“Oh dear…” Aya blinked. “I do hope that they get well soon...”

“Indeed. As for you, Miss Ribbuns,” he added quickly, “rest assured that this wasn’t a hasty or careless decision. We took a close look at who might best fit that role, and your name came up rather confidently. Us considering your skill, your dedication to the craft, that all stems from what we’ve observed from you throughout your previous two years here in the academy.”

“So… does that mean…”

The professor gave her a nod. “You’re more than qualified. But this isn’t a demand, Miss Ribbuns. If you’re uncomfortable with the arrangement, you’re not obligated to go.”

“Thank you,” she said, bowing her head slightly. “That’s… very kind of you. Would it be alright if I thought about it for a little while?”

“Of course,” Professor Barlowe nodded. “Preferably, though… we’d like your answer by the end of the day.”

Aya looked up, surprised. “Today? That soon?”

“We’ll be leaving for Rosequartz Town first thing tomorrow morning,” he explained. “Apologies for the short notice—we just haven’t had much luck finding someone who seemed willing until now.”

Aya nodded slowly, her ears gently lowering as she thought about the offer. “I understand…” she then responded. “In that case… would it be alright if I gave you my decision after lunch?”

She gave a sheepish smile. “I wouldn’t want to make a choice like this on an empty stomach.”

Professor Barlowe chuckled lightly, bowing his head. “Of course. My apologies if I delayed your mealtime. I hope you understand the situation we’re in.”

“It’s perfectly alright, Professor. I’ll come see you later this afternoon—once I’ve eaten and thought things through properly.”

“That would be most appreciated.”

“Then I’ll be off for now!” she said with a light step backward.

Professor Barlowe gestured with one hand. “Go ahead, Miss Ribbuns. And again—my apologies. I hope you enjoy your meal.”

Aya nodded and gave the professor a brief wave. “I will, thank you, Professor!”

And with that, she turned and walked down the hall with her usual bounce in her step. As she walked, she couldn’t help but think about the kind of experience the Concorde Summit would be for her, and couldn’t wait to talk to her friends about it.