[14th of June 1835 Barline Grand Hotel, Uptown District, Barline 6:10PM]
In a busy and opulent Hotel Lobby Hotaru and Ailbe are waiting. “It seems that Alfred is late.” Ailbe says to Hotaru. “He is only 10 minutes late.” Hotaru reply’s as he looks at his pocket watch. As the pair wait for Alfred. In the same time.
[Meissner Tavern, Administration District, Megdaburg]
In a lively and busy tavern a man is waiting for someone. “He should be arriving any minute now.” The man says to himself. The door opens and a man walks in; He is seen wearing a suit and a top hat.
The man sits next to the waiting man. “Gerd; It is nice to see you again.” The man says to him. “So Amano how did your talk to Hotaru work?” Gerd asked as he took off his hat. “Good. He understood message very clearly.” Amano answers as he dusted his coat. “You know how important this task is right?” Gerd affirmed to Amano as he looked the man to his eye. “I know that; out all of us I know that the most.” Amano admits as he glances into his half empty glass of alcohol. “Either way the ball has started rolling.” Amano states to the concerned man. “I see then. Then I’ll take my leave then….. Yuki.” Gerd says to man as he pats him on the back. The man bid farewell before he can respond but within them a storm is approaching.
“Officially Alfred is now twenty minutes late.” Hotaru says as he looks into pocket watch. In the vicinity a man is seen rushing out of a carriage. “I’m sorry……. That I am late………….” Alfred tries to tell as pants for air. “It’s fine Alfred.” Ailbe assures Alfred. “Now then shall we have dinner?” Alfred asks the pair. Both agree and they are greeted and showed to their table.
“Sir what would like to have tonight?” The waitress asks. “We’ll have the standard course tonight.” Alfred orders food. “Alright Sir. What would be your drinks?” The waitress asks Alfred once more. “Red wine would be good.” The Alfred replies to the waitress.
“What are the courses?” Hotaru asks. “The courses are four. An appetizer, a main dish, dessert and after meal tea.” Alfred explains to Hotaru. In the background waiters pour wine to their glasses. “Oh I see.” Hotaru replies as he looks around the lavishly decorated hall. “Alfred I have a question?” Ailbe gives a question to Alfred. “What is it?” Alfred answers. “Why were you late?” Ailbe asks. The first courses arrive at the table.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
“The first course is Chicken Soup with celery.” The Waiter presents to the table. “Thank you.” Alfred imparts to the Waiter as they are served. “Why was I late?” Alfred comments as sips a glass of wine. “It has been very busy in the government for the last few months.” Alfred explains as he eats a spoonful of soup. “I will say this; The soup is good.” Hotaru interjects. “Hotaru, I should tell you this before your tenure.” Alfred says to Hotaru with a brave face. “The Kingdom isn’t the best of situation.” Alfred implies to Hotaru. “What do you mean a bad situation?” Hotaru asks. “I’ll tell you about it after the main course.
Waiters arrive and remove the used dishes and plates. The main course arrives and is presented in a Metal Tray ornamented in flowers. “The Main Course is Grilled Lamb with boiled potatoes.” The waiter announces.
“I’ll be frank with you Hotaru. This country is very unstable.” Alfred tells Hotaru honestly. In the background the piano starts to play a melodic tone. “This strong Kingdom has been in a disaster since the King agreed to a constitution.” Alfred begrudgingly says as he eats his food. “I see then that’s where I come to image right?” Hotaru asserts. The table became silent. “Can I and Ailbe excuse ourselves for a moment?” Alfred excuses himself and Ailbe.
The pair walk to a secluded part of the Restaurant. “Alfred! What is this about?! I was having a nice dinner!” Ailbe angrily questions Alfred. “Halstedt has made contact with Hotaru.” Alfred whispers to Ailbe. “Wha-.” Ailbe awes in shock. “I don’t what happened but it has made Hotaru suspicious.” Alfreds says with concern. “Either way we alter our plans.” Ailbe says to Alfred.
The pair comes back to the table. “Waiter!” Alfred calls a waiter. A waiter approaches and asks Alfred. “Can I get the bill and can you serve desserts?” Alfred requests. The Waiter agrees and dessert is served. “Dessert is Cucumber Ice Cream.” The waiter announces and gives the bill to Alfred.
30 Minutes Later.
“Hotaru how is this new life doing for you?” Ailbe asks Hotaru. “It has been pretty well. Even though it has been a weird few days.” Hotaru replies as he looks outside of the moving carriage. “A lot of things has changed.” Hotaru says as he reminisced about the past. “Do you miss your past life?” Ailbe questions Hotaru. “Not really.” Hotaru says with a slight smile. “I see then.” Ailbe nods with a smile.