Chapter 83 The Restaurant
As they walked down the sidewalk separating the warehouse and the parking lot, Evernya asked, “Isn’t it a security risk to allow the use of storage devices inside a warehouse filled with millions of crystals’ worth of items?”
“No, because there is a spatial lock on the entire warehouse, only the waiting area is free of the spatial lock,” Meira explained while scanning the gathered vehicles parked along the side of the road as they walk past the festival entrance.
“Those spatial locks seem to be everywhere. Whoever places them must make a killing,” Evernya commented.
“Oh yeah, they do, but making such a large spatial lock cost a ton of mana, usually more than a single person can handle. For example, it takes over one hundred spatial mages to create a spatial lock the size of the festival grounds, and most of those mages are Awakened Grade 8 and above.”
“Damn, that’s a lot of spatial mages.” Evernya whistled.
“Yeah, that’s most of the spatial mages of note in Minea,” Meira replied before materializing her cell phone to call the absent Elizabeth.
A few minutes later, Elizabeth pulled up to the side of the road twenty meters in front of them in a large, flashy black sedan. Why does this thing look suspiciously like a Rolls-Royce Phantom? It even has the squared front and headlights.
As they neared the large vehicle, the back doors open on their own as if beckoning them to enter. They climbed into the back seat and sat down in the plush tan interior. “Excellent choice Elizabeth, I’m surprised a current model Specter is still available at such short notice,” Meira stated as she relaxed back into the luxuriously soft seats.
“We got lucky this one was being serviced until just before I got there, so they didn’t have time to rent it out yet,” Elizabeth replied as she set the navigation to the restaurant before pulling away from the curb into traffic.
Evernya investigated the beautiful interior of the car, running her hands over the silky soft cream-colored leather seat. She found a cocktail bar between the seats along with a control panel with controls for the sound system, climate control, TV screens, and many other features.
After completing her initial investigation, Evernya questioned, “Isn’t this car a little overkill for the little we are going to use it? I’d understand if we were driving it all over town, but isn’t the auction a few minutes away from our hotel room?”
Meira lazily tilted her head toward her kitten, giving her the patented ‘are you stupid look.’ “Oh, it is most definitely not overkill. This is nothing compared to some vehicles you will see tonight. Besides, haven’t you figured it out yet? We need to look at the part. There is no way I am rolling up to this event in any old car. Even my nice truck wouldn’t be enough.”
“I know it’s all about appearances, but I just find it crazy how much money you spent just for tonight. I know you have a ton to spend, but I think it’s a waste.” Evernya argued, despite obviously enjoying the seats as her body sunk deeper into their soft embrace.
Meira smiled evilly, before stating, “Well, you are either riding in style with us, or you’re walking in your dress and heels to the auction house.”
Intimidated by Meira’s smile, Evernya immediately backtracked. “Oh, I’m not passing up riding in this comfy car. I just think it is a bit too much. I’m guessing this car is worth at least half a million.”
“More like two million, but that’s because everything is mana powered,” Meira replied casually.
“I don’t think I will ever get used to your spending habits. So who is going to drive this beast of a car to the auction? I doubt either of you will want to drive wearing big fluffy dresses.” Evernya inquired, changing the subject.
With a widening smile, Meira replied, “Neither of us. This car has an autopilot function for certain locations, and the route from our hotel to the auction house just so happens to be one of the routes available.”
“Fancy, no wonder it is so expensive,” Evernya commented before returning her attention to explore the luxurious interior, collar preventing her from turning her head far enough to look out the window without shifting her position in the comfy seat.
After twenty minutes of weaving their way through heavy traffic, they arrived at the restaurant in the high-end district only a few blocks away from The Mage’s Elegance Shop. After finding a spot, Elizabeth had the car parallel park itself before climbing out with Evernya and Meira.
Evernya inspected the fancy-looking restaurant with a second-story balcony for outside seating and two full floors of interior seating. The building itself, like all other buildings along the wealthy district, is an elegant brick building. She read the sign above the door stating ‘Sullivan's in a fancy, curvy font.
She glanced at what her companions were wearing, which consists of jeans and a T-shirt for Elizabeth and Meira, with her being in short shorts and a tank top. “Aren’t we a little underdressed for this place? Will they even serve me? So far, every place we have been to along this street has been anti-shifter.” Evernya questioned, despite the lack of Mage’s only sign on the door.
As she approached the door, Meira answered, “No, we will be fine. Sullivan’s doesn’t force a dress code for another few hours. Plus, this place is one of the few businesses in this district that don’t discriminate against shifters. They even have a meal course specially designed for the large shifter appetite. Everything is certified wild-sourced, so you will love their food.”
“Interesting. Why would they open it up to shifters when everywhere else discriminates?” Evernya whispered as they entered the lobby of Sullivan’s.
Uncaring about attracting attention, Meira replied, “Well, would you pass up on a huge payday just because of someone’s race? The owner of this restaurant doesn’t care who eats his food as long as they enjoy it and can afford it.”
“The other businesses here should follow his example. I’m sick of having to defend my right to give my business to these people.” Evernya commented.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“Yeah, it is ridiculous, but unfortunately, that’s how it is around here,” Meira said under her breath as she approached the reservation desk manned by a brown-haired middle-aged man dressed in a fancy navy blue suit, white shirt, and navy tie.
“Dinner for three?” The man inquired without batting an eye at their appearances.
“Yes,” Meira replied.
“Preferred seating location?” The man inquired next.
“Indoors,” Meira replied
“Right this way, ladies.” The man stated, grabbing three menus before leading them to their table on the first floor. After being seated, they looked through the menu, with Elizabeth and Meira finding what they wanted right away. Evernya, on the other hand, stared at the menu, overwhelmed.
Dammit, I’m better in almost every way from my previous human body, but one thing stays the same. I am horrible at ordering from a menu! It doesn’t help that I have no idea what ninety percent of the stuff tastes like. Though they do have blue serpent steak, maybe I’ll get that. Evernya grumbled mentally while flipping through the menu.
Noticing her kitten’s struggles, Meira suggested, “Most of these meals won’t be enough for you. Choose the shifter course. I’m sure you will love it, though I would get a double portion of it.”
Prompted by Meira’s suggestion, Evernya scanned through the menu, finally finding the shifter course on the back of the last page. As soon as her eyes landed on the price, a look of rejection overtook her features. “No way am I eating a four thousand crystal meal!” Evernya denied.
“You remember that mana core you sucked dry? That was worth at least five thousand, maybe more, depending on if it had exceptional purity or special attributes. Just give up and let me pamper you.” Meira argued before adding, “a single small steak isn’t enough for my growing kitten, so if you don’t order the shifter course, I’ll order it for you.”
“Hey, I’m an adult. I even have an ID to prove it.” Evernya shot back, smugly showing her ID.
While ignoring her kitten’s defense, Meira turned toward Elizabeth, sitting to her right. “Do you still have the data saved from her full evaluation?”
Instantly catching on to Meira’s plan, Elizabeth played along. “oh yes, I even highlighted the section pertaining to her physical maturity.”
“Hey! I thought you said my suit’s security prevented my data.” Evernya accused, glaring at the conspiring women.
“Oh, it is, but as your doctor, Meira added me to your suit’s trusted people,” Elizabeth revealed with a smile.
Evernya slumped in defeat, seeing no winning options. “I give up. There is no winning against you when it comes to spending money.”
“Good girl.” Meira praised, ruffling Evernya’s hair with a warm breeze.
“Whatever,” Evernya grumbled while her hands smoothed out her hair.
A few minutes later, a beautiful young woman looking to be in her late teens or early twenties glided toward their table wearing a long-sleeved button-up white shirt with a black tie paired with a black skirt which traveled to just below her knees along with a black apron tied at her waist displaying the restaurant’s name and logo proudly.
After sneaking a glance at her customer’s attire, the waitress greeted them while keeping a friendly, professional smile. “Hello, my name is Ashley. I will be your waitress this evening. Would you ladies like anything to drink?”
“I’ll have a glass of the recommended red mana wine,” Meira ordered
“I’ll have the same,” Elizabeth ordered a moment later.
The waitress then turned to the undecided shifter, frantically scanning through the separate drink menu. “She will have your best mana enriched juice,” Meira ordered, saving her kitten, and earning a grateful look from said kitten.
Ashley quick jotted down their orders before returning her attention to the women, “Those will be right out, have you decided on your meal orders?”
After glancing at Elizabeth for confirmation, Meira answered, “I think so. I’ll have your largest garden salad.” Meira ordered.
“I would like a three-tailed bull steak, please,” Elizabeth ordered politely.
After a few seconds delay with visible hesitance, Evernya ordered, “Two orders of the shifter special for me.”
Ashley ran her eyes down the petite shifter in front of her, asking, “Are you sure? Most shifters three times your size have trouble finishing one order.”
Before her kitten could change her mind, Meira spoke for her, “She won’t have any trouble finishing it, I’m more worried it won’t be enough for her.”
With her last chance gone, Evernya gave up, replying, “I’ll be fine looking at the portions of each course, it is almost in line with how much I typically eat for dinner.”
“Okay, as long as you are sure. Do you need anything else?” Ashley asked after writing down their orders.
“No, that should be it,” Meira replied, handing their menus to the waitress.
After Ashley walked away, Evernya asked, “So how are we going to handle my food coma? I usually have at most two minutes after a meal before I pass out.”
“It may be a little awkward, but if you can’t make it until we leave, I’ll just carry you back to the car,” Meira replied without worry.
“I hate how effective food is at knocking me when it takes boatloads of sedatives to accomplish the same,” Evernya grumbled.
With keen interest, Elizabeth inquired, “Have you figured out why that is? I would love to hear your theories on this as a doctor.”
“I don’t know for sure, but I think my body can’t digest solid foods while I am conscious,” Evernya replied with uncertainty.
While nodding in agreement, Elizabeth added, “That would make sense. I know dragons tend to sleep directly after a meal too.”
“I am such a mutt of races. You never know what I’ll inherit from each.” Evernya grumbled.
“You are a curious mix of genetics. By some miracle, they seem to work well together. When I first saw your genetics, I thought you were a ticking time bomb, but luckily, that’s not the case as far as we can tell.” Elizabeth stated.
“And I would like it to stay that way. I would rather not blow up just because I am the way I am.” Evernya insisted, trying her best to banish the images of her body exploding.
They halted their conversation as Ashley returned, carrying their drinks. After placing their drinks on the table, Ashley went off to help another table. Unable to survey the room with her lack of neck mobility from their corner table, Evernya focused her attention on the bluish-colored drink in front of her. As soon as she brought it to her lips, her fangs instantly descended, attracted by the potent mana enriched drink. Suddenly starving, Evernya chugged the glass in one gulp, only returning to awareness after licking every drip from her fangs. Embarrassed by her lack of control, Evernya sat silently, waiting for their orders to arrive.
Five minutes later, their meal arrived. The waitress placed a massive bowl at least fifty centimeters in diameter in front of Meira, along with a monstrous slab of meat, along with a baked potato in front of a hungry-looking Elizabeth. A separate server arrived a minute later, carrying a large stack of plates held in a metal frame in a pyramid formation. They placed the enormous amount of food consisting of multiple different types of meat, fish, and some vegetables in front of the drooling little shifter. All the food was practically glowing with mana, causing Evernya to shake, struggling against her control.
Knowing there was no way she could use a fork and knife to eat fast enough, she chopped everything up with precise use of force blades and machine-gunned it all down her throat, drawing the attention of customers and staff alike. Unbeknownst to her, the surrounding tables descended into silence, entranced by the display.
Only a few minutes later, Evernya finished with a cute little burp. A moment later, the food coma took effect, expedited by the sheer quantity. She slumped in her chair, glassy-eyed, purring in contentment, unaware of several customers clapping at the unexpected show.
“Holy fuck! I may have miscalculated how much food that was, how the hell did you eat all of that.” Meira exclaimed, her untouched salad forgotten.
“It was so amazing. I just couldn’t stop. I’m sorry, but your blue serpent meat has nothing on this place.” Evernya slurred, fighting a losing battle to keep her eyes open.
“Of course, I’m not a chef. They have techniques to minimize mana loss while preparing the food.” Meira stated as her kitten passed out, slumped in her chair with her head hanging limply to the side, only supported by the collar.