Behind Kantalateaka's unassuming exterior was a world of decadence that contradicted its outward simplicity. As one crossed the threshold, their senses were immediately captivated by the breathtaking vista of luxury, a striking contrast to the humble facade presented to the world.

Within its walls, Kantalateaka exuded majesty from every nook and cranny. Each piece of furniture, meticulously crafted from the finest materials, told its own tale of opulence and refinement. The walls, adorned with gold accents and draped in plush velvet, seamlessly merged the grandeur of a palace with the comfort of a home.

But it was the booths where Kantalateaka truly cast its spell. Each secluded nook, reminiscent of a miniature Eden, promised a tranquil sanctuary. Above, a ceiling of lush greenery and delicate flowers cascaded down, infusing the air with their soothing fragrances. Soft, ethereal light danced around the space, enveloping the fortunate souls who lounged on the sumptuous seating in a warm and inviting glow.

Ravina stood in awe, her eyes shimmering with wonder. Although she had experienced opulence in her previous life, the spectacle before her at Kantalateaka surpassed anything she had ever witnessed.

Approaching the group with an air of elegance and authority was a woman dressed in a uniform that exuded luxury. Her attire, meticulously tailored, accentuated her slender figure, featuring rich burgundy fabric embellished with delicate embroidery and glimmering gemstone accents. A tastefully plunging neckline revealed intricate gold patterns that cascaded down the front, while a ruby brooch rested gracefully at her sternum. Her face was framed by a high, regal collar.

The woman's long sleeves were fitted, adorned with threads of gold and silver that shimmered with each movement. She wore polished black heels that peeked out from under the hem of her bold dress. In contrast, her apron was pristine white, with the proud emblem of Kantalateaka embroidered in the top right corner.

"Good afternoon," she began, her voice echoing the polished professionalism of her appearance. Her cool, blue eyes surveyed the group, her thin lips maintaining a neutral smile. "May I take your reservation?" Her gaze, sharp and scrutinizing, swept over each member, leaving no detail unnoticed.

Fraven and Joren stood tall in their knightly attire, their order's crest catching only a fleeting glance. Elysia, donning a more unique uniform with the same crest, drew a bit more attention, while Seit, a maid, went relatively unnoticed. Finally, the woman's gaze settled on Ravina.

Ravina inwardly cursed, instinctively seeking shelter behind Elysia as she recoiled under the woman's penetrating gaze. Ever since she had become Ravina, an inexplicable fear of strangers had taken hold of her. She didn't understand why, but it was an emotion she could not suppress.

"We don't have one," Elysia admitted, her words tinged with a hint of disappointment as she mentally crossed her fingers. She would understand if Kantalateaka were to deny them, even if they arrived in a carriage of House Ravenshield, but she was still hopeful for a table at the renowned restaurant.

A wisp of a smile, carrying a hint of conceit, tugged at the corners of the woman's lips as she refocused on Elysia. "I see," she purred, her voice laced with a barely contained delight. "And might I have the pleasure of knowing who you are?" The question lingered in the air.

"Your betters," Fraven retorted tersely, his stature expanding as he stepped forward, his arms folded across his broad chest. His blunt tone and assertive demeanor wiped the smirk off the woman's face.

"I... I didn't mean--" she stammered, her facade of polished professionalism crumbling under Fraven's intense gaze. It was evident that she had never anticipated such a reaction, especially from a knight. Her eyes darted around, desperately seeking assistance.

Her plea seemed to summon a man from within the establishment, his attire mirroring the woman's own, adorned with tasteful golden accents and a more intricate crest.

"Good afternoon," he offered, flashing a bright smile in an attempt to diffuse the tension. The tension in his voice reverberated louder than his words, betraying the underlying nervousness masked by his wide grin.

Fraven's steely gaze shifted to the newcomer. "You might begin by explaining why your staff deems it appropriate to address knights of the Einzfeder Order as if we are common rabble," Fraven's words cut through the air, sharp and icy, his anger tangible, chilling the atmosphere around them.

To his credit, the man did not crumble under Fraven's daunting presence. "I see," he responded, "On behalf of our establishment, I extend our sincerest apologies for the misunderstanding. The fault lies with me for failing to adequately train my staff in recognizing our distinguished guests." Bowing, he offered his apologies on behalf of the woman.

"Follow me," he instructed, straightening himself. "We have reserved a special room for esteemed guests of House Ravenshield."

At the mention of House Ravenshield, a wave of comprehension washed over the attendant's face, draining the color from her cheeks. As the group walked past her, guided by the manager, her gaze trailed after them, wide-eyed and aghast.

Guided by the manager, they entered a room that epitomized opulence and elegance. More than a mere dining room, it resembled a plush lounge, emanating a dark allure reminiscent of a raven. Deep, somber hues enveloped the interior, silently conveying a sense of quiet grandeur.

The manager gestured for them to step inside, his hands gracefully sweeping towards the luxurious seating arrangements. "Please, make yourselves comfortable," he said, retreating towards the door. "I'll return shortly with something for you to get started on." With a final courteous nod, he exited the room, leaving them in their private sanctuary.

The members of the Einzfeder Order effortlessly settled into the comfort of the room, sinking into the plush seating. Ravina, however, lingered near the entrance, her wide eyes absorbing every detail of the scene.

"Come, sit," Elysia beckoned with a warm smile, patting the spot next to her on the cushioned sofa.

Timidly, Ravina ventured deeper into the room, her steps echoing her awe and slight trepidation. She lowered herself onto the cushioned seat, her small frame swallowed by the surrounding luxury.

For a while, the room hummed with the amicable chatter of small talk and jests were shared among the group. Joren animatedly recounted a humorous anecdote from their recent mission, with Fraven interjecting dry commentary here and there. Elysia's melodious laughter filled the air. Ravina listened attentively, her mind drifting elsewhere.

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Suddenly, the gentle chiming of the door resonated as it swung open once more. The manager returned, accompanied by two waitresses dressed similarly to the first woman they encountered. Their uniforms were immaculate, and their smiles radiated warmth.

In their hands, they carried silver trays adorned with delicacies and crystal goblets brimming with a ruby-red beverage. The tantalizing aroma of the food enveloped the room--a harmonious blend of herbs, spices, and exquisitely cooked meat, evoking anticipation and causing mouths to water.

With graceful and precise movements, the waitresses served the group. Plate after plate was placed before them, and each goblet was filled to the brim. The manager nodded, silently signaling for the waitresses to depart, and they promptly obeyed.

As the men engaged in conversation amongst themselves, Elysia encouraged Ravina to partake in the feast. With practiced skill, she placed a succulent piece of roast on Ravina's plate.

"Elysia," Ravina said as she accepted the plate, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "The incident earlier, what exactly was that about?" The scene had unfolded before her like a twisted tale, not fitting the pages of a storybook.

The handsome knight had launched a verbal assault on an innocent woman. The handsome knight viciously attacked an innocent woman. Sure, even she could tell the hostess looked down upon them but was that really a reason to verbally cut her down with a sharp twist of the tongue?

Elysia furrowed her brow, clearly intrigued by the question. "An incident?" she echoed, her eyes searching for understanding.

"When Sir Fraven reprimanded those women at the entrance," Ravina clarified, her voice tinged with a mixture of confusion and concern.

"Reprimanded? Good heavens, no," Elysia replied, her tone reflecting disbelief. "It was that girl who was entirely in the wrong. This establishment," she waved her hand, encompassing the opulent room they were currently enjoying, "is built upon the idea of pedigree, open only to those of the highest quality. It's mostly reserved for high-ranking nobles, and Count Ravenshield himself is the king of the city."

"Don't get me wrong, we might have been turned away anyway, but her actions were outright shameful!" Elysia huffed, frustration evident as she took an angry sip of wine.

Ravina pondered aloud, "So she was just a commoner?" The logical explanation presented itself, but there was an undeniable air of exclusivity about the place, a silent proclamation that commoners could never dare to enter, let alone work.

Elysia's mouth fell open, nearly spilling her red wine in surprise. She quickly recovered and responded, her voice a mix of astonishment and affirmation, "Heavens, no! Honey, this place is strictly reserved for the elite." She confirmed Ravina's earlier suspicion, reinforcing the notion that commoners had no place within these lavish walls.

"At the very least, one needs to be a baron--never mind a simple baronet like Joyful over there," Elysia added, her words laced with a hint of disdain.

Fraven acknowledged Elysia's remark with a rude gesture towards the women, before returning his attention to his conversation with Joren.

Elysia playfully stuck out her tongue in response. "Baron's daughters should know better, especially in this city," she declared proudly, puffing out her chest. "We are knights of the Einzfeder Order--under the direct call of the count himself."

Ravina, still trying to comprehend the intricacies of nobility, questioned further, "But aren't you all just barons yourselves?" She had assumed they were commoners until their discussion of tournament-winning commoners joining their ranks earlier. However, it was now clear that they were born and bred nobles.

Elysia's understanding gaze met Ravina's as she hummed in response. "Right..." She had forgotten that they had picked up Ravina, a ragged girl from the tower, just days ago. Even then, Elysia had assumed Ravina belonged to at least some level of nobility. However, like most children held captive by the evil wizard, she revealed that she was nothing more than a peasant's daughter.

"It's tricky. So I am the daughter of Baron Corin re Savoix, Joren is the son of Baron Elric re Branwen--Joren himself comes from a family that can be traced back to the Ravenshields," Elysia explained. "Meanwhile, tall, dark, and angry won his title the hard way, earning the name Fraven so Capet."

"The right way," Fraven interjected, his voice filled with bitterness.

"The right way is being born into it," Elysia continued, unfazed by Fraven's reaction. "That way, you can pass on your title." Fraven's face grimaced, scolding Joren for laughing.

"Varis is our leader, but at the same time he is just the Baron Seiphlinga," Elysia continued, gesturing towards the men and herself. "Yet, the ranks of Counts Brantley of Graustein and Seigoh of Hohenlohe don't surpass his. both are lords from neighboring county.

"Yet, Varis, despite being a Baron, holds dominion over the Counts. It's the standing of the Einzfeder Order, the eldest and most esteemed Order, that bestows him this authority. This dynamic extends beyond our halls as well. Even the leaders of the Nachtschatten and Silberwache Orders, also Counts, bend to the Einzfeder Order's will."

"Wait a minute," Fraven interjected, his confusion evident. "Gerald is no Count."

"You're right," Elysia agreed, "but Riedich is. Haven't you heard?"

"Heard what? What happened to Gerald?" Fraven asked, his voice filled with concern.

Joren laid a sympathetic hand on his friend's arm. "Oh buddy," he sighed. Then, with a flair for the dramatic, he began to recount the tangled tale of Gerald's romantic misadventure.

Elysia rolled her eyes but pressed on, undeterred. "Getting back to my point, both the Nachtschatten and Silberwache Orders acknowledge the supremacy of the Einzfeder Order. Not because of the ranks their leaders hold, but due to the timeless prestige of the Einzfeder Order that outshines the others."

"Consider this," Elysia proposed, weaving an analogy with her words. "Imagine the Roan County as a kingdom where Count Ravenshield reigns supreme. His Barons are like dukes, and other kings send their sons here for tutelage. Within this metaphor, the Nevarus Kingdom is an empire."

"In this grand tapestry, Sir Varis plays the role of a Duke, owing to his rank in the Order," she explained, gesturing towards the men and herself, "while we embody the Counts, and everyone else fills the roles of the Barons."

Fraven retorted, shaking his head in amusement, "That's the most muddled explanation I've ever heard."

"Well, let's see if you can do better," Elysia shot back, a playful challenge gleaming in her eyes.

"Nevarus operates like a military kingdom," Joren interjected, his voice matter-of-fact and his explanation concise. "It prioritizes the military over civilian districts. It's the military orders that hold the real power, not the titles."

Elysia conceded, surprise coloring her voice, "That is... definitely better." She reflected on the newfound simplicity of the concept, murmuring, "well, my father's teaching methods leave much to be desired."

the members of the order resumed their conversation with each other, Elysia brought in by Joren's soft explanation. they enjoyed the food and atmosphere of the noble restaurant, talking more than anything else.

Suddenly, Ravina became aware of a word that caught her attention. "What was that?" she asked, redirecting her focus to the man who spoke it.

his gaze met hers. "Not much, just that they've expanded Gray Mil again," Joren relayed.

"Third time this month," Fraven added. "Something's going on in there. If that damned empire's not careful, they'll have a full-blown flood in their entire city--mark my words."

And mark them she did.