Chapter 474: Winter Festival (2/2)
”Yes chef,” her contagious energy grew the anticipation of the event.
'A shirt with a wave, quite bold for a fine-dining establishment.'
”Igna,” approached Yuki amidts the chatter of the others, ”-I'm glad I met you,” she gave a soft pat, ”-I'm surprised you learned everything we taught. Cooking only begins from here, I taught thee all I know. You truly are a Prodigy – go and finish Adventuring Academy. We'll always be here waiting. Loron will be home if you ever need one.” The warmness in her smile could but bring a tear. The others held the same feeling, Igna became part of their working force. Trial or not, he fit their rhythm so perfectly that few cooking magazines began following his exploits. The already heavenly rated quality increased even more so by the addition.
'She's right, my training here is over.' The slick and powerful sport's bike burnt the streets towards the apartment. 'Can't believe Lady Yuki and I was at odds end. The few months have been so hectic – it feels like years. Magazines always want to have interviews and photoshoots; Lady Yuki wants me to do them but…”
”Igna, an incoming call from Jen,” said Éclair.
”Put it through.”
”Hello?” answered he through the flares of the well-lit buildings against the black visor.
”Hello, is that you Igna?” came a manlier voice.
”Yeah, who's this?” the traffic light turned green.
”It's me, Leonard.”
”Long time no see, how've you been?”
”Don't play dumb,” said he sharply, ”-anyway, the rest and I are coming to Rosespire for the Winter Festival,” the playful murmurs of Jen and Rena littered the background. One could hear Lampard demand silence through the deep heavy voice. ”I was wondering if you'd like to meet up… what are you doing?”
”Hey, hey,” by the sound of things, ”-it's me, Jen,” she forcefully snatched the phone. ”I'm angry you know…”
”Why so?” wondered he speeding down towards the main road.
”You disappeared off the planet. A call to say hello would have been appreciated. Idiot.”
'Don't make it my fault. Group C doesn't need a third wheel.'
”Are you there?” her perky tone grew annoying.
”I'm here, alright. So, you guys coming to the festival?”
”Yeah, about that, where are you staying?”
”A relative's place.”
”WAIT WHAT? Did you get your memories back?”
”No, still clueless. Whatever, where are you guys staying… LEONARD, GIVE ME THE PHONE.” She screamed.
”Sorry about that,” said he apologetically, ”-we'll be staying at Juei, my family owns a mansion. Thought I'd give you a call, want to join us for the week to catch up and stuff?”
”Whereabouts in Juei, wait, are you here already?”
”Yeah, yeah,” said he, ”-we arrived like an hour ago. I'll send you the address.”
”Cool, I'll be there in an hour or so.”
”Awesome, we'll wait,” the call ended.
'They are idiots,' he smiled,'-but I love 'em. Who cares about third wheels, Group C are the first friends I made,' the exhaust roared, the bike shot like a bullet.
”What did he say?” wondered Rena.
”He's coming in an hour.”
”How?” inquired Lampard, ”-didn't you say Juei was reserved for the rich or something like that. I got the impression there's no transport here.”
”You right,” paused, ”-he might own a scooter or something. Who cares, Igna's finally going to show up. We've so much to speak about.”
”Yeah, like A LOT.” Beige ceiling, warm tiled floor, exquisite couches, and a massive television on the wall, the mansion was reserved for Juei's standards. Emphasis was placed on the moderately sized garden in which ran the main path inside.
”I'm starving,” cried Lampard.
”Want to order?” wondered Leonard to his right, the large six-seat couch held plenty o' space.
”Won't it take too long?” the television played a scary movie under the dim-lighting setting.
”We're approaching the location,” said Éclair, ”-don't lose the lenses. I've informed Lady Yuki of the plans. She has yet to respond.”
”Mother's hard at work,” the road trembled as the bike closed.
”You heard that?” asked Jen cuddling Rena.
”Y-yeah, a roar…”
*Dring,* ”WHAT WAS THAT!”
”-Leonard, it's me – open the gates,” came through the intercoms.
”Chill out you two,” laughed he, ”-It's just Igna.” The light soon toggled, the front-yard illuminated, and the gates opened.
”Igna…” soon exiting in hopes of welcoming their friend, their breath cut short. He drove in with a flashy vehicle.
”Hey guys,” the helmet lifted with the medium-length hair dropping onto the shoulders, ”-long time no see.”