Chapter 507: Special guests (2/2)
”Where was I?... ah, ok, found it. After three days, the guest left and another one came to stay. Bear in mind, the people who booked such a room were very often traveling merchants or businessmen. People of real stature choose the better alternative. Budget luxury, that's straying off the facts. Here's where it gets weird. The numerous guests reported the same shadow and knocks. A lady went as far as to record herself sleeping. To which,” a video played, ”-we see a figure looming around her bed. It makes no sound. The lady doesn't even seem to sense the presence. Fast-forward two weeks ago, and the incident turns tragic. A guest has a fatal accident. Footage shows the same figure, albeit unlikely, guiding the sleeping man off the bed. He moves, trance-like, to open the balcony and jump. The body is found and taken to the hospital within thirty minutes. Autopsy says he died on impact. Since then, the hotel's made it unaccessible for other people. An investigation is underway. I mean, you could have an innocent peep.”
”Are you really suggesting this is the job of a supernatural being? Let me remind you, the world's normality includes the dead coming to life. And no, I'm not interested.”
”I know,” said the spirit, ”-a bit of mystery is fun here and there.”
”Out with it already, what's happening here?” fired Igna.
”Don't you want to take a guess?” wondered he impatiently.
”An inside job, something to tarnish the reputation. Aiming for the weak-spot – a good strategy considering. What happened to the dead person, what about the family?”
”He was a nobody, no record on his whereabouts. I'm suspicious the death came earlier than the drop.”
”Shut up,” the situation brought bad memories, ”-controlling a dead body. If Lucifer's church is involved – I guess the new owner of Balna is someone from the DG or the Federation. Has there not been any news reports?”
”No, the incident was settled privately. Large amounts of money were moved from the hotel's account.”
”It doesn't bode well,” said Igna, ”-fighting the drop is fruitless. The owner realizes it now. Pulling out the market is the only option. He's going to sell it for cheap and save-face.”
”For someone who doesn't want to get involved…”
”Shut it,” fired Igna, ”-you did this on purpose, didn't you?”
”No, I did nothing.”
”Whatever, I came here for food, and that's what I'll get.” Stood sharply, the main-restaurant came as a surprise. A supposed unsolved murder case didn't stop the tables to be filled. The food was to die for. As the guest holding the master-suite, a table peering over a nice pond was always opened. The menu, the aroma, the deliciousness in the air watered the pallet.
The suicide case, whatever one wanted to call it, was nothing more than some good information on what happened. Balna's policy would eventually crumble under the pressure of the other hotels. It showed in the worker's hesitance. Still, upon that sunny evening, each bite warmed the soul. The texture, the difference in temperature, flavor, and aroma, the way the chef expertly played about with the ingredient, good didn't suffice. He devoured plate after plate and learn of a different type of cooking. Guests and waiters became enthralled by the starved boy. Rumors went from the restaurant to the kitchen.
”There's a young man on the master-suite table devouring everything we throw at him. He's ordering even more. Chef, I think you have a fan.”
”Is that so,” returned a monotone voice, ”-I'm glad,” heavy dark-circles and slumped posture all but reflected what was on the plate. Experiencing such a roller-coaster of a ride slapped a smile across the face.
”Éclair, I need a favor.”
”What is it?”
”Have it so I can use the kitchen later. I want to experiment. The food here is so good I'm forced to hold a knife.”
Days went on till the 29th. Nothing major occurred, Igna spent the days and nights cooking, exploring, and experimenting. Hephon's multitude of restaurants sure made it worthwhile. None was the wiser, as long as one had money, there was access to almost anything. Dressed in warm clothes, the bike readied for the trip home. The cooking staff waved good-byes for he had worked into their circle. The always fatigued head-chef was pleased to give tips and tricks on how to improve. Learning never ended – an idea for a dish came to mind. It'd take a few days to perfect. Along the coast he went, smiling at the energetic kids running. Sunfall came after a nine-hour drive. Leaving early in the morning allowed for just about time to return soundly. The back did pain per the exhausting posture of riding a sports-bike.
*Dring,*
”Hello?” answered Igna able to stretch the limbs.
”Where have you been?” came through loudly, ”-I've been looking everywhere for you.”
”Why, what's the matter?” he casually opened the door, ”-I said I'll be back by the 29th.”
”Where are you now?”
”Sunfall.”
”Head to the academy. I don't care how long it takes.”
'What's wrong with him?' the room locked without fully stepping inside. A sense of impatience oozed out the call, something major must have happened. Éclair couldn't help either, the call ended too early to provide any insight. Dusk shrouded the lonesome roads.
”Chef Leko,” said a sharp voice, ”-where is Igna?”
”My lady, I've called him, he should be back soon.”
”Good, we want to taste the improvement of my wife's prodigy. Rumors about the battle made waves around the noble houses.”
”He's very much grown,” nodded Leko. The Lordon's flew over for Cle. Just as it so happens, Leko offered Lady Yuki to partake in the graduation evaluation. She'd step in as a special guest. Her praise would surely give confidence to the younger cooks. Despite the offer, she declined. Instead, Syndra would judge the food.
”I'm here,” time showed 17:00, the faculty officed worked deep into the night.
”Welcome back, Igna,” said Leko, ”-I'm busy at the moment. Head to the restaurant, I'll be there shortly.”
”Sure.”