Banquet of Reunions and Old Paths Chapter 7

 Banquet of Reunions and Old Paths Chapter 7

Akira: (It’s night...)

Just a second ago we were in daylight, but as if we had travelled through time, there was a beautiful moonlit sky above us. It was a weird feeling.

Shino: Didn’t know your magic could shift time too.

Mithra: No, I cannot. This is an illusion of the night created by a wizard.

White: Hoho, and the fact that I am not stuck in a painting is proof. This scenery does make me feel as if I were dreaming, though.

In contrast to the snowy fields of night, there stood a restaurant. 

It looked illusory as the moonlight shined on it, making it glow. 

Lennox: …

Akira: What’s up?

Lennox: Nothing, I was just thinking about how it looks exactly the same as it was back then.

Faust: Is that so…

Lennox: Until today, I’ve always doubted myself on whether that restaurant was just a dream or not.

But, Lord Faust…

with you here at this moment, I know I truly visited this restaurant those hundreds of years ago.

Faust: I mean, as long as I’m not an illusion in a dream you're having, then yes I am here.

It was while we were talking that the door invited us open.

Shylock: It seems we’ve been summoned.

Murr: Summoning ourselves inside we shall!

Matthew: Welcome all, to my restaurant. 

We entered the restaurant and found Matthew greeting us politely with a bow.

Next to him, was…

Shino: Hey, our dinner.

Murr: Pork sauté!

Piggy: Ooooink?!

Spotting Shino and Murr, the little piglet started running around in circles in a panic.

Mithra: Arthim.

A veil of light surrounded the piglet, gently lifting it up and soaring it into Mithra’s arms before the veil transformed itself into a net, hanging the pig by its belly.

Mithra: Everyone, I’ve caught our dinner.

Matthew: Oh, not him, he’s my familiar. I have something else prepared!

Mithra: You don’t say? Well, all's well if I get to eat well. 

Losing his interest in the pig, Mithra releases it on the spot and it runs behind Matthew instantly.

Matthew: Hahahaha! I’m guessing this little guy had quite the adventure!

Piggy: Oiink!

Lennox: We’re grateful for tonight, Matthew. I didn’t bring too many guests, did I?

Matthew: Nah, the more the merrier! I can cook tons, so don’t worry!

Now, if you could all come to your seats.

Piggy: Oink!

Like magic, every seat had nameplates on them, all according to ours.

Akira: (...)

Faust: Ah, you still can’t read our language. Your seats that one over there.

Akira: T-Thank you!

Lennox and Faust.

Oz, White, Mithra, and me.

Murr, Shylock, and Shino.

Sitting at our designated seats, we were sat at three tables.

Akira: So Oz and Mithra are seated together…

White: They are so! I bet we’ll make for an interesting and lively quartet!

Mithra: Yes, we will. To help in that, how about I cut you up and turn you into toppings for our meal, Oz?

Oz: Behave yourselves.

Akira: Ahaha…

I take a look at our surroundings while we wait for our food, watching the dazzling lights all over the restaurant’s interior. It was not at all gaudy, and the twinkle of the lights made me feel calm.

The lighting emanated a soft glow, as if we were lying down under the sea looking up at the rays of light hitting the water’s surface. 

When Matthew snapped his fingers, cutlery and napkins appeared on our tables.

Matthew: Now, I shall introduce today’s meal. I call it “Lennox’s Full Course”.

Lennox: Me…?

Mithra: That doesn’t tell me much.

Shylock: My, how interesting! May I hear what sort of dishes are included?

Matthew: Like how a bard sings of another’s tales and destinys, I put the full course of one’s life onto a plate. 

I cook food for my customers, and in return I hear their stories. With those stories as a base, I create a new set of meals.

That, is my pursuit in life, my happiness.

Lennox: Wait, then…those stories I told you so long ago are the basis for today’s course?

The times of my travels included…?

Matthew: Yup!

Lennox: W-Wait…I didn’t hear about this!

Matthew: Hmm, I’m pretty sure I did tell you that I serve my customers the full course of another’s life, and in turn make that customer’s life stories into another full course of meals.

Lennox: You…you did.

Faust: Lennox.

Lennox: I’m so deeply sorry, Lord Faust, I may have spoken about…

Faust: You don’t need to apologize. We will feast, as our thanks for saving your life.

Lennox: …If you are fine with it.

Matthew: Are you settled? 

Turning Lennox’s life story into a full course was no small feat. From ideas on paper to perfecting the actual food, it took three hundred years of trial and error.

Akira: Three what?!

Shino: Oooh, so if it took that long it’s gotta be just as tasty.

Matthew: I hope I can meet your expectations.

Matthew theatrically bowed, and appetizers and drinks lined up before us.

Murr: Our hors d’oeuvre is Paprika Mousse and gougères! Is this Lennox’s birth we’re experiencing?

Shino: No clue what you said, but it looks yummy.

Shylock: Hmhm, the start to one’s full course in life…I can’t wait for the next dish.

Murr: It must be uber amusing to have your life on a plate! Wonder which period of Lennox’s life the main dish will be!

Shylock: …Say, Murr. If you had your entire life presented as a full course meal, how do you think it’d taste?

Though Shylock had asked him nonchalantly, there was something about him that felt like he was testing Murr.

Murr: Well I’ve always been in love with the moon, so…I bet it’d taste like the Great Calamity!

Hey, if I ever got a full course meal of my own life, I’d feed you it first, Shylock!

A smile spread on Shylock’s face, unknown if out of affection or cynicality. 

Shylock: …I’d gladly indulge.

Shino: Hey, can we eat yet?

Murr: Oh yeah! We should get to eating!

He stood up with a glass in his hands, garnering everyone’s attention over to him.

The light in his eyes held secrets within, and it was as if he were an escort who appeared in this magical restaurant to guide you from reality to the dream world.

Murr: Let us cheer for this wonderful food and special occasion.

With a clang, the enlivening noise of glasses against each other sounded. The room went silent as everyone enjoyed their drinks.

As I drank, the flavour of faint peach flooded my mouth with the scent of fruits.

Akira: (Everyone else’s drinks contain alcohol it seems, but mine doesn’t…how did he already know my preference?)

Pondering about this mystifying drink, I feel invigorated from its taste and lavish aroma.

Shylock: You sure know your grapes.

Matthew: The sparkling wine is this restaurant’s pride. 

Murr: Yum, yum! It sure goes well with the appetizers! Also, these gougères are delish.

Matthew: That is the man Lennox is. These drinks and appetizers are to visualize his wheel of fate in life, its ups and downs.

There’s no sweetness to its taste, just simplicity and enlightenment. This deep flavour as it is, represents the man named Lennox.

Matthew smirks like he successfully pulled off a prank, and takes the compliments with coolness.

He snapped his fingers, and plates with food popped up.

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Banquet of Reunions and Old Paths Chapter 8

Banquet of Reunions and Old Paths Chapter 8

Brussels sprouts arranged like a flower bud. It was black where sautèed.

Next to it were sausages lined up. The dish was rather rustic, and the thing that left an impression most was the black flower.

Lennox: This…

Matthew: This dish represents your years in the hundreds. 

Lennox looked troubled as he viewed the contents of the dish, and slowly spooned it into his mouth. 

White: Oooh, I can’t get enough of this sautèed crispiness! I can taste spices on the sausage, and it feels all natural.

Mithra: Thank you for the meal.

Akira: Woah, Mithra, eat with the cutlery, not your hands! You’ll get your clothes dirty.

White: Goodness Mithra, you’re such a child.

I remember when Oz learned how to eat with a spoon and fork right away!

Oz: Mithra. This is how you use a spoon and fork…

Mithra: Huuuh? Are you ordering me around? Well, I’ll try it out anyway…

Copying Oz’s way, Mithra handles the fork and picks up food into his mouth.

Matthew: “Sautèed Brussels Sprouts Macaroni and Sausage” with a pinch of magic. I call this dish “The Coal Miner”

This dish was remnant of Lennox’s days in poverty and harsh labour at the coal mines he used to belong to.

Matthew: However, Lennox was a great wizard that could be relied on, and he had friends that were his equals.

This dish represents his youth and vigor throughout his days of suffering.

Mithra: I’ve no interest in Lennox’s past, but the food is good.

Matthew: Thank you for your praise. It’s my creed to create top notch dishes that don’t disrespect one’s own story.

With a clap, he snapped his fingers again, echoing throughout the room.

The next dish that appeared was roasted tomato soup that was maddening red and see through.

Murr: Hoh, what a thrillingly tingly taste!

Matthew: “Roasted Tomato Consommè”. The sweetness of the tomato contrasts with the spicy chili oil soup. 

It is titled “Wrath”.

Along with his fellow miners, Lennox stood up against their oppressor. It was the time for an uprising.

I trapped the memory of their oppression and rage into that soup, the same heat that Lennox himself burned in.

White: I remember that age was brimming with wars, everywhere and anywhere.

It was the fault of someone who half heartedly tried to take over the world, wasn’t it, Oz?

Oz: …

Oz drank the soup without a peep. I couldn’t even think of asking him what feelings he was having right now.

White: Anyways, a while ago you guys were talking about something fun, Murr.

Akira: Ah, the question of “how do you think your life would taste”?

White: Indeed. I was pondering on what Oz’s life story would taste like. What do you think, Sage?

Akira: Wait, you’re asking ME? Why not Oz?

White: He would just shoo me away with a “Don’t care”! Not playful at all, that one.

Mithra: So true.

Oz: Stuff those mouths.

White: The three of us have lived over a thousand years. Because of that, we couldn’t possibly answer such a question so easily.

Even so, I still thought…maybe if it’s you, O Sage, you could answer for him.

Akira: Oz’s life…

Oz: …

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Banquet of Reunions and Old Paths Chapter 9

Banquet of Reunions and Old Paths Chapter 9

I have no clue on what sort of answer White and Oz expect from me.

But as the Wizards’ Sage, I was the one by their sides, watching them closely.

Their only sage to guide them, the bunch of individuals who were all kind, harsh, funny, and serious.

That’s why I wanted to answer this question sincerely, even if it took me some time.

Akira: …

The Oz I know is only one face of his.

Mithra: Well he has been needlessly living a long life.

Akira: I think Mithra and White would know more about him and his life than I. 

The Oz I know is just one face, out of many. And that is the Sage’s wizard who has found those he will protect.

Oz: …

Akira: Uhhhm, so what I’m saying is…

White: There is no need to rush. We would like to hear your answer, in your way.

Akira: Okay, so this is gonna be my opinion, but if you were to make Oz’s entire life into a full course, I think it would taste…kind.

Like fluffy pancakes or milk stew…that taste!

That’s just what I think…how about it?

Oz: Sage.

Akira: Y-Yeah?

Oz: I have never looked back on my long life, none the less thought about how it’d taste. 

I know though, that many, many people will have said something vastly different from you.

I wasn’t there to witness it myself, but Oz once was on a quest of world domination, and became the world’s strongest wizard.

He was a dreadful and ruthless demon king is what the many sayings left behind in every country was. 

When I take that in, of course pancakes and stew don’t really fit with Oz’s life story, and I’d definitely be seen as a nutjob for saying so.

Oz: …A full course meal like that seems suited for children.

Akira: Oz…

When he said that, a gentle expression showed on his face for an instant.

Akira: I bet Arthur and Riquet would love to eat it.

Mithra: Haaaugh, we don’t have any need to make a full course meal for Oz’s entire life in the first place.

I’ll eventually turn him into stone and taste him like that.

Spouting terrifying words again, Mithra took a sip of his soup. He sounded to be in a good mood.

Even if he did say those words, it seemed that he enjoyed the talk about full course meals.

White: Hohoho!

Akira: What is it, White?

White: I just thought about it and, isn’t this sort of situation miracle-like?

Shall we do another cheers,

to celebrate the two who have been at each other’s necks for hundreds and thousands of years, eating at the same table together?

Oz: And to congratulate the Sage for granting this miracle.

Mithra: Cheeeers.

Our glasses rang together throughout the restaurant, creating a refreshing noise.

Once again, a clap and snap. 

What came before us was meat dishes. A roasted duck, drizzled with a noble yellow sauce.

Matthew: Feast your eyes on the main dish, “Duck Poêle and Orange Tang” titled “Revolution”.

Faust & Lennox: …

Matthew: Much blood was shed during the great war, chaos abound, but with the sure feeling of victory within their grasps…

This dish reflects the heart of Lennox.

Lennox: Lord Faust, please don’t force yourself to eat it if…

Faust: …I’m fine, let’s eat it before it gets cold.

Lennox: Understood…

Faust: I like it, the bitter orange sauce and the sweetness from its faint acids are what grab your attention first, 

and then the taste completes itself when biting into the meat.

Lennox: Agreed. The flavours change in your mouth.

After taking a bite, Lennox makes an expression as though he was reminiscing about the past, silently thinking.

Faust: Hey, are you okay? I know that if it were me I don’t think I could stand having my whole life presented before me like this.

Lennox: Well…it is a little weird, but it makes me realize that I had these sorts of feelings too.

I send my compliments to the chef, expressing my life into cooking and making it appetizing on top of that is no small feat. 

Faust: …

Faust’s face is as if he was at a loss for words. His eyes were slightly wavering, but only for that second.

Faust: …Becoming the Sage’s wizard was most unfortunate for you.

Lennox: Lord Faust…

Faust: Despite that, I cannot lie and say I’m not happy being able to meet and talk with you again.

I don’t know how I can ever repay you for inviting me to this lovely meal. Thank you, Leno.

Lennox: …Those words of yours are enough for me.

Shall we cheers to our reunion?

Faust & Lennox: Cheers.

Matthew: Alright, it’s time for dessert!

What appeared on our tables was a frozen citrus dessert with yellow syrup trickled on top.

Matthew: This here is the “Grapefruit Granita” titled, “Independance”

Lennox: Independence…?

Matthew: Lennox, you may have thought the journey to find your friend was one of hardship, and so I represented that with the frozen dessert.

Listening to Matthew’s explanation, I figured the granita must be bitter, however…

Faust: It’s sweet…

Akira: Yeah, it is! There’s a bit of a bitter taste to it as well, but it’s refreshingly yummy!

Lennox: So this is the taste of that journey…

Matthew: You learned about the bitterness of freedom and loneliness, but at the same time, experienced the same level of delight.

That is what I believe.

Don’t you think the bittersweetness of this granita wraps up this full course meal splendidly?

Lennox: Yeah, it sure does, Matthew.

Bittersweetness is the flavour most befitting of that adventure.

Lennox’s journey was not just tales of anguish

but also the kind and happy things he met with that made him the honest and sincere man he is today.

The granita tasted like that kindness, making me feel as if I was there with him on that journey.

Matthew: I want to thank you, Lennox, for being the main protagonist of this story, and delighting in this meal.

Those three hundred years I spent perfecting this course was repaid with your happiness.

It was quiet all around as we watched Lennox and Matthew exchange words. When they finished, Matthew eyed the room.

Matthew: Hey now, this isn’t the end of dessert! This next one’s special service.

Crystals akin to snow twinkled in the air around us as Matthew summoned. 

As if turning back time, the crystals came together to form a beautiful object.

It was a large bowl of lilies, looking like they were made of see-through jewels.

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Banquet of Reunions and Old Paths Chapter 10

Banquet of Reunions and Old Paths Chapter 10

Matthew: This is a special dessert in celebration of the Wizards’ Sage having visited my establishment, as well as the reunion of Lennox and his friend.

Murr: Wahaha! It’s awesome! 

This cluster of clear candy lilies is no story of someone’s past,

but of our future! It’s a blessing for the path we walk together, its uncoloured petals brimming with the possibility of many colours!

Murr gleefully theorizes in his seat as it rises and spins in the air.

Shylock: Ahaha, I understand your excitement, Murr.

There is nothing else that could complete this dinner better than this luxury.

Mithra: And it is nice that we can eat this flower. I wish I could eat the flowers back at the manor without being yelled at too.

Around the lily bowl were smaller candy flowers on the plate it was sitting on, like a miniature garden.

As well, sweets of all sorts of colours appeared on each of our tables.

Matthew: Enjoy your meal, buffet style.

Shino: Faust, this is yummy, you want some?

Faust: Thanks. You sure are eating a lot after having just finished that full course meal.

Shino: Hmhmhm, this is nothing. 

‘Sides, I need to tell Nero my opinions, remember? No compensation of sorts this time.

Faust: I’m glad you’re being responsible, but you have food on your cheek. Here, use this to wipe it off.

Shino: Mm.

Faust had a bitter yet soft smile on his face as he handed Shino the napkin, who took it.

Shino: So, you gonna eat it or not.

Faust: I guess I will since you got some for me.

He popped the sweet into his mouth and made a satisfied expression. 

Lennox: …

Faust: Hey, what is it you’ve been grinning at for awhile now?

Lennox: You looked so happy, before I knew it I was smiling too.

Faust: Huh? I wasn’t…

He protested, making a difficult face for a moment.

With deep breaths he loosened his expression, and pushed the dish of sweets towards Lennox.

Faust: Leno, you try some too

Lennox: Gladly.

Shino takes one of the flowers from the lily bowl.

Shino: Anyone know how many of these flowers we can take back? I wanna show Heath, I bet he’d like the detail in ‘em

Matthew: Why of course, Shino boy! The moment you picked up that lily it became yours to keep.

Shino: Yay.

Murr: Speaking of souvenirs, why don’t we take that big lily to go? I bet it’ll surprise everyone! 

Akira: It sure will! Though it’s a bit big to carry home…

Oz: We’ll make it small, then.

Everyone steps back as Oz comes forward, all paying attention to his next action.

Oz: Vox Nox.

To the chant of his spell, the candy lilies shine faintly,

and in front of our eyes shrink in an instant. It turned into a flower bouquet you could hold in one hand.

Ribbons formed and tied itself to the bouquet, an extraordinary sight. It was as if it had really become a clear lily bouquet.

Fluttering in the air, the bouquet slowly rested itself into Lennox’s hands. 

Lennox: Lord Oz?

Oz: These flowers were made for you, so you choose what to do with them.

Lennox: Thank you.

…Master Sage. Please, take this.

Lennox was gifting the glass-like lilies to me.

Akira: For…me? But these were made for you, I think you should keep them.

Lennox: Master Sage, I would like for you to have them.

You were the one who brought us all together, the one who always supports us. I want to give these to you.

Akira: …Thank you, Lennox.

I’ll take these flowers back to the manor, and amaze everyone with them. It’ll be a memento of today.

Lennox smiled and nodded, not saying a word.

Matthew: By the way, Master Sage.

Akira: Waugh! Oh, Matthew, what is it?

Matthew: Hahaha, I startle you that much? Anyways, I heard from the rumours that you came from another world, yeah?

Akira: That I did.

Matthew: I see, I see! Will you please tell me your life story, then?

Akira: My what!?

Matthew: I’ve been interested in your story since we met in the marketplace.

With the stories of a person from another land, I bet the next full course meal I create will be out of this world!

Lennox: …You didn’t invite us to eat here just so you could hear the Sage’s stories, did you?

Faust: So it was not to celebrate our reunion…

Matthew: Eh. Also, I uh, won’t be letting you guys go until you tell me.

Akira: Oh, come on!

Piggy: Oink!

The piglet's eyes were fierce and looked as if it was warning “He’s for real!”.

Akira: (How did it come to this!?)

After talking about my whole life, start to end,

I exited the restaurant all tired out. The sky was bright, the cast illusion gone.

The sound of footsteps in the snow, the gradient of the sky, and the blowing wind. All of it was revitalizing.

Matthew: Goodbye, everyone! I hope you all come again someday!

When I turned around to that voice, 

Akira: The restaurant…it’s gone…

Shylock: My my, just as Lennox said, what a mysterious restaurant.

Reality…or a dream. I had just experienced something amazing.

And the proof that that restaurant was real, was in my hands. The stunning bouquet of candy lilies.

Lennox went up to me with eyes the same as a child looking to pull a prank, and asked me,

Lennox: Master Sage, if your life was turned into a full course meal, what do you think it’d taste like?

The same question White gave me. I took my time toiling with it.

Akira: I…don’t know. That’s why, I want to come here again with everyone, to taste for ourselves.

Shylock: Oh, what a fantastic idea!

Murr: Me too me too! Also, I wanna have my own “Great Calamity’s Full Course”!!

Shino: If that’s the case, we should go catch our ticket again. Don’t worry, hunting’s my expertise.

Mithra: Let me join you when that happens. I’ve also become rather swell at using the knife and fork.

White: Then next time, I’ll bring Snow with us!

Faust: Remember to bring Nero, too. He’s pretty down that he didn’t get to come today.

Akira: So next time, we'll bring everybody!

Oz: …Yes

As we all spoke together, I glanced at Lennox who called out to Faust.

Lennox: Lord Faust, I thank you for coming along today.

If you’d like, may I treat you to a drink at the bar?

Faust: …There’s nothing to treat me for. Let’s go and drink together normally, and you can tell me more about your journey.

Lennox: I look forward to it.

Life is complicated no matter where you stand. It’s never only a comedy or a tragedy, and that’s why Matthew showcases life through cooking.

If life can hold that deep of a flavour, all the more to enjoy it.

Within the bitterness of despair there lies the sweet taste of hope. Even if you get drunk on the sweetness of happiness, the faint bitter undertaste will keep you in check.

So savour your life, every moment of it.

Akira: (I wonder what a full course meal of my life will be like? I can’t wait to eat it…)

I thought about those sorts of things as I took a breath of fresh air.

END

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