The tavern in Latulle Cave, known as the 'Lemon King' had a modest entrance that belied its surprisingly spacious and cozy interior. Stone lanterns dangled from the ceiling in clusters, casting a soft glow that warmly illuminated the aged paintings on the walls and the wooden tables woven from sturdy timber.
The walls exposed the raw stone of the cave, with protruding rocks cleverly fashioned into shelves displaying an array of liquor bottles and ornaments.
As the party entered, the tavern's owner greeted them warmly. The owner was a Deusi, an anthro race resembling dogs and wolves. Introducing himself to the group, the owner's name was Brax. With a solid build and light brown fur, Brax walked with a slight hunch, yet exuded an aura of immense strength.
His eyes gleamed with a yellowish tint, reflecting light in a subtle shimmer. The waitresses working alongside him were also Deusi, each with varying fur colors and ear shapes. One waitress, Seria, had long, flowing white fur and sharp, pointed ears, while another, Milly, sported brown ears. Both moved with graceful, swift motions, weaving between tables to serve the patrons.
"Welcome! Good evening to you all!"
Brax waved a thick paw in greeting as the party stepped into the tavern.
"I've prepared seats for you. This way, please."
The group settled at a wide table in one corner of the tavern. Gravel and Dallen took their seats first, followed by Nia, Mau, and Iris lining up beside them. Seeing them seated, Brax swiftly began preparations.
"Your ordered dishes will be out shortly. I trust you're ready to savor the bounty of the Deusi?"
Brax spoke with a voice brimming with laughter.
"I'm truly looking forward to it. I've heard the Deusi's crops and meats are renowned for their exceptional quality—I never expected to taste them here."
Gravel replied with a smile directed at Brax.
"Haha, indeed! Above Latulle Cave lies the Norwan Mountains. The land is harsh, but we Deusi cultivate fine vegetables and finest meats there. All the dishes in this tavern are made from fresh ingredients grown in those mountains."
Brax burst into hearty laughter as he explained.
Shortly after, Seria and Milly brought over platters of meat and vegetables served on wide stone slabs, placing them on the table. The slabs were still hot, with thick cuts of meat and golden-roasted vegetables sizzling atop them. Eggplants, squashes, tomatoes, garlic, carrots, onions—various vegetables absorbed the meat's juices, releasing rich, savory aroma that tantalized the senses.
"Wow! Looks so delicious!"
Nia sparkled with excitement, gazing down at the stone slab.
"Yeah, the smell is incredible, isn't it? It seems like hardly any spices were used, yet the flavor runs so deep."
Mau swallowed hard, smiling.
"That's right. We minimize spices to preserve the natural essence of the ingredients. We simply grill fresh meat and vegetables on a stone slab at just the right temperature. By burying the slab in a mound of salt and herbs beforehand, the flavors seep out naturally, enhancing the food with an organic depth."
Hearing their words, Brax nodded proudly.
"So these vegetables come from Deusi farms too?"
Gravel asked with genuine curiosity.
"Indeed they do."
Brax replied.
"Our Deusi clan migrated from Rondela Island and now manage farms and ranches atop Latulle Cave in the Norwan Mountains. Even in the rugged mountains, we grow high-quality vegetables and raise cattle and sheep with excellent marbling. Some cave passages connect directly to the upper pastures and fields, allowing us to bring ingredients down in their freshest state."
"Remarkable, truly—to pioneer such barren mountains and produce such superb crops. The prowess of the Deusi is impressive."
Gravel expressed admiration.
"Thank you."
Brax bowed humbly.
"All of this is possible thanks to our long traditions and tireless efforts. 'When it comes to pioneering, trust the Deusi! Whether rocky fields or parched dustlands, we make crops thrive!' That's no idle saying, wahahaha!"
Meanwhile, Nia and Mau were already picking up pieces of meat from the slab and popping them into their mouths, paying no heed to the conversation.
Mau savored the meat's richness with a smile.
"This is seriously delicious! It's been ages since I tasted meat like this!"
"Darh! These vegetables are grilled to perfection! Crispy on the outside, yet soft and sweet inside."
Nia held up a slice of eggplant to show Mau while speaking.
In contrast, Iris quietly gazed at the plate, picking up a piece of meat and chewing it slowly. Though silent in enjoyment, Iris's expression brimmed with satisfaction.
"Looks like it suits your taste, Iris."
Dallen glanced at Iris with a smile.
"Yes, it's an excellent meal. The meat is remarkably fresh."
Iris briefly looked up at Dallen and nodded.
"Now, let's raise a toast to our party and this splendid feast!"
Dallen lifted a wine glass held by a magically manifested hand and called out.
"Cheers!"
Everyone raised their glasses and echoed in unison.
The tavern filled with the lively energy of the party's toast.
"Is this wine made by the Deusi as well?"
Gravel took a sip of the wine, swallowed, then gently swirled the glass to inhale the rising aroma before asking Brax.
Brax nodded with a satisfied expression.
"Correct. We cultivate grapes too. On the steep, sun-drenched slopes midway up the mountain, the grapes develop a rich intensity. That's why Deusi wine has quite a reputation."
"Ah, I see." Gravel smiled and sampled the wine again.
"It has a deep, robust flavor indeed. This meal here exceeds all expectations."
By now, Nia and Mau had nearly cleared the meat and vegetables from their plates. Gravel and Dallen couldn't help but be astonished at their voracious pace.
"Nia, Mau—you both have impressive appetites. To devour the food so quickly right after it's served."
Dallen remarked, looking at them in surprise.
"It's just too tasty! Facing such delicious food, eating slowly is impossible."
"Right-dar! Food like this demands to be eaten fast and in abundance!"
Nia nodded in agreement with Mau's words.
"Haha, seeing patrons with hearty appetites is always a joy. If you need more, don't hesitate to say so."
Brax laughed heartily, eyeing their empty plates.
"Then more orders, please! Is that possible?"
Nia raised a hand enthusiastically and called out.
"Of course."
With a single gesture, Brax signaled the waitresses. Seria and Milly headed back to the kitchen to prepare additional dishes swiftly.
"To think you can eat this much—thanks to Nia and Mau, this tavern's getting quite bustling."
"It's a natural outcome when the food is this good."
Mau replied with a content expression.
Moments later, Seria and Milly returned with more stone slabs laden with meat and fresh vegetables, placing them on the table. Accompanying them were fragrant soups and freshly baked bread straight from the oven.
"Soup too? Amazing!"
Nia closed eyes in delight, leaning forward to inhale the soup's aroma.
"This soup is made from mountain-harvested vegetables. Simmered with fresh mountain ingredients and herbs, it carries a unique fragrance. And this bread was just pulled from the stone kiln, so enjoy it while it's warm."
Brax explained proudly to Nia.
"It's for meals like this that I always stop by the Lemon King when passing through Latulle."
Dallen nodded, taking a spoonful of soup. The warm, flavorful broth stimulated his palate.
"Truly delicious."
Iris said quietly, spooning the soup slowly with a pleased expression.
While everyone focused on the meal, Gravel turned to Brax.
"Preparing such fine food daily must require tremendous effort. Running this tavern can't be easy."
"Indeed it does. But all of this is our clan's pride. Being able to serve guests the finest meals from our own farms and ranches makes it worthwhile."
Brax smiled in response.
The party spent time relishing the new dishes. Nia and Mau devoured the additional orders without restraint, while Iris savored the food in silence, clearly content.
Other patrons in the tavern engaged in lively conversations, and under the gentle light of the lanterns, an atmosphere of pure enjoyment persisted.
Gravel smiled as he watched his companions. This night felt like a precious moment of peace amid their journey.
The tavern's vibrant energy gradually softened as time passed. The clamor of Gravel and the party's eating, drinking, and merrymaking had shifted into a comfortable tranquility. As the meal neared its end, Iris spoke up quietly.
"It's about time to wrap up. Thanks to the fine food and good company, this has been a truly restful evening."
Iris set down the wine glass slowly and glanced around.
"Ah, after eating like this, what more could anyone need? Graaaah."
Nia and Mau leaned back in chairs with full bellies, faces content. Mau let out a sigh akin to a satisfied roar.
"Right! Wish days like this came more often."
Nia nodded, placing a hand on belly.
"A comfortable end to the day, wasn't it?"
Dallen nodded, acknowledging their words.
"How about finishing the day with this tea? It's brewed from mountain herbs and will soothe both body and mind."
Brax approached and served the final tea.
"Thank you."
Gravel bowed in thanks, then took a sip of the warm tea. The refreshing herbal scent spread through his mouth, easing his spirit. The others also sipped their tea, surrendering to the serene quiet.
Shortly after, Seria and Milly came to clear the table.
"We hope tonight has been an enjoyable time for you. If there's anything else you need, please let us know."
Seria said with a smile.
"Everything was perfect. Thanks to you, we've enjoyed a relaxing evening after so long."
Gravel expressed gratitude.
"We're glad you've had a comfortable night. Rest well here tonight before you go."
Brax bowed toward them.
Gravel and the party smiled at the tavern owner's kindness, spending the remaining time sipping tea in the calm atmosphere. Iris gazed out through a ceiling window that offered a view of the cave's exterior, beholding the starry night sky.
"The stars are truly beautiful."
"I wish nights like this could last forever, but we still have to head to Damu..."
Mau added drowsily, eyes lazily fixed on the sky.
Gravel listened to their words with a quiet smile.
"So full..."
Nia said, lightly patting belly with a tap-tap.
In this way, they quietly concluded the day. The tavern, under the soft lantern light, filled with gentle conversation and a tranquil air. Each member of the party prepared for tomorrow in their own thoughts, savoring the peace until the tea cooled.
Soon, they headed upstairs to their rooms for rest.
"Well then, good night to everyone."
Gravel bid farewell and made for the room. Nia, Mau, Dallen, and Iris exchanged goodnights in turn and retired to their respective rooms.
Upon entering the room, Gravel entrusted his weary body to the bed. Pulling up the warm blanket and closing his eyes, memories of the tavern's laughter mingled with thoughts of tomorrow's plans flitting through his mind.
"Hurry to Damu... and the Mirror of Nerodia..."
Gravel imagined the form of the Mirror of Nerodia, which captured the visage of the aerial manor, as he drifted slowly into sleep.