Fontaine, the Nation of Justice.
One of the seven nations that make up the continent of Teyvat, and also the nation serving as the home to the Hydro Archon. Similar to its overall name, the main city within this nation was called the Court of Fontaine.
The Court of Fontaine has always been a bustling location, the streets crowded with people going about their daily lives, and also no lack of performances on the streets. After all, in a nation where theatrics are worth their weight in gold, excitement was a much well sought after emotion amongst the people.
However, on this day and a few before, a certain particular area of the city has been much busier than anywhere else. Large crowds of people were lined up in front of a particular restaurant, some even having tried to push their way towards the front.
With such a chaotic scene, any nearby members of the Gardes were trying their best to maintain order as much as they possibly could.
Compared to the architecture of the buildings in the city, this restaurant had a modernised appearance with pure white a smooth marble-like materials, with areas of light grey and even polished wood and plantation for character.
The building itself looked to be three stories high, with shining blue windows, and the entire building looked absolute pristine. Finally, printed in fancy text on a white large signboard on the front of the restaurant in gold was the word 'L'Avenir'
Strangely enough, the people lining up didn't seem to be lining up to go into the restaurant's doors, instead lining up towards the three strange mechanical computer-like devices near the entrance.
"The smell is incredible..."
"Ahh, can we really not go in?!"
"H-Hey, get back to your place in line!"
The already chaotic scene was amplified by the irresistible aroma that seemed to leak out from the restaurant in front of them. None of the people lined up could resist swallowing their saliva, the smell was simply intoxicating to the point of driving them all to insanity.
Surprisingly, despite the temptations, none of them seemed to be courageous enough to rush and try to force their way inside.
As for why, perhaps only they know.
"What an incredible scene..." A certain pink-haired reporter could be seen taking pictures off to the side of the crowd. "Even more so than back then!"
This young girl was Charlotte, a reporter for the Steambird here in Fontaine.
Having heard the rumors of a certain restaurant taking Fontaine by storm, a reporter of her nature was naturally immediately on the case. She remembered back when her friend Escoffier had a similar situation where everyone was desperately trying to buy her deserts.
At the time, the popularity was enough for even Fontaine's icon Lady Furina to make a visit. However, even that scene was nothing compared to what she was seeing now.
Charlotte glanced towards the entrance to the restaurant, the doors tightly closed shut as the smell made even her gulp. With her sources and skills, Charlotte naturally dug out the information known before arriving.
She knew how the owner ran the restaurant.
Only one hundred reservations were served per day, and people would make reservations ahead of time so that when their appointed time came, they could go in straight away. That was what these group of people were doing now, using the devices located in front of the restaurant to make their own reservations.
"I wonder if I can get an interview..."
(O)———————(O)
Compared to the chaotic scene outside, although still very lively, was much calmer on the inside. All the tables currently fully occupied.
Most of them already had a vast array of dishes served on their tables, all of which were being devoured at truly incredibly speeds by the diners. All of those who have yet to receive their food, or have finished eating and were waiting for their next dishes to arrive were watching with envy at those around them.
There were naturally also some who were using the tablets secured onto each table to order more food, with any newcomers struggling a bit to understand its workings.
In the kitchen, a young man in his early twenties could be seen dashing around with precise but fluid movements around the kitchen. He had a head of silver-free eyes hair and a pair of sharp icy-blue eyes, along with a fair complexion seemingly void of imperfections.
As for clothing, he had on a traditional white chef's uniform, with black sections and even golden accents that gave it a high-class appeal. The only thing he didn't have on was the chef's hat, only because this kind of work wasn't tiring enough for him to require its use.
"Only a few more dishes and that'll be it for the morning session." The young man muttered to himself. "Perhaps I should reduce the reservations..."
Even though he said this, he most likely wouldn't go through with it.
Evander, which was his name, had expected his restaurant to be popular especially due to the nature of the ingredients that he used. However, it seems that he highly underestimated just how popular it would become.
Every single day was fully booked with reservations.
Having a hundred reservations wasn't anything crazy or unheard of, but to serve that amount daily entirely on his own was a bit of a daunting task. This isn't even taking into account that due to how popular the dishes were, the number of dishes each table ordered were anything but small.
"In any case, I'll finish up the day first..." Evander shook his head before placing something over his ears. "...then I gotta go restock the ingredients."
After having placed on a pair of black headphones with neon blue LEDs, he switched them on before music started blasting into his ears.
(O)———————(O)
During the next hour, the morning session here at L'Avenir went by rather quickly as Evander completely each dish in record time. With incredibly fast service on top of dishes with levels of deliciousness beyond description, the morning reservations all left with very satisfied looks.
Some who were still craving for even more quickly lined back up to reserve a spot for another day, preferably the earliest possible. For the customers who had been lining up the entire time, they felt like they were engulfed in a cloud of aroma when the doors opened as the previous guests left.
The already strong smell multiplied once the doors had opened, and it was this that forced some customers to have no choice but to rush off to get something to help fill their stomachs.
Those with stronger wills managed to resist and firmly kept themselves in line, that or they were terrified of the idea of someone taking their place.
'How tiring...' Evander walked out of the restaurant and sighed once he saw the massive line. 'I shouldn't complain, but don't they have better things to do then to stand in a line for the entire damn day?'
Ignoring the expectant and borderline creepy gazes of the people in line, Evander closed up the restaurant for now since the morning session was done. There was still two hours before the afternoon session began, and after finishing with that, he'll be able to go and restock the ingredients.
Even if his restaurant was unbelievably popular, he had no intention on removing his freedom to stay in his restaurant for the entire day. He made sure to make it so L'Avenir operated in a way to give him ample time to do what he himself wanted to, as for what that was, you'll find out soon enough.
That aside, he had changed out of his chef's uniform and was now wearing a much more casual set of attire, although he did stand out compared to the more refined style of clothing here in Fontaine.
He now had on a dark-blue t-shirt underneath a white and gold hooded jacket, along with sleek black pants and a pair of white running shoes.
"Monsieur Evander!"
"Hm?"
Evander, hearing his name being called out, blinked before turning his head to see a pink-haired female rushing over to him while holding a camera. Seeing this person, Evander couldn't help but widen his eyes a bit.
After all, this person was pretty recognizable at first glance.
It may have been some time since then, but his memory was still pretty good. If he wasn't mistaken, this person should be Charlotte. If memory served, she was a significant reporter from the Steambird.
"Can I help you?"
"Hello there, I'm Charlotte! A reporter from the Steambird!" The girl introduced herself, confirming his previous thoughts. "Are you perhaps free for an interview?"
Hearing this, Evander wasn't too surprised. This girl was essentially paparazzi, so her asking for an interview was nothing surprising. Although he was supposed to be on break before the afternoon session, aside walking and relaxing, and perhaps getting a bite to eat, he didn't do much.
"I suppose it's fine."
"Thank you very much!" Charlotte nodded a couple of times, seemingly very pleased by the response. "I assure you it won't take long at all!"
(O)———————(O)
"Won't take long, huh..."
Evander gave a small tired sigh as he was now seated at a cafe, a cup of coffee he had ordered on a cup plate on the table in front of him. Although Charlotte had said the interview wouldn't take long, the entire thing took almost an entire hour to finish.
Most of the stuff he said probably won't even get in the news either, that's just how it worked. Reporters get as much info as they can, and then choose the most interesting and relevant points.
"I'm really not suited for that type of thing." Evander shook his head before picking up his cup. "Maybe I should try and avoid interviews... oh, not bad."
Evander took a sip of the coffee and couldn't help but give a small praise. After all, he had tasted much better coffee back on Earth, not to mention in a certain gourmet world.
Even so, Evander wasn't above praising a lower-end product simply because he'd tasted better. High-class or not, all levels of food should be appreciated.
Good coffee was good coffee, simple as that.