Breakfast the next morning is a lively affair. Everyone gathers in my room, where a table has been prepared buffet-style, laden with fresh pastries, grilled meats, eggs prepared in various styles, seasonal fruits, and steaming pots of tea.
The Spirit Kings and Queens are present but looking somewhat subdued after their night of revelry. Aethra's flames are flickering more dimly than usual. Thalassia's form seems slightly less cohesive. Even Luminor's glow is muted. Only Gaiaros appears completely unaffected, methodically eating his breakfast with the same steady deliberation as always.
The kids are energetic as ever, already discussing which facilities they want to try today. Ignatia is perched on Yuki's shoulder, nibbling delicately at a small plate of grilled fish.
Vesper is nowhere in sight. She must be sleeping in, consistent as always.
Eldrin sets down his teacup and looks at me.
[Eldrin] "Wright, I wanted to ask about our travel plans. How long will we be staying at this inn? When should we leave for the academies?"
[Wright] "I was thinking we could discuss that. Does everyone want to stay another day, or should we leave today?"
[Yuki] "I'd love to stay another day! There are still treatments I want to try."
[Takeshi] "Same. I want to spend more time in the heat chamber."
[Aiko] "And I haven't tried the Mistveil Grottos yet."
[Liora] "Another day would be quite welcome. The facilities here are exceptional."
[Seraphina] "I have no objections to extending our stay."
[Lucien] "Agreed. We're in no particular rush."
The Spirit Kings and Queens exchange glances.
[Aethra] "We'd love to stay longer! The hot springs here are incredible!"
Her flames flicker with renewed enthusiasm.
[Thalassia] "I concur. The mineral composition of the water is remarkable."
[Gaiaros] "Mm. Good springs."
[Sylphaeris] "I'm definitely not ready to leave yet."
[Wright] "Sounds like everyone wants another day. We'll stay for today and leave tomorrow afternoon, after breakfast."
[Eldrin] "That works well. I'll send a message to Selenith and Rathen about our arrival time and mode of transportation."
[Wright] "Ah, good call. Wouldn't want to surprise everyone by arriving on a dragon as we did here."
We're just finishing breakfast when Madame Therys enters, moving with her characteristic professional grace.
[Therys] "Pardon the interruption. I was informed that you'll be staying today and leaving tomorrow afternoon. We're delighted to host you for another day."
[Wright] "Thank you for your continued hospitality."
[Therys] "It's our pleasure. Additionally, Demon Lord Kaelith and Pope Orell have requested to meet with you, if you're available."
[Wright] "I am. I'd be happy to meet with them."
[Eldrin] "I'd like to join as well, if that's acceptable."
[Seraphina] "As would I."
[Lucien] "And I."
[Therys] "Of course. I've prepared a room for your discussion. Please, follow me when you're ready."
The rest of the group begins dispersing to enjoy the various facilities. The kids head off toward the pools, their familiars in tow. The Spirit Kings and Queens join them, still recovering from their night of festivities. Liora announces her intention to try the massage, while Sylphaeris chooses to follow her instead.
We follow Madame Therys through the inn's corridors to a room I haven't seen before. She opens the door to reveal a cozy study.
The space is intimate without being cramped. Comfortable sofas upholstered in deep burgundy and charcoal fabrics are arranged around a low table of polished dark wood. Bookshelves line one wall, filled with leather-bound volumes and decorative objects. Large windows let in natural light, with a view of the mountains in the distance. A tea service with delicate porcelain cups and plates of small pastries and cheese is arranged on the low table.
Demon Lord Kaelith, Pope Orell, and Chancellor Velira are already inside. The Pope is examining the cheese selection with obvious delight. He picks up a piece and takes a bite, his eyes closing in appreciation.
[Orell] "Exquisite. The aging process on this one is remarkable."
They all stand as we enter. Kaelith and Velira offer polite bows. The Pope looks up from his cheese, his expression brightening considerably when he sees me.
[Wright] "Good morning, everyone. I'm glad to see you're alright, Pope Orell."
The memory of him kneeling in the plaza, tears streaming down his face, is still fresh.
[Orell] "Alright? I feel reborn! To witness the Goddess in person, to be in her divine presence—it's beyond anything I could have imagined. My entire existence has been validated."
He's beaming, looking at least twenty years younger than he did yesterday.
[Kaelith] "Please, everyone, have a seat."
We settle onto the sofas. The arrangement is casual, conducive to conversation rather than formal negotiation. Madame Therys pours tea for everyone before quietly excusing herself.
Demon Lord Kaelith waits until the door closes before speaking.
[Kaelith] "First, I want to thank you for choosing to visit our territory. Having you and your companions here is an honor."
Pope Orell nods approvingly.
[Kaelith] "I also want to express my gratitude for your efforts in providing crops to feed the fleeing Aldencrest population. What you've done has saved countless lives. The relief effort has been remarkable."
[Wright] "I'm just doing what I can to help."
[Kaelith] "It's more than that. You've provided hope when many had none. Once things settle down with the coalition government taking shape, I'd like to discuss trade agreements between our territories. We're neighbors after all, sharing borders. It would benefit both our peoples."
Chancellor Velira leans forward slightly.
[Velira] "We have a variety of herbs and vegetables that grow exclusively in our volcanic regions. The unique soil composition produces ingredients found nowhere else. We'd be very interested in trading for the crops and monster meat from your village."
Her amber eyes gleam with interest.
[Velira] "We demons pride ourselves on our food culture. We're always eager to try new ingredients and flavors."
Eldrin interjects smoothly.
[Eldrin] "While I understand the appeal of bilateral trade, it would be best to include all the countries in these discussions. Respera, Selenith, and Rathen should be part of the conversation."
[Lucien] "I agree. It would be fairer to all parties and create a more stable trade network."
[Wright] "I like the idea. But I'm not planning to continue farming on an industrial scale. I'm doing this now to help feed people in need, but I'll be pulling back eventually."
The Pope speaks up, his expression thoughtful.
[Orell] "The new coalition government being established in the former Aldencrest territories will need a reliable source of income. Would you and Eldrin be open to having them assist with agricultural production? They have the land and the need for economic stability."
Chancellor Velira nods enthusiastically.
[Velira] "That's an excellent point. Aldencrest has vast, fertile farmland and is centrally located between all our territories. It's ideal for large-scale agriculture and distribution."
[Wright] "That works for me. Actually, we're planning to cultivate new crops from another world as well. This would be a great way to introduce those varieties to everyone."
Both demons' eyes practically sparkle at the mention of new crops.
[Kaelith] "New crops? From another world?"
[Velira] "What kinds of crops?"
Their foodie nature is showing through their diplomatic composure.
[Wright] "Various vegetables and fruits. Things that don't exist in this world yet."
[Kaelith] "This is extraordinary. The culinary possibilities..."
[Velira] "We must absolutely include this in the trade discussions."
Pope Orell chuckles.
[Orell] "I see the Demon Lord's priorities remain consistent."
[Kaelith] "Food is culture, Your Holiness. Don't pretend you're not equally intrigued."
[Orell] "I make no such pretense. I'm very intrigued."
We spend some time working out the logistics. The timeline is straightforward—I'll visit Selenith first to see the academy there, then Rathen for their academy. After that, we'll head to Respera for formal trade discussions with representatives from all the territories.
[Eldrin] "I'll coordinate with each nation to ensure proper arrangements are made."
[Kaelith] "I'll be attending in person with Velira."
[Orell] "And I'll attend as well. The church has an interest in ensuring fair treatment for all parties."
We stand to leave, the meeting concluded on positive terms. Then a thought strikes me.
I should give them gifts. They've welcomed us so warmly, provided this amazing inn, and been incredibly hospitable. It's only proper.
[Wright] "Actually, before we go, I'd like to give you something. A thank you for the warm welcome and for letting us enjoy such an incredible place."
I open my Online Shopping skill interface, quickly searching for items. For the demons, I select vegetables I'm planning to grow—Napa Cabbage, Green Onions, Daikon Radish. Then I add more varieties—Tomatoes, Avocado, and some fruits. Watermelon, Dragonfruit, and... Durian. They said they're adventurous. Let's see how adventurous.
For Pope Orell, I search for fancy cheeses. The selection is impressive. I pick three that look particularly high-quality: Parmigiano-Reggiano aged 36 months, Comté from France aged 24 months, and Roquefort.
I add everything to the cart and click checkout.
My mana drains in the familiar way, and a large cardboard box materializes on the low table with a solid thump.
All three of them stare at the box.
[Kaelith] "That's... an interesting skill."
[Velira] "The box just appeared from nothing."
[Orell] "Fascinating. Like a divine miracle."
I open the box and take out the items.
[Wright] "For you and Chancellor Velira. These are vegetables and fruits from another world. Napa Cabbage, Green Onions, Daikon Radish, Avocado, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Dragonfruit, and... this one."
I hold up the Durian.
[Wright] "This is called Durian. Fair warning, it smells pretty strong. But it tastes amazing. Since you mentioned being adventurous with food, I thought you'd want to try it."
Chancellor Velira takes the Durian carefully, sniffing it experimentally. Her eyes widen.
[Velira] "That's certainly... distinctive."
[Kaelith] "I'm very intrigued. Thank you, Wright. These will be excellent for our chefs to experiment with."
I turn to Pope Orell, pulling out the cheeses.
[Wright] "For you, Your Holiness. Three cheeses. This one is Parmigiano-Reggiano, aged thirty-six months. It's a hard, granular cheese with a rich, nutty flavor. This is Comté, aged twenty-four months. It's a firm cheese with complex fruity and nutty notes. And this is Roquefort, a blue cheese made from sheep's milk with a sharp, tangy flavor."
I'm reading directly from the descriptions in my Online Shopping interface, but the Pope doesn't need to know that.
Pope Orell's hands are trembling slightly as he accepts the cheeses. His eyes are actually glistening.
[Orell] "I've never heard of any of these varieties. The aging process alone... thirty-six months for the Parmigiano-Reggiano... and Roquefort from sheep's milk?"
He cradles the cheeses like precious artifacts.
[Orell] "This is the second greatest gift I've ever received."
[Wright] "Second?"
[Orell] "The first was witnessing the Goddess yesterday."
Fair enough.
[Kaelith] "Thank you, Wright. These gifts are greatly appreciated."
[Velira] "We look forward to the trade discussions in Respera."
[Orell] "And to trying these magnificent cheeses."
We exchange final pleasantries and leave the study. Eldrin, Seraphina, and Lucien are discussing the trade arrangements as we walk through the corridors.
[Eldrin] "That went quite well. Establishing formal trade relations will benefit everyone."
[Seraphina] "The Pope's suggestion about involving the coalition government was clever. It gives them economic purpose."
[Lucien] "And prevents any single territory from monopolizing the trade."
[Wright] "I'm just glad it's all sorted out. Now we can actually enjoy the rest of the day."
We make our way toward the hot springs. The sounds of splashing water and cheerful conversation drift down the hallway. Time to relax.
[Seraphina] "Those cheeses looked exquisite, Wright. I don't suppose you could procure more? I have a particular wine that would pair beautifully with that Comté."
I sigh, opening my Online Shopping skill to purchase more cheese.