Story Reader / Affection / Noctis: Indomitus / Story
What a rain last night, eh?
You worked until that late?
Before the sun sets, a familiar face has already appeared around the counter.
A small talk first, as usual, and then he wastes no time in cutting to the chase.
How's the thing with Sykes?
I'm asking if anything happened afterward. He didn't ambush you at the door?
If he's ever got the nerve to pull that, I'll show him how the ingredients of the "Wanderer's Biscuits" are hammered into the dough.
Noctis' head emerges from the small window of the kitchen, his cheek adorned with crumbs and a dusting of powder.
Noctis, you...
Man, don't even get me started. I've never struggled this much to fry something up.
I swear, all I did was quickly wipe my face, and when I opened my eyes, that thing was already charcoal-black.
Right side, my hair...
Oh... Like this?
Thanks, Commandant. I feel much better now.
I'm gonna give it another shot, and you guys can help me taste 'em and be the judges.
After the window is closed, you can hear a faint sizzling sound emanating from the kitchen.
What a pain... [player name], can I have a Big Bang Mars, please?
Bam!
Abruptly, the door of Vegetable Stew is smacked open.
Are you out of your freakin' mind? I thought Sykes and his men were here.
Something's funky about that door. It always gets stuck when I push it. Hey, [player name], I think the hinges could probably use some oil.
I'll just have a beer.
Hey! Didn't you say that you couldn't stand hanging out with Babylonia people? Look who's been showing up every single night lately!
This is the Gray Raven Commandant, not some Parliament hypocrite. You've got a problem with that?!
As if adding fuel to the fire, the loud chat between acquaintances across the room renders the atmosphere even more heated.
What happened? We have provokers again?
Noctis hurriedly sticks his head out to check the situation in the tavern.
Hey, the tavern's as lively as usual.
Noctis!
Yes?
Can you give us a little surprise?
Surprise... Commandant, what is surprise?
Hm... Then, how about the potato pancake I created before?
What? No, I haven't really got any free time for that, so let's do a test round...
Comman-um-dant, stop! I wan't (can't) mreathe (breathe).
You cover Noctis' face with the towel and wipe it with the determination to erase all the words he just uttered.
Okay, okay, copy that.
Noctis flinches back into the kitchen and closes the little window.
The brief commotion between the two of you unexpectedly elevates the atmosphere of the entire tavern to a climactic level. In a spirited response, everyone around raises their glasses in joyful celebration.
Once the universal celebration subsides, the crowd naturally disperses into smaller groups, engaging in lively chitchats and conversations.
Amidst the applause and laughter, even the mundane trivialities have become the finest condiments of the night.
As you observe this scene filled with delight, you can't help but gently caress the names imprinted on your apron: Vegetable Stew and [player name]...
Bam!
Geez, who is it this time? Is the door this hard to open?
My apologies. We've got quite a crowd here, so I gotta make sure the door's wide open.
Those frigid words suddenly quench the vibrant flame within Vegetable Stew like a bowl of ice-cold water.
It seems that Sykes came with more people this time.
We did, but does it have anything to do with me eating here?
"Wanderer's Biscuits" and a beer, please.
To save time, you directly leave the counter and look for Noctis in the kitchen.
Anything wrong, Commandant? Why do I feel things have quieted down outside?
The Wanderer's Biscuits, floating up and down in the bubbling oil, have occupied all Noctis' attention, which has prevented him from sticking his head out and checking the situation outside.
Huh? What is he doing here? Didn't he agree on the time limit of one week?
Done!
I nailed it right on time. Check 'em out, Commandant! Lookin' good this time, huh?
Noctis removes the biscuits from the oil and arranges them on the plate, creating a simple yet visually appealing presentation.
I'll go. You stay behind me, Commandant.
After you return to the front...
Here.
That was fast.
Thanks to someone, I've been busy the whole night.
Sykes picks up a biscuit.
Not burnt at all?
Don't even bother this time. I've paid close attention, and I'm not gonna let you pick on my dish again.
Smells good. What ingredients did you use?
Supplies from the conservation area, of course. Can't tell you the details, though.
Observing Sykes as he meticulously surveys the biscuits on the plate, a sense of relief washes over you.
The Wanderer's Biscuits made by Noctis this time are emanating a tantalizing aroma, not quite reaching the level of irresistible, yet undeniably appetizing.
However...
This is not what I'm looking for.
Just another piece of junk that you use to manipulate your customers.
Sykes tosses the biscuit back onto the plate and dumps some Black Cards on the table.
Here's the payment.
You piece of—!
Unfazed by Noctis closing in menacingly, Sykes remains steadfast. He even motions for his companions, who are ready to step in and protect him, to stand down.
Gray Raven Commandant, you better keep your Construct restrained. I'm pretty sure no regulation in the Clean Zone backs up a Construct going around and yelling at people for no reason.
Then you lean close to Noctis and whisper to him by his ear.
Tch...
Seeing that you've halted Noctis' action, Sykes takes the opportunity to compose himself, smoothing out his slightly disheveled attire.
Then, with a simple wave of his hand, he signals his men, beckoning them to leave with him.
...
Is he trying to back us into a corner or something?
The owner, having been gone for a whole day, finally returns to the tavern late at night.
His frown remains unappeased as he examines the ledger.
No, it's much better than yesterday... but the atmosphere in the tavern is what I care about the most.
If Sykes and his men keep showin' up like this, we're gonna lose a ton of customers.
Don't worry. I've been busting my ass all day to make sure he doesn't show up too often.
I've got it under control. Trust me, he won't have any free time to swing by in the next few days.
Damn, it's late. Is Noctis still working in the kitchen?
I gotta say, Sykes is a tough guy to deal with. I owe him this time...
Owner!
Yes?!
Mind if I use the fish you brought back?!
Don't worry about the ingredients. Use whatever you want and give it all you've got!
...
Thanks! Commandant, we'll have tuna for dinner today!
I thought you were gonna use it for... I take it back!
Too late, already in the pot. Smells freakin' good!
**** you—
Tch, the person who cares about him the most is right before me, acting all cool and normal. Why did I even bother?
Sigh, I'll head back first. Don't push yourselves too hard, alright? See you tomorrow.
Hey, make sure to lock that door, alright? And you better not make me see a single piece of that fish leftover tomorrow. I put in some serious effort to get my hands on that bluefin tuna. Ugh... my fish...
The whines slowly fade away into the darkness as his figure disappears from your sight.
Shortly after, Noctis comes out of the kitchen and brings the fish to you.
What's up, Commandant? I've let the fish sit for a bit, so it won't burn your mouth. Go ahead and dig in.
Commandant, what's going on? You're nagging me like the owner.
It's just some Wanderer's Biscuits. I'll keep trying until the dude's happy with my cooking. A fun challenge for life, eh?
I was seriously dying of boredom dealing with the same dishes day in and day out.
What about you, then? Are you pushing yourself too hard?
Every day, you put on that smiley face at the counter while making sure everyone's having a blast.
That sounds rough... How 'bout we switch things up? I'm down to give working at the front a shot.
Huh?
Though perplexed by your strange request, Noctis still manages to force out a smile.
Somehow, it gives you an uncanny feeling, as if you just locked eyes with a great white shark.
Wait, that actually sounds kinda fun.
But Commandant, why do I feel you're acting a bit weird?
Quickly, Noctis grabs the glass from you and takes a sip—it's the modified version of the drink you designed before.
This taste... What did you put in there, Commandant?
α40 extract? Isn't that similar to alcohol...? Okay, I'll find out who gave you this brilliant idea.
Anyways, have some of the potato pancake I made.
Don't get your expectations high. I haven't done all that much since we've been swamped with those Wanderer's Biscuits.
So, it probably tastes the same as before...
Oh crap...
You doing okay, Commandant? Feeling any better after throwing up?
I'm here... Sigh, slow down. That's a chair. What are you doing, Commandant?
Stop, stop, stop! This is the counter. Commandant, you gotta keep up appearances.
Who on earth gave Commandant the crazy idea to drink α40 extract?
Hold on, Commandant, are you being serious right now?!
Key... Where's the key...
Even late at night, the commotion at Vegetable Stew never seems to settle down.
For a long time afterward, whenever you try to dig into what went down that night, Noctis is either quick to change the subject or completely ignore you.
Since he's not gonna spill the beans, it shouldn't be a big idea. You'll just take it as a lesson learned and move on.
All in all, it was another peaceful day.
No...
