Should I do it in Ravenhall? Iana asked after noting down some measurements. No, I think Claire can get you when she comes to talk to Balduur. Ill inform her. When do you think youre done? I think it would also be good to bring all this stuff. Ilea said, gesturing widely around her. The enchantress looked around, That will be a little longer then. Just getting it up. Most of it was built to stay. Ilea thought on it and summoned the Band of Infinity. I think this should solve the problem. Consider it a gift, to make sure your work is the best it can be. The girl stared at the storage ring, back at Ilea and then once again at the ring. I cant, Ilea stopped her immediately, grabbing her hand with a quick but gentle motion before she put the ring on, its size automatically changing to fit Ianas finger. Oh wow, you just could. Great. Balduur laughed and shook his head, heading for his own space in the smithy, Ill see you around then, Ilea. Do send your friend over. He said, leaving them. She gave him a nod and patted the speechless girl on her back, Come on, youve got work to do. Maybe youll figure out how to mass produce these as well. Iana looked at her, Three days I need three days for the armor and to pack everything up. With this. If its really alright. Theyre exceptionally rare, random magical proportions evolved over centuries, I dont think I could replicate it, Well see, Iana. Ilea commented with a smirk, Ill be back in a couple days then. Have fun you two. Dont forget to check for a taleen machine! Aki said from the table. Ilea waved him off, Yea, yea. If we dont have anything, Ill get you one in a couple weeks. Ive waited a thousand years, Ilea! Aki commented. Then be happy if its not going to be another thousand. She replied with a smile. So this is the place? Ilea asked, back in Ravenhall. Keyla gave off more heat than normal, her eyes burning bright, It is. Ilea looked at the line of people waiting outside, the establishment more just a store, people going in and out quickly. Some with a slice of cake, others with crepes or a croissant filled with chocolate. The business took up a whole house, not nearly as big as Keylas restaurant though. Big pink lettering above the entrance informed her about the name. Big ass Pastries whoever this is, I cant exactly fault them, Im sorry Keyla. Theyre the most successful food business next to the Golden Drake. The woman informed her. Did you ask Claire about it? And why are you so pissed off? Ilea asked, Your restaurant is still booked out for months to come. Keyla looked at her, Ilea feeling the hairs on her back stand up, her instincts moving the ashen armor on her back forward before she could consciously interfere. Bright yellow reptile eyes looked into her very soul, flames of hatred and power burning within. This is about honor. About my name as a cook. About my restaurant. I wont have some baker, steal my glory of having the best food related business in the city. I will not. The cook said and turned away, her scorching sight aimed at the show window, a dozen beautifully made and decorated cakes presenting the capabilities of the baker. Ilea was surprised the cakes didnt melt, And what do you want me to do about it? The yellow eyes focused on her again, Burn it down, kill them all. Keyla said, Or hire the baker for the golden drake, I dont want to seem extreme. Had me going there in the first half. Ill check it out. Maybe I own it already. Claire wouldnt tell me. Keyla hissed. The two waited in line for a couple minutes, Ilea watching the two women rushing back and forth between the back room and the counter, taking orders and bringing whatever the people demanded. She could see where the name of the store had come from, Good for them. Not so much for their backs. Ilea noted, thinking on the invention of sports bras. Didnt I think about that before? Now I could actually fund it. She smiled, looking at the third woman working the cash register and handling the money. Her eyebrows rose at the lack of big ass, pastries. The worker squinted her eyes at her, Can I help you miss? The voice professional and nice, with an icy undertone. Yea, is this store owned by Lilith? Ilea asked, stepping closer. May I know who is asking? The woman said, eyes going wide at the mention. Ilea spread her ashen wings behind her and smirked, Potentially, the owner. She replied. Yes, maam. The woman said, saluting her vigorously, indicating her possible past in a military unit. The icy eyes had turned into admiration. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, what can I do for you? Hey, I do own the place. Keyla? Ilea looked back at the pacing woman. That complicates things. She said, I wouldnt want to mistreat someone under your protection. You shouldnt mistreat anybody, Keyla. The woman waved her off, Ah, come on. A little is fine sometimes. Ilea squinted at her, Id like to meet the head baker. She said to the woman who quickly nodded and led them towards the back. There was a room with a variety of pastries, baked goods, cakes as well as literal tons of ingredients. He is through that door, it is very, very hot in there. I cannot enter without damage to my body myself. I think Ill be fine. Hows your heat resistance, Keyla? Ilea asked. The woman rolled her eyes and opened the door, They tried to make me a dragon Ilea, how do you think it is? Ilea chuckled and stepped through the opened door, a wave of intense heat immediately washing over her. Nothing dangerous for her but she could tell this wasnt your average baker. Dozens of ovens were lining the walls, timers and magical lights added to them. In the middle of the room, sitting on a tiny chair was a man in red heavy full plate armor. He turned his head when he heard the noise, the helmet looked wicked and dangerous. Oh. Hello Ilea! She smiled brightly, Hey Popi, fancy meeting you here. I already suspected it. Do you know this hideous creature? Keyla asked, the heat making her scales glisten. Dont talk about him that way, hes a kind and nice guy. Ilea said, pointing at Keyla and looking at her with icy eyes, the woman shutting up immediately, How are you Popi? Wheres Maurice? The man walked over and hugged her, Thank you! Thank you! I have my own shop! Look! He let go, the force he had used enough to crush a lesser woman. The baker gestured around himself with such joy and pride, Ilea couldnt help but feel happy for him. You gave me all this! The boom woman said it was you. Hahahaha. Boom woman? Claire? Well it makes me happy that you have all this. Do you have a place to live as well? And you didnt tell me where Maurice is, is he ok? He pointed up, I live up. But I like it more here. Maurice said the war is too dangerous for me, traveled here with me and talked to the boom woman. He nodded, Maurice said to do a good job and become the best baker. The best baker of all. Thats great. Ilea said and laughed, Do you know where he is now? He touched his chin, Hmm, I think. He said he wanted to work with the angry girls. Yellow eyes, like hers. He said and pointed at Keyla, And purple eyes. Ilea thought for a second, Felicia and Maria? The ones who came to kill your boss? Arthur? Yes, hes dead. The man said and sat down on his little chair made of steel. Ilea thought he had sounded sad, Sorry for reminding you. He was a bad man at least. I dont like killing. He said seriously before looking up, But now I have a shop. And you gave me all this. Ilea smiled, Gladly Popi. Youre an amazing baker and deserve your own shop. Tell the boom woman if anybody or anything bothers you. Ill help where I can. Ilea your ash, Keyla said timidly. She noticed that her ashen limbs were moving behind her, her armor formed around her, Oh sorry. I just thought about what Id do to anybody that messed with Popi. Keyla gulped, Hes I mean, Ilea looked her way, Popi, do you want to work together with this woman? You can supply her restaurant with pastries. Ilea suggested, Would increase your diversity of supplies. She turned to Keyla, Plus, the name issue would be solved, him being your supplied. At least I think it would. It would be agreeable for me. Keyla said. Popi scratched his armored head, Maybehow many cakes do you need? I want to bake in the night but Melly says we dont need that many cakes. StupidMelly, I hate her! If you really want to. Ilea said, Who is Melly? He pointed outside, probably one of the workers then. Ilea assumed the one working the cash register. Ill talk to her Popi. Thanks. Oh, before I forget. Did you choose the name for your shop? He nodded happily, I want to be the biggest pastry seller! And I am big too. Ilea laughed, I think its a great name. Well, well leave you to work then. Glad to see youre happy. Again, just tell me if you need anything. Ilea followed Keyla out again, the two finding the attendant who had brought them to Popi, Youre Melly? She nodded and smiled, Yes, I am. I hope he wasnt too rude, though the Head Administrator informed me that you know him. He wasnt. Ilea said with a smile, And yes, glad hes out of the mercenary work. Make sure hes happy back there. I try. She sighed, Popi barely wants to do anything else but bake. Youre the head cook of the Golden Drake, arent you? Keyla glanced around before she nodded, I am. Good, stop stalking around outside the store, its creepy. Melly said, squinting at the woman. Ilea laughed, Well. I own both of the stores. Popi agreed to supply the Golden Drake. Do you think that would be possible? Keyla here is a little over competitive. Melly shrugged, If he can bake more then I dont see the problem. I personally wouldnt agree but considering its the best for my boss, we can work out a contract. Good. When are you done working? I can make time. Keyla said, sounding very eager. The two strolled back to the fine dining establishment, Ilea glancing over at the cook who was crunching numbers in a small notebook. Hey Keyla, Ive been thinking. All that storage you have in the Golden Drake. I think with this youll be able to stash away meals for me more efficiently. She summoned the Ring of Holding she had left, adding thirty storage units to Keylas stock. Are you fucking kidding me, woman. The cook stared at her, shaking her head at the ring Ilea held in her hand. Just take it, you have five seconds, otherwise Ill find someone else who wants one. Ilea said, One, two, The cook snatched it up and put it on her left ring finger, looking around at the people walking by. Some had glanced at the two but most were too occupied with their own lives to care much about a ring exchange. To assume an insanely rare and expensive item like a storage ring would be exchanged in the open like this was unthinkable anyway. Im tired of people reacting this way. I have a ton of gold and rare items, fucking get used to it. Ilea murmured. Keyla huffed out some air, Youre crazy. Thanks. Ill make good use of it. Storage wont be an issue anymore and I can save money on all the enchantments keeping things fresh. At least if this is like the storage items Ive heard about. Also, Ilea. I dont think people will get used to it very quickly. If you hand out gifts like this to cooks, I dont even want to know how rich you are. Ilea walked onward, patting Keyla on her shoulder, I dont know what you mean. Cooks are the most essential to society. Long hours, shit pay, hard and difficult work. Everybody needs them. I hope, as an employer that I can provide them with all they would ever need. She gave her a thumbs up and a big smile. You really mean that. I think some gods must have heard our prayers, sending you in return. Keyla said and laughed. Well yes, Im the Guardian of all cooks, nurses, plumbers and garbage men and women. The pillars of the world. The cook chuckled, You should be careful with your sarcasm skill. With your power, there could be a cult developing right now. The suns were low on the horizon, one of them already hidden behind the mountain over Ravenhall. Ilea and Keyla reached the restaurant, the angry noble from earlier standing outside with a couple of disinterested guards. Patrick was patiently listening to the noble complaining in quite a volume. He looked relieved when he noticed the two women strolling lazily towards the group. Onlookers had gathered, talking amongst themselves or just watching on with interest. The streets were getting more busy, a lot of businesses closing up for the day.
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