The Innkeeper

Chapter 2058: Cubes of Death

No one suspected anything when the Innkeeper stated that normal packages probably wouldn’t be able to satisfy him. Based on their perception of the Innkeeper, that was the natural response. Now could someone who hangs out with the Primordial Queen have normal standards?

Little did they know, the real reason Lex stated such a thing was that he did not need actual formations or anything of the sort. Compared to others, he trusted his system a whole lot more - shady though it was - to create better defenses without any hidden flaws.

"What about you?" the Innkeeper asked, looking towards Ballom. Although, as the Innkeeper, he was not generally interested in foreign things, he at least took interest in his guests’ wellbeing. "Do you think that the Devils will be targeted?"

Upon hearing this question, Ballom laughed, almost as if he was excited.

"Most assuredly," he said with a wide smile. "Whether we want it or not, the Devils will forever be associated with the Angels now. Since the Angels have relaunched their war to claim Eden, not only do they have to bear the pressure of the universe, we will have to bear it as well. But we’re not too worried. If anything, someone attacking us will make our lives easier because currently the biggest debate ongoing in Garvitz is who we should target. If someone targets us first, that will make things much simpler."

The Innkeeper nodded, while not believing 99% of what Ballom said. It was natural to put up a strong front, especially in such a delicate time. No one would openly show weakness, unless it was bait. Whether the Devils were truly hoping to join the war, only time could tell.

Lex was beginning to understand why Dao Lords read so much into each and every action - not a single one of them was honest to begin with!

"Speaking of which," Ballom continued, "since you’ve given me the honor of inviting me to this tea party, then I should make good use of it. I see some Lords ready to make decent deals - I should capitalize on the opportunity. See you all shortly."

The Primal also excused himself, promising to meet up with the Innkeeper once more after he’d had the opportunity to greet all the guests.

For a brief moment, the Innkeeper was finally free of all guests. He looked around, and found that all the guests were either mingling among themselves, or had gone into private rooms to hold meetings. Specifically, they’d all opted to go into individual Chambers of Secrets, and then personally added layers of security themselves so that they could be sure no one could peek.

This was a good opportunity to join Eclipse once more. Every random conversation with her gave Lex immense revelations, but he supposed that was normal when one had lived a life as long as hers.

But, before he returned to that, this moment of relative freedom was also a good time to go check in on the kitchen and staff. To be entirely honest, the lemonade was a greater hit than Lex had anticipated for reasons he could not quite understand, but he wasn’t exactly complaining.

He entered the bustling tavern to the sight of countless workers, running to and fro, bringing refreshments to guests and taking back used cups. As a majority of the workers in the tavern at the moment were mortal, this really was an immense test of their abilities.

Lasting ten more days of this was going to be a challenge - fortunately, they had already decided on shifts and working schedules so that their service would not be interrupted. Only poor Cole Sanders was left with the least amount of break in between. Such were the burdens of the head chef. Yet his dedication would pay off in the long run - even if he didn’t know it yet.

After all, to be very specific, neither Cole nor most of the staff actually knew what was going on, or who they were serving. To make sure that they did not suffer from too much pressure and mess up, Lex may have been slightly... creative when telling them exactly the event was.

"How are you doing, Cole?" the Innkeeper asked as he walked into the kitchen, watching the young man wiping the sweat off his brow with a towel. He supposed, for a mortal, the temperature inside the kitchen was quite hot.

"Excellent!" Cole answered, excitedly. "I popped out of the kitchen for a moment to see how everyone was responding to the drinks and starters. I have to say, this is the most intense Comic Con I have ever attended! I mean, each and everyone of those costumes looks so realistic!"

The Innkeeper smiled, looking down on him.

"Yes, the costumes, they’re very nice," he repeated affirmingly. Cole didn’t seem to notice.

"Yeah, not only are the costumes great, all the participants are so nice as well. I mean, I thought the costumes would make them sweaty which is why I thought lemonade - you know, nature’s own electrolyte drink. But I never anticipated that everyone would chug so much. I guess they’re all too excited about re-enacting a small-scale Midnight Inn event."

The Innkeeper patted Cole on the back, appreciating his enthusiasm.

"Don’t forget to get some electrolytes yourself - this is a long event, and it has only just begun. Pace yourself, and don’t wear yourself out. You know all the guests are cultivators, so don’t try to keep up with them."

Cole nodded, knowingly.

"Yes, yes, I know. They’re all Foundation realm cultivators. It kind of shows in some of their attitudes - all high and mighty. But don’t worry, I’ll keep my own pace. For now, I’m working on my first course.

"It’s something I learned from my friend’s aunt. They’re Indian, or well, they were Indian. I don’t remember the original name of the dish, but I call it: The Cubes of Death. I hope the guests have a high spice tolerance, because I won’t be holding back."

The Innkeeper smiled at Cole, though no one could tell the awkward smile Lex was giving him internally. Well, at least it was good to see that Cole wasn’t being affected by the pressure. He just hoped everyone else was taking it so well. Next, he would check up on the waiters.

Author’s Note: You might find it interesting to know that the Cubes of Death were a real dish my Indian roommate from college used to bring when his aunt made them. I never learned their name, because I called them Cubes of Death because the spice in that could make my scalp sweat!