The journey to Stangrad took approximately two hours. It was slightly longer than I wanted, but still within expectation. At least the roadwork made the trip pleasant.

 

Stangrad, one of the largest cities within the Bel'zahar Empire, enjoyed an ideal location in the heart of the continent's expansive grassy plain. This unique positioning fostered an environment conducive to animal husbandry and contributed significantly to the empire's well-respected cavalry division. The roads were meticulously maintained by the state, ensuring smooth passage for horse-drawn carriages that traversed this route. Thanks to that, Serah quietly selpt for most of the ride instead of making a fuss about waking early.

 

 

According to what I've learned, the transportation beam was massive, possibly 10 meters in diameter. If that were indeed the case, it is possible that two or even three people came through. Usually, only a single “Traveler” gets transported here every decade or so. A mass summon like this hasn't occurred in more than century. That’s likely why so many people are present here today.

I let out a sigh as I recalled the last time this had occurred. The group that had received such "blessings" was the elves, more than 150 years ago. With three Travelers indoctrinated into their force, they declared total war on all fronts. A single summoned person at full power might be equivalent to an entire military's division. Even with three, wars on all fronts were too much for the elf kingdom of Fendel. It ended with them losing a significant portion of their forest. The only reason they managed to keep their remaining territory was because they threw the Travelers under the cart, blaming them for manipulating the country into open conflict. I hope that people have learned their lesson from last time…

 

 

As the carriage ahead of us moved slowly past the city gate, the group of foot soldiers moved their gaze on us. One walked around to inspect our wagon while another asked for our pass and destination.

 

"We're on our way to 'The Dancing Kitty' and then to the arena for the big event", I replied as I handed over the pass.

 

The soldier looked at me with a curious expression,

"Isn't it a bit early for the brothel?"

 

"I have some business with the establishment" I stated, trying to keep the conversation short as possible.
 
The soldier looked at me and Serah before glancing back at me. It was clear that he misunderstood the situation and assumed I was there to sell her, but I wasn't going to clear it up. Instead, I gave him a light smile and let the other one finish his inspection. As our little exchange came to an end, the other soldier returned and the one I talked with nodded before allowing us to continue on our way.

As I had expected, the city was teeming with people, making it difficult to navigate our way through the crowd. In the timespan Serah disembarked from the wagon, joined a queue, brought back two roasted turkey legs, our wagon barely moved.

 

 

Fortunately, as we approached the upper district, the throng of people began to diminish. Our destination, The Dancing Kitty, was situated in the heart of the high-class red light district. Though it functioned primarily as a brothel, it also operated as a luxury diner during sunlight hours.

 

"Pervert" Serah narrowed her eyes at me as we stood in front of our destination.

 

"The owner assures me it's a house of fine cuisine during the day," I replied as I pushed open the double doors, with all its windows covered up.

 

I was wrong.

 

In a sense, it was a high-end restaurant. The furniture was made from velvet red fabric, giving the place an air of luxury. The silverware gleamed under the light, and the food being carried by waitresses looked delicious enough to make Serah let out a small gasp. But none of the waitresses weren't wearing any undergarments, which wouldn’t be noticeable if their uniforms weren't cut so short that it was practically inviting viewers. It wasn't the first time we had come across such an establishment, as I had seen some other similar "preparation" methods for evening opening; such as topless Towerday and mooning Moonday. Compared to the more extreme niches, this is quite mellow. I’m just slightly ashamed that her jab at me held some merit.
 
 

 

"Ah, wet clams… A true oceanic delicacy" Serah observes, striking a pose reminiscent of a seasoned sea captain scouting for land on the horizon.

Just as I was preparing to make my way towards the opulent bar counter, a voluptuous woman clad in a scandalously green dress gracefully slid off her stool and sauntered over with an air of elegance. She had vibrant red hair that beautifully complemented her eyes - rich browns that were captivatingly mesmerizing. Though she may have passed her prime, she exuded a seductive charm that could tempt any man she wished.

 

 

The woman extends a slender hand to greet me.

 

“I assume you’re Vincentius Degrithmond,” the woman said,

 

"Vince will service, and you must be Madam Miranda," taking her greeting with a smile.

 

She responded with a practiced curtsy.

 

"I've read so much about your culinary prowess in Rika's letters; I practically counted the days to meet the traveling chef in person," said Miranda.

 

"Words tend to stretch with long distances," I commented,

 

"I'll do my best to meet that expectation."

 

With a satisfied smile, Miranda turned to Serah.

 

"This is my wife Serah," I introduced, keeping it as short as possible because mannerisms were not her strong suit.

 

Serah responded with a light nod, which seemed a bit rude, but the lady of the house wasn’t bothered by the notion.

 

"So, sir Vincent, what will you be cooking for us today?" asked Miranda.

 

"If you don't mind, I would like to take a look at your menu first. I want to make something that will hopefully complement the existing dishes" I replied, pulling out a notebook from my bag.

There was a glint of intrigue on Madam Miranda's face at my answer.

 

"Will your wife be joining you in the kitchen?"

 

"No, her role is usually of a taster. Will you be kind enough to allow her to join in the sampling process?" I asked.

 

"Of course!" answered Madam Miranda as she led me into the kitchen.

 

*45 minutes later*

 

 

"Simply magnificent!" Miranda exclaimed, as she commenced to slice another piece.

 

"Sir Vincent, name your price, I must acquire this recipe from you"

 

I pondered for a moment, reflecting on my long-held fear that if I wasn't the best chef around, Serah would surely leave. For hundreds of years, I had hoarded my secrets, believing it was necessary to retain her affection. Yet, as I pass the magic number of 400 years, reality finally dawned upon me - Serah wasn't going anywhere, regardless of my prowess in the kitchen.

 

Perhaps it was time for a change, I thought, perhaps it was time to mentor the next generation and pass on what I had learned.

 

"There's no need for such an incentive, as Lady Rika did lend us her cottage outside the city", I countered. "I'll show your head chef how to recreate this. It'll up to him to memorize it"

 

Serah simply devoured her portion of the meal in glee, seemingly uninterested in our conversation.

 

With Miranda approval for my dish to be incorporated into today's special menu, all that was left was to transfer ingredients into her kitchen from our wagon and wait.

 

20 minutes to go before lunch shift starts, when I found myself once again studying over the menu. As I scrutinized each item on the list, I couldn't help but notice that Serah's gaze from across the table.

 

"What's the matter?" I inquired, still glancing at the pamphlet.

 

"I am so very worried," she responded in a tone that was overly solicitous compared to her usual demeanor. Her expression piqued my curiosity and urged me to push further for an explanation.

 

"Ah~ my dear husband, working in such close proximity to open waters, I fear he might get lost at sea" she declared dramatically, gesturing as though performing on a stage. I followed her eyes.

 

 

She's messing with me; this was her usual method of engaging in banter before demanding something absurd. I reciprocated by playfully retorting,

 

"This isn't my rodeo babe", continuing with my reading.

 

Suddenly, I felt something brush against my crotch. Before I could react, she'd already launched her full assault. Without breaking eye contact, she somehow opened my trouser and began rubbing my dick with her feet.

 

Just as she achieved the desired effect of fully erecting my cock, we found ourselves alone in the nearly-deserted restaurant, with only panty-less waitresses bustling about to prepare tables. I quickly hid my fluster face behind the menu, hoping nobody had seen what was happening beneath it.

 

Her foot movements grew quicker and more erratic, leaving me little time for respite - until at last, I reached my peak. With an effort to stifle a grunt, I busted my load all over her feet. Swiftly, I grabbed several napkins to clean us both up.

 

 

"Alright, I'm going to queue up early so we can get better seats," she stood up as if nothing had happened and extended her hand in front of me.

I let out a sigh before handing over 2 Bel'zaharan gold pieces - the entrance fee was around 20 silver per ticket, but I figured that would be enough to allow her to explore a bit before getting in line.

 

Shortly after Serah left, Miranda prompted,

 

"Are you sure she'll be alright? A young lady walking around like that by herself?"

 

"I'd more concerned for person that mess with her," I countered, before tying a knot to secure my apron and heading into the kitchen.