Chapter 52: The Aroma Before the Storm
Three days had passed. The restaurant was supposed to be open by now—bustling, packed, clattering with spoons and conversation—but reality had other plans.
The launch was delayed.
Some minor logistical issues had cropped up: a last-minute shipment of spices had gone missing, two kitchen apprentices burned the initial test batches of chilli chicken beyond salvation, and one of the ventilation enchantments failed in spectacular fashion, nearly smoking out the entire eastern wing.
Nothing catastrophic—but enough to throw the original schedule out of sync. The planned three-day grand opening was postponed, now pushed back two more days.
But make no mistake—they used every minute of the delay like pros.
Promotion had already begun. Velvet-toned flyers drifted around the capital of Caerywn, carried on enchanted breezes or handed out by elegant delivery girls in sleek uniforms. They didn’t shout for attention.
They whispered. Gold-stamped lettering shimmered across deep red parchment:
"Savor the Flame. Chill the Heat. The Grand Opening of House Crydias’ First Culinary Venture Begins in Two Days."
No name? Not quite. You had to look closely—very closely. At the bottom, hidden in tasteful silver print, the restaurant’s name had been subtly branded:
The Emberdrop Pavilion
Simple. Elegant. Unforgettable.