Chapter 5: Home Sweet Home
The infirmary was close enough to the armory to justify a quick revisit, but lingering any longer than necessary wasn’t worth it. Mack was still there, lying in his bed, at the mercy of his coma. Cole could visit later; for now, just familiarizing himself with the basic layout would do.
The kitchen proved more lively.
The area rivaled any modern commercial operation in scope. Despite the numerous occupied stovetops aglow with flames and red light, the room didn’t feel stuffy – like a Korean BBQ joint with proper ventilation. Another steampunk pastiche, courtesy of Celdorne’s finest artisans.
None of the dishes looked familiar though. Various meats Cole couldn’t identify sizzled in massive pots, surrounded by vegetables that definitely weren’t in any Earth cookbook. The smells were good, at least. Hell, after dealing with a JNI dirty bomb, the ensuing clusterfuck, and then getting isekai’d, his stomach couldn't care less about alien gastronomy.
Fotham, despite his intentions on behalf of the kingdom, seemed at least considerate of the shit they’d been through. Probably having heard their growling stomachs, Fotham led them to a cook built like he’d spent his life hauling heavy sacks of food and cookware.
“Master Marwin,” Fotham greeted him. “Our special guests have been at practice. Three mana potions, if you please.”
“Training, are they?” The cook gave their gear a long look, but his thoughts remained unspoken. “Never seen soldiers fitted thus – begging your pardon, of course.” Turning to a shelf, he grabbed three blue vials. “Fair warning: nary a soul drinks this without grimacing. Bitter as an Aurelian at market. Though we’ve ways of making it less offensive.”
Marwin turned to what looked like an icebox built into the wall. “Sunfruit press helps it down. Or…” He pulled open the door, cold air spilling out. “Ah! Apples from the southern provinces, fresh as morning. Rare sight indeed. Though… well, there’s other mixtures that serve just as well.”
As enticing as it was to get hammered after dealing with the strangest day of his life, Cole had to turn down the offer. “Yeah, maybe another time. I think we’ll just go with the uh, the apple juice, right?”