The Merchant and Tavern Master

Western Block: Lunch

After enduring a considerable amount of time seated within the public carriage, my discomfort was primarily centered upon my aching buttocks. Eventually, the journey led us to our final destination. With a collective sigh of relief, all passengers disembarked at this designated halt. Before me lay a designated area where several carriages rested, their occupants unloading after their respective journeys. Given the distance they had traversed, it was only reasonable that these conveyances require a rest.

I observed a series of orderly queues that extended in various directions and were composed of individuals awaiting the arrival of the newly refreshed carriages. Humans, dwarves, elves, and beast folk, predominantly men, were gathered here. Once more, I was reminded of the sheer grandeur of this city, and it came as no surprise that beings of diverse kinds had converged within its bounds.

The sun had passed its zenith, indicating that the time was slightly past noon. I pondered whether the shadow guard had managed to keep pace with me throughout the journey via the public carriage. Undoubtedly, this mode of travel swiftly conveyed us to our present location, significantly reducing the time it would have taken on foot. It left me musing about the substantial revenue the council generated from this efficient 'transportation' service, all for the modest fee of a single silver coin.

The present moment seems opportune for a midday meal. With determined steps, I set out to locate a suitable establishment to satisfy my hunger. My senses are captivated by the myriad of eateries that line the streets, each showcasing an array of dishes I've never encountered before. Distinct from conventional diners offering an assortment of options, this city, or more accurately, this district, presents specialized eateries that concentrate on particular dishes or, at times, unique culinary offerings from specific regions. It's evident that these establishments are in fierce competition, each striving to showcase their distinctive highlights to passersby.

ElvenGrove Delights, Dwarven Forge Feasts, FaeLeaf Fare, Beastheart Bites Emporium, Merfolk's Oceanic Cuisine, and many more establishments beckon for attention. The sheer array of options leaves me feeling genuinely overwhelmed. The names of these eateries pique my curiosity, and I'm certain Sofia would revel in the opportunity to sample the diverse offerings. Amid this sea of possibilities, one particular store name captures my attention: Gordeon's Dwarven Style Ramen. This outdoor eatery bears resemblance to the fare peddled by old man Liu back in my village. A truly intriguing prospect. The establishment is modestly bustling with patrons, a testament to its high regard for its culinary offerings.

I observe a dwarven individual, dressed in a distinctive style akin to that of Uncle Liu, deftly preparing dishes with impressive efficiency. He was wearing head coverage and his beard was neatly tied, giving him a clean and hygienic look. Surrounding him are other dwarves assisting in the culinary process. Two human waitresses, attired in uniforms reminiscent of those worn in Liu's tavern, bustle about as they deliver steaming bowls. An elven waitress, uniquely dedicated to beverage service, moves gracefully among the patrons, expertly refilling their tankards with pure water from an elemental spell. It was quite a scene for me, who almost rarely watches spells being cast, but the patrons here seemed already familiar.

I wasted no time in approaching this establishment, settling onto an empty bar stool as I directly placed my order with the master.

"Greetings, Master. What is your most highly recommended dish? I addressed the man, whom I correctly assumed to be the owner.

"Greetings, Sir. I can highly recommend our popular soybean chicken noodles," the dwarven kitchen master responded with a gruff tone. "However, if you're inclined towards a bolder and more intense flavor profile, you might consider trying our specialized 'Dragonbreath' noodles. This dish features a blend of spicy herbs and heartier wyvern meat, accompanied by vegetables and a cold beverage. Do note that the Dragonbreath option comes at a slightly higher price point."