金瓶梅第2部

⟬ The Dungeon Gardens, early evening. ⟭

Lionheart Hero Ravidius had a predilection for fish.

Tycondrius tried not to think about how... stereotypical of a cat-person that was.

Stereotyping too often could... lead him into an embarrassing situation.

However, the way Tycon prepared fish... he was certain it would appeal to a wide variety of palates.

...cat-person included.

Tycon applied a liberal coat of dried, stone-ground corn to thick-cut slices of Ravidius' freshly caught catfish.

He seasoned them lightly.

Then... he deep-fried them in vegetable oil until they were a beautiful gold.

The sides to complement the main dish included fried okra, a short-pasta slathered with three types of cheese, and heavily-buttered potatoes sprinkled with crisped bits of pork fat.

To complete the meal, Tycon directed Megara to prepare a half-barrel worth of tea-- using a liberal amount of beet sugar. It was made with sweetness enough to suit even the tastes of his own daughter, Sasarame.

She was... the subject matter expert when it came to such concoctions.

The meal was... simple, straightforward, and sumptuous. It was a lovely dinner... in good company and moderately good spirits.

...Krysaos and Beatrice were missing, still in convalescence. However, Tycon saved a filled plate and a cup of sweet tea for the two of them, respectively.

Elle particularly enjoyed being seated outdoors on a linen cloth. She remarked that watching the setting sun together was... romantic.

Tycon chose not to argue.

Before the stars grew visible, the young Mage, Megara, chose to retire to her quarters. It was a sign of a good student, that she was so strict with her own scheduling.

With her absence... a particular Lionheart was able to speak his mind more freely.

"I must admit, Monsieur Tycon," Ravidius sagely stroked his chin. "My daughter-- she is quite taken wis' your masterful cooking abilities. Rarely does she finish her supper before bedtime."

"I am honored by her praise," Tycon waved casually, "I'll write down the various recipes if you would like."

Elle stifled a giggle at Tycon's side... "I think... Hero Ravidius enjoyed it most of all."

The Liohneheart gazed up at the evening sky. High above, colorful ribbons of light slowly twirled about... "Fried catfish... truly, it is a gift ze the heavens, Mademoiselle."

"Are... are you crying, Hero?" Elle asked gently.

"N... non," Ravidius sniffed.

Tycon knelt down at the side of the starlit stream, observing his companions.

Behind him, Elle was trying to console the... emotionally vulnerable cat-person.

She was a wonderful woman, with a naturally good heart, full of courage and loyalty.

Tycon did not deserve her.

Ravidius, too, was a good man, far-removed from the politics of the Realm. He had no obligation to help the crew of Neptune's Revenge in their quest... but Heroes are painfully consistent.

For that, Tycon was thankful.

Coraline Heartsong had her bare feet dipped in the nearby, luminescent-blue stream. The glazed look in her eyes betrayed the fact that she hadn't been well rested in weeks.

She struggled for so long... preparing herself and educating herself for the mission. That she still found failure must have weighed upon her heavily.

...Tycon did not deem words of consolation necessary. The young woman was driven towards success. He only needed to remain vigilant that her obsessions did not consume her.

Coraline's familiar, Beatrice, stood upon the banks... quietly staring out at the waters. The fear, the cruelty, and the desperation she had experienced in the Dungeon... Tycon knew well.

They would be fine. They would support each other.

However, their company's failures were not without growth.

The Coral Boys had completed what was likely the deadliest obstacle course in the Eastern States.

Elle survived her first foray into a Dungeon.

Coraline still had her hopes.

Beatrice had experienced close-proximity murder.

Then, Captain Krysaos... he had reached Iron-Rank.

All that, Tycon could thank Ravidius for. Without the Hero's assistance, one or more of his close companions might have lost their lives.

"Prince Tycondrius of Charm," The Lionheart raised his voice, turning away from Elle. "We must converse."

"You're being uncommonly formal," Tycon raised his eyebrows, "Ravidius Orion, Hero of Passage."

Elle hurried over to his side, "Wh-what's going on?"

"...I suspect it is an inevitable reckoning," Tycon replied with a frown.

"'Tis true," Ravidius narrowed his eyes. "I have been in hiding for over a decade... isolated from ze Realm. And still... you have sought me out-- crossed into my domain, where I am Lord and Master of zhis Dungeon."

He raised a furred hand above his hand... and a dagger detached from his belt, whirling about him and landing in his palm.

"I cannot allow you to ESCAPE with your PITIFUL LIVES," Ravidius growled.

« System, analyze: Monsieur Ravidius' current weapon. »

⟬ System response: Dimensional Cutter. Fourth-Circle Conjuration. The edge is capable of... ⟭

"I understand..." Tycon nodded firmly as he raised his right hand, charging his ring with magic.

Elle immediately drew Summer Song from its sheath, "Well, I don't!!"

"Stand down, Elle," Tycon scolded.

"But... I..." Elle shook her head, "No. I refuse. We're... we're in this together, Tychon!"

"Hmph," Tycon smirked. "You honor me, my love. If I can't convince you, then at least step back to stand by my side."

He grinned, holding his palm forward, "What hope do you have, Ravidius? Against both of our attacks combined?!"

"It matters not..." Ravidius' eyes began to glow red as he tightly gripped the hilt of his dagger... "Here... in zhis place... I am ze supreme authority... and PEERLESS!!! IN!!!! HOSPITALITY!!!!!"

He swiped his weapon, cutting a hole in the fabric between dimensions, "Behold!! Two bushels of fresh fruits to take with you on your trip home!!"

"Hah!" Tycon sneered, "That will certainly bring enjoyment to each and all under my command... but take... THIS!!"

He activated his storage ring, "Seeds for fresh herbs and a scroll of recipes to be used in conjunction with common ingredients!!!"

Ravidius brought the package to his nose and inhaled deeply... his eyes rolling back in euphoria.

"M-monsieur... you... this... 'ave you..."

Tycon smirked in response.

Yes.

Yes, there was catnip.

Though he was loathe to further stereotype... since Ravidius was weak to cat-'fish', it stood to reason that cat-'nip' would be equally effective.

It had 'cat' in the name, after all.

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