System Change

Chapter 66: The Crown

With Bronson leading them, the group was able to pass through the gate with no problems. A couple of the guards gave Derek and Thomas strange looks, but they did not dare say anything with Bronson around.

The first things that Derek noticed when entering the noble district was a gigantic building with multiple floors. There was a balcony on the top floor. It had to be at least six floors tall. Of course, it was nothing compared to some of the skyscrapers Derek had seen and been to on Earth. Still, in a world like this that seemed to be stuck in the medieval times, it was quite something.

There was not much to the design of the building. It was square with windows on every floor. At the top of the door, there was artwork of a crown with jewels in it. One other thing that Derek noticed was that the building was very clean. He could not find a speck of dust anywhere.

Bronson noticed Derek staring at the tall building. “That is the Crown. It’s a restaurant that originated in the Capital, then proceeded to set up branches everywhere. No matter which city in the kingdom you are in, there will be a Crown restaurant in the noble district.”

“Oh, that’s cool, I guess. So, can anyone who can afford it eat there?” Derek asked.

“No. All nobles and some wealthy merchants are able to dine there as long as they have the money. But, they can only use the bottom floors. The top two floors are reserved for those lucky enough to obtain a membership. Currently, in Torith, there is no one, not even the city lord, who has been able to receive one. Receiving a membership to the Crown is a dream of many nobles.” Bronson replied.

Derek looked over at Thomas and Silvi. Thomas was still staring at the building, slack-jawed. Derek shook his head and turned back to Bronson. “So, is the food good at least.”

Bronson laughed. “It looks good. I’ve never been able to dine in the restaurant, but I have accompanied the master a time or two. It’s said that all the chefs that work for the Crown were raised up personally in the organization. They all have the same class and their Cooking skills are unbelievably high.”

‘Cooking skill? They must have thumbs. Would make easier. I need thumbs. I cook better. Make restaurant.’ Derek was treated to the mumblings of Silvi. She was obsessed with food, and was still bitter at her first cooking experience.

‘I don’t think there’s a skill that will allow you to grow thumbs, but I’m sure we’ll find something that will make it easier on you.’ He told her. He could only imagine Silvi running a restaurant.

He silently chuckled and continued with Bronson. “So, what does it take to become a member?”

“Great achievement or strength. Something that the king would recognize. Not even the princes or the princess are allowed in the reserved floors unless the king is with them. Though, I have heard that the eldest prince is very close to obtaining membership. He tracked and killed a Void Beast a couple weeks ago.” Bronson replied.

Derek noticed Thomas staring at him out of the corner of his eye. It seems that though Void Beasts are rare, it isn’t uncommon to hear about them. I was wanting Brandi to make me some armor out of the corpse I have, but I’ve outgrown its uses… and then some. Maybe it could make good armor for Thomas, though. Or, I may be able to use it to increase my reputation faster than expected. I guess I could always give away all but the skin and let the girl work with that.

“A Void Beast, huh? Why would that help with membership? I’m sure there are some very weak Void Beasts out there, they aren’t all strong like the legends.” Derek asked.

“No, they are just extremely rare. Mostly because it is forbidden to use Portal. Still, every now and then, some untrained or unlearned mage thinks the skill sounds cool and ends up getting their whole village destroyed. The problem is that you never know how strong of a Void Beast you will end up with. If you could control that, you would be rich.” Bronson replied.

“Why is that?” Derek really was curious as to why Void Beasts, even weak ones would be in demand. He could see blacksmiths or leatherworkers wanting the materials from stronger ones, like the one he had, but not weak ones.

Bronson pointed at the restaurant. “It’s a delicacy. One of the best tasting meats you will ever eat… or so I’ve heard. Of course, the stronger the beast, the better the taste, but even a weak Void Beast tastes better than almost anything.”

‘Void Beast. I want eat. Let’s go find one. Now.’ Silvi chirped.

“You don’t say…” Derek said, and walked towards the restaurant.

“What are you doing? You won’t be allowed in yet. Wait for the master, I’m sure he’d be willing to bring you.”

Derek chuckled and kept walking until he made it to the entrance. Then he walked in. The inside of the building was exquisite. From the chandeliers lighting the ceiling to the tables placed around the room, everything was high quality. I wonder how the lights work. Derek mused as he looked at the ceiling.

In no time, there were two very strong looking guards standing in front of him. At that time, Derek felt Silvi land on his shoulder. ‘Kill now? Eat?’ She asked.

‘No, just making a little scene. Though, we will probably eat soon. Just not the people. Didn’t I tell you that we don’t eat humans?’ He calmed the bunny.

“What are you doing? You don’t belong here. Leave now before we throw you out.” One of the guards said. They were both at least as strong as Bronson.

“Oh? I was hoping to speak to your manager.” Derek said.

The guards looked him up and down, then scoffed. “You? Why would someone like you think they would be able to speak to the manager? Filthy peasant, how are you even in the noble district to begin with?”

Bronson came in at that time. He bowed to the guards. “Phil, Ryan, I’m sorry about this. It’s just a misunderstanding. This is Derek, a guest of Master Gracefall.” He looked at Derek. “Come on, no matter how strong you are, you don’t want to mess with the Crown.”

That got on Derek’s nerves. He glared at Bronson, and the whites of his eyes began to turn purple. “You do not speak for me. Understand?”

Bronson flinched and backed up. “Y-yes. Sorry.”

Seeing Bronson concede to Derek, the two guards tensed. The atmosphere became still. They reached for their weapons.

“What is going on down here?” A lovely voice sounded out.

A woman wearing an emerald green dress with a thigh high slit was sauntering down the stairs. Her fire red hair and green eyes accented her dress. A few freckles rested on her cheeks. Derek was unsure if makeup was used in this world, neither Rayna nor Mal had ever used any, but even if there was, it would only hinder the woman’s natural beauty.

“Madam, this… man was causing trouble. We were just about to throw him out.” One of the guards spoke. They had already caused a scene in the restaurant, and the dining nobles had taken notice and were all staring.

The woman looked past the two guards, and her eyes landed on Bronson. “Bronson, is Theodore well?”

“Maam.” Bronson nodded. “He has been very well.”

The woman then looked at Derek. Derek smiled a half smile and withdrew the void raging inside his body. The deep purple in his eyes receded to his irises. The woman raised her eyebrows at that.

“And you must be…” She stopped to allow Derek to answer.

He nodded. “You can call me Derek. I take it you’re the manager here?” He got to the point. Derek appreciated beauty, but he would not allow it to get in his way.

“Straight to the point, I like that. Yes, I am the manager. You can call me Stella. How may I help you?”

“Is there somewhere private we can go, or are you fine doing business here, out in the open.” He asked.

“I assure you, all the business we do here is above board, there is no need to hide anything. That is, unless you are uncomfortable.” She said.

Derek laughed. “Nope. Here’s fine.” He shook his hand, and a corpse appeared. He was holding the body by the back of the neck. The bipedal, wolf-like creature was menacing looking. Everyone in the restaurant gasped in surprise when they saw the Void Beast. “I heard you may be interested in one of these.”

Stella stared at the creature with wide eyes. “This… may I?” She asked as a knife appeared in her hand.

Understanding what she wanted, Derek walked to the nearest empty table and laid the corpse on it. “Go ahead.”

Carefully, the woman slid the knife down the chest of the Void Beast. The knife cut through it like butter. “So fresh, and there’s barely a mark on it. How was it slain?” She asked while examining the body.

“I stored it as soon as I killed it. As for how I did it… That’s for me to know.” In all, Derek had only had the corpse outside of his storage bracelet for a few hours, top. He had never imagined that it would taste good. If he knew, it may not have made it until now.

“The hide is so strong.” Stella said and looked back at Derek with wide eyes. “How strong are you to be able to fight it? You must be well over 100.”

Derek just smiled. My stats would have put me around a level 130 with a rare class back when I fought it. I could kill it with a finger now. Derek thought.

“Right, that’s for you to know.” She muttered. “This… this is too much for me to decide what to do with it. We haven’t had one of this quality in years. I’ll have to contact the Capital. Could you give me a day or two? Will you be around?”

“Of course. Though, I do want the hide.” He said.

“That’s fine, we usually just sell the remaining parts to the highest bidder. I’ll let my boss know. Would you like to take it with you until things are settled, or do you mind if we keep it? I assure you, you will get a good price.” Stella said.

“You can keep it. Frees up some storage space, anyway.” He said, and the woman looked at him in surprise. “What, I was told by somebody that you do things above board.” He smiled.

Stella’s lips turned upward into a stunning smile. “That somebody is correct.” She placed her hand on the corpse and it disappeared. She looked around. “Would your party like to dine today? It’s on the house.”

Derek looked at Bronson, Thomas, and Silvi. The two men were stunned, and Silvi was barely able to contain herself. “That would be great.” He moved Silvi to his arms. “I hope you don’t mind my companion eating too, she is quite the food connoisseur.”

The woman led them to a table. “She is fine. Many of our distinguished guests bring their pets.” She said. The group sat down. “Someone will be with you momentarily. Enjoy your meal.” Stella said, then sauntered back up the stairs.