My Food Stall Serves SSS-Grade Delicacies!

"But," Millie interrupted, "I have a cousin who's been asking to learn the business. She could run the cart while I'm gone. Two weeks, maybe three at most."

Marron felt hope flutter. "So you're considering it?"

"I'm considering it." Millie's ears twitched. "You're asking me to travel to a mimic settlement to investigate a potentially magical ladle that may or may not exist. It's absurd."

"Completely absurd."

"And yet—it sounds more interesting than making moon cakes for the next month. And if this ladle is real, watching you figure out how to use it would be educational." Millie smiled. "I've never seen someone work with Legendary Tools before."

"You'd really come?"

"On two conditions." Millie held up her paw. "One: we plan this properly. Route, supplies, safety measures, contingencies."

"Agreed."

"Two: if we find this ladle and it's real, you let me document it. Take notes, maybe sketch it. I want to learn how these tools work."

"Deal." Marron felt relief wash over her. "Thank you. I wasn't sure if you'd—"

"Marron." Millie's voice was gentle. "You're my friend. And more than that—you're doing something important. I'd be honored to help."

They shook hands—Marron's human hand in Millie's furred paw.

"When do we leave?" Millie asked.

"I need to talk to the Guild about class leave, pack, plan the route. Maybe... a week from now? That gives you time to train your cousin."

"A week," Millie agreed. "Meet here next Seventhday at dawn. Bring your cart, all your tools, and whatever you need to survive in the forest for two weeks."

As Marron walked away, she felt something settle in her chest. Not quite certainty—she was still nervous—but something close.

Purpose.

Back at the Apartment - Afternoon

Marron sat down with a fresh piece of parchment and began writing her response.

Dear Alexander,

Yes. I'm coming.

I'll need about a week to make arrangements—talk to the Guild about class leave, plan the route, gather supplies. I'm bringing two companions: Mokko (you remember him) and Millie, a rabbitkin chef who earned her certification with me. She's skilled, trustworthy, and curious about Legendary Tools.

I can't promise the ladle is what you think it is. The copper pot took a full week of testing before I understood it. This might take longer. Or it might turn out to be ordinary.

But I trust your instincts.

Tell Keeper I'd very much like to hear those mimic stories about kitchen treasures. Even if they're mostly myth, myths often contain truth.

I'll arrive in approximately two weeks, depending on travel conditions. If you could have someone meet us at the forest edge to guide us in, I'd appreciate it. I've never been to New Brookvale, and I'd rather not get lost with a cart full of cooking equipment.

Thank you for trusting me with this. I know it's not easy for your community to trust humans.

See you soon.

Your friend,

Marron Louvel

P.S. - I'm bringing the copper pot and my food cart. If the ladle is real, I want to see how it works with the other tools. There might be something important about having them together.

She sealed the letter and set it aside for the morning courier.

Then she pulled out her notebook and began a new section:

Journey to New Brookvale - Preparation

Supplies needed: - Food for 2 weeks - Cooking ingredients (flour, salt, oil, dried goods) - Medical supplies - Camping equipment - Defensive items? (Check with Millie) - Maps of northern routes

Tasks before leaving: - Request class leave from Guild - Pay apartment rent in advance (2 months to be safe) - Stock up on supplies - Research New Brookvale location - Pack cart efficiently

Questions for Alexander: - How did mimics come to have stories about Legendary Tools? - Are there other items in the buried chamber? - What do the symbols on the ladle look like exactly?

She set down her pen and looked around her apartment—small but comfortable, with afternoon light streaming through the windows.

She'd just gotten settled.

And now she was leaving.

But it felt right.

"Two weeks," she said aloud. "Two weeks to prepare. Then we find out what's waiting in New Brookvale."

Mokko looked up from his book and smiled. "Adventure time."

Lucy burbled excitedly, forming a little cart shape in her jar.

And Marron—despite her nervousness, despite the comfort she was leaving behind—found herself smiling too.

Three Legendary Tools.

A journey north.

A community of mimics who'd found peace.

And a ladle that might understand hunger better than anyone.

Let's see what we find.

+

Marron stood outside Chef Henrik's classroom, her letter of request clutched in one hand. The hallway was quieter than usual—most students didn't have classes on Seventhday—but Henrik had agreed to meet her to discuss her situation.

The door opened. Henrik stood there in his usual chef's whites, looking as intimidating as ever despite the early hour.

"Chef Louvel. Come in."

She followed him into the empty classroom. It felt strange seeing all the cooking stations dark and unused, no students bustling around, no sounds of knives on cutting boards.

"You wanted to discuss a leave of absence," Henrik said, getting straight to the point.

"Yes, sir. I need approximately three weeks—two for travel, one for the actual... task." Marron handed him the letter she'd written. "I know it's irregular, especially since I just started the specialization classes, but something's come up. Something important."

Henrik read the letter—she'd kept it vague, mentioning only "family obligations in the northern territories" without specifying the mimic settlement—and set it down on the demonstration table.

"Three weeks," he repeated. "You'll miss six poultry sessions. Possibly the midterm practical."

"I know. I'm willing to make up the work when I return. Extra assignments, private sessions, whatever is required."

Henrik studied her for a long moment. "You've been a good student. Attentive, skilled, willing to learn. Your knife work is exceptional." He paused. "But consistency matters. Taking extended leave so early in the program sends a message that you're not fully committed."

Marron felt her stomach sink. "I am committed. This isn't—I wouldn't ask if it wasn't necessary."

"What's necessary about it?"

She hesitated. How much should she tell him? He'd seen the copper pot, had recognized it as quality craftsmanship but hadn't identified it as anything more. Would he understand about Legendary Tools? Or would he think she was chasing fantasies?

"I'm investigating something," she said carefully. "A potential... culinary artifact. Something that might be historically significant. I've been asked to authenticate it, and I'm one of the few people with the knowledge to do so."

That was technically true, even if it left out most of the actual story.

Henrik's expression shifted slightly—not quite approval, but interest. "An artifact."

"Yes, sir."

"Related to cooking?"

"Yes."

"And you believe it's authentic?"

"I won't know until I examine it. But the person who found it trusts me to determine its authenticity. I can't do that from Lumeria."

Henrik was quiet for another moment, then nodded once. "Three weeks. But when you return, you'll demonstrate everything covered in the missed sessions. Private practicals, on your own time. If your work is satisfactory, you can continue with the program. If not—" He let the implication hang.

"Understood. Thank you, Chef Henrik."

"And Louvel?" He fixed her with that sharp gaze. "Whatever you're investigating—be careful. Artifacts of power tend to attract the wrong kind of attention."

Marron felt a chill run down her spine. "I will."

As she left the classroom, she couldn't shake the feeling that Henrik had guessed more than she'd told him.

Day 1 - Afternoon

Maestra Vivienne was significantly more enthusiastic about Marron's leave request.

"An adventure!" she said, clapping her hands together. "How exciting! Of course you must go. The candy-making will still be here when you return."

They were in Vivienne's small office adjacent to the candy-making classroom, surrounded by jars of sugar in various colors and small molds shaped like flowers and animals.

"You're sure you don't mind?" Marron asked. "I know I just started—"

"My dear, the best education comes from living, not just from classroom instruction." Vivienne poured them both tea from an elegant silver pot. "Besides, you've already shown exceptional aptitude. The marshmallows you made were perfect—that tells me you understand the fundamentals. The rest is just practice and refinement."

"Chef Henrik wasn't as understanding."

"Henrik is a perfectionist who values consistency above all else. I value curiosity and courage." Vivienne smiled warmly. "Where are you going, if you don't mind my asking?"

"North. To investigate something potentially significant."

"How wonderfully mysterious." Vivienne's eyes sparkled. "Well, when you return, you must tell me all about it. And bring me a story—I collect them, you know. Stories about food, about cooking, about the things people discover when they're brave enough to look."

"I will," Marron promised.

"And one more thing." Vivienne stood and walked to a cabinet, pulling out a small wooden box. "Take this with you."

Inside the box were dozens of small, individually wrapped candies in various colors.

"Travel sweets," Vivienne explained. "Hard candies infused with energy restoration charms. Not healing, exactly, but they'll help if you're exhausted or need a boost. I make them for students who are taking long journeys."

"Thank you," Marron said, genuinely touched. "I don't know what to—"

"Just come back safely and tell me your story. That's payment enough." Vivienne squeezed her hand. "Safe travels, Chef Louvel. I look forward to hearing about your discoveries."