[OL-FB] Food for Thought

[Khorne]

Location: Luyang, Jinzi Isle (El Oleonda)

The moonlight filtering through the rice paper windows of the traditional izakaya eating establishment helped illuminating the dim interior. Inside there were only a handful of candles and some paper lanterns lighting the place, which bathed the restaurant in a warm yet dusky atmosphere. There was little clientele, the main reason most likely still being the war that was raging on the island - despite it having reached a quieter phase now.

In the corner, shielded from the rest of the izakaya by a room divider, two patrons were softly discussing the current state of affairs over a hearty meal. As the man in the blue kimono spoke and pleaded his arguments, the man in green listened attentively, yet cautiously - nervously glancing around every now and then.

“But Yang, that’s… isn’t that treason what you’re suggesting right now?”

“Or is it self-preservation, Haruki? The first step to a prosperous future? All revolutions seem unnecessary at first or bound to fail, until we can look back at them successfully and recognize them as the starting point of something greater.”

The man in green sighed. “I don’t know, Yang-kun. The very thought feels like poison to the mind. A perversion of our honor.”

Yang snarked back, softly: “A perversion of honor? Wouldn’t the Lotus Emperor know all about that? The ‘unbeatable’ empire, beaten by those so-called barbarians of the West. We gained nothing and lost everything. The Empire has left us here to fend for ourselves. Our great Banners are in disarray and these freak storms are only ill omens of worse to come. Or so is the word on the streets.”

Haruki wasn’t taken aback by Yang’s response and stood his ground. “Still, the war isn’t over. We have a duty to fight to the end.”

Yang waved away the argument. “To what end, Haruki? Your end? The Empire has suffered defeat and can no longer protect Jinzi. Your death will not prevent that collapse.”

Haruki bowed closer to Yang and spoke in even more hushed tone: “So you’d throw your lot in with the aoi hitobito (‘blue people’)? Surrender Luyang to them?”

Yang reciprocated. “Think about it. Currently, we are an enemy settlement to them, without much of an army left to protect us. We’d be an easy prey, ready for looting - or worse. Remember what the Reds did to Jiangkai? They burned the place to cinders. At least Oleyon-koku is investing and rebuilding the city now. I even heard Jiangkai was able to negotiate some sort of semi-autonomous rule within the realm.”

The man in the dark blue kimono leaned back. “I’m not the only one that thinks this way. I’ve heard talk like this in the city. In soft tones and hushed voices, of course - but it is there nevertheless.”

 

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Extra picture from above:

Spoiler

 

[NOD]

A great build and a good story! I like the decor of the eating establishment. The paper windows, room dividers and the wooden decoration on which the oil lamps are located are striking.

I would like it if in ERA III the cities of Luyang and Oryant continued to belong to the Lotus Empire. I find it interesting and exciting when there are 2 NPC faction cities on the island. This also creates the opportunity for quarrels and small conflicts.

 

Because we're talking about eating establishment. I'm just remembering an happening that happened recently. I was sitting with some friends (drinking buddies, scoundrels and pirates) in a tavern eating establishment on Tortuga:

 

At the table next to us sat an Oleander who had just ordered a salad.

The unfriendly and rude innkeeper eating establishment owner didn't feel like making a salad, so it took 30 minutes for the guest to get it.

Jean-Pierre the guest, looks at his plate in disgust and complains to the eating establishment owner.

Jean-Pierre: "Mösiö, there are no snails in the salad!"

Edited July 30, 2024 by NOD
Correction of the text.

[Ross Fisher]

Stylish as ever! Nicely done. 

[Fraunces]

Very nicely made interior. Good job