*Sizzle*
He leaned back in his chair and blinked away some tears. Bede held up the bottle of hot sauce in his hand. He stared at the completely incomprehensible script on the label. The only thing that was recognizable was the smiling picture of an anthropomorphic chili pepper on the front.
“Ooh. I don’t know who made you or what’s in you, but you got some Kick that’s for damn sure.”
Bede took another bite out of the boiled egg.
*Creeeak*
The Belt Buckle Bouncer opened the door behind Bede and walked into the office. Alli followed in after her.
“So… Why the…?” Alli asked.
“The belt?”
“Uh, yeah…”
The Belt Buckle Bouncer adjusted her jacket’s sleeves. “Our uniform guidelines say that we must show up to work wearing a clean, pressed suit and jacket. With socks, shoes, and a belt. The guidelines say nothing about the size or shape of other clothing items. Such as a belt.”
“Oh.”
“What about you? Do they let you wear jewelry in the scriptorium?”
Alli examined her wrist. Her charm bracelet *Jangled*. “Eh, not exactly. But I’m kind of on loan as Ms Chamber’s private secretary so I can wear whatever I want.”
“That’s nice. I like your bracelet. That fox charm is really cute.”
“Thank you. Well, I like your belt. I think it looks good on you.”
“Thanks.” The Belt Buckle Bouncer’s cheeks became one half shade more red for only a moment.
“Hoffs the coffention hall?” Bede asked with half an egg in his mouth. “Are they *Gulp* almost done with the presentation.” Bede picked up another egg off of the desk in front of him.
Alli rolled her eyes. “Not yet. There is some big commotion happening in the convention center. Something about a contest.”
Bede shook the egg absentmindedly. He stopped, looked around the room to see if anyone had seen him, then shook the bottle of hot sauce instead.
“A contest, what kind of contest?” he asked.
“They were comparing costumes I think.” Alli scratched her chin.
“What a waste of time and resources. Such a tedious use of one of the city’s most well equipped theater spaces.” Bede shook his head.
“It was that man from out of town and some young boy dressed like Constantine Grimager.” The Belt Buckle Bouncer added.
“What did you say?” Bede swiveled in his chair.
*Splurt*
Hot sauce ran down Bede’s sleeve.
#
“This is a great spread of food your Excellency.” Jonathan said.
“Nothing but the highest quality I assure you. I always treat my friends to the best available. After all, we deserve it so much more than other people.” Councilor stroked his beard.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
A laden banquet table blocked one entire wall of the Councilor’s private viewing box. Silver platters filled with kitchen delights were spread across the table.
“I could eat this food for all four hundred days of the year and still not grow tired of it.” Jonathan ate a pickled jalapeno in one bite.
“Of course. Only the finest. And no summoned food either. Only artisanally grown produce rich with vitamins, minerals, and mana.” The Councilor waved a finger. “But this table looks empty in places. Where is the cantaloupe bread that I requested earlier?”
A server bowed in apology. “I’m sorry Councilor. The kitchen seems to have misplaced your food cart. We’ll send down for another order right away.”
“See that you do.”
Cophin, Plinth and Lux stood at the edge of the private box. They looked over the railing at the stage far below.
“Isn’t that your waiter?” Lux pointed down at the Convention Hall stage.
“It is.” Plinth replied.
“And isn’t that your sous chef?” Lux asked.
“Hrrrm.” Cophin grumbled.
“And they appear to have challenged the visiting speaker to a fashion contest?”
Plinth looked sideways at the other two. “Trouble?”
The corner of Cophin’s mouth twitched. “Trouble.”
The three of them went back to watching. Space was being cleared in the center of the Convention Hall stage for the challenge to proceed.
Platina stomped into the private box. The two Petty Officers followed in behind her.
“And did you see her belt buckle?” The Chestnut Petty Officer said.
“I know. It was so big she could use it as a mirror.” The Blonde Petty Officer replied. “And what about that other one? Wearing a charm bracelet? At her age?”
“I know. It’s so pathetic. How childish can you be?”
“Hehehe.” “Hahaha.” The two of them laughed together. The rhythm of their laughter was uncomfortably in sync.
Platina glanced back over her shoulder. The two Petty Officers stopped talking and snapped to attention.
Platina walked over to Councilor A and leaned down to talk into his ear.
Councilor A whispered back out of the side of his mouth.
Platina shrugged.
The Councilor looked over at Cophin, Plinth, and Lux. “While you’re here Platina, go and see if you can find Lady House and tell her that I’ve secured a table at the most prestigious restaurant in town for this evening.”
“As you wish sir. I’ll give her your invitation to join you at the restaurant later.”
“I didn’t say anything about an invitation. I just want you to tell her.” The Councilor examined his fingernails.
“As you wish sir.”
Platina turned around and walked back out of the private box. The two Petty Officers moved to follow her as she left.
*Bump*
They accidentally bumped into Jonathan as he was also moving to leave the box.
Jonathan stepped back and put a hand over his heart. “Pardon me ladies. I was going to step out for a bit and see if I could purchase a souvenir. But please, after you.”
Jonathan pulled his shoulders back like a fashion model and gave them a wink.
“Ah, no, it’s fine. We were just…” The Chestnut Petty Officer trailed off.
The Blonde Petty Officer shoved her. “The souvenirs are down in the Lobby. Come on. We have to follow the Commander. Let’s go.”
“Right. Sorry. Excuse us.” The Chestnut Petty Officer bowed to Jonathan and then hurried to catch up to Platina.
Jonathan left after the two of them and walked in the opposite direction.
Councilor A poured himself another drink. He looked over at the railing of his private box.
“Is something happening on stage? It sounds like some sort of commotion. I feel like walking over there and seeing for myself.”
Plinth turned around and put his hand over his mouth. “Uh… before you do that, have you ever seen an apple skin peeled in a single slice?”
Councilor A raised an eyebrow. “Master Plinth I am aware that a man of my position gives off an aura of exceptionalism but I have seen and eaten fruit before. You needn't try to impress me with provincial pleasantries.”
“That was not my intention at all Councilor. Let me clarify. Have you ever seen an apple skin peeled in a single slice, while it was in the air?”
“Go on…”