[ empatheias ] message box

[opportunitycosts]

Alvin will have acquired his own little carrier pigeon to send messages, so he'll have one stationed at the main carrier pigeon place that will come and find him.

In the meanwhile, this is the entry for any private messages that are delivered via the carrier pigeon system.

Comments

[young_oldman]

I'm not as eloquent a speaker as you are, Alvin. Though I have been trying to show them that those who cross worlds aren't as fearsome as the rumours paint us, or worse, trying to steal their land.

It's not easy and it's slow-going, but at least they've stopped staring at me. Though if you're looking to promote your restaurant...it would be good if you took a trip with me some day.

[opportunitycosts]

I get the feeling that they're the kind of people who'd prefer a real down to earth, honest guy like you than a city man like me. [A grin.]

But I want to meet them, anyway. Can't make a deal without meeting them first, right? So yeah, I'll be glad to come with you once I get a few things sorted from my end.

[young_oldman]

...a fair point. Though I'm sure you'll work your charm easily enough.

Very well then. Let me know when you're available, and I'll hire us both a cart and set a date.

[opportunitycosts]

Not a problem. I look forward to it.

[young_oldman]

Thank you for hearing me out.

[Lu Meng bows his head towards Alvin again.]

If you would not mind, I would like to ask more about your restaurant as well. Perhaps some details, like what items you are planning to place on the menu, or a location.

[opportunitycosts]

Not a problem.

For starters, it's just going to be a small place—kind of like this. I managed to get a lease in the area between the residential area and the square. Might not be the prime spot, but not bad for foot traffic. Besides, don't need it to be too busy.

Anyway, the menu is going to be based off foods from all of our worlds. Well, I say "all" but of course we'll have a selection. Might change it up every so often to keep things interesting. But the idea is to not only give us "Otherworlders" a taste of home, but also introduce something of us to the locals.

A cultural exchange through food.

[young_oldman]

[It's a good business proposition. Perhaps a bit too ambitious and idealistic (food is just food, isn't it?), but there's no harm in trying for the idea. If it works and actually manages to build a good relationship with the locals, then that's great for everyone.]

You must have a very skilled chef in mind then. I can't imagine it will be easy to replicate the various meals from different worlds.

[opportunitycosts]

[If you want to hit big, gotta dream big.]

Two, actually, both from my world. Have you ever met Milla? The one with a bit of a temper. [Alvin, is that really what you should be saying about your own partner.] She was part of that cooking competition with Sanae.

[young_oldman]

I wasn't there for the cooking competition, but I've met her before. Perhaps a little easily embarrassed, but I respect her strength and determination.

[Also she can summon a tornado. Scary.]

May I inquire on the other individual?

[opportunitycosts]

His name is Ludger, and he just arrived here, actually. I haven't had too much of his cooking, but what I have had is definitely professional. In fact that's what he wants...to do as a career.

[He started off with his usual casual demeanor, but his voice falters at the last part.]

[young_oldman]

Is something wrong?

[Lu Meng can't help but ask with concern, because usually nothing gets Alvin down. He doesn't even expect an answer but...well, it's always safer to ask than not.]

[opportunitycosts]

Ah... No it's fine. [He just flashes Lu Meng a brief grin.] Guess it's something a little more personal.

Anyway, trust me—once you've tasted their cooking, you'll be coming back for more.

[And he did just change the topic and swung it around.]

[young_oldman]

I'll be sure to set my standards accordingly.

[And Lu Meng just picks off from where Alvin ended, no further questions asked...for now.]

Will you be including any native meals from Empatheias itself? If we're introducing some of our cuisine to the people here, then it would make sense for the reverse as well.

[opportunitycosts]

It's part of the plan. Can't have a complete cultural exchange without also welcoming their stuff as well.

But being able to use local produce like the ones you brought should help give us a leg up in that department, especially if we can promote it.

[young_oldman]

I'd like for your chefs to come along with us too then. Maybe not all at once [Milla's spicyness can be kinda off-putting] but eventually, it would put the villagers' minds at ease that their harvests are being put to good use. And the farmers' wives might have a recipe or two that's not common here in the city.

[opportunitycosts]

Not a bad idea. Plus they would know what to look for.

How about this. You and I go there first so I can get a feel for them. Then we can take Ludger and...probably Milla down so they can get a look. Don't want to overwhelm them all at once.

[young_oldman]

Agreed.

I'll be there for any negotiations between your restaurant and the farmers as well. I'd like to see a situation that works out for both your restaurant and for the village.

[opportunitycosts]

Sounds like a plan then.