Welcome to La Gueule de Saturne~
(Looks like I'm in the right place. So, this is Ace's boss?)
(I.. don't like him. Something's off.)
How many will be dining today?
(A perfect smile, charismatic, and seems to be well experienced in customer service. It's fake, but passable.)
As Allen stares at Vincent, the door behind him opens and more people begin to enter the restaurant.
Sir?
Oh.
(I wanted to stay quiet a little while longer, but it looks like more people are arriving.)
Table for one, please.
Splendid! Right this way, if you'd just follow after me..
(The interior decor is so.. it feels kind of hollow and empty. Well, this place is still relatively new so I can't judge too hard.)
Is Ace working today?
Ace?
Yes, he's in the back cooking..
Are you a friend?
...(nods)
Ah! I see. He's a very hard worker, and I'm grateful to have his talent in my kitchen.
Allen is seated at a table, the menu in his hands as he skims it over. Vince attends to the other customers for a bit before returning to the detective.
Have you decided on an order, sir?
Yeah. I'll just order the full course meal.
(This.. might be a bad idea. I'll be in trouble if I throw up. Ace promised me it'll be good though, so..)
Wonderful choice, sir! I'll go ahead and get that started for you.
(..I seriously cannot stand this guy. I'm willing to bet that this guy is an absolute lunatic behind closed doors. I feel bad for Ace.)
It isn't long before the appetizer is brought to Allen's table.
Here's your appetizer, sir.
Thanks.
Ace told me you're quite sensitive to textures, so we made sure to tweak the recipe a bit for you.
..?
(..Ace loved to cook for me in college. Most of his dishes made me sick but sometimes I could stomach it.)
(I wonder how much he's improved since then. Well, here goes nothing.)
Allen takes a bite of the appetizer. He chews thoughtfully while Vince watches curiously.
...
....
....!
(It's.. fine?)
(No, not just fine.. it feels amazing..!)
Well?
...
He wordlessly continues eating until the appetizer is finished. It didn't take long at all.
You finished your appetizer that quick?
It's.. really good.
I can tell. I'll get you your main course, then.
Vince walks away, a shadow of a satisfied smile on his face.
(I.. seriously didn't expect that. I’ve never had anything I was able to stomach.)
(Well, until now that is.)
After a few minutes, Vince returns with the main course. It looks delicious, but slightly different from the other dishes served to the other guests.
Bon appetit.
An hour or so later, at the register..
Well? What did you think of the-
I loved it. It was the best thing I've ever eaten.
I didn't even get to finish my senten-
I love your cooking.
The taste is.. Well, it lacks something,
...
But,
I haven’t been able to eat a full meal in a long, long time.
Ace told you, but I’m very sensitive to texture in food.
My diet consists exclusively of oatmeal, as well as other puree that has the nutrients I need.
But today.. I was able to enjoy a full course meal without wanting to throw up.
So.. yeah. I liked it for the most part.
...I'm glad.
I take it you’ll come by again soon?
Yes. I’ll eat here every other day, or maybe every two.
That often? Can you afford that much?
I can. Oh, and here's a tip for-
Allen gives Vince some bills that total to 500 euros.
Oh, thank you! How generous-
That’s not for you. It’s for Ace and the chefs back there.
Oh-
I don't like you.
I-I see..?
Goodbye.
[Back in present day]
Did you really say that to his face?!
I did. I don't like him.
I can't stand him.
Well.. I can’t say I disagree. Vince can be kinda scary..
I can be what?
EEK!
If you have time to chat with customers, you have time to clean that table over there.
...aye aye sir..
Did you have to shoo him away like that? We had a good conversation going.
You two can chit-chat when he's not on the clock.
How’s the food?
It’s good as always.
..Anything else? Any critiques, or..?
Same critique as always. It still tastes good, though lacking in some aspects.
What aspects?
You ask this every time I eat here. You’re annoying.
Then tell me what it lacks. You say the same thing everytime.
Well, I don’t know what it lacks. It just.. Lacks something.
Like what? Love?
Love..?
Why bring that up?
..Just a common trend in some critiques on my dishes.
Some say I don’t cook with love.
Do you think so too?
Do I?
I wouldn’t know. I don’t love anyone or anything, so-
What about Rody?
What?
EEK! [sound of plates shattering] OH, SHITSHITSHIT,
Rody drops a plate. Vince sighs.
You’ve been coming here almost every day ever since he got hired here.
Do you like him?
...I guess?
You guess?
I like observing him, if that’s anything.
Vince glances at Rody sweeping up the shattered plate pieces.
Well, that’s one thing we can agree on.
Don’t agree with me.
I don’t like when you relate to me, or vice-versa.
You really hate me that much?
I do.
Care to tell me why?
I don't.
Okay.
Can you leave me alone now? I want to eat.
Sure, sure. Enjoy the meal, Allen.