Odyssey Investigations: AEAEA - Chapter 0

[Lin Beifong]

[With a whispered chant, Soleil's staff begins to glow, and a small shadow is cast from one of its tips, looking similar to a sundial. Between a beam of warm sunlight, this shadow lifts Bushroot out of the shaft, and back to safety. His arm completely healed, as if he never jumped down the shaft in the first place.]

(So every time I get injured, the magic lady is going to blast me with concentrated sunlight...?

Mmmmmhh~~

Ah, control your hedonistic impulses, Bushroot! You have a reputation now!
Quick! Think of something else!)​

Speaking of, Mr. Sholmes, it's good to see you two have arrived! In style, as always. If you want to meet up with Storm after your... pickle... he should be downstairs setting up his space in the conference rooms.
​

Ah, Mr. Tarlow, that IS you. I didn't recognize you.

I have to say, that is a very nice growth on your head!
I didn't even know you reproduced via budding!

I'm so happy for you! Congratulations!​

 

[GBA]

View attachment 52530​

Now, what's that I spy with my little eye? Something boutique? Who might this Madame Medama be?

You examine Madame Medama. A luxury clothing boutique chain, it serves a rich clientele, and has a similar namesake to the Medama building, in that Medama means "eye". The actual "Madame Medama" is not on this island, having contracted this branch to advertise to both Cascade and AEAEA's higher end guests. Poser.

Among the various clothing piled neatly around the room and on racks, there are four mannequins, each with a singular eye on their face and apparel with a price tag that would make your medamas weep harder than one of Aldrich's golems.

Spoiler

 

[Fun With Despair]

You as well, Mr. Tarlow. You seem much better off after your change in employer, that much is obvious.

And, my dear Ms. Baskerforge, you've got a keen eye. Indeed, I was curious to observe your magecraft process regarding that staff of yours. Forgive me if my observation was particularly unwelcome, I was simply curious to see how the thing worked. I've taken quite the interest in all manner of unconventional magicks as of late. Needless to say, your status as a Stellaric mage with a particular affinity for daytime as opposed to the archetypal night is certainly an anomaly. Meant in a laudatory fashion, of course.

Well, seeing as Mr. Aldrich appears quite occupied with that gaunt man and who I presume to be his... daughter, I'll save my scientific inquiries for a later date. While Reginald recovers, I suppose I'll make good on my word and take a look at the Cepheus. Perhaps I'll examine the other restaurant too. While it's surely out of my price range, the notion that the two share a kitchen speaks volumes as to the true quality of what's being served there.​

 

[Turboo]

"Huhhh...? Oh, I must have mistaken you for someone else, Miss ENA... you do look much more red and gray than I remember.
We'll get to know each other, I'm sure. You're a Very Important Person, right?
Naturally, that means you must have a reason to be here! If you're a fan of Mr. Sholmes, though..."

...Say, I remember you. From back then, yes, - you WERE aboard the Circinus, weren't you? I'd thought you'd simply perished for some time - you disappeared without much of a trace, though I suppose fate's winds merely carried you in a different direction instead, for better or worse.

Unfortunately, that very same imbecile is indeed the one you suspect. Currently somewhere in the backrooms of the Findelo International Airport, I presume. How she managed to bring approximately fifty potato peelers onto the plane to begin with is a mystery even I won't address, but she didn't exactly go quietly when they apprehended her on the way off.

...Do take care not to frighten off Mr. Marenghi though. He's a rather esteemed author - and I quite look forward to seeing what he does with Slicer V. I've heard whispers of the traumatic events that inspired the fourth book, a true method writer if I've ever seen one. I mean, a man inadvertently impaling himself on his own metal crossbow bolts utilizing an MRI in hopes of irradiating them?

A masterful murder, with all the gruesome details as accurate as could be. Just don't scare him off, I've yet to get myself an auto-​

"...sighhh. I figured, but I'd held out blind hope that it wasn't her.
You should pay attention, Miss ENA. There's someone else here who's a handful... riffraff, even. If you're lucky, she'll treat you as a friend instead of 'competition'.
I mean, Mr. Sholmes, our relationship hasn't deteriorated, per se... but I do think the fallout from those... potato peelers... could be a nice reality check for her.
Of course, that doesn't mean much for her, right? I'm sure you know that better than I do, at least nowadays. I don't envy you.

As for my whereabouts - really, it's not much like me, or at least how I used to think of myself. I've been settling down into a quiet life in Port Montague, you see. Dull, perhaps... but it isn't bad.
Ahaha, but, you'll have to forgive my manners with Mr. Marenghi earlier. I'm sure he gets a lot of fans like me! I'd heard something about invisible legs, and one of the focal points is this cursed slab... almost outlandish compared to what we're used to, isn't it?
...I digress. I'd gotten an invite to this, but who knows how they even got my address. Sheesh.
It's almost... nice to know you recognize my name, Mr. Ethos, after so long. Haven't had an important job for a while!"

"Oh, and be careful, Mr. Bucksaw! Sorry, I really didn't mean to trip you earlier!"

 

[Fun With Despair]

View attachment 52529​

In fact, I don't believe I know anybody here... Well, besides one fellow, of course! Who couldn't know the famed Detective Sholmes? Your escapades are quite remarkable, sir! You can consider me acquainted with your work.

...But before I go... Of course, it's always wonderful to meet a fellow investigatory enthusiast. After all - the greatest purpose to which I can ascribe the literary works in which I feature is that of aspiration, to stoke the imagination and curiosity of a reader. Yet, I could've sworn we've met before.

Or... perhaps you merely have a sister - or some other manner of familial relation, that I've become acquainted with. That would, of course, be the most logical answer, wouldn't it? And you know what they say about the most likely conclusion, don't you?

...

(Interesting.)​

 

[GBA]

Aldrich, is it? Appreciate the hospitality. The lady over there says you had a hand in building this place? Impressive work. I take it you've been employed here since the foundations were laid then, huh? That's equally impressive, considering what I've heard about the rest of the staff here. Nobody seems to last more than a year - any clue why that might be?

[Aldrich looks up from his paperwork, having just stamped one of them with exceptional force. Almost rehearsed, he begins to answer.]

Hmph. So you're one of those rumor-chasers as well.

I was indeed employed in the construction of this resort. The Findelan government identified a leyline (for the little girl, a special pool of magic energy) in their waters, and they wished to capitalise on its potential. An artificial island was constructed around it to enable temporary accommodation (big house) and supporting infrastructure (scary pipes).

Unfortunately, its power proved to be less than anticipated. The abyss is quite unforgiving, as it were. My skills, along with many others, in arcane engineering and artifact identification were employed to ensure the safety of all involved, and to channel that power.

Not many people can handle such a grand building, yes. I supported each and every one of my superiors to the best of my ability, but it seems many use this place to get their foot in the door elsewhere. Whether they left after a year, a few years, a week, it does seem like we have earned our reputation as a revolving door.

Only a year ago did they finally appoint someone who will remain loyal. Does that answer your question?

 

[Roserade]

What's the big idea?! Why's everyone acting like they know me, huh?! Quit it with the pedantics already! I've never had a sister!

But of course, I am a Very Important Person, Mr. Rei! You mustn't think me unequipped to be here! I am here to provide for you. What are your struggles? Where do you feel the pain? What hurdles face your business today? With these truths and my eyes, we can carve out a better future, together!

What do you say? We could start our partnership by indulging in the other boutique side-by-side! If that doesn't interest you, I'm sure my other services will.

 

[GBA]

Well, seeing as Mr. Aldrich appears quite occupied with that gaunt man and who I presume to be his... daughter, I'll save my scientific inquiries for a later date. While Reginald recovers, I suppose I'll make good on my word and take a look at the Cepheus. Perhaps I'll examine the other restaurant too. While it's surely out of my price range, the notion that the two share a kitchen speaks volumes as to the true quality of what's being served there.​

The Cepheus is as previously described. Now that you're in person though, you can sample all of the displays without abandon. You note the lid on one of the trays will not budge, but no matter. There's rasher bacon and eggs!

The frenzy occurring in the kitchen appears to be the result of this very problem, however.

You take it upon yourself to head to the other restaurant. With windows and an outdoor seating area, Sapphire Waterside allows guests the luxury of enjoying oceanside dining, but also serves as an event space. More catering trays line one of the walls, but they have no food in them. You gather from one of the menus it appears to mainly focus on seafood, while Cepheus focuses on grilled meat. In spite of this, the chairs and tables have all been rearranged with many pushed to one side. It appears someone has set up a magnificent display of delicate pastries and cakes for an exclusive VIP tasting event, the sign advertising them Cassia's Stellar Cakes.

What do you say? We could start our partnership by indulging in the other boutique side-by-side! If that doesn't interest you, I'm sure my other services will.

You examine the other Boutique. The Holderplace Boutique holds many things that could hold places, with souvenirs, toys, and other small trinkets and Findelan touristy garbage for the public at large. Their slogan is "Holding Place For This Moment"

Behind a large glass display is a very expensively marked crystal resembling a five-pointed star.

 

[Roserade]

What a fascinating artifact! Dr. Sun, what could you tell me about this crystalline pointy thing?

 

[Turboo]

"(A week before quitting...? That's not the kind of thing most people admit out loud, is it...?
Ah, I'll shelve my thoughts. I should've expected people would know me, anyway...
...I've been twiddling around too long as it is.)"

"Oh! Of course, Miss ENA. I'd be happy to take a look with you.
Troubles and hurdles and problems... well, I suppose I've been ignoring Miss Baskerforge, haven't I?
Truthfully, I'm just as interested in that staff of hers as Mr. Sholmes is. And I believe she mentioned Sterwegenism... I'm not an active practitioner as of late.
But it's interesting to hear about! That's one of the reasons I heeded the call here, as it were! Astronomy's been a large part of my life, whether I've wanted it to be or not, ahaha.

Perhaps, Miss ENA, you can give me a pep talk while we're examining holders and places and whatnot?
I tend to ramble unchecked, and after all that, I suppose that means it's time to ask you about you.
Not to lump you in with your... distant relative, but I'm curious - surely there's some part of the conference that interested you enough to attend?
Of course, if you're just here to sightsee, that's fine! Findelo's quite nice this time of year... at least, for most people it is.
You see, I'm not fond of the heat -"

Behind a large glass display is a very expensively marked crystal resembling a five-pointed star.

"...
Huh...?"

 

[Lin Beifong]

So, Mr. Ethos. You say you have a particularly high rate of departures and new hirelings, right?
Have you hired any particularly outstanding mages recently? I imagine if this place really is some kind of
esoteric hub, you're probably screening for people with a bit of skill, no?​

 

[Roserade]

I tend to ramble unchecked, and after all that, I suppose that means it's time to ask you about you.
Not to lump you in with your... distant relative, but I'm curious - surely there's some part of the conference that interested you enough to attend?
Of course, if you're just here to sightsee, that's fine! Findelo's quite nice this time of year... at least, for most people it is.

A sightseer? That's one way you could describe me. But it's really a lifestyle. What more could I do?

 

[GBA]

View attachment 52543​

What a fascinating artifact! Dr. Sun, what could you tell me about this crystalline pointy thing?

You examine the crystal star in the Boutique a little closer. It's green! It says "FAMED FORTUNA COMET SHARD REPLICA"
.........................well. Is the replica "famed", or the shard. This sign angers you deeply, possibly for more reasons you can't describe.

Well ENA, mysterious star-shaped gems like this made a big splash in international news a while ago. They're known as Comet Shards. This one's just a phony replica though.

Aside from Storm (and Garett), I had no idea some of you were also part of the Starline Incident. Before my time at AEAEA, there was also a lot of hubub about the Shards and their effects on the scientific community, particularly in the Astronomy space. They come from Sargasso Vermelha, a strange comet that visits at unpredictable, and sometimes, unfortunate times. I'm sure you've heard a story or two about it!

Shards looking much like this one were revered as rare treasures, magical catalysts with power beyond our understanding. Two of them, vital for arcane research, went missing as part of the incident. Even after the survivors returned, the shards weren't recovered, and a lot of progress stalled as a result. When I was doing my doctorate, I remember reading some papers about "metamorphic" energy, and it really changed my beliefs...

But then, there was the story that the comet had disappeared entirely, following the incident. Noktmathi scientists observing its movements had their equipment spike, and then shut off entirely and refused to function again. More and more data was lost... until finally, research stopped.

Oh dear, this is becoming more and more of an exposition for a silly ornament. As an astronomist, I am super curious what happened, but I don't want to dredge up memories from the others. You should ask Mr. Dhurvakt, he was one of Noktmathi's lead astronomers studying the comet. He's giving a talk at AEAEA, and he's already here!

But yes. This shard. Ahehe...
Despite the comet vanishing again, the hype surrounding it hasn't really fallen off, though. Some say it might come back, still. So little novelties like these are here for... well [sigh]. There's always profit to be made from tragedy.

Just don't touch the glass casing, or an alarm will go off and it'll snap a hidden steel cage on your fingers, then I'll have to dial you back again.

 

[GBA]

View attachment 52546
So, Mr. Ethos. You say you have a particularly high rate of departures and new hirelings, right?
Have you hired any particularly outstanding mages recently? I imagine if this place really is some kind of
esoteric hub, you're probably screening for people with a bit of skill, no?​

[Another stamp. Another strange glance.]

It is unfortunately not entirely up to me. Our stakeholders on the Findelo mainland contract our work as needed, and it's far less of a commitment than having regular staff. It's also far cheaper having my own staff do things, as it were. And far more reliable.

Recently, I did vouch for Dr. Soleil being promoted to full time, as opposed to contract work. Very astute woman, very strong lineage. She would regularly assist us for heightened periods on the island during AEAEA, even beyond her normal duties, so I made the case to our stakeholders for it, and they approved.

Beyond that, we contracted Cassia Lonicera to lead catering for the private portion of the event. You may have heard of her cakes? They're absolutely del-

...I'm afraid I cannot speak more on this subject. It would be unbecoming. If you wish for closer access to her... delights... then the Ramura building is your best option. Otherwise, I am nearly done with these papers and imbuing of your passes. You'll soon be able to explore the other buildings, but please, do not disturb our other guests.

Additionally, our water system will be undergoing maintenance soon, so do accept my apologies for the upcoming alert, if you wish to rest, or such. If there are any requests that require urgent attention or use of our water chute system, please do so before such time.​

 

[Turboo]

Oh dear, this is becoming more and more of an exposition for a silly ornament. As an astronomist, I am super curious what happened, but I don't want to dredge up memories from the others. You should ask Mr. Dhurvakt, he was one of Noktmathi's lead astronomers studying the comet. He's giving a talk at AEAEA, and he's already here!

But yes. This shard. Ahehe...
Despite the comet vanishing again, the hype surrounding it hasn't really fallen off, though. Some say it might come back, still. So little novelties like these are here for... well [sigh]. There's always profit to be made from tragedy.

"...I appreciate the consideration, Miss Baskerforge. Aha... I'm not normally this touchy, I promise. That shard in particular... well, I'm sure you can guess.
The pieces are there for you to put together, right? You're perceptive enough.

Mr. Dhurvakt... I'll keep that in mind. I'd already been planning on attending his talk, but to think he'd be open to a personal chat!
I wonder... if you're bringing it up, do you personally think the comet will come back, Miss Baskerforge?
If not you, perhaps Mr. Dhurvakt does? You see, it's just been so many years... it's like waiting for a long-lost pet to come back home, or a bird that's flown the coop.
That's my view of it, anyway. Not that it's wrong to speculate, buuuuut... I'd bet against it.
Still, the display's not tooooo surprising. Even where I'm from, the shards have always been..."

---

Meanwhile, in the Main Foyer...

"I made it, Senpai! The piggies running the place took most of them, but I managed to stash one!"

"O-oh, Bush... Buxbaum-san, you're here. And...

(Who the hell is this? Are people bringing their daughters here? But Senpai didn't take Iris with...
Unless she fit into the luggage compartment too?)

Whoever-you-are-I'll-call-you-what-I-like-later-kun~☆ I'll get you and your kid a candied potato later, okay? ♡
Sorry for the interruption, Buxbaum-san and Golem-kun! I'm just looking for... Sholmes-san.
I'm the most important person on the VIP list, but if you need a name, it's BB, the lovely butterfly of London, full title preferred~
So I'll just - be - scooting - by - without signing in --"

 

[Lin Beifong]

One last question, then I will be out of your glacial hair.

As a plant person I have some, shall we say, special needs.
Since this is an esoteric hub, are there any particularly strong conjurers of salt, poison, slugs, or fire on your or your stakeholders' payroll?
I would like to have these individuals pointed out to me if they exist, so I can avoid them. If you can't do it now, sending a list to my room later would suffice as well.

It's just a precaution. I've known magic to be quite volatile and I want to be far away when someone blows up again
.​

View attachment 52556

.....

Did the airport security confiscate your clothes?​

 

[Turboo]

.....

Did the airport security confiscate your clothes?

"It's called 'fashion', Buxbaum-san ☆
After all, a girl as cute as me should prepare for a super summer vacation, right? Findelo's like a dream!
You can bag on it all you want, but this kind of dress ups my charm points to ultra-max-integer-overflow!"

"...
They took my coat, but..."

 

[Lin Beifong]

Miss Soleil, your staff wouldn't happen to be able to cure Moon Cancer, would it?​

 

[GBA]

View attachment 52557
One last question, then I will be out of your glacial hair.

As a plant person I have some, shall we say, special needs.
Since this is an esoteric hub, are there any particularly strong conjurers of salt, poison, slugs, or fire on your or your stakeholders' payroll?
I would like to have these individuals pointed out to me if they exist, so I can avoid them. If you can't do it now, sending a list to my room later would suffice as well.

It's just a precaution. I've known magic to be quite volatile and I want to be far away when someone blows up again
.



View attachment 52557
.....

Did the airport security confiscate your clothes?​

I'll send a courtesy notice to your room for the full conference, but keep in mind, we do value our patron's privacy and safety above even our own. We only disclose what our patrons allow us to.

For the initial period, only Mr. Dazmuna has such capability, being from Brrlais, and wielding the power of ice. His signature spell is staying locked in his room for increasingly longer periods every conference, so don't expect much harm to come to you. Ms. Knotweed received an exemption for her creatures, provided she keeps them contained. I am unaware if any are herbivores, though.

We require all mages to disclose their powers prior to being admitted, though there have been... incidents... in past. The history of magic disclosure and artifact declaration is a difficult and contentio...

Excuse me.

So I'll just - be - scooting - by - without signing in --"[/FONT]

[The golem rushes, and gushes, forward at a terrifying speed to cut off the kouhai's exit.]

.................................

My apologies, sir. I was on watch while that woman entered, I may have incorrectly heard your question. To clarify, we would also be happy to disclose our workers abilities for later days of the conference, but knowing about your fellow VIPs may be of use. Do take care.​

 

[Theobald Leonhart]

[Aldrich looks up from his paperwork, having just stamped one of them with exceptional force. Almost rehearsed, he begins to answer.]

Hmph. So you're one of those rumor-chasers as well.

I was indeed employed in the construction of this resort. The Findelan government identified a leyline (for the little girl, a special pool of magic energy) in their waters, and they wished to capitalise on its potential. An artificial island was constructed around it to enable temporary accommodation (big house) and supporting infrastructure (scary pipes).

Unfortunately, its power proved to be less than anticipated. The abyss is quite unforgiving, as it were. My skills, along with many others, in arcane engineering and artifact identification were employed to ensure the safety of all involved, and to channel that power.

Not many people can handle such a grand building, yes. I supported each and every one of my superiors to the best of my ability, but it seems many use this place to get their foot in the door elsewhere. Whether they left after a year, a few years, a week, it does seem like we have earned our reputation as a revolving door.

Only a year ago did they finally appoint someone who will remain loyal. Does that answer your question?

(This place was built over a leyline, huh? Would the bigwigs in Findelo really make an amateur hour mistake like miscalculating its strength, though?)

Oh, yes, and thanks for dumbing it down for my friend here - I'll make sure she behaves in your "big house". I'll leave you to finish your work, then.

---

Meanwhile, in the Main Foyer...

View attachment 52550​

View attachment 52551

"I made it, Senpai! The piggies running the place took most of them, but I managed to stash one!"





View attachment 52556

"O-oh, Bush... Buxbaum-san, you're here. And...

(Who the hell is this? Are people bringing their daughters here? But Senpai didn't take Iris with...
Unless she fit into the luggage compartment too?)

Whoever-you-are-I'll-call-you-what-I-like-later-kun~☆ I'll get you and your kid a candied potato later, okay? ♡
Sorry for the interruption, Buxbaum-san and Golem-kun! I'm just looking for... Sholmes-san.
I'm the most important person on the VIP list, but if you need a name, it's BB, the lovely butterfly of London, full title preferred~
So I'll just - be - scooting - by - without signing in --"

(Wah...h-huge. So this is the power of a vee-eye-pee...)

Ooh, thanks lady!

Not "lady", she's BB, the lovely butterfly of London. Must be the "purple-haired imbecile" the others were-...ahem. Pleasure to meet you, miss. I hope you didn't land in too much trouble for those potatoes of yours, but I'll gladly take one off your hands for the runt here. Just make sure you finish your snacks before you go to the pool, Efi. We don't wanna make more trouble for the staff here...and I don't want one of those golems getting in my face.

Not sure where the others slinked off to, but...that fusion bar's caught my eye. Bit early for a pint, but I think I'll scope the place out - I can see myself spending a lotta time there.

What, sleeping on the floor? You know you can't hold your beer, papa!

...I can't wait to shove that potato in your mouth.

 

[Lakituthequick]

Ah, Mr. Tarlow, that IS you. I didn't recognize you.

I have to say, that is a very nice growth on your head!
I didn't even know you reproduced via budding!

I'm so happy for you! Congratulations!​

Eh.. y-yes! Thank you for the c-compliment! I've had a lot of b-budding experiences recently for sure.
(w-wait, that sounds so wrong now I say it out loud...)
​

You as well, Mr. Tarlow. You seem much better off after your change in employer, that much is obvious.​

Indeed, thank you. It's a different type of strongheadedness, but a much more welcoming one. Speaking off, I better get back to check up on things.
​

I will start heading back down, taking a detour by the kitchen for no reason in particular.

 

[Garth Marenghi]

I've heard whispers of the traumatic events that inspired the fourth book, a true method writer if I've ever seen one. I mean, a man inadvertently impaling himself on his own metal crossbow bolts utilizing an MRI in hopes of irradiating them?

Ahaha, but, you'll have to forgive my manners with Mr. Marenghi earlier. I'm sure he gets a lot of fans like me! I'd heard something about invisible legs, and one of the focal points is this cursed slab... almost outlandish compared to what we're used to, isn't it?

​

Pleased to hear, Mr. Sholmes. Soon as I walked in, I could tell you were a man o' good taste. And Mr. Hoshizora, was it? Don't worry, I'm used to the odd rabid fan. I could always use a bit of help promoting my new book, if you're up for it?

Mind if I take a quick glance at those conference rooms? What's the space like?

 

[GBA]

Eh..oh.. is he being impatient again... Well, I'm sure he's okay, but being here puts at least some pressure on him, y'know?

N-not everyone, no, but several of these people and I were involved in the Starline incident a few years ago, which I'm sure you've heard about. In particular, Mr. Sholmes and Dr. Buxbaum have been invited here by Storm.

Speaking of, Mr. Sholmes, it's good to see you two have arrived! In style, as always. If you want to meet up with Storm after your... pickle... he should be downstairs setting up his space in the conference rooms.
​

[Earlier...]

Indeed, I have. There's probably not many who haven't. It's not every day a grand trial occurs for a missing CEO who revolutionized travel as we know it. Oh my star.

It sent waves through so many of my spheres. For weeks, some guest or another would offer their thoughts or rumors to me while I treated them. "Made it up". "He'll come back". "The Golden Phanto is missing too!"

Though, a lot of the incident wasn't made public. If even the reported version of things was rough, then the real thing must have been... complicated.​

I wonder... if you're bringing it up, do you personally think the comet will come back, Miss Baskerforge?
If not you, perhaps Mr. Dhurvakt does? You see, it's just been so many years... it's like waiting for a long-lost pet to come back home, or a bird that's flown the coop.
That's my view of it, anyway. Not that it's wrong to speculate, buuuuut... I'd bet against it.
Still, the display's not tooooo surprising. Even where I'm from, the shards have always been..."[/FONT]

Well... no. Some might believe otherwise, but the proposed scientific theories for its more chaotic disappearance are convincing. Mr. Dhurvakt... he spent years chasing it. This is his first conference appearance since then, so I wonder what he felt the need to speak about?

If by some miracle it did return, I couldn't imagine what to feel. P-perhaps join in and start studying it this time? Everyone has that period in their life where you can't figure out what you want to do, right? Prior to finally getting my doctorate, I had so many years off my studies... and thesis rejections......... but by the time I read the work of the Blumenthals and others, I was knee deep in finals.............I was just glad it was over....... it seems I missed my chance.............but I missed out on so many things really........ haha......... [sigh]..................

Soleil starts to look quite down without realising, but, perks right back up when she catches you staring.

A-anyway. Your passes should be ready by now. Aldrich is like a machine with that stamp, unless something catches him off guard.

The conference room authorisation is the highest clearance prior to the public unveiling, so that will take a while longer. In the meantime, you can head back to the Main Lobby and collect your passes, then I shouldn't have to keep following you around like a third wheel. Ahehe...

[A distant voice shouts]

SOLEIL! Another one of these HOOLIGANS has arrived! Assist me, this instant!

[A loud fingersnap reverberates through the hotel halls.]

How does he do that.​

---

Your passes can be collected from the Main Foyer at any time. You may begin investigating the Ramura Lodge 1F, Megame Lodge 1F, and other plaza areas. The Conference Floor and room floors of the lodges will be accessible shortly.

 

[GBA]

(This place was built over a leyline, huh? Would the bigwigs in Findelo really make an amateur hour mistake like miscalculating its strength, though?)

Oh, yes, and thanks for dumbing it down for my friend here - I'll make sure she behaves in your "big house". I'll leave you to finish your work, then.

(Wah...h-huge. So this is the power of a vee-eye-pee...)

Ooh, thanks lady!

Not "lady", she's BB, the lovely butterfly of London. Must be the "purple-haired imbecile" the others were-...ahem. Pleasure to meet you, miss. I hope you didn't land in too much trouble for those potatoes of yours, but I'll gladly take one off your hands for the runt here. Just make sure you finish your snacks before you go to the pool, Efi. We don't wanna make more trouble for the staff here...and I don't want one of those golems getting in my face.

Not sure where the others slinked off to, but...that fusion bar's caught my eye. Bit early for a pint, but I think I'll scope the place out - I can see myself spending a lotta time there.

What, sleeping on the floor? You know you can't hold your beer, papa!

...I can't wait to shove that potato in your mouth.

You examine the Fusion Bar. It's a bar, ingeniously fused with another bar. One bar has a sleek modern feel, with neon lighting. The range of alcohols is impressive, bottled almost like fancy potions. The other bar is more of a classic Pysgydian pub, with a long line of bar taps, and cozier booths. A selection of craft beers adorns the counter. Storm's has yet to be added to the line-up formally, but you note a keg of his sits next to the bench.

​

Pleased to hear, Mr. Sholmes. Soon as I walked in, I could tell you were a man o' good taste. And Mr. Hoshizora, was it? Don't worry, I'm used to the odd rabid fan. I could always use a bit of help promoting my new book, if you're up for it?

Mind if I take a quick glance at those conference rooms? What's the space like?

The Atlas, Boreas, and Charon conference rooms feature state-of-the-art facilities for businessmen, such as projector screens and charging docks, as well as professional decorations for the curious. Each is loosely themed after an arcana. The Atlas room features a collection of fossil displays and other rocks and living plants, making it Telluric. The ceiling lights of the Boreas room can be dimmed and feature a stylistic night sky, making it Stellaric. Lastly, the Charon conference room has a view of the waterfall outside, and blackout curtains, making it Thallassic.

You note some of the conference tables in the Charon room have unmovable metal placards on them. It seems there may be meetings happening during the upcoming event.

The Atlas and Boreas rooms have had their tables cleared aside for the event. There are 4 empty booths in the Atlas room, and 7 in the Boreas room. These conference room doors are usually opened to the public for small exhibitions like gemstone displays, and other low-end souvenirs from island vendors.

 

[GBA]

You examine the Industrial Kitchen. Like many other things at AEAEA, its state-of-the-art, and built for handling two joint staffs for each of the restaurants adjacent, while the bar's tapas are stored in the fridge. However, at present, it's a complete mess. There are pots, pans, flour, sugar, what have you, coating every surface imaginable. The smell is indescribably delicious, however. There are cloches adorning one of the benches of the same dish, slightly adjusted each time, and a well hair-netted chef in a terrifying rage.

Oh dash it all! DASH IT ALL!

This surf and turf nonsense is a waste of my potential. I've served Fabafan nobles in their courts! I've poured tea with the imperial family! This. This! Simply unbecoming! Treating a chef of my calibre with such...

...just look at this potato! Look at it!

[She's not actually talking to you. The boiled potato is actually quite ordinary from what you can see, but before you can stop her, into the wall it goes.]

I was promised so much more! Those good-for-nothing, artifically-sweetened, vending-machine-snack-scoffing rats changed my contract at the last minute!

[She grabs a large steel pot, and turns to hurl it at the door you just entered without looking]

AND NOW, to top it all off, there's a guest sending back EVERY dish I make. Just one more and I-

Uh-oh.

[With a quick whip of two flowery vines from her hands, the pot coming directly for your skull is stopped with impressive dexterity, constricted in mid air, before gently dropped instead, landing with a metal thud.]

I didn't see you there. Oh dear~ Accept my rarest apologies. Not many people see me so... denegrated...

My... my... are you also returning a dish? No? Well, you're my favorite person I've seen today already.

Cassiandra Lonicera. Cassia will do. Herbalist-chef extraordinaire, from a long line of Sarase nobles.
Cassia's Stellar Cakes is the jewel of my career, and I've been awarded... well... settled for, a display in the restaurant adjacent. You may have seen it as you walked by. Do forgive my outburst. What's your favorite flavor of flower tea? I'll propagate a fresh pot.

---

​

You've met Cassia Lonicera. The Persons of Interest file will be updated shortly.

​

Cassia Lonicera

• 
  

  Cassia Lonicera Agriculture. A renowned herbalist chef with a noble background who runs her own business: Cassia's Stellar Cakes. She accompanies her signature herbal tea blends with complimentary magical cakes and breads. She has Telluric propagation powers and can swiftly extend vines of various herbs from her arms. Much unlike her tea, she can be quick to boil.