Celestial Discord

Chapter‌ ‌16-‌ ‌Support‌ ‌

"And you two," he said looking at beastman and Sophia. "Do my eyes deceive me? It's good to see you again Leon and Sophia. "

"Likewise," Leon smirked as he looked up from his book for the first time.

Sophia greeted him with a soft smile. "It's good to see you too Paul."

"You as well. Look what a beautiful woman you've grown up to be."

I figured that would make her blush but her face didn't change.

"Well, enough chatter! Time to reveal today's special menu!"

Mr. Broussard lifted the cover and the other cooks followed suit. "Voila! Brown sugar glazed salmon with a sprinkle of sumac, grilled rosemary swordfish, baked stuff lobster, Carbonara with pan seared scallops, crispy coconut shrimp with apricot sweet chili, and parmesan roasted carrots.

"Woah Paul, so much," Tucker gleamed. He raised his fist up. "You rock!"

"It looks really good," I said, not wanting a repeat of yesterday.

"Excellent as always Paul," Mr. Reginald said.

"I agree," Miss Cecilia said. "It looks amazing."

Veronica and Valerie's eyes practically jumped out of their sockets upon seeing how much food was laid out in front of them.

"Y-y-you mean this is all for us?" Veronica stammered.

"I can die happy now," Valerie said.

"Truly exquisite," Leon said.

Mr. Broussard, already filled with praise, looked at Sophia as his last critique. He held his hand out as if gesturing. "And you? What do you think about it?"

She stared at it for a second and then looked back at him. "I believe broccoli or asparagus would've complimented the seafood better than the carrots. Otherwise, it looks delicious."

The room got quiet for a second and Mr. Broussard paused, but not before immediately breaking the silence with his hearty laughter.

"Harharhar. I see your penchant for food is as strong as ever."

A loud clapping could be heard slowly coming towards us. I looked over to see my father walk in and I instinctively tensed up a little bit.

"Truly impressive Paul. Just what I'd expect from our prized cook."

"Oh Gideon, how nice of you to join us! On what rare occasion are you here today?"

My father sat down at the head of the table and we all looked at him in anticipation. "Well, for one, I wanted to meet the newly appointed staff, since I haven't had a chance to yet."

He looked at Leon and Sophia. "And see how some old colleagues are doing."

Even my father knows them, I thought. Just who are they? I wanted to ask Tucker but clearly that was a touchy subject. I guess I could try Mary...

He cleared his throat. "I also came because I have an announcement I need to make."

"Well, before you do, make sure you eat before the food gets cold. Pretty food is useless uneaten," Mr. Broussard noted.

"You don't have to worry about us," Tucker noted, who was already scooping things onto his plate.

"Well if that's the case, dig in!" Mr. Broussard exclaimed before walking back into the kitchen, along with the rest of the chefs.

It didn't take long for everyone to fill their plates and conversation to resume, although I was the one oddball who instinctively prayed to the goddess for my food. Luckily no one seemed to pay me any mind. My father was speaking to Leon, while Sophia and Mary were talking about their daily work schedule and finding out how different their work was despite having nearly the same position.