Chapter 15 : On his island (5)

Keinnayi P.O.V

The words of Hinata, the meek and timid little girl, makes us looks Embra for answers. How ridiculous does that sound? For a mortal cook to receive that kind of punishment for a slice of simple uncooked meat. But, Embra answers back our gazes with just a simple smile. He takes a sip from the appetizer drink called 'Jalisco Rose' which were served by the maids since we started talking. He turns his gazes towards his island where some small lights can be seen here and there.

"Hm. As I thought, I really need to work on the night view of my own island..." (Embra)

This guy... He is completely ignoring us. I could not wait for answers and so I ask him impatiently. while Sethar is lost in thoughts. Embra turns towards me and looks at me with a mysterious look while swirling the drink in his hand.

"Embra. Why did you set that kind of punishment for a simple mistake?" (Keinnayi)

"I do not know about you but, for me, I am the 'live to eat' type. I like my meal prepared perfectly. And, if by some chance, someone put any kind of meal that contain fish or any uncooked meat, I would no longer have a meal for that day. It is because I disgust those that I lose all my appetite. And, anyone who serve me those dishes, I would have killed him right there and then depending on my mood, time and place. In this island, I would unhesitatingly shoot that chef right in his head." (Embra)

"... I see. So, that punishment of twenty days was .. mercy? " (Sethar)

"Yep. That was mercy. A light punishment. After that punishment, he will be trained again till he makes no mistake for 100 days straight." (Embra)

"Hmm.." (Sethar)

Sethar takes it just a matter of fact but, I gulped unconsciously hearing Embra's voice. It is out of fear and nervousness, which I don't know why I am feeling. Chefs who worked under him get it rough, huh?

I shake my head softly and was about to change the topic to the dinner we will be having now, Embra smiles at me. His smiles look like he is looking at someone that intrigues him, which makes me shiver a little.

"Oya, What are you thinking for you to act like that? Perhaps, are you thinking that chefs here would have a hard time? On this island?" (Embra)

"Well yeah, when you say it like this, I would imagine the chefs having a hard time on this island, do they not?" (Keinnayi)

Embra laughs out loud again and the maids behind him smile sweetly, including Hinata. Sethar and I exchange glances to ask whether we missed something in his words. In the end, we look at Embra again as we could not figure out ourselves.

"Bhahaha... Let me ask you something. Why do you think there are a hundred chefs and chef assistants working under me with that kind of punishment?" (Embra)

A scene appears in my head after Embra's question ended. It is the scene of the chef busily preparing the dinners in the palace kitchen. There are also bakery chef and chef who are cutting fruits, preparing for desert. They are working for orders they received from the guest here on this island and they do not seem under any kind of pressure.

They do not look like they are coerced or forced to work here under unfair conditions too. They are working with passion and such concentration on each dishes that they look like they are drawing a picture. More questions pop up in my head and I become to understand somewhat but, I still ask Embra.

"Why is that?" (Keinnayi)

Embra smiles. I am sure that it is one that shows that he is satisfied. He begins answering while looking at the two of us alternatively.

"It is because they have the second-most authority on this entire island. I have the highest authority and I have the final say in everything decisions on this island. But, if we put me out of the picture, the one who has the most authority on this Island, Rain, is the 'Administration'. They manage the island. So, of course, they have the highest authority.

And, the reason the chef has the highest authority is that no one can refuse their request. The chefs are trained in ways that are 'severe' in some aspect. And, their punishment is heavy, if not more than the punishment for a traitor. But, once they passed the training and recognized by me as a chef, they get three benefits. The first benefit is that long as the works for the minimum working hour of 5 hours per day, they get salary monthly. The second benefit being free ingredients.

Every chef can request ingredients they want to work on as long as it will not be wasted. They can ask for expensive ingredients and spices that are more expensive than gold, they can ask for rare meat and vegetables. No problem. Administration has to get it all as fast as they can. The last benefit is traveling. They can travel to every place on earth for free only if the reason is to get new recipes and learn dishes like traditional dishes and forgotten dishes.

After hearing all that, do you still think my punishments are severe?" (Embra)

Cats get our tongue or something mortals here say. We are speechless. He gives that much freedom and benefits for a single chef. Well, he is wealthy, so he can afford it.

"No. You are fair. So, then let me experience the dinner of one of your chef." (Keinnayi)

"Ahah. Alright. You can start then." (Embra)

At the same time, Embra's cup hit the table soundlessly, soft music started playing and the maids get to work. The dinner in the terrace of the palace which overlooks the whole island started. Except for the time we talk about the dishes and the ingredients in it, we keep eating till it becomes full. This type of dinner that Embra's chefs prepared is good enough to offer to gods even.

It is the best. Each meal, each garnish, each drink goes well with each other that we would not have stopped if not because my stomach is full. I am sure it is the same for Sethar too because a satisfied smile appears on her adorable face. The dinner is over and now we are talking over a glass of wine. Soft music is still playing in the background and before I know it, it is almost ten o'clock.

It seems Embra perceive that I am tired because he gets up from his seat and tells us to follow him. I tell him that I am tired and sleepy but, he persuades me to follow him. With no refusal allowed, me and Sethar follow Embra who is headings to who knows where. After taking a number of different turns, which I only vaguely remember, we arrived at a plain double door.

"I want to boast about this place too but, well, I will do that at a later time. I will give you two this room. Ah. A piece of advice though. It would be best that you don't use this room until you are proficient with technology." (Embra)

"What is it?" (Sethar)

"Place your hand here and say your name when it asks for voice recognition.." (Embra)

Embra tells us to place a hand on the wall which looks no different than the rest of the wall. Sethar placed her hand first and soon a machinery voice asks for 'Voice Recognition'. Sethar tells her name and soon, the outline of the double door become green. After the light disappeared on the double door, I also did the same as Sethar and the door outline shines green like before. Embra leads from the front and opens the double door side away.

"Welcome to the stimulator. You can utilize 'Dolus' to the best of its ability here. I am giving you this so that you can learn better with the aid of holographic technology. AI! Show me the 3D version of this island real-time." (Embra)

Embra turns to us after walking a bit further and says the word 'AI'. The same machinery voice reply to him and soon a map is laid out in front of. It is so magical that I cannot touch it or even feel anything from it. It shows the island in detailed that I can even see the people walking and talking to each other. Embra explained to us that we only need to use our voice here and it will do it best to perform our orders.

As much as I would like to explore what this can do, my body is not listening to me and I am getting sleepy. Embra sees the tired state I am in and he escorts us back to our quarters which is not far from the 'stimulator' room. I do not even have the leisure to looks around the room anymore. As soon as we have said 'good night' to Embra and Sethar closed the door, I immediately go into the bathroom to wash quickly. Changing my clothes to the sleepwear hanging beside my bed, I dive into soft, fluffy cloud-like bed and fall asleep.

Ugh. This mortal body is so uncomfortable, I tell you. Well, that aside., good night to myself. I will leave the future issues to the future me. Right now, I am sleep--y.