Meeting Family - 691

Skymender spent the next week running his restaurant and creating new recipes. He focused on the more expensive side of things this time, so that he would have something of a higher quality for those on the higher floors.

It was difficult to do so, considering his lack of studying on foods, but after a week, he was able to do so. It was something akin to two burritos with queso cheese on them, but with slightly different cooking methods and some spices. The queso cheese was also slightly altered, making it taste like a completely different dish than its basic variety. 

He displayed this on the middle and top floors, though he had yet to receive a customer of sufficient status to sit on the top, the next day.

Those on the middle floor, noticing the new item and its slightly higher price than the other dishes, tried it. Each and every one enjoyed its taste.

After a few more days, popularity died down as it was no longer a brand new restaurant. There was nothing that could really be done about this, unless his food was the absolute greatest from the start.

A few days later, the Fatty's father visited. Naturally, he was qualified to sit on the top floor. After all, he was within the top five richest commoners in the Imperial Capital.

When people saw him entering, they were all surprised. Nobody did not know about the Fugui chamber of commerce, which controlled a large portion of the Imperial Capital's total wealth. 

They even had some smaller branches in royal capitals. 

As he reached the top floor, Skymender came out from the kitchen and greeted him.

The Fatty's father bowed and took a seat. Skymender sat across from him.

"How has business been?" He asked Skymender.

"It's been going well, though I'm still getting used to everything and expansion is temporarily off the table."

The Fatty's father nodded. "That's usual. Most people take a year or so to get settled in before considering expanding or opening branches."

"Speaking of branches, have you heard about the expansion of Sky city?" Skymender asked.

The Fatty's father nodded. "I've heard a bit. From what I know, it has been going well."

"Have you considered opening up a branch of the Fugui comber of commerce there?"

The Fatty's father shook his head. "I try to only open a chamber of commerce in areas where money flows often. In addition to that, it would be difficult to establish my chamber of commerce as a giant in such a place. I've heard rumors that underground happenings are quite big over there."

Skymender understood his concerns. They were reasonable. After all, Sky city was still much smaller than even a royal city, and there were plenty of non-Imperial and non-royal cities that were better than Sky city. Yet none of them had a Fugui chamber of commerce.

"I won't bother you too much. Just know, if you ever consider it, I can assure you that you will be able to smoothly integrate. We could use you, as your chamber of commerce's presence alone would boost the economy."

The Fatty's father nodded his head. "Thanks for the offer. I will consider it."

Skymender stood up and left, allowing the Fatty's father to enjoy the rest of his meal in peace. 

As for what would happen in the end, it would be up to the Fatty's father.

A few more days passed, and everything had been going smoothly. A noble gathering would begin soon, where Skymender could make an appearance in an official capacity. Before that, however, he needed to go and meet his Aunt Skyless, who he had yet to see.

It was pretty rude of him to not have come by now, and he decided that he might as well while since he had some free time.

Skymender arrived with Melly, and knocked on the door.

Aunt Skyless did not answer the door, but one of Skymender's cousins did.

Previously a small child, she had grown up to be nearly an adult woman. She was surprised to see Skymender. She welcomed him in, a complete change of how he was treated back when he first came to the Imperial Capital.

Back then, he had been new and had not understood a thing about nobility. Now, however, his status was, in some areas, even greater than his Aunt's. In addition, though her house was nicer than his, it was only in the outer area of the noble district. 

Since it had been built by a Baron Sky of the past, it could have been in the inner area, but for some reason, it had not been.

After all, for a direct holder of any noble title, it was possible to build wherever in the Imperial Capital they wanted. 

This was true even for the lowest level of nobility, known as Barons.

Skymender entered, Melly following behind. Soon, Aunt Skyless arrived.

She spoke with a smile. "Welcome, Skymender. I was wondering when you would come and say hello."

Skymender gave her a smile back. "Hello, Aunt. Sorry, I had some things to do before coming, but at least I'm here now."

She nodded her head. "I understand. You are no longer a small child, and your decisions are your own. Just make sure you don't forget about your family."

"Of course." Skymender responded. 

He stayed for a while, catching up, and Aunt Skyless invited him to stay for dinner. 

"I don't know if you've heard, but I recently opened up a restaurant. If you want, we could eat there." Skymender said.

Aunt Skyless was surprised. "I had heard of such a thing, but I was unaware that the noble who had opened it was you. Of course we can eat there. I'm curious to see what kept my nephew away from his aunt for so long."

Skymender, Melly, Aunt Skyless, and her three children rode a carriage to his restaurant, instantly drawing the attention of many. Openly, they made their way into the restaurant and onto the top floor.