The Professor
The clinking of fine China and hum of classical music only meant one thing, that the Undercity's lunch hour was starting. Beneath the chandeliers glow, servers in crisp black uniforms glided between tables in perfect choreography- or at least as close as perfect as Jayce Talis kitchen allowed.
Behind the scenes, however, was anything other than serene. Jayce was barking orders as flames danced around him on stoves, Ekko balanced four plates on either arm while dodging a stray server tray which had been flung across the kitchen, Steb was washing as many plates, glasses, and cutlery as his hands could allow (when he signed up for this job he had no idea he would be the ONLY dishwasher at the restaurant), and Viktor quietly shook his head from his post behind a marble bar, stirring an drink with meticulously robotic movements.
But amidst the organized chaos there was a figure who seemed to rise above it all.
“Ah splendid!” Came the cheerful voice of Manager Heimerdinger (Heimer). The tiny man stood in the doorway of the kitchen, his tuft of white hair and neatly tailored suit at odds with his frazzled expression. He held a clipboard in one hand and a pocket watch in the other. His bushy eyebrows furrowed as he studied the kitchen like a general surveying a battlefield.
“Jayce my boy!” Heimer called out, trotting across the kitchen with surprising speed for his short stature. “How is the chef's tasting menu for tonight coming along? The Coq au von must dazzle! And your soufflés must be as light as air themselves! You can do the soufflés right? You do such a good job on the-“
Jayce didn’t even glance up from his workstation. “Everything is fine Heimer. Just let me work.”
“Nonsense! Everything can always be better!” Heimer responded with a grin. He scanned the plates which were lined up in front of him at Jayce’s bench. “These scallops are…adequate. But are they inspired??? Perhaps a dash of some saffron? Maybe a spring of cilantro?”
“Heimer,” Jayce started, “stop meddling. Please. Ekko. These are ready.”
Unfazed by the words Heimer nodded “very well! I of course trust your judgement. Carry on my culinary prodigy!” He turned his heels in a sharp 180 and marched towards the bar.
Viktor greeted his manager with a raised eyebrow (and a small smirk. He loves to watch Heimer hop up into the tall bar stools). “Here to cause trouble Professor?” Viktor asked as he poured a glass of wine for a guest.
Viktor always called Heimer Professor and no one knows why. Caitlyn suspects it’s because Heimer taught Jayce to cook but that theory doesn’t float with everyone.
“Trouble?” Huffed Heimer, getting comfortable on his stool but then turning around for he does not want a drink. He uses the stools as a better way to survey the restaurant and the bars location makes it the perfect place to do so. “This is not trouble my dear Viktor! This is art in motion! The harmony of our staff. The elegance of the plating. The delighted gasps and chatter of our guests. It’s a symphony of wonder!”
“And yet you insist on conducting it in person every day and night,” Viktor quipped earning a chuckle from Ekko who had collected a tray of glasses filled wine from the bar.
Heimer waved a dismissive hand. “Leadership requires presence my boy! Besides, who else could ensure this perfection! A bartender?”
Before Viktor could comment, the doors swiping open revealing Vi in her usual leather jacket and boots. Jinx skipped in behind her wearing garishly colored clothes, some paint splatters, and a matching mischievous grin.
Caitlyn quickly intercepted the two before they could walk back to their usual table. “Vi. Jinx. You cannot waltz in here like that. This is a fine dining establishment.”
“We wear stuff like this all the time. That’s why you hide us in the background. Remember?” Jinx combated.
Vi smirked “relax cupcake. We have a reservation after all. Under last name: Le super fancy pants”
Caitlyn glared at her, “you didn’t.”
Jinx piped in “she didn’t. I did. Look it up. It’s legit.”
Caitlyn groaned in disbelief but before she could comment, Heimer appeared by her right side.
“Ah our most unique regulars! Welcome! Welcome! While I encourage your contrast and uniqueness, I insist on not frightening the other guests!” Heimer started. Despite enjoying the beauty in his restaurant, he had a soft spot for the siblings. He saw their difference in the restaurant as a unique spot on his masterpiece. “But I do insist on not leaving a trail of paint on our freshly washed floors Miss Jinx!” Heimer said, gesturing towards Jinx’s paint covered boots.
Jinx swiftly dipped down and lifted her boots off her feet. “Here ya go. Cupcake.” She mockingly said to Caitlyn as she handed the boots to her.
Vi patted Heimer on his shoulder while he started to leave “don’t worry little bud. We always behave ourselves.” (Lie)
Heimer sighed “Ekko. Please seat them. Preferably far from the wine cellar.”
As the sisters left with Ekko, Heimer turned to Caitlyn. “And that Miss Kiramman, is what we call controlled chaos.”
Caitlyn pinched the bridge of her nose and muttered under her breath “you’re insane.”
“Indeed, we are dear Caitlyn. But isn’t that marvelous!” Heimer responded. He then turned and continued to trot his way through his masterpiece.
Caitlyn. Still holding the paint covered shoes. Walked outside to the street. And threw the boots as far as she could.