A Visit from the Councilor
The dining room of the Undercity sparkled and shimmered. Polished silverware, white tablecloths, and the glow from the chandelier reflected off of the crystal glassware. Despite the elegant setting and the lack of guests, The Undercity was filled with a tension.
“Everyone listen up!” Jayce said as he aggressively slammed a clipboard onto a table. “Councilor Salo is coming here today. He’s expecting us to prove that we are thee best restaurant in all of Piltover and I don’t want any of us messing this up!”
Viktor, who was lounging at the bar raised an eyebrow “you say this as if we are prone to messing things up?”
Jayce shot him a look “I’m serious Viktor. This is the biggest event we have ever been considered for. If we can pull this off The Undercity won’t just be the best dining place in Piltover. It will finally shove down the Chem Barons.”
The Chem Barons is a bar nestled in the industrial district of Piltover. It is a sprawling neon lit bar and a labyrinth of smokey lit lounges and shadowy alcoves. Known for its experimental cocktails and raw edgy atmosphere. It’s catered to the risk takers and thrill lovers of Piltover. Despite its controversial aesthetic in Piltover, the Chem Barons has pulled in glowing reviews and is slowly climbing the ranks of top restaurants in Piltover posing a major threat to The Undercity.
Ekko appeared, balancing a tray freshly polished glasses “relax Jayce. The dude already knows we are good. That’s why he’s coming to us!”
“Exactly,” Caitlyn added, gliding into the room with her usual aura of professionalism. “Councilor Salo’s reputation precedes him but so does ours. We just need to show him we’re worthy of this event. “
Jayce sighed running his hand through his hair. He has been stressing a lot about Salo. “You’re all right. I just need everyone to stay sharp.”
“Sharp?” A voice called from the doorway. “Is this a nice competition? Because if so i think i have a beauty that could-“
Jinx chimed as she walked in with Vi beside her.
“You two shouldn’t be in here,” Caitlyn said cutting off Jinx. “This is a very professional meeting”
“Relax cupcake,” Vi reassured, hearing plenty of annoyance in Caitlyn’s voice. “We just wanted to be here for moral support.”
“And free samples,” jinx said going to grab a fistful of walnuts from Viktors bar.
“Do NOT touch anything,” Viktor said intercepting Jinx’s grab. “Salo could be here any moment!”
“Who…?” jinx asked
Before anyone could answer, the grand double doors were shoved open and in walked Councilor Salo who was flanked by two aides on either side. From the window you could see soldiers lining the street for his protection. He had a tailored suit and golden jewelry which showed off his authority but his piercing gaze silenced the room.
“Ah the famed Undercity,” Salo said taking in the room. His voice was smooth and confident. “ I’ve heard much about it. Let’s see if its reality will match its reputation.”
Heimer, who was fixing a floral arrangement, rushed forward with a broad smile. “Councilor Salo! Welcome! Welcome! It is nothing but an honor to host you! Please allow me to introduce you to my team! This is Chef Jayce Talis, our culinary genius. Our bartender Viktor. Ekko, one of our most skilled servers. Caitlyn, our hostess. And of course, me, Cecil B Heimerdinger, am the manager of this fine establishment.”
“And….they are….?” Salo asked pointing at a clearly out of place Vi and Jinx.
Heimer, who had not noticed the siblings slipping in due to a lily in his vase being at 106 degrees and not 108, was dumbstruck.
Jinx confidently stepped forward. “Muscle. Don’t worry councilor. We aren’t on. Thee team. We just take care of people when they get. Rowdy.”
The restaurant staff looked at Jinx with blank stares. The two most rowdy patrons of their restaurant are supposably the ones who control the rowdy patrons of their restaurant?
Salo raised an eyebrow. A faint expression of amusement crossed his otherwise stoic expression. “Ah. Quite the unorthodox team I see”
“Right,” Jinx continued, “and if you don’t pick us for your fancy event we’ll-“
Caitlyn thankful was able to finally process what was happening and quickly said “Vi. Jinx. Out. NOW.”
Vi chuckled and nudged Jinx. “Alright alright. We are going but you’ll miss us while we’re gone.”
“Not likely,” Caitlyn muttered as she sighed.
From beyond the doorway, jinx wagged her crossed fingers and mouthed “don’t screw up you guys!”
As the door shut behind them Salo looked back at Heimer. “What a … colorful pair.”
Heimer sheepishly smiled. “Indeed Councilor, but unmatched when it comes to. Uh. Themselves….”
Salo drew his attention to the other staff taking them all in. “Miss Kiramman. A pleasure to see a fellow aristocrat dedicated to excellence. Your mother sings of your praise and work here.”
Caitlyn inclined her head, “the pleasure is all mine, Councilor.”
Salo turned to Jayce, “Chef Kalis, I trust that you have prepared something to truly demonstrate your skills?”
Jayce nodded, his confidence igniting, “Absolutely councilor. If you join us at the tasting table, I have prepared you a selection of some of our finest.”
The staff sprang into action preparing Salos plate and seating him.
As Salo took his seat Heimer appeared beside him narrating the food as it was presented. “You see Councilor. The truffle oil in these scallops (yes Heimer won an argument with Jayce so truffle oil was added to the scallops) brings a nice earthy tone to the pallet.
Salo took a bite a slowly chewed. The entire room held its breath. Finally, the government official set down his fork and nodded. “Your reputation seems to be well earned.”
Jayce exhaled heavily, Heimer beamed with joy, Ekko couldn’t help but do a small dance, and Caitlyn and Viktor couldn’t help but sigh in relief.
“However,” continued Salo his gaze sweeping the staff, “it’s not just the food. For an event of this scale you all must operate seamlessly. I’ll be personally observing your dinner service tonight to ensure you can all handle the pressure.”
Jayce nodded, “you won’t be disappointed councilor”
Salo stops, his aides following in suit, “I trust that. Impress me tonight and the Undercity will cater the most important gala Piltover has seen.”
Salo left the building and as the doors closed behind him the room erupted with chatter.
“Dinner service tonight?!?!” Jayce stated dashing to the kitchen.
Ekko kicked his feet “no pressure. Right?”
Caitlyn sighed “this is going to be a long day.”
Vi and Jinx, who had been spying from a third floor window, had reentered upon seeing Salo leave.
“Don’t worry cupcake,” Vi stated, “if things get messy you know who to call.”
“Absolutely not,” Caitlyn stated. Even she wasn’t sure how this was going to go.