The Test
The Undercity was getting ready for its nightly rush. Waiters danced around the front while the cooks in the back created masterpieces. Before the usual rush hour, Councilor Salo strolled in with a partner. Her presence was elegant and added to the gravity of the evening. Her golden ensemble and confident stride attracted every eye in the room.
“Councilor Salo. And Councilor Mel. What a pleasant treat. We were only expecting Salo this evening. Tonight’s service is sure to showcase The Undercity's expertise. Shall we?” Caitlyn said as she greeted them at the door.
“Yes. I’m sure tonight’s performance will exceed my expectation,” Salo stated as he followed Caitlyn through the restaurant. “And to ensure objectivity, and provide a little more excitement, I’ve brought along my fellow councilor, Mel Medarda.”
Mel smiled “The Undercity's reputation proceeds itself. I’m surprised I haven’t came sooner to see it myself. And Caitlyn, your mother sends her regards.”
Caitlyn settled the pair into a table at the front corner of the restaurant where they had a clear view of the dining room. Caitlyn, well poised as always, led the evenings service with Ekko balancing trays of food and glasses of fine alcohol like a well trained circus performer. Viktor, stationed behind the bar, watched the proceedings with detached amusement, all while crafting signature drinks.
Salo began scrutinizing everything from the start; Caitlyn’s almost too perfect timing, Ekkos ability to read the room and needs of the guests, and even the slight overdramatic performance of Viktors drink presentations.
Shortly after Heimer stopped by the Councilors table to see how their night was going.
“You run quite the tight ship,” Mel commented while sipping a martini prepared for her by Viktor. “Efficient, polished. But it takes far more to impress Piltovers finest.”
Salo nodded “I agree. I want to see how your team works under pressure. How the handle. The unexpected.”
Unbeknownst to the team, Jinx was determined to help the Undercity after hearing Vi complain about how much pressure Caitlyn was under. She had sneaked through the back and slipped into a cooks uniform.
“Alright Jinx. Time to save the day,” Jinx said to herself. Her first target: dessert planning. She leaned over a tray of delicately decorated pastries and grabbed a bag of whipped confectionery cream. “How hard could it be?”
As Jinx began to apply pressure to the bag of cream, she overestimated her strength and exploded the bag, sending cream flying across the kitchen. Some landed on the ceiling, some on the cooks, and pour Steb got a large glob of it right on his face.
Jayce, who already was frazzled due to the high stakes of the night, turned to meet Jinx who was wincing.
“JINX!” He shouted his voice echoing throughout the kitchen.
Jinx froze with a huge sheepish grin across her face “….happy to help?”
Back in the main dining hall, Salo found himself wandering over to the bar. Mel remained at the table with Caitlyn chatting about the Undercity and its clientele (specifically Caitlyn’s mother).
Despite his growing tipsiness, Councilor Salo still exuded a high amount of authority.
“A glass of your finest whiskey,” Salo requested, tapping his ring on the marble bar. “Neat. None of your flashy nonsense.”
Viktor raised an eyebrow but complied pouring a golden liquid into a crystal glass and set it infront of Salo. “Not a fan of the flashy nonsense?”
Salo chuckled, “not when it comes to drinks. The only thing that matters is substance.”
“Substance,” Viktor chuckled at, “a rare find in Piltover.”
“Careful bartender,” Salo said. “Sounds dangerously close to cynicism.”
“Cynicism is just realism but with sharper edges,” Viktor replied.
“Well do tell me the realism of this restaurant,” Salo said.
“Exceptional,” began Viktor, “but perfection? No. Every machine has some flaws.”
Salo raised an eyebrow, “are you saying it’s a broken machine?”
“Every team is,” Viktor said, “that’s what makes us human. Even the finest machines require some adjustments from time to time. That is what we excel at.” (See the irony)
Salo chuckled and clicked the bar again “a philosopher behind a bar. I’ll drink to that. Another. please.”
Viktor pour another glass for the councilor. “Careful councilor. Too much whiskey makes the finest of men start to show their needs for adjustments.”
Salo laughed. “I’ll take my chances.”
Back in the kitchen Jayce had given Jinx a stern talking too which made her feel ashamed and bad for trying to help. After her lecture. She ran off into alleyway behind the Undercity. She had found a nice crate to sit on while she contemplated her mistake.
“Slightly sweeter than your normal vandalisms,” said a voice she remembered. She looked up to see Ekko standing over her.
“I just wanted to help. Caitlyn had been all stressed because of it which made Vi become all pissy ,” Jinx explained. “I know I’m not fancy enough to work her, but you all are my friends and I do want to help.”
Ekko sighed. He understood. Him and Jinx have known each other for forever. A part of him understands where she is coming from.
“How about this. If you want to help. You can serve the councilors their dessert,” Ekko stated.
“Wait. Really?” jinx said finally looking up at him.
“Yea. I just started my break and I’m sure they will be needing dessert soon so why not,” Ekko said.
Jinx jumped up and hugged him, “thanks Ekko! How hard could it be?”
“All you do is grab their two plates and drop it off at their table. I’m sure you’ll see them,” Ekko explained.
The night continued to progress rather swimmingly. Mel enjoyed a fine meal while Salo enjoyed a fine amount of drinks. But when it was time to serve the end of the night, that’s when it happened.
Jinx had put on Ekkos uniform and walked into the main dining hall with two plates of beautifully decorated desserts. She was finally approaching their table when another guest at a nearby table stuck out his foot to make Jinx trip and send the desserts flying onto Councilor Mel.
The dining room fell silent.
Mel raised an eyebrow. Salo, turned from the bar to see what made the clatter but fell of his barstool while doing so. Looking up from the floor he burst into laughter. “Well that sure is memorable!” He slurred.
Caitlyn hurried to clean up the mess and shot Jinx a sharp glare. Ekko, who had been spying from the kitchen, rushed and grab jinx’s arm. “Careful jinx!”
“I am sorry Councilor, I was just-“ Jinx began.
“It’s alright,” Mel stated as she stood. “Please excuse me.” She said as she walked to the lavatory.
The night eventually came to an end and all the diners had left. In the now quiet restaurant, Jayce sat at the bar, his head in his hands. Viktor passed him a drink.
“On the bright side,” Viktor started while smirking “Salo laughed.”
Before Jayce could respond Mel stepped in, her heels clicking on the marble floors.
“Mel” Jayce started standing up, “I’m so sorry about what happened tonight. I-“
She held up her hand to stop him. “Relax Chef Talis. Despite the. Messy. Moment, Councilor Salo was impressed with the food and your bartender. As a matter of fact after he finished vomiting , he complimented Viktor by name. And I was very impressed on how your team handled the situation with your waitress.”
Jayce blinked, “wait. You’re not upset? Does that mean-“
Mel smiled, “The Undercity has been chosen to cater the gala. When Salo is done being drunk he will send you the paperwork.”
A wave of relief washed over Jayce. “Oh, thank you so much Mel. Really. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me,” Mel began, “thank your team. Just. Keep that waitress away from plates.”
Jayce laughed “trust me. That’s a priority.”
As Mel turned to leave, she paused at the door, “and Jayce. Don’t let this get to your head. The real challenge is still to come.”
With that. Mel left leaving Jayce staring at her. The weight of the opportunity setting on his shoulders.
“Viktor,” Jayce said “pour me some whiskey.”