While he only gives me a subtle nod of acknowledgment, Reina seemed to finally open up with a bright smile and looser posture.
"He and my grandmother opened Tsukisushi together when they first came to Vossden. She... passed several years ago, but her spirit still lives in the help on recipes and her touches on the interior of this place. I love it very much."
"Your grandmother sounds like she was a remarkable woman."
I offer sincerely to keep the conversation flowing. Knowing mine mostly through pages in a diary, my sense of connection is limited. But speaking well of someone’s loved ones is rarely an incorrect social move.
"She was! She taught me that food is just one way to take care of people. There are many others, but I still want to take over someday."
"You know how to speak to an old man’s heart."
Old eyes crinkle with pleasure and - while I’ve met none of the other family that may exist - it’s clear who the inheritance is intended for. However, as I realize all that I have to force myself to keep a straight face.
> None of that is going to matter. The ingredients they use will be unavailable, won’t they? She won’t be getting this restaurant... she’ll be inheriting a struggle to find a new way. If my mother knew how much I’ve just been going around and talking to people without referencing my royal nature, she would have a seizure. I took no servants given into my personal service to bed, nor am I attracted to her in this form. You do not have to keep me ’in line’ with your impressions, friend. I was far more choosy than I ever made it sound. Say what she will. Even if I understand her a lot more than I expected to after this dinner... there is clearly so much more to her story. <