By the time the first dishes reached the tables, Levi finally had a chance to enjoy being a guest after a small train of celebratory flattery had formed in front of his table.
Rusk, Drayven, and even Wick'Ral congratulated him in person... becoming an apprentice under one of the Twelve Grandmasters was already changing how even Counts approached and treated him!
Levi accepted the formalities with a smile until the attendants came along and served roasted meat in shallow porcelain bowls, forcing the nobles to return to their seats.
Some dishes arrived on warmed stones, while others rested among chilled petals... even the sauces came in separate little vessels, allowing the guests to adjust each mouthful to their liking.
Jasmine sampled a pale dessert, considered it, then quietly moved the dish toward him.
'That bad?'
'Try it.'
Levi did... and immediately felt the urge to spit it out... some dishes were simply not cooked for human palates.
'You could have warned me.'
