Sebastian rotated the steering wheel and entered a parking lot. The parking lot was surrounded by an active crowd of people moving on with their lives.
On other sides of the parking lot, restaurants, food stalls, and all sorts of attractions were built for one purpose, to entertain the residents of Brightstar.
Sebastian glanced outside the window, trying to find a vacant parking spot, and soon found one. He gracefully turned the steering wheel, the car's bumper almost grazing a nearby car.
However, the car driven by Sebastian stayed unharmed. He shut down the engine once the vehicle was properly placed between two lines.
The revving engine gradually calmed down.
"We are here," Sebastian said while looking out of the window. The memories of his childhood surfaced in his mind. He couldn't count the number of times he'd roamed around these streets.
They exited the car and stopped to relish the sight. The number of passersby's were frightening amount.
The doors of the restaurant opened and closed. The customers entering with empty stomachs and exiting with full and satisfied looks.
The alleyways were filled with food stalls, also filled with customers.
The scent of food drifted through the air, pleasuring everyone's nostrils.
"Mmmh." Sebastian nodded with satisfaction, "I have missed this."
Isaac looked at him and asked, "You seem to miss your home. Why did you never return to your roots?"
"Do you miss your home?" Sebastian suddenly asked.
Isaac nodded.
"Would you go there if you could?"
"Like… Leave Brightstar?" Isaac asked, and Sebastian nodded.
He shook his head, "I wouldn't. I have enjoyed my stay so far and would like to see more, especially the Festival."
"Festival…" Sebastian nodded, "It should be next weekend, and after that, you plan to return?"
Isaac nodded, "Yes."
Sebastian nodded and answered the previous question, "I loved Layer of Feasting and the people I got to know… But, expectations can be heavy, and sometimes, it becomes too heavy."
"I enjoy working for Master and Mistress." He continued, "It might not be the most enjoyable job in the eyes of many, but at least I am free from expectations."
"I see…" Isaac started understanding what Sebastian meant.
"Follow me. I have something to show you." Sebastian left the parking lot shortly afterward, followed by Isaac.
After walking down the street for ten minutes, Sebastian stopped in front of a full restaurant. From the windows, everyone could see satisfied customers dining till their bellies were full.
Every table was full of middle-aged, elderly, teenagers, and children.
Sebastian raised his chin, took a deep look at the sign, and pushed the doors open.
'Why is he going there… It's full.' Isaac looked around and was rather vulnerable in the streets. The citizens brushed past him, occasionally colliding with him.
Isaac hopped to the side and rushed inside the restaurant before getting run over by the people.
He saw Sebastian talking with a receptionist, who was bowing respectfully.
Sebastian turned halfway and motioned for Isaac to come.
The receptionist glanced at him and also gave a polite nod.
Sebastian and Isaac walked past the receptionist and entered the dining hall.
While walking past the crowded tables, they received raised eyebrows from customers; however, few of them noticed Sebastian and stopped eating.
They were about to stand up, but Sebastian waved his hand, stopping them from doing so.
Isaac looked around the beautiful dining hall and was mesmerized. While the other side of the dining hall was filled with windows that showed busy streets, the other side showed the kitchen!
A large portion of the wall was missing, allowing everyone to see Cooks making food and sending a whiff of delicious smelling food toward the dining hall.
The wall was intentionally removed. It was rather unique from other restaurants, who prefer to not give Cooks extra pressure and allow them to work behind closed doors.
However, the Chef and Cooks in the crowded restaurant were under intense pressure. While being watched by customers like animals in cages was a rather nerve-wracking experience.
Swoosh.
Sebastian opened double doors with one strong push and entered the steaming hot kitchen.
Isaac quickly followed behind.
"Hey, this place is only for sta—" An elderly man with a white double-breasted jacket, pants, and apron snapped toward two individuals who rudely interrupted their cooking; however, he soon recognized Sebastian.
His words got stuck in his throat and had to take a step back out of shock.
Sebastian patted his shoulder, waking him up from his stupor.
"Long time no see," Sebastian said with a smile.
"S-Sebastian!" The elderly man hugged Sebastian and patted him on the back.
The rest of the Cooks stopped whatever they were doing and saw a handsome man with professional attire hugging their Chef.
Soon, they realized who it was.
"Sebastian!" Most of them cried out with pleasantly surprised faces.
"Hello." Sebastian greeted everyone individually, shaking their hands.
"W-Why have you come here?" The Chef took off his white hat and asked. He was pleasant at Sebastian's visit. However, still curious about the reason.
"I came to visit Layer of Feasting with my young master." Sebastian finally showed them Isaac, who was standing quietly in the corner.
Isaac nodded at them and was almost hypnotized at the scent of the food.
"Oh, young master…" The Chef was baffled. He remembered clear as day that Whitelock Family had only one young master, and he would be around 40s by now.
"Sebastian!" A Cook with an apron appeared next to Sebastian with a bowl of soap, "Here, it is our new recipe. Please have a taste!"
The Chef wanted to reprimand the Cook; however, he also wanted to know Sebastian's thoughts.
Sebastian placed the bowl on the kitchen desk and grabbed two spoons. He gave one of them to Isaac.
Isaac dipped the spoon in the bowl and scooped the food before placing the spoon in his mouth.
His taste buds instantly rang in pleasure. While the soup traversed through his throat, every moment was a pleasure.
The soup had a mixture of tastes. At one time, he tasted a lemon, apple juice, and chicken. It was a rather unique experience.
Sebastian also took a taste. However, his face didn't show any expression.
The Chef and Cooks were rather anxious. They stopped working altogether and waited with nervous heartbeats.
The Customers also saw the scene, and many ceased dining to watch with curiosity.
Soon, a voice rang in the kitchen, but it wasn't Sebastian's.
Isaac raised his finger and said, "Uhh… Maybe you should add more salt?"
The Chef and Cook thought they had misheard. Add more salt? Their faces twitched, and they were about to share their cooking knowledge.
But then, Sebastian also opened his mouth, "That's right. Add more salt, a spoonful at most. It should give more spice in it."
The Chef and Cooks were gobsmacked. Not even once had they seen Sebastian agreeing with someone when it comes to cooking, and he agreed with a youth who was still wet behind his ears!