Converse with the mayor.

Of the three bottles of wine present on the table, Lady Mittens personally fills both your glass and Nyllia's once a decision is made. From the scent alone, you can tell it's rich with a fruity flavour. The wine is deeply purple, and as it nears your lips, you look to see the noble Lady Tesgella already taking a gulp. She sighs with satisfaction, so it must be good. You give it a taste, and just as you thought, it's like drinking juice straight from the grapevine. After a few sips, you place the fancy glass back to the table with a sigh of relief.

"While we wait for our food, may I ask you something, Hero King?" asks Mittens.

"Of course," you reply.

"Do you know of my people's history?"

You ponder her question. "Well, I know that your creator god Feli spawned your people long ago, back before the Empire of Tivera was even here. I'm afraid I don't know much more than that."

"Spawned is such an uncomfortable term. It makes me think of the insectrin. But you're correct. Ages ago, there were two deities, Feli and Lepo. The two were said to have once been closer, but they had a falling out, and ever since then, they despised one another. Perhaps it was over land. Or maybe one group did something terrible, so they and their creator could not be forgiven."

I don't know how to tell her the truth. Even if I said I knew them personally, she probably wouldn't believe me, and I'd look like an asshole making fun of her or something.

You nod and sip your wine.

She continues. "The catfolk and the bunnyfolk feuded often. Humans were there as well, in the early days of small settlements all over the place. Elves still mostly kept to their forests. But in the wide, rolling plains, it was us and the bunnyfolk who ran free. We tried to live in peace. Even the other races kept to their own devices. But of course, not everybody desires peace. Lepo and her bunnyfolk wanted more, and they betrayed us. Attacked us. That was long ago, so I was spared the bloodshed, but it still troubles me to think about. Sorry. I don't mean to ruin your wine with such things."

"But since that was so long ago, it seems that both peoples have learned to live together once more," adds Nyllia. "It is inspirational, yes?"

Mittens trails her finger along the rim of her glass. "I wish it were that simple. It may look better without literal wars breaking out, but now battles happen in the shadows. The two of you have likely picked up plenty of knowledge on your journey, and know many people. Do you know the name Nutmeg?"

"... Like, the spice?" you ask.

She shakes her head. "A bunnyfolk. She led a group of thieves through the chaos of the Demon King's army and stole from shops. Problem is that even though there are eye witness accounts, we haven't been able to throw her or the others into the dungeon, nor is she easy to find to begin with."

As she speaks, the waiter returns. He places one plate at a time down, though starting at the opposite end. After half of the table is fed, he returns to the kitchen to retrieve the rest.

"I've heard strange rumours," Mittens says. "About Castle Phoenix."

"That's not a surprise. We're a strange bunch," you respond.

"Merchants tell stories of beings beyond their understanding. Powerful elementals. Sailors from afar. But some say two beings were spotted there, said to be related to Feli and Lepo themselves, but I can't imagine what that would mean. My guess was they were simply a powerful catfolk and bunnyfolk. I know you have incredible individuals living alongside you. But is there something more to this?"

The waiter comes back with the final dishes. Finally, your mouth waters to the scent of the glazed pork. It's perfectly cooked, with a delicious shine of a meticulously crafted marinade. Alongside it in a bowl are grapes, pears, and bananas. The taste of the meal pairs perfectly with your drink, and it puts you a little more at ease during such an uncomfortable conversation. Your mouth being full allows you to think about your next response.

I could tell her the truth. At first thought, it doesn't seem like a bad idea. The problem is that the reason Feli and Lepo and the others are staying with me right now is they're trying to hide away from a monster who may be actively hunting them down. It's likely their location is already known though. If anything, he'll hunt me down anyway, and it's no secret where I live. Is it right to casually admit you've fucked someone's goddess? Hmm. Maybe that part at least is best left out.

After washing down the pork with another gulp of wine, you return your attention to Mittens. "I have met with both Feli and Lepo on my journey, whether you want to believe me or not. I'd understand if you didn't. It's still kinda surreal for me."

Her eyes widen a bit. "Perhaps I do believe you. Let's say that's true. What came of it?"

"They've lovers. And they want nothing more than their people to live in unity, just as they do."

Mittens falls silent for a long moment.

Both you and Nyllia lock eyes, though you don't speak. Everybody tends to their meals. The catfolk who have mostly only whispered to one another look unsettled and confused.

Finally, the mayor speaks up again. "You could be telling me the truth. I don't know how that's possible, however. Regardless, this concept of unity doesn't seem to be working out very well. Know that if I'm able to retain my seat, I'll keep Avana safe, Kyle. Thieves won't be tolerated. It just... It makes me upset, to see these small business owners taken advantage of in a time of tragedy. Don't you feel the same way?"

Xiaoqing probably dodged a bullet actually.

Before you can response, she raises a hand and shakes her head.

"Apologies," she says. "Let's speak of better things. Like how swiftly the city has been able to recover."

Nyllia peels back a banana and taps the tip to her bottom lip. "Indeed. I am quite happy to see the people of Avana come together."

"Not to influence your vote, Lady Tesgella, but I'll be sure to keep that trend going. I look forward to the queen's speech tomorrow. Surely this will have shown all potential enemies that the spirit of Tivera cannot be destroyed. I bet if the Emperor of Varat was even slightly considering an attack against us in the future, he's reconsidered."

One of the nearest catfolk speaks up with a chuckle. "I don't know. the Church of Lasis is kinda crazy."

"Right? At least follow Goa," says another. "She's the reason we're even able to fight back against monsters."

"Don't you mean he's the reason?"

"Oh don't be like that. You know Goa is whatever gender people want her to be."

"You don't like the idea that the God of Adventure is a big, strong man, with a massive--?"

"Quiet! Not at the mayor's table, you idiot. Anyway, everybody knows she's probably a big, strong woman, with massive tits."

"Ahem." Mittens, now standing at the head of the table, clears her throat. She tinks her fork to the side of her empty wine glass, grabbing the attention of everybody present. "With our bellies full and warm, and our food and drink almost finished, I'd like to say something. First of all, thank you to Lady Tesgella the heroic adventurer, and Kyle Warren the Hero King of Castle Phoenix, for sitting with us this evening. It was good fortune to run into you here. Secondly, I'm glad to have everybody's support. I admit that I was nervous when thrown into the mayor's seat, but I knew that somebody had to take control when Avana was in danger. I can only hope that you'll wish me to continue. I'm sure the queen will start an election after her speech tomorrow. When the day comes, I'll be honoured to have your votes. Thank you."

The catfolk applaud. You and Nyllia join a moment later.

In some ways, her heart is in the right place, but... this is just racism, right? Whether or not a bunnyfolk did steal, I've seen every sort of person be capable of both good and bad. Devils. Angels. Catfolk. Bunnyfolk. But I'm not sure what I can say. I'll have to speak with Feli and Lepo sometime soon about this.

After sitting back down, she turns to Nyllia. "Sorry if I interrupted date night."

She chuckles. "It is fine. The two of us will have plenty more nights together."

"So are you... together?"

"We have shared a bath, if that is what you are asking."

"You've always been so hard to read, Lady Tesgella. Do you already have a place to stay tonight?"

"Not yet."

"Allow me then. When you're ready to sleep, head to Knightly Night. I'm sure you know where it is. You'll have a room. For now, however, I should be going. Me and the others have much more to discuss, and then I have preparations to make. If all goes right, I believe I'll be quite busy for a long time, but that's how I've always preferred it."

"Thank you. It was lovely to see you again, Lady Mittens."

"You as well. And I'm glad to have finally met you, King Warren. I hope to see you tomorrow evening. I'm going to assume it won't be merely in the crowd."