The subtle change in her eyes caught Braze's attention, but he made no mention of it. Instead, he led them inside to where dinner awaited. The table was set with meticulous care, complete with placemats and a formal arrangement. Braze ensured they were both seated comfortably, then happily served their drinks, offering Marissa alternatives in case she wasn't interested in the spicy tea. Today, the tea was sweetened with honey, giving it a pleasantly rounded flavor.
The dinner laid out before them was a feast for the senses, far more than any of them could possibly eat, but offering an impressive variety of choices. Jasper had never seen such a spread; it must have taken incredible patience, time, and organizational skill to prepare all these dishes simultaneously. The centerpiece of the table featured freshly cut flowers, with Corelian roses in full bloom, their white petals delicately spattered with burgundy-red droplets.
Each dish was crafted to delight the senses. At the center of the table, a large platter showcased thinly sliced, delicate fish arranged artfully over a bed of shaved ice, garnished with vibrant green leaves and bright yellow flowers. Nearby, a bamboo steamer revealed soft, fluffy buns filled with tender, marinated pork, glistening with a hint of glaze.
A platter of crispy, golden-brown fried dumplings sat beside a small dish of tangy eel dipping sauce, their savory filling hinting at a blend of crab and cream cheese. Another section of the table showcased steaming bowls of rich, flavorful broth with springy noodles, topped with succulent pork slices, marinated egg, and a scattering of green onions and nori.
Perfectly fried cutlets of juicy chicken rested on a bed of finely shredded cabbage, accompanied by a small dish of thick, savory sauce for dipping. Nearby, a plate held seared slices of beef, garnished with finely chopped green onions and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
A variety of crispy, tempura-fried vegetables and shrimp stood tall, accompanied by a small bowl of tangy, slightly sweet dipping sauce. Intricately arranged rolls of vinegared rice, wrapped in thin layers of seafood and vegetables, were displayed on a wooden board.
Miso soup was served in small lacquered bowls, the warm, savory broth enriched with tofu, seaweed, and green onions, offering a comforting start to the meal. Alongside the richer dishes,
steamed rice (Gohan) was provided, its simplicity serving as the perfect base to complement the other flavors.
For a refreshing contrast,
Sunomono (Vinegared Salad) was prepared with crisp cucumbers, seaweed, and a light, sweet-vinegary dressing, adding a bright note to the array of dishes.
A special highlight was a vibrant
Paella dish, its yellow rice infused with saffron, studded with succulent crayfish, mussels, and other seafood. The paella brought a rich, aromatic dimension to the meal, its flavors harmonizing with the Japanese dishes while adding a unique, international twist.
For a touch of sweetness, the table featured a stunning array of desserts. Pretty mochi shaped like delicate flowers and vibrant fruits were nestled on a porcelain tray, each piece a work of art. Soft, pillowy strawberry daifuku, with their sweet, juicy centers, offered a delightful burst of flavor. Dango skewers, with their chewy texture and lightly sweet glaze were added to the collection.
Round, golden balls coated in sesame seeds and filled with smooth red bean paste were nestled on a tray, while savory, bite-sized puffs filled with tender octopus, topped with a drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of bonito flakes, provided a satisfying contrast to the sweets.
Hand-rolled cones of seaweed filled with vinegared rice, fresh seafood, and crisp vegetables provided a delightful combination of textures and flavors. In a lacquered box, neatly arranged layers of vinegared rice, thinly sliced omelet, and marinated vegetables created a visually stunning and flavorful experience.
Grilled skewers featured a variety of meats and vegetables, each bite tender and perfectly seasoned. For a refreshing finish, a platter of fresh fruits, including juicy slices of melon, plump strawberries, and perfectly ripe citrus segments, offered a sweet and tangy conclusion to the feast.
Braze was attentive, refilling their glasses before they even had to ask, ensuring that their dining experience was as seamless as possible.
Yet, Braze remained unusually silent, observing Marissa with a careful, almost analytical eye. This wasn't out of character for him; it was the same quiet scrutiny he had shown when he first met Jasper, the Sentinel of Harmony at the time.
When Marissa asked her question, Braze glanced briefly at Jasper before responding, his voice measured.
"Well… I was assigned my first mission without a master, so I was a little confused but excited… Then I met Jasper on our way to Lothal. We were going to investigate and try to help some people who were ill from Sith spawn. And when we got there, he… ripped his arm off and threw it at me."
The way Braze said it might have sounded horrifying if it weren't for the fact that the arm was cybernetic. Despite this, Braze found cybernetics unnerving, perhaps due to some lingering trauma from that encounter, perhaps due to something else. This might also explain why he was so silent, carefully watching Marissa, trying to discern any cybernetics she might have. He made no rude or ill comments, but he was unashamedly studying the ones he could notice, analyzing them with a focused intensity.
