So that man, led them to a place, where he often, received guests. There, he had someone, bring out tea and cakes, to treat their group.
But it seemed like, the desserts here, didn't suit their taste very well. No matter how unmatched the taste was, they still forced themselves, to quietly enjoy each bite. After finishing the desserts, the man then, introduced himself, and also discussed, the matter of today's mission, with Somchai's group.
Let me introduce myself! My name is Aubrey. And I'm the one, who governs this island! Surely, you all already know.
At the moment, the number of people, mysteriously disappearing from the island, is increasing rapidly. So we've been trying very hard, to investigate these strange happenings! Through the magic orb, right in front of me. But the result is, we couldn't do it, because someone had cast a seal on it, so we can't investigate this matter!
And I think! The one who did this, is someone even stronger than I am. So right now, I'm having a big headache, not knowing what to do, to handle and capture that person!
Hearing Aubrey say this, everyone's expressions, suddenly became heavy, and tense. Then, in their minds, countless thoughts started to appear.
"- Riccardo: Tough one, huh!"
"- Cẩm Đan: Listening to this old man talk all this time! My head's starting to hurt somehow!"
"- Somchai: How should we handle this, so it works out?"
"- Katharina: Hearing him say all that, made me feel totally discouraged!"
"- Annette: This case is kind of complicated, isn't it?"
Seeing that everyone had come from far away, already tired. And now they had to be stressed out, over this problem too. It made the atmosphere suddenly, become gloomy. Seeing that, Aubrey turned to the boy standing next to him, and signaled him, to bring food out for their group. Then, the boy followed Aubrey's instructions, and carried food out, for the group.
But it seemed like, the dishes here, weren't any better, than the desserts earlier. To be honest, the food was quite strong-smelling, and they looked a bit scary. After glancing over, the dishes that had been served, on the table. Everyone then, started to hesitate and wonder, whether they should eat them or not.
"- Katharina: Huh? What the heck is this dish?"
"- Riccardo: Just looking at it makes me wanna puke!"
"- Annette: Should we eat it or not?"
"- Cẩm Đan: Oh my gosh! This looks way too disgusting!"
"- Somchai: Maybe I'll just force down one bite, and fake a compliment to move on?"
At this point, Aubrey picked up his spoon and invited everyone to get ready to enjoy the food.
This is a specialty dish, of our island! I hope, all of you will like it!
Hearing Aubrey say so, everyone gritted their teeth and tried a bite. But the result was,... the whole group nearly fainted, from its awful taste. After seeing that everyone had tried it, he began to ask each of them for their thoughts.
So what do you think? Is this dish alright?
Somchai: Uh,... uh yeah,... It's okay, sir!
Riccardo: Ah,... Umm,... Tasty,... Very tasty,... Hehe!
Annette: Ah! I really love this dish, sir!
Katharina: Me too!
Seeing that everyone, all said the dish was delicious. But only Cẩm Đan, hadn't said anything yet, so Aubrey took the initiative, to ask her:
And how about you? What do you think of the dish?
Cẩm Đan: I think it tastes like crap, totally inedible!
Hearing Cẩm Đan say that, everyone was shocked, at her brutally honest response. So they quickly jumped in to cover for her.
Katharina: Hey! Don't say it like that!
Riccardo: Yeah right! You little brat!
Annette: I don't think the dish, is that bad, Cẩm Đan!
Somchai: I hope you'll forgive us, sir! It's because my friend,...
Aubrey: Haha...!!!
Suddenly, Aubrey burst out laughing. Which made everyone confused. Then, he gave a thumbs up, showing his amusement at the response, and said to everyone:
It's alright! I don't mind at all. On the contrary, I really like people, who are honest like this girl here.
Hey little girl! Thank you! For telling me, your real opinion.
And I also apologize to everyone, for not preparing a dish, that suits your taste!
So in a little while, I'll take everyone, on a tour around the island, to make it up to you!
Somchai: Uh, no,... That's not necessary, sir. If you do that then,...
Before Somchai could finish his sentence, the mischievous trio of the group cut in. That was, Cẩm Đan, Katharina, and Riccardo. They responded to Aubrey's words, with excitement.
Riccardo: Are you serious, sir?
Cẩm Đan: You'll take us around, the whole island?
Katharina: If so, that's wonderful! Thank you so much, sir!
Aubrey: No problem! If everyone enjoys it, then I'm happy!
He meant what he said. After that, Aubrey took everyone on a tour, just like he had promised. The scenery on this island, honestly speaking, was very beautiful and vast. Which made the whole group, extremely excited about it. Not only that, the people here, were very lively and hardworking. Typically, they did jobs like weaving, sewing. Or trading, fishing, and transporting goods, from the mainland. It all looked pretty interesting, so their group spent the whole day, exploring the entire island. Until nightfall, they finally returned to the same place.
Seeing that they were exhausted, Aubrey had someone prepare rooms, for them to rest after a tiring day.
Aubrey: You all must be, really tired already, right? Now please, follow this person, so they can take you to your rooms, and after that, you can rest and recover your energy. Then tomorrow, we'll begin, discussing the issue, alright?
Cẩm Đan: Yes, sir!
Riccardo: Thank you so much, sir!
Katharina: I didn't expect you, Sir Aubrey, to be this thoughtful!
Aubrey: Haha! Please don't say that, it's something I ought to do!