After a long series of ceremonies, introductions, and toasts, the dinner banquet finally began. Rorschach had no idea what time it was; it occurred to him again that he still hadn't bought a pocket watch.
'The voice of experience was right,' he thought.
The dishes at this banquet certainly weren't as exquisite as those at the Starlight Torch Restaurant, where every plate showcased the chef's finest skills and creativity. However, as a state banquet, everything was reliably standard. The flavors were restrained and palatable—except for the dessert. It was far too sweet!
'The highest praise for a dessert should be: "Delicious, and not too sweet."'
Oh, and there was one showstopper.
For the first main course, servants pushed exquisite little carts to each table, presenting an enormous white balloon. Upon closer inspection, it was taut and bulging, with veins bulging on its surface as it steamed with heat.
