This Food Taste... Expensive
3 weeks flew by as they worked hard to balance their school life and investigating The Snakes. Ada was constantly watching them, but Nishan and Saltavore were always distracting her for them, asking her questions about The Snakes and trash-talking them to avoid suspicion.
Loki was currently finishing his glass of water, waiting impatiently for his screen to add his Xp.
[Daily Challenge 1 Completed: +5 Xp]
[1120/1200 Xp]
Loki gave a small sigh as he thought about everything that they had found out in the past three weeks, which was basically nothing. There was no information in the school other than the founding of The Snakes, and they couldn't risk trying something with Ada because she could read minds. The Matron seemed to always be in her own world as they (made up excuses to) visit the infirmary, never seeming to quite care what was going on outside of the infirmary unless it concerned her healing products being damaged. Loki hoped that today, when they went back to Phoenix Manor for the one-week holiday, that they would be more productive.
They all rode in silence as the limo took them to Phoenix Manor. When they got out, there was no one there except guards and some butler and maids. They heard some voices coming from the next room and Loki mouthed to the rest to follow his lead as he said out loud, "Hey, Nishan. Who throws the best parties around here?"
Catching on, Nishan responded, "The Zaqs, duh. They're like, the biggest party throwers ever. Not that you'd understand that. You low-levels should be the ones serving us at the party, not enjoying it."
"Nishan, knock it off," Daphne sounded like she was genuinely exasperated. "I told you to stop insulting my friends and bodyguards!"
"Daphne, it's fine," Terrence said.
"See? At least he knows his place," Saltavore sneered.
As they talked, they heard footsteps coming their way. They all turned to see Mr. Phoenix standing there.
"Uncle, is there something you need?" Saltavore asked politely.
"Yes," Mr. Phoenix said. "At 7:30 p.m. tonight, you're going to a gala hosted by Cooper Zaq."
That evening, Loki was fidgeting in nervousness and anticipation.
"Relax," Seraphine told him for what felt like the thousandth time. "Stop being so jumpy, you'll wrinkle your suit."
Nishan and Saltavore had insisted they all dress up so that they blended in. Daphne had agreed, so they didn't have much of a choice. Seraphine was dressed in a simple white blouse and white shorts, matched with a silver belt while Terrence, Loki, Nishan, and Saltavore were wearing a suit. Daphne was dressed in a stunning red corset with a short red skirt, long black leggings covering her legs. Her hair was tumbling over her shoulder in cascades, and she wore a silver ring with the Phoenix House crest on her finger.
"You look stunning, Daphne," Mrs. Phoenix called as she ushered them into the limo. "It looks like you've finally started dressing up without me saying anything."
"Yes, Mother," Daphne slipped into the limo. "We should be leaving now. I'll mingle around with the Zaqs."
"Good," Mrs. Phoenix turned to leave. "As long as you know what's important."
When the limo stopped and they stepped out of the car, they stared in awe at a gigantic mansion. It was the exterior was entirely made out of marble and gold, and it was two times bigger than Phoenix Manor. There were four guards at the entrance. When they saw them and the signet rings that Daphne, Nishan, and Saltavore were wearing, they gave a bow and let them in.
The interior was just as amazing, if not better, than the exterior. The walls were lined with paintings, the floor was so shiny you could see your reflection in it, there were large staircases lined with red carpets, and there were so many crystal chandeliers on the ceiling.
"Damn," Saltavore whispered. "This is one sweet place."
"Ah, look at that! You've arrived!" A man walked up. "Hello, hello! I do hope you'll enjoy my party!"
"Mr. Cooper," Daphne gave a smile. "This party lives up to your reputation."
"I'm glad," Mr. Cooper boomed. "Please, have some food. Later on, the ballroom will open and you'll be able to get dancing! I know you young kids must love it!"
"Of course," Loki started to step away slowly. "I'm sure you have many rounds to make, Mr. Cooper. I think that Daphne is starting to get hungry as well."
"And who are you, boy?" Mr. Cooper frowned. "I don't remember inviting you."
"We're Daphne's personal bodyguards," Seraphine said. "Naturally, we had to come along with her."
Mr. Cooper relaxed. "Ah, I understand. Go enjoy the gala now!"
The six of them scurried off to a nearby table laden with food.
"We should get eating," Saltavore said, picking up a piece of bread topped with caviar and placing it on his plate. "Mm."
"What is all of this?" Terrence asked in confusion as he picked up something. "Bruschetta? What's that? What is soupe à l'oignon? Or cassoulet? Boeuf bourguignon? Confit de canard? What are these things?"
Nishan rolled his eyes. "Soupe à l'oignon is basically a french soup, cassoulet is a sausage stew, boeuf bourguignon is a sort of beef stew and confit de canard is a whole roasted duck."
Loki took a bite of the bread topped with caviar. "This food taste... expensive."
Daphne gave a small giggle as she took some confit de canard on three plates and passed it around to her friends. "Not everything just tastes expensive, you know?"
Seraphine took a bite, paused a moment, before scarfing down the duck. "Oh my god, this tastes amazing!"
Saltavore gave a small laugh. "Some fancy food actually does taste good, you know."
They spent an hour eating, drinking, and mingling with the people there, but they didn't find out anything. Just then, a sharp tinkle rang through the room. All heads turned to the top of the staircase, where Mr. Cooper tapped a fork against his champagne glass.
"Everyone," he announced. "The ballroom is now open!"
Guests went up the staircase and flooded into the ballroom, dancing as the orchestra started playing a tune.
As they walked up the stairs, Nishan nudged Loki, Seraphine, and Terrence. "You guys go check out the rooms. Maybe you'll be able to find something. Me, Saltavore, and Daphne can make sure no one notices you're gone. If someone comes searching the rooms, Daphne can let Loki know through their mind link."
"Good idea," Terrence nodded. "We'll get going."
They split up, Daphne and her cousins going to the ballroom while Loki and the twins took a turn into the empty hallway filled with rooms.
As they walked, Loki kept looking behind his back, making sure no one was following them. He was a little paranoid, but he decided that he'd rather be safe than sorry.