As they entered the restaurant, the manager greeted them warmly and led them to their table.

“Would you like to select your menu now?” he asked.

“The seafood here is excellent. Should we go with that?” Ahwin suggested.

“Seafood sounds perfect!” Penelope’s face lit up, and she could practically feel her mouth watering. She couldn’t even remember the last time she had fresh seafood.

Living in the northernmost region of the Empire, opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood were scarce. The best she could usually get were salted herring roe or mackerel—both of which came with hefty price tags.

“Would you like some wine?” Ahwin asked.

“Of course,” Penelope replied, as if the answer were obvious.