And so the dispute was “resolved” (physically) in Anca’s favor. Soon afterwards, the owners of Bistro Flora—Tilde Man’s parents—came over to apologize to Anca directly. Apparently this was far from the first time their son had sparked an incident like this. In response, Anca told them: “I don’t know if I’ll forgive him, but I want him to promise he’ll never try anything like this ever again.”
(As a side note, Tilde Man’s parents also assured her that they were devoted to her family’s meat products and had no plans on ending their business relationship anytime soon.)
Back at the butcher shop, the sweet smell of juicy grade-A meat filled the air as the members of Lilium were treated to their promised reward.
“Ooh, it looks so good...!”
“I didn’t realize you were looking forward to this, Katherine.”
“I’m just, y’know, checking to make sure our main supplier is up to snuff! The Little Vixen prides itself on offering its customers the highest quality meals at affordable prices—oh man, look at that grease sizzle!”
“Enough about the meat—this wine is fantastique!”
The ladies of Lilium sat around the grill, their eyes shining with excitement. Likewise, Anca had a big smile on her face as she cooked each piece to perfection. With the fiancé debacle safely behind her, there was clearly a huge weight off her shoulders.
“Mmmm, I really like this kind! What’s it called, anyway? Hanger steak? From the diaphragm? Wait, but... isn’t that an organ?!”
“Can I get a refill of that wine, s’il vous plaît?”
“Oh my goodness... This chicken is so crispy on the outside, yet so juicy on the inside! I can hardly believe it! Ack, now my glasses are all fogged up!”
“This sauce is the real deal! You can tell the meat was marinated perfectly, too.”
These women were in barbecue heaven.
“Hey, Tanya! The meat’s burning!”
“Perfect timing! Let me grab that for you, Laplace! Aahh, this beer really hits the spot!!!”
“Mmmm... Yep, that’s the taste of Bianca’s Quality Meats, alright! Grandma sure knows how to pick ‘em!”
“I have to agree... Gah! The grease from this delicious, crispy sausage has splattered all over my new lens!”
Their hunger was unending. And because this feast was held right there in the butcher shop, customers started buying products left and right. Anca’s parents were both pleased as punch.
Later, during dessert...
“Just so we’re clear, Anca... you’re not totally innocent in this,” Anca’s father declared after a pause.
“What?” Anca froze. He was blaming her for what happened? Unbelievable. She hadn’t done anything wrong!!
“You were walking around late at night, wearing that hoochie outfit! What did you think would happen? You should’ve been more careful.”
“Wh... Hoochie outfit?! I just wanted to dress up nice for my friends! And besides... how was I supposed to know someone would spike my drink?!”
“Clearly you weren’t paying attention. In light of Lilium’s generosity, I’ll let you off the hook... but from now on, you’ll have a strict curfew. In fact, I’m tempted to say you’re grounded!”
“What? No!”
“I’m worried about you, Anca! You’re my daughter, and you’ll do as I say!”
This was too much for Tanya to tolerate. But before she could get to her feet—
“HEY!”
—a sharp voice cut across the table. She turned to look.
“I don’t appreciate that. Not one bit!”
It was Laplace.
“D-Do you mind?! I’m trying to parent my daughter here!”
“Silence,” she growled in a low, icy voice. “She automatically owes you her obedience because you’re her father? If that’s supposed to be a joke, it isn’t funny.”
Normally Laplace was an easygoing sort who never let anything get under her skin... but all good humor had left her voice.
“Your daughter isn’t your property, compris?”
Silence.
Tanya was too shocked to speak. I’ve never seen Laplace this angry... She’s practically livid.
Meanwhile, Anca’s father looked back at Laplace in surprise. Then, steadily, his expression shifted to one of guilt. “Um... I’m sorry, Anca. I was too hard on you.”
“Glad to hear it.” Laplace smiled brightly. “Now then, this Great Sorceress needs another drink!”
Before they knew it, she had returned to her usual carefree self.
Incidentally, Bianca’s Quality Meats would go on to receive an outpouring of orders requesting “that meat those girls were gushing over in your store”... but that’s a story for another time.
As it turned out, Lilium was good for the economy.