At noon, it was mealtime.
The cafeteria outside the construction site had been freshly tidied up, and an unusual aroma of food spread through half the town.
Most of those who came to eat were workers from the construction crews.
But besides them, East Blue Marines, merchants from various countries, and employees of Demacia Company were also present. Among them were quite a few notable figures from East Blue.
This was no ordinary lunch. It was more like a grand banquet.
They had come for the Sea Train groundbreaking ceremony that would be held that afternoon, and even more so to catch a glimpse of Knight of Justice Garen.
"This Garen... he really is an extraordinary man!"
Looking at the lively scene before him, Zeff, the head chef of the sea restaurant Baratie, could not help but sigh.
"I thought Demacia Company had spent a fortune inviting us from Baratie so their executives could enjoy themselves."
"I never expected..."
"The stars of this banquet would be the most inconspicuous workers!"
Workers, Marines, nobles, wealthy merchants.
People of such completely different status were actually able to dine beneath the same roof under Garen's banner.
Zeff had been a chef for so many years, yet he had never seen such a strange and deeply moving banquet.
"Hmph!"
Because of Garen's vile conduct of "toying with women's feelings," Sanji's favorable impression of him was practically zero.
Hearing Zeff praise Garen, Sanji merely retorted disdainfully.
"Old man, what have you been living through at your age?"
"Can't you see it? This is all just for show!"
"Once this banquet ends, workers will still be workers, and rich people will still be rich people!"
"Haha."
Zeff did not argue. He merely smiled and said,
"Even so, it's better than before."
"In the old, chaotic East