Christmas (1)

Christmas (Part One)

Cassandra sat on the other side of the long table, spreading butter on a piece of bread. The surface of the butter had softened at room temperature, leaving gentle ridges as it went over the bread.

"The Confederation Technical Group set up an experimental base in southern France. The cafeteria there is better than the one at headquarters. They have people specifically in charge of meal planning, and every dish is adjusted according to seasonal ingredients. But ever since the Global Purification Program began deployment, most of the staff there have been transferred to support node maintenance. I heard the cafeteria has been running on a simplified menu for several months now."

"Then maybe by next spring, things over there will be back to normal," Vivi said.

"I hope so," Cassandra said noncommittally.

Pabbie leaned over from the end of the long table. "The coffee from the Confederation Institute of Ancient Magic? Do they roast the beans themselves?"

"They probably do. The Confederation Technical Group has a long-term supplier in Turkey. Every year, they buy a batch of green beans from there, then process them in the Confederation's own roasting room. Mr. LeMay seemed very interested in the process and even made a special trip to inspect it once." Cassandra put down the bread. "The Confederation Technical Group may have a similar solution. They could equip the cafeteria with a dedicated roasting machine."

"Then I'll apply for one too when the time comes," Pabbie said with a grin.

Vivi picked up the cup beside her. "Mr. LeMay is going to make a trip to the Confederation Technical Group's experimental base next month. He said they have several new magical feedback technologies that need to be tested on-site. The director of the Confederation Institute of Ancient Magic is