Chaos is known as the being that never became a star. It is everywhere and yet nowhere at the same time.
Neither good nor evil, the ultimate expression of nothingness. The antithesis of the cosmos, creation itself.
Although Chaos claims to be the very state of existence from which the first entities appeared, it cannot form into the entity it wants most.
So it has been cursed to stay in the form of a dark and shapeless void. Floating between existence and nonexistence.
Longingly watching as stars are constantly born and lives are lived. The seeds of malice had been planted, flourished and transformed Chaos into the purest form of evil.
The recommended pasta for the day was of the seafood variant. Erica didn't bother trying to pronounce it and just pointed it out to the waitress. For dessert, she went with a classic chocolate mousse and a fruit tart to be served later. The waitress repeated her order, which Erica confirmed, and then left momentarily to have them prepared.
Noel wasted no time starting some small talk and inquired where exactly she was from. For a moment Erica considered trying to make Noel guess, but eventually decided against it.
"California. Mother runs an information technology company there. She's a little old fashioned though and has yet to officially expand the business outside of America, but she does maintain a lot of connections all over."
"If you ever decide to pay a visit, I'd love to return the favor and show you around."
Noel did mention their chain of jewelry stores could be found in other countries outside of France. She wondered if they had a store back home too.
"I don't think I mentioned it earlier, but I do find it impressive that you've already taken over the business as a student."
To be honest that was weird considering her age and if their business was as big as she described. Typically the previous generation would still be manning the helm. Perhaps Noel's family was running into challenges of their own.
An information technology company? Interesting, very interesting, she made small note to research that later on, maybe the two could connect somehow later. "Yes, I'd love for you to show me around. I never been to the businesses over seas." She committed tapping on the table still thinking about that other America she met this past month. In Paris you meet all sorts of people, but when they go to same university.. It just felt... Odd?
Erica complimented about her being a business student and taking over the company, she rolled her eyes her head shifting were her hair covered half the right arm. "Yes, My Father taught me everything I know. Then he disappeared poof." She said with a slight sigh dramatically raising her hand open before continuing. Shifting again to take a drink of the cucumber waitress dropped off just then. "The board... Reason I'm even going to school, they want to make it official in paperwork I've done my studies.. Even though I've been helping with the company for years. " She shook her head with slight sigh, "The buffoons just want to marry me off, so they can have a Man run everything. Or worst, control the company with excuses. Morons, believing I'll fall for their obvious trick and plots." She looked tired for a moment before continuing, "So... Is it that was in America? Men inheriting everything that should clearly be yours?"
Erica somewhat regretted bring up that topic as when Noel proceeded to elaborate, she realized that the girl's backstory was rather heavy. It was the kind of trouble you'd here about from corporations with shady backgrounds, but calling it that would be impolite so Erica didn't comment on it. Noel seemed very intent on fighting back against the system however. She did come off as a rather strong-willed girl.
"You should definitely get back at them for it. I'm rooting for you."
Noel didn't look too pleased talking about it and so Erica tried to look for an opportunity to change the topic. She took note however that Noel mentioned her father going poof, which was an odd thing to say. She could have said he died or left or even went missing. Unless she intentionally wanted to be vague about it.
"Well, like I said Mother is the one running the company. If I'm not mistaken she took over from Grandfather years ago. And as far as I'm aware, she has everyone in the company under her thumb, men and women alike. She's kind of amazing."
It wasn't too hard to guess whom Erica got her wit and cunning from. Though it also came in a package with ruthlessness and a dash of sadist.
"As for Father, he's in a completely different field. He doesn't actually talk much about his work but in simplest terms, he's a scientist involved with the government. So you can understand why all the secrecy. It's for the family's safety too."
"And yes, before you ask, that is the story we're supposed to be telling people when they ask about what he does for a living. Not like I can tell you anything else, since he doesn't tell me more either way."
This would be where Erica got her secretive and cautious side. Keeping things under wraps and telling people only what they needed to know was long part of her daily life.
"Did you have any other dreams besides running the family business or has that path always been decided for you?"
Yes, her Mother did run the company, wasn't just.. Simple she runs it now, but later somebody takes full control.. That was slightly comforting to Noel, it gave her a sense of hope she too completely take over the board and company. Her Father was a scientist with many secrets, that was.. Not quite her forte, but then scientists were known to produce gems, which may place her company in great danger. Lowering the cost of everything she owned, perhaps she could produce an advertisement for Lab made gems, and sale them way overpriced as a way to make profit for when the Market for gems dropped as technology gains ground.
You know thinking about that, she wondered if she could in fact make use of this girl, become friends, learn the technology.. Then use any common gems to create higher tech running at fast pace than that of metal. She shook the thoughts away, that'll be later years, perhaps after twenty. "I've never wanted anything else then to run my Father's company. Ever since the day he taught me the beauty of each gem and its properties." She took a small sigh, breathing in the sweet smells.
notes: when you wish, you can have the waitress bring their food. Just give her some sort of seafood chicken mix.
For someone who didn't seem to have a high opinion of men, she owed a lot to her father. It sounded like he was the very reason for her love for gems. Was he perhaps the exception to her dislike? Erica decided not to pry further.
As if on cue, the food was finally served and it helped to draw their attention. She wasn't sure what the dish Noel ordered was called but she could distinctly spot some seafood and chicken in it. The seafood pasta served in front of her looked really good too. The smell was heavenly.
"It looks even better than the pictures. Genuine French cuisine is really something."
Back in America, a lot of times the food in the pictures looked much more appetizing than the real dish itself. Not that they were bad, but you could tell the images were enhanced just a bit. Taking her first bite, it really felt exactly like what she was looking for. It was something good and flavorful but light. If the main course was this good then she was looking forward to dessert.
"Oh before I forget, would you like to exchange numbers? I'd love to talk to you again some time."
She slipped her hand into her purse and pulled out her phone. At the same time she signaled to the waitress to prepare and serve the dessert as well.
"Yes, French were but an inspiration for the world to improve their own cookings of course. " She commented before taking bites with an incredibly etiquette eating style, almost fitting for a royal. She enjoyed the food, but she always had it.. So it wasn't too impressive as would be to a commoner.
She continued munching enjoying the quietly, as near the ending of the meal, plates cleared up the girl mentioned about echanging phone number. Noel calmly cleaned her hands and face, before answering pulling out her. "Yes, I'd like to travel home with you this Holiday. If you would not mind of course." Just like that already attempting to make a business deal with the girl, already agreeing to be 'friends' for the connections of course. Once the numbers were shared the waitress successfully brought the dessert. Noticeably Noel's was inside of a storage container. "This is where we must part, They'll place the meal under my tab. " With that she walked off without another word, not even a wave good bye.
The skin LIGHTS OFF was made by JAWN of WICKED WONDERLAND.
HALATION was created by KOJIHIME. Images belong to their respective artists. All codes and scripts belong to their respective coders. Please DO NOT take anything without the owners' permission.
