章 202: The Grand Exotic Feast

Before the banter could continue, the rhythmic sound of approaching footsteps filled the parlor. From the shadows of a side hallway emerged a line of humanoid maid puppets, their movements fluid yet unnervingly precise. 

Their porcelain faces were expressionless, but their glowing, sapphire-like eyes radiated an unsettling intelligence. Each puppet carried an ornate silver platter, the aromas wafting from the dishes stirring an audible murmur of excitement among the bastioneers.

"Dinner is served," one of the puppets announced, her voice a harmonious blend of mechanical precision and musical cadence. She gestured with a fluid motion toward the grand dining table, which had been set with a regal meticulousness.