That's because this is prepared in a water tribe style. They don't make their food spicy. It's designed to have a sweet / salty contrast.

Well, they're doin' it wrong. I could teach them how to cook Lagre food right.

You're going to quit the pathfinding to become a chef?

Well, no, I just figured I could write a cookbook or somethin'. That'd sell, right?

...So... Ion's a pretty long way away from here.

Yes, sir. We travelled by airship most of the way, but K'Sarian crafted us a vehicle to travel the rest of the way.

Please, you can call me Loridas.

I'm honestly a little surprised a Fennic vehicle was able to make the ride.

Erm, no offense. Your vehicles just aren't usually designed for snow travel.

Well, it wasn't. We got hit by a snowstorm and had to take refuge at a digsite in a cave.

That's how we got directed towards you. One of your employees. She gave us some techniques for travelling on snow.

That's very curious. Where did you say this was? Along the gemstone road?

That's correct.

That's probably Serdeep Mine, then. Hm.

We encountered a Drago who was doing survey work for you. She said her name was Cytheria.

Well, the thing is we completed the survey of Serdeep Mine a few days ago.

The equipment's still all there, but is scheduled to be picked up in a few days.

...and I haven't ever hired anyone named 'Cytheria'. I have no idea who you're talking about.

She had blue hair, a little darker than mine, and was casteless.

...no, I don't know if I've ever met them.

She's the one who led us to you. Said you would be able to help us with what we were looking for.

How odd. I'm going to have to look into this. I don't know who would be posing as an employee of mine, or why.

UGH!!

Demetri! You're being rude to our guests.

All you're doing is talking in circles, when there's an ACTUAL problem here.