Steal the Famous Fudge Recipe (Job)

3 Days beforehand:
Upon reaching a quaint town the locals named "Peace Village" I entered the first dining hall I found. My seat was evidently on the other side of the chef's office. Through the wall (which should probably be reinforced with soundproofing magic) I couldn't help but overhear the chef having a sort of... dilemma. Following my meal, I asked to speak with the chef, as the nature of his issue was in my domain. I let the him know I heard bits and pieces of what he said in his office, and he asked me to wait till closing time.

After the restaurant had closed down, the cheff, some... William Dorvald guy, explained his food has been being outshone by another chef, and that just one of that chefs recipes would be a game changer... No input was required, as chef Dorvald knew just the one; Fudge. I raised my eyebrow at the thought, but the Chef Dorvald told me that the recipe was the best in town, and impossible to duplicate. We locked eyes, and I saw the desperation in his heart. Understanding the complicated nature of the living, I had no questions, and only one answer... "I'll take care of it." On my way out the down, the cheff call out, saying "One more thing... No one hears of this." To which I replied "Make it so that wall of your isn't so thin, and no one else will."

2 Days beforehand:
The next morning I was walking through town when some "kid" bumped into me. The child was young, but obviously not human. His soul was too dense, and didn't quite form to his fleshy body as it should have. There was a summoner nearby, but nobody was acting weird. When I looked down, the boy was gone and in his place was a small envelope. I picked it up and the label read "Saykatsue" which was obviously someone not knowing how to spell...

I sensed that I was being watched, and walked away from the semi-busy street and into the nearest restaurant where I could read my package in peace. The contents of the envelope was a dossier on the rival chef I'm supposed to steal from. The information seemed to be out of date, as the picture of the restaurant was a different color, the chef was still a child, and on the back was a date twenty years back.

Uggghhh.... Looks like I gotta do everything...

The only information that was accurate was the location of the place. The sun was a few hours till dusk, and I had till then to learn as much as possible. Upon entering, there was a notice of the places hours posted on a chalkboard, duly noted, two female workers in maid outfits taking orders, also noted. A woman in a business suit approached me and offered me the seat the couldn't be worse; behind a large party, in a corner that had no view of the main part of the facility. I asked for a seat where I could watch my food prepared, and she looked at me strangely. I lied and said I'm paranoid about what I eat, especially in such a fine facility. She gave me a sympathetic look and gave me a much better seat. Right next to the kitchen, where I could make mental notes of everything. One of the waitresses came and asked what I'd like, I looked around and noticed the other male customers turning red as the maids approached. I pulled my hood to cover my face, and forced the same foolish voice the other male did.
"I...I'll just- Just a water for now please." Her reaction matched that of the other maid, and I made a note of how vein the living are. I looked over the stores menue, taking note of each item and the listed ingredients. He found the fudge recipe, and noticed that all the ingredients were standard for making fudge. My curiosity was triggered, and I called for the maid... er... waitress, and asked if I could sample this fudge. My request was declined, and she giggled while saying I'd have to order it. I noticed a man walking through the kitchen, inspecting each of the five cooks work.
"Well, I suppose if he's so desperate as to deny a single sample of this...'oh-so-marvelous piece of fecal matter..." the man approached me with an annoyed expression, and in one hand was a peice of fudge. A rather large one at that...

Human pride... such a reliable weakness...

I took a small bite of the fudge, and I noticed something on it. It's just a hunch, but I could be wrong.
"Might I ask if you're the chef?" I asked the man. He smiled, and looked at me confidently "You bet I am kid, so how do you like it?" I turned my head to him, making sure he didn't see my eyes.
"I'm... so sorry for insulting your cooking... It's truly.... fantastic." To be quite honest, it tasted like an ordinary piece of fudge, coated in a special "something" The man forgave me for my comment, and walked away. I stayed and watch the restaurant staff working till it was closing time. Five cooks, two waitresses, one hostess, the chef, and the facility owner who walked in for a surprise inspection. All made note of...

The day before operation begins:
I went back to the facility just an hour or so after it opened. I took a mental note that the workers were all the same as yesterday. The hostess greeted me with a warm welcome back, and escorted me to the same seat as yesterday, and the waitress brought me a glass of water, and a glass of what seemed to be a drink with a lot of bubbles in it. While looking over the breakfast menu, two of the males from yesterday walked in with already red faces. The hostess seated them, and the waitress brought each of them the exact drink they'd had yesterday. One cup was steaming, the other was sweating... I made note that the floor workers were very homely, and cared for the customers. I still couldn't help but get my mind off of two things...
- The fact that there was a small, indistinct speck of something on the fudge.
- And that I wasn't allowed to take the piece of fudge with me when I left.
While eating, a girl walked in with white hair falling from the front of her black hood. She told the woman in the business suit that I was waiting for her. The girl sat next to me, slipping another envelope to me. She told me not to worry about the bill, and went to have a word with the hostess. One of the maids walked over a few seconds after the white haired girl left, and mentioned how weird it was that she walked in and didn't even eat. I averted her attention by changing subject to the restaurant. It didn't take much effort, the girl was slightly younger than I, and not all that bright even for her age...
The chef walked over with my breakfast, eggs, bacon, and pancakes; and took a seat with me at the table. On the side of my plate was a small piece of fudge. I looked at it strangely, as I knew something was off. "Don't worry, it's on the house." I nodded, and began to eat my breakfast, assuming the fudge, and my meal were the same. I was right, each piece I picked up on the fork had something on it, indistinct to the naked eye, but easily visible to those who see the world differently. The food tasted normal, and I ate it hoping it wasn't poisoned. By the time lunch came around everyone assumed I was staying the day. The hostess asked me why I was still there I lied and said "the air here is so pleasant, and the food is so good may as well." No one argued with it, they just accepted my presence. The waitress was the first to hold a conversation with me. She was on her lunch break and likes dark mysterious people. I made a note that she was interested in me, even if it was superficially, as it can be used to my benefit. I also made a mental note of the information I collected from her.
Her name: I forgot
Age: 17
Measurements: I ignored
She like cake, and thinks the fudge here tastes funny. Good to know I'm not the only one... For some reason she felt it necessary to tell me how much she loved working here, and about her life at home. If the other people in this town are THIS forgoing with information, then this job will be easy.
The next person I talked to was one of the cooks, he was a bit nervous when he saw me yesterday, and shocked that I didn't notice him. He turned out to be fairly relaxed, and enjoyed making jokes. From what I could gather, he wanted to work here after he'd found out that waitress was here. Said something about them being in class or whatever... He made a point of letting me know if I hurt her, he'll turn me into linked sausage. I don't know what to think of that; the guy's lifelong love likes someone else, and he's willing to just watch as it happens. I told him I have no intention of coming between them, and I'll help if he wanted. I suppose this struck a sort of bromance, as he was immediately my "friend" afterwards. People in this town are obviously just fine with random hooded strangers... Ignorance is bliss.
The hostess talked with me over dinner, she was the most useful. The chef is leaving for a short time, roughly a week. Plenty of time to do the job. The store will remain open during this time, a bit of a set back but I'm game. There's three safes in the restaurant to deter any thieves, why would she tell me this... She also told me that she'll be taking up his position for the time. The most crucial information, there will be an opening to pick up her position. The other maid was a shy young girl, attractive at that. She didn't talk to me at all, and I was glad about it. The girl cleaned was cleaning the table behind me when I called to her. She was more shy than she looked, either that or she had a very illogical fear. She was shakey with her words, and kept her nose down. This is what those males were turning red over... a weak girl who can't look a man in the eye? I got annoyed at her, and pulled my hood off.
"Damn it kid, stop looking at the floor!"
The girl snapped to, and locked eyes with me. It's been so long, I'd forgotten my eyes were different from other people's. "I-I-I-I" she was immobilized with fear that I still didn't understand.
"Stop talking."
"Y-yes Sir. Sor-"
"Don't apologize."
"I-umm- I'm sorry" she bowed, and began quivering.
I put my hood back on, and put a hand on her head. "Kid, you needa relax. If there's somethin' buggin' ya, then say it."
The girl relaxed, and I gestured to the seat across from me. May as well take advantage of her and weasel out some information.
The safe that contains the fudge recipe is under the register at the entrance. One person is chosen to close up shop, normally the current hostess, sometimes the other waitress who's name still escapes me... In the case of a fire there's four exits: Front door, Back door, under the kitchen, and a side door.
I talked to the chef, and asked about the open position claiming I need a job, and just a little bit of work would be good for me. He didn't exactly want to hire me, but the cook from earlier had my back. The hostess also mentioned that I have a positive outlook on the restaurant. The maid who has an odd attraction to me chimed in stating that she wouldn't mind working with me. The chef was still doubtful, until the shy girl said "s-sir... I-I would prefer m..Mr. Cloak w-worked with us..."

Mr. Cloak??? She couldn't remember my name, but she pulled cloak in the mix?
No matter, I start work tomorrow. Unfortunately, I have to wear the suit that the chef gave me. Which means my eyes will be perfectly visible... On a bright note, I've got plenty of pawns to work with, and all the information I need. As for that envelope, it contained information I already knew. Store location, hours, an updated picture, and a random smiley face...

Day 1:
I've started working, and the hostess is teaching me the ropes. I have to be kind, and respectful, and use a happy tone, and all this other stuff. By far, worst espionage job ever... I don't wanna snatch the recipe quite yet, doing so would look bad on the others. Hostess lady left me to do her old job after I showed her I could do it. I continued monitoring everyone's work, while welcoming our customers. I noticed the two males from yesterday walk in, and happily seated them at the same table they sat at the day before. They seemed disappointed to be greeted by a male, and more so when their waitress was less hesitant to them. Frankly, I was proud of her... she was standing tall, shaking, and stuttering a lot less. Good job what's your face! I was watching the one of the cooks through a small window and saw one of them making a strange movement while he cooked. I have my suspicions, but I won't judge it all by a view from behind. I did as I was told, and made sure to help clean up at the end of the day.

Day 2:
That shakey girl was acting a bit more confidently today. She actually approached me on our lunch break, but she couldn't make herself talk. Lover girl told me that she was afraid of males. Kinda funny that she'd pick a restaurant to work at. What's more ironic is that she feels completely humiliated in her outfit, yet she still wears it. After lunch I noticed our temporary boss punching numbers in one of the safes. It wasn't the one I wanted, and it was only the last few digits I saw, but I took note of the ones I saw: XX-X2-34. From what I've noticed, people choose pins that are easy to remember. Birthdays, significant events, other people's birthdays. I question the significance of this number. I didn't let that distract me, I continued work, and ignored the occasional flirt from lover girl. At closing time it was my turn to close the store, the hostess showed me how to check everything, and even had a cup of coffee with me before we left for the night. With her watching, I couldn't get at that damned safe.

Day 3:
I've noticed that shakey kid starin' me down for the past few days. She doesn't give off the same vibe as flirty, but I still find it creepy that she's watchin' me. During lunch I went to the kitchen and personally ordered my food. Watching as one of the cooks was making that same hand motion, I couldn't help but notice something in the pot. I asked lover girl's admirer about it, and he told me that they use magic in the food. He even showed me the menu, and in very small letters, in a color that was one shade lighter than the menu it read "Flavor magic in food." I realized that's what I've been tasting in the food. It also seems that flirty was sensitive to the flavor of magic. How, I don't know... the flavor is distinct to me because I've never tasted it. I solved the mystery of why their food was the best in town, and I was able to work my shift. Tonight was flirty's turn to close up, but shy girl asked if she could do it. I've noticed that when she asks for something, no one says "no..." I don't care, all I gotta do now is yoink the recipe and turn it in. I could've overpowered her, or even killed her off and removed a loose end. But that is not the way of balance. A life has never once been equal in value to a piece of paper...

Day 4:
Today was odd... flirty stopped flirting with me, shy kid was stronger today than she'd probably ever been in her life, and there were almost no customers here. Most the day we just loafed around, and talked. The cooks all left the kitchen and only went back in when a customer came in. Only a few more days before I have to do something extreme. I gotta find a way into that friggin safe, and get that accursed piece of paper. Flirty noticed that I was distracted, and I nearly blew my cover. I told her that I was just a bit tired since I had nothing to keep my busy. I had it all figured out, at closing, whoever was going to do it I'd offer to help them and when he or she wasn't looking I'd bust into the safe. Or maybe, I'll rig something to fall on their head and knock 'em out. I tuned back in when I heard a debate of who'd close up tonight. Flirty had some work to do at home, shake n' bake did it yesterday, the cook didn't feel like it, the other cooks went to the kitchen, so it was between me and the hostess. "Why don't you do it newb?" The hostess went and through me under the boat... But I accepted it. Before closing I checked each window, and saw no one peeping. I found out the significance of those numbers after reading the dossier. 01-02-34, the boss was too lazy to pick a real combination. I tried the combination on every safe, and it worked. However, none of the safes had the recipe. I closed the safes, and locked the doors. I made sure there were no tracks, or traces of a spy outside; and found there was. A set of footprints, and a piece of white hair attached to a crack in the wooden support beam. No matter, I left for home.
Later that night:
I saw a dark figure leaning against the tree I normally slept in. "So this is where you live, it's a very strange place..." The voice was so familiar, but I couldn't identify it. "Mr. Cloak..." I couldn't believe it... shakey was a hundred percent confident. I told her to wait a moment while I changed back to my prefered attire. I jumped into the tree, and quickly switched to my robe and cloak. After I came down the girl put a small rectangular piece of paper in my hands. "This is my dad's fudge recipe... I-I think it's why you've been here." I looked at her astonished
"Umm, the others don't know, at least I don't think they do... I won't tell I promise." I opened my mouth to ask how I goofed but she didn't let me
"You were at that rival restaurant, and I over heard you talking with chef Dorvald about it." Now I understand, I didn't blow my cover, I never had one to begin with.
"Why are you doing this" I asked without thinking.
"No-one ever talked to me as harsh as you did. I'm always so scared for no reason, and everyone is always being nice to me."
"This definitely makes my job easier, thank you."
The girl told me her name, but I can't force myself to remember that stuff. She told me I'll be needed for the next few days, and that she'd appreciate me staying that long. I spent much of the time pondering what would compel a human to help another human, after all I've seen I've never seen that. I didn't even get to sleep.

Day 5:
I went to Chef William Dorvald and gave him the recipe, as well as a menue I... "borrowed" from the restaurant. He was utterly amazed that the food was in no way different ingredient wise. His shock and awe was that the food was imbued with magic. I also told him that putting magic in food could be dangerous, especially if you're not a wizard. Leaving chef Dorvald's place, I was late to work. I explained to hostess lady, and she let me off with a slap on the wrist, and a ladle to the head. Which hurt a lot... That white haired girl was in here today. I don't know what's with her, but she's been showing up everywhere I go. Stalking is one thing, but even stalkers give up after a few weeks. I greeted her as any other customer, and she slipper a piece of paper into my pocket. She forced one of my glasses to the ground, and as I picked it up she whispered to me "leave town as soon as you're done here." She actually ate something and paid her bill as though she were an average person. I'd swear she were a delusion, but the waitresses saw her too.

Days 6 and 7:
All went as normal, and that white haired girl was nowhere I could see. I still can't understand shake n' bakes motives. She doesn't like me, she doesn't hate her dad, she gains nothing from giving me it... if anything the restaurant has lost business since I began working there. All I know is this town has an ironic name... "Peace" but I know better than anyone that this village is not as peaceful. No matter, I finished my work, and was told that the cheff would be back tomorrow so I left town. As I got to the gates, flirty came to see me off. I let her know that I had no interest in her. I could never let anyone get so close to me, and that even being physically close to me was dangerous. I told her to give that cook a chance, after all the only reason he works there is that he wanted to be close to his love. The kid was so clueless, and oblivious that she lost all strength in her legs. I walked over and patted her head, to be quite honest flirty I don't even remember your name. And in a few years, you'll forget me entirely. Let shake n' bake, your boyfriend, and boss lady know I said goodbye. Told her I gotta go see a man about a horse, and ask him why he broke out of jail...