Hans, a palace guard in Aitheria, is taken by his associate Nikolaus to a strange pub known only as Nobu; he steps inside only to find himself surrounded by an exotic ambience.

Two nobles, Johann Gustav and his niece Hildegard, arrive at Nobu; Hildegard gives a complicated order that involves something tasty, but nothing smelly, spicy, sour, bitter or hard and no potatoes, porridge, eggs, bread or stew.

Gernot is a tax collection agent capable of scaring a crying child into silence; he'll do anything to milk people out of their tax money; he sets his eyes on Nobu.

Hans learns from Nikolaus that it is Kiss Day at Nobu; he swings by, feeling a bit anxious and excited, to find the place swarming with male customers.