The foods the butlers and maids were carrying, were all covered by a half-metal that tried to keep the heat and aroma. However, the amazing aroma that would make even a king salivate continued to roll out throughout the room like a wave.
Erik and Leon, who had earlier just fought all out to their best abilities, were already famished and with the amazing aroma. One could audibly hear the rumbling from their stomachs. The butlers placed their meals in front of everyone sitting at the table, as Leon was about to lift the lid off.
Erik stopped him with his hand and shook his head pointing out that the maids still had not put down their food trays, so it would be disrespectful to lift the plate now. Although Leon had experienced a lot since his days as a naive Adventurer, his knowledge was merely a droplet in a pool of knowledge that Erik had. So naturally, he didn't know the etiquette of eating somewhere fancy like at the Medici mansion.
The maids finally moved in and softly set their tray next to the one the butlers had put down. At the same time, the maid and butler put their hands on the handle and lifted it together completely synchronized like they shared one mind.
Like a bomb, the aroma flooded the room as if a powerful explosion had been set off in the room using aroma as a weapon. Waves and waves permeated through the air like a water droplet falling into calm water.
Leon finally got to look at what was giving off such a glorious aroma, that he almost instinctively used his hands to grab at the food. In front of him were three perfected dishes that would be welcomed anywhere within the Kingdom of Partha.
The first dish was gleaming like a sword reflecting the sun, from the magical lights and torches that lit the room. It was an array of varying cuts from a duck: tenderloin, breast, thigh, and foie gras. Each piece besides the liver was coated with a maple glaze that sparkled and almost crackled with the crispiness. The juice from the duck gleamed and the red wine reduction that the duck sat atop gave it a stark contrast of color between velvet red reduction and the brown maple glaze. Each piece was so tender it was essentially falling apart at the seams just from being exposed to the outside air.
Next to the duck was a bowl of bisque that was a creamy orange in color and gave off a delicate fragrance of lobster and the freshness of the sea. It was a simple-looking dish yet the hidden treasures beneath the surface of the bisque were heavily hidden with pieces of juicy lobster scattered within.
To let the course reach its end, there was another plate that came with the bisque with four creampuffs. The creampuffs themselves were flaky and golden in color, with the cream visibly stuffed within the fresh buttery puff itself and presented itself with its fluffy texture and flavor.
The four of them each used their utensils to eat the duck and bisque, however, the Medici father and son duo didn't seem to be concerned with perfection while eating. That made it much more comfortable for the inexperienced Leon to not feel out of place and for the huge Erik to eat with more confidence as the fork and knife looked like small tweezers in his hands.
Normally Erik would laugh and enjoy the conversation as he ate, however, the food was so good for Erik he forgot to utter a sound besides the moans of pleasure he had with each bite. By the time he realized he should speak, the last creampuff was already gone from everyone's plate and they were all full.
While rubbing his stomach and a grin as wide as his face would allow, Erik spoke up first.
"I must say this is the best food, I have ever eaten. Even when I was invited to the capital, the food at the restaurants there couldn't hold a candle to this food. Please let the chef know that the food was delicious."
Giovanni laughed heartily.
"I'm sure she will appreciate and enjoy your words. I just hope her ego doesn't grow even bigger than before. It cost a lot of money to hire her as my personal chef since she used to work as the head chef in the best restaurant in town. If her ego grows any bigger, even my family ancestor will turn in his grave at the thought of that much money being paid."
Erik and Giovanni laughed at the joke together, almost as if they were long-term friends and not as if they had just met today.
Giovanni whispered something with what seemed like the head maid and butler, before turning back to Erik and Leon.
"Now if you excuse me, I must dismiss myself. Unfortunately, it seems as if I must attend to some business matters I am afraid, apparently some fool messed up the language on one of my business's contracts. I have already spoken with the head butler and maid and they have already set up your rooms and will lead you there. If you need anything you can let them know."
Laughing Erik gave a nod.
"No problem, I myself am sinking to a food coma. Please take care of your business."
With this Giovanni gave a smile and left with an aid of his following him to his office.
Aman also stood up and gave a slight bow.
"Once again thank you guys for saving me. I will also be returning to my chambers, please make yourself at home."
Walking away, Aman disappeared down the corridor. Following his queue, two butlers led Erik and Leon to their rooms, which were only separated by two rooms. However, since each room was quite big, they wouldn't be too close.
The butlers each took a bow and left.
Leon entered the big guestroom and looked around seeing the huge king-sized bed which stood proudly on one side of the room. Next to it was an ornate wooden desk with a lamp powered by a monster core.
After washing himself in the bathroom that was connected to his room, which had a basin full of water, Leon sat on the bed and took Ensis out.
For the first time in hours, Ensis spoke to Leon
「It can't be….. quickly run to Erik!」
Leon was confused.
'What are you talking about Ensis?'
「Something is not right! Just do what I say!」