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All this time, Jack didn't move a muscle and stood quietly. Jack didn't understand why Lady Elena wanted to know about a first-transformation weakling. But he still completed a report on Dan.
Elena: Let's know more about this Dan.
When Jack heard her words, he came over, opened a document, and started reading.
"As per Lady Elena's request, we investigated the target named Dan. He was born on the 14th day of the second summer month in the 47th year of the Revolutionary Era.
Dans's mother died a few months after giving birth to him. His father died during the Carnal Wyvern expedition ten years ago. After that, he became a thief. A year later, an innkeeper named Basar took him in.
Since then he works at Basar Inn. He has no enemies and no noteworthy achievements. He completed his first transformation at the age of 12, but gave up on fighting and decided to become a chef.
He has quite the reputation as a chef, and people call him the best chef in the whole Marus Forest. Basar Inn is famous for its Dirima meat stew.
His only acquaintances are his father figure, Basar, and a girl named Nina. He used to have another partner named Lena, but she died a year ago.
According to the spy we put on him, he didn't do anything unusual yesterday. He worked in the inn like usual and went to Nina's place at night.
He is now 18 years old. No criminal records, No noteworthy accomplishments.
Elena: That was so boring, and you didn't even include what I wanted to know? Is there any record of him practising any martial arts? (asked Elena after taking another sip from her glass)
Jack, a little uncertain, went through the documents another time and said, "It was mentioned that he took no formal martial arts classes or anything similar. His only recorded hunts included dirimas and other weak Dreadspawns only."
Elena: So he never learned any martial arts, huh? Sir Alex, what you said may turn out to be true. He might be a real Martial arts talent. Jack, invite this guy here. (Elena said, without changing her expression at all)
Both Dan and Legacy were watching this whole situation. Dan sighed in relief. So, she just wants to know more about that stunt of mine.
Dan: Elena doesn't seem to know anything about the Arut fruit or you Legacy. I was worried for nothing. Let's go! Peacekeepers will soon come. We need to act as naturally as possible. So, activate partial body control.
Legacy: copy that.
Dan went to the kitchen and started working. Soon, three people in black armour barged into the inn.
They started looking around and soon noticed him. One of them approached him and said, "Dan, you are required to present yourself in the Peacekeepers' headquarters. Come with us in this instance."
Dan was startled a little and said, "I didn't do anything. What are people here for?"
'Ah! My acting is so flawless.' Thought Dan.
The same person answered, "No, we are not here to arrest you or anything. Our lady just wants to have a friendly chat with you."
Dan hesitated and reluctantly said yes. or at least that's.. what he showed them. Then he went away with the peacekeepers. Basar wanted to intervene, but Dan stopped him. He assured him that he would return soon and unscathed.
Soon Dan entered a building he never thought he would enter.. ever again.
Inside one of the rooms, Elena was lying on a couch. the scarred man is standing behind her. When Dan entered this room, he felt suffocated by their gazes.
At this moment, the buff man entered the room with a bloodied bag. He didn't even look at Dan and handed over a paper to Elena.
Elena looked at the contents of the paper and smiled. But her beautiful smile made Dan even more nervous.
Dan: Um.. my lady, may I know why I was summoned here? (Dan asked, while acting hesitant)
Elena: Oh, yes, I forgot about you. You see, I am sick of eating those tasteless, disgusting foods from this place. So I wanted you to make something for me. The best chef in the whole Marus Forest won't disappoint me, right? (She said, with a bright smile)
Dan shuddered at seeing that smile.
Dan: I won't disappoint you, my lady. (Dan said in a half-bowing posture)
Elena: Make me the best dish of your life. Cause.. Your life depends on it.
A servant came and escorted Dan to the kitchen. Entering the kitchen, Dan saw that it was an even bigger kitchen than Basar's inn. All kinds of vegetables, spices, fruits and even milk were present here. The servant instructed him a little and left the kitchen.
Legacy: Isn't that girl wanted to know about your Martial arts talent? Why did she suddenly ask you for food? (Asked Legacy in confusion)
Dan: I don't know, and it doesn't matter. We will do whatever she asks and get out of here.
Dirima meat was also present in the kitchen, so Dan made some meat and vegetable stew with Legacy's advice. After half an hour, he gave a bowl each to Elena, Sir Alex, and the buff man Kora.
After tasting the meat, they all had this 'indescribable pleasure' look on their faces. Dan felt a little proud watching them, but didn't show it on his face. After finishing the stew, Elena coughed and said,
Elena: Although it was good and all, I asked for your best dish. Don't tell me this is the best you can do. (Elena questioned with a smirk)
Hearing her words, both Dan and Legacy said at the same time, "Aren't you just enjoying it a while ago?" in their minds though.
Dan: What kind of dish are you talking about exactly, My lady?
Elena: Why are you asking me? Aren't you the chef? I don't like it when people taste my patience. Someone did that, and he is lying over there. (Elena said pointing at the bloodied bag)
Both Dan and Legacy screamed in their minds, "This unreasonable bitch."
Dan masked his resentment. He understood what Elena wants.
Dan: I have a new recipe in mind, but it requires extreme cold to be made.
Elena: A food that needs to be chilled, not heated? Are you playing with me? If you don't present something like that to me you will pay for that.
Dan: I assure you, My lady. You will definitely like it.
Elena: Fine, I will take care of the 'chill' part. Just tell me when you are ready.
Dan entered the kitchen again. But, this time with a thoughtful expression.
Legacy: Something is very suspicious. Why is she picking a fight with you?
Dan: Not a fight.. She is tasting us. She wants to know if I am hiding any secret Martial arts or something. She wants to put me in a precarious situation and force me to use my cards.
Legacy: And you have a Deck full of them. What if we are forced into a corner? What are you going to do?
Dan: Not if I can satisfy her unreasonable demand. She wants my best food, right? I will give her that. We are making ice cream.
Dan went through all the fruits. Dan picked a cylindrical fruit with a hard shell. He doesn't know its name. He cut it open, and it tasted sweet. After picking another two fruits, he crushed and mixed them well.
He boiled milk with sugar and made condensed milk. He used cream and other things he lacked from Inventory. After making the ice cream, he poured everything into the hard shell. He put the four shells in a box and presented them in front of Elena.
Elena looked at the box and asked Dan," Is this thing your best dish? If you beg for forgiveness now, I can forgive you."
Dan didn't mind her words and said, "please Freeze this box my lady."
Elena didn't say anything and just glanced at the scarfaced man. The man came forward and put his great sword on the box. His sword gave faint light and, Soon the whole box started freezing.
Alarms rang in Dan's mind. He finally realised who this man is.
Legacy: Dan, I felt a reaction. This Man just used Nav-crystal. I can sense a Navratna in that sword.
Legacy's word also answered a question in his mind. This sword and this man he finally..
Sensing Dan's nervousness Elena said in a pleasant tone, "What are you staring at? Never seen a Blessed weapon in your life. You poor country Bumpkin. Let me introduce you. This is sir Alex, My Assistant. And He is an "Evoker". Be thankful that he is using his blessed weapon for you."
Dan carefully broke the ice and retrieved the 4 cylinder ice creams. A pleasant aroma spread in the whole room. Dan gave everyone each and said, "Enjoy".
He was initially shocked at the revelation but he soon recovered his calmness. He must not show any kind of weakness now.
Elena just wanted to make this guy named Dan owe her a little. She wanted to put Dan in a precarious situation and then generously forgive him. Then she would have given him things like coins, scripts, etc. to make him grateful towards her. A basic carrot-and-stick method to create a loyal subordinate.
If Dan really turns out to be a talent worth nurturing, she would gain a loyal Future-Evoker without a hitch.
As for his title, "Best Chef of Marus Forest," she didn't care about that the least. She ate the best of the best delicacies on the other side. as if something made by a country bumpkin could satisfy her.
But she soon had to take those words back. This country, Bumpkin, just made even better food than their best chefs could have.
Truth be told, she is looking forward to this thing he is making a little.
Elena looked at the ice cream a little before putting it in her mouth. A chill ran down her spine. It is now noon, and the weather is scorching. A sweet and sour flavour ravaged her taste buds. There are multitudes of feelings like sweetness, relief, pleasantness, and refreshingness.
Triple kill. Everyone, including Sir Alex, had this heavenly expression on them.
After finishing the ice cream, they looked at him again. "Are there more?" asked Elena
"No, there are not." Answered Dan.
Without giving Elena any chance, Dan asked, "Lady Elena, you didn't just summon me for food, right? Please get to the point."
Elena didn't deny Dan. She just closed her eyes a little and thought for a bit.
Elena: Dan, I have to say you really Impressed me. You see, we came to this place for an important expedition. But, the destination for that expedition is a little far. So we have to spend a lot of time in the forest. Thus, we were looking for a cook. Congratulations! You have been selected.
Dan was dumbfounded. It was beyond his expectations.
Dan: But, my lady, I don't have any fighting skills. I will just be a burden. (Dan hastily tried to get himself out of this uninvited trouble)
Elena: so you are going to refuse my Generous offer? (Asked Elena with the same beautiful smirk)
Dan: No, Lady Elena. What I mean is, I don't want to slow everyone down.
Elena: How thoughtful of you? Do not worry, Sir Alex will shape you into a fine warrior. You will not be able to slow us down even if you want. As all your doubts are cleared, I take it as You accept my offer,Right.
"This Bitch is so Unreasonable." Dan and Legacy screamed at the same time in their mind.
And that's How Dan will venture on his 1st expedition beyond the chain of settlements. He have No Idea how hellish it is going to be..