Baron Adlof and Count Francisco savored Max's culinary masterpiece for a full 10 minutes, their faces reflecting their profound enjoyment of the meal.
The exquisite flavors, textures, and aromas had left an indelible impression.
After their contented meal, Baron Adlof inquired, "Chef Edward, do you have any other dishes to offer?"
Edward hesitated momentarily before responding, "No, my lord, this is the only dish available for today. If my lord desires, we could prepare something else..."
Count Francisco, his belly satisfied and his curiosity sated, cut Edward's offer short. "Not necessary, Chef Edward. We shall explore more culinary delights on another occasion."
As the meal concluded, Baron Adlof and Count Francisco couldn't help but engage in lively conversation. Their chatter was punctuated by laughter, and the mysterious enhancement they had experienced lingered as a curious topic.
"Adlof, do you think it was the dish that had such a peculiar effect on us?" Count Francisco pondered, swirling the remnants of his mana-infused soup.
Baron Adlof, equally intrigued, leaned in. "It's certainly an intriguing possibility, Count Francisco.
There's no logical explanation for the sudden increase in mana capacity and affinity for magic. Perhaps Max possesses some culinary secrets that go beyond the realm of taste."
Count Francisco leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Indeed, Adlof, that child, Max, is bound to make a profound impact on the future of Aiden.
His culinary talents are extraordinary, and this newfound magical element adds an entirely new dimension to his abilities."
Baron Adlof nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on the now-empty dishes that had held Max's remarkable creation.
"It's not just his cooking skills, but the way he connects with people through his food. He has the potential to bridge gaps, bring joy, and perhaps even unlock the secrets of magic through his culinary creations."
Count Francisco raised his glass in a silent toast. "To Max, and to the culinary adventures that lie ahead. May his journey be filled with discovery, wonder, and the taste of magic."
As they clinked their glasses together, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. Max's culinary journey had just begun, and the impact he would have on Aiden was a story yet to be fully written.
Meanwhile, Max and Edward had retreated to the kitchen, leaving Kronus to attend to the Baron and Count's needs. In the cozy kitchen space, Edward turned to Max with a knowing smile.
........
"Max, today you've truly surpassed me in the culinary skills department," remarked Edward. "But did you happen to notice any changes in their mana capacity?"
Max nodded, still somewhat perplexed by the unexpected occurrence. "It was truly remarkable, Chef Edward. However, I have no idea how it happened."
Max didn't possess any magical affinity or a magic circle to sense mana in his surroundings. In contrast, Edward, who had been a mana chef for over two decades, found it relatively effortless to detect mana.
Changing the subject, Edward cleared his throat and asked, "Max, how long do you plan to stay here?"
"Chef Edward..." Max began to respond.
But Max was interrupted mid-sentence. "You can call me 'Master,' as I have taken you as my disciple."
"Okay, Master," Max chuckled.
Max paused for a moment, contemplating the validity of Edward's words. "I'm prepared to remain here for as long as necessary, Master.
My goal is to absorb all the knowledge and skills I can from you and to become the finest mana chef possible. However, I do have a commitment to take the mana chef test in one month's time, so I'll need to go to the capital after that."
Edward nodded, understanding the importance of the mana chef test. "I see, Max. It's crucial for your growth and recognition in the culinary world. We will make the most of the time you have left here. I'll impart as much knowledge and skill as I can to prepare you for the test."
Edward's voice carried a mixture of pride and relief as he addressed Max. "For now, you can rest. There will be no charges for the inn you booked earlier. I will let Ana know and we can catch up later this evening."
Max, grateful for the generosity and mentorship of Edward, nodded and replied, "Thank you, Master. I'll make the most of this opportunity."
With Max's departure to his room, the kitchen staff and chefs who had been watching the exchange snapped back to their duties as Edward's commanding voice refocused their attention.
"What are you all waiting for? Get back to work!"
The culinary world of Aiden was ever dynamic, and there was always work to be done.
As Max settled into his temporary quarters, he reflected on the twists and turns that had brought him to this point in his culinary journey.
With determination and Edward's guidance, he felt ready to face the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead as he pursued his dream of becoming a renowned mana chef.
..........
Max, sitting on his bed, whispered, 'This is the time to check my rewards from the system.' He focused his thoughts and said in a low voice, "System, show me the notifications again." Max was eager to see what rewards or surprises the system had in store for him and waited patiently for the perfect moment to check the notifications.
He suddenly heard multiple notifications from the system.
**' Ding!'**
[Congratulations, Host, for creating a top-grade 1st-tier mana-infused dish.]
['Received 150 EXP']
[The quality of the food is top-grade within the 1st-tier category.]
**'Ding'**
[You have Received 100 Chef Points]
**'Ding'**
[Congratulations Host. Since the first dish made by the Host is top-grade, the Host received an additional 50 EXP and 30 Chef Points.]
[Congratulations, Host has reached Level 2. For further details, please check the status window.]
"Hmm...! Level 2, not bad at all," Max remarked with a sense of satisfaction.
"Alright, System, display my status window," Max requested, eager to see his current status and progress.
[
Author here:- Guys I hope You like the chapters
What do you think Max will Buy from the system Shop?
Mention in comment :))
]